JP2006320536A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem of a conventional pachinko slot machine wherein the rotation of reels is automatically stopped while a player is looking at the announcement and the player may be disadvantaged if reels on which a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning hand is not arranged are automatically stopped, and to solve a problem of such a pachinko slot machine that the determination of a winning hand is announced, wherein the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning hand can not be arranged and the player may be disadvantaged if the reels are automatically stopped without arrangement of the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning hand. <P>SOLUTION: In the pachinko slot machine 1, a lottery is executed (S96) with the probability of winning (refer to Fig. 11) according to the set rate of putting out balls selected at the time in the reel stopping command announcing process when a prescribed internal winning hand is won and a set period of time elapses after the start of rotation of reels 2-4. When the result of the lottery is won, a reel stopping command is transmitted (S98). When the command is received by a subordinate control board 62, a presentation suggesting operation of stopping buttons 31-33 is displayed in a liquid crystal display device 22 (S241; refer to Fig. 28). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that automatically stops the symbol display by the symbol display means when the stop operation is not performed within a predetermined time after the unit game is started by the game starting means.

Conventionally, as such a gaming machine, there is a pachislot machine that stops the rotation of a reel in accordance with a player's operation. In the pachislot machine, when a medal as a game value is inserted into the medal slot and the start lever is operated, a winning combination is determined by lottery and a plurality of reels start rotating. When the stop button is operated after the rotation of each reel reaches a certain speed, the reel corresponding to the operated stop button stops rotating. If the symbol combinations corresponding to the predetermined winning combination determined by lottery when all the reels stop rotating, medals are given to the player as a game value. In addition, when the stop button is not operated until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of rotation of each reel, the rotation of the reel is automatically stopped. In the pachislot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, when the rotation of each reel is automatically stopped, the reel automatically starts after the reel starts rotating depending on the light emission color of the LED (light emitting diode) embedded in the start lever. The player will be notified of the estimated time until. In addition, some pachislot machines notify that a predetermined winning combination has been determined by a lottery performed when the start lever is operated.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-310848 (see paragraphs [0099] to [0107])

  However, in the conventional pachislot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, as described above, the guide of the time until the reel rotation automatically stops is notified by the light emission mode of the LED, so the rotation of each reel is automatically stopped. When the reels are stopped and controlled so that the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination determined by lottery are not prepared, the reels are automatically stopped while watching the notification by the LED. In some cases, there was a disadvantage that the symbol combinations corresponding to the selected winning combination could not be prepared. In addition, even in the above-described conventional pachislot machine that notifies that a predetermined winning combination has been determined, each reel does not have a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined by lottery when the rotation of each reel is automatically stopped. When stop control is performed, even when the internal winning combination is notified, when the reel rotation is automatically stopped, there is a disadvantage that the symbol combination corresponding to the determined winning combination cannot be arranged.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a game starting means for starting a unit game based on the betting of a game medium, and a symbol when the unit game is started by the game starting means. Symbol display means for variably displaying, a winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination when a unit game is started by the game starting means, and a variable display stopping means for stopping the variable display of symbols by the symbol display means based on a stop operation When the unit game is started by the game start means and the stop operation is not performed within a predetermined time, the variable display automatic stop means for automatically stopping the variable display of the symbol by the symbol display means, and the symbol by the variable display stop means When the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means, the game value is given. A plurality of predetermined values for the game value granting means and a set value of a play rate indicating a ratio of the total number of game media given to the player by the game value granting means with respect to the total number of game media bet on the unit game In a gaming machine provided with a setting value selection means for selecting from
The variable display automatic stop means automatically stops the variable display of the symbols by the symbol display means so that the combination of symbols stopped and displayed by the symbol display means is different from the combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination,
When a predetermined winning combination is determined by the winning combination determining means, when a certain time has elapsed after the unit game is started by the game starting means, with a lottery probability according to the setting value selected by the setting value selecting means, Notification lottery means for performing a lottery on whether or not to perform a stop operation notification;
When it is determined that the notification is performed by the lottery by the notification lottery means, the information lottery means is provided with a notification means for performing a notification prompting a stop operation.

  According to this configuration, when a predetermined winning combination is determined by the winning combination determining means, and when it is determined that notification is performed by the notification lottery means, a certain time has elapsed after the unit game is started by the game starting means. When the time has elapsed, a notification for prompting a stop operation is performed by the notification means. For this reason, when a player does not perform a stop operation until a certain time has elapsed since the start of a unit game, for example, when the symbol display means is performing a variable display of symbols, When the predetermined winning combination is determined by the determining means, the combination of symbols corresponding to the predetermined winning combination can be made by performing the stop operation in response to the notification prompting the stop operation. Therefore, the player is determined by avoiding the disadvantage that the symbol combination different from the symbol combination corresponding to the determined winning combination is stopped and displayed by the variable display automatic stop means when the predetermined time elapses. It is possible to arrange the symbol combinations corresponding to the predetermined winning combination. In addition, since the notification by the notification means is performed only when it is determined by lottery, a predetermined winning combination may be determined by the winning combination determination means even when notification by the notification means is not performed. Since the notification by the notifying means is not necessarily performed when the winning combination is determined, it is possible to increase the player's expectation that the predetermined winning combination has been determined. In addition, since the notification is performed with the lottery probability according to the set value, it is possible to give the player a pleasure of guessing the set value at that time according to the frequency of the notification, and until the symbol variation display is automatically stopped. A new game can be added to the game.

Further, the present invention comprises a storage means for storing a plurality of lottery probabilities that differ depending on the stage for each set value,
The notification lottery means is selected by the set value selection means at a predetermined time interval according to each stage from when a unit game is started by the game start means until a predetermined time elapses until a predetermined time elapses. Based on the lottery probability stored in the storage means in accordance with the set value and the time corresponding to the time at that time, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to notify the stop operation.

  According to this configuration, since the lottery of whether or not to perform notification by the notification unit is performed at predetermined time intervals using different lottery probabilities for each set value depending on the stage, the notification mode by the notification unit Can be diversified, and the playability can be improved.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the notifying means notifies the predetermined winning combination type determined by the winning combination determining means.

  According to this configuration, the player who has received the notification by the notification means can also know the type of the predetermined winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means. For this reason, the player can stop a symbol combination different from the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination by performing a stop operation in which the symbol combinations corresponding to the notified type of winning combination are arranged. By avoiding profits, it is possible to easily align symbol combinations corresponding to the determined predetermined winning combination.

  According to the present invention as described above, the player can avoid the disadvantage that the symbol combination different from the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is stopped and displayed. it can.

  Next, a pachislot machine 1 according to the best mode of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a pachislot machine 1 according to the best mode of the present invention.

  Three reels 2 to 4 are rotatably provided in the central portion of the main body of the pachi-slot machine 1. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 2 to 4, a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbols) is drawn. Three of these symbols are observed through the display windows 5 to 7 in front of the pachislot machine 1. The display windows 5 to 7 are provided with a total of five pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B. Further, on the lower right side of the display windows 5 to 7, there is provided a medal slot 8 into which a medal as a game value is inserted.

  Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one medal from the medal insertion slot 8, the central one winning line L1 is activated. In addition, when two cards are inserted, two upper and lower horizontal winning lines L2A and L2B are added to the three horizontal winning lines L1, L2A and L2B. In addition, when three cards are inserted, two diagonal winning lines L3A and L3B are added thereto, and all five winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A and L3B are activated. Hereinafter, the activated winning line is referred to as an activated winning line.

