JP2007075524A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which prevents the degree of freedom in development from being lost while achieving the optimization of the winning rate. <P>SOLUTION: When the rotation of a plurality of reels is stopped, the game machine determines whether winning should be provided or not based on the combination of symbols displayed on one line predetermined (for example, center line 8c) out of a plurality of lines and a symbol combination table for prescribing the combination of symbols involved in the winning of a prize. As for the combination of symbols involved in the winning of the prize, when specified symbols arranged on the respective peripheral surfaces of at least two or more (for example, left and middle reels 3L and 3C) out of the plurality of reels are displayed on one line, the symbol combination table prescribes the combination of the specified symbols determined to be won (for example, Replay-Bell-ANY) whatever may be displayed on one line among the symbols arrayed on the peripheral surface of the reel left (for example, right reel 3R). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the respective circumferential surfaces, and a plurality of reels corresponding to each of the reels, a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of each reel. Start of rotation of each reel based on a player's operation (hereinafter referred to as “start operation”) on the condition that a display is displayed so that the player can visually recognize the symbol and a medal is inserted A start switch that outputs a signal for requesting a stop, a stop switch that outputs a signal for requesting stop of rotation of the reel according to the type of the reel, based on an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”), Based on the signals output from the start switch and stop switch, a game machine including a control unit that controls the operation of the stepping motor and rotates and stops each reel. Chisuro is known. Normally, in such a pachislot, when the rotation of all the reels is stopped, it is determined whether or not a winning is made based on a combination of symbols displayed on the effective lines in the plurality of display windows, and a medal is paid out. Etc. are performed.

  Currently, in a mainstream gaming machine, when a start operation by the player is detected, an internal lottery is performed, and based on the result of the lottery and the timing of the stop operation by the player, the reel rotation is stopped. Is done. That is, even if a result related to winning is obtained by internal lottery (hereinafter, the internal lottery result type is referred to as “internal winning combination”), if the stop operation is not performed at an appropriate timing, The combination of symbols related to winning is not displayed on the active line. Therefore, the player is required to have a predetermined technique called “promotion”.

  In addition, in such a gaming machine, the number of combinations of all symbols provided in the gaming machine can be reduced from the viewpoint of preventing loss of game soundness, for example, by preventing the player's gambling feelings from being drastically reduced. Of these, it is required to keep the ratio of the number of symbol combinations related to winning (hereinafter referred to as winning rate) within a predetermined appropriate range.

  Here, if the number of symbols combined on the peripheral surface of one reel is N, the number of all symbol combinations can be calculated by multiplying N by the number of reels. . For example, if 21 symbols are arranged on the peripheral surfaces of 3 reels, the number is 9261 (21 × 21 × 21). In addition, the number of symbol combinations related to winning is calculated by multiplying the number of symbols related to the winning placed on each reel. For example, if five symbols related to a prize are arranged on the peripheral surfaces of three reels, the number is 125 (5 × 5 × 5). If a plurality of types of winnings are provided, the total number of symbol combinations related to each winning is obtained.

In the conventional gaming machine, it is common to apply a combination of symbols of the same type as a symbol combination related to winning. However, this alone may not satisfy the above-mentioned appropriate range, so as a technique for raising the winning rate, any other reel for a specific symbol arranged on one reel. It has become the mainstream to apply what is configured to win even if a combination of types of symbols is combined (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In other words, if a certain symbol arranged on one reel is displayed on the active line, winning is determined regardless of which of the symbols arranged on other reels (for example, 21) is displayed. For example, even if two of the above specific symbols are arranged on one reel, the number of symbol combinations related to winning is 882 (2 × 21 × 21). As a result, combinations of symbols of the same type are combined. The number can be increased as compared with the case where only the configured one is applied.
JP 2000-237378 A

  In the gaming machine as described above, when the rotation of the reel is stopped, the stop can be performed after the rotation within a predetermined range after the detection of the stop operation. For this reason, if the internal winning combination related to the winning is determined, the reel rotation is stopped so that the combination of symbols related to the winning is displayed on the effective line as much as possible (so-called pull-in). ). Conversely, if the internal winning combination related to the winning is not determined, the reel rotation is stopped so as to avoid the display of the symbol combination related to the winning even if the stop operation is performed at an appropriate timing. (Called so-called kick-off).

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, the winning is determined only by displaying the specific symbol, so that the drawing or kicking may be performed depending on the configuration of the reel on which the specific symbol is arranged. There was a risk that it would be impossible.

  For example, in the case of kicking, if the last reel is the last reel and the certain symbol is arranged on the last reel, it is determined as an internal winning combination. If a symbol that constitutes a combination of symbols related to no winnings, a so-called “tempe”, is displayed on the active line, even if it is attempted to avoid displaying the symbol related to winning in the last reel, the certain specific symbol is There was a possibility that the situation would be displayed on the screen.

  In such a case, it is necessary to impose restrictions on the configuration that can be taken as the arrangement of symbols arranged on the reels, the combination of symbols related to winning, etc., and as a result, the degree of freedom in design and development may be lost. There was.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that prevents loss of freedom in development while optimizing the winning rate.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following gaming machines.

  (1) A plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface and a plurality of areas for displaying one symbol are provided for each of the plurality of reels, thereby being arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the plurality of reels. Symbol display means (for example, display windows 4L, 4C, 4R described later) for displaying a part of a plurality of symbols, and start operation detection means (for example, a start switch described later) for detecting a start operation, respectively. 6S), an internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on the detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means (for example, the internal lottery process of FIG. 21 performed by the CPU 31 described later), 27, which is performed by reel rotating means (for example, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described later, a motor drive circuit 39 described later, and a CPU 31 described later). Reel control processing in step S163), stop operation detection means (for example, a stop switch 7S described later) for detecting stop operation according to the types of the plurality of reels, and stop operation detection means detect the stop operation. Reel stop means (for example, reel stop control process of FIG. 23 performed by CPU 31 described later, reel control process of step S163 of FIG. 27 performed by CPU 31 described later) that stops the rotation of the corresponding reel when performed, When rotation of a plurality of reels is stopped, a plurality of lines (for example, five lines 8a to 8e to be described later) previously connected to any one of a plurality of areas provided for each of the plurality of reels is previously stored. The figure which prescribes | regulates the combination of the symbol displayed on one defined line (for example, below-mentioned center line 8c), and the symbol which concerns on winning a prize A winning combination determining means (for example, a display combination search process of FIG. 24 performed by the CPU 31 described later) based on the pattern combination table, and the symbol combination table relates to the winning combination. As a combination of symbols, among the plurality of reels, a specific symbol arranged on each circumferential surface of at least two or more reels (for example, a Play arranged on the circumferential surface of the left reel 3L described later and a middle reel described later) When the bells arranged on the peripheral surface of 3C are displayed on the one line, any symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the remaining reel (for example, the right reel 3R described later) are displayed on the one line. In this case, a specific symbol combination (for example, a combination of symbols relating to Bell 2 described later, “Replay-Bell-ANY”) determined by the winning determination means is defined. Machine.

  According to this gaming machine, in the symbol combination table, as a symbol combination related to winning, a specific symbol arranged on each circumferential surface of at least two or more reels among a plurality of reels is displayed on one line. Then, even if any symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the remaining reels is displayed on one line, a specific symbol combination determined as winning is defined.

  For example, when three reels are provided, when the rotation of the two reels stops and two specific symbols are displayed side by side on a predetermined line, the rotation of the remaining one reel is stopped. The winning can be determined regardless of which symbol is displayed on the predetermined line when the operation is stopped. For example, if five specific symbols are arranged on two reels, respectively, the number of symbol combinations related to winning is 525 (5 × 5 × 21). As a result, when a combination of symbols determined to be awarded when a specific symbol arranged on each peripheral surface of all reels is displayed on one line is applied (for example, 5 × 5 × 5 = 125). It is possible to increase the number of symbol combinations related to winning. Therefore, even if such a specific symbol combination is defined, it is possible to raise the winning rate. As a result, there is no need to define a combination of symbols in which a winning is determined only by displaying a specific symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of one reel as in the prior art.

  Further, when the rotation of the plurality of reels is stopped, based on a combination of symbols displayed on one predetermined line among the plurality of lines and a symbol combination table that defines a combination of symbols related to winning, Decide whether to win. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the area for which it is determined whether or not a prize is won. That is, an area to be determined whether or not a prize is determined and an area that is not determined to be a prize or not are provided. As a result, for example, it becomes easy to avoid the display of the combination of symbols related to winning that has not been determined as an internal winning combination.

  Due to the above configuration, there is a situation in which it is difficult to draw or kick a combination of symbols related to winning due to the presence of a specific symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of one reel as in the past. It is possible to prevent the occurrence. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary restriction from being imposed on the configuration of symbols arranged on the reel, and to prevent loss of freedom in development.

