JP2007167327A - Rotary drum type game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a notification by which a game player can easily understand the progress status of a big winning game to be performed in the case when the completion conditions of the big winning game are determined by a total putting-out quantity of game mediums. <P>SOLUTION: A main control board forms a putting-out quantity command indicating the putting-out quantity of tokens being put out to the establishment of a small winning combination when a combination of symbols corresponding to the small winning combination is aligned at a winning line. The putting-out quantity command is transmitted from the main control board to an image display section 30 through a performance control board 80. A display control CPU 31 of the image display section 30 calculates an accumulated putting out quantity of medals in a big winning combination game based on the putting-out quantity command every time when the putting-out quantity command is received while the big winning combination game is executed. Then, the length of a level meter (the figure of a rectangle) corresponding to the accumulated putting-out quantity is determined based on the accumulated putting-out quantity which has been calculated. Then, a big winning combination game progress status notification image including the determined level meter of the length is displayed on a liquid crystal panel 36. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a swivel-type gaming machine including a plurality of symbol display means capable of a variable display for varying a plurality of symbols and a stop display for stopping the variation display.

  In the above-described spinning-type gaming machine, generally, three spinning reels (symbol display means) on which a plurality of symbols are written, a start lever for instructing start of rotation of the three spinning reels, and each spinning cylinder Three stop buttons for instructing to stop the rotation of the reel, an effect means, a main control board, and an effect control board are provided. The main control board controls game contents such as controlling the spinning reel, and the production control board determines the production contents based on the command signal from the main control board, and the production means according to the production contents Is to control. The directing means performs an effect related to the game according to the game situation. Specifically, as the production means, an image display device that produces an effect by displaying an image, an electrical display device that produces an effect by turning on and off the lamp, and a sound generation device that produces an effect by generating sound There is.

  When the player operates the start lever, the main control board starts driving the three reel reels. When the player presses each stop button, the main control board stops driving the spinning reel corresponding to the stop button. Thus, when the three reel reels are stopped, if the symbols written on the reel reels are in a specific combination on a predetermined winning line, a winning combination is established. The types of such roles include a major role and a small role. When the combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination is aligned on the winning line and the small combination is established, a predetermined number of medals (game media) corresponding to the type of the small combination are paid out. On the other hand, when the combination of symbols corresponding to the big game is aligned on the winning line and the big game is established, the big game (big game) corresponding to the big game is executed. In the big game, a small role can be established many times in a short period of time, and a large number of game media can be obtained.

  In addition, there are some swing-type gaming machines in which the end condition of the big game is determined by the number of times the special game is executed. Conventionally, the number of lamps corresponding to the number of times of execution of the special game is provided, and the number of lamps according to the number of times of execution of the special game at the present time is turned on while the role of the major game is executed A spinning-type game machine has been proposed in which the player is notified of the progress of the game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-227458

  By the way, the prior art according to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is effective to be applied to a rotating type game machine in which the end condition of the big game is determined by the number of executions of a special game. However, there is also a rotating type game machine in which the end condition of the big game is determined by the total number of medals paid out. In order to apply the prior art according to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 to such a swivel type gaming machine, a number of lamps corresponding to the total payout number of medals must be provided, and the number of lamps becomes enormous. End up. In addition, if such a large number of lamps are used, the player is more difficult to recognize the progress of the big game. In addition, some of the swing type gaming machines have a plurality of types of big roles, and the big game end conditions differ for each big role. If the prior art according to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is applied to such a rotating game machine, the number of installed lamps further increases. For this reason, it is desired to realize a swing-type gaming machine that can inform the player of the progress of the big game when it is determined by the total payout number of medals.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of the above circumstances, and can provide a player with an easy-to-understand notification of the progress of a major player game when the end condition of the major player game is determined by the total number of game media to be paid out. It aims at providing a type game machine.