  Further, game operation indicators 9 to 12, BET lamps 13 to 15, a stored number display unit 16, and a start lamp 17 are provided on the left side of the display windows 5 to 7. The indicators 9 to 12 and the BET lamps 13 to 15 are controlled to be turned on according to the game situation, and the player is notified of the game situation at that time. The stored number display unit 16 is made up of a three-digit 7-segment LED, and displays the number of medals currently credited on a medal counter inside the machine. The start lamp 17 blinks when the reels 2 to 4 are operable.

  Further, on the right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a bonus count display section 18, a WIN lamp 19, a payout number display section 20, and an insert lamp 21 are provided from the top. The bonus count display section 18 is made up of a three-digit 7-segment LED, and digitally displays the remaining number of RB games that can be won when the bonus game is activated. The WIN lamp 19 is turned on when symbols corresponding to the bonus operation are arranged on the activated pay line. The number-of-payout display unit 20 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED and displays the number of medals to be paid out by winning. The insert lamp 21 is lit when a medal can be accepted at the medal slot 8.

  A liquid crystal display device 22 is provided immediately below the display windows 5 to 7. On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 22, a cross key 23, a “o” button 24, an “x” button 25, a 1 stored medal insertion button 26, a 2 stored medal insertion button 27, and a 3 stored medal insertion button 28 are provided. . The cross key 23 is used when detecting an operation in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and selecting an information item displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. The “◯” button 24 is a button for determining the information item selected by the cross key 23, and the “X” button 25 is a button for canceling the information item selected by the cross key 23. The stored medal insertion buttons 26 to 28 display 1 to 3 coins per game instead of inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 8 when the number of medals is displayed on the stored number display unit 16 and credited. Used when betting medals.

  Further, below the liquid crystal display device 22, a stored medal settlement button 29, a start lever 30, and stop buttons 31 to 33 are provided from the left side. The stored medal settlement button 29 is used when the medal credited in the machine is settled. When the start lever 30 is operated by the player, the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 starts all at once. The stop buttons 31 to 33 are arranged corresponding to the respective reels 2 to 4, and the operation is activated when the rotation of each of the reels 2 to 4 reaches a constant speed, and according to the player's operation The rotation of each reel 2 to 4 is stopped.

  In addition, a medal tray 37 is provided at the lower front portion of the pachi-slot machine 1. The medal tray 37 stores medals paid out from the medal payout opening 38. In addition, a payout display unit 39 indicating how many medals are paid out in response to a prize is provided at the upper front portion of the pachislot machine 1. A pair of speakers 96, 96 are provided on the left and right sides of the payout display unit 39. Is provided. In addition, inside the housing of the pachi-slot machine 1, there are provided a setting button that is operated when setting the payout rate setting value and a reset button (not shown) that is operated when selecting the payout rate setting value. ing. The game play rate setting value is the game play rate indicating the ratio of the total number of medals paid out to the player by the game value giving means described later with respect to the total number of medals (medals bet on the unit game) inserted into the machine. Is set in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. The payout rate setting values “1” to “6” are provided, and the payout rate setting displayed on the payout number display unit 20 every time the reset button is operated once after the setting button is operated. When the value is incremented by one and the reset button is operated in a state in which the ball exit rate setting value is “6”, the ball exit rate setting value returns to “1”.

  Each reel 2 to 4 is configured as a rotary reel unit shown in FIG. 2 and is attached to a frame 41 via a bracket 42. Each of the reels 2 to 4 has a reel band 44 attached to the outer periphery of the reel drum 43. A symbol row is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel band 44. Each bracket 42 is provided with a stepping motor 45, and the reels 2 to 4 are rotated by driving the stepping motor 45.

  The structure of each reel 2-4 is shown in FIG. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, a lamp case 46 is provided inside the reel drum 43 behind the reel band 44. Reel back lamps 47a to 47c are provided in the three rooms of the lamp case 46, respectively. Is attached. These back lamps 47a to 47c are configured such that LEDs 47 that emit a plurality of different colors are attached to a substrate 48, as shown in FIG. 5B, and the substrate 48 is attached to the back surface of the lamp case 46. Yes. A photo sensor 49 is attached to the bracket 42. The photo sensor 49 detects that the shielding plate 50 provided on the reel drum 43 passes through the photo sensor 49 as the reel drum 43 rotates.

  Each of the back lamps 47a to 47c is controlled to be lit by a lamp driving circuit 89 (see FIG. 6) described later. When the back lamps 47a to 47c are turned on, among the symbols drawn on the reel band 44, three symbols positioned at the front of each back lamp 47 are individually illuminated from behind, and the display windows 5 to 7 are illuminated. Three symbols are projected on each.

  FIG. 4 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reel bands 44 of the left, middle, and right reels 2 to 4 are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “1” to “21”, and these code numbers are stored in a program ROM 65 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, as a data table. On each reel 2 to 4, it is composed of “red 7”, “blue 7”, “replay”, “watermelon”, “bell”, “cherry”, and “blank” symbols with nothing drawn. The symbol sequence is shown. Each reel 2 to 4 is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

  The gaming state of the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes “general gaming state”, “BB (big bonus) internal winning state”, “RB (regular bonus) internal winning state”, and “BB general gaming state”. And “RB gaming state”. Each of these five game states is basically distinguished by the type of winning combination that may be won internally and the type of bonus that can be established.

  The game states constituted by “the general game state during BB” and “RB game state” that can be generated when the combination of symbols corresponding to BB is displayed on the activated pay line are as follows. It is called “BB gaming state”. The “BB internal winning state” and “RB internal winning state” are states in which a bonus combination has not been displayed on the activated winning line yet. Hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as “internal winning state”. The bonus request flag of “BB” or the hit request flag of “RB” is carried over to the game after the flag is set, and the symbol combination of “BB” or “RB” is stopped and displayed on the activated pay line. When the bonus is actually established, the bonus request flag is cleared. Flags other than the bonus requirement flag are valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and are cleared at the end of the game and are not carried over after the next game.

  5 and 6 show circuit configurations configured on the main control board 61 and the sub control board 62 that control the game processing operation of the pachislot machine 1 described above.

  The control unit in the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 5 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 63 as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 63 includes a main CPU (central processing unit) 64 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM (read only memory) 65 that is a program storage means, and a control RAM (random access) with a backup function. -Memory) 66.

  Connected to the main CPU 64 are a clock pulse generating circuit 67 and a frequency divider 68 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 69 for generating a random number in a certain range, and a sampling circuit 70 for specifying one of the generated random numbers. Has been. Further, an I / O port (input / output port) 71 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a peripheral device (actuator) described later is connected.

  The program ROM 65 has a storage section that stores various tables, sequence programs, and the like. The program ROM 65 stores a winning symbol combination table (not shown). In this winning symbol combination table, the symbol code of each winning symbol combination displayed on the payout display unit 39, the symbol code of the symbol combination constituting the “reach eye”, the winning determination code representing each winning, the number of winning medal dividends, etc. Is remembered. Here, the reach eye is a symbol combination that suggests that a combination of symbols related to the operation of the bonus can be displayed to the player in the internal winning state. This winning symbol combination table is referred to during stop control of the reels 2 to 4 and when specifying a display combination after all reels are stopped. Further, in the program ROM 65, a sequence program for executing a game with the pachislot machine 1 is stored.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 63 include a stepping motor 45 that rotationally drives the reels 2 to 4, various lamps (BET lamps 13 to 15, a start lamp 17, a WIN lamp 19, an insert lamp. 21), various display units (game operation indicators 9 to 12, stored number display unit 16, bonus count display unit 18, payout number display unit 20), and hopper 72 for storing medals. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, each lamp drive circuit 74, each display unit drive circuit 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 73 to 76 are connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71 of the microcomputer 63.