  (2) The reel stop means is configured to combine the specific symbol on the one line (for example, center line 8c described later) (for example, a combination of symbols related to Bell 2 described later, “Replay-Bell-ANY”). Is displayed, a combination of symbols of the same type (for example, a combination of symbols related to Bell 1 described later), on another line different from the one line (for example, a cross-down line 8e described later), (1) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the rotation of the plurality of reels is stopped so that "Bell-Bell-Bell") is displayed.

  According to this gaming machine, when a combination of specific symbols is displayed on one line, a combination of symbols of the same type is displayed on another line different from the one line. . Therefore, by displaying a combination of symbols of the same type on a line different from one line, it is possible to show the player as if the winning has been decided, and to improve the interest of the game. it can. Further, for example, even if a combination of specific symbols is composed of different types of symbols and it is difficult for a player to determine that the combination of symbols related to winning is at first glance, Since a combination of symbols of the same type is displayed on a line different from this line, it can be easily understood by the player whether or not winning is determined.

  (3) The reel stop means is arranged on the one line on condition that a predetermined time (for example, 40 seconds described later) has elapsed since the start operation was detected by the start operation detection means. The gaming machine according to (1) or (2), wherein rotation of the reels is stopped so as to avoid displaying a combination of symbols related to the winning.

  According to this gaming machine, the rotation of the reel is stopped on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start operation was detected. That is, when a predetermined time elapses after the start operation is detected, the reel rotation is stopped (so-called automatic stop is performed) even if the stop operation is not detected. Further, when the automatic stop is performed, the rotation of the reels is stopped so as to avoid displaying a combination of symbols related to winning a prize on one line. Therefore, it is possible to reflect the player's skill in the winning decision.

  Here, by defining a specific symbol combination as described above, for example, the rotation of two reels of three reels has already stopped based on detection of a stop operation, and the above-mentioned specific identification is performed on one line. If two symbols are displayed side by side, even if automatic stop is performed for the rotation of the remaining one reel, any symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the remaining one reel is a single line. Even if it is displayed on, it will be determined to win. For this reason, even in a gaming machine in which the display of the symbol combination related to winning is avoided when automatic stop is performed, the winning can be determined even if automatic stop is performed.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, as a combination of symbols related to winning, when a specific symbol arranged on each peripheral surface of at least two or more reels among a plurality of reels is displayed on one line, Regardless of which symbols placed on the peripheral surface of the remaining reels are displayed on one line, a specific combination of symbols determined to be a prize is specified, so that the winning rate is optimized, It becomes possible to prevent the freedom of development from being lost.

  The configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with a cabinet 1a that houses reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 3) described later, and the like, and a front door 1b that is attached to the cabinet 1a so as to be openable and closable. .

  Inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided in a horizontal row. A plurality of types of symbols are continuously arranged in the rotation direction of the reels on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled by a main control circuit 71 described later so as to rotate at a constant speed (for example, 80 revolutions / minute), and a plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R It fluctuates with the rotation of the reel.

  Further, the front door 1b is formed with a panel display portion 2 as a substantially vertical surface. In the center of the panel display portion 2, three vertically long rectangular display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided as symbol display areas. Is provided. Each display window 4L, 4C, 4R is provided so as to be positioned in front of the corresponding reel 3L, 3C, 3R, and rotation and rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R through each display window 4L, 4C, 4R. The stoppage can be observed. In addition, each display window 4L, 4C, 4R displays one symbol in each of the upper, middle, or lower display areas in each display window 4L, 4C, 4R, and is arranged on the peripheral surface of the corresponding reel. Three symbols are displayed.

  Further, the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided with five lines that connect any one of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Specifically, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, a bottom line 8d, a cross-up line 8a, and a cross-down line 8e are provided.

  The center line 8c is a line formed by connecting the middle regions of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. The top line 8b is a line formed by connecting the upper regions of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The bottom line 8d is a line formed by connecting the lower regions of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The cross-up line 8a is a line formed by connecting the lower display window 4L, the middle display window 4C, and the upper display area 4R. The cross-down line 8e is a line that connects the upper display area of the left display window 4L, the intermediate display window 4C, and the lower display window 4R. The center line 8c is an example of a predetermined line among a plurality of lines. The top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross-up line 8a, or the cross-down line 8e is an example of another line that is different from the predetermined one line.

  On the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5, a medal slot 22 for inserting medals into the gaming machine 1 is provided. When a medal is inserted from the medal slot 22, the above-described center line 8c is activated (the activated line is generally referred to as an “effective line”). Further, when more than three medals are continuously inserted from the medal insertion slot 22, they are stored (so-called credits) in the gaming machine 1. In the gaming machine 1, medals are used as gaming media, but the gaming media used in the gaming machine 1 are not limited to this, and a card storing information such as the number of medals in addition to coins, gaming balls or tokens. Etc. are also applicable.

  On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5, a unit game from a credited medal (for example, the minimum unit from the start of reel rotation until the reel rotation stops and whether or not a prize is determined is 1). A 1-bet button 11, a 2-bet button 12, and a maximum bet button 13 are provided for determining the number of medals to be inserted in one game. From the credited medal, one is inserted by operating the 1-bet button 11, two are inserted by operating the 2-bet button 12, and three are inserted by operating the maximum bet button 13.

  A 1-bet lamp 9a, a 2-bet lamp 9b, and a maximum bet lamp 9c are provided on the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The 1-bet lamp 9a, the 2-bet lamp 9b, and the maximum bet lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals inserted in the unit game (hereinafter referred to as “inserted number”). The 1-bet lamp 9a is turned on when the inserted number is 1, the 2-bet lamp 9b is turned on when the inserted number is 2, and the maximum bet lamp 9c is turned on when the inserted number is 3.

  A WIN lamp 20 is provided below the BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c. By turning on the WIN lamp 20, the player is informed that a middle bonus (to be referred to as "MB" hereinafter) is determined as an internal winning combination.

  An information display unit 18 is provided below the WIN lamp 20. The information display unit 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and the number of medals stored in the gaming machine 1 (so-called “credit”), the number of medals paid out to the player (hereinafter referred to as “paid-out number”), and the like. Is displayed.

  A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the pedestal 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Information related to the game is displayed on the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5.

  Further, above the bet buttons 11, 12, and 13, an operation unit 17 including a cross key, a selection button, and an enter button is provided. Based on the operation of the operation unit 17 by the player, information related to the game such as a game history is displayed on the display screen 5 a of the liquid crystal display device 5.

  A C / P button 14 for switching between credit (Credit) or payout (Pay) of medals is provided on the left side of the front surface of the pedestal 10. When the payout is performed, medals corresponding to the number of payouts are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower part of the front and stored in the medal receiving unit 16. Further, when crediting is performed, medals for the number of payouts are credited. Here, the payout and credits of medals may be simply referred to as “payout”.

  On the right side of the C / P button 14, there is provided a start lever 6 for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by a start operation to start changing the symbols displayed in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. ing.

  A stop button 7L provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 5 in correspondence with the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. , 7C, 7R are provided.

  Hereinafter, the stop operation that is performed first when all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating (that is, the player's pressing operation on the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R) is referred to as “first stop operation”. The stop operation performed after the first stop operation and performed when the two reels are rotating is referred to as a “second stop operation”, and is performed after the second stop operation and the remaining one reel is The stop operation that is performed while rotating is referred to as a “third stop operation”.

  Moreover, LED101 and the lamp | ramp 102 are provided in the upper part of the front door 1b. The LED 101 and the lamp 102 emit light with a light emission pattern according to the game situation, and an effect related to the game is performed.

  Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiver 16. Sounds such as sound effects and music corresponding to the game situation are output from the speakers 21L and 21R, and effects related to the game are performed.

  Next, the configuration of symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described with reference to FIG.

  21 types of symbols are arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. Specifically, a plurality of areas (that is, 21 areas) allocated to one symbol are provided on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and red 7 (symbol 61), white is assigned to each area. 7 (symbol 62), BAR (symbol 63), bell (symbol 64), Replay (symbol 65), or star (symbol 66) are arranged. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the gaming machine 1 including a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, the sub control circuit 72, the main control circuit 71 or the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 and ROM 32 and RAM 33 which are storage means.

  A clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 are connected to the CPU 31. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate a reference clock pulse. Based on the generated reference clock pulse, an interrupt process, which will be described later, is performed. The random number generator 36 generates a certain range of random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts (samples) one random number value from the random number generated by the random number generator 36. By using the extracted random number value, an internal lottery process described later is performed, and predetermined information (for example, a winning number described later) is determined.

  The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 has programs related to the processing of the CPU 31 (for example, see FIGS. 17 to 27 described later), various tables such as an internal lottery table described later (for example, see FIGS. Various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the control circuit 72 are stored.

  Various data obtained by the processing of the CPU 31 are stored in the RAM 33. For example, a storage area for storing an internal winning combination (described later, for example, see FIGS. 12 to 16) is provided. These data are transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 by the above-described command.

