JP2007089988A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of evading the failure that music is kept outputted from the game machine though a player is away from the game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine (1) comprises a main control circuit (71) for performing the operation of a bonus game on condition that a prescribed pattern combination is displayed in pattern display areas (21L, 21C and 21R), and a sub control circuit (72) for performing the control of lowering the volume of the music outputted from speakers (9L and 9R) on condition that 40 seconds elapse after a feed operation is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

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

  Currently, in the mainstream pachislot machine, when a start operation by a player is detected, an internal lottery is performed, and based on the result of this lottery and the timing of the stop operation by the player, the reel rotation is stopped. Done. In other words, it is a condition that a result related to winning is obtained by internal lottery (hereinafter, the internal lottery result type is referred to as “internal winning combination”), and the stop operation is performed at an appropriate timing. In other words, a winning will be established.

Recently, when a bonus game is being operated, a gaming machine has been proposed in which the volume of the bonus game operating sound is reduced if a medal is not inserted for a predetermined period after rotation of each reel stops (for example, , See Patent Document 1). According to this gaming machine, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the operation sound of the bonus game is continuously output even though the player is away from the gaming machine.
JP 2002-11143 A

  However, the gaming machine as described above has a problem that the operation sound of the bonus game continues to be output when the player leaves the gaming machine after intentionally or negligently inserting a medal. In addition, in the case of the gaming machine as described above, when the configuration is such that the music is output when the bonus game is not operated, the music is played even though the player is away from the gaming machine. The inconvenience of being continuously output occurs.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can avoid the inconvenience that music is continuously output from the gaming machine even though the player is away from the gaming machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a gaming machine, a bonus game operation that operates a bonus game on condition that a predetermined symbol combination is displayed by the symbol display means. Means, a music output means for outputting music corresponding to the operation of the bonus game, and outputting music corresponding to the operation of the bonus game not being performed, and the game value being input Game value input detecting means for detecting the game value, and music output by the music output means on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since detection of the game value input being detected by the game value input detecting means. And a music output control means for performing a control for lowering the sound volume.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) Symbol display means for displaying a plurality of symbols (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R to be described later, symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R to be described later) and game values (for example, medals to be described later) are input. (For example, a later-described start operation, a later-described start lever, a later-described start lever, a later-described start operation, a later-described start lever, etc.) 6) and the like, for example, a start switch 6S described later, and an internal winning combination based on the detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means (for example, internal winning described later). Internal winning combination determining means (for example, means for performing internal lottery processing described later, main control circuit 71 described later) and the opening operation performed by the start operation detecting means. Symbol changing means (for example, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described later, main control circuit 71 described later) that changes the symbol displayed by the symbol display means based on the operation detection, and a stop operation by the player Stop operation detection means (for example, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, etc., which will be described later) for detecting (for example, operation of stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, which will be described later) and stop operation performed by the stop operation detection means. Stop control means (for example, reel stop control in FIG. 17 described later) that performs stop control of symbol variation performed by the symbol variation means based on the detection of the symbol and the internal symbol combination determined by the internal symbol combination determination means. A gaming machine having processing means, a main control circuit 71 described later, and the like, and a combination of predetermined symbols (for example, by the symbol display means) On the condition that a “U-crown-U” described later is displayed, an operation of a bonus game (for example, a game in an MB gaming state described later) (for example, an MB operating flag described later is turned on) Bonus game operating means (for example, a means for performing a bonus operation check process in FIG. 20 to be described later, a main control circuit 71 to be described later) and the bonus game are being operated (for example, In order to increase the interest of the game in the MB gaming state described later, for example, the gaming state described later is the MB gaming state described later, and the MB operating flag described later is ON. The music output from the speakers 9L, 9R, etc.) and the bonus game is not activated (for example, the gaming state described later is a general gaming state described later). And music that is output from speakers 9L and 9R, which will be described later in order to increase the fun of the game in the general gaming state described below, etc. Music output means (for example, speakers 9L, 9R, which will be described later), and that the game value has been input (for example, the input operation described below has been performed, the determination in step S27 of FIG. 15 described later). Game value input detection means (for example, BET switches 11 to 13 to be described later, medal acceptance / start of FIG. 15 to be described later) for detecting YES, that is, the determination in step S22 of FIG. A means for performing a check process, a main control circuit 71 to be described later, and the like, and a detection that the game value has been input is performed by the game value input detection means. Control for decreasing the volume of the music output by the music output means (for example, if the determination in step S163 in FIG. 26 described later is YES, for example) (for example, 40 seconds). Music output control means (for example, means for performing step S164 in FIG. 26 to be described later), image control microcomputer 81 to be described later, sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 to be described later, and the like. ), And a gaming machine characterized by that.

  (1) According to the gaming machine described in (1), the music output means outputs music corresponding to the operation of the bonus game and outputs music corresponding to the operation of the bonus game not being performed. To do. The music output control means is a control for lowering the volume of the music output by the music output means on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection that the game value was input by the game value input detection means. I do. That is, in order to perform control for lowering the volume of music output by the music output means, it is necessary that a predetermined time elapses after the game value input detection means detects that the game value has been input. It becomes. Therefore, for example, when the player leaves the gaming machine after the player has performed an operation to input the game value, the volume of the music output by the music output means is surely lowered. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that music is continuously output from the gaming machine even though the player is away from the gaming machine.

  (2) In the gaming machine described in (1), when the music output control means is performing control to lower the volume of music output by the music output means (for example, in a volume lowering state described later) When the start operation detecting means detects the start operation (for example, when a later-described volume reduction flag is on) (for example, a later-described game start command signal is output by the later-described main control circuit 71) The music output means on the condition that the game value input detecting means has detected that the game value has been input, or the like. A game machine that performs control to increase the volume of music output by the player (for example, processing in step S132 in FIG. 23 described later).

  According to the gaming machine described in (2), the music output control means detects that the start operation is detected by the start operation detection means when the volume of the music output by the music output means is controlled to be reduced. Alternatively, control is performed to increase the volume of music output by the music output means on condition that the game value input detection means has detected that the game value has been input. Therefore, when the volume of the music output by the music output means is lowered, the music output by the music output means in response to the player performing a start operation or performing an operation of inputting game value. Will increase the volume. Therefore, when the player is away from the gaming machine, the volume of the music output by the music output means is reduced, and when the player is operating the gaming machine, the music output means outputs it. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that allows a player to enjoy the music that is played.

  According to the present invention, for example, when the player leaves the gaming machine after an operation to input the game value is performed by the player, the volume of the music output by the music output means is surely reduced. Become. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that music is continuously output from the gaming machine even though the player is away from the gaming machine.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called pachislot machine. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that performs a game using a game medium such as a coin, a medal, a game ball, a token, or the like, or a card or the like that stores information on a game value assigned to a player. However, in the following description, a medal is used.

  On the front surface of the front door 2, a panel display portion 2a, a liquid crystal display portion 2b and a fixed display portion 2c having substantially vertical surfaces are formed. In addition, behind the front door 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on each outer peripheral surface are provided in a horizontal row so as to be freely rotatable. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute).

  A substantially horizontal plane pedestal 4 is formed below the panel display 2a, the liquid crystal display 2b, and the fixed display 2c. On the right side of the pedestal 4, a medal slot 10 for inserting medals is provided. The inserted medals are credited (that is, stored) or bet on the game. Further, on the left side of the pedestal portion 4, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 for betting credited medals by a pressing operation are provided.

  The 1-BET switch 11 bets one of the credited medals on the game by one pressing operation, and the 2-BET switch 12 displays the credited medals by one pressing operation. Two of them are bet on the game, and the maximum BET switch 13 bets three of the credited medals on the game by one pressing operation.

  By depressing these BET switches 11 to 13, the display line is validated (details will be described later). The pressing operation of the BET switches 11 to 13 and the operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 10 are hereinafter referred to as “insertion operation”. In addition, an operation unit 17 is provided above the BET switches 11 to 13. The operation unit 17 is operated to display information such as a game history on the liquid crystal display device 131.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front surface of the pedestal unit 4 to switch credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by pressing operation. By switching the C / P switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 5. Speakers 9 </ b> L and 9 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 5 for outputting sound effects relating to game effects.

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14, the reel is rotated by the player's operation, and the start lever 6 for starting the variation of the symbols in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R is rotated within a predetermined angle range. It is attached movably. The operation of the start lever 6 performed by the player in order to start the change of the symbol is hereinafter referred to as “start operation”.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided on the right side of the start lever 6 at the center of the front surface of the base portion 4. In the embodiment, one game (unit game) basically starts when a start operation is performed, and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. If the start operation is performed when the number of medals bet on the game (that is, the number of inserted coins) is not 3, the start operation is invalid.

  In this embodiment, the reel stop operation (that is, the stop button operation) performed when all the reels are rotating is the first stop operation, and the stop operation performed after the first stop operation is the first stop operation. The stop operation performed after the second stop operation and the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Further, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS shown in FIG. 5 to be described later are arranged on the back side of the respective stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. These stop switches detect the operation of the corresponding stop button (ie, stop operation).

  The panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b, and the fixed display unit 2c will be described with reference to FIG.

  The panel display unit 2a includes a bonus game information display unit 16, BET lamps 17a to 17c, a payout display unit 18, and a credit display unit 19. The bonus game information display unit 16 is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays game information during a bonus (for example, in an MB gaming state described later). The 1-BET lamp 17a, the 2-BET lamp 17b, and the maximum BET lamp 17c are turned on according to the number of inserted sheets.