  As main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal, the inserted medal sensor 8S for detecting a medal inserted from the medal slot 8 and the operation of the start lever 30 are used. A start switch 30S that detects the operation, a stored medal insertion switch 26S to 28S that detects an operation of the stored medal insertion buttons 26 to 28, a stored medal adjustment switch 29S that detects an operation of the stored medal adjustment button 29, and an operation of the setting button. There is a setting switch 34S and a reset switch 35S that detects the operation of the reset button.

  The microcomputer 63 constitutes game start means for starting a unit game based on betting of medals as game media. The main CPU 64, the random number generator 69, and the sampling circuit 70 constitute a winning combination determining unit that determines a winning combination when a unit game is started by the game starting unit. The setting button, the reset button, the setting switch 34S, the reset switch 35S, and the microcomputer 63 are set value selection means for selecting the payout rate setting value from a plurality of predetermined values (1 to 6 in the present embodiment). Is configured. When the predetermined winning combination is determined by the winning combination determining means, the microcomputer 63 starts the unit game by the game starting means for a certain time (in this embodiment, after the reels 2 to 4 start rotating). When 30 seconds elapses, a notification lottery unit is configured to perform a lottery to determine whether or not to perform a stop operation with a lottery probability corresponding to the set value selected by the set value selection unit.

  Further, as the input signal generating means, there is a reel position detection circuit 77 that receives the output pulse signal from the photosensor 49 and detects the rotational position of each reel 2-4. The photo sensor 49 is included in the driving mechanism of each reel 2 to 4 and is not shown in the figure.

  The reel position detection circuit 77 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45 after the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is started, and writes this count value in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. Accordingly, the control RAM 66 stores a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range for each of the reels 2 to 4. The photo sensor 49 generates a reset pulse every time the reels 2 to 4 make one rotation. This reset pulse is given to the main CPU 64 via the reel position detection circuit 77, and the count value of the drive pulse counted by the control RAM 66 is cleared to "0". By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 45 is eliminated every rotation. The reels 2 to 4, the display windows 5 to 7, the stepping motor 45, the motor drive circuit 73, the reel position detection circuit 77, and the microcomputer 63 are symbol display means for variably displaying symbols when a unit game is started by the game start means. Is configured.

  Further, as the input signal generating means, the reel stop signal circuit 78 for generating a signal for stopping the corresponding reels 2 to 4 when the stop buttons 31 to 33 are pressed, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 72 are counted. There are a medal detection unit 72S and a payout completion signal generation circuit (not shown). These are also connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71. The payout completion signal generation circuit pays out medals when the actually paid out medal count value input from the medal detection unit 72S reaches the payout number data represented by the count signal input from each display unit drive circuit 75. Generates a signal to detect completion of

  The stepping motor 45, the motor drive circuit 73, the reel position detection circuit 77, the reel stop signal circuit 78, and the microcomputer 63 stop the change display of symbols by the reels 2 to 4 based on the stop operation of the stop buttons 31 to 33. It constitutes a stopping means. Further, the stepping motor 45, the motor drive circuit 73, the reel position detection circuit 77, and the microcomputer 63 have a predetermined time after the unit game is started by the game start means (in this embodiment, the reels 2 to 4 start rotating). When the stop operation is not performed within a period of 40 seconds), the variable display automatic stop means is configured to automatically stop the symbol variable display by the reels 2 to 4. The variable display automatic stop means is a combination of symbols corresponding to a predetermined winning combination (in this embodiment, BB, RB, small combination, and replay shown in FIG. 7). The variable display of symbols by the reels 2 to 4 is automatically stopped so as to have a different combination. The microcomputer 63, the hopper 72, the medal detection unit 72s, the hopper driving circuit 76, and the payout completion signal generation circuit have the predetermined winning combination (determined by the winning combination determining unit when the symbol variation is stopped by the variation display stopping unit. In this embodiment, when a combination of symbols corresponding to a watermelon, a bell, or a cherry) is stopped and displayed on the reels 2 to 4, a game value giving means for giving a medal is configured. ing.

  A sub-control unit communication port 79 is connected to the I / O port 71, and the microcomputer 63 sends a signal to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79. The sub control board 62 shown in FIG. 6 is provided with a main control unit communication port 88 for receiving this signal. Communication between the sub control unit communication port 79 and the main control unit communication port 88 is performed only in one direction from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88. In the present embodiment, the signal sent from the sub-control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88 is a 7-bit command type indicating the control type and a maximum 24-bit length command content. It is composed of the parameters represented.

  The sub control board 62 performs a predetermined effect based on a control signal from the main control board 61. The control unit in the sub-control board 62 is configured with the microcomputer 81 as a main component. Similarly to the microcomputer 63 on the main control board 61, the microcomputer 81 includes a sub CPU 82 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM 83 that is a program storage unit, and a control RAM 84 with a backup function. A clock pulse generation circuit 85 for generating a reference clock pulse and a frequency divider 86 are also connected to the sub CPU 82. Further, the sub CPU 82 further transmits / receives signals to / from the main control unit communication port 88 and an actuator described later. / O port 87 is connected.

  As actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 81, there are reel back lamps 47a to 47c built in the reels 2 to 4, respectively. Lighting of these back lamps 47 a to 47 c is controlled by a drive signal from a lamp drive circuit 89 connected to the I / O port 87.

  Further, as the input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 81 to generate a control signal, there are the above-described cross key 23, “◯” button 24 and “×” button 25.

  The I / O port 87 is connected to an image control work RAM 98, a VDP (video display processor) 90, and a sound source IC 91. The VDP 90 is connected to a character ROM 92 storing character data, a video RAM 93 which is a color display display buffer memory, and an image control work RAM 98 is also connected. The VDP 90 displays an image on the liquid crystal display device 22 under the control of the microcomputer 81.

  The liquid crystal display device 22, the microcomputer 81, the VDP 90, the character ROM 92, the video RAM 93, and the image control work RAM 98 constitute notification means for performing notification that prompts a stop operation when it is determined to notify by lottery by the notification lottery means. is doing. In the present embodiment, the notifying means also notifies the type of the predetermined winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means.

  In addition, a sound ROM 94 storing sound data is connected to the sound source IC 91, and the sound source IC 91 emits sound from the speakers 96 and 96 through the power amplifier 95 under the control of the microcomputer 81. The microcomputer 81 controls the sound source IC 91 and the power amplifier 95 in accordance with instructions input from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88, and controls the medal insertion sound, start lever operation sound, stop button operation sound, bonus Sound effects such as game sounds during the game are output from the speakers 96 and 96. In addition, sound is output from the speakers 96, 96 in a sound output pattern based on the game state fetched from the main control board 61 and an effect mode selected based on the winning flag.

  7 to 11 are diagrams showing various tables stored in the program ROM 65 of the main control board 61. FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing the display combination specifying table.

  The display combination specifying table is used when specifying the display combination and the medal payout number in S15 of a main flowchart (see FIG. 12) described later. The display combination specifying table stores the relationship among the symbol combination, the medal payout number (payout), and the display combination, and the symbol combination shown in the symbol combination column in the figure is displayed on the activated pay line. Then, the number and display combination shown in the corresponding payout column are specified as the medal payout number and display combination.

