JP2007083081A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for variably displaying patterns by an electronic display device capable of realizing an operation feeling similar to a conventional game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine comprises an image display part having a plurality of variable display areas where identification information is variably displayed in a variable display game, a game control means for controlling a game and a display control means for updating an image to be displayed on the image display part at a prescribed interval and variably displaying the identification information, the variably displayed identification information is stop-displayed by the operation input of a stop operation part, and the result of the variable display game is decided in relation to the combination of the stopped identification information. In the game machine, the game control means holds image kind information displayed at a timing immediately before at the image display part, transmits the image kind information to be displayed at the next timing on the image display part, and judges a game result by the held image kind information when detecting the operation input of the stop operation part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine (for example, a pachi-slot machine or a ball slot machine) that includes a variable display device that can variably display a plurality of types of symbols, and that can execute a variable display game that can be stopped by a player's stop operation. In particular, the present invention relates to a symbol stop control in a gaming machine that variably displays symbols by an electronic display device.

A conventional gaming machine (a slot machine such as a pachi-slot machine, a ball slot machine, etc.) derives a combination of stop symbols as a result of a variable display game by rotating a reel on which a plurality of symbols are displayed. A gaming machine including a CRT that displays a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-61-85978

  However, even if the reel stop switch is operated in order to stop the display of the symbols variably displayed on an electronic display device such as a CRT, the stop of the symbols is delayed by the time required for the symbol image display processing. There is a problem that a stop symbol cannot be derived at a timing desired by a person.

  In particular, with pachislot machines, “pushing” to operate the reel stop button is performed mainly by advanced users, aiming at the timing when the desired symbol is displayed at the position of the effective line, capturing the variation display timing of the symbol. Therefore, even for a gaming machine that displays a symbol on an electronic display device and plays a variable display game, it is necessary to ensure the same operational feeling as a conventional gaming machine that performs a variable display game by rotating a reel. . That is, when it is necessary to stop the reel immediately, it is necessary to stop the symbol change display immediately after the operation of the reel stop button.

  The present invention provides a gaming machine that can realize the same operational feeling as a conventional gaming machine that performs a variable display game by rotating a reel, even if the gaming machine displays a symbol by an electronic display device. The purpose is to do.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display unit in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed and a variable display game is played, a stop operation unit that performs an operation for stopping and displaying the identification information that is variably displayed, In a gaming machine comprising a game control means for controlling and a display control means for variably displaying an image of identification information displayed on the image display section, the game display means is currently displayed on the image display section. Current image designation information storage means for storing current image designation information for designating identification information in an image displayed at the previous image update timing with respect to the image being processed, and the image display unit performs the next image update. When display image designation information transmission means for transmitting display image designation information for designating identification information to be displayed at timing to the display control means and an operation input of the stop operation section is detected Game result determination means for determining a game result based on the current image designation information, wherein the display control means designates an image of identification information displayed on the image display unit by the received display image designation information. And an identification information image updating means for performing a variable display by updating the identification information image.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display unit in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed and a variable display game is played, a stop operation unit that performs an operation to stop and display the variably displayed identification information, In a gaming machine comprising a game control means for performing control and a display control means for variably displaying an image of identification information displayed on the image display section, the game control means is displayed on the image display section. Current image designation information storage means for storing current image designation information for designating identification information, and the current image designation information update means for updating the current image designation information corresponding to an image update period of the display control means, From the timing of the first current image designation information stored in the current image designation information storage means, a second update is performed in the image update cycle two times later. Display image designation information transmitting means for transmitting image designation information corresponding to the point-in-time image designation information to the display control means as display image designation information for designating identification information displayed on the image display section, and operation of the stop operation section A game result determination unit that determines a game result based on the current image designation information when an input is detected, and the display control unit receives an image of the identification information displayed on the image display unit. An identification information image updating means for updating and displaying the identification information image designated by the designation information is provided.

  In the first invention, an image display unit in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed and a variation display game is played, a stop operation unit that performs an operation for stopping and displaying the identification information that is variably displayed, and a game of the variation display game In a gaming machine comprising a game control means for controlling and a display control means for variably displaying an image of identification information displayed on the image display section, the game display means is currently displayed on the image display section. Current image designation information storage means for storing current image designation information for designating identification information in an image displayed at the previous image update timing with respect to the image being processed, and the image display unit performs the next image update. Display image designation information transmitting means for transmitting display image designation information for designating identification information to be displayed at timing to the display control means, and detecting an operation input of the stop operation section And a game result determination means for determining a game result based on the current image designation information, wherein the display control means designates an image of the identification information displayed on the image display unit based on the received display image designation information. Since the identification information image updating means for updating and displaying the identification information image to be displayed is provided, the player stops at the timing when the identification information is actually displayed on the image display section by the game control means. The operation unit can be operated, and the game control means can determine the game result of the variable display game based on the operation input of the stop operation unit. Therefore, it is possible to realize an operational feeling like a conventional gaming machine that plays a game by rotating a mechanical reel.

  In the second invention, an image display unit in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed and a variable display game is played, a stop operation unit that performs an operation for stopping and displaying the identification information that is variably displayed, and a game of the variable display game In a gaming machine comprising a game control means for performing control and a display control means for variably displaying an image of identification information displayed on the image display section, the game control means is displayed on the image display section. Current image designation information storage means for storing current image designation information for designating identification information, and the current image designation information update means for updating the current image designation information corresponding to an image update period of the display control means, The second update is performed in the image update cycle two times later from the timing of the first current image designation information stored in the current image designation information storage means. Display image designation information transmitting means for transmitting image designation information corresponding to the current image designation information to display control means as display image designation information for designating identification information displayed on the image display section, and operation of the stop operation section A game result determination unit that determines a game result based on the current image designation information when an input is detected, and the display control unit receives an image of the identification information displayed on the image display unit. Since there is provided an identification information image updating means for updating and displaying the identification information image designated by the designation information, the display control means matches the timing when the identification information corresponding to the current image designation information is displayed. The player can now operate the stop operation unit, and the game control means can play the game result of the variable display game based on the operation input of the stop operation unit. Since it can be determined, it can be designed in consideration of delays in display timing due to image display processing, etc., so that it is possible to realize an operational feeling like a conventional gaming machine that plays a game by rotating a mechanical reel it can.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a gaming machine (pachislot machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a hinge on the left side, and includes a front panel 2 that can be opened and closed in a single-opening manner with the hinge as an axis. In the upper center of the front panel 2, a variable display device (image display device) 8 provided with three variable display areas (8a, 8b, 8c) of the left middle right is provided. In each of the variable display areas 8a, 8b, and 8c, an image of a cylindrical reel on which a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols (symbols) is displayed is displayed. Then, by moving the positions of the symbols on the reel in order, a variation display game in which the symbols displayed at the positions of the effective lines are changed is performed, and the result of stopping the variation display is a predetermined stop at the position of the effective lines. It is configured to give a predetermined game value to the player in connection with the display mode (predetermined symbol combination mode).

  Then, in a state where the images displayed in the variable display areas 8a, 8b, and 8c are stopped, three symbols can be visually recognized in the variable display areas 8a, 8b, and 8c, respectively. That is, in the display in a state where the symbols (reels) are stopped, a total of nine symbols are displayed on the variable display device 8.

  Above the display screen of the variable display device 8, there is provided an auxiliary display device 4 for executing an auxiliary game and performing effect display and information display related to the variable display game. The auxiliary display device 4 is controlled by the display control device 150 (see FIG. 2), and changes the display contents.

  On the left side of the display screen of the fluctuation display device 8, a bet line display unit 13 is provided for displaying a bet line (valid line) activated corresponding to the bet number (bet number) of medals. The bet number of medals is the number of medals inserted by the player for the game, or the number of medals used in the game after being subtracted from the memorized number of medals (credit number) previously inserted by the player. . Note that an operation in which a player inserts medals or subtracts from a stored number to start a game is called a bet.

  For example, when the number of bets is one, the bet line display unit 13 indicates that only the “1” lamp in the center of the bet line display unit 13 is lit and only the middle horizontal line is an active line. Yes. When the number of bets is two, the “1” in the center of the bet line display section 13 and the “2” lamps provided above and below it are lit, and three horizontal lines in the upper, middle and lower stages are active lines. It is shown that. When the number of bets is 3, all the lamps “1”, “2”, and “3” on the bet line display section 13 are lit, three horizontal lines, and two diagonal lines that descend to the right and rise to the right. This indicates that a total of 5 lines are effective lines.

  On the right side of the display screen of the variable display device 8, a game state display unit 14 for displaying a game state is provided. The game state display unit 14 indicates that the game is possible, displays “INSERTM EDALS” for prompting the insertion of medals, indicates that the replay winning is obtained, and that the game currently being played is a replay game after the replay winning. "REPLAY" display showing, "WAIT" display showing that there is a waiting time from when the player inserts a medal and operating the start lever until the symbol variation display (reel rotation) starts, symbol variation display “GAME OVER” display or the like indicating that the (reel rotation) has stopped and the game has ended.

  Below the display screen of the variable display device 8 is a payout amount display section 5 for displaying the number of payouts when the player confirms winning and wins a medal, during AT state, during big bonus (BB) state or regular A game progress display section 11 is provided for displaying the number of remaining games in the bonus (RB) state. These display parts 5 and 11 are comprised using 7 segment LED, a liquid crystal display, etc. FIG.

  A translucent front cover member 25 is mounted on the upper portion of the front panel 2, and a decorative display unit 37 made up of a lamp, LED, etc., a sound generating unit made up of a speaker, etc. are mounted on the back of the front cover member 25. Is arranged.

  A medal insertion slot 25 for inserting medals is provided in the inclined base part 22 between the upper half and the lower half of the front panel 2, and the player can play a game by inserting medals into the insertion slot. It can be done.

  The tilt base 22 has a 1-bet button (1 bet switch) 10 that can bet medals credited by pressing operation one by one, and a max bet button (betting betable number of medals by one pressing operation). MAX bet switch) 9 is provided. When the max bet button 9 is operated, for example, when no medal is bet, three medals are bet, and when one medal is bet, two more medals are bet. With these bet buttons 9 and 10, medals can be bet within the number of credits displayed on the credit number display unit 12 without inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 15. Is set. The 1 bet button 10 and the max bet button 9 function as a betting means.

  A rectangular decorative panel 19 is provided in the lower half of the front panel 2. Above the decorative panel 19, a credit selection button (credit selection switch) that can be selectively switched between a credit state in which medals can be stored as credits and a non-credit state in which medals cannot be stored as credits. 18. A start lever (start lever switch) 6 is provided for starting the variable display of symbols displayed in the variable display areas 8a to 8c. Therefore, when the credit selection button 18 is used to switch from the credit state to the non-credit state, the credit amount is cleared, and medals corresponding to the credit amount are discharged to the tray 23.

  Above the decorative panel 19, reel stop buttons (reel stop switches) 7a, 7b, and 7c for stopping the change display of the reel displayed on the change display device 8 and deriving the stop symbol are provided. When the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c are operated, the variable display of symbols displayed in the variable display areas 8a to 8c corresponding to the switches is stopped.

  Each reel stop button 7a-7c incorporates an operation information lamp for notifying that the reel stop button is operable by causing the reel stop button to emit light. The reel stop buttons 7a to 7c cannot be operated while these operation information lamps are not lit, and the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c are operable while the operation information lamp is lit. Therefore, while the operation information lamp is not lit, the variable display in the variable display areas 8a to 8c is not stopped even if the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c are operated. Moreover, you may make it alert | report whether the reel stop button 7a-7c is operable by the lighting color of the operation information lamp.