  The 1-BET lamp 17a lights up when the number of inserted sheets is one. The 2-BET lamp 17b lights up when the number of inserted sheets is two. The maximum BET lamp 17c is lit when the number of inserted sheets is three. The payout display unit 18 and the credit display unit 19 are each composed of a 7-segment LED, and display the number of medals paid out and the number of credited medals when a winning is established.

  The liquid crystal display unit 2b includes symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R, and an effect display area 23. The display content of the liquid crystal display unit 2b is displayed in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated and stopped (that is, when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped). The mode of combination of symbols) and the operation of a liquid crystal display device 131 (see FIG. 3 described later) described later are changed.

  The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and display symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and various effects.

  In the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d are provided as display lines in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e are provided in an oblique direction. With respect to these display lines, when the player presses the BET switches 11 to 13 described above or inserts medals into the medal insertion slot 10, all five display lines 8a to 8e are activated. (Hereinafter, the activated display line is referred to as “effective line”). Which display line is activated is indicated by lighting of the BET lamps 17a, 17b, and 17c.

  Here, in each of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, three symbol stop positions (that is, upper, middle, and lower) are provided in the vertical direction (that is, the vertical direction). When the variation of the symbols in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R is stopped, the symbols are stopped and displayed at the symbol stop positions provided in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R. Each display line connects a symbol stop position in each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R.

  The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are at least when the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating and when the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R can be pressed, , 3C, 3R is in a transmissive state so that the symbols on the 3R can be visually recognized.

  The window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R are provided so as to surround the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and the window frames of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R disposed in front of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. It represents.

  The effect display area 23 is an area other than the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R among the areas of the liquid crystal display unit 2b. This effect display area 23 displays an image for definite notification that a bonus (for example, MB1 and MB2 described later) has been determined as an internal winning combination, an effect for increasing the fun of the game, and a player playing a game The information necessary for the advancement of the information is displayed.

  The effect display area 23 has a horizontally-long rectangular moving image display area 28 provided below the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R. The moving image display area 28 is used for displaying a moving image for increasing the interest of the game. Specifically, the moving image display area 28 has an aspect shown in FIG. 27 described later in a general gaming state described later.

  The fixed display part 2c is an area in which a predetermined figure, picture or the like is drawn. A single still image or moving image may be displayed by connecting a figure, a picture or the like drawn on the fixed display unit 2c with an image displayed in the effect display area 23.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device 131. First, the internal structure of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described. Inside the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the symbols are displayed in three vertical columns that are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R (that is, a total of 9 symbols). The circuit board for LED accommodation is installed on the back side of the individual symbols. Each of the LED storage circuit boards has three (that is, nine in total) LED storage portions, and a plurality of LED lamps are provided therein.

  This LED lamp illuminates the rear surface side of the reel sheet mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with white light. More specifically, the areas corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are illuminated. This reel sheet is configured to have translucency, and light emitted by the LED lamp is transmitted to the front side of the reel sheet.

  The left reel 3L is provided at the center of the cylindrical frame structure formed by connecting two annular frames of the same shape with a plurality of connecting members separated by a predetermined distance. And a transmission member that transmits the driving force of the stepping motor 49L to the annular frame. A reel sheet is mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the left reel 3L.

  The LED storage circuit board disposed inside the reel 3L includes three LED storage portions for storing a plurality of LED lamps. The LED storage circuit board is installed such that the LED storage portion is located on the back side of each of the symbols (that is, a total of three symbols) that the player can visually recognize through the symbol display area 21L. The central reel 3C and the right reel 3R have the same structure as that of the left reel 3L, and an LED housing circuit board is provided in each of them.

  Next, the transmissive liquid crystal display device 131 will be described. The liquid crystal display device 131 includes a protective glass 132, a display plate 133, a liquid crystal panel 134, a light guide plate 135, a reflective film 136, a white light source (for example, light of all wavelengths at a ratio where a specific color is not conspicuous in human eyes). And fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b, lamp holders 139a to 139h, and the like.

  The liquid crystal display device 131 is provided on the front side of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R when viewed from the front. Further, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 131 are provided separately (for example, at a predetermined interval).

  The protective glass 132 and the display board 133 are comprised with the member which has translucency. The protective glass 132 is provided for the purpose of protecting the liquid crystal panel 134. On the display board 133, a figure, a picture, and the like are drawn in an area corresponding to the panel display unit 2a and the fixed display unit 2c (see FIG. 2).

  Here, in FIG. 3, in order to control the operations of the bonus game information display unit 16, the payout display unit 18, the credit display unit 19, and the BET lamps 17a to 17c, an area of the display board 133 corresponding to the panel display unit 2a. The illustration of the electric circuit arranged on the back side of is omitted.

  The liquid crystal panel 134 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 134 is set to normally white. Normally white means white display when the liquid crystal is not driven (that is, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal panel 134) (that is, the liquid crystal panel 134 proceeds from the reels 3L, 3C, 3R side). The light is transmitted). Therefore, the transmitted light is visually recognized from the outside.

  Therefore, by adopting the normally white liquid crystal panel 134, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R pass through the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R even when the liquid crystal cannot be driven. The symbols arranged above can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when a situation in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, it is possible to play a game centering on the rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The light guide plate 135 is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 134 to introduce light from the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b into the liquid crystal panel 134 (that is, illuminate the liquid crystal panel 134), and has an acrylic thickness of, for example, about 2 cm. It is comprised by translucent members (namely, member which has a light guide function), such as a system resin.

  The reflective film 136 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects the light introduced into the light guide plate 135 toward the front side. Thereby, the liquid crystal panel 134 is illuminated. The reflective film 136 includes a reflective region 136A and a non-reflective region (that is, a transmissive region) 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR. The non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are formed of a transparent material and transmit incident light without reflecting.

  Further, the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are provided at positions in front of the symbols displayed when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped. The sizes and positions of the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are formed so as to coincide with the above-described symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R (see FIG. 2). In addition, in the reflective film 136, a region other than the non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR is set as a reflective region 136A, and the light introduced into the light guide plate 135 by the reflective region 136A is reflected toward the front side.

  The fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b are disposed along the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate 135, and both ends are supported by lamp holders 139a, 139b, 139g, and 139h. The fluorescent lamps 137 a and 137 b generate light to be introduced into the light guide plate 135.

  The fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b are disposed at an upper position and a lower position on the back side of the reflection film 136. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is reflected by the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and enters the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR. The incident light passes through the non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR to illuminate the liquid crystal panel 134.

  Further, the functions of the LED lamps and fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b will be described.

  First, the function of each lamp when the liquid crystal in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R is not driven (that is, when no voltage is applied to the portions of the liquid crystal panel 134 corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R). explain.

  A part of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is reflected by the reel sheet. In addition, a part of the light emitted from the LED lamp provided on the LED storage circuit board passes through the reel sheet. These lights are transmitted through the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, 136BR, the light guide plate 135 and the liquid crystal panel 134 constituting the liquid crystal display device 131, so that the player can visually recognize the symbols arranged on the reel. Can do.

  The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b and introduced toward the light guide plate 135 is transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 134 and enters the player's eyes. That is, the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b illuminate the area of the liquid crystal panel 134 corresponding to the window frame display areas 22L, 22C and 22R and the effect display area 23 described above.

  Next, the function of each lamp when driving the liquid crystal in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R (that is, when applying a voltage to the portion of the liquid crystal panel 134 corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R). Will be described.

  A part of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is reflected by the reel sheet. Further, part of the light emitted from the LED lamp passes through the reel sheet. Among the areas of the liquid crystal panel 134, in the area where the liquid crystal is driven, part of the light is reflected, absorbed, or transmitted, so that the player can produce effects in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R. The image displayed on the screen can be viewed.

  FIG. 4 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a ROM 32 described later as a symbol table. On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, "blue 7 (design 91)", "crown (design 92)", "bell (design 93)", "watermelon (design 94)", "cherry (design 95) , “Replay (symbol 96)”, “Q (symbol 97)”, “U (symbol 98)”, “E (symbol 99)”, and “N (symbol 100)”. Is represented. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  As the internal winning combination of the embodiment, MB1, MB2, cherry, bell, watermelon, chance small combination, 10 sheet small combination, RT, and replay are provided. Hereinafter, MB1 and MB2 are collectively referred to as “(middle bonus) MB”. Cherry, bell, watermelon, chance small role, 10 small size role, and RT are collectively referred to as “small role”.

  In addition, the gaming state of the embodiment basically includes a general gaming state and a middle bonus gaming state (hereinafter abbreviated as “MB gaming state”) that operates on condition that MB is established. The gaming state includes the type of internal winning combination that may be determined in the internal lottery process (FIG. 16 to be described later) for determining the internal winning combination, the probability that the internal winning combination is determined in the internal lottery process, Can be distinguished by the number of sliding pieces. Note that the left reel 3L in the MB gaming state stops within a first time (for example, 75 ms) after the left stop button 7L is operated. In other cases, stop within a second time (eg, 190 ms). In other words, after the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are operated, a plurality of types of game states are provided in which the maximum time until the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped is different.

  The general gaming state includes a normal section having no carryover combination, a replay time section (hereinafter abbreviated as “RT section”) having a higher probability of replay being determined as an internal winning combination, and a carryover section having a carryover combination. It consists of. In the carryover section, the MB is not determined as the internal winning combination, and in the normal section and the RT section, the MB may be determined as the internal winning combination. In the RT section, the probability that the replay is determined as an internal winning combination is higher than in the normal section and carryover section.

