JP2007054499A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily import a prescribed performance picture in conversation information, for example, allowing a beginner having little background knowledge to play while receiving an advice of the experienced about the implication of information picture and allowing even the beginner to enjoy a game of advanced play. <P>SOLUTION: This slot machine can execute a game defining a process of inserting game media, rotating a plurality of reels displayed with a plurality of symbols and stopping them as one unit; and is provided with a picture storage means 511 storing picture data of performance pictures, a picture display means 70 capable of displaying the performance picture and a radio communication device 600 executing the mutual communication of conversation information with another slot machine. The radio communication device 600 is provided with a picture importing means 660 reading the picture data of the performance image from the picture storage means 511 by the operation of a conversation information input means 601, and outputting the performance picture display information necessary for displaying the performance picture of the picture data to another slot machine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that inserts game media, rotates a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed, and determines a game result by a combination of symbols when each reel is stopped. The present invention relates to a slot machine provided with a wireless communication device as a communication means.

In general, the slot machine performs a lottery by the control means, and when a symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the lottery stops and wins, a game of a mode corresponding to the winning combination is performed. Here, some slot machines in recent years produce games more interesting by displaying various effect images on image display means such as a liquid crystal display device. This effect image is composed of a moving image or a still image using CG (computer graphic) or live action, for example, a standby image with a certain content repeatedly displayed during a game standby, displayed during a series of games, A series of images that contain relevant information and a story, or a notification image that contains information for assisting the player so that the game proceeds in an advantageous manner reflecting the winning results of the role lottery. Yes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-350799 A JP 2003-62290 A

  However, in the conventional slot machine described above, no means for communication between players is provided in each slot machine arranged in the store. For this reason, the players inevitably communicate with each other by conversing with each other. However, in the store, it is difficult to hear the opponent's voice due to a large number of slot machines, BGM of pachinko, sound effects, and the like. In addition, it is not always possible to play games in the adjacent slot machines between acquaintances of the players. turn into. As described above, the conventional slot machine described above has a problem that the players cannot enjoy the game while communicating with each other.

  On the other hand, in recent slot machines, the game content has been advanced by the introduction of the above-described effect image. For example, when the notification image notifies the winning of a winning combination such as a bonus, this notification image (ex.UFO If you do not stop the reels aiming for a winning combination (ex. Watermelon or bonus), the winning combination cannot be won. For this reason, in order to fully enjoy the game, prior knowledge such as the meaning of the notification image is necessary, and there is a problem that it is difficult for a beginner with little prior knowledge to enjoy the game alone. Therefore, if a game can be performed while receiving advice from experienced persons, even beginners with little prior knowledge can enjoy high-level games.

  Here, in JP-A-2003-62290 (Cited document 2), a plurality of slot machines installed in different stores are provided with communication interfaces (wireless communication means), and each slot machine is connected via this communication interface. There has been proposed a gaming system in which a progressive game is played by centrally managing each slot machine by using a server connected to the Internet.

  In general, a progressive game means that a part of medals thrown into each slot machine that constitutes a group is stored in a lump, and if a specific winning combination is won by any slot machine, a progressive game is played. Is a game in which the stored medals are paid out together with the slot machine as a bonus to the player.

  However, in the gaming system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-62290, communication between players cannot be achieved using wireless communication means provided in each slot machine. That is, the wireless communication means provided in each slot machine is merely for transmitting / receiving game data such as operation data, medal insertion number data, and winning determination data of each slot machine, and this wireless communication means is used. Players cannot exchange conversations or express their intentions.

  Even if the wireless communication means using the Internet is provided in a plurality of slot machines so that players in the same store can communicate with each other, a server for connecting to the Internet There is also a problem that a transmitter / receiver for transmitting / receiving data to / from the wireless communication means of the machine must be installed in the store.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that enables communication between players and can greatly improve the entertainment characteristics of the game.

  In order to achieve the above object, a slot machine according to claim 1 of the present invention has a process from inserting a game medium and rotating and stopping a plurality of reels displaying a plurality of symbols as one unit. A slot machine capable of performing a game, wherein image storage means for storing image data of effect images, image display means capable of displaying the effect images, and communication of conversation information with other slot machines. A wireless communication device capable of inputting the conversation information by a player's operation, and the effect information of the effect image from the image storage means by the operation of the conversation information input device. Image capturing means for reading out image data and outputting effect image display information necessary for displaying the effect image of the image data on another slot machine, and the other slot Shin's wireless communication apparatus, conversation information, and conversation information transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving the effect image display information output by the image capture means, the conversation information input by the conversation information input means, and the image capture means A conversation information display means for displaying a presentation image based on the presentation image of the image data read out, the conversation information received by the conversation information transmission / reception means, and the presentation image display information received by the conversation information transmission / reception means; It is as composition which has.

  According to such a configuration, conversation information such as visible characters, symbols, figures, symbols, or images can be exchanged between the slot machines by the wireless communication device provided in each slot machine. Players can communicate freely without inconvenience the players. In particular, the image capturing means captures the effect image in the conversation information, and transmits and receives the effect image display information necessary for displaying the effect image on another slot machine that is the communication partner. Images can be easily included in conversation information. For example, a beginner with little prior knowledge can play a game while receiving advice from an experienced person about the meaning of a notification image. You will be able to enjoy it.

  Here, the “game medium” is a medium that is inserted into the slot machine in order to play a game, such as coins, medals, and chips. In addition, as long as this object can be achieved, it is not limited to an actual object, and for example, an electromagnetically acting one such as a magnetic card can be applied.

  “Inserting” a game medium includes that the player actually inserts a game medium such as a coin into a game medium slot provided in the slot machine. In addition, the use of a predetermined number of game media credited in advance as the storage medium of the slot machine is also included.

  The “reel on which the symbol is displayed” includes not only a real reel that is physically rotated and stopped by a motor or the like, but also a virtual reel using a CG or the like displayed on the display device.

  "Image storage means" includes, for example, storage means such as ROM (read-only memory) or RAM (random-access memory), and control means for controlling output of image data stored in the storage means. It is. The “image display means” includes, for example, a display device that displays an image, an image driving device, and an image control means that performs control for image display. Furthermore, the “effect image” includes any image as long as it is an image displayed on the display device. For example, any image such as a character, a pattern, a color, and a pattern can be applied, and still images and moving images are also included. . It can also be combined with voice.

  “Conversation information” refers to the language, characters, and other visual or auditory information used for the players to communicate each other's intentions, emotions, and thoughts. Examples include elements such as symbols, figures, designs, colors, or images such as moving images and still images (hereinafter, elements that can constitute conversation information are referred to as “conversation elements”). Therefore, the effect sound such as the effect image, BGM, and dialogue described above does not correspond to the conversation information when used as an effect during the game, but all or part of the data of the effect image and the sound effect is captured. When used as a conversation element, conversation information is formed as a means of communication with other players.

  The “conversation information input means” includes various computer input means such as a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse, a pen input device, a voice input device, and a touch panel. The “conversation information transmitting / receiving means” includes a unit that transmits and receives radio waves obtained by converting data such as conversation information, ID information to be described later, and a communication request signal to be described later. The “conversation information display means” includes, for example, a display device such as CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  According to the command, the “image capturing means” reads out the image data of the predetermined effect image from the image storage means, and “effect image display information” necessary for displaying the predetermined effect image on another slot machine. All the means capable of outputting the signal are included.

  Here, “effect image display information” is used to create the image data itself read by the image capturing means, a command necessary for reading out the image data from the image storage means, or this command. This includes all information that can be transmitted wirelessly, such as an identifier assigned to each image data, to be displayed on the other slot machine as the predetermined effect image.

  Preferably, as in the slot machine according to claim 2 of the present invention, for each image data of the effect image stored in the image storage unit as the effect image display information, each image is stored in the image capturing unit. Command information for reading data is assigned, and when the image capture means reads the image data of the effect image from the image storage means, the command information assigned to the read image data is output. The conversation information transmission / reception means transmits the command information together with the conversation information to a wireless communication device of the other slot machine.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to display a predetermined effect image on other slot machines smoothly and quickly without transmitting / receiving image data having a large amount of information. Here, “command information” refers to a command itself necessary for reading out image data of a predetermined effect image from the image storage means, or an identifier assigned to each image data used for creating this command. All the information that can be transmitted wirelessly required to display the predetermined effect image on other slot machines is included.

  Preferably, as in the slot machine according to claim 3 of the present invention, when the conversation information transmitting / receiving unit receives the command information from the wireless communication device of the other slot machine, the image capturing unit Based on the command information, a command for reading predetermined effect image data stored in the image storage means is executed, and the conversation information display means displays the predetermined effect image.

  According to such a configuration, the command used by the image capturing unit of the wireless communication device in the slot machine on the transmitting side to read the image data of the predetermined effect image is used as the command information as it is in the other slot on the receiving side. It can be transmitted to the machine and a predetermined effect image can be displayed, and wireless communication of conversation information including the effect image can be performed more easily.

  Preferably, as in the slot machine according to claim 4 of the present invention, ID information capable of registering ID information for identifying the player by operation of the conversation information input means in the wireless communication device. It is good also as a structure which provides a registration means and transmits / receives the said ID information by the said conversation information transmission / reception means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to identify individual players that communicate conversation information, and not only facilitate identification and selection of a partner to communicate conversation information, but also communicate conversation information. In addition, the player's personality can be expressed.

  “ID information” includes, for example, information such as a player's name or nickname, gender, age, birthplace, hobby, birthday, blood type, and other profiles. In the “ID information registration means”, for example, storage means such as ROM (read-only memory) or RAM (random-access memory), ID information is registered in this storage means, and control of data output is performed. These control means are included.