  The invention according to claim 1 for achieving the above object has a plurality of symbol display means capable of a variable display for changing a plurality of symbols and a stop display for stopping the variable display, and the plurality of symbol displays. The symbols corresponding to various types of roles including a large role and a small role are displayed on the plurality of symbol display means by stopping the variation display of each symbol display means according to a predetermined operation by the player after the means starts the variation display. When the combination is stopped and displayed, in a spinning-type gaming machine that performs a normal game of winning, when the combination of symbols corresponding to the small role is stopped and displayed on the plurality of symbol display means, A payout number command signal indicating the number of payouts of game media to be paid out is generated and output, and a combination of symbols corresponding to the major player is stopped and displayed on the plurality of symbol display means It is possible to make the winning of the small role easier than the normal game, and when the cumulative payout number of game media obtained by the winning of the small role reaches a predetermined total payout number, Game control means to be executed, and during the execution of the big game, the big game progress status indicating the progress of the big game using a figure whose shape changes in accordance with the cumulative payout number of game media in the big game An image display means for displaying a notification image and a cumulative payout number of game media in the main game based on the payout number command signal when the payout number command signal is received while the big game is being executed And the shape of the figure corresponding to the cumulative payout number is determined based on the calculated cumulative payout number, and the figure having the determined shape is included. Display control means for displaying the serial major role game progress notification image on the image display unit and is characterized in that it comprises.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the revolving type gaming machine according to the first aspect, the figure included in the big game progress status informing image is a rectangular figure, and the cumulative payout of game media in the big game The length in the vertical or horizontal direction varies depending on the number of sheets.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the rotary gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the display control means uses the predetermined payout amount for the major game as the cumulative payout number calculated based on the payout number command signal. Divide by the total number of payouts and multiply the value obtained by dividing by the maximum length in the changing direction for the figure to determine the length in the changing direction of the figure corresponding to the cumulative payout number It is characterized by doing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spinning-reel game machine according to the first, second or third aspect, wherein a plurality of the major players are provided, and the graphic is displayed at the end of the major game for each major player. All the shapes that can be formed are the same.

  In the present invention, the display control means calculates the accumulated payout number of game media in the main player game based on the payout number command signal each time the payout number command signal is received while the big game is being executed. At the same time, a shape of a predetermined figure corresponding to the cumulative payout number is determined based on the calculated cumulative payout number, and an image display means displays a leading role game progress status notification image including the figure having the determined shape. . In this way, by notifying the progress of the big game by the shape of the figure, the player can easily recognize the progress of the big game. In addition, by changing the shape of the figure in accordance with the accumulated payout number of game media every time the display control means receives a payout number command signal, the progress of the big game can be expressed in detail, and the figure Can be made substantially the same as the time when the final game is completed. For this reason, the player can grasp the progress status of the big game in detail and accurately only by looking at the shape of the figure. Furthermore, when multiple types of big actors are provided, the same final shape is used as a graphic to notify the progress status of the big game, regardless of which type of big game is executed. It is desirable. Thereby, it is possible to notify the progress status of the big game for a plurality of types of big game with a small amount of image data.

  In addition, as the graphic included in the big-game play progress notification image, a rectangular figure whose length in the vertical or horizontal direction changes depending on the cumulative payout number of game media in the big-game is used. Is desirable. Thereby, since the progress of the big game can be displayed with a simple graphic, the player can more easily recognize the progress of the big game.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a rotating type gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the rotating type gaming machine.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spinning cylinder type game machine of the present embodiment includes a first spinning reel 11 a, a second spinning reel 11 b, a third spinning reel 11 c, a display window 12, and medal insertion. Entry 13, credit number display section 14, MAX bet button 15, one-throw-in button 16, bet-number display section 17, start lever 18, first stop button 19a, second stop button 19b, third A stop button 19c, a checkout button 21, a payout number display unit 22, a medal discharge port 23, a medal tray 24, a payout device 25, an image display unit 30, an electrical display unit 40, and a speaker unit 50 , Inserted medal detection sensor 61, MAX bet button operation detection sensor 62, one-sheet insertion button operation detection sensor 63, start lever operation detection sensor 64, first stop button operation detection sensor 65a, Second stop button operation detection sensor 65b, third stop button operation detection sensor 65c, first cylinder reel drive means 66a, second cylinder reel drive means 66b, third cylinder reel drive means 66c, and main control board 70 And an effect control board 80.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a first spinning reel 11a, a second spinning reel 11b, and a third spinning reel 11c are disposed slightly above the central portion of the spinning cylinder game machine. Each spinning reel 11a, 11b, 11c has a symbol row in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a row, and is configured to be rotatable. These spinning reels 11a, 11b, and 11c serve as symbol display means capable of variable display for changing a plurality of symbols and stop display for stopping the variable display. The first cylinder reel 11a is driven by the first cylinder reel driving means 66a, the second cylinder reel 11b is driven by the second cylinder reel driving means 66b, and the third cylinder reel 11c is driven the third time. It is driven by the drum reel driving means 66c. Here, as each spinning reel drive means 66a, 66b, 66c, for example, a stepping motor is used. Control of these spinning reel drive means 66 a, 66 b and 66 c is performed by the main control board 70.