  Therefore, the normal section, the RT section, and the carryover section are basically different gaming states. The carryover combination is determined when the combination of symbols corresponding to the internal symbol combination determined in the internal lottery process (described later in FIG. 16) is allowed to be arranged along the active line over one or more games. Information for identifying a combination. The game sections in the general gaming state other than the RT section are hereinafter referred to as “non-RT sections”.

  Further, the RT section is distinguished into an RT1 section and an RT2 section. The RT1 section operates on the condition that the MB gaming state that is activated when MB1 is established ends and the general gaming state starts. The RT2 section operates on condition that RT is established in the RT1 section or the non-RT section. In addition, when the MB gaming state that has been activated due to the establishment of MB2 ends and the general gaming state starts, the RT1 section does not operate. If RT is established in the RT2 section, the RT2 section does not operate.

  Whether or not it is an RT section can be determined by whether or not the value of the RT game number counter for identifying the remaining number of games in the RT section is 1 or more. The RT game number counter is set to 1000 at the end of the MB gaming state (step S86 in FIG. 19 described later) and when RT is established in the RT1 section or the non-RT section (step S100 in FIG. 20 described later). The The counter value is decremented by 1 in one game (step S54 in FIG. 16 described later). Further, the value of the counter is updated (cleared) to 0 when the MB is determined as an internal winning combination.

  Whether or not it is the RT1 section can be identified by whether the RT1 operating flag is on or off. The RT1 operating flag is information for identifying whether or not it is an RT1 section. The condition that the RT1 operating flag is updated to ON is that the MB gaming state ends. The conditions for updating the RT1 in-operation flag to OFF are that the value of the RT game number counter is updated to 0 (that is, cleared), RT is established in the RT1 section or non-RT section, and MB is established. That is.

  Whether or not it is the RT2 section can be identified by whether the RT2 operating flag is on or off. The RT2 in-operation flag is information for identifying whether or not it is the RT2 section. The condition that the RT2 operating flag is updated to ON is that RT is established in the RT1 section or the non-RT section. The conditions for updating the RT1 in-operation flag to OFF are that the value of the RT game number counter is updated to 0 (that is, cleared), RT is established in the RT1 section or non-RT section, and MB is established. That is.

  Whether or not it is a carryover section can be determined by the presence or absence of a carryover combination. Specifically, when there is no carryover combination and the value of the RT game number counter is 0, it is a normal section.

  In the MB gaming state, the maximum number of sliding pieces of the left reel 3L is 1, and the maximum number of sliding pieces of the other reels is 4. Note that the maximum number of sliding symbols is 4 in a gaming state other than the MB gaming state. The number of sliding symbols is the amount of symbol movement after the corresponding stop button is operated. The expected value of the game value given to the player for the unit game value (for example, one medal bet on one game) used to play a game in the MB game state is higher than the expected value in the general game state. Is also relatively high (ie, the degree of advantage is relatively high).

  The MB gaming state can be identified by whether the MB operating flag is on or off. The MB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the MB gaming state is set. The condition for updating the MB operating flag to ON is that MB1 or MB2 is established. The condition for the MB operating flag to be updated to be OFF is that the number of medals paid out exceeds the payable number (that is, the bonus end number counter becomes 0). The payout possible number is the number of medals that can be paid out in a period from when the MB operating flag is updated to ON until the MB operating flag is updated to OFF. When MB is established, 253 is set as the initial value of the bonus end number counter.

  FIG. 5 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls the operation of the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices (that is, actuators) that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and control signals transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display device 131, speakers 9L and 9R, LEDs 101 and a sub-control circuit 72 for controlling the lamps 102 is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and a circuit for extracting a random number value is added thereto. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, and a RAM 33.

  The CPU 31 executes a program stored in the ROM 32 to perform processing relating to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls the operation of each actuator. The CPU 31 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 36 for generating a random number, and a sampling circuit 37 for extracting a random value from the generated random number. It is connected. Note that the CPU 31 may be configured to execute generation of random numbers and extraction of random number values. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 may be omitted, but may be left for preliminary use.

  The ROM 32 stores programs executed by the CPU 31 (for example, FIGS. 15 to 23 described later) and fixed data. In the ROM 32, for example, an internal lottery table (FIG. 8 to be described later) for determining an internal winning combination based on the extracted random number value or a stop table group for determining a reel stop mode according to a stop operation ( (Not shown) and the like are stored. In addition, various control signals to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 are stored. Note that commands and information are not transmitted from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72.

  The RAM 33 is used for temporarily storing data when the CPU 31 executes the program. The RAM 33 stores, for example, information such as an internal winning combination, a carryover combination, a current gaming state, a demo timer described later, and the like.

  In the circuit of FIG. 5, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 17a, 2-BET lamp 17b, maximum BET lamp 17c) and bonus game information. The display unit 16, the payout display unit 18, the credit display unit 19, and the like, the hopper 40 that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to the command of the hopper driving circuit 41, and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated. There are stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R.

  Further, by supplying drive pulses to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, a motor drive circuit 39 for controlling the rotation operation of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 for controlling the operation of the hopper 40, and the BET lamp 17a. , 17b, 17c, a lamp driving circuit 45 that controls turning on and off, and a display unit driving circuit 48 that controls display by a display unit (ie, bonus game information display unit 16, payout display unit 18, credit display unit 19, etc.). Is connected to the CPU 31. These drive circuits each receive a control signal output from the CPU 31 and control the operation of each actuator.

  Further, as means for generating an input signal transmitted to the microcomputer 30 in order for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control signal, a start switch 6S, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, 1-BET switches 11, 2- There are a BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 10S, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S detects an operation of the start lever 6 and outputs a game start command signal for instructing the start of the game. The medal sensor 10S detects a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 10. The stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS generate stop command signals for instructing to stop changing the symbols in accordance with the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 receives a pulse signal from a reel rotation sensor provided on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and supplies a signal for detecting the rotation position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting the completion of payout of medals when the value counted by the medal detection unit 40S (that is, the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches a specified value. appear.

  In the circuit of FIG. 5, the random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 extracts one random value at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. By using the random number extracted in this way, for example, an internal winning combination is determined based on an internal lottery table (FIG. 8 described later) stored in the ROM 32, for example.

  After rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted. The count value of the drive pulse thus obtained is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a reset pulse is obtained every rotation. When this reset pulse is input to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50, the count value of the drive pulse stored in the RAM 33 is updated to “0”. As a result, the count value of the drive pulse corresponds to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  In addition, a symbol table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, the code number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated is provided corresponding to each code number. A symbol code indicating a symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Further, a symbol combination table (FIG. 11 described later) is stored in the ROM 32. The symbol combination table described above is used for display control and profits given to the player during the stop control of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R and after the stop of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (for example, This is referred to when determining the number of medals to be paid out). The display combination is basically information for identifying a profit corresponding to a combination of symbols based on a combination of symbols arranged along the effective line. The display combination is provided corresponding to a predetermined combination of symbols and a benefit given to the player.

  When the internal winning combination is determined by the internal lottery process (FIG. 16 described later) based on the extraction of the random value, the CPU 31 stops the stop switches 7LS, 7CS at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. , 7RS, and a signal for controlling stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the motor drive circuit 39 based on the input signal sent from the 7RS and the determined stop table (not shown).

  If a winning is established, the CPU 31 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 40. At this time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 31. Thereby, CPU31 stops the drive of the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 41, and complete | finishes a medal payout process.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 includes an image control circuit (gSub) 72a and a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The image control circuit (gSub) 72 a or the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72 b is configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 71.

  Communication between the main control circuit 71 and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, and from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a to the main control circuit. No command, information or the like is transmitted to 71. Communication between the image control circuit (gSub) 72a and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is performed in one direction from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. No command, information or the like is transmitted from the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The image control circuit (gSub) 72a includes an image control microcomputer 81, a serial port 82, a program ROM 83, a work RAM 84, a calendar IC 85, an image control IC 86, a control RAM 87, an image ROM (CROM (character ROM)) 88, and a video RAM 89. The

  The image control microcomputer 81 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the image control microcomputer 81 performs various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 83 based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Note that the image control circuit (gSub) 72a does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit. However, the image control microcomputer 81 executes the program stored in the program ROM 83 to cause disturbance. It is configured to extract numerical values.

  The serial port 82 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The program ROM 83 stores a program executed by the image control microcomputer 81 (for example, FIGS. 22 to 26 described later).

  The work RAM 84 is provided as a means for temporarily storing information when the image control microcomputer 81 executes a program. The work RAM 84 stores information such as a later-described non-game monitoring timer and a later-described volume reduction flag.

  The calendar IC 85 stores date data. An operation unit 17 is connected to the image control microcomputer 81. In the embodiment, the date etc. are set by operating the operation unit 17 by an employee of the game hall. The image control microcomputer 81 stores the date information set based on the input signal transmitted from the operation unit 17 in the calendar IC 85. The date information stored in the calendar IC 85 is backed up.

  The work RAM 84 and calendar IC 85 described above are backup targets. That is, even when the power supplied to the image control microcomputer 81 is shut off, the power is continuously supplied, and the stored information and the like are prevented from being erased.

  The image control IC 86 generates an image corresponding to the effect content (for example, effect data described later) determined by the image control microcomputer 81 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 131.

  The control RAM 87 is included in the image control IC 86. The image control microcomputer 81 writes and reads information and the like with respect to the control RAM 87. The control RAM 87 is expanded with registers of the image control IC 86 and the like. The image control microcomputer 81 updates the register and the like of the image control IC 86 at every predetermined timing.