  Preferably, as in the slot machine according to claim 5 of the present invention, the wireless communication device is provided with a communication state display lamp for displaying a communication state with the wireless communication device of the other slot machine by turning on or off. More preferably, as in the slot machine according to claim 6 of the present invention, the communication status display lamp is provided in the wireless communication device of the other slot machine that communicates with the wireless communication device. The communication status display lamp emits light of the same color.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily identify the slot machine that is communicating conversation information from the outside based on whether the communication status display lamp is turned on or off. In addition, when the communication status display lamps of the slot machines that communicate conversation information emit light of the same color, it is possible to identify a plurality of slot machines that communicate conversation information with each other at a glance. This makes it easier to check the communication state in the store.

  The “communication status display lamp” includes a light emitting device using a light bulb capable of emitting monochromatic or multicolor light, an EL (electroluminescence) or an LED (light-emitting diode).

  Preferably, as in the slot machine according to claim 7, the conversation information input means of the wireless communication device is configured as a touch panel capable of handwriting input. According to such a configuration, various types of conversation information such as characters, symbols, figures, designs, colors, and the like can be easily input. "Touch panel" refers to an input device that can input conversation information such as characters, symbols, figures, or symbols by touching the operation surface with a finger or a dedicated pen, and is provided on the screen of a display device Or a device provided separately from the display device, and further includes any type such as a pressure-sensitive type or an electrostatic type.

  Preferably, as in the slot machine according to claim 8, the wireless communication apparatus is provided with a conversation information storage means in which conversation element data constituting the conversation information is stored in advance, and the conversation element data is input to the conversation information. It is good also as a structure which selects by operation of a means and inputs the said conversation information.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to input conversation information more quickly and easily by selecting and inputting conversation element data stored in advance in the conversation information storage means. “Conversation element data” refers to elements such as characters, words, sentences, symbols, figures, designs, colors, or images such as moving images and still images that constitute conversation information. For example, hiragana and katakana are common. , Kanji and idioms, symbols such as +,-,% ..., figures such as ○, △, □ ..., and other special terms used in slot machines and games, various symbols displayed on reels, Elements such as characters constituting all or part of the effect image and the notification image, and all or some elements of sound effects such as BGM and dialogue during the game are included. The “conversation information storage means” includes, for example, storage means such as ROM (read-only memory) or RAM (random-access memory), and control for controlling the output of conversation element data stored in the storage means. Means etc. are included.

  Preferably, like the slot machine according to claim 9, the wireless communication device can perform communication of communication information with another unspecified slot machine, and the specified other slot machine. It is good also as a structure provided with the non-public communication means which enables it to select and to communicate conversation information separately. More preferably, as in the slot machine according to claim 10, the communication request signal transmitted from the wireless communication device of another slot machine is received by the private communication unit of the wireless communication device via the transmission / reception unit. Then, based on the communication request signal, the player individually selects permission or rejection of communication with the wireless communication device of the other slot machine, and the wireless communication device of the other slot machine that has selected permission. A communication availability selection unit that enables communication of the conversation information is provided.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to select public conversation communication performed without limiting the other party and private conversation communication performed without limiting the other party. “Public communication” includes, for example, a configuration in which a virtual room is created on the software of a wireless communication device, and a plurality of wireless communication devices entered in this room can communicate with each other. In “private communication”, for example, one wireless communication device that wishes to communicate conversation information among a plurality of wireless communication devices is selected, and only when the player of the selected wireless communication device permits the mutual communication. It is possible to communicate conversation information between them.

  According to the slot machine of the present invention described above, conversation information such as visible characters, symbols, figures, graphics, or images can be exchanged between the slot machines by the wireless communication device provided in each slot machine. Players can communicate freely without disturbing other players. As a result, players can enjoy the game while communicating with each other, and the entertainment characteristics of the game can be greatly improved.

  In addition, because it is configured to communicate with a wireless communication device, no wiring work is required to communicate with other slot machines, and communication is performed by freely laying out in the store like conventional slot machines. be able to.

  In particular, it is possible to easily include a predetermined effect image in conversation information. For example, a beginner with little prior knowledge can play a game while receiving advice from an experienced person regarding the meaning of a notification image. You will be able to enjoy advanced games.

  In addition, since command information necessary for reading out image data of a predetermined effect image from the image storage means is transmitted and received, it is possible to smoothly and quickly without transmitting and receiving image data having a large amount of information. A predetermined effect image can be displayed on another slot machine.

  Hereinafter, a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of slot machine 10)
<Description of overall structure>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, a front panel 20 is provided on the front surface of the housing of the slot machine 10. Three display windows 22 </ b> L, 22 </ b> C, and 22 </ b> R that are vertically long in the vertical direction are formed substantially at the center of the front panel 20.

  Five winning lines are defined in front of these three display windows 22L, 22C and 22R. These five winning lines are composed of three horizontal winning lines (center L1, upper and lower L2A, L2B) and two diagonal winning lines (diagonally downward L3A, obliquely upward L3B). . At the left end of these pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B, bet number (game media bet number) display sections 24a to 24e are displayed in order from the top “3”, “2”, “1”, “ 2 ”and“ 3 ”. The bet number display sections 24a to 24e are a winning line (hereinafter referred to as an effective line) that is activated according to the number of inserted game media (in this embodiment, medals are used), and the number of bets on the game media. Is displayed.

  A substantially horizontal operation panel unit 30 is provided below the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R. On the left side of the operation panel 30, a 1-bet switch 32, a 2-bet switch 34, and a maximum bet switch 36 are disposed. In addition, a game medium insertion port 38 into which a game medium can be inserted is provided on the right side of the operation panel unit 30.

  When a game medium is inserted from the game medium slot 38, a game medium counter (not shown) counts the number of game media. The credit amount is stored in a RAM 110 described later.

  The 1-bet switch 32 is a switch for setting a game bet on only one of the credits. The 2-bet switch 34 is a switch for targeting only two of the credits for game betting. The maximum bet switch 36 is a switch for setting three medals out of the number of credits as a game bet.

  In the following, the number of game media to be bet is referred to as “the number of bets” and is set as a bet object by the player by operating the 1-bet switch 32, the 2-bet switch 34 or the maximum bet switch 36 described above. The number of medals is referred to as “set bet number”.

  When the player operates the 1-bet switch 32, one of the five pay lines, for example, the pay line L1 is activated. Further, when the 2-bet switch 34 is operated, three of the five pay lines, for example, the pay lines L1, L2A, and L2B are validated. Further, when the maximum bet switch 36 is operated, all of the five pay lines, that is, L1, L2A, L2B, L3A and L3B are activated. The activated winning line is clearly indicated by lighting an activated line display lamp 124 (see FIG. 4) provided on the back of each of the bet number display sections 24a to 24e.

  Further, an image display device (image display means) 70 constituted by a liquid crystal display panel is provided above the housing of the slot machine 10. The image display device 70 is not limited to a liquid crystal display panel, and any other display device can be used as long as the player can visually recognize image information and text information during the game. The image display device 70 can display the various effect images described above.

  Next to the image display device 70, there is provided a wireless communication device 600 including a conversation information input means 601, a conversation information display means 602, a conversation information control means 603 and a conversation information transmission / reception means 606 shown in FIG. Furthermore, a communication state display lamp 607 for displaying a communication state with the wireless communication device 600 of another slot machine 10 is provided on the casing ceiling of the slot machine 10. Details of the wireless communication device 600 and the communication status display lamp 607 will be described later.

  On the other hand, three reels 40L, 40C and 40R are rotatably provided inside the casing of the slot machine 10. Each of the reels 40L, 40C and 40R has a ring shape, and a reel tape on which a pattern is printed is attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof. On this reel tape, for example, 21 symbols are drawn at equal intervals. The arrangement of these symbols differs for each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. Each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is visible through the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R described above. When the reel is stopped, three consecutive symbols of one reel can be visually recognized in one display window. For this reason, a total of nine symbols can be visually recognized from all three display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R.

  As will be described later, each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), and is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R in each display window 22L, 22C, and 22R. The symbol moves from top to bottom.

  A start switch (start lever) 50 is tiltably provided on the left side of the front surface of the operation panel unit 30, and three stop switches 52 </ b> L, 52 </ b> C, and 52 </ b> R are provided at the center of the front surface of the operation panel unit 30. It is provided. The stop switch 52L corresponds to the left reel 40L, the stop switch 52C corresponds to the middle reel 40C, and the stop switch 52R corresponds to the right reel 40R.

  When the player tilts the start switch 50, the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R described above start to rotate all at once. When the rotational speeds of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R reach a constant speed, the operation of the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R by the player becomes effective.

  When the player pushes the stop switch 52L, the left reel 40L stops. When the stop switch 52C is pushed, the middle reel 40C stops. When the stop switch 52R is pushed, the right reel 40R stops.

  When each reel 40L, 40C, or 40R is stopped, stop control is performed so that the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces are positioned on the above five winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B. .

  On the lower right side of the casing of the slot machine 10 is a sound output from a speaker (not shown) housed in the casing (corresponding to a speaker 64 shown in FIG. 3 described later) to the outside of the casing. A sound transmission hole 60 is provided. A game medium payout port 62 is provided at a central portion below the casing of the slot machine 10. When each reel 40L, 40C or 40R stops, the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the active line becomes a predetermined combination, that is, the combination of symbols constituting the winning combination. Accordingly, a predetermined number of game media are paid out from the game media payout opening 62.

  As described above, the game in the slot machine 10 is such that a game result is determined by a combination of symbols of the plurality of reels 40L, 40C, or 40R stopped. This game is performed every time the player tilts the start switch 50, and the process from the start of rotation to the stop of rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, or 40R can be repeated as one unit of game. .

  Examples of the types of combinations described above include types such as winning combinations, general combinations, and re-playing combinations. The winning combination is a combination in which when a winning combination is won by lottery and when a winning combination is awarded according to the winning combination, a winning game that allows the player to advance the game advantageously can be performed. Further, the general combination is a combination of paying out a predetermined number of game media when a general combination is won by lottery and a symbol corresponding to the general combination is won. In addition, the re-game player wins the re-game player by lottery, and when all the symbols corresponding to the re-game player are won, a re-game (also referred to as replay) is performed without newly inserting a game medium. It is a role that can.