  In the circuit of FIG. 3, as the main actuators whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 30, the bed lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, the information display unit 18, the hopper 40, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, and the like. is there.

  In addition, each circuit for controlling the operation of each actuator described above is connected to the output unit of the microcomputer 30 in response to a control signal output from the CPU 31. Each circuit includes a motor drive circuit 39, a lamp drive circuit 45, a display unit drive circuit 48, and a hopper drive circuit 41.

  The lamp driving circuit 45 controls the driving of the bed lamps 9a, 9b, 9c. As a result, the bet lamps 9a, 9b, 9c are turned on and off.

  The display unit driving circuit 48 drives and controls the information display unit 18. As a result, various information (such as the number of credits) is displayed on the information display unit 18.

  The hopper drive circuit 41 drives and controls the hopper 40. Thereby, the medal accommodated in the hopper 40 is paid out.

  The motor drive circuit 39 outputs pulses from the main control circuit 71 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, and controls driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. As a result, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated and stopped.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the number of times pulses are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R after the reel index indicating that the reel has made one rotation is detected by the reel position detection circuit 50 described later is counted. Thus, the rotation angle of the reel is detected with reference to the position where the reel index is detected. Further, by outputting 16 pulses to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, the reel for one symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel is rotated.

  Specifically, the number of pulses output to the aforementioned stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted by the pulse counter of the RAM 33, and every time 16 pulse outputs are counted by the pulse counter, the RAM 33 is counted. The symbol position counter is incremented by one. The symbol position counter is cleared each time a reel index is detected.

  Here, symbol positions “0” to “20” for identifying each of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel in order from the rotation direction of the reel are defined. A reel position detection circuit 50, which will be described later, is positioned so that the symbol corresponding to the symbol position “0” is positioned on the center line 8c (more precisely, the center in the vertical direction in each of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R). Thus, the reel index is detected. The center line 8c is an example of a predetermined position.

  That is, when the value of the symbol position counter becomes “0” by detecting the reel index, the symbol corresponding to the symbol position “0” is in the center line 8c. As a result, the symbol position counter and the symbol position are It is associated. Therefore, by referring to the symbol position counter, the symbol on the center line 8c can be specified.

  In the present embodiment, the symbol on the center line 8c is specified by the symbol position counter, but the location where the symbol is specified by the symbol position counter can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the reel index may be detected such that the symbol at the symbol position “0” is positioned on the top line 8b or the bottom line 8d. In this case, the symbol on the bottom line 8d (or the top line 8b) is specified by the symbol position counter.

  The input unit of the microcomputer 30 is connected to switches and the like, and outputs a predetermined signal that triggers control of the actuator and the like. Specifically, start switch 6S, stop switch 7S, 1-bet switch 11S, 2-bet switch 12S, maximum bet switch 13S, C / P switch 14S, medal sensor 22S, reel position detection circuit 50, payout completion signal circuit 51 is connected.

  The start switch 6 </ b> S detects a player's start operation with respect to the start lever 6 and outputs a detected signal to the microcomputer 30.

  The stop switch 7S detects the player's stop operation on each of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30.

  The 1-bet switch 11S, the 2-bet switch 12S, and the maximum bet switch 13S detect the player's input operation for each of the 1-bet button 11, the 2-bet button 12, and the maximum bet button 13, and the detected signals Is output to the microcomputer 30.

  The C / P switch 14 </ b> S detects a player's switching operation on the C / P button 14 and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30.

  The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 by the player's insertion operation, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 detects a reel index indicating that the reel has made one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30.

  The payout completion signal circuit 51 detects that the number of medals (that is, the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) has reached the designated payout number by the medal detection unit 40S, and sends the detected signal to the microcomputer 30. Output.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described. The main control circuit 71 controls the entire game such as the progress of the game, while the sub control circuit 72 controls the effects related to the game by displaying images and outputting sounds and lamps. The main control circuit 71 and the sub control circuit 72 are electrically connected by a harness or the like, and the sub control circuit 72 produces effects based on various commands (such as a start command described later) transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Various processes such as determination and execution are performed.

  Although not shown, the sub control circuit 72 includes a sub CPU, a serial port, a sub ROM, a sub RAM, a random number generator, and the like. The sub CPU, based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 via the serial port, produces effect data (image information, image information, and the like) according to a control program (for example, see FIGS. 28 to 30 described later) stored in the sub ROM. Various processes such as determination of light emission pattern information, sound information, etc., and output thereof are performed. The sub RAM is configured as a temporary storage unit for work when the sub CPU executes a control program, and stores information acquired from various commands received from the main control circuit 71.

  The main actuators whose operations are controlled by the sub-control circuit 72 include the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21L and 21R, the WIN lamp 20, the LED 101, and the lamp 102. The sub-control circuit 72 determines and displays an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined effect data, determines and outputs a lighting pattern of the WIN lamp 20, etc., and effects sound and effects output from the speakers 21L and 21R. Determine and output sound.

  In addition, the operation unit 17 and the volume control unit 103 are connected to the sub-control circuit 72, and an image and sound are output based on signals output from them.

  Next, the symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol arrangement table represents the configuration of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R as data. That is, in the symbol arrangement table, red 7, white 7, BAR, bell, replay, and star are defined in the same arrangement as in FIG. Each symbol type is represented by 1-byte data as shown. For example, data indicating red 7 is “00000001” and data indicating a star is “00100000”.

  In the symbol arrangement table, the symbol position “0” corresponding to the symbol position counter described above is defined as the symbol position “0” when the reel index is detected. A symbol type corresponding to each symbol position is defined. Accordingly, the symbols on the center line 8c of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and their types can be specified based on the symbol arrangement table and the symbol position counter. For example, if the symbol position counter of the right reel 3R is “3”, it is specified that red 7 (symbol 61) of the symbol position “3” of the right reel 3R is on the center line 8c. Further, by referring to the symbol position counter and the symbol arrangement table, not only the symbol on the center line 8c but also the symbol adjacent to the symbol and its type can be specified.

  Next, the lottery count determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the lottery count determination table, the number of lotteries determined according to the gaming state is defined. In the general gaming state, basically, the number of lotteries is determined to be 8. In the challenge bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as “CB”) gaming state, the number of lotteries is determined to be five.

  Next, the internal lottery table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the internal lottery table, a lower limit value and an upper limit value (that is, a range of random values) of random numbers assigned according to each winning number are defined. The winning number is data used when determining an internal winning combination based on an internal winning combination determining table described later.

  In the internal lottery table, a search is made as to whether or not the random number value extracted from the range of “0 to 65535” is included between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the random number value assigned to each of the winning numbers. , Which random number value range belongs to) is performed in descending order of the winning number. Then, when the extracted random number value is included between the lower limit value and the upper limit value, the corresponding winning number is determined. The aforementioned number of lotteries indicates the number of times this search is performed. In addition, as a result of the search for the number of lotteries, if the winning number does not correspond to any winning number, the winning number 0 (that is, lost) is determined.

  In the internal lottery table, a lower limit value and an upper limit value of random numbers assigned to the winning numbers 1 to 8 are defined according to the inserted number 1 or the inserted number 3. Here, the winning probability of each winning number is “the number obtained by adding 1 to the difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value specified for each winning number / the number of all random numbers generated in this table (ie, 65536)”. Can be calculated. In the internal lottery table, basically, as the number of inserted sheets increases, the winning probability tends to increase stepwise. In the present embodiment, the case of the inserted number 2 is not defined, but the case of the inserted number 2 may also be defined.

  In addition, in the internal lottery table, there are those in which overlapping random numbers are defined for a plurality of winning numbers, and when the overlapping random numbers are extracted, a plurality of winning numbers are determined together. .

  For example, in the case where the number of inserted sheets is 3, the range of random values specified for the winning number 5 (that is, BAR star described later) is “0 to 104”, and the winning number 7 (that is, MB1 described later) is set. The range of the specified random number value is “0 to 209”. Therefore, when the extracted random number value is in the range of “0 to 104”, both the winning number 5 and the winning number 7 are determined. In addition, when the winning number 5 is determined from the configuration in which the range of the random number value specified by the winning number 5 is included in the range of the random value specified by the winning number 7, the winning number 7 is always determined. The Rukoto.

  Next, the internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the internal winning combination determination table, an internal winning combination corresponding to the aforementioned winning number is defined. Specifically, in the general gaming state, according to each of the winning numbers 0 to 8, each of Loss, Special 1, Special 2, Bell 1, Bell 2, BAR Star, Replay, MB1, MB2 is defined. . The type of each internal winning combination is represented by 1-byte data as shown in the figure, and a bit corresponding to the type of the internal winning combination is turned on. For example, the data indicating MB1 is “01000000”.