  A liquid crystal display device 131, an image ROM 88, and a video RAM 89 are connected to the image control IC 86. The image ROM 88 may be connected to the image control microcomputer 81. In this case, the configuration may be effective when processing a large amount of image data such as three-dimensional image data. The image ROM 88 stores image data and the like for generating an image. The video RAM 89 is a means for temporarily storing information when an image is generated by the image control IC 86. The image control IC 86 transmits a signal to the image control microcomputer 81 every time data in the video RAM 89 is transferred to the liquid crystal display device 131.

  In the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, the image control microcomputer 81 also controls the effects of sound and lamps. The image control microcomputer 81 determines the type of sound / lamp and the output timing based on the determined content of the effect (for example, effect data described later). The image control microcomputer 81 transmits a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b via the serial port 82 at every predetermined timing. The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b mainly controls only the output of the sound / lamp in accordance with the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 111, a serial port 112, a program ROM 113, a work RAM 114, a sound source IC 115, a power amplifier 116, and a sound source ROM 117.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 performs a process for controlling the output of the sound / lamp in accordance with the program stored in the program ROM 113 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. . The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 is connected to LEDs 101 and lamps 102. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 transmits an output signal to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 in response to a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a at a predetermined timing. As a result, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect.

  The serial port 112 receives a command or the like transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The program ROM 113 stores a program executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 and the like. The work RAM 114 is a means for temporarily storing information when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 executes the above-described program.

  The sound source IC 115 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 116. The power amplifier 116 is an amplifier, and speakers 9L and 9R are connected to the power amplifier 116. The power amplifier 116 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 115 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 9L and 9R. The sound source ROM 117 stores sound source data and the like for generating a sound source.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 is connected to a volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and is a means for adjusting the volume output from the speakers 9L and 9R. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 performs control to adjust the sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R to the volume corresponding to the transmitted input signal based on the input signal transmitted by the volume adjusting unit 103.

  With reference to FIG. 7, an internal lottery table (FIG. 8 described later) and an internal lottery table determination table for determining the number of lotteries will be described.

  The internal lottery table determination table includes an internal lottery table (FIG. 8 described later) corresponding to the gaming state and information on the number of lotteries. In the case of the general gaming state, an internal lottery table for general gaming state (FIG. 8 to be described later) is selected, and basically 9 is determined as the number of lotteries (step S41 in FIG. 16 to be described later). The number of lotteries is the number of times required for determining the internal winning combination.

  Specifically, the number of lotteries is the number of times that it is determined whether or not the random number value is within a predetermined range (a numerical range indicated by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to a winning number described later with reference to FIG. 8). However, in the carryover section, the number of lotteries determined to be 9 is updated to 7 (step S43 in FIG. 16 described later).

  With reference to FIG. 8, an internal lottery table used in an internal lottery process (FIG. 16 to be described later) for determining an internal winning combination will be described. The internal lottery table is provided for each gaming state and includes information on a numerical range indicated by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to the winning number. FIG. 8 shows an internal lottery table for a general gaming state. In addition, illustration of internal lottery tables other than the internal lottery table for general gaming states, such as the RT lot gaming state internal lottery table, is omitted.

  In the determination of the winning number based on the internal lottery table, the random number is based on the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number until the winning number becomes 0 in descending order from the same winning number as the number of times determined for each gaming state. Judge whether it is within the numerical range shown. When the random number value is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value, the corresponding winning number is won (ie, determined). Further, the number of times of determining whether or not the value is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number is the same as the number of lotteries determined in the internal lottery table determination table of FIG.

  If the random number is never within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value until the winning number becomes 0, the winning number is 0 (that is, the internal winning combination is lost). Loss indicates that the internal winning combination associated with the player's profit in the internal lottery was not won. Further, the lose in the embodiment is not an internal winning combination associated with the game value. In addition, the symbol combination corresponding to the loss as an internal winning combination can be considered as an arbitrary symbol combination different from the combination of symbols corresponding to a plurality of predetermined combinations, Assume that no symbol combination corresponding to the loss is provided.

  Further, in descending order from the winning number, it is determined whether or not the winning number is 0, and an upper limit value and a lower limit value corresponding to each of the internal winning combinations that may be won (that is, determined) Since the numerical ranges defined by are overlapped, a plurality of internal winning combinations may be determined. The internal winning combination is determined based on the winning number, the gaming state, and the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 9 described later).

  For example, in the case of a general gaming state (that is, a gaming section other than the carryover section), when the random number value extracted from the random number in the range of 0 to 65535 is 380, first, the random number value R (380) for the winning number 9 ) -Lower limit value L (360) is calculated. This calculation result becomes 0 or more. Next, the random value R (380) −the upper limit value U (424) is calculated. This calculation result becomes 0 or less. Therefore, since the random number value is within the numerical range (L ≦ R ≦ U) indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number, if the extracted random number value is 380, the winning number 9 is won. When the winning number 9 is won, MB1 corresponding to the winning number 9 becomes the internal winning combination based on the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 9 described later).

  Next, a random number value R (380) −lower limit value L (1041) is calculated for the winning number 8. This calculation result becomes 0 or less. Subsequently, the random value R (380) −the upper limit value U (1194) is calculated. This calculation result becomes 0 or less. Accordingly, since the random number value is not within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number, if the extracted random number value is 380, the winning number 8 is unfair.

  In this way, each of the winning numbers 7-1 is calculated by repeating the calculation of the random number value R (380) -the lower limit value L and the calculation of the random value R (380) -the upper limit value U until the winning number becomes 0. Determine whether you are winning. When the extracted random number value is 380, the winning numbers 7 to 4 and the winning numbers 2 and 1 are invalid. On the other hand, for the winning number 3, since the lower limit L is 0 and the upper limit U is 399, the winning number is won. Therefore, when the extracted random number value is 380, the winning numbers 3 and 9 are won, and both the watermelon and MB1 are determined as the internal winning combination based on the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 9 described later). .

  Here, since the number of lotteries is updated to 7 in the carryover section (step S45 in FIG. 16 described later), there is no case where the winning number 8 or 9 is determined. Therefore, in the carryover section, the internal winning combination determination table ( There is no case where MB1 or MB2 is determined as an internal winning combination based on FIG. In the RT section, since the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number 7 is changed to 65535, the probability that the replay is determined as the internal winning combination is relatively higher than in the normal section and the carryover section. Specifically, the probability that the replay is determined as an internal winning combination in the RT section is 56403/65536. The probability that the replay is determined as an internal winning combination in the non-RT section is 8980/65536.

  With reference to FIG. 9, an internal winning combination determination table for determining an internal winning combination based on the winning number will be described.

  The internal winning combination determination table includes a winning number and information of an internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number (that is, internal winning combination data). The internal winning combination data (ie, flag) is 9-digit binary information, and is provided corresponding to each of the internal winning combinations in order to identify the internal winning combination.

  When the winning number is 0, the internal winning combination data is “000000000”, and the loss is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is 1, the internal winning combination data is “000000001”, and cherry is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is 2, the internal winning combination data is “000000010”, and the bell is determined as the internal winning combination.

  When the winning number is 3, the internal winning combination data is “000000100”, and the watermelon is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is 4, the internal winning combination data is “000001000” and the chance small combination is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is 5, the internal winning combination data is “000010000” and 10 small winning combinations are determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is 6, the internal winning combination data is “000100000”, and RT is determined as the internal winning combination.

  When the winning number is 7, the internal winning combination data is “001000000”, and replay is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is 8, the internal winning combination data is “010000000”, and MB2 is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is 9, the internal winning combination data is “100000000”, and MB1 is determined as the internal winning combination.

  With reference to FIG. 10, a drawing priority order table used in reel stop control will be described.

  The pull-in priority table includes information on the relative priority of pull-in of symbol combinations corresponding to the internal winning combination. “Pull-in” (or pull-in) is basically a combination of symbols corresponding to a drawing target role within the range of the maximum number of sliding symbols at a symbol stop position (hereinafter referred to as “effective symbol stop position”) connected by an active line. Is stopped (that is, the reel corresponding to the stop button on which the stop operation has been performed) so as to display the symbols constituting the symbol (hereinafter referred to as “drawing target symbols”). The winning combination is an internal winning combination corresponding to a combination of symbols to be arranged along the active line.

  However, in the case of the second stop operation and the third stop operation, when the symbols constituting the combination of symbols corresponding to the pull-in combination with the pull-in target symbol corresponding to the current stop operation are displayed at the effective symbol stop position Displaying the drawing target symbol at the effective symbol stop position in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R connected by the effective line connecting the effective symbol stop positions is referred to as “retraction”.

  Replay has the highest priority for retraction. MB has a higher priority than a role other than replay. For this reason, when the replay is determined as the internal winning combination when the MB is carried over, the replay is established with priority. On the other hand, when a combination other than replay is determined as an internal winning combination when the MB is carried over, the MB is established with priority.

  Also, the 10-piece small role has a higher priority than the bell, chance small role, and RT. Also, bells, chance small roles, and RTs have higher priority than watermelons. Watermelon has a higher priority than cherry.

  The symbol combination table used for determining the display combination and the number of payouts will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol combination table is a display combination (that is, display combination data) corresponding to a combination of symbols stopped and displayed at each of the three symbol stop positions connected by one effective line, and information on the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination. It has. The display combination data is 9-digit binary information, and is provided corresponding to each display combination in order to identify the display combination. This symbol combination table is referred to when the payout number is determined according to the symbol combination displayed along the active line after all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  When “cherry-ANY-ANY” is arranged along the active line, the cherry corresponding to the display combination data “000000001” becomes the display combination, and two medals are paid out. “ANY” indicates an arbitrary symbol. When “bell-bell-bell” is arranged along the active line, the bell corresponding to the display combination data “000000010” becomes the display combination, and nine medals are paid out.