  The winning combinations include a big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as BB combination) and a regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as RB combination). The RB combination is a combination to shift to an RB game that is one of the winning games. In this RB game, a game in which a predetermined combination is won with a high probability is performed a predetermined number of times under a certain condition. On the other hand, the BB combination is a combination that shifts to a BB game that is one of the winning games. The BB game is a game in which a general game is performed and a transition to an RB game can be made under a certain condition during the general game, and the general game and the RB game are reached until a predetermined number of game media is paid out. Can be repeated.

<Description of control means>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit of the slot machine according to this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a sub-control circuit of the slot machine according to this embodiment. In these drawings, the control means of the slot machine 10 described above is composed of a main control circuit 100 and a sub control circuit 200 that are electrically connected to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the start switch 50 described above is connected to the interface circuit 102 of the main control circuit 100, and the interface circuit 102 is connected to the input / output bus 104. The start switch 50 transmits an operation signal by the tilting operation of the player. This operation signal is converted into a desired signal in the interface circuit 102 and then transmitted to the input / output bus 104. The input / output bus 104 inputs / outputs data signals or address signals to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 106.

  The interface circuit 102 is also connected to stop switches 52L, 52C and 52R, a 1-bet switch 32, a 2-bet switch 34 and a maximum bet switch 36. These switches also send an operation signal by a player's pushing operation, and this operation signal is also transmitted to the interface circuit 102, converted into a desired signal, and then transmitted to the input / output bus 104.

  A ROM 108 and a RAM 110 are also connected to the input / output bus 104 described above. The ROM 108 stores a control program for controlling the entire flow of the slot machine 10 and initial data for executing this control program. For example, a main routine shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later, a subroutine shown in FIGS. 6 to 12, and initial data for use in these programs are stored. The RAM 110 can temporarily store flags and variable values used in the control program described above.

  A random number generator 112 for generating random numbers is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The random number generator 112 generates a random number included in a certain range of numerical values, for example, 0 to 65535 (2 to the 16th power). Note that a random number may be generated by arithmetic processing of the CPU 106.

  A motor drive circuit 114 is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The motor driving circuit 114 is connected to stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R that rotate and drive each of the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. Each of the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R is provided inside the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, respectively, so that the rotation shafts of the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R are the rotation centers of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. It is attached.

  The drive control command issued from the CPU 106 is converted into a drive signal by the motor drive circuit 114, and this drive signal is transmitted to the stepping motors 80L, 80C and 80R. This drive control command includes a rotation speed command, and the CPU 106 performs rotation control and stop control of the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R and also controls the rotation speed.

  Each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is provided with a rotation angle position sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation angle position of each reel, and this rotation angle position sensor is connected to the reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116. It is. When a signal indicating the rotation angle position of each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is transmitted from the rotation angle position sensor, this signal is transmitted to the reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116, converted into a predetermined signal, and then input. Input to the output bus 104. Then, the CPU 106 calculates a symbol number from the input rotation angle position, and specifies the symbol displayed in each of the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R.

  Further, a connection line 118 is also connected to the interface circuit 102. The main control circuit 100 is electrically connected to a sub-control circuit 200 described later by this connection line 118.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the connection line 118 described above is connected to the interface circuit 202 of the sub-control circuit 200, and this interface circuit 202 is connected to the input / output bus 204. A signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 200 is converted into a desired signal by the interface circuit 202 and then transmitted to the input / output bus 204. The input / output bus 204 inputs / outputs data signals or address signals to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 206.

  A ROM 208 and a RAM 210 are also connected to the input / output bus 204 described above. The ROM 208 stores a control program for controlling a lamp driving circuit 218, a display driving device 220, and a speaker driving circuit 222, which will be described later, initial data for executing the control program, and the like. The ROM 208 also stores various image data to be displayed on the image display device 70, sound effect data such as BGM and speech to be emitted from the speaker 64, and the like.

  Here, the above-described wireless communication device 600 is connected to the ROM 208 via an interface circuit (not shown). That is, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 600 can read out the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 208, and the conversation information obtained by incorporating all or part of the effect image or sound effect during play as a conversation element. Wireless communication is possible.

  A lamp drive circuit 218 for driving the effective line display lamp 124 is connected to the input / output bus 204. The CPU 206 transmits a drive command to the lamp drive circuit 218 based on the control information transmitted from the main control circuit 100, and drives the effective line display lamp 124 according to the drive command to light.

  The input / output bus 204 is connected to a display driving device (image display means) 220 that drives the image display device 70. The CPU 206 reads out image data, character data, and the like stored in the ROM 208 based on control information transmitted from the main control circuit 100 and transmits these data to the display driving device 220. Thereby, these image data and character data are displayed on the image display device 70 as an image.

  Further, a speaker drive circuit 222 for driving the speaker 64 is connected to the input / output bus 204. The CPU 206 reads out sound data stored in the ROM 208 based on the control information transmitted from the main control circuit 100 and supplies the sound effect data to the speaker drive circuit 222. Thereby, a predetermined sound effect such as BGM or dialogue is emitted from the speaker 64.

(Explanation of functional block diagram)
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of control of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. In the figure, as a control circuit, a main control means 100 and a sub control circuit 200 are electrically connected. An operation means 300 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 100, and reels 40L, 40C are connected. And motors 80L, 80C and 80R provided in each of 40R and 40R are electrically connected. An image display device 70, an effective line display lamp 124, and a speaker 64 are electrically connected to the sub control circuit 200.

  The stop operation means 310 is constituted by three stop switches 52L, 52C and 52R, and the operation means 300 is constituted by the stop operation means 310, the start switch 50, and the bet switches 32, 34 and 36. The operation means 300 is not limited to a switch, and any means can be applied as long as it generates an operation signal based on an operation using the limbs of the player.

<Description of Main Control Circuit 100>
The main control circuit 100 includes a role lottery means 410, a reel control means 440, a winning game control means 450, and a re-game control means 460.

  The role lottery means 410 performs a lottery of a combination (BB combination, RB combination, general combination, and replay combination) which are winning combinations by a combination lottery process. The role lottery means 410 includes, for example, a random number generator 112 (hard random number or the like) for the role lottery, a random number extractor 420 that extracts a random number generated by the random number generator 112, and a random number extracted by the random number extractor 420. Random number determination means 430 for determining the presence / absence of a winning combination and a winning combination based on a numerical value is provided. Such a control process by the lottery means 410 is shown in a role lottery processing subroutine (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  Here, the “general combination” is a combination in which a predetermined number of game media are paid out when a general combination is won by lottery and a symbol corresponding to the general combination is won. In addition, “winning game” means “winning game” in which when a winning game is won by lottery and a symbol corresponding to the winning game stops and a prize is won, the game proceeds in a manner advantageous to the player. It is a role that can. The winning combination includes, for example, a big bonus combination (BB combination) and a regular bonus combination (RB combination).

  The RB combination is a combination that shifts to an RB game that is one of the winning games. In this RB game, a game in which a predetermined combination is won with a high probability can be performed a predetermined number of times under a certain condition. In addition, the BB role is a role for shifting to a BB game that is one of the winning games. This BB game can be used for general games and can be transferred to RB games under certain conditions during the general games. The game is a game in which a general game and an RB game can be repeatedly performed until a predetermined number of payouts of game media is reached.

  “Re-playing” means “re-playing” in which a re-playing role can be re-executed without throwing in game media when the re-playing role is won in the role lottery and the symbol corresponding to the re-playing role is stopped and won. (Also referred to as “replay”).

  In the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, not only the above-mentioned BB combination, RB combination, general combination, and re-game combination, but also various other combinations can be added according to the game mode.

  The reel control means 440 controls to drive the motors 80L, 80C, 80R and rotate the reels 40L, 40C, 40R based on the operation signal of the start switch 50. Further, the reel control means 440 transmits a rotation start signal when starting the rotation of the reel. Further, the reel control means 440 performs control to stop the reels 40L, 40C, 40R based on the operation signal of the stop switches 52L, 52C, 52R or the elapse of a predetermined time. In this stop control, symbol combination control is performed to prevent or prevent stop symbols from being matched in accordance with the winning combination. Such a control process by the reel control means 440 is shown in a reel fluctuation / stop subroutine (see FIG. 8).

  The winning game control means 450 is advantageous to the player when the winning lottery process determines that the winning symbol and the general symbol are won and the winning symbol determination regarding the symbol that has been stopped determines that the symbols corresponding to each symbol are complete. Payout of a game or a predetermined number of game media that progresses to

  When the re-game control means 460 determines that the symbols corresponding to the re-gamer have been prepared by the winning symbol determination regarding the symbols that have been re-winned and stopped in the role lottery process, The control for performing the game is performed.

<Description of Sub Control Circuit 200>
The sub control circuit 200 is provided with an image control unit 510, a lamp control unit 520, and an audio control unit 530. Based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100, the image control means 510 reads the image data stored in the image storage means (ROM 208) 511, and controls the display driving device 220 shown in FIG. A predetermined effect image can be displayed on the device 70. This predetermined effect image includes a standby image in addition to the effect image and the notification image described above.

  Further, the lamp control means 520 reads the lamp lighting data stored in the ROM 208 based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100 and controls the lamp driving circuit 218 to turn on the predetermined effective line display lamp 124. Further, the sound effect control means 530 reads out the sound data stored in the sound effect storage means (ROM 208) 531 based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100, controls the speaker drive circuit 222, and controls the speaker 64. To produce a predetermined sound effect such as BGM or dialogue.

<Description of Wireless Communication Device 600>
The wireless communication apparatus 600 mainly includes a conversation information input unit 601, a conversation information display unit 602, a conversation information control unit 603, a conversation information transmission / reception unit 605, a transmission / reception antenna 606, and a communication state display lamp 607.