  The symbols arranged on each reel 11a, 11b, 11c include, for example, a red number “7” symbol (red seven symbol), a blue numeral “7” symbol (blue seven symbol), a BAR symbol, a replay symbol, Watermelon design, bell design, cherry design, etc. A total of 21 or less of these symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each spinning reel 11a, 11b, 11c. Further, the number of symbols and the arrangement order of symbols differ for each of the spinning reels 11a, 11b, and 11c.

  The display window 12 is a transparent window provided at a position corresponding to the reel reels 11a, 11b, and 11c. As shown in FIG. 1, the player moves from the display window 12 to the respective reel reels 11a, 11b, 11c when the first reel reel 11a, the second reel reel 11b, and the third reel reel 11c are stopped. The three attached symbols can be visually observed.

  The medal slot 13 is an slot for a player to insert a medal (game medium). The inserted medal detection sensor 61 is provided inside the medal insertion slot 13 and detects that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 13. A detection signal from the inserted medal detection sensor 61 is sent to the main control board 70. Based on the detection signal from the inserted medal detection sensor 61, the main control board 70 can recognize how many medals have been inserted.

  A credit number display unit 14 is provided immediately below the display window 12. The credit number display unit 14 displays the medal credit number (stored number) within a predetermined range (for example, within 50 cards). When a medal is inserted from the medal slot 13, the main control board 70 counts and stores the number of credits increased from the current number of credits based on the signal from the inserted medal detection sensor 61. And displayed on the credit number display unit 14. Further, when a predetermined combination is established in the game (game), the main control board 70 adds the number of medals paid out corresponding to the combination to the current number of credits, and the added number is displayed as a credit number display unit. 14 is displayed.

  The MAX bet button 15 and the single insertion button 16 are game instruction means for instructing to bet medals and play a game (game), and are provided on the lower left side of the display window 12. The MAX bet button 15 is a button for selecting to play a game with three medals, and the one-sheet insertion button 16 is for selecting to play a game with one, two or three medals. It is a button to do. Specifically, by pressing the one-sheet insertion button 16 once, it is selected to play a game with one medal, and when the one-sheet insertion button 16 is pressed twice, two medals are bet. Is selected, and by pressing the one-piece insertion button 16 three times, it is selected to play a game with three medals bet. In other words, pressing the single-load button 16 three times is the same as pressing the MAX bet button 15 once. The MAX bet button operation detection sensor 62 detects that the MAX bet button 15 has been pressed, and the one-sheet insertion button operation detection sensor 63 detects that the one-sheet insertion button 16 has been pressed. Detection signals from the sensors 62 and 63 are sent to the main control board 70. Thereby, the main control board 70 can recognize how many medals are bet to play the game.

  A bet number display portion 17 is provided on the lower left side of the display window 12. The bet number display unit 17 displays the number of medals bet in the game. Specifically, when the one-piece insertion button 16 is pressed once, the main control board 70 turns on the lamp corresponding to the “one” portion of the bet number display section 17. When the one-sheet insertion button 16 is pressed twice, the main control board 70 turns on the lamp corresponding to the “two” portion of the bet number display portion 17. When the one-sheet insertion button 16 is pressed three times or the MAX bet button 15 is pressed, the main control board 70 turns on the lamp corresponding to the “three” portion of the bet number display portion 17.

  In the present embodiment, five winning lines for stopping the three reel reels 11a, 11b, and 11c and aligning predetermined symbols are set. That is, three lines extending in the horizontal direction through each of the upper, middle and lower portions of the display window 12, lines extending from the upper left to the lower right of the display window 12, and from the lower left to the upper right of the display window 12. And a line that extends. The effective winning line varies depending on how many medals are bet. When a game is played with one medal bet, only one winning line extending in the horizontal direction through the center of the display window 12 is an effective winning line. When a game is played with two medals bet, only three winning lines extending in the horizontal direction through the upper, middle and lower parts of the display window 12 are effective winning lines. When a game is played with three medals, all five winning lines are valid winning lines. When the three reel reels 11a, 11b, and 11c are stopped, when a predetermined symbol is aligned on a valid winning line among the five winning lines and a predetermined combination is established, the game is won, and a predetermined number of Medals are paid out.