  When “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” are arranged along the active line, the cherry corresponding to the display combination data “000000100” becomes the display combination, and three medals are paid out. When “Replay-Bell-Replay” is arranged along the active line, the chance small combination corresponding to the display combination data “000001000” becomes the display combination, and nine medals are paid out.

  “Q-Replay-Replay”, “E-Replay-Replay”, “Blue 7-Replay-Replay”, “Crown-Replay-Replay”, “Watermelon-Replay-Replay”, or “Replay-” along the active line When “Replay-Replay” is arranged, the 10 small combinations corresponding to the display combination data “000010000” become the display combination, and 10 medals are paid out.

  When “Replay-Replay-E”, “Replay-Replay-Blue 7”, or “Replay-Replay-Watermelon” are arranged along the active line, the RT corresponding to the display combination data “000100000” becomes the display combination, Nine medals are paid out. When “Replay-Replay-Replay” is arranged along the active line, the replay corresponding to the display combination data “001000000” becomes the display combination, and medals are automatically inserted.

  When “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” are arranged along the active line, MB2 corresponding to the display combination data “010000000” becomes the display combination, and the gaming state shifts to the MB gaming state. When “U-crown-U” is arranged along the active line, MB1 corresponding to the display combination data “100000000” becomes the display combination, and the gaming state shifts to the MB gaming state.

  With reference to FIG. 12, the bonus operation time table referred to in the MB operation processing (processing in step S95 of FIG. 20 described later) will be described.

  The bonus operating time table includes information on values set in the operating flag and the bonus end number counter. The in-operation flag is information for identifying an operating game state (that is, a current game state) and the like. The MB in-operation flag indicating that the MB game state is operating, the RT1 section is operated. There is an RT1 operating flag indicating that the RT2 is operating, and an RT2 operating flag indicating that the RT2 section is operating. The bonus end number counter is a counter that counts the number of medals paid out during a period from when the MB operating flag is updated to on until it is updated to off.

  This bonus operating time table includes “000000001” indicating that the MB operating flag is on as the operating flag data. By storing this data in the operating flag storage area ((4) in FIG. 13 described later), the MB operating flag is turned on.

  With reference to FIG. 13, an internal winning combination storage area, a carryover combination storage area, a display combination storage area, and an operating flag storage area (storage area) will be described.

  (1) of FIG. 13 shows an internal winning combination storing area for storing information on the internal winning combination. The information of the internal winning combination is stored (stored) in an internal winning combination storing area consisting of 9 bits. In the internal winning combination storage area, bit 0 (first bit) is a storage area corresponding to cherry. Bit 1 (second bit) is a storage area corresponding to the bell. Bit 2 (third bit) is a storage area corresponding to a watermelon. Bit 3 (fourth bit) is a storage area corresponding to the chance small combination.

  Bit 4 (fifth bit) is a storage area corresponding to 10 small combinations. Bit 5 (sixth bit) is a storage area corresponding to RT. Bit 6 (seventh bit) is a storage area corresponding to replay. Bit 7 (eighth bit) is a storage area corresponding to MB2. Bit 8 (9th bit) is a storage area corresponding to MB1.

  Here, the bit corresponding to the internal winning combination is 1 in the internal winning combination storing area. For example, when “000000010” is stored in the internal winning combination storing area (when bit 1 (second bit) is 1), the internal winning combination is Bell. In the MB gaming state, “000011111” is stored in the internal winning combination storing area. That is, bit 0 (first bit) to bit 5 (sixth bit) in the internal winning combination storing area are set to 1.

  (2) in FIG. 13 shows a carryover combination storage area for storing information on the carryover combination. The carryover combination information is stored in a carryover combination storage area consisting of 9 bits. In the carryover combination storage area, bit 7 (eighth bit) is a storage area corresponding to MB2. Bit 8 (9th bit) is a storage area corresponding to MB1. Bit 0 (first bit), bit 1 (second bit), bit 2 (third bit), bit 3 (fourth bit), bit 4 (fifth bit), bit 5 (sixth bit), bit six (7th bit) and 7 (8th bit) are unused storage areas.

  For example, when there is a carryover combination (that is, when it is a carryover section), 1 is stored in bit 7 (8th bit) or bit 8 (9th bit) corresponding to MB2 or MB1 of the carryover combination storage area. (That is, “010000000” or “100000000” is stored in the carryover combination storage area). When there is no carryover combination (that is, when it is not a carryover section), 0 is stored in bit 7 (8th bit) or bit 8 (9th bit) corresponding to MB2 or MB1 of the carryover combination storage area. (In other words, “000000000” is stored in the carryover combination storage area).

  FIG. 13 (3) shows a display combination storage area for storing display combination data. As the display combination data, 9-bit display combination data is stored in the storage area. In the display combination storage area, bit 0 (first bit) is a storage area corresponding to cherry. Bit 1 (second bit) is a storage area corresponding to the bell. Bit 2 (third bit) is a storage area corresponding to a watermelon. Bit 3 (fourth bit) is a storage area corresponding to the chance small combination.

  Bit 4 (fifth bit) is a storage area corresponding to 10 small combinations. Bit 5 (sixth bit) is a storage area corresponding to RT. Bit 6 (seventh bit) is a storage area corresponding to replay. Bit 7 (eighth bit) is a storage area corresponding to MB2. Bit 8 (9th bit) is a storage area corresponding to MB1.

  (4) in FIG. 13 shows the operating flag storage area. The operating flag is stored in an operating flag storage area consisting of 9 bits. In the operating flag storage area, bit 0 (first bit) is a storage area corresponding to the MB operating flag. Bit 1 (second bit) is a storage area corresponding to the RT2 operating flag. Bit 2 (third bit) is a storage area corresponding to the RT1 operating flag. Bit 3 (fourth bit), bit 4 (fifth bit), bit 5 (sixth bit), bit 6 (seventh bit), and bit 7 (eighth bit) are unused storage areas.

  Here, when 1 is stored in bit 0 (first bit) corresponding to the MB operating flag in the operating flag storage area (that is, when “000000001” is stored in the operating flag storage area) The MB operating flag is on. When 1 is stored in bit 1 (second bit) corresponding to the RT2 operating flag in the operating flag storage area (that is, “000000010” is stored in the operating flag storage area), The RT2 operating flag is on. When 1 is stored in bit 2 (third bit) corresponding to the RT2 operating flag in the operating flag storage area (that is, when “000000100” is stored in the operating flag storage area), The RT1 operating flag is on.

  The control operation of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  With reference to FIG. 14, the main flowchart by control of main CPU (namely, main control circuit 71) is demonstrated.

  First, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1). Specifically, the contents stored in the RAM 33 are initialized. Subsequently, the designated storage area (for example, information of the internal winning combination storage area) in the RAM 33 at the end of the game is deleted (that is, cleared) (step S2), and the process proceeds to step S3. Specifically, data in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game is deleted.

  In step S3, a medal acceptance / start check process described later with reference to FIG. 15 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S4. In this processing, processing such as update of the inserted number and transmission of a demo command to be described later is performed based on input from the start switch 6S, the medal sensor 10S, or the BET switches 11-13. In step S4, a random value is extracted and stored in a random value storage area, and the process proceeds to step S5. The random number value extracted in this process is used in an internal lottery process (FIG. 16 described later).

  In step S5, a game state monitoring process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S6. In the gaming state monitoring process, if the MB operating flag is on, an identifier (information) indicating the MB gaming state is stored in the RAM 33. If the MB operating flag is off, an identifier indicating the general gaming state is stored in the RAM 33. In step S6, an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, RT game number counter update processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S8. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the RT game number counter is 0, and when it is determined that the value of the RT game number counter is not 0, 1 is subtracted from the value of the RT game number counter. Further, as a result of the subtraction, it is determined whether or not the value of the RT game number counter has become 0. If it is determined that the value of the RT game number counter has become 0, the RT1 operating flag and RT2 operating Update (ie, clear) the flag to off.

  In step S8, a process of transmitting a start command to the sub control circuit 72 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S9. The start command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination, and is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. In step S9, it is determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S11, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, a game start waiting time digest process (ie, wait) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S11. Specifically, a process of invalidating an input based on an operation for starting a player's game until a predetermined time (for example, a predetermined second (eg, 4.1 seconds)) has elapsed since the start of the previous game. I do. In step S11, the start of rotation of all reels is requested, and the process proceeds to step S12. Specifically, all of the following three effective stop button flags corresponding to each of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are updated to ON.

  In step S12, a reel stop control process described later with reference to FIG. 17 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, display combination retrieval processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S14. Specifically, the display combination and the number of payouts are determined based on the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R and the symbol combination table (FIG. 11). In step S14, a process of transmitting the display combination command to the sub control circuit 72 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S15. This display command includes information on the display combination determined in step S13.

  In step S15, a medal payout process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the bonus end number counter is updated based on the payout number, and the process proceeds to step S17. If the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, the counter is subtracted according to the number of medals paid out. In step S17, it is determined whether or not the MB operating flag is ON. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S18, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S18, a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 19 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. 20 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 15, the medal acceptance / start check process for detecting the insertion operation and the start operation by the player will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 sets 40000 as an initial value in the demonstration timer stored in the RAM 33, and proceeds to step S22 (step S21). The value set in this demonstration timer is decremented by 1 every 1173 ms in the interrupt processing (FIG. 21 described later) under the control of the main CPU, so the demonstration timer sets the initial value in the demonstration timer. It becomes 0 after about 45 seconds. In step S22, it is determined whether or not the automatic insertion counter is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S23, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S24. The automatic insertion counter is a counter that counts the number of medals to be automatically inserted when the display combination is replay.