  The conversation information input means 601 is for inputting conversation information by a player's operation, and in this embodiment, a display device integrated touch panel as shown in FIG. 1 is adopted. In the figure, the conversation information input means 601 has a structure in which a pressure-sensitive touch panel is laminated on the surface of a small display device such as a CRT or LCD, for example. The upper half of the screen is the input board unit 601a and the lower half of the screen is A keyboard portion 601b is provided.

  The input board unit 601a displays, for example, a blank initial screen with a ruled line or no ruled line (the appearance is equivalent to one of 602a and 602b in FIG. 22 or FIG. 23). It is configured such that characters or pictures are directly handwritten on the screen with a dedicated pen or a finger.

  On the other hand, the keyboard unit 601b displays a virtual keyboard capable of switching hiragana, katakana, romaji, numbers, symbols, and the like. By touching the virtual keyboard with the dedicated pen or the like, characters and the like as text data are displayed. Can be entered. Characters and the like input by the keyboard unit 601b are displayed at predetermined positions on the input board unit 601a. Further, the keyboard unit 601b allows input of ID information by an ID information registration unit 610 described later, selection of conversation element data from the conversation information storage unit 650, capture of image data by the effect image capture unit 660, and the conversation information. An operation such as transmission / reception of conversation information by the transmission / reception means 605 is also performed.

  Furthermore, when performing operations such as selection of public or private communication by public communication means 620 or private communication means 630, which will be described later, and selection of communication availability by communication availability selection means 640, the conversation information input means 601 is provided below the touch panel. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device is switched to a dedicated screen for the operation that is completely different from the input board unit 601a and the keyboard unit 601b described above, and operations such as input and selection of predetermined information are performed on the touch panel (FIG. 21). reference).

  The conversation information display means 602 is, for example, a small display device such as a CRT or an LCD. The conversation information display means 602, for example, transmits and receives conversation information transmitted from its own wireless communication device 600 and conversation information received from another wireless communication device 600. They are displayed side by side in the vertical direction in time series (see symbols 602a and 602b in FIGS. 22 and 23). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, each item to be input as the ID information is displayed on the conversation information display unit 602, and the keyboard unit 601b of the conversation information input unit 601 is touched with a dedicated pen. Thus, complicated ID information is input to each item.

  4, the conversation information control means 603 includes the ID information registration means 610, public communication means 620, private communication means 630, communication availability selection means 640, conversation information storage means 650, and effect image capture means 660. It has a configuration.

  The ID information registration means 610 is for registering ID information for identifying a player who communicates conversation information. As ID information to be registered in the ID information registration means 610, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, a player's name or nickname, gender, age, etc. are registered by the conversation information input means 601, but not limited thereto, You may make it register various information, such as a birthplace, a hobby, a birthday, a blood type, and another profile. The ID information registration unit 610 includes a storage unit such as a ROM or a RAM (not shown), and outputs ID information data registered in the storage unit in response to a request from the conversation information control unit 603.

  The public communication means 620 is for unconditionally communicating conversation information with another unspecified slot machine 10. That is, the conversation information can be communicated between the wireless communication devices 600 that have selected the public communication without selecting the other party.

  In this embodiment, as shown in “public communication” in FIG. 21, virtual “rooms 1 to 9” on the communication software are formed and displayed on the conversation information input means 601 by the above-described dedicated pen or the like. When any one of the list tab bars of “rooms 1 to 9” is selected, a plurality of wireless communication devices 600 that have selected the same room as that can communicate with each other unconditionally. For example, when three wireless communication devices a, b, and c (not shown) select the list tab bar of “room 1”, the conversation information transmitted by the wireless communication device a is received by the other wireless communication devices b and c, respectively. It has become so. In this specific example, when the wireless communication device d newly selects “room 1”, the wireless communication devices a to d can communicate with each other unconditionally.

  On the other hand, the non-public communication means 630 includes a communication permission / inhibition selection means 640, and when one slot machine 10 selects another specific slot machine 10 that desires communication of conversation information, the other party's permission is granted. It is possible to communicate conversation information only when it is obtained. That is, conversation information can be communicated only between the permitted or permitted wireless communication apparatuses 600, and the conversation information communication is not disclosed to other wireless communication apparatuses 600 that are not permitted.

  In this embodiment, when the player of each slot machine 10 installed in the store performs the above-described ID registration, as shown in “private communication” in FIG. 21, the name or nickname in the ID registration information (Assuming “players A to N”) are displayed. For example, in the wireless communication apparatus 600 in which the player A's ID is registered, when the “player B” list tab bar is selected with the dedicated pen of the conversation information input unit 601 described above, a communication request is sent to the wireless communication apparatus 600 in which the player B's ID is registered. A signal is transmitted. In the wireless communication device 600 of the player B that has received this communication request signal, although not shown, a message screen for selecting permission or refusal of communication of conversation information with the wireless communication device 600 of the player A is displayed. Only when permission is selected in the communication device 600, conversation information can be communicated with the wireless communication device 600 of the player A.

  Further, in this specific example, when a communication request signal is transmitted from the wireless communication device 600 newly registered with the player C's ID to the wireless communication device 600 of the player A, permission of the wireless communication device 600 of the player A, or On the condition that the wireless communication devices 600 of both the players A and B have permission, the wireless communication devices 600 of the players A to C can communicate with each other.

  The conversation information storage means 650 is a storage means such as ROM or RAM, for example, and conversation element data constituting conversation information is stored in advance. As the conversation element data, for example, general hiragana, katakana, kanji, alphanumeric characters, symbols such as + · − ·%, etc. inputted by the keyboard unit 601b of the conversation information input means 601 described above, ○ · Δ · □ There are text data such as graphics and font data. In addition, "Hello, how's it going?", "Thank you.", "You ahead rude." And boilerplate statements such as, further, as a special case to be understood that the terminology used in slot machines and gaming, this Conversation element data such as standard sentences including various symbols displayed on the reels are also stored.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect image capturing means 660 described below uses the effect image capturing means 660 to include all or a part of the effect image or the notification image such as a character constituting the effect image or the notification image, or all or one of the sound effects such as BGM and dialogue. Conversation information can be constructed by incorporating elements of the part.

  The effect image capturing means 660 reads the image data of the effect image from the image storage means 511 of the sub-control circuit 200 by operating the keyboard unit 601b of the conversation information input means 601, and the effect image of this image data is read by the communication partner. Command information (effect image display information) for display on some other slot machine 10 is output.

  This command information causes the effect image capturing means 660 of the other slot machine 10 to read out each image data for each image data of the effect image stored in the image storage means 511. For example, another slot machine 10 such as a command itself necessary for reading out image data of a predetermined effect image from the image storage unit 511 or an identifier assigned to each image data used for creating this command. All the information that can be transmitted wirelessly necessary to display a predetermined effect image is included. By adopting a configuration in which command information is transmitted and received in this manner, a predetermined effect image can be displayed on other slot machines 10 smoothly and quickly without transmitting and receiving image data with a large amount of information.

  In the present embodiment, by the operation of the keyboard unit 601 b of the conversation information input unit 601, the effect image capturing unit 660 reads the sound data of the sound effect from the sound effect storage unit 531 of the sub-control circuit 200, and this sound data The command information for causing the other slot machine 10 that is the communication partner to display the sound effect is output. Similar to the command information for displaying the effect image described above, this command information is also stored in the effect image capturing means of the other slot machine 10 for each sound data of the effect sound stored in the sound effect storage means 531. 660 causes each audio data to be read out. Similarly to the above, predetermined sound effects can be output from the speakers 64 of other slot machines 10 smoothly and quickly without transmitting / receiving audio data with a large amount of information.

  The conversation information transmission / reception unit 605 transmits / receives the ID information input by the conversation information input unit 601, the conversation information, and the command information output by the effect image capturing unit 660. The conversation information transmitting / receiving unit 605 includes a baseband IC and an RF (Radio Frequency) -IC (not shown).

  When the slot machine 10 transmits ID information, conversation information, etc. to other slot machines 10, the baseband IC outputs data such as ID information to the RF-IC, and the RF-IC modulates this data. Then, radio waves are transmitted from the transmission / reception antenna 606. However, the radio wave intensity at this time is set to a small value that is not subject to regulations of the Radio Law. On the other hand, when the slot machine 10 receives ID information or conversation information from other slot machines 10, the RF-IC demodulates the radio wave received by the transmission / reception antenna 606, and the baseband IC decodes the demodulated signal. Thus, data such as ID information is restored.

  The communication status display lamp 607 is for displaying the communication status of the slot machine 10, and in this embodiment, a light bulb, EL or LED capable of emitting multicolor light is used. The communication status display lamp 607 lights up to indicate that the slot machine 10 is communicating, and emits light in the same color as the communication status display lamp 607 provided in the other slot machines 10 communicating with each other. (See reference numeral 607 in FIG. 16).

  Note that the communication control of the above-described wireless communication apparatus 600 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

(Description of control processing)
Hereinafter, various controls in the main control circuit 100 described above will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main routine of control processing performed by the main control circuit 100. FIGS. 6 to 12 are flowcharts showing subroutines which are control processes in the main routine.

  6 and 7 show a part lottery processing subroutine for performing part lottery and flag-on processing by the part lottery means 410. FIG. 8 shows a reel fluctuation / stop subroutine for controlling the rotation and stop of the reel by the reel control means 440. FIG. 9 shows a winning determination and flag-off process subroutine which is a control process after the symbol is stopped by the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine. FIG. 10 shows an RB gaming process subroutine which is a part of the control process of the winning determination and flag off process subroutine. FIG. 11 shows a BB gaming process subroutine which is a part of the control process of the winning determination and flag-off process subroutine. FIG. 12 shows a winning combination processing subroutine which is a part of the control processing of the winning determination and flag off processing subroutine.