  Front cover members 24, 24 having translucency are mounted on the left and right sides of the decorative panel 19. On the back of the front cover member 24, a decoration display portion 37 made of a lamp, LED, or the like is disposed.

  Below the decorative panel 19, there is provided a tray 23 and an ashtray 21 that can store medals paid out from the medal payout unit 3 at the back of the front panel 2.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the control system of the gaming machine (pachislot machine) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The control system of this gaming machine has a gaming control device 100 disposed inside the gaming machine as a main component. The game control device 100 is a control device that performs overall game control (game progress control processing and control of each controlled device), and includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, and an input / output interface 104.

  The CPU 101 includes a control unit and a calculation unit, and performs various types of calculation control, and stops the variable display of the symbols in the variable display areas 8a to 8c so that a predetermined special symbol combination mode is formed in the main game. An internal lottery is generated by generating a random number for internal lottery that determines whether or not to permit the selection. The winning probability of each winning in the internal lottery is changed according to the number of bets on the game medium, and the winning probability is controlled to increase as the number of bets increases. Instead of generating a random number for internal lottery by software processing of the CPU 101, a random number generator for generating a random number is provided in the game control device 100, and a random number output from the random number generator is used as a random number for internal lottery. An internal lottery may be performed.

  The result of the internal lottery (whether the winning flag is established / not established) is transmitted to the display control device 150, and the variable display game of the variable display device 8 is controlled based on the lottery result.

  The ROM 103 stores a program for executing control processing and control data (for example, a determination value for internal lottery). The RAM 102 stores an internal lottery random number storage area generated by the CPU 101, a storage area for temporarily storing various other data (for example, the number of medals credits, the number of medals bets, and establishment flags), and the operation of the CPU 101. Has an area. The RAM 102 is provided with storage areas corresponding to the credit means, the valuable value storage means, and the converted game value storage means. The credit number data (game value number) of the credit means and the amount data (value of the valuable value storage means) ( Value value) and medal number data (game value number) in the converted game value storage means.

  The input / output interface 104 is, through a low-pass filter and a buffer gate (not shown), inserted medal detection sensor 15a, start lever switch 6, bet switches 9, 10, credit selection switch 18, payout medal detection sensor 3a, probability setting device. 32, signals input from the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c, the reset switch 33, and the front frame opening detection switch 34 are output to the CPU 101. In addition, the control signal output from the CPU 101 is transmitted via an output port or a driver (not shown) to the bet line display unit 13, the credit number display unit 12, the payout number display unit 5, the game progress display unit 11, and the game status display. Output to the unit 14, the decoration display unit 37, the medal payout unit 3, the external signal output unit 38, the reel operation information lamp, and the like.

  The inserted medal detection sensor 15 a is a sensor that detects a medal inserted from the medal slot 15. The start lever switch 6 is a switch that detects that the start lever has been operated. The 1-bet switch 10 is a switch that detects that the 1-bet button has been pressed. The max bet switch 9 is a switch for detecting that the max bet button has been pressed. The credit selection switch 18 is a switch that detects that the credit selection button has been pressed. The payout medal detection sensor 3 a is a sensor that detects the number of medals paid out in order to count the medals paid out from the medal payout unit 3.

  The probability setting device 32 is a device for switching the setting of the gaming machine, and this setting includes settings 1 to 6 having different probabilities that the winning flag is established, and the setting probability of the winning flag of setting 1 is the lowest and is set. As the value increases, the winning flag can be switched so that the probability of establishment is increased.

  The reel stop switches 7a to 7c are switches provided on the reel stop buttons, respectively, to detect that each reel stop button has been operated. When the operation of the reel stop button is detected by the reel stop switches 7a to 7c, the variable display of the symbols displayed in the corresponding variable display areas 8a to 8c is stopped.

  The reset switch 33 is a switch that initializes the gaming state of the gaming machine. The front frame opening detection switch 34 is a switch that detects that the front panel 2 is opened.

  The medal payout unit 3 functions as a payout means, and when the stop display mode corresponding to winning is formed at the position of the active line based on the stop mode of the symbols displayed on the variation display unit 8, the game control Controlled by a prize ball command signal output from the device 100, a predetermined number of game media (medals) are paid out to the tray 23.

  The game control device 100 performs overall control of information display, sound output, and the like related to the effect of the auxiliary game. For example, the bet input information transmitted from the game control device 100 in response to detection of a bet input (bet) by a detection signal from any of the inserted medal detection sensor 15, the 1 bet switch 10, or the max bet switch 9. Based on the reception, a control process related to the auxiliary game displayed on the auxiliary display device 4 and a control process related to the sound corresponding to the auxiliary game output from the sound output unit 26 are performed. The display control signal is transmitted to the display control device 150, and the sound control signal is transmitted to the sound control device (not shown).

  In addition, the game control device 100 outputs an effect display on the auxiliary display device 4 and an output from the sound output unit if the game is not executed for a certain period of time during a specific game state in which a specific winning is obtained and a flashy performance is performed. Control to reduce or stop is also performed.

The display control device 150 performs display control of an image and functions as an effect control unit. The display control device 150 includes a CPU 151, a VDC (Video Display Controller) 156, a RAM 153, an interface 155, a ROM 152 storing programs, a font ROM 157 storing image data (design data, background image data, moving image character data, texture data, etc.). And an oscillator 158 for generating a clock signal for generating a synchronization signal and a strobe signal.
The CPU 151 executes a program stored in the ROM 152, and based on a signal from the game control device 100, image control information for a predetermined variable display game (symbol display information including sprite data, polygon data, etc., background screen) Information, moving image object screen information, etc.) to instruct the VDC 156 to generate an image.

  The VDC 156 performs, for example, polygon drawing (or normal bitmap drawing) of an image based on the image data stored in the font ROM 157 and the content calculated by the CPU 151, and a predetermined texture for each polygon. Is pasted and stored in the RAM 153 as a frame buffer. Then, the VDC 156 transmits the image in the RAM 153 to the LCD side (LCD driver 181) at a predetermined timing (vertical synchronization signal V_SYNC, horizontal synchronization signal H_SYNC).

  The drawing processing performed by the VDC 156 performs point drawing, line drawing, triangle drawing, polygon drawing, and further performs texture mapping, alpha blending, shading processing (glow shading, etc.), hidden surface removal (Z buffer processing, etc.), and γ correction. An image signal is output to the LCD driver 1810 via the circuit 159.

  The VDC 156 may temporarily store the drawn image data in the RAM 153 as a frame buffer, and then output the image data to the LCD driver 181 in accordance with a synchronization signal (V_SYNC or the like).

  Here, as the frame buffer, a plurality of frame buffers are respectively set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 153, and the VDC 156 can also superimpose (overlay) an arbitrary image and output it.

  An oscillator 158 that supplies a clock signal is connected to the VDC 156. The clock signal generated by the oscillator 158 defines the operation cycle of the VDC 156, generates signals output from the VDC 156, for example, a vertical synchronization signal (V_SYNC) and a horizontal synchronization signal (H_SYNC), and outputs them to the image display device 8. Is done.

  The RGB signal output from the VDC 156 is input to the γ correction circuit 159. The γ correction circuit 159 corrects the non-linear characteristic of the illuminance with respect to the signal voltage of the image display device 8, adjusts the display illuminance of the image display device 8, and generates an RGB signal to be output to the image display device 8. .

  A buffer circuit 160 serving as a signal transmission direction restricting means is provided in front of the interface 155 that receives the effect control command signal from the game control device 100, and only signal input from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 is allowed. Thus, signal output from the display control device 150 to the game control device 100 is prohibited. In the case where bidirectional communication is performed between the game control device 100 and the display control device 150, a bidirectional buffer can be used for the buffer circuit 160.

  A liquid crystal driver (LCDDRV) 181 is provided in the image display device 8. The liquid crystal driver 181 sequentially applies voltages to the liquid crystal display panel electrodes based on the V_SYNC signal, the H_SYNC signal, and the RGB signals sent from the display control device 150 to display an image on the image display device 8.

  In addition, the CPU 151 causes the sound output unit to output a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state and a predetermined effect sound corresponding to the auxiliary game based on the sound control signal transmitted from the game control device 100.

  From the external signal output unit 38, various information related to the operating status (signals related to medal insertion and payout, signals indicating the BB state or the RB state, etc.) are output to the outside (amusement store management device, etc.). It is possible. Further, test data (inspection data) including information related to the establishment of each winning flag can be output to the outside.

  A power supply device (not shown) of a gaming machine includes a backup power supply unit and a power failure monitoring circuit in addition to a power supply circuit that supplies power to each control device and the like. When detecting a predetermined voltage drop of the power supply device, the power failure monitoring circuit sequentially outputs a power failure detection signal and a reset signal to the game control device 100. When the game control device 100 receives a power failure detection signal, the game control device 100 performs a predetermined power failure process, and when it receives a reset signal, stops the operation of the CPU. The backup power supply unit supplies backup power to the RAM 102 or the like of the game control device 100, and retains the storage contents relating to game data (including game information and game control information: variable display game information).

  FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram of the gaming state in the gaming machine (pachislot machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming state is roughly divided into a normal state, a BB state, and an RB state. In a normal state, a player performs an operation of inserting a predetermined number (usually 1 to 3) of game media (in this embodiment, a medal, but a game ball may be used) or a betting button operation from a credit. After inputting the number of bets based on (bet operation), by operating the start lever 6, a variable display game is started and a variable display game is started, and an internal lottery is performed for each game.

  In some cases, the player operates the start lever 6 and the symbol variation display does not immediately start. This time is referred to as “wait time”. This "wait time" is provided to limit the number of executable games within a predetermined time so that the player does not consume excessive gaming value as a result of continuous playing. During this wait time, it is determined that the display is not waited for immediately, and the lamps provided on the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c and the lamps on the back of the image display device 8 are turned off so that the wait time is reached. To clarify.

  This gaming machine is provided with a function (internal lottery function) for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to win various prizes in relation to the execution of the game. An internal lottery is performed based on the random number. When the internal lottery is won, a winning flag is set, and generation of a predetermined winning combination (winning mode) is permitted. That is, only when the internal lottery is won and a winning flag is set, the variable display control is performed so that a predetermined symbol is allowed to stop on the active line and form a winning mode, and winning can be obtained as much as possible. Done. As described above, any one of BB prize, RB prize, small role prize, replay prize, JAC prize, and lose is determined by the internal lottery.

  In other words, in the variable display game, the target symbol is not stopped reliably by the player's stop operation, but only the combination of symbols permitted by the control processing of the control means of the gaming machine can be stopped by the player's operation. For example, the game control device 100 extracts a random number at the timing triggered by the start lever operation, and permits the generation of any winning combination (winning flag) based on the result of determining the random number. It is possible to stop only a combination of symbols based on such determination by the player's operation.

  The BB winning is a winning mode in which a big bonus (BB) state in which a small role game that is likely to win a small role winning with a high probability and a JAC game that is likely to win a JAC winning with a high probability is generated a predetermined number of times. is there. The RB winning is a winning mode in which a regular bonus (RB) state is generated in which a JAC game that is easy to obtain a JAC winning with a high probability can be played a predetermined number of times. The small role winning is a winning mode in which a relatively small amount (for example, 10 or less) of medals is paid out. Replay winning is a winning mode in which a game can be played again without betting medals. JAC winning is a winning mode in which a relatively large number (for example, 15) of medals are paid out by betting only one medal. In particular, the BB winning or the RB winning is referred to as a specific winning for deriving a special gaming state (BB state or RB state) advantageous to the player. In this special game state, it can be expected that a large amount (for example, 100 or more) of game media will be obtained as compared to the small role winning.