  In step S23, medal acceptance is permitted, and the process proceeds to step S26. In this step S23, since the display combination in the previous game is not replay and the value of the automatic insertion counter is 0, the insertion of medals is permitted by permitting the addition of the insertion number counter. The inserted number counter is a counter that counts the number of inserted medals (that is, the number of inserted medals).

  In step S24, the automatic insertion counter is copied to the insertion number counter, and the process proceeds to step S25. Specifically, in this step S24, since the value of the automatic insertion counter is a value other than 0 (ie, 3) due to the establishment of replay in the previous game, the value of the insertion number counter is set to the automatic insertion counter. The value is updated to the same number as the value of (i.e., 3). In step S25, a process of transmitting a bet command to the sub control circuit 72 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S26. This bet command includes information on the value of the inserted number counter (that is, the inserted number) updated in the process of step S24.

  In step S26, it is determined whether or not the medal acceptance is permitted. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S27, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S30. Specifically, if the medal acceptance is permitted through the processing of step S23, that is, if the addition of the inserted number counter is permitted, this determination is YES. If the addition of the insertion number counter is not permitted due to not passing through the process of step S23, this determination is NO.

  In step S27, it is determined whether or not the input process. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S28, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S30. Specifically, the input from the medal sensor 10S is checked, and if there is an input from the medal sensor 10S, the determination in step S27 is YES. Also, the input from the BET switches 11 to 13 is checked, and when there is an input from the BET switches 11 to 13, a value for adding the insertion number counter is calculated, and the determination in step S27 is YES. . If there is no input from either the medal sensor 10S or the BET switches 11 to 13, this determination is NO.

  In step S28, the insertion number counter is updated, and the process proceeds to step S29. Specifically, when there is an input from the medal sensor 10S in the process of step S27, 1 is added to the insertion number counter. If there is an input from the BET switches 11 to 13 in the process of step S27, the value calculated in the process of step S27 is added to the insertion number counter. When the value of the inserted number counter is 3, a credit counter is added instead of the inserted number counter. The credit counter is a counter for counting the number of medals that have been credited.

  In step S29, a process of transmitting a bet command to the sub control circuit 72 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S30. This bet command includes information on the value of the inserted number counter updated in step S28 (that is, the inserted number). In step S30, it is determined whether or not the insertion number counter is 1 or more, that is, whether or not the insertion number is 1 or more. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S35, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, it is determined whether or not the demonstration timer is zero. That is, it is determined whether or not a state in which no operation (for example, a throwing operation) by the player is performed (hereinafter referred to as “non-game state”) has continued for a predetermined time (about 45 seconds). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S32, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S32, it is determined whether or not the BET lamps 17a to 17c for displaying the inserted number are turned off. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S26, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the bet lamp is turned off, and the process proceeds to step S34.

  In the embodiment, basically, the BET lamps 17a to 17c are always lit, but the BET lamps 17a to 17c are turned off when a demo command is transmitted in the process of step S34 described later. For this reason, when the non-gaming state continues after transmitting the demo command once, the determination in step S32 is YES, and the demo command is not transmitted again without going through step S34. In this way, even when the non-gaming state continues after the demo command is transmitted once, the transmission of the demo command is not repeated.

  In step S34, a process of transmitting a demo command to the sub control circuit 72 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S26. By transmitting the demo command, a demonstration image (that is, a demo image) for notifying that the gaming machine is waiting for a customer is displayed. In step S35, it is determined whether or not the value of the insertion number counter is 3. In this step S35, when the value of the inserted number counter is 3, that is, when the inserted number 3 necessary for playing one game is reached, this determination is YES. If the value of the insertion number counter is a value other than 3, this determination is NO.

  In step S36, it is determined whether or not the start switch is on. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the start switch is on, that is, whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S based on the operation of the start lever 6. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG. 14, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S26.

  With reference to FIG. 16, an internal lottery process for determining an internal winning combination based on the gaming state and the like will be described.

  First, based on the internal lottery table determination table (FIG. 7), the CPU 31 determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries according to the gaming state (step S41), and proceeds to step S42. In step S42, it is determined whether the RT game number counter is 1 or more. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S43, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S44. In step S43, since it is an RT section, the internal lottery table is changed to an RT lot internal lottery table (not shown), and the process proceeds to step S44.

  In step S44, whether or not the flag of MB1 or MB2 is stored in the carryover combination storage area, that is, bit 8 (9th bit) or bit 7 (8th bit) corresponding to MB1 or MB2 of the carryover combination storage area 1 is stored (that is, whether there is a carryover combination). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S45, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S46. Here, when the determination in step S44 is YES, it is a carryover section. In step S45, the number of lotteries is changed to 7, and the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the same value as the number of lotteries is set as the winning number, and the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S47, the random number stored in the random value storage area is compared with the upper limit value and lower limit value corresponding to the winning number, and the process proceeds to step S48. Specifically, the internal lottery table determined in step S41 is referred to, the lower limit value (L) is acquired based on the number of lotteries and the number of inserted lots, and the random value stored in the random value storage area in the RAM 33 The lower limit (L) is subtracted from (R) (R−L). Further, the internal lottery table determined in step S41 is referred to, the upper limit value (U) is acquired based on the number of lotteries, and the upper limit value (R) stored in the random value storage area in the RAM 33 is determined from the upper limit value (R). U) is subtracted (RU).

  In step S48, it is determined whether or not the random number value is not more than the upper limit value and not less than the lower limit value. Specifically, it is determined whether (R−L) obtained in step S47 is a positive value and (R−U) obtained in step S47 is a negative value. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S49, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S54. In step S49, the internal winning combination determination table is referred to, an internal winning combination is specified based on the winning number, and the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, it is determined whether or not the internal winning combination determined in step S49 is MB1 or MB2. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S51, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S53. In step S51, the flag is stored in the carryover combination storage area based on the internal winning combination, and the process proceeds to step S52. Here, in this determination, when MB1 is included in the internal winning combination, “100000000” is stored in the carryover combination storing area, and when MB2 is included in the internal winning combination, the carryover combination storing area. “010000000” is stored in.

  In step S52, since MB1 or MB2 is determined as an internal winning combination, in order to end the RT section, the value of the RT game number counter is updated (cleared) to 0, and the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the internal winning combination data corresponding to the internal winning combination determined in step S49 and the logical sum of the carryover combination storing area are stored in the internal winning combination storing area, and the process proceeds to step S54. In step S54, the number of lotteries is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, it is determined whether the number of lotteries is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S56, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S46. Here, when this determination is YES, the number of times of determining whether the random value R is included in the numerical range defined by the upper limit value U and the lower limit value L is 9 times in the general gaming state, In the internal winning state (ie, carryover section), there are seven cases. On the other hand, when this determination is NO, the number of times of the determination is less than 9 in the general gaming state and less than 7 in the internal winning state (that is, the carryover section).

  In step S56, the logical sum of the information indicating the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storing area is stored in the internal winning combination storing area, and the process proceeds to step S57. Here, when the internal winning combination is lost, the process of step S53 is not performed. Therefore, even if there is a carryover combination, the process of step S53 makes the internal winning combination storing area a carryover combination. The corresponding bit is never 1. Therefore, in step S53, in consideration of the case where the internal winning combination is lost when there is a carryover combination, the logical sum of the information indicating the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storage area is stored in the internal winning combination storage area. .

  In step S57, it is determined whether or not it is in the MB gaming state, that is, whether or not the MB operating flag is on. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S58, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG. In step S58, since it is in the MB gaming state, bits 0 to 5 of the internal winning combination storing area are turned on (that is, "000011111" is stored in the internal winning combination storing area), and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG. .

  With reference to FIG. 17, the reel stop control process for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on the timing of the internal winning combination or the stop operation by the player will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed, that is, whether or not the stop buttons 7L, 7C and 7R corresponding to the rotating reels 3L, 3C and 3R have been pressed. (Step S61). Specifically, in this step S61, it is determined whether or not the effective stop button flag corresponding to the operated stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is ON. If this determination is YES, the operated stop button is determined. The valid stop button flag corresponding to the buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is updated to OFF.

  Here, the effective stop button flag is information for identifying whether or not the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the operated stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are rotating, and the stop buttons 7L, 7C, Three are provided corresponding to each of 7R. When the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the operated stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are rotating, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is on. When the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the operated stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are not rotating, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is off.

  When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S64, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S62. In step S62, in order to automatically stop the reel, it is determined whether or not 30 seconds have elapsed since the reel rotated. In the automatic stop, the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are operated (that is, the stop command signal is detected) from when the operation of the start lever 6 is detected (that is, when the process of step S36 in FIG. 15 is performed). When a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses, the gaming machine automatically (ie, internally) stops changing the symbol. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S63, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S61.

  In step S63, a scheduled stop position where the display combination is lost is determined, and the process proceeds to step S65. The planned stop position is a code number of a symbol displayed at the center line 8c position when the reel on which the stop operation is performed stops. In this step S63, in the case of automatic stop, even if there is a small combination, MB, replay, etc. determined as an internal winning combination, it is planned to stop the internal winning combination so as not to harm the fairness of the game Determine the position. In step S64, a priority pull-in control process described later with reference to FIG. 18 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, a reel stop command is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S66. The reel stop command includes information such as a scheduled stop position and the number of sliding pieces.