  In the CB gaming state, a composite combination is defined in common for each of the winning numbers 0 to 5. That is, in the CB gaming state, regardless of the type of the determined winning number (that is, regardless of the lottery result by the internal lottery table), the combined winning combination is always determined as the internal winning combination. The data indicating the combined role is “00011111”, and bits corresponding to special 1, special 2, bell 1, bell 2, and BAR star are turned on. Therefore, when a complex combination is determined, special 1, special 2, bell 1, bell 2, and BAR stars are treated together, and special 1, special 2, bell 1, bell 2, or It becomes possible to display a combination of symbols related to any of the BAR stars on the effective line.

  If the winning number is determined by the internal lottery table described above, the internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number is determined. Therefore, the determination of the winning number and the determination of the internal winning combination are equivalent. I can say that.

  Next, the reel stop initial setting table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the reel stop initial setting table, a stop table type corresponding to the stop select counter is defined. The stop select counter is data for determining the stop table and basically matches the winning number. Specifically, according to each of the stop select counters 0 to 8, the stop table for loss, the stop table for special 1, the stop table for special 2, the stop table for bell 1, the stop table for bell 2, the BAR star A stop table, a replay stop table, an MB1 stop table, and an MB2 stop table are defined.

  In the stop table, combinations of symbols that may be displayed in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are defined. Specifically, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol position counter of the reel when the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S (that is, the symbol position at which the rotation of the reel starts to be stopped is designated as “stop start”. The number of sliding frames corresponding to the “position” is defined. For example, in the case of the stop table for bell 1, the number of sliding symbols is defined for each symbol position so that the combination of symbols related to bell 1 ("bell-bell-bell" described later) is displayed on the effective line. ing.

  The number of sliding symbols is the number of symbols passing through the center line 8c in the period from when the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S until the rotation of the corresponding reel stops. This is grasped by the value of the symbol position counter updated after the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S. In the gaming machine 1, basically (in the general gaming state), after the signal is output by the stop switch 7S, control is performed to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R within 190 msec, and the maximum sliding piece is The number is set to “4”.

  For example, if the stop start position is “0” and the determined number of sliding symbols is “4”, the reel rotation may be stopped so that the symbol at the symbol position “4” is displayed on the center line 8c. It becomes possible. In this way, the reel rotation stop control that allows the symbols within the predetermined range from the stop start position (that is, within the range of the maximum number of sliding frames) to be displayed on the center line 8c is referred to as so-called “retraction”. In addition, the symbol position where the number of sliding frames is drawn from the stop start position and stopped is referred to as “scheduled stop position”. In the above example, the planned stop position is the symbol position “4”.

  However, in the CB gaming state, only the left reel 3L of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled to stop its rotation within 75 msec after the signal is output by the stop switch 7S, and the maximum slip The number of frames is set to “1”. For the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R, the maximum number of sliding symbols is set to “4” as in the general gaming state.

  As a result, in the CB gaming state, the number of symbols that can be pulled in is reduced compared to the general gaming state, so that the player is required to have a higher skill regarding the stop operation. However, as described above, in the CB gaming state, since a composite combination is always determined as an internal winning combination, depending on the timing of performing the stop operation, special 1, special 2, bell 1, bell 2, or BAR star Any combination of symbols can be displayed on the center line 8c. Therefore, in the CB gaming state, a higher skill is required for the player than in other gaming states, but a desired winning can be established depending on the skill, so that the player's interest is improved. Is possible.

  Next, the priority table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the priority order table, a priority order in which pull-in is preferentially performed between types of internal winning combinations (or between types of symbols) is defined. Further, the priority order table is defined according to the number of inserted sheets.

  (1) of FIG. 9 shows a priority order table for the inserted number 3 referred to when the inserted number is 3. In the stop table for the number of inserted sheets 3, priority levels 1 to 5 are defined, and “replay”, “MB1, MB2”, “BAR star”, “bell 1, bell, in order from the highest priority. 2 ”and“ Special 1, Special 2 ”are defined. As described above, in the insertion number 3, MB1 and MB2, Bell 1 and Bell 2, and Special 1 and Special 2 are grouped, and one priority order is defined.

  (2) of FIG. 9 shows a priority order table for the inserted number 1 that is referred to when the inserted number is 1. In the stop table for the inserted number 1, 1 to 3 are defined as priorities, and “replay”, “MB1, MB2”, “BAR star, bell 1, bell 2, “Special 1” and “Special 2” are defined. As described above, in the inserted number 1, MB1 and MB2, and BAR star, bell 1, bell 2, special 1 and special 2 are grouped, and one priority order is defined.

  With reference to the priority table configured as described above, when two or more types of internal winning combinations are determined, which internal winning combination type is determined to be prioritized. For example, when the BB is carried over and the winning number 3 (that is, the bell 1) is determined, the above-described stop table for the bell 1 is basically determined, but the BB having a higher priority is determined. The drawing related to is preferentially performed.

  Here, in the priority order table, except for “Replay” of the priority order 1, the priority order is defined in descending order of the privilege given to the player (see FIG. 10 described later). In addition, things with the same magnitude | size of privilege are grouped and one priority is prescribed | regulated to this. Further, as will be described in detail later, the amount of benefits (more specifically, the number of payouts) related to Bell 1, Bell 2, Special 1, and Special 2 differs between the number of inserted sheets 3 and the number of inserted sheets 1. For this reason, the method for defining the priority order for each internal winning combination is different between the insertion number 3 stop table and the insertion number 1 stop table.

  Specifically, in the insertion number 3, the MB is operated “MB1, MB2”, the payout number is “BAR star”, the payout number is “Bell 1, bell 2”, the payout number is Priorities are defined in the order of “special 1 and special 2”. On the other hand, with the inserted number 1, the priority is given in the order of “MB1, MB2” where the MB is operated and “BAR star, bell 1, bell 2, special 1, special 2” in which the payout number is 15. It is prescribed. Here, in the CB gaming state, since the inserted number is always set to 1, the priority order table for the inserted number 1 is used. In other words, in the CB gaming state, depending on the skill of the stop operation, it is possible to display a combination of symbols related to any of Special 1, Special 2, Bell 1, Bell 2, or BAR stars on the center line 8c. Therefore, the priority of special 1, special 2, bell 1, bell 2, or BAR star is equal.

  Next, the symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol combination table defines a symbol combination related to winning, a display combination corresponding to the winning combination, and a payout number. The display combination is represented by 1-byte data, similar to the data indicating the internal winning combination. For example, the data indicating MB1 is “01000000”.

  When the symbol combination “red 7-bell-ANY (representing any symbol type)” is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be special 1. That is, when the red 7 (symbol 61) of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L and the bell (symbol 64) of the middle reel 3C is displayed in the middle of the middle display window 4C, the remaining right display. Regardless of the type of symbol displayed in the middle of the window 4R, the display combination is determined to be special 1. As the number of payouts, 15 is determined if the number is 1, and 1 is determined if the number is 3.

  When the symbol combination “BAR-Bell-ANY” relating to Special 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be Special 2. That is, when the BAR (symbol 63) of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L and the bell of the middle reel 3C is displayed in the middle of the middle display window 4C, the remaining right display window 4R is displayed in the middle. Regardless of the type of symbol displayed, the display combination is determined to be special 2. As the number of payouts, 15 is determined if the number is 1, and 1 is determined if the number is 3.

  When the symbol combination “bell-bell-bell” relating to bell 1 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be bell 1. That is, when the bells of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are respectively displayed in the middle stages of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, the display combination is determined as the bell 1. Further, as the number of payouts, 15 is determined if the number is 1, and 8 is determined if the number is 3.

  When the symbol combination “Replay-Bell-ANY” relating to Bell 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be Bell 2. That is, when the Replay (symbol 65) of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle stage of the left display window 4L and the bell of the middle reel 3C is displayed in the middle stage of the middle display window 4C, it is displayed in the middle stage of the remaining right display window 4R. Regardless of the type of symbol displayed, the display combination is determined to be Bell 2. Further, as the number of payouts, 15 is determined if the number is 1, and 8 is determined if the number is 3.

  Here, on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L, a bell is arranged at a symbol position one level above or below the Replay. Therefore, the display of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L, and the bell of the middle reel 3C is displayed in the middle of the middle display window 4C, so that either the cross-up line 8a or the cross-down line 8e is displayed. In addition, a so-called bell tempura, in which two bells are arranged, is displayed. At this time, if the number of sliding frames is determined so that the bell of the right reel 3R is displayed on the upper or lower side of the right display window 4R according to the line on which the tempei is displayed, the cross-up line 8a or the cross It becomes possible to display a combination of symbols related to the bell on any of the down lines 8e.

  When the symbol combination “BAR-star-ANY” relating to the BAR star is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined as the BAR star. That is, when the BAR of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L and the star (symbol 66) of the middle reel 3C is displayed in the middle of the middle display window 4C, the remaining right display window 4R is displayed in the middle. Regardless of the type of symbol displayed, the display combination is determined to be a BAR star. Further, in the case of the insertion number 1 and the case of the insertion number 3, 15 is determined as the payout number.