  In the control processing described below, the slot machine 10 is activated in advance, and variables used in the main control circuit 100 and the sub control circuit 200 described above are initialized to predetermined values and are in steady operation. To do.

<Description of main routine>
First, the control process of the main routine will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In this main routine, when a player puts in a game medium and rotates a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed and then stops them, a game is controlled once when one step is taken as one unit. Indicates processing.

  First, it is determined whether or not the value of the parameter NRP is greater than 0 (step S11). NRP is a parameter that determines whether or not to replay, and is set so that replay is performed when it is greater than 0, and replay is not performed when it is 0 or less. Further, as shown in step S167 of FIG. 12, when the re-gamer is won and won, 1 is input as the value of NRP.

  If it is determined in step S11 that the value of NRP is 0 or less (NO), it is determined that no re-game is performed, and then it is determined whether or not a game medium has been inserted (step S11). S12). If it is determined in this determination that a game medium has been inserted (YES), the process proceeds to step S15, and the inserted number counted by the game medium counter installed below the game medium insertion port 38 is detected as the bet number. . However, when the number of game media exceeding the specified number (three in this embodiment) is inserted, the game media exceeding the specified number is stored in the RAM 110 as the number of credits.

  If it is determined in step S12 described above that no game medium is inserted (NO), the process proceeds to step S13 to determine whether there is a credited game medium. If it is determined in this determination that there is no credited game medium (NO), the process returns to step S12 again, and the determination processes in steps S12 and S13 are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S13 that there is a credited game medium (YES), it is next determined whether or not a bet operation signal has been received (step S14). This bet operation signal is transmitted when the player operates one of the bet switches 32, 34, or 36. If it is determined in this determination that the bet operation signal has not been received (NO), the process returns to step S12 again, and the determination processing from step S12 to step S14 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S14 that a bet operation signal has been received (YES), the process proceeds to step S15, and the number of bets is detected from the received bet operation signal. In either case of inserting a game medium or using a credited game medium, the detected bet number is stored in the RAM 110 as a new bet number, and when using a credited game medium, A process of subtracting the number of credits of the game medium by the number of detected bets is performed (step S16). Then, the process proceeds to a combination lottery processing subroutine (step S18).

  If it is determined in step S11 that the NRP value is greater than 0 (YES) and it is determined that the player is in the replaying state, the process proceeds to step S17, and 0 is input to the NRP value to cancel the replaying state. The process proceeds to the hand lottery process subroutine (step S18) without performing the processes from step S12 to step S16. That is, when it is determined that the game is in the re-gaming state, the game can be played without newly inserting a game medium or consuming the credited game medium. As the bet number in the re-game, a bet number having the same value as the bet number in the previous game can be set, or a bet number having a value different from the bet number in the previous game can be used.

  In the part lottery processing subroutine of step S18, the part lottery means 410 performs part lottery, and performs a flag-on process for turning on the RB flag, the BB flag, the replay flag, and the general part flag according to the winning part. Details of this subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Subsequent to the role lottery processing subroutine (step S18), based on the result of the role lottery, the reel control means 440 rotates the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, and the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine related to the movement of the reels until it stops. The control process of (Step S19) is performed. Details of this subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  After the reel is stopped by the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine, a winning symbol determination is performed, and based on the determination result, a winning determination and flag off processing subroutine (step S20) for performing flag-off processing is performed. Details of this subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Then, a payout process (step S21) for paying out a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the winning game based on the winning lottery and winning symbol determination is performed. In the payout process, it is possible to actually pay out game media from the game media payout outlet 62 or to credit a predetermined number of game media. One unit of game is completed by the above control process. By repeating the control process shown in the main routine, the player can play a plurality of times.

<Role lottery processing subroutine>
Next, the combination lottery processing subroutine performed in step S18 of the main routine will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, based on the presence / absence of an operation signal (ON signal) from the start switch 50, it is determined whether or not the player has tilted the start switch 50 (step S31). When this operation signal is not received (NO), the determination of step S31 is repeatedly executed, and when the operation signal is received (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S32.

  In step S32, it is determined whether the value of the parameter NRB is greater than zero. The NRB is a parameter that determines whether or not to play an RB game. When the NRB is larger than 0, the RB game is performed. When the NRB is 0 or less, the RB game is not performed. Further, when the RB combination is won and won during the BB game or the general game, 1 is input as the NRB value (see step S125 in FIG. 11 and step S164 in FIG. 12).

  If it is determined in step S32 that the NRB value is greater than 0 (YES), the RB lottery table stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S33), and the process proceeds to step S37. Here, an example of the RB lottery table is shown in FIG.

  In the RB lottery table, the winning combination of symbol number 1 and the symbol number 2 are set to be different. In the case of winning combination, the winning combination is set when all three reels have JAC symbols. is there. In the winning lottery performed in step S37, which will be described later, the probability of winning a winning combination is 1 / 1.01, which is set very high. Therefore, during RB gaming, the possibility of winning a winning combination is high, and conversely, the probability of loss is set to about 1/100, and the possibility of loss is low.

  If it is determined in step S32 that the NRB value is 0 or less (NO), it is next determined whether or not the parameter NBB value is greater than 0 (step S34). Here, NBB is a parameter that determines whether or not to play a BB game. During a general game, when the BB combination is won and won, 1 is input to the value of NBB (see step S164 in FIG. 12).

  If it is determined in step S34 that the value of NBB is greater than 0 (YES), the BB operation general lottery table stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S35). Here, an example of the general lottery table during BB operation is shown in FIG. The general lottery table during BB operation is a lottery table used when the BB game is in progress and not in the RB game. If the game is BB game and RB game, the RB lottery table shown in FIG. 13 is used.

  In the general lottery table at the time of BB operation, the three types of general combinations of symbol numbers 1 to 3, the re-playing combination of symbol number 4, the RB combination of symbol number 5, and the deviation of symbol number 6 are set. Compared to the BB non-operating general lottery table (see FIG. 15) used in the normal gaming state, the BB operating general lottery table does not have a BB combination. The general lottery table for BB operation will be described below in the order of symbol numbers.

  If the winning combination in the lottery is 1/80, and the symbol on the left reel is cherry, the general combination 1 with symbol number 1 is a winning combination regardless of the symbol on the other two reels. It is set to be. The general combination 2 with symbol number 2 has a winning probability in the combination lottery of 1/5, and is set to win when the symbols of the bells are aligned on all three reels. The general combination 3 with the symbol number 3 has a winning probability in the combination lottery of 1/100, and is set to win when the three reels have the same watermelon symbol. In addition, the re-game combination with symbol number 4 has a winning probability in the combination lottery of 1 / 7.3, and is set to win when the symbols of “replay” are aligned on all three reels.

  The RB combination is set to win when the winning probability in the combination lottery is 1/3 and all three reels have JAC symbols. In the BB non-operating general lottery table (see FIG. 15) to be described later, the winning probability of the RB role in the role lottery is 1/600, and the probability of winning the RB role during the BB game is much higher than in the normal game. Is set high. In addition, the probability of symbol number 6 losing in the role lottery is set to about 1 / 3.26.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 6, the general lottery table for BB operation is read out in step S <b> 35, and then the process proceeds to step S <b> 37. Next, when it is determined in step S34 that the value of NBB is 0 or less (NO), the BB non-operating general lottery table stored in the ROM 108 is read (see step S36). Here, an example of the general lottery table when the BB is not operated is shown in FIG.

  The BB non-operating general lottery table is a lottery table used in the normal gaming state, as described above. The three types of general roles of symbol numbers 1 to 3, the replaying role of symbol number 4, and the symbol number 5 The RB combination, the BB combination of symbol number 6, and the deviation of symbol number 7 are set. The three types of general combinations of symbol numbers 1 to 3 are set to be the same as the above-described general lottery table for BB operation (see FIG. 14), and the symbols and winning probabilities.

  The re-game player with the symbol number 4 has a winning probability in the symbol lottery process of 1 / 7.3, and is set to win when the three reels have the “replay” symbol. As described above, the winning probability of the re-gamer in the role lottery in the normal game state is set to be the same as that in the BB game state.

  The RB combination with symbol number 5 has a winning probability in the combination lottery of 1/600 and is set to win when the three reels have JAC symbols. The BB combination with symbol number 6 is set to win when the winning probability in the combination lottery process is 1/300 and all three reels have 7 symbols in red. The probability in the extra lot drawing is set as high as about 1 / 1.57.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 6, as described above, after the lottery table corresponding to the state of the game is read out, the lottery for acquiring the random number and performing the lottery determination is performed (step S37). Specifically, random numbers generated by the random number generator 112 are extracted by the random number extraction means 420, and the random number determination means 430 compares the extracted random numbers with the read lottery table and determines the winning.

  Subsequently to FIG. 6, the process proceeds to FIG. 7, and it is determined whether or not the RB combination is won as a result of this determination (step S <b> 40). If it is determined in this determination that the RB combination is won (YES), the RB combination flag is turned on and stored in the RAM 110 (step S41), and the process proceeds to step S48.

  If it is determined in step S40 that the RB combination is not won (NO), it is next determined whether or not the BB combination is won in the combination lottery (step S42). If it is determined in this determination that the BB combination is won (YES), the BB flag is turned on and stored in the RAM 110 (step S43), and the process proceeds to step S48.

  Returning to the determination in step S42, if it is determined that the BB combination is not won (NO), it is next determined whether or not the re-game combination is won (step S44). If it is determined in this determination that the re-game combination is won by the combination lottery (YES), the re-game flag is turned on and stored in the RAM 110 (step S45), and the process proceeds to step S48.

  If it is determined in step S44 that the replay is not won (NO), it is next determined whether or not a general combination is won in the combination lottery (step S46). In this determination, if it is determined that the general combination is won (YES), the general combination flag is turned on and stored in the RAM 110 (step S47), and the process proceeds to step S48.