  As shown in the figure, when “Red 7-Red 7-Red 7” are arranged along the activated pay line, BB is specified as a display combination, and in any case of 1 BET, 2 BET, 3 BET, The 0 medals are specified and the BB gaming state is activated. In addition, 1 BET means that one piece, 2 BET means two pieces, and 3 BET means that three medals are bet on each unit game. In addition, when “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” are arranged along the activated pay line, RB is specified as a display combination, and in any case of 1 BET to 3 BET, 0 medals are specified as the payout number. The RB gaming state is activated. In addition, when “Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon” is lined up along the activated winning line, the small part of “Watermelon” is specified as a display combination, 15 in the case of 1 BET, 6 in each of 2 BET and 3 BET Is specified as the number of payouts. Further, when “Bell-Bell-Bell” is lined up along the activated pay line, the small part of “Bell” is specified as a display combination, and 15 medals are specified as the number of payouts in any of 1BET to 3BET. The In addition, when “Cherry-ANY-ANY” is lined up along the activated pay line, the small part of “Cherry” is specified as the display combination, 15 in the case of 1 BET, 1 each in the case of 2 BET and 3 BET Is specified as the number of payouts. Note that “ANY” represents any symbol. In addition, when “Replay-Replay-Replay” is arranged along the activated pay line, “Replay” is specified as a display role, and the same number of medals as the number bet on the game in the unit game are as follows. It is automatically inserted in unit games.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing a lottery count determination table. This lottery count determination table is used when determining the number of times to win the internal winning combination in a probability lottery process (FIG. 12, S6) described later. In this table, numerical data representing the number of lotteries is assigned to each gaming state, and lottery is performed for the number of times represented by the numerical data corresponding to each gaming state. Data representing the number of times of lottery is assigned to the general game state, and 6 times are determined as the number of lotteries in the probability lottery process in each unit game in the general game state. Data representing the number of times of lottery is assigned to the internal winning state, and in each unit game in the internal winning state, 4 times is determined as the number of times of lottery in the probability lottery process. Data representing the number of times of lottery is assigned to the general game state during BB, and for each unit game in the general game state during BB, five times are determined as the number of lotteries in the probability lottery process. Data representing the number of times of lottery is assigned to the RB gaming state, and three times are determined as the number of lotteries in the probability lottery process in each unit game in the RB gaming state.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually showing the probability lottery table.

  The probability lottery table is used when lottery of an internal winning combination is performed in the probability lottery process (FIG. 12, S6) of the main flowchart described later. The probability lottery table stores numerical data that divides random numbers in the range of 0 to 65535 generated by the random number generator 69 and extracted by the sampling circuit 70 into the respective winning numbers 0 to 6. Each winning number is associated with each internal winning combination, and numerical data is stored for each gaming state. Each winning number 0 to 6 is assigned a random number range of a predetermined numerical range among the numerical data of 0 to 65535 for each gaming state, and the winning number assigned to the random number range to which the extracted random number value belongs. A number is selected.

  In this probability lottery table, the winning number 1 corresponding to the small part of “Cherry” has a numerical range of 400 in any of the general gaming state, the internal winning state, the BB general gaming state, and the RB gaming state. A random number range is assigned, and if the extracted random number value belongs to this random number range, the winning number 1 is selected. The winning probability of winning number 1 is 400/65536. In addition, in the case of the general gaming state, the internal winning state, and the general gaming state during the BB, the winning number 2 corresponding to the small part of “Bell” is assigned a random number range of 4800, and the winning probability Is 4800/65536. In the case of the RB gaming state, a random number range having a numerical value range of 64135 is assigned, and the winning probability is 64135/65536. In addition, the winning number 3 corresponding to the small part of “watermelon” is assigned a random number range of a numerical value width 1000 in any of the general gaming state, the internal winning state, the BB general gaming state, and the RB gaming state. The winning probability is 1000/65536. The winning number 4 corresponding to “Replay” is assigned a random number range with a numerical value range of 9000 in the case of the general gaming state, the internal winning state, and the BB general gaming state, and the winning probability is 9000 / 65536. In the RB gaming state, no random number range is assigned, and in the RB gaming state, the winning number 4 is not selected. In addition, the winning number 5 corresponding to “BB” is assigned a random number range with a numerical value width 250 in the general gaming state, and the winning probability is 250/65536. In addition, in the case of the internal winning state, the BB general gaming state, and the RB gaming state, no random number range is assigned, and the winning number 5 is selected in the internal winning state, the BB general gaming state, and the RB gaming state. It will never be done. In addition, the winning number 6 corresponding to “RB” is assigned a random number range having a numerical value range of 200 in the case of the general gaming state, and the winning probability is 200/65536. In addition, a random number range is not assigned in the case of the internal winning state, the BB general gaming state, and the RB gaming state, and the winning number 6 is selected in the internal winning state, the BB general gaming state, and the RB gaming state. It will never be done. In addition, the winning number 0 corresponding to “losing” is assigned a random number range with a numerical value of 49886 in the general gaming state, and the winning probability is 49886/65536. Further, in the case of the internal winning state and the general gaming state during BB, a random number range with a numerical value range of 50336 is assigned, and the winning probability is 50336/65536. In the case of the RB gaming state, a random number range with a numerical value width of 1 is assigned, and the winning probability is 1/65536.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing the internal winning combination determination table.

  The internal winning combination determination table is used when determining an internal winning combination in the probability lottery process (FIG. 12, S6) of the main flowchart described later. The internal winning combination determination table stores, for each gaming state, 8-bit data that associates each of the winning numbers 0 to 6 determined using the probability lottery table (FIG. 9) with the winning flag of the internal winning combination. is doing.

  In this internal winning combination determination table, the winning number 0 includes the winning of the internal winning combination “losing” in any of the general gaming state, the internal winning state, the BB general gaming state, and the RB gaming state. “00000000” is associated with the flag. The winning number 1 is associated with “00000001” as the small winning combination flag of the internal winning combination “Cherry” in any gaming state. The winning number 2 is associated with “00000010” as the small winning combination flag of the internal winning combination “Bell” in any gaming state. The winning number 3 is associated with “00000100” as the small winning combination flag of the internal winning combination “watermelon” in any game state. The winning number 4 is associated with “00001000” as the winning flag of the internal winning combination “Replay” in any gaming state. The winning number 5 is associated with “00010000” as the winning flag of the internal winning combination “BB” only in the general gaming state, and the internal winning state, the general gaming state during BB, and the RB gaming state. In this case, the winning flag is not associated. The winning number 6 is associated with “00100000” as the winning flag of the internal winning combination “RB” in the general gaming state and the RB gaming state, and in the case of the internal winning state and the general gaming state during the BB. Is not associated with a winning flag.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing the notification lottery table.

  The notification lottery table is used when determining whether or not to transmit a reel stop instruction notification command to the sub-control board 62 in a reel stop instruction notification process (FIG. 17) described later. The notification lottery table stores data for dividing the random numbers extracted by the main CPU 64 into winning or non-winning for each of the payout rate setting values of setting value 1 to setting value 6. For each payout rate setting value, a random number range of a predetermined numerical value range is assigned from 0 to 255 numerical values for winning and non-winning. When the extracted random number value belongs to the random number range assigned to winning, it is won and a reel stop instruction notification command is transmitted. On the other hand, if the extracted random number value does not belong to the random number range assigned to winning, it is not won and the reel stop instruction notification command is not transmitted.

  In this notification lottery table, for setting value 1, a random number range of 0 to 9 is assigned to winning and 10 to 255 is assigned to non-winning, and if the extracted random number value belongs to the random number range of 0 to 9, winning is determined. It becomes. The probability of winning is 10/256, and the probability of not winning is 246/256. For setting value 2, a random number range of 0 to 29 is assigned to winning and 30 to 255 is assigned to non-winning, and the probability of winning is 30/256 and the probability of not winning is 226/256. . For setting value 3, random numbers ranging from 0 to 49 for winning and 50 to 255 for non-winning are assigned, respectively, the probability of winning is 50/256, and the probability of not winning is 206/256. . For setting value 4, random numbers ranging from 0 to 99 for winning and 100 to 255 for non-winning are assigned, respectively, the probability of winning is 100/256, and the probability of not winning is 156/256. . For setting value 5, random numbers ranging from 0 to 149 for winning and 150 to 255 for non-winning are assigned, respectively, the probability of winning is 150/256, and the probability of winning is 106/256. . For setting value 6, random numbers ranging from 0 to 199 for winning and 200 to 255 for non-winning are assigned, respectively, the probability of winning is 200/256, and the probability of not winning is 56/256. .