  The variation display of the symbol is determined by the player operating the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c respectively provided corresponding to the variation display regions 8a to 8c or after a predetermined time (from the start of the reel rotation). After the elapse of time), the variable display of the symbols displayed in the variable display areas 8a to 8c is automatically stopped in sequence, and the stop display mode is determined. Then, when the symbol variation display is stopped, the combination mode of the symbols formed on the activated line activated according to the number of bets becomes a predetermined predetermined combination mode (winning mode). In this case, the winning is confirmed, and a profit (game medium) is given to the player corresponding to the winning type.

  Specifically, when the BB winning flag is established as a result of the internal lottery in the normal state, the stop display mode becomes a predetermined symbol combination mode (for example, “White 7, White 7, White 7”). The state becomes the BB state, and the big bonus game (small role game + JAC game) is started. After the big bonus game end condition is satisfied in the BB state, the normal game state is resumed.

  Further, when the RB winning flag is established as a result of the internal lottery in the normal state, the stop display mode becomes a predetermined symbol combination mode (for example, “White 7, White 7, Gaia”), so that the gaming state is the RB state. Thus, a regular bonus game (JAC game) is started. After a predetermined number of JAC games are completed in the RB state, the normal state is entered and the normal game is resumed.

  In this example, the AT winning lottery is performed in the BB state (or RB state). If the AT winning can be obtained as a result of the lottery, the AT state (such as a small role) The state of the winning flag, the game state in which the player is notified of the specific stop order of the variable display areas 8a to 8c, etc.), and the AT game is started. On the other hand, if the AT winning lottery is not obtained as a result of the AT winning lottery in the BB state or the like, after the BB game or the like is finished, the normal game state is resumed by shifting to the normal gaming state.

  In the AT state generated by winning in the internal lottery in the BB state or the like, various effects using sound and light are made from the sound generating unit and the light emitting unit during the AT game, and the assist time notifying unit (not shown). ) “WIN” is lit to notify that it is in the AT state, and the game progress display section 11 displays the number of remaining AT games. In addition, information on the established winning flag is notified to the player by the established small role notifying unit (not shown), and a specific stop order in which the symbols for the small role can be stopped is also notified. Is possible. Further, in the AT state, the player may be notified of a specific stop order for deriving the small combination.

  When the result of the internal lottery in the AT state is BB winning and the winning flag is established, the stop state is a combination of predetermined symbols, so that the AT state is released and the gaming state is changed to the BB state. Is started.

  Further, when the result of the internal lottery in the AT state is RB winning and the winning flag is established, the stop state is a combination of predetermined symbols, so that the AT state is temporarily released and the gaming state becomes the RB state. The RB game is started.

  Further, after a predetermined number of AT games have been completed in the AT state, the normal game state is resumed by shifting to the normal gaming state.

  The game state in the BB state is further classified into a small role game state and a JAC game state.

  When entering the BB state, first, a small role game state in which a small role winning can be obtained with a higher probability than in the normal game is entered. The game in the small role game state proceeds in the same manner as in the normal game state. In this small-combination game state, when a predetermined symbol combination (for example, “REP, REP, REP”) is stopped and displayed on the active line, a JAC in prize is awarded. As the medals are paid out, the small role game state is temporarily suspended, and a JAC game state in which a JAC winning can be obtained with high probability is obtained.

  In this JAC game state, the number of medals bet is one, and a predetermined symbol combination (for example, “REP, REP, REP”) is placed on an effective line (for example, a middle horizontal line) corresponding to the one bet. When the display is stopped, a JAC prize is awarded, and, for example, 15 medals are paid out. This JAC game can be executed up to 12 times. When the 12th JAC game ends, the small role game is resumed. However, if the number of JAC games has reached eight before the number of JAC games reaches 12, the JAC game state ends with the eighth JAC prize and the small role game state is resumed.

  In this embodiment, when the net increase in the number of medals in the BB state (the number of medals paid out minus the number of bets) exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 435), the small role game Regardless of the number of times, the BB state is forcibly terminated. In this way, when the maximum number of medals to be paid out is 15, the net increase in the number of medals in the BB state is always suppressed to 450 (435 + 15) or less, so that the shooting ability of the gaming machine can be moderately suppressed. The end condition for the BB state is not limited to such a mode. For example, as in the past, a small role game (including a JAC in-winning game, not including a JAC winning game) has been digested 30 times. It may be an aspect that ends at the time. In addition, when the BB state is forcibly ended based on the net increase in the number of medals, the end timing may be after completing the payout of medals for winning, or 435 or more even during the discharge of medals. At this point, the medal payout itself may be forcibly terminated and the BB state may be forcibly terminated.

  However, in this case, if a predetermined number (usually three times) of JAC in winnings occurs before the net increase in the number of medals or the number of small role games reaches the predetermined number, the JAC game is terminated by the JAC in winning. With this, the BB state ends. Therefore, for a player, delaying the occurrence of a JAC in prize as much as possible is a necessary condition for obtaining a large amount of profits (medals) within the range of the gaming machine performance. If the winnings are exhausted quickly, only a relatively small amount of profit can be obtained despite the BB state.

  As for the RB state, when the RB winning is confirmed and the RB state is set, the JAC game is started at the same time, and the JAC game (that is, the RB game) that can acquire the JAC winning with high probability is started. Then, when the 12th JAC game ends or when the number of JAC games reaches 12 before the number of JAC games reaches 12, the RB state ends.

  When winning a specific prize such as an RB prize or a BB prize by an internal lottery, even if no prize form is formed in the game, the variable display game is executed, and as a result, the game is stopped or a small role is stopped. Are formed in a predetermined combination mode (reach eyes) that does not normally appear. By the appearance of this reach stop mode, the player is informed that a special prize flag such as a big bonus has been established (the winner of the special prize is won), and the player will receive a big bonus etc. in subsequent variable display games. Try to align the designs seriously.

  In addition, when the winning combination flag of the small role is established, a specific stop order is selected using a random number, and only when the player performs a stop operation of the symbol change display in this specific stop order. When the symbol corresponding to the small role is stopped and the player makes a stop operation in a order other than the specific stop order, the small role is not established, and the winning flag of this small role is extinguished.

  On the other hand, if the internal lottery is not won (the winning flag is not established), the predetermined symbol stops on the active line to form a winning mode no matter what timing the player performs the variable display stop operation. Fluctuation display control is performed so that it does not occur. Therefore, if a flag such as a big bonus is not established, even if the player tries to stop aiming at a symbol such as a big bonus, the player does not stop at a symbol such as a big bonus.

  In other words, if the operation timing of the reel stop operation buttons 7a to 7c is matched at any time, a winning mode cannot be formed, and a predetermined prize is awarded only when the timing of the stop operation is met after winning the internal lottery. An aspect is formed. As described above, by performing the variable display stop control based on the internal lottery result, it is possible to control the game result to some extent according to the result of the internal lottery.

  Also, a gaming machine has been proposed in which an auxiliary game related to the main game is produced by the auxiliary display device 4 provided separately from the three variable display areas 8a to 8c constituting the main game. For example, the auxiliary display device 4 performs auxiliary games with various effect displays. In addition to the three variable display areas 8a to 8c constituting the main game, a fourth variable display area in which symbols indicating the winning types are arranged is provided to display the fourth variable display area in a variable manner. Some have played auxiliary games. By these auxiliary games, it is possible to play a highly entertaining game that cannot be expressed in the main game played in the variable display areas 8a to 8c. In addition, even if a specific winning mode (a symbol combination mode that becomes a specific winning) cannot be formed when the symbols are stopped and displayed, by deriving a specific result in the auxiliary game that has been performed at the same time, The player can be notified that the flag has been established. Further, even if the player does not grasp the reach formed as a symbol stop display mode, it is possible to know the establishment of the specific winning flag based on the result of the auxiliary game, so that the player is not satisfied with the game. Fewer sense of fairness.

  Furthermore, in order to make a more interesting performance in the auxiliary game, a plurality of intermediate modes are prepared, the production mode is developed step by step, and finally the production mode according to the result of the internal lottery is derived. It may be.

  4 to 6 are arrangement diagrams of symbols displayed on the variable display device 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, "black 7" located at symbol numbers 0 and 6 of the reel displayed in the left variation display area 8a, "white 7" located at symbol numbers 1 and 10, “Tiara” located at symbol numbers 2, 8, 11, 13, 18 “Plum with sword” located at symbol numbers 3, 7, 12, 15, 19 (hereinafter simply referred to as “replay”), “Character imitating human face” (hereinafter referred to as “Gaia”) located at symbol number 4, “Watermelon” located at symbol numbers 5, 14, 16, 17 and “Characters located at symbol numbers 9, 20” Seven types of “cherry” symbols are arranged on the reel according to a predetermined rule. Then, when the symbol display is stopped in the variable display areas 8a to 8c, if the symbol stopped and displayed at the position of the effective line forms one of the predetermined established symbol rows, the corresponding winning is achieved. Is earned.

  Then, the winning combination established as a result of the internal lottery performed by operating the start lever 6 is guided to the symbol combination corresponding to the winning flag, and the symbol combination that generates a game result contrary to the winning flag is restricted. As described above, the stop position table in which the number of moving frames is defined corresponding to each symbol in each variable display area is selected. The stop position table and the stop priority position in each variable display area are determined by the stop position table. FIG. 4 shows the number of moving frames after the start lever 6 is operated (when all reels are rotated) on the right side of the symbol.

  FIG. 5 shows the number of moving frames set when the variable display in the first stop variable display area is stopped.

  When one of the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c is operated after the reel rotation is started, a variable display area corresponding to the operated reel stop button (first stop variable display area: a variable display area where the variable display stops first) The change display of the symbol displayed in () is stopped, and the number of moving symbols of the symbol displayed in the change display area during the other change display is changed.

  In the state shown in FIG. 5, the reel stop button 7a is operated, the display of the left fluctuation display area 8a is displayed, the symbol "5" is displayed in the center of the left fluctuation display area 8a, and the fluctuation display is stopped. The number of moving frames corresponding to the symbols in the middle variation display area 8b and the right variation display area 8c that are still in the variation display is changed from the number of movement frames at the start of the variation display (when the start lever 6 is operated). .

  FIG. 6 shows the number of moving frames set when the variable display in the first variable display area and the second variable display area is stopped.

  When the reel stop button corresponding to the variable display area during the variable display is operated among the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c after the variable display in the first stop variable display area is stopped, the corresponding variable display area (second stop display) is displayed. Fluctuation display area: Fluctuation display of the symbol displayed in the second variation display area is stopped), and the number of symbols for moving symbols displayed in the variation display area during other variation display is changed. The

  In the state shown in FIG. 6, after the reel stop button 7a is operated, the reel stop button 7c is operated, and the display of the right fluctuation display area 8c is displayed in the center of the right fluctuation display area 8c. The number of moving frames corresponding to each symbol of the medium variation display area 8b that is still displayed in the variable display is changed from the number of moving frames when the variable display in the first stop variation display area is stopped. Has been.

  Next, the winning types of the gaming machine (pachi-slot machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention, the pattern combination mode corresponding to each winning, and the winning contents will be described.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the normal gaming state, “Big Bonus (BB) Winning”, “Regular Bonus (RB) Winning”, “Replay Winning”, “Small Winning (Cherry, Watermelon, Tiara)” or One of the “losings” is won by internal lottery.