  Here, on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L, stars are arranged at a symbol position one above the BAR and one symbol position below the BAR. For this reason, the BAR of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L, and the star of the middle reel 3C is displayed in the middle of the middle display window 4C, so that each of the cross-up line 8a and the cross-down line 8e is displayed. In addition, a so-called star template is displayed, in which two stars are arranged. At this time, if the number of sliding frames is determined so that the star of the right reel 3R is displayed on the upper or lower (or upper and lower) of the right display window 4R according to the line on which the tempei is displayed, It is possible to display a combination of symbols in which three stars are arranged on either the cross-up line 8a or the cross-down line 8e (or both the cross-up line 8a and the cross-down line 8e).

  When the symbol combination “Replay-Replay-Replay” relating to replay is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be replay. That is, when the Replay of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is displayed in the middle of each display window 4L, 4C, 4R, the display combination is determined to be replay. When replay is determined, replay is performed in the next unit game. That is, the same number of medals as the number of coins inserted in the unit game in which replay is established are automatically inserted in the next unit game without being based on the player's insertion operation. Thereby, the player can perform the next unit game without consuming medals.

  When the symbol combination “red 7-red 7-red 7” relating to MB1 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be MB1. That is, when the red 7 of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is displayed in the middle of each display window 4L, 4C, 4R, the display combination is determined as MB1. When the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” relating to MB2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be MB2. That is, when the BAR of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is displayed in the middle of each display window 4L, 4C, 4R, the display combination is determined as MB2. When MB1 or MB2 (which may be simply referred to as “MB” in some cases) is determined, an MB operating flag, which will be described later, is updated to ON, and the operation of the MB is started.

  In addition, when a combination of symbols other than the combination of symbols related to Special 1, Special 2, Bell 1, Bell 2, BAR Star, Replay, MB1, and MB2 is displayed, the display combination is determined to be lost. The Here, special 1, special 2, bell 1, bell 2, or BAR stars relate to payout of game media (for example, medals). In addition, replay relates to the operation of replay. Further, MB1 or MB2 relates to the operation of a gaming state (for example, CB gaming state) advantageous to the player.

  Note that the symbol combination related to Special 1, the symbol combination related to Special 2, the symbol combination related to Bell 2, or the symbol combination related to BAR stars is an example of a specific symbol combination, and each left reel The symbol corresponding to 3L and the symbol corresponding to the middle reel 3C are examples of specific symbols.

  Next, the bonus operation time table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the bonus operation time table, data stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 is defined. When the MB is operated, the MB operating flag in the RAM 33 is turned on, and 253 is stored in the bonus end number counter. The bonus end number counter is data for counting the total number of payouts during MB operation, and the payout number determined for each unit game is subtracted. When the bonus end number counter is updated to 0, the MB operation ends.

  Next, the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When an internal winning combination is determined by the internal winning combination determination table, it is stored (stored) in this internal winning combination storing area. The internal winning combination storing area is composed of 1 byte and corresponds to the data structure of the internal winning combination described above. That is, the bit corresponding to the determined internal winning combination type is turned on. In case of loss, all bits are 0. When two or more types of internal winning combinations are determined, the corresponding bits are turned on together. For example, if MB1 and BAR stars are determined, the internal winning combination storing area is “01010000”. When the display combination is determined based on the above-described symbol combination table, it is stored in the display combination storage area of the RAM 33. The display combination storage area has the same data structure as the internal winning combination storage area. Yes.

  Next, the configuration of the carryover combination storage area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When MB1 or MB2 is determined as an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determination table, it is stored in this carryover combination storing area. The carryover combination storage area is composed of 1 byte, bit 6 corresponds to MB1, and bit 7 corresponds to MB2. Further, when the operation of the MB is started, the data in the carryover combination storage area is cleared. That is, in the gaming machine 1, when the MB is determined, the symbol combination related to the MB is displayed and the data is stored until the MB operation is started (so-called carry-over). Called). Since the carryover combination is determined based on the internal winning combination, it can be said to be a subordinate concept of the internal winning combination.

  Next, the configuration of the random value storage area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  One random number value extracted from the range of “0 to 65535” is stored in the random value storage area. An internal lottery process, which will be described later, is performed based on the random value stored in the random value storage area.

  Next, the configuration of the stop select counter of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A value of 0 to 8 is stored in the stop select counter. When the winning numbers 0 to 8 are determined, the winning numbers are stored in the winning number storage area of the RAM 33. The winning number storing area has the same configuration as the stop select counter.

  Next, the configuration of the symbol storage area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the symbol storage area, data indicating the type of symbol displayed in the middle stage of each display window 4L, 4C, 4R (that is, the center line 8c) is stored. Specifically, the symbol type in the middle of the left display window 4L, the symbol type in the middle of the middle display window 4C, and the symbol type in the middle of the right display window 4R are stored. . The type of symbol stored in the symbol storage area is specified based on the symbol position counter and the symbol arrangement table. For example, if the symbol position counter of the stopped reel is “0”, the symbol type of the symbol position “0” is specified based on the symbol arrangement table and stored in the symbol storage area. In the gaming machine 1, a winning decision is made based on the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table described above.

  The data stored in each symbol storage area consists of 1 byte, and corresponds to data representing the symbol type defined in the symbol arrangement table. In the symbol storage area, data indicating that rotation is in progress may be stored, which is represented by “01111111”.

  The symbol storage area is not limited to data indicating the type of symbol displayed on the center line 8c, but is displayed on each of the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross-up line 8a, and the cross-down line 8e. It may be configured to store data indicating the type.

  Next, the control performed by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, a reset interrupt process performed by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 31 turns on the power and applies a voltage to the reset terminal to generate a reset interrupt, and sequentially performs the reset interrupt processing stored in the ROM 32 based on the occurrence of the reset interrupt. It is configured.

  When the power is turned on, first, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1). In this initialization process, a process of restoring the register data and execution address stored in the RAM 33 when the power is shut off is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 clears the designated storage area (step S2). As a result, the data stored in the internal winning combination storing area of the RAM 33 is cleared.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation monitoring process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 (step S3). In the bonus operation monitoring process, the CB is operated when the MB is operating.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a medal acceptance / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 (step S4). In the medal acceptance / start check process, the insertion number counter is updated by checking the medal sensor 22S and the bet switches 11S, 12S, 13S, and the input of the start switch 6S is checked.

  Next, the CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in the random value storage area (step S5). Specifically, the CPU 31 extracts a random number value for lottery used in an internal lottery process, which will be described later, by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 and stores it in a random value storage area of the RAM 33.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 20 (step S6). In this gaming state monitoring process, the CB gaming state or the general gaming state is determined based on the CB operating flag.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 (step S7). In the internal lottery process, processing such as determination of an internal winning combination is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop initial setting process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 (step S8). In this reel stop initial setting process, a process for determining a stop table based on the winning number and the reel stop process setting table is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S9). The start command includes data such as an internal winning combination and a gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation (step S10). When it is determined that 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the CPU 31 digests the waiting time (step S11). Specifically, until 4.1 seconds elapse, the subsequent processing is not performed and the process waits.

  When it is determined in step S10 that 4.1 seconds have elapsed, or after performing the process of step S11, the CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all reels (step S12). When the start of rotation of all reels is requested, processing for starting rotation of the reels is performed in an interrupt process (see FIG. 27) described later.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 23 (step S13). In this reel stop control process, the number of sliding frames and the planned stop position are determined based on a stop table or the like, and the rotation of the reel is stopped based on the planned stop position.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a display combination search process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 24 (step S14). In this display combination search process, the display combination and the number of payouts are determined based on the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a display combination command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S15). The display combination command includes data such as the established display combination.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs medal payout processing (step S16). Specifically, the CPU 31 controls the hopper 40 and updates the credit counter based on the payout number determined in the process of step S14.

  Next, the CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (step S17). Specifically, when the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, a value corresponding to the payout number is subtracted from the counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the MB operating flag is on (step S18). When determining that the MB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 26 (step S19). In this bonus end check process, a process of ending the operation of the MB is performed based on the result of updating the bonus end number counter.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S18 that the MB operating flag is not on, or after performing the process of step S19, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. 25 (step S20). ). In this bonus operation check process, when the display combination is MB, a process of starting the bonus operation is performed.

  As described above, the CPU 31 executes the process from step S2 to step S20 as the process in the unit game. When the process in step S20 is completed, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process in step S2 to execute the process in the next unit game.

  Next, the bonus operation monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the MB operating flag is on (step S41). When determining that the MB operating flag is not on, the CPU 31 ends the bonus operation monitoring process and proceeds to step S4 in FIG.

  When determining that the MB operating flag is on in step S41, the CPU 31 turns on the CB operating flag (step S42). When this process ends, the bonus operation monitoring process ends, and the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG. Thus, in the gaming machine 1, if the MB operating flag is on, the operation of the CB is performed in each unit game, and the operation of the CB is continuously performed while the MB is operating. It has become.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the medal acceptance / start check process will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the automatic insertion counter is 0 (step S51). When determining that the automatic insertion counter is 0, the CPU 31 permits the reception of medals (step S52). The automatic insertion counter is data for identifying whether or not a replay has been established in the previous unit game.