In step S66, the symbol storage area is updated based on the scheduled stop position, and in step S67.
Move on. Specifically, the symbol storage area provided in the RAM 33 is updated based on the information on the planned stop position determined in step S63 or step S75 in FIG. The symbol storage area is a storage area for storing an identifier for identifying the type of symbol that is stopped and displayed for each symbol stop position when the reel on which the stop operation has been performed stops.

  In step S67, it is determined whether or not there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the three valid stop button flags is on. If there are reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that are rotating and one of the three valid stop button flags is on, this determination is YES, and the process proceeds to step S61, where all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are detected. Is stopped and all the three valid stop button flags are OFF, this determination is NO, and the routine goes to Step S68.

  In step S68, it is determined whether or not the stop button remains pressed. Specifically, the player determines whether or not a stop command signal is detected from the stop button on which the third stop operation has been performed among the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S68, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 18, a description will be given of the priority pull-in control process for determining the planned stop position based on the gaming state, the type of internal winning combination, and the like.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not it is in the MB gaming state, that is, whether or not the MB operating flag is on (step S71). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S72, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S74. In step S72, it is determined whether or not the left stop button (that is, the left stop button 7L) has been pressed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a stop command signal is transmitted from the stop button 7L. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S73, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S74.

  In step S73, since the left stop button 7L is operated in the MB gaming state, 0 or 1 is determined as the number of sliding pieces based on the determined internal winning combination, and the process proceeds to step S75. In step S74, one of 0 to 4 is determined as the number of sliding pieces based on the determined internal winning combination, and the process proceeds to step S75. In step S75, the planned stop position is determined based on the symbol counter and the determined number of sliding pieces, stored, and the process proceeds to step S65 in FIG.

  Specifically, the planned stop position is determined based on the value of the symbol counter and the number of sliding pieces determined in step S73 or step S74, and information on the planned stop position is stored in the RAM 33. The symbol counter is a counter that stores information on the code number of the symbol located on the center line 8c among the symbols displayed on the rotating reel.

  With reference to FIG. 19, the bonus end check process for ending the MB gaming state when the MB gaming state end condition is satisfied will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (step S81). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S82, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG. In step S82, MB termination processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S83. Specifically, a process of storing 0 in bit 0 (first bit) that is a storage area corresponding to the MB operating flag in the operating flag storage area ((4) in FIG. 13), and clearing the bonus end number counter And so on.

  In step S83, a bonus end command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S84. In step S84, it is determined whether or not the RT preparation flag is on. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S85, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG. The RT preparation flag is information for identifying whether or not to operate the RT1 section. If it is allowed to operate the RT1 section, the RT preparation flag is on. If it is not permitted to operate the RT1 section, the RT preparation flag is off.

  In step S85, the RT1 operating flag is turned on, the RT preparation flag is cleared (the RT preparation flag is updated to off), and the process proceeds to step S86. In step S86, 1000 is stored in the RT game number counter, and the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 20, a bonus operation check process for operating the MB gaming state, the RT section, and the like based on the type of display combination and the like will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is MB1 or MB2 (step S91). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S92, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S97. In step S92, it is determined whether or not the display combination is MB1. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S93, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S94. In step S93, the RT preparation flag is updated to ON, and the process proceeds to step S94.

  In step S94, the carryover combination storage area is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S95. In step S95, MB operation time processing is performed based on the bonus operation time table (FIG. 12), and the process proceeds to step S96. For example, when the display combination is MB1, the bonus operating time table (FIG. 12) is referred to, the MB operating flag corresponding to MB is updated to ON, and the bonus end number counter is set. In step S96, a bonus operation command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  In step S97, it is determined whether or not the display combination is RT. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S98, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S101. In step S98, it is determined whether or not the RT2 operating flag is ON. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. 14, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S99. In step S99, the RT2 operating flag is updated to ON, and the flow proceeds to step S100. In step S100, 1000 is stored in the RT game number counter, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  Here, only when the display combination is RT (that is, the determination in step S97 is YES) and the RT2 operating flag is not on (that is, the determination in step S98 is NO), the RT2 operating flag is set in step S99. It is turned on, and 1000 is stored in the RT game number counter in step S100.

  That is, when the display combination becomes RT when the RT2 section is not operating, the RT2 section is operated and 1000 is stored in the RT game number counter. The value of the RT game number counter is subtracted for each game, and when the value of the RT game number counter reaches 0, the RT2 period ends, so the RT2 period continues for a maximum of 1000 games.

  On the other hand, when the RT2 section is operating (that is, when the value of the RT game number counter is not 0), if the display combination is RT, the determination in step S98 is YES, so the number of RT games When the counter value is not 0, the RT game number counter value is not updated to 1000. Therefore, the RT2 section does not continue for a period exceeding 1000 games.

  In step S101, it is determined whether or not the display combination is replay. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S102, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In step S102, since replay has been established, the insertion number counter is copied to the automatic insertion counter (that is, the same value as the value stored in the insertion number counter is stored in the automatic insertion counter), and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. . With the processing in step S102, in the processing in step S24 of FIG. 15 in the next game, the same number of values as the value stored in the automatic insertion counter is set in the insertion number counter.

  With reference to FIG. 21, an interrupt process by control of the main CPU for repeatedly performing a predetermined process executed every predetermined time by the main CPU (CPU 31) will be described. This interrupt process is repeated every 1.1173 ms.

  First, the CPU 31 performs a timer update process for subtracting 1 from the value set in the demonstration timer (step S111), and proceeds to step S112. In step S112, an input port check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S113. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S when the start lever 6 is pressed. In step S113, a reel rotation driving process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S114. Specifically, information indicating the reel to be controlled is set as a reel identifier, and the drive of the reel is controlled.

  In step S114, a lamp and 7SEG driving process is performed, and the periodic interrupt process is terminated. Specifically, the BET lamps 17a to 17c are turned on based on the number of medals bet on the game. In addition, the number of medals that are credited (that is, stored), the number of medals paid out at the time of winning a combination, and the like are displayed on the credit display unit 19.

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

  With reference to FIG. 22, the RESET interrupt process by the control of the sub CPU for repeatedly performing a predetermined series of processes by the control of the sub CPU (image control microcomputer 81) will be described.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 performs a command reception process for receiving a command input from the main control circuit 71, the operation unit 17 or the like (step S121), and proceeds to step S122. In step S122, command output processing for outputting a command to a circuit other than the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is performed, and the process proceeds to step S123.

  In step S123, an image drawing process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S124. In this image drawing process, an image corresponding to later-described effect data selected in FIGS. 23 to 25 described later is drawn. In this image drawing process, image data is written to the control RAM 87 of the image control IC 86 and image data is written to the frame buffer provided in the video RAM 89. The image data written in the frame buffer is transferred to the liquid crystal display device 131, and an image corresponding to the image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2b (for 1/30 s).

  In step S124, music control processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S121. In this sound control process, the image control microcomputer 81 transmits a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b based on the later-described effect data determined by the later-described FIGS.

  Subsequently, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 controls the output of music based on the command transmitted by the image control microcomputer 81. Specifically, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 transmits sound source data corresponding to the music to be output to the sound source IC 115 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, and the music from the speakers 9L and 9R. Is output.

  With reference to FIG. 23, a bet command reception process for performing a predetermined process triggered by receiving a bet command will be described. This bet command reception process is started when a bet command is received from the main control circuit 71.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the volume reduction flag is on (step S131). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S132, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S133. The volume reduction flag is information for identifying whether or not the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is in a lowered state.

  In a state where the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is lowered (hereinafter referred to as “volume reduction state”), the volume reduction flag is on, and the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is reduced. In a state where it is not (hereinafter referred to as “non-volume reduction state”), the volume reduction flag is off. In the volume reduction state, the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is a predetermined volume. In the non-volume reduction state, the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is a predetermined minimum volume.

  In step S132, the volume reduction flag is cleared (that is, updated to off), and the process proceeds to step S133. By the processing in step S132, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 performs control to increase the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R to a predetermined volume, thereby returning from the volume reduction state to the non-volume reduction state. In step S133, effect data is determined based on the inserted number counter or the like, and the process proceeds to step S134. The effect data is information for identifying an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2b and music output from the speakers 9L and 9R.

  As a result of the processing in step S133, images and music corresponding to the inserted number counter and the like are output to the liquid crystal display unit 2b and the speakers 9L and 9R. In step S134, 20000 is set as an initial value in the non-game monitoring timer stored in the work RAM 84, and the bet command reception process is terminated.

  The non-game monitoring timer is a timer (information) for determining whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 40 seconds) has elapsed since a bet command was received or a display combination command was received. Since the value set in the non-game monitoring timer is decremented by 1 every 2 ms in the periodic interrupt processing (FIG. 26 described later) under the control of the sub CPU, the non-game monitoring timer is initialized to the non-game monitoring timer. 40 seconds after the value is set.

  With reference to FIG. 24, a process at the time of receiving a start command for performing a predetermined process that is performed when a start command is received will be described. This start command reception process is started when a start command is received from the main control circuit 71.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the volume reduction flag is on (step S141). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S142, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S143. In step S142, the volume reduction flag is cleared (that is, updated to off), and the process proceeds to step S143. By the processing in step S142, the sound volume is reduced to the non-volume reduction state.

  In step S143, effect data is determined based on the internal winning combination, the gaming state, and the like, and the start command receiving process is terminated. Through the processing in step S143, an image and music corresponding to the internal winning combination and the gaming state are output to the liquid crystal display unit 2b and the speakers 9L and 9R.