  The start lever 18 is operated by the player to instruct to start the game. The number of medals necessary for one game is inserted from the medal insertion slot 13, or the MAX bet button 15 is operated in a state where the number of medals necessary for one game has already been credited, or one The start lever 18 can be operated by performing any one of the required operations of the sheet insertion button 16. Here, one game starts when the start lever 18 is operated, and after all three stop buttons 19a, 19b, and 19c are pressed, medals are inserted or MAX is executed for the next game. The process ends when the bet button 15 or the single-load button 16 is pressed. The start lever operation detection sensor 64 detects that the start lever 18 has been operated. When the start lever operation detection sensor 64 detects that the start lever 18 has been operated, it sends a game start signal to the main control board 70. The main control board 70 receives a game start signal from the start lever operation detection sensor 64 when receiving a signal from any one of the insertion medal detection sensor 61, the MAX bet button operation detection sensor 62, and the one-sheet insertion button operation detection sensor 63. When received, the game starts. Specifically, when the main control board 70 receives the game start signal, the main control board 70 acquires a random number value, performs a lottery process for the role based on the random number value, and 4.1 from the time of receiving the previous game start signal. Immediately after the elapse of one second or more, the rotating operation of the three reel reels 11a, 11b, and 11c is started immediately after the elapse of 4.1 seconds if 4.1 seconds have elapsed.

  The first stop button 19a is for instructing to stop the rotation operation of the first drum reel 11a, and the second stop button 19b is for instructing to stop the rotation operation of the second drum reel 11b. The third stop button 19c is for instructing to stop the rotation operation of the third drum reel 11c. The first stop button operation detection sensor 65a detects that the first stop button 19a is pressed, and the second stop button operation detection sensor 65b detects that the second stop button 19b is pressed. The third stop button operation detection sensor 65c detects that the third stop button 19c has been pressed. Detection signals from the respective stop button operation detection sensors 65a, 65b, 65c are sent to the main control board 70. When receiving the detection signals from the stop button operation detection sensors 65a, 65b, and 65c, the main control board 70 stops the rotation operation of the spinning reel corresponding to the stop button operation detection sensor by a predetermined control method. Thus, when the three spinning reels 11a, 11b, and 11c are stopped, a combination is established if the symbols attached to the spinning reels 11a, 11b, and 11c are in a specific combination on the effective winning line. Will do.

  In the swivel type gaming machine of the present embodiment, there are a major role, a watermelon small role, a bell small role, a cherry small role, and a replay role (re-playing role) as types of roles. Among these, the watermelon small part, the bell small part, and the cherry small part are referred to as small parts that are small hits. When a watermelon small role is won by a lottery process of a role by the main control board 70, the player can align three watermelon symbols on an effective winning line. When the three watermelon symbols are aligned on an effective winning line, a watermelon small combination is established. Further, when the winning combination of the bells by the main control board 70 is selected, the player can align the three bell symbols on an effective winning line. When the three bell symbols are aligned on an effective winning line, a bell small role is established. Furthermore, when the cherry small combination is won by the lottery process of the main control board 70, the player can stop the cherry symbols arranged on the first drum reel 11a on the effective winning line. Then, when the cherry symbol arranged on the first reel 11a stops on an effective winning line, a cherry small combination is established. When such a small combination is established, a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the type of each small combination.

  Further, when a replay combination is won by a combination lottery process by the main control board 70, the player can arrange three replay symbols on an effective winning line. When the three replay symbols are aligned on an effective winning line, a replay role is established. When this replay role is established, the spinning-reel game machine automatically enters the number of medals equal to the number of medals bet on the current game, that is, the player inserts a new medal. Without playing, the game can be played again. In this embodiment, since the replay role does not pay out medals, the replay role is not included in the small role. It is also possible to treat the replay role as a small role, assuming that the medal has been paid out.

  There are three types of major roles: BB (Big Bonus), CTBB1 (Challenge Time Big Bonus 1), and CTBB2 (Challenge Time Big Bonus 2). When BB is won by the lottery process of the main control board 70, the player can arrange three red 7 symbols on an effective winning line. When three red 7 symbols are aligned on a valid winning line, BB is established. When this BB is established, the spinning-type game machine enters the BB game. In the BB game, the winning probability of the bell small part, the watermelon small part, and the cherry small part is dramatically improved, and the player can acquire a large amount of medals in a short time. This BB game ends when the cumulative payout number of medals exceeds 345. Further, when CTBB1 is won by the winning lottery process by the main control board 70, the player can align the three blue 7 symbols on the effective winning line. When these three blue 7 symbols are aligned on a valid winning line, CTBB1 is established. On the other hand, when CTBB2 is won by the lottery process of the role by the main control board 70, the player can align three BAR symbols on an effective winning line. When these three BAR symbols are aligned on an effective winning line, CTBB2 is established. When such CTBB1 or CTBB2 is established, the spinning-type game machine enters the CTBB1 game or the CTBB2 game. In the CTBB1 game or the CTBB2 game, the reel control is in a special control state, and regardless of the lottery result of the combination, any small combination can be aligned on an effective winning line depending on the skill of the player. Here, the CTBB1 game ends when the cumulative payout number of medals exceeds 253, and the CTBB2 game ends when the cumulative payout number of medals exceeds 110. In this way, when a big game is established, a big game (BB game, CTBB1 game, CTBB2 game) according to the type of the big game is executed, and the end condition of each big game is the total payout of medals different for each type of big game It is specified by the number of sheets. In the following, the red 7 symbol, the blue 7 symbol, and the BAR symbol will be collectively referred to as “major symbol”.