  The BB winning is a winning determined when “Black 7, Black 7, Black 7,” “White 7, White 7, White 7,” and “Gaia, Gaia, Gaia” are stopped on the active line. When 15 medals are paid out, the BB state occurs.

  The RB winning is determined when “Black 7, Black 7, Gaia” and “White 7, White 7, Gaia” are stopped and displayed on the active line, and 15 medals are paid out and the RB state is changed. appear.

  The replay winning is a winning determined when “Plum, Plum, Plum” is stopped and displayed on the active line, and the replay game is performed after the reels are stopped. In this replay game, the number of medals bet this time is carried over to the next game, so the game can be started without newly betting medals.

  As for the small role winning prize, one of “Watermelon, Watermelon, Watermelon”, “Tiara, Tiara, Tiara”, “Cherry, ANY, ANY” (“ANY” part can be any symbol) is on the active line. In the winning determined by the stop display, the number of medals corresponding to the type of the small role winning is paid out. For example, 10 medals are paid out for “Watermelon, Watermelon, Watermelon”, 8 medals for “Tiara, Tiara, Tiara”, and 2 medals for “Cherry, ANY, ANY”.

  The JAC in winning is a winning that is determined when “Plum, Plum, Plum” is stopped and displayed on the active line in the BB small role game. A JAC game in which stop control is performed so that “Plum, Plum, Plum” is stopped and displayed on an active line (for example, a middle line) with a high probability by betting a medal is started. If a JAC in-win is awarded in the BB small role game, the JAC game continues until 12 JAC games are completed or 8 JAC wins are obtained.

  JAC winning is determined when “Plum, Plum, Plum” is stopped and displayed on the active line (for example, the middle line) when one medal is bet in a JAC game started by JAC in winning. 15 medals will be paid out. However, during the JAC game, even if “Plum, Plum, Plum” is stopped and displayed on the active line, the replay winning is not performed and the replay game is not performed.

  That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the number of moving frames corresponding to each symbol is set by the game control device 100, whereby the reel stop control is performed, and the player operates the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c. It is possible to stop the variable display of the symbols displayed in the variable display areas 8a to 8c at a position advanced by a maximum of four frames from the performed timing. Therefore, symbol stop control is performed based on the stop prohibition position and stop priority position specified in the selected stop position table (the symbol kicking process is performed at the stop prohibition position, and the symbol pull-in process is performed at the stop priority position. ) Therefore, if a stop position table that can stop the variable display at a position advanced from 0 to 4 frames from the stop operation timing is selected, it is on the active line at the timing when the player operates the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c. If there is a symbol corresponding to a winning winning flag in a certain symbol and the subsequent four frames, the symbol is displayed to forcibly stop at the position of the active line.

  That is, when the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c are operated at the display timing of each symbol, the symbol is stopped by moving by the number of moving frames determined corresponding to each symbol. In the state shown in FIG. 4, if the reel stop button 7 a is operated between “watermelon” of symbol number 5 to “tiara” of symbol number 8 in the left variation display area 8 a, the symbol is determined corresponding to each symbol. Since the symbol stops by moving by the number of moving frames (for example, three frames for “Tiara” of symbol number 8), the symbol number 5 is placed at the center of the left variation display area 8a (position of the variation display line in the center). Fluctuation display stops with “Watermelon” displayed.

  Next, parameters used for the symbol display control of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a parameter table used for symbol display control.

One variable display area (reel) is controlled so that 21 symbols are sequentially displayed as described above, and symbol numbers from 0 to 20 are assigned to each symbol. The state of each symbol changing is prepared so that three images (that is, 63 images per reel) are sequentially displayed for each symbol, and pointers (image numbers) 0 to 62 are attached. Yes. Each image is given a deviation number indicating the amount of deviation from the position where the symbol stops on the effective line. That is, the image number, symbol number, and deviation number are
Image number = 3 × symbol number + deviation number. The symbols are sequentially displayed in the direction in which the symbol number decreases, and the symbols are variably displayed in the variable display areas 8a to 8c so that each reel is rotating. Note that the symbol of symbol number 62 is displayed next to the image of symbol number 0.

  In addition, a sign indicating whether or not the image has a deviation number 0 (a position where the symbol is displayed on the active line) is a position where the symbol can be finally stopped (the star in FIG. 7). Marked with a mark). The code indicating whether or not it is a stoppable position is set for each reel by a flag that is established in the variable display game and a stop symbol of the reel that has already stopped the variable display.

  FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the parameters shown in FIG. 7 and the display symbols.

  FIG. 8A shows the state of symbol number 6 and deviation number 0 (image number 18), and symbol “7” of symbol number 6 is displayed on the active line. The symbol “watermelon” of symbol number 5 to be displayed next on the effective line is displayed on the symbol “7” of symbol number 6, and below the symbol “7” of symbol number 6 is the symbol “7”. The symbol “Cherry” of symbol number 7 previously displayed at the position of the active line is displayed.

  FIG. 8D shows the state of symbol number 5 and deviation number 0 (image number 15), and the symbol “watermelon” of symbol number 5 is displayed on the active line. The symbol “Gaia” of the symbol number 4 to be displayed next at the position of the effective line is displayed above the symbol “” of the symbol number 5, and the symbol “watermelon” of the symbol number 5 is displayed below the symbol “watermelon”. The symbol “7” of symbol number 6 displayed before (in the state of FIG. 8A) at the position of the active line is displayed.

  8 (b) and 8 (c) are symbols displayed between FIG. 8 (a) and FIG. 8 (d), and FIG. 8 (b) is 3 minutes from FIG. 8 (a). FIG. 8 (c) shows a state in which two symbols are moved from FIG. 8 (a).

  Specifically, FIG. 8B shows the state of symbol number 5 and deviation number 2 (image number 17), and is positioned at the position of the center line (the horizontal effective line in the middle stage of the fluctuation display unit 8) one symbol before. The displayed symbol “7” of symbol number 6 is displayed at a position (downward) that is one third of the symbol from the position of the center line, and then the symbol of symbol number 5 displayed at the position of the center line. “Watermelon” is displayed in front of the 2/3 symbol (upper) from the position of the center line. FIG. 8C shows the state of symbol number 5 and deviation number 1 (image number 16). The symbol “7” displayed at the position of the center line one symbol before is the center line. The symbol “watermelon” of symbol number 5 that is displayed in the position (downward) that is two-thirds past the position of the symbol is next one-third from the position of the center line. It is displayed in front (upper).

  That is, the symbol number indicates the number of the symbol displayed at the position of the central line after the image (including the image), and the deviation number indicates until the symbol indicated by the symbol number is displayed at the position of the central line. Indicates the number of images displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the game control process of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In this game control process, it is first determined whether a game start condition is satisfied (S101).

  Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not a medal is bet, and if the replay game right is generated as a result of the previous game (the medal bet carried in the previous game is carried over). If one or more medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 15 or if at least one or more medals are stored in the RAM 102 as credits, When it corresponds to any of the cases where it is operated, it is determined that a betting operation in which a bet is placed is performed.

  For example, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 15, the inserted medal is detected by the medal detection sensor 15 a and the detection signal is input to the game control device 100. Based on the detection signal, the bet number of medals is stored, and the active line corresponding to the bet number is displayed on the bet line display unit 13. However, a predetermined upper limit value (for example, three) is set for the bet amount. For example, in a state where the “non-credit state” is selected by the credit selection button 18, a medal exceeding the upper limit value of the bet number is set. Is inserted from the medal slot 15, the surplus medals are returned to the tray 23 without being added to the bet amount. On the other hand, when a “credit state” is selected by the credit selection button 18 and a medal exceeding the upper limit of the betting number is inserted from the medal insertion slot 15, the surplus medal is added to the credit amount. At the same time, the addition result is displayed on the credit amount display unit 12 as the credit amount.

  If it is determined that the medal is bet, the process proceeds to the start switch monitoring process (S102). On the other hand, if it is determined that the medal is not in a bet state, the betting operation process (S101) waits until the medal is bet.

Next, a start lever operation process for determining whether the start lever 6 has been operated based on a signal from the start lever switch 6a is performed (S102).
If it is determined that the start lever 6 has been operated, the process proceeds to the variable display start preparation (S103 to S105). On the other hand, if the operation of the start lever 6 is not detected, this process is repeated until the start lever 6 is operated, and the apparatus waits.

  If it is determined that the start lever 6 has been operated, all reels of the stop switch detection flag set when the stop switch is operated are initialized (S103). A random number for internal lottery is extracted based on the operation timing of the start lever 6, and the internal lottery result is determined by comparing the extracted random number with a determination value stored in advance in the ROM 103. This determination value varies depending on the number of bets and the setting value of the gaming machine. Based on the determination result of the internal lottery, it is determined whether or not various winnings (for example, a small role, BB, RB, replay, etc.) are won, and if winning, a winning flag corresponding to the winning winning is set. The In addition to the operation of the start lever 6, a random number for internal lottery may be extracted at a timing such as when a bet is placed or when the variable display areas 8a to 8c start variable display.

  Then, a stop position table that defines the number of moving frames for each of the variable display areas 8a to 8c is selected, and a stop mode is determined for each of the variable display areas 8a to 8c (S105).

  Further, it is determined whether or not a certain time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the variable display in the previous game. If it is determined that the certain time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the lottery process and the following processes. When it is determined that a certain time has not elapsed, after waiting for the game to start (that is, after a certain time has elapsed from the start of the variation display of the symbols displayed in the variation display areas 8a to 8c in the previous game) ), And proceed to the subsequent processing. During the waiting time until the start of the game, the “WAIT” display on the game state display unit 14 is lit. Note that this waiting process for digesting the waiting time may be performed at any timing from the operation of the start switch to the stop of the variable display.

  Then, a variation start command signal is transmitted to the display control device 150 (S106), and the variation display of the symbols displayed in the variation display areas 8a to 8c is started all at once. At this time, the fluctuation start command signal includes information on the stop mode determined in step S105. Then, when a predetermined time elapses after the start lever 6 is operated, the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c are controlled so that they can be operated.

  Then, a reel stop process (FIG. 10) for stopping the variable display of symbols displayed in the variable display areas 8a to 8c is executed (S107). In this reel stop process, the symbols to be stopped and displayed in the variable display areas 8a to 8c are determined based on the timing at which the player operates the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c and the established states of the winning flags. The display control signal is output to the display control device 150 based on the above. For example, in a state where any one of the winning flags is established, with reference to the number of moving frames defined in the stop position table, the symbol corresponding to the winning is stopped and displayed at the position of the active line. Reel pull-in control is performed. That is, when a player operates the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c, a winning flag whose flag is established in a symbol that should originally be stopped and displayed on the active line or a symbol for several frames (for example, four frames) that follows. If the symbol corresponding to the symbol is included, the symbol stop control is performed so that the symbol corresponding to the winning is preferentially stopped and displayed on the active line.

  However, if the player does not stop the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c even after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or more) has elapsed since the start lever 6 was operated, the game control device 100 is Display image designation information is output to the display control device 150 according to the symbol display state determined based on the state before the game start of the symbols displayed in the variation display areas 8a to 8c and the established winning flag, and each variation is displayed. The variable display in the display areas 8a to 8c is automatically stopped.