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S51 that the automatic insertion counter is not 0, it copies the automatic insertion counter to the insertion number counter (step S53). The inserted number counter is data for counting the inserted number.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a bet command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S54). The bet command includes data on the number of inserted sheets.

  After performing the process of step S54 or after performing the process of step S52, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the acceptance of medals is permitted (step S55). When determining that the acceptance of medals is permitted, the CPU 31 determines whether or not it is the insertion process (step S56). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines that it is the insertion process when the medal sensor 22S or the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are on. In addition, when the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are on, the CPU 31 calculates a value to be added to the inserted number counter based on the type of the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S, the inserted number counter, and the credit counter. To do. The credit counter is data for counting the number of credited medals.

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S56 that it is the insertion process, it updates the insertion number counter (step S57). In this process, when addition of the inserted number counter is prohibited, the credit counter is updated instead of the inserted number counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a bet command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S58). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the CB operating flag is on (step S59). When determining that the CB operating flag is not on, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter is 3 (step S60).

  When the CPU 31 determines that the inserted number counter is 3 in step S60, or when it is determined in step S59 that the CB operating flag is ON, the addition of the inserted number counter is prohibited (step S61). In the CB gaming state, the upper limit of the inserted number is 1.

  After performing the process of step S61, the CPU 31 determines that the acceptance of medals is not permitted in step S55, determines that it is not the insertion process in step S56, or sets the insertion number counter to 3 in step S60. If it is determined that there is not, it is determined whether or not addition of the insertion number counter is prohibited (step S62). When the CPU 31 determines that addition of the insertion number counter is not prohibited, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S55.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S62 that the addition of the insertion number counter is prohibited, it determines whether or not the start switch 6S is on (step S63). When the CPU 31 determines that the start switch 6S is not on, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S55.

  When CPU 31 determines in step S63 that start switch 6S is on, it prohibits acceptance of medals (step S64). In this process, a predetermined value (for example, a value for measuring 40 seconds) is stored in an automatic stop timer for measuring the time until automatic stop. The value of the automatic stop timer is decremented by 1 in interrupt processing performed periodically. When this process ends, the medal acceptance / start check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG.

  Next, the gaming state monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the CB operating flag is on (step S81). When determining that the CB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 stores the identifier of the CB gaming state in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 (step S82). When this process ends, the gaming state monitoring process ends, and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S81 that the CB operating flag is not on, it stores the general gaming state identifier in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 (step S83). When this process ends, the gaming state monitoring process ends, and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  Next, an internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines the number of lotteries based on the gaming state and the lottery number determination table (step S91).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the carryover combination storage area is 0 (that is, whether or not there is a carryover combination) (step S92). When determining that the carryover combination storage area is not 0, the CPU 31 changes the number of lotteries to 6 (step S93). Thereby, when there is a carryover combination in the general gaming state, the number of lotteries determined to be eight is changed to six, and MBs are not determined redundantly.

  When determining that the carryover combination storage area is 0 in step S92 or after performing the process of step S93, the CPU 31 sets the same value as the number of lotteries as the winning number (step S94).

  Next, the CPU 31 compares the random value stored in the random value storage area with the lower limit defined in the internal lottery table (step S95). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the random number value is greater than or equal to the lower limit value (step S96).

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S96 that the random number value is equal to or greater than the lower limit value, the CPU 31 compares the random value stored in the random value storage area with the upper limit value defined in the internal lottery table (step S97). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the random number value is less than or equal to the upper limit value (step S98).

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S98 that the random number value is less than or equal to the upper limit value, it stores the set winning number in the winning number storage area of the RAM 33 (step S99). The winning number storage area has an initial value of 0, and is overwritten sequentially by performing this process. In addition, since the winning numbers are searched in descending order from the largest value, when the winning numbers are determined redundantly, the smaller winning number is preferentially stored.

  Next, the CPU 31 refers to the internal winning combination determination table and determines an internal winning combination based on the winning number stored in the winning number storage area (step S100). Next, the CPU 31 calculates the logical product of the determined internal winning combination and bonus check data, and stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination storage area in the carryover combination storage area (step S101). Here, the bonus check data is represented by “11000000”. With this process, carryover is performed when the internal winning combination is MB1 or MB2.

  Next, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storing area in the internal winning combination storing area (step S102). For example, if MB1 is carried over and special 1 and special 2 are won, the data in the internal winning combination storage area is “10000011”.

  After performing the process of step S102, the CPU 31 decrements the number of lotteries by 1 when it is determined in step S96 that the random number value is not greater than or equal to the lower limit value, or when it is determined in step S98 that the random number value is not less than or equal to the upper limit value. (Step S103).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (that is, whether or not all the winning numbers have been searched) (step S104). When the CPU 31 determines that the number of lotteries is not 0, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S94 described above.

  When determining that the number of lotteries is 0 in step S104, the CPU 31 refers to the internal winning combination determination table and determines an internal winning combination based on the winning number (step S105). In this process, if the initial value 0 is stored in the winning number storage area, the loss is determined.

  Next, the CPU 31 calculates the logical product of the determined internal winning combination and bonus check data (ie, 11000000), and stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination storage area in the carryover combination storage area (step S106). Next, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storing area in the internal winning combination storing area of the RAM 33 (step S107). When this process ends, the internal lottery process ends, and the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG.

  Next, the reel stop initial setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning number stored in the winning number storage area is 0 (that is, lost) (step S111). When determining that the winning number is 0, the CPU 31 determines whether the internal winning combination storage area is 0 (that is, whether there is a carryover combination) (step S112).

  When the CPU 31 determines that the winning number is not 0 in step S111, or when the internal winning combination storing area is determined to be 0 in step S112, the CPU 31 stores the data of the winning number storage area in the stop select counter. (Step S113).

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S112 that the internal winning combination storing area is not 0, the data of the internal winning combination storing area is numbered and stored in the stop select counter (step S114). For example, 7 is stored when the data of the internal winning combination storing area is MB1 (ie, “01000000”), and 8 is stored when it is MB2 (ie, “10000000”).

  After performing the process of step S113 or the process of step S114, the CPU 31 determines a stop table based on the stop select counter and the reel stop initial setting table and stores it in the RAM 33 (step S115).

  Next, the CPU 31 stores the rotating identifier in the entire symbol storage area (step S116). When this process ends, the reel stop initial setting process ends, and the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG.

  Next, the reel stop control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (step S121). When determining that the effective stop button is not pressed, the CPU 31 repeats the process of step S121. In this process, it is determined whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed, and whether or not the automatic stop timer of the RAM 33 is 0, that is, a predetermined time (for example, after the start switch 6S is turned on) , 40 seconds) has elapsed (to perform a so-called automatic stop).

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S121 that a valid stop button has been pressed, the CPU 31 invalidates the press operation of the stop button and determines the number of sliding symbols based on the internal winning combination, the stop table, and the priority table. (Step S122).

  In the present embodiment, basically, the number of sliding frames is determined based on the stop table described above, but an internal winning combination (more specifically, an internal winning combination within a range of 4 frames from the stop start position). In the case where there is a symbol position where a symbol related to (data stored in the storage area) can be drawn, the difference up to the symbol position is determined as the number of sliding symbols. For example, if the winning number 5 (ie, BAR star) is won when MB1 is carried over, the BAR star stop table is determined, but within the range of 4 frames from the stop start position. If the presence of a symbol position capable of drawing red 7 related to MB1 having a higher priority is searched, the difference to the symbol position is determined as the number of sliding symbols.

  When the automatic stop is performed, the number of sliding symbols is basically determined so that the display of the symbol combination related to winning is avoided. However, the rotation of the left reel 3L and the rotation of the middle reel 3C have already stopped, and, for example, the symbols constituting the combination of symbols related to the bell 2 (or special 1, special 2, BAR stars) (ie, When the bell is displayed on the center line 8c, a winning combination is determined regardless of which symbol of the right reel 3R is displayed, and thus it is impossible to avoid displaying a symbol combination related to winning. In this case, for example, as described above, a combination of symbols in which three symbols of the same type are arranged on another line different from the center line 8c (that is, a symbol combination related to the bell 1) is displayed. The number of sliding frames is determined.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines the planned stop position based on the determined number of sliding symbols and the current symbol position (step S123). For example, if the determined number of sliding symbols is “2” and the current symbol position (ie, stop start position) is “19”, the planned stop position is determined to be “0”. When the planned stop position is stored, a process for stopping the rotation of the reel is performed based on the planned stop position in an interrupt process (see FIG. 27) described later. It should be noted that the number of sliding symbols and the scheduled stop position are in an equivalent relationship because one is determined and the other is also determined.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S124). The reel stop command includes data such as the type of the stopped reel.