  The number-of-payout display unit 22 displays the number of medals to be paid out in accordance with the established combination. The main control board 70 controls the payout number display unit 22. For example, when the player presses the clearing button 21, the number of medals corresponding to the number of credits at that time is released from the medal outlet 23. The medal tray 24 is a tray for accumulating medals discharged from the medal discharge port 23. The payout device 25 is a device that pays out medals one by one from the medal discharge port 23 using a predetermined rotation mechanism (not shown). The operation of the dispensing device 25 is controlled by the main control board 70.

  The image display unit 30 is provided on the upper side of the display window 12. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as the image display unit 30. The image display unit 30 variably displays images of a plurality of characters, numbers, figures, characters, and the like, thereby performing the advance notice of the winning combination, notification of predetermined information, and other effects related to the game. For example, a premium effect for notifying the jackpot confirmation is performed, or the types of symbols to be aligned on the winning line are announced. The effect control of the image display unit 30 is performed by the effect control board 80 based on a command (command signal) from the main control board 70. The configuration of the image display unit 30 will be described in detail later.

  The electrical display unit 40 displays various game lamps by lighting a plurality of display lamps, and performs effects related to the game. In the present embodiment, a light-emitting diode is used as the display lamp. The lighting display unit 40 is controlled by the effect control board 80 based on a command from the main control board 70. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical decoration display unit 40 is provided on each side of the outer periphery of the front door.

  The speaker unit 50 performs an effect related to the game with sound. Control of the speaker unit 50 is performed by the effect control board 80 based on a command from the main control board 70. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the speaker unit 50 includes a first door speaker 51, a second door speaker 52, and a rear speaker 53. The first door speaker 51 and the second door speaker 52 are provided on the left side and the right side of the upper part on the back side of the front door, respectively. That is, in FIG. 1, the first door speaker 51 and the second door speaker 52 are circles drawn by dotted lines on the upper part of the front door. Further, the rear speaker 53 is provided on the back side of the swivel game machine.

  The main control board 70 mainly controls and manages game contents and medal payout. As shown in FIG. 2, the main control board 70 includes random number generation means 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, and CPU 74. The ROM 72 stores various programs related to game content control and the like. The RAM 73 is a working memory that temporarily stores data.

  The CPU 74 controls the game content by executing a program stored in the ROM 72, and controls the effect by controlling the effect control board 80. Specifically, the CPU 74 serves as a role lottery means for performing a role lottery process based on a random number value, a drive / stop process for the spinning reels 11a, 11b, and 11c, a management of the game state, and a command to the effect control board 80 It plays a role as a game control means for performing the transmission processing and the like.

  First, a lottery process for a combination based on a random value will be described. The random number generating means 71 sequentially generates numerical values in a predetermined range, acquires the numerical values as random values at predetermined timing, and sends the acquired random values to the CPU 74. In this embodiment, a 2-byte hardware random number counter is used as the random number generation means 71. For this reason, the range of numerical values generated by the random number generating means 71 is a range from 0 to 65535. Therefore, the obtained random number value is also a number within this range. The random number generation means 71 acquires a random value when receiving a game start signal from the start lever operation detection sensor 64. The random number value is sent to the CPU 74, and the CPU 74 performs a lottery process for the combination based on the sent random number value. Here, the ROM 72 stores a combination lottery table indicating the correspondence between the combination and random numbers. The CPU 74 determines which combination is won or lost by examining which combination the random number value sent from the random number generation means 71 corresponds to in the combination lottery table. The CPU 74 controls the game contents based on the result of the lottery drawing or sends a predetermined command to the effect control board 80.