  With reference to FIG. 25, a display combination command reception process for performing a predetermined process triggered by receiving a display combination command will be described. This display combination command reception process is started when a display combination command is received from the main control circuit 71.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines effect data based on the display combination, the gaming state, and the like, and proceeds to step S152 (step S151). As a result of the processing in step S151, an image and music corresponding to the display combination, gaming state, and the like are output to the liquid crystal display unit 2b and the speakers 9L and 9R.

  In step S152, 20000 is set as an initial value in the non-game monitoring timer stored in the work RAM 84, and the display combination command reception process is terminated. Since the value set in the non-game monitoring timer is decremented by 1 every 2 ms in the periodic interrupt processing (FIG. 26 described later) under the control of the sub CPU, the value of the non-game monitoring timer is 40 seconds after the initial value is set to, it becomes 0.

  With reference to FIG. 26, a description will be given of periodic interrupt processing by control of the sub CPU for repeatedly performing predetermined processing at predetermined time intervals under control of the sub CPU (image control microcomputer 81). This periodic interrupt process is repeated every 2 ms.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the non-game monitoring timer is 0 (step S161). When this determination is YES, the periodic interrupt process under the control of the sub CPU is terminated, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S162. In step S162, 1 is subtracted from the value of the non-game monitoring timer, and the process proceeds to step S163. In step S163, it is determined whether or not the value of the non-game monitoring timer is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S164, and when NO, the periodic interrupt process under the control of the sub CPU is terminated.

  In step S164, the volume reduction flag is set (that is, updated to ON), and the periodic interrupt process under the control of the sub CPU is terminated. When the volume reduction flag is updated to ON in step S164, a command for lowering the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is displayed in the image control circuit (gSub) in the music control process of step S124 in FIG. 72a is transmitted to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. Thereby, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 performs control to lower the volume of the music output from the speakers 9L and 9R.

  In the embodiment, when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 lowers the volume of the music, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 reduces the volume of the music step by step from the predetermined volume, and finally the predetermined minimum The volume is reached. By doing so, it is possible to prevent other players from being unnatural when the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is reduced, and other players can play games comfortably. Can enjoy.

  Here, in step S161, a bet command reception process that starts when a bet command is received (FIG. 23) or a display combination command reception process that starts when a display combination command is received (FIG. 23). In 25), it is determined whether or not 40 seconds have elapsed since 20000 was set as the initial value in the non-game monitoring timer. Furthermore, when 40 seconds have elapsed (that is, when the determination in step S163 is YES), the volume of the music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is lowered by the process of step S164, and the volume is lowered. That is, when 40 seconds have elapsed since the bet command or the display combination command was received due to the player leaving the gaming machine or the like, the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R decreases, Volume is reduced.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, the speakers 9L and 9R are conventionally used in order to increase the interest of the game in the general gaming state where the number of medals owned by the player is reduced and the player is likely to be frustrated. Music (ie, BGM) is output from. Therefore, in the embodiment, when the player is away from the gaming machine in the general gaming state, a bet command or a display combination command is received so that music is not continuously output from the gaming machine at a predetermined volume. When a predetermined time (that is, 40 seconds) has elapsed since then, the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is lowered to a predetermined minimum volume.

  In this way, when the player leaves the gaming machine in the general gaming state, music is continuously output from the gaming machine at a predetermined volume, and other games that are playing around the gaming machine It is possible to eliminate the problem that the player may be inconvenienced (that is, the problem of noisiness at the time of non-game). In addition, a player playing a game around a gaming machine in a non-game state can enjoy the game comfortably.

  In the embodiment, not only when a predetermined time (ie, 40 seconds) has elapsed since the display combination command is received, but also after a bet command (that is, another type of command different from the display combination command) is received. Even when 40 seconds have elapsed, the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is reduced. By doing so, the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is lowered even when the player leaves the gaming machine without performing the start operation after performing the input operation.

  In the embodiment, music is output from the speakers 9L and 9R not only in the general gaming state but also in other gaming states (for example, the MB gaming state) in order to increase the interest of the game. In another gaming state, when 40 seconds have elapsed since the bet command or the display combination command was received due to the player leaving the gaming machine, the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is Will be lowered.

  A display example of the moving image display area 28 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 27 shows a display example of the moving image display area 28 in the general gaming state. In the display example of FIG. 27, the moving image display area 28 displays a state where the singer 201 is singing with a microphone. By continuously displaying such images including the singer 201 in the moving image display area 28, a moving image indicating the movement of the singer 201 singing is displayed in the moving image display area 28.

  Here, in the embodiment, a moving image (for example, a live image) indicating a movement that the singer 201 is singing is basically displayed in the moving image display area 28 basically in the general gaming state. In the embodiment, the moving image corresponding to the other gaming state is displayed in the moving image display area 28 not only in the general gaming state but also in other gaming states (for example, the MB gaming state). In the embodiment, music synchronized with the motion of the moving image displayed in the moving image display area 28 is output from the speakers 9L and 9R. By displaying such a moving image and outputting music, the player's interest in the game in the general gaming state can be maintained, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  In the embodiment, the image display area 28 is constituted by a quadrilateral polygon, and a moving image is displayed on the polygon. Such moving image display is realized by pasting data of a format such as MJPEG (Motion-JPEG) or MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) as a texture onto the polygon. A moving image based on data in such a format is determined and reproduced by a game state or a player's selection (for example, operation of the operation unit 17 by the player).

  In this way, by displaying a moving image based on data in a general format such as MJPEG or MPEG, it is possible to easily divert the distributed data and improve development efficiency. It is possible to provide a game machine that can be used.

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described, this invention is not limited to this.

  In the embodiment, when the non-gaming state continues for a certain time, the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is gradually reduced from a predetermined volume to a predetermined minimum volume. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the volume may be reduced to a predetermined minimum volume in one step instead of decreasing the volume in steps. Alternatively, the output of music from the speakers 9L and 9R may be stopped (ie, silenced). Even in such a configuration, it is possible to solve the problem that other players suffer from trouble due to music output from the gaming machine even though the gaming machine is not playing. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that allows other players to enjoy the game comfortably.

  For example, when a predetermined time (that is, 40 seconds) has elapsed since the bet command or the display combination command was received, the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is gradually reduced, and finally It is good also as a structure made to mute. By doing so, it is possible to prevent other players from being unnatural when the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is reduced to a predetermined volume or muted. Can enjoy the game more comfortably.

  In the embodiment, when 40 seconds (predetermined time) continues after the bet command or the display combination command is received, the sound volume is lowered. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a volume reduction start time determination means for a store clerk or the like of a game shop to arbitrarily determine a time from when a bet command or a display combination command is received until the volume decreases (hereinafter referred to as “volume decrease start time”) Can be provided. Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which can determine infinity as a volume fall start time by the volume fall start time determination means, ie, the structure which can be made not to be in a volume fall state. By doing so, for example, the volume of music output from the speakers 9L and 9R is lowered after the non-game state is started in accordance with the management policy of the game hall where the gaming machine is installed. A game hall employee or the like can arbitrarily determine the time until.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and patty lots in addition to the gaming machine 1 as in the present embodiment. Furthermore, the game can be executed by applying the present invention even in a game program in which the above-described operation of the gaming machine 1 is simulated for a home game machine. In that case, a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a gaming machine. The figure which shows the panel display part of a liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal display part, and a fixed display part. The perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid crystal display device. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the reel. The block diagram which shows the structure of an electric circuit. The block diagram which shows the structure of a sub control circuit. The figure which shows an internal lottery table determination table. The figure which shows an internal lottery table. The figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. The figure which shows a drawing priority table. The figure which shows a symbol combination table. The figure which shows a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. The figure which shows the storage area of an internal winning combination, a carryover combination, a display combination, and an operating flag. The main flowchart of a main control circuit. The flowchart which shows medal reception / start check processing. The flowchart which shows an internal lottery process. The flowchart which shows a reel stop control process. The flowchart which shows priority drawing-in control processing. The flowchart which shows a bonus completion | finish check process. The flowchart which shows a bonus action check process. The flowchart which shows the interruption process by control of main CPU. The flowchart which shows the RESET interruption process by control of a sub CPU. The flowchart which shows a process at the time of bet command reception. The flowchart which shows a process at the time of start command reception. The flowchart which shows a display time command reception process. The flowchart which shows the periodic interruption process by control of a sub CPU. The figure which shows the example of a display of the image displayed on an effect display area.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Liquid crystal display part 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit

Claims (2)

A symbol display means for displaying a plurality of symbols;
A start operation detecting means for detecting a start operation by the player on condition that the game value is input;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on detection of a start operation performed by the start operation detecting means;
A symbol changing means for changing a symbol displayed by the symbol display means based on detection of a starting operation performed by the start operation detecting means;
A stop operation detecting means for detecting a stop operation by the player;
Stop control means for performing stop control of symbol variation performed by the symbol variation means based on detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detection means and the internal symbol combination determined by the internal symbol combination determination means; A gaming machine equipped with
Bonus game operating means for operating a bonus game on the condition that a predetermined symbol combination is displayed by the symbol display means;
Music output means for outputting music according to the operation of the bonus game being performed and outputting music according to the operation of the bonus game not being performed;
Game value input detecting means for detecting that the game value has been input;
Music that controls to lower the volume of the music output by the music output means on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection that the game value was input by the game value input detection means And an output control means. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The music output control means detects that the start operation is detected by the start operation detection means or the game value is input when control is performed to lower the volume of the music output by the music output means. A game machine characterized by performing control to increase the volume of music output by the music output means, on the condition that the detection of the occurrence is performed by the game value input detection means.

Images