  Next, the control operation of the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 performs an initialization process at the start of the game (see S1, FIG. 12). Specifically, the contents stored in the control RAM 66 are initialized, the communication data is initialized, and the like. Further, when the setting button and the reset button are operated to select the payout rate setting value, the selected setting value is stored in the setting value storage area of the control RAM 66. Subsequently, the contents stored in the designated area of the control RAM 66 at the end of the game are erased (S2). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the control RAM 66 used in the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the control RAM 66, and the start address of the sequence program of the next game is set. Make designations.

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs a medal insertion / start check process described later (S3), and then extracts a random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 69 by the sampling circuit 70 (S4). Next, the main CPU 64 performs a gaming state monitoring process described later (S5), and then performs a probability lottery process described later (S6).

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs a stop table determination process for determining a stop table to be used in the reel stop control process of the current unit game based on the lottery result in the probability lottery process of S6 (S7). Subsequently, the main CPU 64 sets a start command in the communication data storage area of the control RAM 66 in the main control board 61 (S8). The “start command” is a command including information such as the gaming state identified in S5, the winning combination selected in the probability lottery process in S6, and the like.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 64 determines whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation (S9). When this determination is “NO”, the wait process (S10) is performed until 4.1 seconds elapse. In the weight process, a process of invalidating an input based on an operation of starting the game of the player (here, a process of waiting for the start of rotation of the reels 2 to 4) is performed.

  When 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation, the main CPU 64 sets a game monitoring timer in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66 (S11). This game monitoring timer is a timer for monitoring the time of each unit game, and an automatic stop timer for automatically stopping the reels 2 to 4 without depending on the stop operation of the stop buttons 31 to 33 of the player. Also included. In this embodiment, the automatic stop timer times up in 40 seconds.

  When the process of S11 is completed, the main CPU 64 requests the start of rotation of all the reels 2 to 4 (S12), starts the rotation of all the reels 2 to 4, and subsequently issues a “reel stop permission command” to the main control board. 61 is set in the communication data storage area of the control RAM 66 (S13). The “reel stop permission command” is a command for receiving an operation of the stop buttons 31 to 33. Next, the main CPU 64 performs a stop control process described later (S14), subsequently performs a display combination specifying process described later (S15), and performs an error check process described later (S16).

  Next, the main CPU 64 sets the “display combination command” in the communication data storage area of the control RAM 66 in the main control board 61 (S17). The “display combination command” is a command including the type of combination of symbols that are actually displayed on the activated pay line.

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs medal payout processing (S18). That is, if the game is played with credits, the number of stored coins displayed on the stored coin number display unit 16 is increased by the number of medals acquired by winning, and the game is performed by inserting medals into the medal slot 8. If it is in a state in which medals are performed, the number of medals won by winning a prize is paid out to the medal tray 37.

  After performing the processing of S18, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is “on” (S19), and if any of the flags is “on”. Then, a bonus end check process, which will be described later, is performed (S20). If none of the flags is “ON”, a bonus operation check process, which will be described later, is performed (S21). After the process of S20 or S21, the game process returns to S2 and the next new unit game is started.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the medal insertion / start check process performed in S12 and S3 will be described.

  In the medal insertion / start check process, first, the main CPU 64 performs a medal sensor / bet switch check process (see S31 in FIG. 13). In this process, it is checked whether the medal inserted through the medal slot 8 is detected by the inserted medal sensor 8S and whether the stored medal insertion switches 26S-28S detect the operation of the stored medal insertion buttons 26-28. To do. Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not a medal has been inserted based on the processing of S31, that is, the inserted medal sensor 8S detects a medal, or the stored medal insertion switches 26S to 28S indicate the stored medal insertion buttons 26 to 28. It is determined whether an operation is detected (S32). If this determination is “YES”, the main CPU 64 updates the insertion number counter (S33) and counts the number of medals bet on the unit game. In this process, when the number of inserted medals reaches 3, the insertion of medals is prohibited, and thereafter the credit number of medals is updated. Further, when the RB operation flag is on, the number of inserted medals is one, and thereafter, the credit number of medals is updated. That is, in the RB gaming state, it becomes 1 BET gaming.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RB operating flag is on (S34). When this determination is “YES”, since the RB gaming state is set, the main CPU 64 determines the number of bets, that is, the number of medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 8 or the operated stored medal insertion buttons 26 to 28. Even if the corresponding number is 1, “5” is set to the value of the effective line counter (S35). The valid line counter is for counting the number of activated winning lines, and the number of winning lines corresponding to the counter value is validated. On the other hand, if the determination in S34 is “NO”, the main CPU 64 validates the number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bets (S36). After the processing of S35 or S36, the main CPU 64 sets a bet command including the updated insertion number counter and valid line counter values in the communication data storage area of the control RAM 66 (S37). Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the start switch is on, that is, whether or not there is an input from the start switch 30S based on the operation of the start lever 30 (S38). When this determination is “NO”, the process returns to S31 and the above-described process is repeated. When the determination in S38 is “YES”, the medal insertion / start check process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the gaming state monitoring process performed in FIGS. 12 and S5 will be described.

  In this gaming state monitoring process, first, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is “ON” (see S41 in FIG. 14). When this determination is “YES”, the main CPU 64 sets the gaming state to the RB gaming state (S42), and when the determination is “NO”, it is determined whether or not the BB operating flag is “ON”. (S43). When the BB operating flag is “ON” and this determination is “YES”, the main CPU 64 sets the gaming state to the BB general gaming state (S44). When the determination in S43 is “NO”, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not a carryover combination is set (S45), and when the determination is “YES”, the game state is set in the BB according to the carryover combination. The winning state or the RB internal winning state is set (S46). On the other hand, when the determination in S45 is “NO”, the gaming state is set to the general gaming state (S47). When the process of S42, S44, S46, or S47 is performed, the gaming state monitoring process ends.

  Next, the probability lottery process performed in FIGS. 12 and S6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this probability lottery process, first, the main CPU 64 refers to the lottery count determination table (FIG. 8) and determines the lottery count based on the gaming state (refer to S51 in FIG. 15). Subsequently, the random value extracted in the process of FIG. 12, S4 is acquired (S52). Next, the main CPU 64 sets “1” as the initial value of the winning number (S53), and then refers to the probability lottery table (FIG. 9), based on the gaming state and the winning number, A random number range is acquired (S54). The acquired lottery value is set in the lottery value accumulation area. When a lottery value has already been set in the lottery value accumulation area, a value obtained by adding the acquired lottery value to the set lottery value is set in the lottery value accumulation area. Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the lottery result is a win, that is, whether or not the random value acquired in S52 belongs to the random number range of the lottery value set in the lottery value accumulation area ( S55). Specifically, the random number range Y set in the lottery value accumulation area is subtracted from the random value X acquired in S52 (XY), and the value Z obtained by the subtraction is positive or negative. Is determined. When this determination is “NO”, that is, when the value Z obtained by subtraction in S55 is positive, the random value acquired in S52 belongs to the random number range of the lottery value set in the lottery value accumulation area. Therefore, the main CPU 64 adds “1” to the winning number (S56), and then subtracts “1” from the number of lotteries (S57). Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether the number of lotteries has been satisfied, that is, the number of lotteries assigned in the lottery number determination table (FIG. 8), and the remaining number of lotteries obtained by subtraction in S57 is “ It is determined whether or not 0 ″ has been reached (S58). If this determination is “NO”, the processing returns to S54 and the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, if the remaining number of lotteries is 0 and the determination in S58 is “YES”, the main CPU 64 sets “0” as the winning number (S59).