  Next, the drive / stop process of the spinning reels 11a, 11b, and 11c will be described. The CPU 74 performs reel control for driving and stopping the spinning reels 11a, 11b, and 11c as one of game controls. The reel control of the CPU 74 includes reel drive start control and reel drive stop control. The reel drive start control is controlled so that when the start lever 18 is pressed, the drive operation of the three reel reels 11a, 11b, and 11c is started on condition that a predetermined number of medals are inserted. To do. Specifically, the CPU 74 receives a signal indicating that a medal has been inserted from the inserted medal detection sensor 61 and recognizes that a predetermined number of medals have been inserted, or the MAX bet button operation detection sensor 62 or Under the condition that a signal is sent from the single-load button operation detection sensor 63, when the signal from the start lever operation detection sensor 64 is received, the three reel reels 11a, 11b, and 11c are started to be driven. To do. Further, the drive stop control of the reel means that, when the spinning reel is being driven, control is performed so that the driving of the spinning reel is stopped when the stop button for the spinning reel is pressed. . Specifically, when the spinning reel is being driven, the CPU 74 receives a signal indicating that the stop button for the spinning reel has been pressed and that the stop button has been pressed from the stop button operation detection sensor for the stop button. The driving of the reel reel is stopped.

  In addition, the reel control of the CPU 74 includes, for example, reel drive start control and reel drive stop control, as well as reel pull-in control that is performed when a winning combination is won, loss control that is performed when a winning combination is not won, etc. There is. The reel pull-in control means that when a stop button is pressed, the symbol within the range of a predetermined number of frames (for example, 5 frames) from the symbol including the symbols on the winning line that is valid at the timing when the stop button is pressed. This means that when there is a symbol constituting a winning combination, the stop position of the spinning reel is controlled so that the symbol is drawn on the effective winning line. However, if there is no symbol that constitutes the relevant role within the range of the predetermined number of frames at the timing when the player presses the stop button, the reel pull-in control does not work, and the winning symbol is effective. Stop on line. Accordingly, at this time, the symbols constituting the winning combination are not aligned on the effective winning line, and the winning combination is not established. On the other hand, the slip control refers to controlling the stop position of the spinning reel so that the effective winning line does not have any of the major, minor, and replay roles. Therefore, in this case, even if the player presses the stop button aiming at a specific combination, no combination is established, and the result of the game is a so-called “loss”.

  Next, game state management will be described. In the swivel type gaming machine of the present embodiment, as the gaming state of the gaming machine, “general gaming state”, “high probability re-gaming state”, “BB gaming state”, “CTBB1 gaming state”, “CTBB2 gaming state”, etc. Various game states are set. Here, the “general gaming state” is a normal gaming state, and the “high probability re-gaming state” is a gaming state in which the probability of winning a replay role in the lottery process based on a random value is set high. It is. The “BB gaming state” is a gaming state in which a BB game in which a player can acquire the largest amount of medals is executed. The “CTBB1 gaming state” is a gaming state in which a player can acquire a large amount of medals after the BB game, and the “CTBB2 gaming state” is the player following the BB game and the CTBB1 game. This is a gaming state in which a CTBB2 game capable of acquiring a large amount of medals is executed. The CPU 74 controls the transition of the gaming state based on the result of the winning lottery. For example, if the player wins a BB by winning a lottery, the CPU shifts the gaming state to the BB gaming state and executes the BB game from the next game when the player aligns three BB symbols on an effective winning line. . As described above, since the gaming machine has a plurality of gaming states, it is possible to realize a variety of games according to the gaming state. In the following, “BB gaming state”, “CTBB1 gaming state”, and “CTBB2 gaming state” are collectively referred to as “major gaming state”.

  Next, command transmission processing to the effect control board 80 will be described. There are many types of commands (command signals) transmitted from the CPU 74 to the effect control board 80. For example, there are commands related to game effects (effect commands) created based on the result of the role lottery process, and commands (operation commands) created when a predetermined operation is performed by the player.

  When a predetermined operation is performed by the player, the CPU 74 creates an operation command indicating that the operation has been performed, and outputs the created operation command to the effect control board 80. Specifically, when the start lever 18 is pressed, the first stop button 19a is pressed, the second stop button 19b is pressed, the third stop button 19c is pressed, and a medal is inserted or the MAX bet button 15 is pressed. Alternatively, an operation command is created when the one-sheet insertion button 16 is pressed. That is, when the start lever 18 is pressed, an operation command indicating that the start lever 18 is pressed is created. When the first stop button 19a is pressed, an operation command indicating that the first stop button 19a is pressed is created. When the second stop button 19b is pressed, an operation command indicating that the second stop button 19b is pressed is generated. When the third stop button 19c is pressed, an operation command indicating that the third stop button 19c is pressed is created. Further, when a medal is inserted, an operation command indicating that a predetermined number of medals have been inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 is created. When the MAX bet button 15 is pressed, an operation command indicating that the MAX bet button 15 is pressed once is generated. Then, when the single-load button 16 is pressed, an operation command indicating that the single-load button 16 has been pressed a predetermined number of times is generated. However, the CPU 74 actually creates an operation command having exactly the same contents when a medal is inserted, when the MAX bet button 15 is pressed, or when the single-load button 16 is pressed.