  Corresponding to the fluctuation display area (second stop fluctuation display area and third stop fluctuation display area) that is still in the fluctuation display when the fluctuation display of the fluctuation display area (first stop fluctuation display area) where the fluctuation display stops first is stopped. The stop position table to be selected is selected, and the stop mode is determined for each variable display area (S108). Then, information on the stop mode of the second stop change display area and the third stop change display area is included in the first reel stop command signal and transmitted to the display control device 150 (S109).

  Then, after the variable display in the first stop variable display area is stopped, a reel stop process (FIG. 10) for stopping the variable display of symbols displayed in the variable display area during the variable display is executed (S110).

  When the variation display of the variation display area (second stop variation display area) where the second variation display stops is stopped, the stop position table corresponding to the variation display area (third stop variation display area) still displaying the variation is selected. Then, a stop mode is determined for each variable display area (S111). Then, information on the stop mode of the third stop variation display area is included in the second reel stop command signal and transmitted to the display control device 150 (S112).

  Then, after stopping the variable display in the second stop variable display area, a reel stop process (FIG. 10) is performed to stop the variable display of the symbols displayed in the third stop variable display area that has been displayed in a variable manner until the end. (S113), a third reel stop command signal is transmitted to the display control device 150 (S114).

  Then, a winning is determined based on the symbol stop display position (S115). In this winning determination process, based on the stop position of each reel, it is determined whether or not a stop display mode corresponding to any winning (for example, a small role, BB, RB, replay, etc.) is formed on the active line. Based on this, it is determined whether or not a prize has been won.

  If it is determined in this winning process that a winning is won, a predetermined number of medals are paid out. In this payout process, when it is determined in the winning determination process that a winning other than the replay game has been confirmed, a control signal is sent to the medal paying unit 3 to pay out the number of medals according to the confirmed winning mode. A process of adding the number of medals according to the process or winning mode to the storage of the number of credits is performed. And the process etc. which clear the winning flag of a small role or a replay game are performed. Also, in this payout process, when the occurrence of a replay game is determined in the winning determination process, a process of carrying over the bet number stored in the current game to the next game is performed, and the occurrence of the replay game is not determined The process for clearing the memory of the bet amount is performed. When this payout process is finished, a series of game control processes are finished and one game is finished.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the reel stop process.

  This reel stop process is performed so that each variable display area 8a to 8c (each reel stop switch 7a to 7c) is separately provided with data relating to a flag and an image number, and each variable display area 8a to 8c is controlled separately. Is called. Specifically, a stop SW detection flag, a current image number, and a stop image number are set for each of the first stop change display area, the second stop change display area, and the third stop change display area. The stop SW detection flag is a flag indicating whether or not the reel stop button corresponding to the corresponding stop variation display area has been operated, and the current image number is the current image number corresponding to the corresponding stop change display area. The image number is an image number of identification information that is finally stopped in the corresponding stop change display area.

  In the following description, the stop SW detection flag corresponding to the first stop change display area, the current image number, the stop image number, and the reel stop button corresponding to the first stop change display area are used. The control for stopping the reel will be described.

  First, it waits until the next display control timing (occurrence of a screen display interrupt) (S121). Then, the current image number is updated by -1 (S122). Then, the information on the reel stop button SW stored at the time of the previous display control timing (information to that effect if an edge is set) is saved in the previous time (S123). Then, the current reel stop button SW is inspected, and if it falls, an edge is set (S124). As a result, the previous state of the reel stop button SW is temporarily stored.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the stop SW detection flag is set (stop detection flag = 1) (S125). If the stop SW detection flag is not set, the reel stop retracted to the area two times before is stopped. Based on the information of the button SW, it is determined whether the reel stop button SW is operated at the last display control timing (S126). Then, if the operation of the first reel stop switch in the previous time area is not detected, the process proceeds to step S127.

  On the other hand, if the operation of the first reel stop switch in the previous area is detected, the first stop SW detection flag = 1 is set and the first reel stop switch detection flag is set (S128). The closest stoppable symbol is determined as the stop symbol (determined to be the closest symbol after the pointer of the current image number among the symbols marked with an asterisk at the “position where final stop is possible” in FIG. 7). Is determined as the stop position (S129). Then, the process proceeds to step 130.

  On the other hand, if the stop SW detection flag is set (if the first stop SW detection flag = 1), the process proceeds to step 130, and the currently displayed image and the image at the stop position are displayed as the current image number and the stop. The image number is compared (S130).

  As a result of the comparison, if the currently displayed image is equal to the image at the stop position (the image number of both images), it is determined that the currently displayed image has the stop symbol displayed at the center line position. Then, display image designation information having the same number as the image indicated by the current image number is transmitted to the display control device 150 (S133), and this reel stop process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the image number of the currently displayed image is one before the image number of the stop position, it is determined that the stop symbol is displayed at the position of the center line in the image next to the currently displayed image. Then, display image designation information for the image of image number -1 (display image designation information for displaying the same design as the display control command transmitted at the previous image update timing) is transmitted to the display control device 150 (S132).

  On the other hand, if the image number of the currently displayed image is two or more before the image number of the stop position, it is determined that there is time until the stop symbol is displayed at the position of the effective line, and the image of image number -2 is displayed. Display image designation information (normal display image designation information) is transmitted to the display control device 150 (S127).

  For convenience of explanation, the reel control of the second and third stop change display areas is not described in FIG. 10, but the second stop change display area even when the reel stop of the first stop change display area is performed. Since the reel control of the third stop change display area is also performed at the same time, actually, in S122 described above, not only the first stop change display area but also the current image numbers of the second and third stop change display areas are displayed. -1 is performed. Further, simultaneously with the transmission of the display image designation information regarding the first stop variation display area, the display image designation information regarding the display image designation information regarding the second and third stop variation display areas is also transmitted. In S133, S132, and S127, in all steps, the image number of the current image number -2 in the second stop variation display area is set and transmitted as display image designation information related to the second stop variation display area. The number of the image of the current image number -2 in the 3 stop change display area is set and transmitted as display image designation information related to the third stop change display area.

  By the way, the above description is a control executed as a process called from the reel stop process 1 in step S107 in FIG. 9 and includes a stop SW detection flag, a current image number, and a stop corresponding to the first stop variation display area. The control for performing the reel stop in the first stop change display area using the reel stop button corresponding to the image number and the first stop change display area has been described.

  Following this, even in the case of the control for stopping the reel in the second stop variation display area, which is executed as the process called from the reel stop process 2 in step S110 in FIG. 9, the stop SW detection flag, the current image number, the stop Similar control is performed by replacing each of the image number and the reel stop button with the one corresponding to the second stop variation display area. However, in step S122, the current image number is not updated for the already stopped first stop change display area, and in steps S133, S132, and S127, image designation information related to the first stop change display area is transmitted. The difference is not to do.

  Further, even in the case of the control for performing the reel stop in the third stop variation display area, which is executed as the process called from the reel stop process 3 in step S113 in FIG. 9, the stop SW detection flag, the current image number, the stop image number. The same control is performed by replacing each of the reel stop buttons with the one corresponding to the third stop variation display area. However, in step S122, the current image number is not updated for the first and second stop change display areas that have already stopped, and the first and second stop change display areas in steps S133, S132, and S127. The difference is that the image designation information is not transmitted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display control apparatus.

  A variation start command is received from the game control device, and the stop mode of all reels is extracted and set from the variation start command (S141). Then, sudden stop information corresponding to all the variable display areas 8a to 8c is set (S142). The sudden stop information defines an image that must immediately stop the variable display and determine the stop symbol during the variable display. That is, referring to the stop position table set corresponding to each of the variable display areas 8a to 8c, the reel stop switches 7a to 7c are displayed when the symbol with the moving frame number “0” is displayed on the center line. Is operated, it is information for stopping the variable display in the image already displayed this time (in the state where the symbol is displayed at the position of the center line), and the final stoppable position shown in FIG. Is set as a code indicating.

  And the fluctuation display of the symbol displayed on each fluctuation display area 8a-8c is started. When the player operates the reel stop buttons 7a to 7c, the first reel image stop process (FIG. 12) is performed and displayed on the variable display areas 8a to 8c corresponding to the operated reel stop buttons 7a to 7c. The change display of the symbol to be stopped is stopped (S143). When the variation display in the first stop variation display area is stopped, the variation display is still being performed based on the stop mode information sent from the game control device 100 included in the first reel stop command signal in S109 of FIG. The sudden stop information corresponding to the variable display area is set (S144).

  When the player operates the reel stop button corresponding to the variable display area that is still in the variable display, the player performs the second reel image stop process (FIG. 12) and displays the variable display corresponding to the operated reel stop button. The variable display of the symbols displayed in the areas 8a to 8c is stopped (S145). When the variable display in the second stop variable display area stops, the variable display is displayed to the end based on the information on the stop mode included in the second reel stop command signal sent from the game control device 100 in S112 of FIG. The sudden stop information corresponding to the currently changing display area is set (S146).

  Then, when the player operates the reel stop button corresponding to the variable display area where the variable display continues until the end, the player performs the third reel image stop process (FIG. 12) and corresponds to the operated reel stop button. The variable display of the symbols displayed in the variable display areas 8a to 8c to be stopped is stopped (S147). When the variation display in the third stop variation display area is stopped, the result of the variation display game which is the symbol finally determined is displayed on the variation display device 8 (S148).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the reel image stop process.

  This reel stop process is based on the display image designation information corresponding to each of the variable display areas 8a to 8c received from the game control device 100, and based on the operation input of each of the reel stop switches 7a to 7c. This is performed so as to individually control each of the variable display areas 8a to 8c.

  In the following description, the display image designation information corresponding to the first stop fluctuation display area is received, the image of the identification information to be displayed in the first stop fluctuation display area is determined, and the reel corresponding to the first stop fluctuation display area is determined. Control for displaying the reel stop in the first stop variation display area using the stop button will be described.

  First, the sudden stop execution flag set in the previous reel image stop process is initialized (S151).

  And it waits until the next image update timing (screen display interruption occurs) (S152).

  At the next image update timing, it is detected whether there is a fall in the operation level of the reel stop button corresponding to the first stop change display area (S153). Then, the prepared image (prepared in step S161 or S162 described later) is output and displayed on the variable display device 8 (S154).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the reel stop button corresponding to the first stop variation display area has been operated (there is a fall) (S155). If the operation of the reel stop button is detected, it is detected whether or not sudden stop information is set in the image currently displayed in the first stop variation display area (S156). If sudden stop information is set in the currently displayed image, a sudden stop execution flag is set (S157).

  And it is determined whether the 1st reel stop command signal transmitted from game control device 100 was received at Step S109 of Drawing 9 (S158). If the first reel stop command signal is received, the reel image stop process is terminated. On the other hand, if the first reel stop command signal is not received, the display image designation signal for the first stop variation display area is received (S159).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the sudden stop execution flag is set (S160). If the sudden stop execution flag is set, it is the same as the identification information displayed in the first stop variation display area as an alternative image of the display image designation information of the first stop variation display area transmitted from the game control device 100. An image is prepared (S161), and the next image update timing is awaited. On the other hand, if the sudden stop execution flag is not set, the designated image is prepared according to the content of the display image designation information in the first stop variation display area transmitted from the game control device 100 (S162), and the next image update is performed. Wait for timing.

  For convenience of explanation, the control for displaying the reels in the second and third stop change display areas is not described in FIG. 12, but even when the reel display in the first stop change display area is performed. Since the reel display of the second and third stop change display areas is also performed at the same time, actually, in S159 described above, not only the display image designation information of the first stop change display area is received, The display image designation information in the third stop variation display area is also received. In addition, in the processing of steps S161 and S162 for preparing an image of identification information to be displayed in the first stop change display area, the display image designation information of the second and third stop change display areas transmitted from the game control device 100 is displayed. According to the contents, images of identification information to be displayed in the second and third stop variation display areas are prepared.