  If it is determined in step S46 that the winning combination has not been won (NO), the process proceeds to step S48 without performing the flag-on process.

  After performing a series of processes related to flag-on as described above, in step S48, the symbol number and control symbol data corresponding to the winning combination in the winning lottery are read from the ROM 108 and used for the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine described later. Data is stored in the RAM 110. The combination lottery processing subroutine is thus completed.

<Explanation of reel fluctuation / stop subroutine>
In the main routine of FIG. 5, when the above-described combination lottery processing subroutine (step S18) is completed, a reel fluctuation and stop subroutine (step S19) is then performed. The reel fluctuation and stop subroutine will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the symbol number and control symbol data stored in step S48 of FIG. 7 are read (step S61). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined shortest time has elapsed (step S62). If it is determined that the shortest time has not elapsed (NO), the determination process in step S62 is repeated. That is, the rotation of the reel, which is the next process, cannot be started until the shortest time has elapsed. By this control, the number of games played in a certain time is kept within a predetermined number.

  If it is determined that the shortest time has elapsed (YES), the reel control means 440 transmits a reel rotation start signal (step S63), and the motor drive circuit 114 is operated based on this reel rotation start signal, and the motor 80L, 80C, and 80R are driven to start rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the reel that has started rotating is rotating at a constant speed (step S64). If it is determined that the reel has not yet rotated at a constant speed (NO), the determination process in step S64 is repeated. That is, the reel stop control, which is the next step, cannot be performed until the reel rotation reaches a constant speed. If it is determined that the reel rotates at a constant speed (YES), it is next determined whether or not a reel stop signal has been received (step S65).

  The reel stop signal is transmitted when any one of the stop switches 52L, 52C, 52R is pushed by the player. For example, when the stop switch 52L for the first reel is pushed, stop control of the motor 80L that rotates the first reel 40L is performed. Similarly, when the stop switch 52C for the second reel is pushed, the stop control of the motor 80C for rotating the second reel 40C is performed, and the stop switch 52R for the third reel is pushed. In this case, stop control of the motor 80R that rotates the third reel 40R is performed.

  If it is determined that a reel stop signal has been received (YES), symbol combination control is performed (step S66), and the process proceeds to step S67. In this symbol combination control, it is possible to shift the stop position up to four symbols from the timing of receiving the reel stop signal (slide up to four frames), and the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the symbol lottery The reel stop control can be performed so that the symbols are aligned on the effective line. Further details of the control process will be omitted.

  For example, when a general combination 1 is won by a combination lottery, a maximum 4 frames are slid and stop control is performed so that the symbol cherry stops on the active line. In the present embodiment, by the symbol arrangement of a predetermined reel, It is possible to stop the symbol cherry or not stop the symbol cherry by the player's reel stop operation (the timing of pressing the stop switch 52L).

  After performing such symbol combination control, an all-reel stop signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 (step S67). In the control process of the sub-control circuit 200 described later, the image control means 510 transmits an image erasure signal to the display driving device 220 based on the all reel stop signal transmitted in step S67.

  After performing the process of step S67, or when it is determined in step S65 that the reel stop signal has not been received (NO), the control proceeds to step S68 without performing control related to the stop. In step S68, it is determined whether all reels have stopped. When it is determined that all reels are stopped (YES), this subroutine is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S68 that all reels are not stopped (NO), it is next determined whether or not the time limit has passed (step S69). If it is determined that the time limit has not been reached (NO), the process returns to step S65 again, and the processing from step S65 to step S68 is repeated. As described above, until all reels stop or until the time limit elapses, the process of executing the corresponding reel symbol stop control subroutine is repeated each time a reel stop signal is received.

  If it is determined in step S69 that the time limit has passed (YES), automatic symbol stop control is performed for reels that are still rotating to stop all reels (step S70), and this subroutine is terminated. To do. In this automatic symbol stop control, the maximum four frames are slid to stop the winning symbols from being aligned.

<Explanation of Winning Determination and Flag Off Processing Subroutine>
In the main routine of FIG. 5, when the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine (step S19) is completed, a winning determination and flag-off process subroutine (step 20) is performed. The winning determination and flag-off processing subroutine will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the game state is RB game (step S91). If it is determined in this determination that the NRB is greater than 0 (YES), an RB gaming process subroutine (step S92) is performed, and the winning determination and flag-off process subroutine is terminated. A detailed description of the RB game processing subroutine will be described later.

  If it is determined in step S91 that NRB is 0 or less (NO), it is next determined whether or not the game state is BB game (step S93). If it is determined in this determination that NBB is greater than 0 (YES), a BB gaming process subroutine (step S94) is performed, and the winning determination and flag-off process subroutine is terminated. A detailed description of the BB game processing subroutine will be described later.

  If it is determined in step S93 that NBB is 0 or less (NO), it is next determined whether or not there is a winning combination (step S95). If it is determined in this determination that there is a winning combination (YES), a winning combination processing subroutine (step S96) is performed, and the winning determination and flag off processing subroutine is terminated. A detailed description of the winning combination processing subroutine will be described later. If it is determined in step S95 that there is no winning combination (NO), the winning determination and flag off processing subroutine is terminated.

  In the following, a detailed description of the subroutine shown in steps S92, S94, and S96 will be given.

<Description of processing subroutine during RB game>
First, a detailed description of the RB game processing subroutine (step S92) executed when it is determined in step S91 that the RB game is being performed will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the reel symbol stopped by the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine described above has won a prize (step S101). Next, the game count and the winning count are counted, the game count and winning count data are updated, and the updated data is stored in the RAM 110 (step S102). These data are used as an RB game end condition. When the number of games or the number of winnings reaches a predetermined number, the RB game is ended.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a BB game is being played (step S103). If it is determined in this determination that the BB game is being played (YES), that is, the BB game is being played in the RB game, the payout number is counted to update the payout number data, and the updated data is stored in the RAM 110. (Step S104). This data is used as a BB game end condition. When the payout number reaches a predetermined number, the BB game is ended.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the BB game end condition has been achieved (step S105). In this determination, if it is determined that the BB game end condition has been achieved (YES), 0 is input to the values of NBB and NRB to release the RB game state and the BB game state (step S106). This subroutine is finished.

  If it is determined in step S105 that the BB end condition is not achieved (NO), it is next determined whether or not the RB end condition is achieved (step S107). If it is determined in this determination that the RB end condition is achieved (YES), 0 is input to the value of NRB to release the RB gaming state (step S108), and this subroutine is ended. If it is determined in step S107 that the RB termination condition has not been achieved (NO), the subroutine is terminated without releasing the RB gaming state.

  Returning to the determination in step S103, if it is determined that the BB game is not being played (NO), it is next determined whether or not the RB end condition is achieved (step S109). In this determination, if it is determined that the RB end condition is achieved (YES), 0 is input to the value of NRB to release the RB gaming state (step S110), and this subroutine is ended. If it is determined in step S109 that the RB termination condition has not been achieved (NO), the subroutine is terminated without releasing the RB gaming state.

<Description of processing subroutine during BB game>
Next, in the winning determination and flag off processing subroutine (see FIG. 9), the BB gaming processing subroutine (see step S94) executed when it is determined in step S93 that the BB gaming is in progress will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This will be described in detail.

  First, it is determined whether or not a reel symbol stopped by the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine described above has won a prize (step S121). Next, as a result of the winning symbol determination, it is determined whether or not any winning combination has been won (step S122). If it is determined in this determination that there is a winning (YES), it is then determined whether or not the RB combination has won (step S124). If it is determined in this determination that the RB combination has won (YES), 1 is input to the NRB value to set the RB gaming state (step S125), and the RB flag is turned off (step S126). The process proceeds to step S128.

  If it is determined in step S124 that the RB combination has not won (NO), the general combination flag is turned off (step S127), and the process proceeds to step S128.

  Returning to the determination in step S122, if it is determined that there is no winning (NO), if any flag is turned on, the flag is turned off (step S123), and the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, the payout number is counted, the payout number data is updated, and the updated data is stored in the RAM 110. This data is used as a BB game end condition, and when the payout number reaches a predetermined number, the BB game is ended.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the BB game end condition has been achieved (step S129). If it is determined in this determination that the BB game end condition has been achieved (YES), 0 is input to the NBB value to release the BB game state (step S130), and this subroutine is ended.

  If it is determined in step S129 that the BB termination condition has not been achieved (NO), this subroutine is terminated as it is.

<Explanation of the processing sub-routine at the time of winning>
Next, in the winning determination and flag off processing subroutine (see FIG. 9), the detailed explanation of the winning combination processing subroutine (see step S96) executed when it is determined in step S95 that there is a winning combination is shown in the flowchart of FIG. Will be described.

  First, it is determined whether or not the reel symbol stopped by the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine described above has won a prize (step S161). Next, as a result of the winning symbol determination, it is determined whether or not any winning combination has been won (step S162).

  If it is determined in this determination that a prize has been won (YES), it is next determined whether or not the BB combination or the RB combination has won (step S163). If it is determined in this determination that the BB combination or RB combination has won (YES), 1 is input as the value of NBB or NRB to set the BB or RB gaming state (step S164). Then, the BB or RB flag is turned off (step S165), and this subroutine is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S163 that the BB combination or RB combination has not won (NO), it is next determined whether or not the re-game combination has won (step S166). If it is determined in this determination that the re-game player has won (YES), 1 is input to the value of NRP to set the re-game state (step S167). Then, the re-game player flag is turned off. If the BB and RB flags are on, carry-over processing of the BB and RB flags is performed (step S168), and this subroutine is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S166 that the re-gamer has not won a prize (NO), it is determined that the player has won the general combination, the general combination flag is turned off, and the BB and RB flags are turned on. If so, carry-over processing is performed (step S169), and this subroutine is terminated.