  If the random value acquired in S52 belongs to the random number range of the lottery value set in the lottery value accumulation area and the value Z obtained by subtraction in S55 is negative and the determination in S55 is “YES”, or the process of S59 After having been performed, the main CPU 64 refers to the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 10), determines the internal winning combination based on the set winning number and the current gaming state (S60), and determines A flag representing the internal winning combination is set in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not BB or RB is included in the determined internal winning combination (S61). If this determination is “YES”, the main CPU 64 sets a carryover combination based on the internal winning combination (S62), and ends the probability lottery process. On the other hand, if the determination is “NO”, the probability lottery process is terminated.

  Next, the stop control process performed in FIGS. 12 and S14 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this stop control process, first, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the stop switches 31 to 33 are operated by rotating the reels 2 to 4 at a constant speed and the effective stop switch is turned “ON”. (Refer to FIG. 16, S71). If this determination is “NO”, then the main CPU 64 performs a reel stop instruction notification process described later (S72), and then the automatic stop timer is set without operating the stop buttons 31-33. It is determined whether or not the value is “0” (S73). If this determination is “NO”, the processing returns to S71 and the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the value of the automatic stop timer becomes “0” and the determination in S73 is “YES”, the main CPU 64 sets the reels 2 to 4 on the right side to be controlled (S74). It is determined whether or not the extracted reels 2 to 4 are third stop reels (S75). When this determination is “YES”, the main CPU 64 performs an automatic third stop process, which will be described later, in which the winning symbol combinations are not aligned on the reels 2 to 4 during the automatic stop (S76).

  When the effective stop switch is “ON” and the determination in S71 is “YES”, or when the extracted reels 2 to 4 are not the third stop reel and the determination in S75 is “NO”, or in S76 After the processing is performed, the main CPU 64 performs a sliding frame number determination process described later (S77). Subsequently, a reel stop command is set in the communication data storage area of the control RAM 66 in the main control board 61 (S78). Next, the main CPU 64 waits for the reels 2 to 4 subject to stop control to rotate by the number of sliding frames (S79), and requests the reels 2 to 4 to stop rotating (S80). Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not it is after the stop of the second stop reel (S81). If the determination is “YES”, the current symbol combination is controlled to predict the display combination. The data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 66 (S82). If the determination in S81 is “NO” or after the processing in S82, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the stop of the reel requested to stop is the stop of the last reel (S83). Is “YES”, the reel stop instruction notification command set in the process of S72 is cleared (S84), and the stop control process is ended. On the other hand, if the determination is “NO”, the process returns to S71 and the above-described process is repeated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the reel stop instruction notification process performed in FIG. 16, S72 will be described.

  In this reel stop instruction notification process, first, the main CPU 64 determines whether there is an internal winning combination with a medal payout, that is, a “watermelon” small role, a “bell” small role, or a “cherry” It is determined whether or not any of the small roles has been determined as an internal winning combination (see S91 in FIG. 17). When this determination is “YES”, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not a set time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 2 to 4 (S92). When the determination is “YES” In step S93, it is determined whether or not a lottery in S96 described later has been performed. When this determination is “NO”, the main CPU 64 obtains the payout rate setting value set in the setting value storage area of the control RAM 66 (S94). Next, the main CPU 64 sets a notification lottery table (FIG. 11) in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66 (S95), and performs lottery using the notification lottery table corresponding to the payout rate setting value acquired in S94 (S96). ). Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the result of the lottery is won (S97). This determination is performed by determining whether or not the random value extracted by the main CPU 64 belongs to the random number range assigned to winning in the notification lottery table. When the determination in S97 is “YES”, the main CPU 64 sets the reel stop instruction notification command in the communication data storage area of the control RAM 66 in the main control board 61 (S98), and ends the reel stop instruction notification process. The reel stop instruction notification command is a command including effect data instructing one of the above internal winning combinations, the type of the internal winning combination, and the operation of the stop buttons 31 to 33. If the determination in S91, S92, or S97 is “NO”, or if the determination in S93 is “YES”, the reel stop instruction notification process ends.

  Next, the automatic third stop process performed in FIG. 16 and S76 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this automatic third stop process, first, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the reel subject to stop control is the left reel 2 (see S101 in FIG. 18), and when this determination is “YES”. Sets “losing” as the display combination determination data (S102), so that it is always “lost” during automatic stop. When the automatic stop is not performed, all the combinations are set as display combination determination data. On the other hand, if the reel to be controlled is not the left reel 2 and the determination in S101 is “NO”, even if the symbol “Cherry” is stopped on the middle reel 3 or the right reel 4, the “Cherry” prize is not given. Therefore, the main CPU 64 sets “lost” and “cherry” as the display combination determination data (S103). After the process of S102 or S103, the main CPU 64 obtains the position of the symbol for the reel to be stopped, and predicts all the display combinations that are aligned on the reels 2 to 4 when the third stop reel is stopped (S104). ). Next, the main CPU 64 compares the predicted result with the display combination determination data (S105), and determines whether or not the symbol corresponding to the combination set as the display combination determination data can be stopped on the activated winning line. That is, it is determined whether or not a symbol positioned on the activated pay line is included in the display combination determination data (S106). If this determination is “NO”, it is determined whether or not all symbols for one turn for the reels subject to stop control have been checked (S107). If this determination is “NO”, the processing returns to S104 and the above-described processing is repeated. That is, the input of the stop switch is not accepted while the reels 2 to 4 are automatically stopped. If the determination in S106 or S107 is “YES”, the main CPU 64 sets the automatic stop flag to “ON” (S108), and ends the automatic stop process.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the sliding frame number determination process performed in FIGS. 16 and S77 will be described.

  In this sliding frame number determination process, first, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the automatic stop flag is “ON” (see S111 in FIG. 19). If this determination is “YES”, the main CPU 64 stops. In order to stop the reels 2 to 4 at possible positions, "0" is determined as the number of sliding frames (S113). On the other hand, when the determination is “NO”, the number of sliding frames is determined based on the stop table (S112). After the process of S112 or S113 is performed, the sliding frame number determination process ends.

  Next, the display combination specifying process performed in FIGS. 12 and S15 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this display combination specifying process, first, the main CPU 64 obtains the leading address of the symbol storage area (see S121 in FIG. 20). At each address in the symbol storage area, a symbol combination aligned with each winning line L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B is set. Subsequently, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the value of the effective line counter is “0” (S122). When this determination is “NO”, the display combination and the number of payouts are specified based on the combination of symbols stored at the address and the display combination specification table (FIG. 7) (S123). Subsequently, “1” is subtracted from the value of the effective line counter (S124), and the next address of the symbol storage area is acquired. Thereafter, the processing returns to S122 and the above-described processing is repeated, and it is determined whether or not there is a symbol combination corresponding to the display combination for each activated pay line. When the determination in S122 is “YES”, the display combination and the number of payouts are specified for all the activated pay lines, and thus the display combination specification process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the error check process performed in FIG. 12, S16 will be described.

  In this error check process, first, the main CPU 64 compares the display combination identified in the display combination identification process (FIG. 20) with the internal winning combination determined in the probability lottery process (FIG. 15) (FIG. 21, S131). reference). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the display combination is included in the internal winning combination (S132). When this determination is “YES”, the main CPU 64 compares the display combination with the display combination determination data in the display combination specification table (FIG. 7) (S133), and subsequently, the display combination is included in the display combination determination data. Is determined (S134). If this determination is “NO”, or if the determination in S132 is “NO”, the main CPU 64 performs an error-time process for displaying an illegal error on the payout number display unit 20 and the liquid crystal display device 22 (S135). . If the determination in S134 is “YES”, or after performing the process of S135, the error check process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the bonus end check process performed in FIG. 12, S20 will be described.