  By the way, the above description is a control executed as a process called from the first reel image stop process in step S143 in FIG. 11, and a control for stopping and displaying the image of the identification information of the first stop variation display area. It was what I explained.

  Similar to this, even in the case of the control for stopping and displaying the image of the identification information of the second stop variation display area, which is executed as the process called from the second reel image stop process in step S145 in FIG. The reel stop button is replaced with the one corresponding to the second stop variation display area, and the same processing is performed by replacing the first reel stop command signal with the second reel stop command signal. However, in step S159, the display image reception information of the first stop variation display area that has already been stopped is not received, and in steps S161 and S162, the image prepared as the identification information of the first stop variation display region is the previous time. (The identification information remains unchanged and remains stopped in the first stop variation display area).

  Further, even in the case of the control for stopping and displaying the image of the identification information of the third stop variation display area, which is executed as a process called from the third reel image stop process in step S147 in FIG. The same processing is performed by replacing the stop button with a button corresponding to the third stop variation display area and replacing the third reel stop command signal with the third reel stop command signal. However, in step S159, the display image reception information of the already stopped first and second stop change display areas is not received, and in steps S161 and S162, the identification information of the first and second stop change display areas is used. The difference is that the prepared image is the same as the previous image (the identification information remains unchanged in the first and second stop variation display areas).

  13 to 15 are timing diagrams of the symbol display control of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The game control device has an image number pointer (current image designation information indicated by YP in FIG. 13) for determining a display image, and is changed by being subtracted one by one in accordance with the display control cycle. . Then, the game control device transmits display image designation information (indicated by CP in FIG. 13) of the image two images ahead (image number -2) from the current image number to the display control device. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, if the current image number is “7”, the display image designation information corresponding to the image number “5” is transmitted. Upon receiving the display image designation information, the display control device controls to display an image (indicated by HP in FIG. 13) corresponding to the display image designation information at the next image update timing. That is, when the image number of the game control device is “6”, the display control device displays an image corresponding to the image number “5”. At this time, display image designation information corresponding to the image number “4” is transmitted from the game control device to the display control device.

  In FIG. 13, when the reel stop switch is operated when the image number of the game control device is “7”, a signal from the reel stop switch is input to the game control device 100 and the display control device 150, and the game control device. 100 and the display control device 150 detect the operation of the reel stop switch. At the next image update timing after detection of the operation of the reel stop switch (image update timing when the image number of the game control device 100 is “6”), the game control device 100 performs a stop detection flag in the reel stop processing (FIG. 10). Since “1” is not “1”, display image designation information (display image designation information “4”) of an image two images ahead of the current image number is sent as usual. At the next image update timing (the image update timing at which the image number of the game control device 100 is “5”) after the detection of the operation of the reel stop switch, the game control device 100 is stopped by the reel stop processing (FIG. 10). The detection flag becomes “1”, and the process of stopping the reel is started. At this time, the game control apparatus 100 determines the stoppable image that is the image number assigned with the next stoppable code as the reel stop operation (in FIG. 14, the image number of the stoppable image is “3”). (Indicated by an asterisk in the figure)). Then, the image number is updated up to the stoppable image, and the update of the image number is stopped. Then, the image number is updated up to the stoppable image, and the display image designation information is transmitted to the display control device. In addition, the display control device 150 performs the sudden stop determination (S156) of the image stop process (FIG. 12) at the next image update timing after the detection of the operation of the reel stop switch. At the timing, an image according to the display image designation information received from the game control device 100 is displayed on the variable display device 8 (in FIG. 13, the image “in accordance with the display image designation information received immediately before the current display control period” 5 "is displayed (indicated by a black triangle in the figure)).

  In FIG. 14, when the operation number of the reel stop switch is detected when the image number of the game control device is “6”, a signal from the reel stop switch is input to the game control device 100 and the display control device 150, and the game The operation of the reel stop switch is detected by the control device 100 and the display control device 150. At the next image update timing after detection of the operation of the reel stop switch (image update timing when the image number of the game control apparatus 100 is “5”), the game control apparatus 100 performs a stop detection flag in the reel stop processing (FIG. 10). Since “1” is not “1”, display image designation information (display image designation information “3”) of an image two images ahead of the current image number is sent as usual. At the next image update timing (image update timing at which the image number of the game control device 100 is “4”) after the detection of the operation of the reel stop switch, the game control device 100 is stopped by the reel stop processing (FIG. 10). The detection flag becomes “1”, and the process of stopping the reel is started. At this time, the game control apparatus 100 determines the stoppable image that is the image number assigned with the next stoppable code as the reel stop operation (in FIG. 14, the image number of the stoppable image is “3”). (Indicated by an asterisk in the figure)). Then, the image number is updated up to the stoppable image, and the update of the image number is stopped. Then, the image number is updated up to the stoppable image, and the display image designation information is transmitted to the display control device. In addition, the display control device 150 performs the sudden stop determination (S156) of the image stop process (FIG. 12) at the next image update timing after the detection of the operation of the reel stop switch. The image according to the display image designation information received from the game control device 100 at the timing is displayed on the variable display device 8 (in FIG. 13, the image “4 according to the display image designation information received immediately before the current display control cycle”. Is displayed (indicated by a black triangle in the figure)).

  In FIG. 15, when the operation of the reel stop switch is detected when the image number of the game control device 100 is “5”, a signal from the reel stop switch is input to the game control device 100 and the display control device 150. The operation of the reel stop switch is detected by the game control device 100 and the display control device 150.

  At the next image update timing after detection of the operation of the reel stop switch (image update timing at which the image number of the game control device 100 is “4”), the game control device 100 performs a stop detection flag in the reel stop processing (FIG. 10). Is not “1”, display image designation information (display image designation information to be “2”) of an image two images ahead of the current image number is sent as usual. At the next image update timing (the image update timing at which the image number of the game control device 100 is “3”) following the detection of the operation of the reel stop switch, the game control device 100 is stopped by the reel stop process (FIG. 10). The detection flag becomes “1”, and the process of stopping the reel is started. At this time, the game control apparatus 100 determines the stoppable image that is the image number assigned with the next stoppable code as the reel stop operation (in FIG. 15, the image number of the stoppable image is “3”). (Indicated by an asterisk in the figure)).

  Then, the image number is updated up to the stoppable image, and the update of the image number is stopped. Then, the image number is updated up to the stoppable image, and the display image designation information is transmitted to the display control device. Further, the display control device 150 performs the sudden stop determination (S156) of the image stop process (FIG. 12) at the next image update timing after the detection of the operation of the reel stop switch. In this case, since it is a sudden stop, the previous image is displayed. Instead of the image (image number “2”) according to the display image designation information transmitted from the game control device 100 at the update timing, the currently displayed image (stop image) of the image number “3” as an alternative image ) Is displayed (indicated by a black triangle in the figure).

  Note that a screen in which the entire display screen is black (or dark gray) may be output as a substitute image. Specifically, image data that makes the entire display screen black (or dark gray) is sent from the VDC 156 to the display device 8 at the timing of outputting the substitute image, or displayed at the timing of outputting the substitute image. The backlight of the device 8 may be temporarily turned off to make the entire display screen black (or dark gray). Even with such a method, an identification information image (image number “2”) that has gone too far than the identification information image (image number “3”) that should be finally stopped is used. Since it is not shown to the player, it is possible to display without causing a sense of incongruity that the reel image suddenly stops when the reel stop switch is operated.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a part of a control system of a gaming machine (pachislot machine) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The control system of this gaming machine has a gaming control device 100 disposed inside the gaming machine as a main component. The game control device 100 is a control device that performs overall game control (game progress control processing and control of each controlled device), and includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, and an input / output interface 104.
Since the operations of the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and input / output interface 104 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 2), detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The input / output interface 104 includes a inserted medal detection sensor 15a, a start lever switch 6, bet switches 9, 10, a credit selection switch 18, a payout medal detection sensor 3a, a probability setting device 32, reel stop buttons 7a to 7c, and a reset switch. 33 and the front frame open detection switch 34 are connected, and signals input from these are output to the CPU 101. The input / output interface 104 also outputs control signals output from the CPU 101 to the bet line display unit 13, the credit amount display unit 12, the payout amount display unit 5, the game progress display unit 11, the game state display unit 14, and the decoration display unit. 37, the medal payout unit 3, the external signal output unit 38, the reel operation information lamp, and the like. Since the operations of the sensors, devices, and the like connected to the input / output interface 104 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 2), detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The display control device 150 performs display control of an image, and functions as an effect control unit together with the composite conversion device 170. The display control device 150 includes a CPU 151, a VDC (Video Display Controller) 156, a RAM 153, an interface 155, a ROM 152 storing a program and the like, a font storing image data (symbol data, background image data, moving image character data, texture data, etc.). The ROM 157 includes an oscillator 158 that generates a clock signal for generating a synchronization signal and a strobe signal, and the like.

  The CPU 151 executes a program stored in the ROM 152, and based on a signal from the game control device 100, image control information for a predetermined variable display game (symbol display information including sprite data, polygon data, etc., background screen) Information, moving image object screen information, etc.) to instruct the VDC 156 to generate an image.

  The VDC 156 performs, for example, polygon drawing (or normal bitmap drawing) of an image based on the image data stored in the font ROM 157 and the content calculated by the CPU 151, and a predetermined texture for each polygon. Is pasted and stored in the RAM 153 as a frame buffer. Then, the VDC 156 transmits the image in the RAM 153 to the LCD side (the composite conversion device 170) at a predetermined timing (vertical synchronization signal V_SYNC, horizontal synchronization signal H_SYNC).

  The drawing processing performed by the VDC 156 performs point drawing, line drawing, triangle drawing, polygon drawing, and further performs texture mapping, alpha blending, shading processing (glow shading, etc.), hidden surface removal (Z buffer processing, etc.), and γ correction. The image signal is output to the composition conversion device 170 via the circuit 159.

  Note that the VDC 156 may temporarily store the drawn image data in the RAM 153 as a frame buffer, and then output the image data to the synthesizing / conversion device 170 in accordance with a synchronization signal (V_SYNC or the like).

  Here, as the frame buffer, a plurality of frame buffers are respectively set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 153, and the VDC 156 can also superimpose (overlay) an arbitrary image and output it.

  An oscillator 158 that supplies a clock signal is connected to the VDC 156. The clock signal generated by the oscillator 158 defines the operation period of the VDC 156, generates a signal output from the VDC 156, for example, a vertical synchronization signal (V_SYNC) and a horizontal synchronization signal (H_SYNC), and generates a composite conversion device 170 and an image. It is output to the display device 8.

  The RGB signal output from the VDC 156 is input to the γ correction circuit 159. The γ correction circuit 159 corrects the non-linear characteristic of the illuminance with respect to the signal voltage of the image display device 8, adjusts the display illuminance of the image display device 8, and generates an RGB signal to be output to the image display device 8. .

  Further, the CPU 151 of the display control device 150 identifies whether the image data (RGB) to be output to the synthesis conversion device 170 is a left-eye image or a right-eye image based on the clock signal of the oscillator 158. The L / R signal is output.

  Further, the CPU 151 controls the luminance (the amount of light emitted from the backlight) of the image display device 8 based on the state of variable display (for example, whether it is a normal variable display game or a jackpot display) and the state of the game. Therefore, the duty control signal DTY_CTR is generated based on the clock signal of the oscillator 158 and output to the image display device 8.