  Next, the CPU 31 stores the symbol identifier of the center line 8c, which is an active line, in the symbol storage area (step S125). For example, if the symbol position counter of the stopped reel is “0”, the symbol arrangement table is referred to, and the symbol type of the symbol position “0” is stored in the symbol storage area.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid (step S126). When the CPU 31 determines that there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is effective, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S121. When it is determined that there is no stop button for which the pressing operation is effective, the CPU 31 ends the reel stop control process and proceeds to step S14 in FIG. Move.

  Next, the display combination search process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 sets the top address of the symbol storage area (step S131). Next, the CPU 31 determines a display combination based on the combination of symbols stored in the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table (step S132). Specifically, a search is performed to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed in the center line 8c stored in the symbol storage area matches all of the combinations of symbols specified in the symbol combination table. The display combination is determined.

  Next, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the display combination and the display combination storage area in the display combination storage area (step S133). Next, the CPU 31 refers to the symbol combination table, determines the payout number based on the determined display combination and the input number counter, and updates the payout number counter (step S134). For example, if the display combination is Bell 1 and the inserted number is 3, the payout number is determined to be 8. When this process ends, the display combination search process ends, and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG.

  Next, the bonus operation check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether the display combination is MB1 or MB2 (step S141). When it is determined that the display combination is either MB1 or MB2, the CPU 31 performs MB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (step S142). Next, the CPU 31 clears the carryover combination storage area (step S143). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S141 that the display combination is neither MB1 nor MB2, it determines whether or not the display combination is replay (step S144). If the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is not replay, it ends the bonus operation check process and proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  When determining that the display combination is replay in step S144, the CPU 31 copies the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion number counter (step S145). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  Next, the bonus end check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 turns off the CB operating flag (step S151). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (step S152). When it is determined that the bonus end number counter is not 0, the bonus end check process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG.

  When CPU 31 determines in step S152 that the bonus end number counter is 0, it performs MB end time processing (step S153). Specifically, the CPU 31 clears the MB operating flag and the bonus end number counter. When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 27, an interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms performed under the control of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 saves the register (step S161). Next, the CPU 31 performs input port check processing (step S162). Specifically, the CPU 31 checks the input of signals from each switch.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process (step S163). Specifically, if a request for starting the rotation of the reel is made, the CPU 31 starts the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and performs the rotation at a constant speed. If the planned stop position is determined, the symbol position counter of the relevant reel is updated to the same value as the planned stop position, and then the rotation of the relevant reel is decelerated and stopped. For example, if the symbol position counter is “19” and the scheduled stop position is “0”, the reel rotation is stopped when the symbol position counter is updated to “0”.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a lamp / 7SEG driving process (step S164). Specifically, the CPU 31 performs processing such as lighting of the bet lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c based on the insertion number counter, and displaying on the information display unit 18 the number of payouts when winning is established based on the number of payouts.

  Next, the CPU 31 restores the register (step S165). In this 1.1173 ms cycle interrupt process, a process of subtracting 1 from the automatic stop timer may be performed. When this process ends, the interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms ends.

  Next, the control operation of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 28, the reset interrupt process performed by the sub control circuit 72 will be described. The sub CPU of the sub control circuit 72 generates a reset interrupt when power is turned on and a voltage is applied to the reset terminal, and the reset interrupt stored in the sub ROM is generated based on the occurrence of the interrupt. The processing is performed sequentially.

  First, the sub CPU initializes a register, a sub RAM, and the like (step S201). Next, the sub CPU performs a command receiving process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 29 (step S202). In this command reception process, presentation data to be executed by the WIN lamp 20, the liquid crystal display device 5, the LED 101, the lamp 102, or the speakers 21L and 21R is determined according to the type of the received command.

  Next, the sub CPU performs command output processing (step S203). In this command output process, the WIN lamp 20, the liquid crystal display device 5, the LED 101, the lamp 102, or the speakers 21L and 21R are driven and controlled based on the determined effect data and the effect data determined by the image, sound, and light. Execute the output. When the command output process ends, the sub CPU proceeds to step S202.

  Next, command reception processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sub CPU determines whether or not a command has been received from the main control circuit 71 (step S211). When determining that the command is not received, the sub CPU ends the command reception process and proceeds to step S203 in FIG. When determining that the command has been received, the sub CPU performs a command response process (step S212). In this command handling process, a start command handling process described later with reference to FIG. 30 is performed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 30, a start command response process performed in response to the start command received from the main control circuit 71 will be described.

  First, the sub CPU obtains the winning number from the start command, and whether or not the determined winning number is either the winning number 7 or the winning number 8, that is, the MB1 or MB2 in the current unit game. It is determined whether any has been determined (step S221). When the CPU 31 determines that neither the winning number 7 nor the winning number 8 has been determined, the CPU 31 ends the start command handling process and proceeds to step S203 in FIG.

  When determining that either the winning number 7 or the winning number 8 has been determined in step S221, the CPU 31 requests the lighting of the WIN lamp (step S222). When this process ends, the start command handling process ends, and the process proceeds to step S203 in FIG. When the lighting of the WIN lamp is requested, the WIN lamp 20 is turned on in the command output process in step S203 of FIG.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the symbol combination table (see FIG. 10) is a specific combination arranged on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L among the three reels as a symbol combination related to winning. When the specific symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the middle reel 3C is displayed on the center line 8c, any of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the remaining right reel 3R is displayed on the center line 8c. The combination of a specific symbol determined as a prize is specified.

  Specifically, in the above-described symbol combination table, combinations of symbols relating to special 1, special 2, bell 2, and BAR stars are defined as specific symbol combinations. Among these, in the case of the combination of symbols related to the bell 2, when the Play arranged on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L and the bell arranged on the peripheral surface of the middle reel 3C are displayed on the center line 8c, The winning is determined regardless of which symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the remaining right reel 3R are displayed on the center line 8c.

  Here, five Replays are arranged on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L, and five bells are arranged on the peripheral surface of the middle reel 3C. Therefore, the number of symbol combinations related to the bell 2 is 525 (5 × 5 × 21). On the other hand, the number of symbol combinations “Bell-Bell-Bell” related to Bell 1 made up of symbols of the same type that does not include ANY (that is, regardless of the type of symbol) is 100 ( 4 × 5 × 5). As a result, if the combination of specific symbols as described above is provided as a symbol combination related to winning, the number of symbol combinations related to winning is increased as compared to the case where only the combination of symbols of the same type is provided. Can do. Therefore, even if the combination of specific symbols as described above is defined, it is possible to raise the winning rate. That is, the winning rate is determined without specifying a combination of symbols in which a winning is determined only by displaying a specific symbol (for example, cherry on the left reel 3L) arranged on the peripheral surface of one reel as in the prior art. It is possible to raise the bottom.

  By the way, when manufacturing gaming machines such as pachislot machines, it is necessary to pay attention to the impact on society, such as making sure that there is no significant gambling. And “Rules on Approval and Model of Pachislot Machines” in the “Law on the Optimization of Business and Others”. Standards such as numerical values defined here are standards for judging whether or not the gaming machine is harmful to good manners and are very important in manufacturing the gaming machine.

  The above criteria stipulate that the winning rate is as follows: “The number of symbol combinations related to winning is more than 11 / 100th of all symbol combinations and not exceeding 40/100. "Is defined (as defined in Appendix Table 5 (1) b).

  Here, for reference, the winning rate is based on the symbol configuration applied to each reel 3L, 3C, 3R applied in the present embodiment and the symbol combination relating to the winning defined in the symbol combination table. Is calculated. The symbol combination “Red 7-Bell-ANY” related to Special 1 becomes 252 (2 × 6 × 21), and the symbol combination “BAR-Bell-ANY” related to Special 2 becomes 252 (2 × 6 × 21) The symbol combination “Bell-Bell-Bell” relating to Bell 1 is 120 (4 × 6 × 5), and the symbol combination “Replay-Bell-ANY” relating to Bell 2 is 630 (5 × 6 × 21). , The symbol combination “BAR-star-ANY” relating to the BAR star is 126 (2 × 3 × 21), and the symbol combination “Replay-Replay-Replay” relating to the replay is 100 (5 × 4 × 5), The symbol combination “Red 7-Red 7-Red 7” relating to MB1 is 12 (2 × 3 × 2), and the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” relating to MB2 is 18 (2 × 3 × 3). Because it becomes, union of design to affect winning a prize The number is a total of 1510 (252 + 252 + 120 + 630 + 126 + 100 + 12 + 18) of the. Moreover, the number of all symbol combinations is 9261 (21 × 21 × 21). Accordingly, the winning rate is 1510/9261 (approximately 16.3%), which can be within the above-described appropriate range.