  Returning to the determination in step S162, if it is determined that there is no winning (NO), it is next determined whether or not the BB and RB flags are on (step S170). In this determination, if it is determined that the BB and RB flags are turned on (YES), carry-over processing of the BB and RB flags is performed, and the other flags (re-playing game, general game) are turned on. If so, the flag is turned off (step S171), and this subroutine is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S170 that the BB and RB flags are not turned on (NO), the flag-on flag (replaying game, general role) is turned off (step S172). Exit the subroutine.

<Description of main routine (continued)>
As described above, the subroutines shown in steps S92, S94, and S96 are finished, and the winning determination and flag off processing subroutine shown in FIG. 9 is finished. Here, returning to the main routine of FIG. 5, the winning determination and flag-off process subroutine of step S20 is terminated, the payout process of step S21 is terminated, and this main routine is terminated. Thereby, the control process for performing a game with one process as a unit from when the symbol fluctuates until it stops is completed.

<Description of control by sub-control circuit>
In the sub control circuit 200, based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100, the above-described control for displaying the effect image, the control for turning on the display lamp, and the control for generating the sound effect are performed. Here, the image control means 510 has a control process for causing the image display device 70 to display a notification image including information for assisting the player so that the game proceeds advantageously by reflecting the winning result of the role lottery. Is doing. Some of the notification images include information (for example, an image of “UFO” indicated by reference numeral 602g in FIG. 23) for expecting or winning a winning combination such as a bonus. .

<Description of communication control by wireless communication device>
Next, communication control by the wireless communication apparatus 600 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing a layout in the store of a plurality of slot machines provided with the wireless communication device. FIG. 17 shows a communication preparation subroutine of the wireless communication apparatus. FIG. 18 shows a transmission subroutine of the wireless communication apparatus. FIG. 19 shows a reception subroutine of the wireless communication apparatus. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a registration screen for ID information displayed on the conversation information display means. FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing a selection screen for public communication or private communication displayed on the conversation information input means. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing conversation information and the like input by handwriting. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing conversation information and the like captured by the effect image capturing means. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of effect image data stored in the image storage means of the sub control circuit.

  In the store, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, 14 slot machines 10, 10,... As described above, each slot machine 10, 10... Includes the wireless communication device 600 and can communicate conversation information with each other. In addition, the figure shows a state in which the communication status display lamps 607, 607,... Of the slot machines 10, 10,. ) Indicates that the hatching is emitting the same color). Further, A to N indicate players of the slot machines 10, 10,. Hereinafter, communication control of the wireless communication apparatus 600 will be described by exemplifying 14 slot machines 10, 10... And A to N players constituting one island.

<Description of communication preparation subroutine>
In FIG. 17, in order to communicate conversation information using the wireless communication apparatus 600, it is first necessary to register ID information and identify the slot machine 10 used by itself or the person to be used in communication. Therefore, an ID information registration screen as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed in the initial state of the conversation information display means 20 (step S301). In this embodiment, a player's name or nickname, sex, and age can be registered as ID information. Of these, only the name or nickname is an essential registration item, and the wireless communication device 600 can communicate conversation information without registering gender and age.

  The ID information is input by touching the keyboard unit 601b of the conversation information input unit 601 shown in FIG. 1 with a dedicated pen or the like while viewing the registration screen of the conversation information display unit 20. The registration of the ID information is completed when the player inputs at least a name or a nickname, and the registration content is determined by touching, for example, the Enter key of the keyboard unit 601b.

  When the registration of the ID information is completed, the display content of the conversation information input means 601 is switched to the communication mode selection screen shown in FIG. 21 (step S302). In this communication mode selection screen, the list tab bar of “rooms 1 to 9” for performing public communication is displayed in the upper half, and the registered ID information (name or nickname) of the other party performing private communication in the lower half The list tab bar of “Players A to N” is displayed.

  As described above, when the player wishes to communicate conversation information with an unspecified partner (that is, public communication), select one of “rooms 1 to 9” and communicate conversation information with the specific partner. If (that is, non-public communication) is desired, one of “players A to N” is selected.

  In step S303, it is first determined whether public communication has been selected. If it is determined that public communication is selected (YES) in this determination, the display content of the conversation information input means 601 is switched to the input board section 601a and the keyboard section 601b shown in FIG. Then, a blank initial screen capable of displaying the transmitted / received conversation information is displayed (step S307). Thereby, the communication preparation for conversation information is completed (step S308).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that public communication has not been selected (NO), the process proceeds to step S304, and it is determined whether private communication has been selected. Here, when it is determined that private communication is selected (YES), the communication enable / disable selecting unit 640 outputs a communication request signal, and the conversation information transmitting / receiving unit 605 selects one of the slot machines 10 of the selected players A to N. However, the communication request signal is transmitted to the slot machine 10 that has transmitted the communication request signal (except for its own slot machine 10) (step S305).

  In the wireless communication device 600 of another slot machine 10 that has received this communication request signal, the communication availability selection means 640 displays a message screen for selecting permission or rejection of communication as the conversation information input means 601 or the conversation information display means 602. To display. When a player of another slot machine 10 selects permission or denial of communication according to this message screen, the signal is sent back to the slot machine 10 that transmitted the communication request signal.

  Next, in step S306, it is determined whether communication is permitted. If it is determined that communication is permitted (YES), the process proceeds to step S307 described above, and the display content of the conversation information input means 601 is displayed on the input board shown in FIG. In addition to switching between the part 601a and the keyboard part 601b, the conversation information display means 602 displays a blank initial screen capable of displaying the transmitted and received conversation information. Thereby, the communication preparation for conversation information is completed (step S308).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S304 that private communication is not selected (NO), or when it is determined in step S306 that communication is rejected (NO), the selection screen for public communication and private communication is continued. The steps S303 to S306 are repeated until a public or non-public communication mode is selected.

  Here, when any one of “rooms 1 to 9” is selected in step S303, or when communication is permitted from any of “players A to N” in step S306, the conversation information control unit 603 The communication display lamp 607 is caused to emit light in a color set individually for each of these “rooms 1 to 9” or “players A to N”.

  For example, the communication display lamps 607, 607... Of the plurality of slot machines 10, 10... Having selected “Room 1” emit light in the color assigned to “Room 1” in advance. In addition, when the slot machine 10 of “Player A” obtains communication permission from the slot machine 10 of “Player B”, the communication display lamps 607 and 607 of these slot machines 10 and 10 are both assigned to “Player B”. Emits light with the selected color. Thereafter, “Player C” who has joined the communication with permission from one or both slot machines 10 of “Player B” and “Player A” also emits light in the color assigned to “Player B”.

<Description of transmission subroutine>
In FIG. 18, the communication preparation subroutine described above is executed, and the conversation information is input using the input board unit 601a and the keyboard unit 601b shown in FIG. 1 on the assumption that the communication preparation of the conversation information is completed (step S311). (Step S312). For example, conversation information such as illustrations and characters handwritten with a dedicated pen on the input board unit 601a is input as image data as handwritten (see reference numeral 602c or 602d in FIG. 22). In addition, characters, numbers, symbols, and the like obtained by touching the keyboard unit 601b with a dedicated pen are converted into text data and input (see reference numerals 602e or 602f in FIGS. 22 and 23). Furthermore, the slot machine terms stored in the conversation information storage unit 650 in advance, various symbols displayed on the reel (see reference numeral 602i in FIG. 23), and the like can be input by touching the keyboard unit 601b.

  In addition, as described above, the effect image capturing unit 660 reads out the image data of the effect image stored in the image storage unit 511 of the sub-control circuit 200 or the sound data stored in the sound effect storage unit 531. Can also be included in the conversation information (same step S312).

  For example, when a predetermined effect image is displayed on the image display device 70, when the virtual image capture button of the keyboard unit 601b is touch-operated with a dedicated pen, the effect image capturing means 660 causes the predetermined effect image to be displayed. Is read from the image storage means 511, and all or part of the predetermined effect image (see reference numeral 602g in FIG. 23) is included in the conversation information.

  In detail, as shown in FIG. 24, identifiers 1 to n are individually assigned to the image data 1 to n of the effect images stored in the image storage unit 511, and the image capture button is touch-operated. At the time, based on the identifiers 1 to n corresponding to the predetermined effect images displayed on the image display device 70, the effect image capturing means 660 receives the image data 1 to n of the predetermined effect images from the image storage means 511. Execute the command to be read.

  Further, for example, by storing the image data 1 to n in the conversation information storage unit 650 in advance and operating the conversation information input unit 601 to select one of the identifiers 1 to n, the effect image capturing unit 660 A command for reading image data 1 to n of a predetermined effect image from the image storage unit 511 may be executed.

  Further, the effect image capturing means 660 outputs command information for displaying the effect images of the read image data 1 to n on the other slot machine 10 that is the communication partner (also step S312). As this effect image display information, for example, information of identifiers 1 to n assigned to image data 1 to n of a predetermined effect image is output.

  The effect image capture means 660 performs the sound effect stored in the sound effect storage means 531 of the sub-control circuit 200 in the same procedure as the reading of the image data 1 to n and the output of the effect image display information. The voice data is read and included in the conversation information, and command information to be displayed on another slot machine 10 is output.

  As described above, the conversation information input by the conversation information input means 601 and the effect image captured by the effect image capture means 660 are displayed as they are on the blank initial screen of the input board unit 601a in step S313 ( This display is the same as either one of 602a or 602b in FIG. 22 or FIG. 23). When the effect image is captured by the effect image capturing means 660, the characters “effect image capturing ON” are displayed as indicated by reference numeral 602h in FIG.

  Next, in step S314, it is determined whether the virtual transmission button of the keyboard unit 601b of the conversation information input unit 601 is turned on. If it is determined that the send button is not turned on (NO), the conversation information input means 601 can input the conversation information, capture the effect image, and maintain these display states (steps S312 and S313). ).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S314 that the send button has been turned on (YES), command information such as ID information input in the communication preparation subroutine in step S311, conversation information input in step S312 and effect image display information Is modulated by the conversation information transmission / reception means 605 (step S315), and transmitted to the other slot machine 10 via the transmission / reception antenna 606 (step S316). When the transmission is completed, in step S317, the transmitted ID information, the conversation information, and the effect image corresponding to the transmitted command information are displayed on the conversation information display means 602 (see reference numeral 602a in FIG. 22 or FIG. 23).