  The synthesizing / conversion device 170 is provided with a right-eye frame buffer, a left-eye frame buffer, and a stereoscopic frame buffer, writes the right-eye image sent from the VDC 156 to the right-eye frame buffer, and the left-eye image for the left-eye. Write to the frame buffer. Then, the right-eye image and the left-eye image are combined to generate a stereoscopic image, which is written into the stereoscopic frame buffer, and the stereoscopic image data is output to the image display device 8 as an RGB signal.

  The generation of the stereoscopic image by combining the right-eye image and the left-eye image is performed at each repetition interval of the polarization characteristics of the fine retardation plate 802 provided in the image display device 8. combine. Specifically, the fine retardation plate of the image display device 8 according to the present embodiment has a half-wave plate arranged at intervals of display units (dots) of the liquid crystal display, and therefore the display unit of the liquid crystal display. The stereoscopic image is displayed so that the right-eye image and the left-eye image are alternately displayed for each horizontal line (scanning line).

  Specifically, the right eye image and the left eye image are generated with parallax based on the depth information of the stereoscopic image information (display object). In the case of polygon drawing, rendering is performed with a left-eye viewpoint and a right-eye viewpoint to generate a right-eye image and a left-eye image, respectively. When using sprite data, drawing is performed by shifting in the left-right direction by the amount of parallax.

  In this way, the left-eye image and the right-eye image are alternately generated, and the left-eye image is stored in the left-eye frame buffer, and the right-eye image is stored in the right-eye frame buffer. That is, the left-eye image data transmitted from the VDC 156 during the output of the L signal is written into the left-eye frame buffer, and the right-eye image data transmitted from the VDC 156 during the output of the R signal is written into the right-eye frame buffer. Then, the left-eye image data written in the left-eye frame buffer and the right-eye image data written in the right-eye frame buffer for each scanning line are read and written into the stereoscopic frame buffer.

  When the CPU 151, the VDP 156, and the composite conversion device 170 function as described above, a left-eye image and a right-eye image are generated, binocular parallax occurs depending on the display position, and the image is converted into a three-dimensional stereoscopic image. Display position control means is configured by performing display control so as to be recognized.

  In the image display device 8, a liquid crystal driver (LCD DRV) 181 and a backlight driver (BLDRV) 182 are provided. The liquid crystal driver 181 sequentially applies voltages to the electrodes of the liquid crystal display panel 804 on the basis of the V_SYNC signal, the H_SYNC signal, and the RGB signal sent from the composite conversion device 170, and the stereoscopic image is displayed on the image display device 8. Is displayed.

  The backlight driver 182 changes the brightness ratio of the image display device 8 by changing the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the backlight based on the DTY_CTR signal output from the VDC 156.

  In other words, the game control device 100 functions as a lottery means for extracting a predetermined random number (special symbol random number, jackpot random number) when a game ball launched into the game area wins the starting port 16, and these lottery random numbers are used. Remember. Then, the game control device 100 edits the display control command signal for instructing the display control device 150 to perform variable display, and transmits the edited display control command signal. When receiving the display control command signal, the CPU 151 of the display control device 150 reads the display image data corresponding to the display control command signal from the font ROM 157 (storage means), and cooperates with the VDC 156 and the composite conversion device 170. Display data to be displayed on the image display device 8 is generated. Thus, the lottery means is configured by the game control device 100 functioning. Further, the display control device 150 and the composite conversion device 170 function to constitute a calculation means.

  A buffer circuit 160 serving as a signal transmission direction restricting means is provided in front of the interface 155 that receives the effect control command signal from the game control device 100, and only signal input from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 is allowed. Thus, signal output from the display control device 150 to the game control device 100 is prohibited. In the case where bidirectional communication is performed between the game control device 100 and the display control device 150, a bidirectional buffer can be used for the buffer circuit 160.

  The LED 34 is turned on while the three-dimensional stereoscopic image is displayed, and is controlled by the CPU 151 to be turned on / off by applying a voltage to the LED 34 via the driver 161. That is, when a stereoscopically visible image is displayed on the image display device 8, the display mode is changed (for example, it is turned on or the emission color is changed) to display stereoscopically. To the player. In addition, it can also comprise so that a player's stereoscopic vision may be assisted by carrying out the auxiliary display which gives a feeling of depth to the near side of the image display apparatus 8 by lighting of LED34.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The light source 801 includes a light emitting element 810, a polarizing filter 811 and a Fresnel lens 812, and emits light whose polarization is not specified (including light of various polarizations). The light emitting element 810 is configured by using point light sources such as white light emitting diodes arranged side by side or linear light sources such as cold cathode tubes arranged horizontally. The polarization filter 811 is set so that the light transmitted through the right region 811a and the left region 811b have different polarizations (for example, the light transmitted through the right region 811a and the left region 811b is shifted by 90 degrees). The Fresnel lens 812 has a lens surface having concentric irregularities on one side.

  Of the light emitted from the light emitting element 810, only light having a certain polarization is transmitted through the polarizing filter 811. That is, of the light emitted from the light emitting element 810, the light passing through the right region 811a of the polarizing filter 811 and the light passing through the left region 811b are irradiated to the Fresnel lens 812 as differently polarized light. As will be described later, the light that has passed through the right region 811a of the polarizing filter 811 reaches the left eye of the observer, and the light that has passed through the left region 811b reaches the right eye of the viewer.

  In addition, even if it does not use a light emitting element and a polarizing filter, what is necessary is just to comprise so that light of a different polarization may be irradiated from a different position, for example, providing two light emitting elements which generate the light of a different polarization, You may comprise so that light may be irradiated to the Fresnel lens 812 from a different position.

  The light transmitted through the polarizing filter 811 is irradiated to the Fresnel lens 812. The Fresnel lens 812 is a convex lens. In the Fresnel lens 812, the optical path of the light emitted so as to be diffused from the light emitting element 810 is refracted so as to be substantially parallel and transmitted through the fine retardation plate 802 and transmitted through the polarizing filter 811. The liquid crystal display panel 804 is irradiated with light.

  At this time, the light transmitted through the fine retardation plate 802 is applied to the liquid crystal display panel 804 so as not to spread in the vertical direction. That is, light transmitted through a specific region (horizontal line) of the fine retardation plate 802 is transmitted through a specific display unit portion (horizontal line) of the liquid crystal display panel 804.

  Of the light irradiated to the liquid crystal display panel 804, the light that has passed through the right region 811 a of the polarizing filter 811 and the light that has passed through the left region 811 b are incident on the Fresnel lens 812 at different angles. The light is refracted and emitted from the liquid crystal display panel 804 through different paths.

  The liquid crystal display panel 804 has a liquid crystal that is twisted and aligned at a predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees) between two transparent plates (for example, glass plates). It is composed. The light incident on the liquid crystal display panel 804 is emitted with the polarization of the incident light shifted by 90 degrees when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal. On the other hand, in a state where a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal, the twist of the liquid crystal can be solved, so that incident light is emitted as it is with polarized light.

  A fine retardation plate 802 and a polarizing plate 803 are disposed on the light source 1 side of the liquid crystal display panel 804, and a polarizing plate 805 is disposed on the viewer side.

  In the fine phase difference plate 802, regions for changing the phase of transmitted light are repeatedly arranged at fine intervals. Specifically, the light-transmitting base material 22 is provided with a region 2a in which a half-wave plate 21 having a fine width is provided, and at a fine interval equal to the width of the half-wave plate 21, 1 / The region 2b where the two-wave plate 21 is not provided is repeatedly provided at a fine interval. That is, the region 2a that changes the phase of light transmitted by the provided half-wave plate and the region 2b that does not change the phase of light transmitted because the half-wave plate 21 is not provided are finely spaced. It is provided repeatedly. This half-wave plate functions as a phase difference plate that changes the phase of transmitted light.

  The half-wave plate 21 is disposed so that its optical axis is inclined 45 degrees with respect to the polarization axis of light transmitted through the right region 811a of the polarization filter 811 and the polarization axis of light transmitted through the right region 811a is rotated by 90 degrees. And exit. That is, the polarization axis of the light transmitted through the right region 811a is rotated by 90 degrees so as to be equal to the polarization of the light transmitted through the left region 811b. That is, the region 2b in which the half-wave plate 21 is not provided transmits light having the same polarization as the polarizing plate 803 that has passed through the left region 811b, and the region 2a in which the half-wave plate 21 is provided. Light that has passed through the right region 811 a and whose polarization axis is orthogonal to the polarizing plate 803 is rotated so as to be equal to the polarizing axis of the polarizing plate 803 and is emitted.

  The repetition of the polarization characteristics of the fine retardation plate 802 is such that the polarization of light transmitted for each display unit (that is, for each horizontal line in the horizontal direction of the display unit) is set at substantially the same pitch as the display unit of the liquid crystal display panel 804. To be different. Therefore, the polarization characteristics of the fine phase difference plate 802 corresponding to each horizontal line (scanning line) of the display unit of the liquid crystal display panel 804 are different, and the direction of light emitted is different for each horizontal line.

  Alternatively, the polarization characteristic of the fine retardation plate 802 is repeated as an integer multiple of the display unit pitch of the liquid crystal display panel 804, and the polarization characteristic of the fine retardation plate 802 is set for each of a plurality of display units (that is, a plurality of display units). It is set so that the polarization of the transmitted light is different for each of the plurality of display units. Therefore, the polarization characteristics of the fine retardation plate 802 are different for each of a plurality of horizontal lines (scanning lines) of the display unit of the liquid crystal display panel 804, and the direction of the light emitted is different for each of the plurality of horizontal lines.

  Thus, since it is necessary to irradiate the display element (horizontal line) of the liquid crystal display panel 804 with different light every time the polarization characteristic of the fine retardation plate 802 is repeated, the liquid crystal display panel transmits through the fine retardation plate 802. The light irradiated to 804 needs to suppress the vertical diffusion.

  That is, the region 2a that changes the phase of the light on the fine retardation plate 802 transmits the light transmitted through the right region 811a of the polarizing filter 811 with the same polarization as the light transmitted through the left region 811b. Further, the region 2b of the fine phase difference plate 802 where the phase of the light is not changed transmits the light transmitted through the left region 811b of the polarizing filter 811 as it is. The light emitted from the fine retardation plate 802 has the same polarization as the light transmitted through the left region 811b and enters the polarizing plate 803 provided on the light source side of the liquid crystal display panel 804.

  The polarizing plate 803 functions as a first polarizing plate and has a polarization characteristic that transmits light having the same polarization as the light transmitted through the fine retardation plate 802. That is, the light transmitted through the left region 811b of the polarizing filter 811 is transmitted through the polarizing plate 803, and the light transmitted through the right region 811a of the polarizing filter 811 is transmitted through the polarizing plate 803 with the polarization axis rotated by 90 degrees. In addition, the polarizing plate 805 functions as a second polarizing plate and has a polarization characteristic that transmits light having a polarization different from that of the polarizing plate 803 by 90 degrees.

  Such a fine retardation plate 802, a polarizing plate 803, and a polarizing plate 805 are attached to a liquid crystal display panel 804, and the fine retardation plate 802, a polarizing plate 803, a liquid crystal display panel 804, and a polarizing plate 805 are combined to form an image display device. Configure. At this time, in a state where a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal, the light transmitted through the fine retardation plate 802 is transmitted through the polarizing plate 805. On the other hand, in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal, the light transmitted through the fine retardation plate 802 is emitted from the liquid crystal display panel 804 with the polarized light being twisted by 90 degrees, and thus is not transmitted through the polarizing plate 805.