  In addition, when the start lever 18 is pressed, the CPU 74 performs the above-described lottery process, generates an effect command corresponding to the result of the role lottery, and outputs the generated effect command to the effect control board 80. To do. The contents of the effect command indicate the result of the lottery drawing, and the effect control board 80 determines the effect contents of the game based on the effect command. In this way, the CPU 74 controls the effect control board 80 by sending an effect command or the like to the effect control board 80.

  Further, the CPU 74 arranges the same type of big game symbols on a valid pay line, and when the big game is established, the CPU 74 shifts the gaming state to the big game state, generates a bonus start command, and produces the generated bonus start command. Output to the control board 80. The content of this bonus start command indicates that the big game starts from the next game. At this time, the CPU 74 generates a bonus type command indicating the type of the established major role (BB, CTBB1, CTBB2), and outputs the generated bonus type command to the effect control board 80. Further, the CPU 74 generates a bonus command when a gaming machine is in the big game state, when a medal is inserted from the medal slot 13, or when the MAX bet button 15 or the single slot button 16 is pressed. Then, the generated bonus command is output to the effect control board 80. The contents of the bonus command indicate that the gaming machine is in the big game state. That is, the bonus in-command is sent to the effect control board 80 every time a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 or the MAX bet button 15 or the single insertion button 16 is pressed while the big game is being executed. . Further, the CPU 74 arranges the symbols corresponding to the small combinations on an effective winning line, and when the small combination is established, a payout number command (payout) indicating the number of medals to be paid out for the establishment of the small combination. Number command signal) is generated, and the generated payout number command is output to the effect control board 80.

  In addition, various standards have been established for the spinning machine. One of the standards is that if 4.1 seconds have not elapsed since the start lever 18 was operated, the spinning reels 11a, 11b, and 11c do not rotate even if the start lever 18 is operated next time. For this reason, the CPU 74 performs drive start control of the spinning reels 11a, 11b, and 11c so as to conform to the standard. However, even if the start lever 18 is operated next within 4.1 seconds after the start lever 18 is operated, the CPU 74 detects the inserted medal detection sensor 61, the MAX bet button operation detection sensor 62, one piece. If a signal has already been received from any of the input button operation detection sensors 63, a winning lottery process based on a random value is performed.

  The effect control board 80 is connected to the main control board 70 via a communication cable line. The effect control board 80 mainly implements functions related to game effects. As shown in FIG. 2, the effect control board 80 includes a ROM 81, a RAM 82, and a CPU 83. The ROM 81 stores various programs related to game effects. The RAM 82 is a working memory that temporarily stores data. The CPU 83 controls a game effect by executing a program stored in the ROM 81. That is, the CPU 83 determines the contents of the game based on the effect command, the bonus start command, the bonus command, etc. sent from the main control board 70, and the image display unit 30, the electric device according to the determined game effect. It plays a role as effect control means for controlling the decoration display unit 40 and the speaker unit 50.

  In addition to the program, the ROM 81 stores an effect content determination table. Such an effect content determination table is provided for each gaming state. Each production content determination table describes the correspondence between the number of production combination data and the lottery probability for each result of the lottery. The effect combination data includes information for specifying the contents of the game effect to be performed by the image display unit 30, the electrical decoration display unit 40, and the speaker unit 50. Such effect combination data is also stored in the ROM 81. Specifically, in each effect combination data, when the start lever 18 is pressed, when the first stop button 19a is pressed, when the second stop button 19b is pressed, when the third stop button 19c is pressed, and for one medal A total of five operation timings are determined when the first sheet is inserted or when the bet button 15 or the first sheet insertion button 16 is pressed (when the first sheet is inserted). Each effect combination data includes information specifying the content of the image effect, the content of the electrical effect, and the content of the audio effect corresponding to each operation timing. Here, as the information for specifying the contents of the electrical effects and the contents of the audio effects, the numbers of the pattern data for electrical effects and the numbers of the pattern data for audio effects are used, respectively. The illumination effect pattern data is data for controlling the illumination display unit 40, and the sound effect pattern data is data for controlling the speaker unit 50. These pattern data for electric effect production and pattern data for audio production are also stored in the ROM 81.