<Description of reception subroutine>
In FIG. 19, on the assumption that the communication preparation subroutine described above has been executed and communication information communication preparation has been completed (step S 321), the conversation information transmission / reception means 605 is connected to another slot machine 10 via the transmission / reception antenna 606. A radio wave including the transmitted ID information, conversation information, and command information is received (step S322).

  Next, in step S323, the received radio waves are demodulated to restore data such as ID information, conversation information, and command information. Further, the restored command information is promptly output to the effect image capturing unit 660, and the effect image capturing unit 660 executes a command for reading out image data of a predetermined effect image based on the identifiers 1 to n ( Step S324).

  In step S325, the ID information received from the other slot machine 10, the conversation information, and the read predetermined effect image are displayed on the conversation information display means 602 (see reference numeral 602b in FIG. 22 or FIG. 23).

  The received conversation information display 602b is displayed in chronological order along with the conversation information display 602a transmitted by the transmission subroutine, and is virtually displayed on the keyboard 601b of the conversation information input means 601. By touching the scroll bar with a dedicated pen, it is possible to scroll in the vertical direction in the figure.

  As described above, according to the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, characters, symbols, figures, and the like that can be visually recognized by the wireless communication devices 600, 600... Provided in each slot machine 10, 10. It is possible to exchange conversation information such as symbols or images between the slot machines 10, and the players can freely communicate with each other without causing trouble to other players. Thereby, the players can enjoy the game while communicating with each other, and the entertainment property of the game can be greatly improved.

  In particular, the effect image capturing means 660 makes it possible to easily include a predetermined effect image in the conversation information. For example, a beginner with little prior knowledge can play a game while receiving advice from an experienced person on the meaning of the notification image. This makes it possible for beginners to enjoy advanced games.

  In addition, since command information necessary for causing the effect image capturing means 660 to read out image data of a predetermined effect image from the image storage means is transmitted and received, the image data itself having a large amount of information can be transmitted and received. The predetermined effect image can be displayed on other slot machines smoothly and quickly.

  In addition, since the wireless communication device 600 is configured to perform communication, no wiring work is required for communication with other slot machines 10, and communication can be performed by freely laying out in the store as in the conventional slot machines. It can be performed.

  Furthermore, since the ID information registration means 610 can register the player's ID information, not only can the identification and selection of the other party to communicate conversation information be facilitated, but also the player can communicate conversation information. Can express the personality of

  In addition to this, the slot machines 10, 10... That are communicating conversation information can be easily identified from the outside based on whether the communication status display lamp 607 is turned on or off. Further, since the communication state display lamps 607 of the slot machines 10, 10... Communicating conversation information emit light of the same color, the slot machines 10, 10. The communication status in the store can be confirmed more easily.

  Further, since the conversation information input means 601 is a touch panel capable of handwriting input, various types of conversation information such as characters, symbols, figures, designs, colors, etc. can be easily input. Further, by selecting and inputting conversation element data stored in advance in the conversation information storage means 650, it is possible to input conversation information more quickly and easily.

  In addition to this, the public communication means 610, the private communication means 630, and the communication availability selection means 640 select public conversation communication that is performed without limiting the other party and private conversation communication that is performed while limiting the other party. Can do. As a result, beginner players can ask other unknown players about the meaning of production images such as notification images, and regular players who have almost the same knowledge and experience can have specialized conversations. You can enjoy it, or you can enjoy private conversations between your friends.

  The slot machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the conversation information input unit 601 employs a touch panel type, but is not limited thereto, and various computer input units such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a pen input device, and a voice input device. Various other embodiments are included.

  In the above-described embodiment, the identifier assigned to each of the image data 1 to n as the command information necessary for causing the effect image capturing unit 660 to read out the image data of the predetermined effect image from the image storage unit. 1 to n are used, but the command itself including the identifiers 1 to n may be used as command information, and can be transmitted wirelessly as necessary to display a predetermined effect image on another slot machine 10 All information can also be used as command information.

It is a front view showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit of the said slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the sub control circuit of the said slot machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function of control of the said slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine which controls the progress of the game performed in the said main control circuit. It is a flowchart of a role lottery processing subroutine including a flag-on process performed after the role lottery, and mainly shows the flow of the role lottery processing. It is a flowchart of a role lottery processing subroutine including a flag-on process performed after the role lottery, and mainly shows the flow of the flag-on process. It is a flowchart which shows the reel fluctuation | variation and stop subroutine which perform control for rotation and a stop of a reel. It is a flowchart which shows the winning determination and flag-off process subroutine which shows the control processing after a reel stops. It is a flowchart which shows the RB game process subroutine which is a part of control process of a flag-off process subroutine. It is a flowchart which shows a BB game process subroutine which is a part of control process of a flag-off process subroutine. It is a flowchart which shows the part process process subroutine at the time of a winning combination which is a part of process control process subroutine at the time of a win selection which is a part of control process of a flag off process subroutine. It is a figure which shows the Example of the lottery table for RB. It is a figure which shows the Example of the general lottery table at the time of BB operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the Example of the general lottery table at the time of BB non-operation. It is a schematic plan view which shows the layout in the shop of the several slot machine provided with this radio | wireless communication apparatus. 3 shows a communication preparation subroutine of the wireless communication device. 2 shows a transmission subroutine of a wireless communication device. The reception subroutine of a radio | wireless communication apparatus is shown. It is explanatory drawing which shows the registration screen of ID information displayed on the conversation information display means. It is explanatory drawing which shows the selection screen of the open communication or the non-public communication displayed on the conversation information input means. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conversation information etc. which were input by handwriting. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conversation information etc. which were taken in by the effect image taking-in means. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of effect image data memorize | stored in the image memory | storage means of the sub-control circuit.

Explanation of symbols

10 slot machine 38 game medium slot 32, 34, 36 Bet switch 40L, 40C, 40R Reel 50 Start switch 52L, 52C, 52R Stop switch 70 Display device (image display means)
80L, 80C, 80R Stepping motor 100 Main control circuit 106 CPU
108 ROM
110 RAM
112 Random number generator 114 Motor drive circuit 200 Sub control circuit 220 Display drive device (image display means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 300 Operation means 310 Stop operation means 410 Role lottery means 420 Random number extraction means 430 Random number determination means 440 Reel control means 450 Hit game control means 460 Regame control means 510 Image control means 511 Image storage means 520 Lamp control means 530 Audio control means 531 Voice storage means 600 Wireless communication device 601 Conversation information input means 602 Conversation information display means 603 Conversation information control means 605 Conversation information transmission / reception means 606 Transmission / reception antenna 607 Communication status display lamp 610 ID information registration means 620 Public communication means 630 Private communication means 640 Communication enable / disable selection means 650 Conversation information storage means 660 Production image capture means

Claims (10)

A slot machine capable of performing a game with a unit of a process from inserting a game medium and rotating and stopping a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed,
Image storage means for storing image data of effect images, image display means capable of displaying the effect images, and a wireless communication device capable of communicating conversation information with other slot machines,
The wireless communication device is
Conversation information input means capable of inputting the conversation information by a player's operation;
Image capture that reads out the image data of the effect image from the image storage means by the operation of the conversation information input means and outputs the effect image display information necessary for displaying the effect image of the image data on another slot machine Means,
Conversation information transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving the conversation information with the wireless communication device of the other slot machine, and the effect image display information output by the image capturing means,
The conversation information input by the conversation information input means, the effect image of the image data read by the image capturing means, the conversation information received by the conversation information transmission / reception means, and the effect image received by the conversation information transmission / reception means A slot machine comprising conversation information display means for displaying an effect image based on display information so as to be visible. As the effect image display information, for each image data of the effect image stored in the image storage means, command information for causing the image capturing means to read out each image data is assigned,
When the image capturing means reads out the image data of the effect image from the image storage means, the command information assigned to the read image data is output,
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the conversation information transmitting / receiving means transmits the command information together with the conversation information to a wireless communication device of the other slot machine.   When the conversation information transmitting / receiving unit receives the command information from the wireless communication device of the other slot machine, the image capturing unit is configured to execute a predetermined effect stored in the image storage unit based on the command information. 3. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein a command for reading out image data is executed, and the conversation information display means displays the predetermined effect image.   The wireless communication apparatus is provided with ID information registration means capable of registering ID information for identifying the player by operating the conversation information input means, and the ID information is transmitted / received by the conversation information transmission / reception means. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wireless communication device is provided with a communication state display lamp for displaying a communication state with the wireless communication device of the other slot machine by turning on or off.   6. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein the communication status display lamp emits light of the same color as a communication status display lamp provided in a radio communication device of the other slot machine communicating with the radio communication device. .   The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the conversation information input unit of the wireless communication device is a touch panel capable of handwriting input.   The wireless communication apparatus is provided with a conversation information storage means in which conversation element data constituting the conversation information is stored in advance, and the conversation information is selected by operating the conversation information input means and the conversation information is input. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein   Public communication means that enables conversation information to be communicated with other unspecified slot machines to the wireless communication device, and communication of conversation information individually by selecting specific other slot machines The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising a private communication means that enables the slot machine.   The private communication means of the wireless communication apparatus receives a communication request signal transmitted from the wireless communication apparatus of another slot machine via the transmission / reception means, and based on the communication request signal, the other slot machine Communication enabling / disabling selection means is provided for allowing the player to individually select permission or rejection of communication with the other wireless communication device and enabling communication of the conversation information with the wireless communication device of the other slot machine that has selected permission. The slot machine according to claim 9, wherein:

Images