  The diffuser 806 is attached to the front surface (observer side) of the third polarizing plate 805 and functions as a diffusing unit that diffuses light transmitted through the liquid crystal display panel in the vertical direction. Specifically, the diffuser 806 is constituted by a lenticular lens, and semicircular unevenness (kamaboko unevenness) extending in the lateral direction is provided on the surface repeatedly in the vertical direction, and the other The surface is flat. Then, it is attached to the front surface of the polarizing plate 805 so that the uneven surface is directed to the observer side and the plane is directed to the liquid crystal display panel 804 side. Therefore, the light transmitted through the liquid crystal display panel 804 and incident on the diffuser 806 is refracted by the projections and depressions so that the light path diffuses up and down and is emitted to the viewer side.

  FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an optical system of an image display apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the light emitted from the light emitting element 810 is transmitted radially through the polarizing filter 811. Of the light emitted from the light source, the light transmitted through the right region 811a of the polarizing filter 811 (the center of the optical path is indicated by a one-dot chain line) reaches the Fresnel lens 812, and the traveling direction of the light is changed by the Fresnel lens 812. , Reaches the fine phase difference plate 802, and rotates the polarized light by 90 degrees and emits the light (transmits the light transmitted through the right side region 811 a), transmits the region 802 a of the fine phase difference plate 802, and further includes the polarizing plate 803, the liquid crystal The light passes through the display panel 804 and the polarizing plate 805 substantially vertically (slightly from the right side to the left side) and reaches the left eye. That is, the left eye image displayed by the display element at a position corresponding to the region 802a of the liquid crystal display panel 804 reaches the left eye.

  Since the regions 802 b arranged alternately with the regions 802 a of the fine retardation plate 802 do not change the polarization of the transmitted light, the light from the right region 811 a of the polarizing filter does not pass through the polarizing plate 803. The right eye image displayed on the display element at the position corresponding to the region 802b of the liquid crystal display panel 804 does not reach the left eye.

  On the other hand, of the light radiated from the light source, the light transmitted through the left region 811b of the polarizing filter 811 (the broken line indicates the center of the optical path) reaches the Fresnel lens 812, and the traveling direction of the light can be changed by the Fresnel lens 812. Then, the light reaches the fine retardation plate 802, passes through the region 802b of the fine retardation plate 802 that transmits the same polarized light as the polarizing filter 811b, and further includes a polarizing plate 803, a liquid crystal display panel 804, and a polarizing plate 805. Is transmitted almost vertically (slightly from left to right) and reaches the right eye. That is, the right eye image displayed by the display element at a position corresponding to the region 802b of the liquid crystal display panel 804 reaches the right eye.

  Since the regions 802a arranged alternately with the regions 802b of the fine retardation plate 802 change the polarization of the transmitted light, the light from the left region 811b of the polarizing filter does not pass through the polarizing plate 803. The left-eye image displayed on the display element at the position corresponding to the region 802a of the liquid crystal display panel 804 does not reach the right eye.

  In this manner, the light emitted from the light emitting element 810 and transmitted through the polarizing filter 811 is irradiated to the liquid crystal display panel 804 substantially perpendicularly by the Fresnel lens 812 as an optical means. That is, the light emitting element 810, the polarizing filter 811, and the Fresnel lens 812 constitute a light source 801 that irradiates the liquid crystal display panel 804 with light having different polarization planes substantially vertically and through different paths, and transmitted through the liquid crystal display panel 804. Light is emitted in different ways to reach the right or left eye. That is, the scanning line pitch of the liquid crystal display panel 804 and the repetition pitch of the polarization characteristics of the fine retardation plate 802 are made equal, and light coming from different directions is irradiated for each scanning line pitch of the liquid crystal display panel 804 and is different. Light is emitted in the direction.

  As described above, the image display apparatus using the fine phase difference plate has been described as an example of a method for obtaining a stereoscopically viewable three-dimensional image. However, a method using a lenticular lens, a parallax barrier method, and an imaging function of a concave mirror are used. As long as it can perceive a stereoscopic image, such as a method, the present invention can be applied to assist stereoscopic depth perception.

  In a game machine that performs such a stereoscopic display, it is necessary to generate a right-eye image and a left-eye image separately. Therefore, the processing load on the display control device 150 is heavy, and image output to the image display unit 8 is performed. May take time. However, as in the present invention, it is also possible to perform the reel image stop operation with a good tempo using the sudden stop information.

  The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  In addition, the following can be given as typical ones of the aspects of the present invention other than those described above.

  (1) An image display unit in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed and a variable display game is played, a stop operation unit that performs an operation for stopping and displaying the identification information that is variably displayed, and game control of the variable display game In a gaming machine comprising game control means and display control means for variably displaying an image of identification information displayed on the image display section, a signal from the stop operation section is sent to the game control means and the display control. The game control means inputs display image designation information for designating identification information to be displayed at the next timing on the image display section, and transmits the display image designation information transmission means to the display control means. Stop mode information transmitting means for transmitting stop mode information relating to the stop position of information to the display control means, wherein the display control means includes identification information displayed on the image display unit. Based on the input from the received stop mode information and the stop operation unit A sudden stop determining means for determining whether or not the identification information that is variably displayed should be suddenly stopped, and when the identification information image updating means determines that the sudden stop determination means should suddenly stop A game machine comprising: image update stopping means for displaying another substitute image instead of an image of identification information designated by newly received display image designation information.

  In the invention of (1), the player can input the operation of the stop operation unit in accordance with the display timing of the image controlled by the display control device, and in particular, receives the operation input of the stop operation unit. Because it is possible to perform control to immediately stop the image immediately using the substitute image, it is possible to perform a design that takes into account the delay in display timing due to image display processing, etc., and rotate the mechanical reel. Thus, it is possible to realize an operational feeling like a conventional gaming machine that plays games.

  (2) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the image update canceling means displays an image of identification information displayed at the immediately preceding timing as the substitute image.

  In the invention of (2), when the identification information is immediately stopped, the image of the identification information that has already been created and displayed at the immediately preceding timing is used as it is to complement the variable display until the stop image is determined. Therefore, it is not necessary to create a new stop image, and the amount of data necessary for variable display can be reduced.

  (3) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the image update canceling means displays a black image as the substitute image.

  In the invention of (3), even when the identification information is immediately stopped, it is not necessary to create a stop image, and the variable display can be complemented with a black screen until the stop image is determined. As a result, the amount of data required for the variable display can be reduced.

  (4) The stop mode information transmitting unit transmits stop mode information individually determined for each identification information at the start of fluctuation of the identification information, and the display control unit performs the stop mode information and current display processing. According to any one of (1) to (3), stop control of the identification information is performed according to information for identifying the identification information being detected and a detection timing of the signal from the stop operation unit. Gaming machine.

  In the invention of (4), it is possible to perform a rapid change display stop process in any state where any identification information is displayed.

  (5) The image display unit includes a plurality of variable display regions in which the identification information is displayed in a variable manner, and the identification information in each variable display region is sequentially stopped by the operation of the stop operation unit. (4) The gaming machine according to (4), wherein the transmission unit transmits the stop mode information each time the variation display of the identification information in the variation display area is stopped.

  In the invention of (5), the stop pattern of the identification information can be made different depending on the operation order of the stop operation unit, and the variable display game can be varied.

  (6) An image display unit in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed and a variable display game is played, a stop operation unit that performs an operation of stopping and displaying the identification information that is variably displayed, and game control of the variable display game In a gaming machine comprising game control means and display control means for variably displaying an image of identification information displayed on the image display section, the game control means displays on the image display section at the immediately preceding timing. Current image designation information storage means for storing current image designation information for designating identification information to be displayed, and display image designation information for designating identification information displayed at the next timing on the image display section is transmitted to the display control means. Display image designation information transmission means for performing, and game result determination means for determining a game result based on the current image designation information when an operation input of the stop operation unit is detected. The display control means includes an identification information image updating means for performing variable display by updating the identification information image displayed on the image display section to an identification information image designated by the received display image designation information. A gaming machine characterized by having it.

  In the invention of (6), the player can operate the stop operation unit in accordance with the timing at which the identification information is actually displayed on the image display unit by the display control device. Since the result of the variable display game can be determined based on the operation input of the part, it is possible to design in consideration of display timing delay due to image display processing, etc., so that the game is performed by rotating the mechanical reel It is possible to realize an operation feeling like a gaming machine.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a part of control system of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a state transition diagram of the gaming state of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is the arrangement | sequence diagram of the symbol displayed on the fluctuation | variation display apparatus 8 of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is the arrangement | sequence diagram of the symbol displayed on the fluctuation | variation display apparatus 8 of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is the arrangement | sequence diagram of the symbol displayed on the fluctuation | variation display apparatus 8 of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the parameter used for the symbol display control of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the parameter used for the symbol display control of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a control flowchart of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the reel stop process of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the display control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the reel image stop process of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing diagram of the symbol display control of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing diagram of the symbol display control of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing diagram of the symbol display control of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows a part of control system of the game machine of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the image display apparatus of the game machine of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the optical system of the image display apparatus of the game machine of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. is there.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachislot machines
4 Auxiliary display device 6 Start levers 7a to 7c Reel stop switch 8 Fluctuation display devices 8a to 8c Fluctuation display region 100 Game control device 150 Display control device 801 Light source 810 Light emitting element 811 Polarization filter 812 Fresnel lens 802 Fine retardation plate 803 Polarizing plate (First polarizing plate)
804 Liquid crystal display panel 805 Polarizing plate (second polarizing plate)

Claims (2)

An image display unit in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed in a variable manner and a variable display game is played;
A stop operation unit that performs an operation to stop and display the identification information that is variably displayed;
Game control means for controlling the game of the variable display game;
Display control means for variably displaying an image of identification information displayed on the image display unit;
In a gaming machine equipped with
The game control means includes
Current image designation information storage means for storing current image designation information for designating identification information in an image displayed at the previous image update timing with respect to the image currently displayed by the image display unit;
Display image designation information transmitting means for transmitting display image designation information for designating identification information to be displayed at the next image update timing by the image display section to display control means;
When an operation input of the stop operation unit is detected, game result determination means for determining a game result based on the current image designation information;
With
The display control means includes identification information image updating means for performing variable display by updating an image of identification information displayed on the image display unit to an image of identification information designated by the received display image designation information. A gaming machine characterized by that. An image display unit in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed in a variable manner and a variable display game is played;
A stop operation unit for performing an operation for stopping and displaying the identification information that is variably displayed;
Game control means for controlling the game of the variable display game;
Display control means for variably displaying an image of identification information displayed on the image display unit;
In a gaming machine equipped with
The game control means includes
Current image designation information storage means for storing current image designation information for designating identification information displayed on the image display unit;
Current image designation information updating means for updating the current image designation information corresponding to the image update period of the display control means;
Image designation corresponding to second current image designation information to be updated in the image update cycle two times later from the timing of the first current image designation information stored in the current image designation information storage means. Display image designation information transmitting means for transmitting information to the display control means as display image designation information for designating identification information displayed on the image display section;
A game result determining means for determining a game result based on the current image designation information when detecting an operation input of the stop operation unit;
The display control means includes an identification information image updating means for performing variable display by updating the identification information image displayed on the image display section to an identification information image designated by the received display image designation information. A gaming machine characterized by having it.

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