  In the bonus end check process, first, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is “ON” (see S141 in FIG. 22). If this determination is “YES”, 1 is subtracted from the number of games that can be played, and “1” is subtracted from the number of games that can be won if a winning combination of a small role is established (S142). Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not at least one of the number of possible games and the number of possible winnings is “0” and the RB gaming state is over (S143). If this determination is “YES”, RB end time processing such as clearing the RB operating flag is performed (S144). If the determination in S141 or S143 is “NO”, or after performing the processing in S144, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is “ON” (S145). If this determination is “NO”, the bonus end check process is terminated as it is.

  When the determination in S145 is “YES”, the main CPU 64 updates the value of the counter that counts the number of medals paid out in the BB gaming state according to the number of medals paid out (S146), and then sets the number of medals to be paid out. Accordingly, the payable number is subtracted (S147). Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the payout possible number is “1” or more (S148). If the determination is “NO”, since it is the BB end time, a BB end time process such as clearing the BB operating flag is performed (S149), and the bonus end check process ends. In the process of S149, since the RB operation flag may be on, an RB end time process is also included. If the determination in S148 is “YES”, the main CPU 64 ends the bonus end check process as it is because the BB is not ended.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 23, the bonus operation check process performed in FIGS. 12 and S21 will be described.

  In this bonus operation check process, first, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the display combination actually displayed on the reels 2 to 4 is BB or RB (see S151 in FIG. 23). If this determination is “YES”, the BB or RB operating flag or the like is set based on the bonus operating time table (S152), and then the carryover combination is cleared (S153). Further, the main CPU 64 sets the payout possible number, the number of possible games, and the number of possible winnings according to the set operating flag. If the determination in S151 is “NO”, or after the processing of S153 is performed, the bonus operation check processing ends.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 24, the outline of the periodic interruption process performed by the main control board 61 every 1.1173 ms, for example is demonstrated.

  In this periodic interrupt process, first, the main CPU 64 performs an input port check process for confirming the input of a signal to the input port 71 (see FIG. 24, S161), and then performs a command transmission process (S162). The command transmission process is a process for transmitting the command information set in the communication data storage area of the control RAM 66 in the main control board 61 to the sub control board 62. Next, the main CPU 64 performs a reel control process for controlling the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 (S163), performs a 7SEG drive process (S164), and subsequently performs a lamp drive process (S165). In the 7SEG driving process, the LEDs constituting the stored number display unit 16, the bonus count display unit 18, the payout number display unit 20, and the like are turned on or off according to the display numerical value. In the lamp driving process, various lamps (BET lamps 13 to 15, start lamp 17, WIN lamp 19, insert lamp 21) are turned on or off according to the timing of turning on or off each lamp. Next, the main CPU 64 performs a timer management process for updating the values of the automatic stop timer and the game monitoring timer (S166), and ends the periodic interrupt process.

  Next, a game process controlled by the sub CPU 82 of the sub control board 62 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an outline of the reset interrupt process performed by the sub CPU 82.

  In this reset interrupt process, when the pachislot machine 1 is powered on and a signal is input to the reset terminal of the sub CPU 82, the sub CPU 82 initializes the control RAM 84, the video RAM 93, and the image control work RAM 98, and An initialization process for permitting loading is executed (see S211 in FIG. 25). Next, the sub CPU 82 performs a process of monitoring input from the operation unit such as the cross key 23, the “o” button 24, and the “x” button 25 (S212), and then processes the command from the main control board 61. A command input process to be described later is performed (S213). Next, the sub CPU 82 performs command output processing for instructing the liquid crystal display device 22 to draw an image or instructing the speakers 96 and 96 to output audio in accordance with the effect data stored in the control RAM 84. This is performed (S214).

  FIG. 26 is a detailed flowchart of the command input process executed in S213 of FIG. In this command input process, first, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not a command is received from the main control board 61 (see S221 in FIG. 26). If this determination is “NO”, the command input process is performed as it is. finish. On the other hand, if this determination is “YES”, a command response execution process described later is performed (S222), and the command input process is terminated.

  FIG. 27 is a detailed flowchart of the command corresponding execution process of FIG. 26, S222. In this command corresponding execution process, first, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not the command received from the main control board 61 is a reel stop instruction command (see S231 in FIG. 27), and when this determination is “YES”. Then, a reel stop instruction command receiving process described later is performed (S232). When the determination in S231 is “NO”, the effect data corresponding to each received command is determined (S233). After performing the process of S232 or S233, the command response execution process ends.

  FIG. 28 is a detailed flowchart of the reel stop instruction command reception process performed in S232 of the command response execution process of FIG.

  In the reel stop instruction command receiving process, the sub CPU 82 performs an effect display for prompting the operation of the stop buttons 31 to 33 on the liquid crystal display device 22 (see S241 in FIG. 28). In this process, the effect data used for the effect is determined, and the determined effect data is set in the image control work RAM 98. In the command output process of FIG. 25, S214, an effect display that prompts the operation of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is performed on the liquid crystal display device 22 based on the set effect data.

  FIG. 29 shows an effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 when the small part of the bell is determined as the internal winning combination and the lottery executed in S96 of the reel stop instruction notification process (FIG. 17) is won. It is a figure which shows the example of. From the winning of the lottery until the value of the automatic stop timer becomes “0”, the character “Don-chan” and the “Bell” "If the reels are automatically stopped without stopping, the bells will not be aligned, so the reels must be stopped to align the bells." Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.

  In the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, there is an internal winning combination with a medal payout in the probability lottery process (FIG. 12, S6), and a set time ( When, for example, 30 seconds elapses, the lottery for determining whether or not to perform notification in the reel stop instruction notification process (FIG. 17) is the winning probability (FIG. 11) corresponding to the set payout rate selected at that time. (S96), and when this lottery is won, a reel stop instruction command is transmitted (S98). When the reel stop instruction command is received by the sub-control board 62, a reel stop instruction command reception process (FIG. 28) is executed, and the stop buttons 31 to 33 are operated on the liquid crystal display device 22, as shown in FIG. An effect display suggesting this is performed (see FIG. 28, S241). When the player operates the stop buttons 31 to 33 before the reels 2 to 4 are automatically stopped according to the display on the liquid crystal display device 22, the small part of “Bell” is selected according to the operation timing of the stop buttons 31 to 33. The winning of the internal winning combination such as is established, and medals can be paid out according to the number of medals bet on the unit game. On the other hand, if the player does not follow the display on the liquid crystal display device 22 and does not operate the stop buttons 31 to 33, the reels 2 to 4 that do not win the internal winning combination such as the small part of “Bell”. Stop control is performed, and medals are not paid out.

  According to the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined internal winning combination is determined in the probability lottery process (FIG. 12, S6), and the lottery in the reel stop instruction notification process (FIG. 17) is won. In this case, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the unit game is started by operating the start lever 30, a notification that prompts the user to operate the stop buttons 31 to 33 is given on the liquid crystal display device 22. For this reason, the player operates the stop buttons 31 to 33 until a predetermined time elapses after the unit game is started, for example, when the symbols 2 are displayed on the reels 2 to 4 while the symbols are changing. If the predetermined internal winning combination is determined by the probability lottery process, the predetermined winning combination is received by operating the stop buttons 31 to 33 in response to the notification prompting the user to operate the stop buttons 31 to 33. The symbol combinations corresponding to can be aligned. Therefore, the player automatically stops the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 when a predetermined time elapses, and a symbol combination different from the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined internal winning combination determined by the probability lottery process is stopped and displayed. Avoiding the disadvantage, it is possible to arrange the symbol combinations corresponding to the predetermined internal winning combination determined by the probability lottery process.