  In a conventional gaming machine having a plurality of active lines, for example, when a lose is determined as an internal winning combination, and a symbol related to a bell is displayed in the middle of the right display window and the middle of the middle display window (so-called 5 symbols within 4 frames from the stop start position of the remaining one left reel are arranged in the order of bell, watermelon, cherry, replay, and bell. Even if the display of the symbol combination related to the bell is avoided, cherries are always displayed in the upper, middle or lower part of the left display window, making it impossible to avoid erroneous winnings. There was a case. In such a case, it becomes necessary to change the arrangement of the symbols on the left reel. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a combination of symbols in which a winning is determined only by displaying a specific symbol (for example, a cherry on the left reel 3L) arranged on the peripheral surface of one reel as in the prior art is defined. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the above situation from occurring.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the center line 8c among the plurality of lines 8a-8e provided in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Whether or not to win is determined based only on the combination of symbols displayed on the screen. Therefore, it is possible to narrow a region that is a target for determining whether or not a prize is won. That is, an effective line that is a target for determining whether or not a prize is determined and an ineffective line that is not a target for whether or not a prize is determined are provided. As a result, for example, it is possible to avoid displaying symbols related to winnings not determined as an internal winning combination on the active line and to display them on the ineffective line. It becomes easy to avoid the display of the symbol combination related to the winning that has not been made.

  Due to the above configuration, there is a situation in which it is difficult to draw or kick a combination of symbols related to winning due to the presence of a specific symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of one reel as in the past. It is possible to prevent the occurrence. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary restriction from being imposed on the configuration of symbols arranged on the reel, and to prevent loss of freedom in development.

  Further, according to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the above-mentioned specific symbol combination is displayed on the center line 8c, other lines different from the center line 8c (ie, the top line 8b, the bottom line) 8d, the cross-up line 8a, and the cross-down line 8e) are configured to display a combination of symbols of the same type. Therefore, by displaying a combination of symbols of the same type of symbol on another line different from the center line 8c, it is possible to show the player as if the winning has been determined.

  For example, if the symbol combination “Replay-Bell-ANY” related to Bell 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the symbol combination “Bell-Bell-Bell” related to Bell 1 is displayed on the cross-down line 8e. Is displayed. Therefore, even if the active line is the center line 8c, it is possible to show the player as if the winning has been determined by displaying the three bells side by side on the cross-down line 8e which is an ineffective line. It becomes possible to improve the interest of the game.

  Even if it is difficult for the player to discriminate that the combination of symbols related to winning is at first glance, such as the combination of symbols related to Bell 2 described above, “Replay-Bell-ANY”, Since a combination of symbols in which three symbols of the same type are arranged on the line is displayed, it is possible to make it easy for the player to determine whether or not winning has been determined.

  Further, according to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a predetermined time (for example, 40 seconds) elapses after the start operation is detected, the reel is rotated even if the stop operation is not detected. Stop (so-called automatic stop). Further, when the automatic stop is performed, the rotation of the reels is stopped so as to avoid displaying the combination of symbols related to winning a prize on the center line 8c. Therefore, it is possible to reflect the player's skill in the winning decision.

  Here, by defining a specific symbol combination as described above, for example, the rotation of the left reel 3L and the rotation of the middle reel 3C are already stopped based on the detection of the stop operation among the three reels, If Replay and a bell are displayed side by side on the center line 8c, even if automatic stop is performed for the rotation of the remaining right reel 3R, any symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the right reel 3R will be Even if it is displayed in 8c, it is determined that a prize is won. For this reason, even in a gaming machine in which the display of the symbol combination related to winning is avoided when automatic stop is performed, the winning can be determined even if automatic stop is performed. That is, in a specific symbol combination, the player's skill is required for the left reel 3L and the middle reel 3C other than ANY, and for the right reel 3R where ANY is defined, There is basically no requirement for the skill of the player. Therefore, if the left reel 3L and the middle reel 3C have already stopped based on the detection of the stop operation, even if the winning is determined by automatically stopping the right reel 3R, the skill is not reflected. Instead, it is possible to prevent loss of profits that the player should obtain.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, since it is determined whether or not a prize is won based only on the combination of symbols displayed on one active line, compared with a gaming machine having a plurality of conventional active lines, It is possible to reduce the processing burden required for determining whether or not to win for other lines. Therefore, it is possible to speed up the processing related to the determination of whether or not a prize is won, as compared with the conventional gaming machine.

  Further, in this embodiment, by setting one active line in both the general gaming state and the CB gaming state, it is possible to share the processing related to the determination of whether or not a prize is won. Unlike the gaming machine having the active line, it is not necessary to change the active line according to the gaming state, and the increase in the program capacity can be suppressed as much as possible.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this.

  It should be noted that the gaming machine comprises a reel, a symbol display means, a start operation detection means, an internal winning combination determination means, a reel rotation means, a stop operation detection means, a reel stop means, a winning determination means, a symbol combination table, and a winning combination. Specific configurations such as a combination of symbols, a specific symbol combination, one line, a symbol combination consisting of symbols of the same type, a predetermined time after the start operation is detected, etc. are described above. Not limited to each element of the form, it can be arbitrarily changed.

  In the present embodiment, the center line 8c is applied as one predetermined line. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another line may be applied. For example, any one of the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross-up line 8a, and the cross-down line 8e may be applied. Further, the present invention is not limited to the one applied in the present embodiment, and for example, an area connecting the upper stage of the left display window 4L, the middle stage of the middle display window 4C, and the upper stage of the right display window 4R can be applied.

  In the present embodiment, three reels are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more reels may be provided. For example, five reels may be provided. In this case, for example, if a specific symbol arranged on each of the three reels from the left among the five reels is displayed on the center line 8c, any symbol arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the remaining reels. It is also possible to apply a specific symbol combination (for example, “Replay-Bell-Replay-ANY-ANY”) that is determined to be a winning even if is displayed on the center line 8c.

  In the present embodiment, three display windows 4L, 4C, 4R corresponding to each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display windows are configured as one display window. May be. In other words, the display window may be configured to be able to display some (for example, three) symbols of a plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Also, the device configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3 and its peripheral devices, the table configuration shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, and the RAM shown in FIGS. The configuration of the storage area and the configuration of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 17 to 30 can be arbitrarily changed or modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  In addition to the pachislot machine as in the present embodiment, the present invention can be applied to gaming machines such as slot machines and video slots. Furthermore, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program in which the above-described operation in the slot machine is simulated for a home game machine. In that case, a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

  The effects described in the present embodiment are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the present embodiment. .

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the symbol arranged on reel 3L, 3C, 3R. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of the gaming machine 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | positioning table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the lottery frequency determination table of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal lottery table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the internal winning combination determination table of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the reel stop initial setting table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the priority order table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the symbol combination table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the bonus operation time table of the gaming machine 1. 7 is a diagram showing an internal winning combination storing area of a RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71. FIG. It is a figure which shows the carryover combination storage area of RAM33 of the main control circuit 71. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a random value storage area of a RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a stop select counter of a RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71. FIG. It is a figure which shows the symbol storage area of RAM33 of the main control circuit 71. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the reset interruption process performed by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the bonus action | operation monitoring process by the main control circuit. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of medal insertion / start check processing by a main control circuit 71. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the game state monitoring process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the internal lottery process by the main control circuit. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of reel stop initial setting processing by a main control circuit 71. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the reel stop control process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the display combination search process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the bonus action check process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the bonus completion | finish check process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the interruption process of the 1.1173 msec period by the main control circuit 71. FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of reset interrupt processing performed by a sub control circuit 72. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the command reception process performed by the subcontrol circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the start command response process performed by the sub-control circuit 72.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 4L, 4C, 4R Display window 5 Liquid crystal display device 6S Start switch 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 7S Stop switch 8a Cross up line 8b Top line 8c Center line 8d Bottom line 8e Cross down line 20 WIN lamp 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit

Claims (3)

A plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface;
Design display means for displaying each of a plurality of symbols out of a plurality of symbols respectively arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the plurality of reels by providing a plurality of areas for displaying one symbol for each of the plurality of reels; ,
Start operation detecting means for detecting the start operation;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on detection of a start operation performed by the start operation detecting means;
Reel rotating means for respectively rotating the plurality of reels;
Stop operation detecting means for detecting stop operation according to the type of the plurality of reels;
Reel stop means for stopping rotation of the corresponding reel when the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detection means;
When rotation of the plurality of reels is stopped, a symbol displayed on a predetermined line among a plurality of lines each connecting any of a plurality of regions provided for each of the plurality of reels. A winning determination means for determining whether or not to win based on a combination and a symbol combination table defining a symbol combination related to winning;
In the symbol combination table, as a symbol combination related to the winning,
Among the plurality of reels, when a specific symbol arranged on each circumferential surface of at least two or more reels is displayed on the one line, any symbol arranged on the circumferential surface of the remaining reels is A gaming machine characterized by defining a combination of specific symbols which are determined to be winning by the winning determination means even if displayed on one line. The reel stop means includes
When the combination of specific symbols is displayed on the one line, the combination of symbols of the same type is displayed on another line different from the one line. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotation is stopped. The reel stop means includes
The combination of symbols related to the winning is displayed on the one line on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start operation was detected by the start operation detecting means. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein rotation of the reel is stopped.

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