  Further, since the notification by the liquid crystal display device 22 is performed only when the lottery executed in S96 of the reel stop instruction notification process shown in FIG. 17 is won, the probability is also obtained when the notification by the liquid crystal display device 22 is not performed. The predetermined internal winning combination may be determined by the lottery process, and since the notification by the liquid crystal display device 22 is not necessarily performed when the predetermined internal winning combination is determined, the predetermined internal winning combination is determined. It can increase the player's expectation of what is being done. Further, since the notification on the liquid crystal display device 22 is performed with the lottery probability corresponding to the selected payout rate setting value, the output selected at that time depends on the frequency of notification on the liquid crystal display device 22. It is also possible to give the player a pleasure of guessing the ball rate setting value, and it is possible to add new game characteristics to the game until the reels 2 to 4 are automatically stopped.

  In the present embodiment, the player who has received the notification from the liquid crystal display device 22 can also know the type of the predetermined internal winning combination determined by the probability lottery process. For this reason, the player operates the stop buttons 31 to 33 in which the symbol combinations corresponding to the notified types of internal winning combinations are prepared, whereby the symbols corresponding to the predetermined internal winning combinations determined in the probability lottery process. It is possible to easily align the combinations on the activated winning line corresponding to the predetermined internal winning combination determined by the probability lottery process, avoiding the disadvantage that the symbol combination different from the combination is stopped and displayed on the activated winning line. it can.

  In the description of the above embodiment, the case where an effect is given on the liquid crystal display device 22 when 30 seconds have elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 2 to 4 has been described. It is optional as long as 2 to 4 are after the rotation starts, and may be changed as appropriate. Further, the mode of effect on the liquid crystal display device 22 is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 29 and is arbitrary. Further, the effect of prompting the stop operation is not necessarily performed on the liquid crystal display device 22; for example, sound emission from the speakers 96, 96 and various lamps (BET lamps 13 to 15, start lamp 17, WIN lamp 19, insert lamp) 21), various display units (gaming operation indicators 9 to 12, stored number display unit 16, bonus count display unit 18, payout number display unit 20) may be turned on or displayed. In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a notification is given when the “Watermelon”, “Bell”, or “Cherry” combination is determined as the internal winning combination. However, notification may be performed only when some of these are determined as internal winning combinations, and notification may also be performed when BB or RB has performed internal winning combinations. In addition, when these winning combinations are won internally, it is not always necessary to notify that the winning internal winning combination or the type of winning internal winning combination.

  In the reel stop instruction notification process (FIG. 17), the probability of winning and not winning in the notification lottery table (FIG. 11) used for the lottery for determining whether or not to notify the liquid crystal display device 22 is determined in the above embodiment. It is not restricted to the numerical value in and is arbitrary.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the lottery for determining whether or not to produce the effect on the liquid crystal display device 22 is performed only once when 30 seconds have elapsed from the start of the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 has been described. In the case of not winning, the lottery may be repeated at predetermined time intervals until winning or the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is automatically stopped. In this case, a plurality of lottery probabilities that differ according to the stage (in this embodiment, a predetermined time interval at which the lottery is performed) are stored for each set value in the program ROM 65 constituting the storage means. For example, when the set value is large, the lottery probability increases as the number of stages increases, and when the set value is small, the lottery probability decreases as the number of stages increases. The notification lottery means is selected by the set value selection means at a predetermined time interval according to each stage from when a unit game is started by the game start means until a predetermined time elapses until a predetermined time elapses. Based on the lottery probability stored in the program ROM 65 in accordance with the set value and the stage corresponding to the time at that time, a lottery is performed as to whether or not a notification for prompting a stop operation is performed. When it is determined that the notification is to be performed by the lottery, the notification unit performs the notification for prompting the stop operation of the reels 2 to 4 on the liquid crystal display device 22 as described above. According to this configuration, since the lottery on whether or not to perform notification on the liquid crystal display device 22 is performed at predetermined time intervals using different lottery probabilities for each set value depending on the stage, the liquid crystal display The notification mode on the device 22 can be diversified, and the gameability can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to the pachislot machine 1 has been described. However, when the unit game is started by the game starting means and the stop operation is not performed within a predetermined time, the symbol display is performed. It is also possible to apply the present invention to other gaming machines that automatically stop the symbol variation display by means. Even when the present invention is applied to such a gaming machine, the same effects as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the reel unit which constitutes the pachi-slot machine by one embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of each reel which comprises the reel unit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the symbol row drawn on the outer peripheral part of the reel shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure comprised by the main control board of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure comprised by the sub control board of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the display combination specific table used for one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the lottery frequency determination table used for one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the probability lottery table used for one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the internal winning combination determination table used for one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the notification lottery table used for one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the game processing by main CPU of the pachi-slot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of medal insertion / start check processing shown in FIG. 12; It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the game state monitoring process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the probability lottery process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the stop control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the reel stop instruction | indication notification process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the automatic 3rd stop process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the sliding frame number determination process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the display combination specific process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the error check process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the bonus completion | finish check process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the bonus operation | movement check process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the regular interruption process by main CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the reset interruption process by sub CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the command input process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the command corresponding | compatible execution process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of a reel stop instruction command reception process shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the effect image displayed on a liquid crystal display device, when the small part of a bell is determined as an internal winning combination by the probability lottery process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachi slot machine 2-4 ... Reel 8 ... Medal insertion slot 8S ... Insertion medal sensor 22 ... Liquid crystal display device 29 ... Storage medal adjustment button 29S ... Storage medal adjustment switch 30 ... Start lever 30S ... Start switch 61 ... Main control board 62 ... Sub-control board 63, 81 ... Microcomputer
64 ... main CPU (central processing unit)
82 ... Sub CPU
65, 83 ... Program ROM (read-only memory)
66, 84 ... Control RAM (Random Access Memory)
90 ... VDP (Video Display Processor)

Claims (3)

A game start means for starting a unit game based on the betting of a game medium, a symbol display means for displaying a symbol when the unit game is started by the game start means, and a unit game is started by the game start means. A winning combination determining means for determining the winning combination, a variable display stopping means for stopping the variable display of the symbol by the symbol display means based on a stop operation, and a predetermined time after the unit game is started by the game starting means. When the stop operation is not performed, the variable display automatic stop means for automatically stopping the symbol fluctuation display by the symbol display means, and the winning combination determining means when the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped by the fluctuation display stop means A game value giving means for giving a game value when the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination determined by is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means; A set value of a payout rate indicating a ratio of the total number of game media given to the player by the game value giving means to the total number of game media bet on the top game is selected from a plurality of predetermined values. In a gaming machine provided with setting value selection means,
The variable display automatic stop means automatically stops the variable display of symbols by the symbol display means so that the combination of symbols stopped and displayed by the symbol display means is different from the combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination. ,
When the predetermined winning combination is determined by the winning combination determining means, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the unit game is started by the game starting means, the setting value selected by the setting value selecting means is set. Notification lottery means for performing lottery for determining whether or not to perform a stop operation with a lottery probability;
A gaming machine comprising: a notification means for performing a notification to prompt a stop operation when it is determined to perform the notification by lottery by the notification lottery means. A storage means for storing a plurality of lottery probabilities that differ depending on the stage for each set value,
The notification lottery means is a time interval determined in advance according to each stage from when the unit game is started by the game start means until the predetermined time elapses until the predetermined time elapses. Based on the lottery probability stored in the storage unit according to the setting value selected by the set value selection unit and the time at that time, lottery is performed to determine whether or not to notify the stop operation. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is characterized.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notifying unit notifies the type of the predetermined winning combination determined by the winning combination determining unit.

Images