  When receiving the effect command from the main control board 70, the CPU 83 performs lottery of the effect contents using the lottery probability for the effect command (the result of the role lottery) in the predetermined effect content determination table, and one effect combination Determine the data number. Then, the CPU 83 acquires the effect combination data having the determined number from the ROM 81 and temporarily stores it in the RAM 82. Further, the CPU 83 controls the image display unit 30, the electrical decoration display unit 40, and the speaker unit 50 based on the effect combination data stored in the RAM 82. In particular, when controlling the image display unit 30, the CPU 83 generates a normal effect display command based on information specifying the content of a predetermined image effect included in the effect combination data, and the generated normal effect. The display command is transmitted to the image display unit 30. The normal effect display command indicates the content of the image effect to be performed by the image display unit 30. When receiving the display command for the normal effect, the image display unit 30 displays an image having contents corresponding to the display command for the normal effect.

  When a bonus start command or a bonus command is sent from the main control board 70, the CPU 83 transmits the bonus start command or the bonus command to the image display unit 30 as a normal effect display command. The bonus start command as a normal effect display command indicates that an image effect should be performed at the start of the big game, and the bonus medium command as a normal effect display command is an image effect at the time of executing the big game. Indicates what should be done. For example, when receiving a bonus start command as a normal effect display command, the image display unit 30 displays an animation indicating that the big game starts from the next game as an image for starting the big game. . On the other hand, when receiving the bonus-in-progress command as the normal effect display command, the image display unit 30 displays an animation indicating that the big game is currently being executed as an image for executing the big game.

  As described above, the CPU 83 controls the image display unit 30 by transmitting a normal effect display command to the image display unit 30. In addition to the normal effect display command, there are a bonus type command, a payout number command, and the like. That is, when a bonus type command and a payout number command are sent from the main control board 70, the CPU 83 temporarily stores these commands in the RAM 82 and transmits them to the image display unit 30.

  Next, the configuration of the image display unit 30 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the image display unit 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image display unit 30 includes a display control CPU (display control means) 31, a ROM 32, a display control VDP (Video Display Processor) 33, an image ROM 34, a VRAM 35, a liquid crystal panel (image display). Means) 36. The ROM 32 stores various programs related to image display control, and the image ROM 34 stores a large number of image data. The display control CPU 31 includes a RAM 31a. The RAM 31a is a working memory that temporarily stores data. For example, when various commands are sent from the effect control board 80 to the display control CPU 31, the commands are temporarily stored in the RAM 31a.

  The display control CPU 31 controls image display by executing a program stored in the ROM 32. Specifically, when a display command for a normal effect is sent from the effect control board 80, the display control CPU 31 controls the display control VDP 33 to display an image having contents corresponding to the display command for the normal effect on the liquid crystal panel 36. Let The display control VDP 33 receives an instruction from the display control CPU 31 and develops the image data in the VRAM 35 and transfers the image data developed in the VRAM 35 to the frame buffer 35 a in the VRAM 35. The image data in the frame buffer 35a is sent to the liquid crystal panel 36 at a predetermined timing. As the display control VDP 33 repeatedly performs the operation of transferring the image data to the frame buffer 35a, the image is displayed as an animation on the liquid crystal panel 36.

  In addition to the program, the ROM 32 stores a normal performance table and a scenario table. These tables are used when the display control CPU 31 controls image display. A plurality of normal performance tables are provided according to the types of display commands for normal performance. This normal performance table includes information necessary to configure one screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the normal performance table. In each normal effect table, as shown in FIG. 4, a scenario table address, a plurality of sets of image data addresses and VRAM addresses, and a table end code are described. The scenario table address is an address of a scenario table associated with the normal performance table. The image data address and the VRAM address are the address of the image data stored in the image ROM 34 and the address in the VRAM 35 when the image data is expanded in the VRAM 35 for a certain image element constituting one screen. The entire image data address and VRAM address of each set are information necessary to configure one screen. For example, when a screen includes a character of the background and the main character as image elements, the image data address 1 specifies the address of the image data representing the background, and the image data address 2 includes the main character. The address of the image data representing the character is designated. The table end code is a code indicating the end of the normal performance table.

  The scenario table includes information for expressing each image element as an animation on the screen defined by the normal performance table associated with the scenario table. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the scenario table. In the scenario table, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of scenario data and a table end code are described. Each scenario data includes a timer value, image element specifying data, position data, and effect data. The timer value is a time for which a screen configured based on the scenario data is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 36. The image element specifying data is data for specifying an image element to be displayed by changing a position and an effect. The position data is data indicating where in the screen the image element specified by the image element specifying data is to be displayed. The effect data is data indicating what effect the image element specified by the image element specifying data is to be displayed. Specifically, the contents of the effect data include enlargement, reduction, rotation, and the like. The table end code is a code indicating the end of the scenario table.

  In addition, while the big game is being executed, the liquid crystal panel 36 displays a big game progress notification image indicating the progress of the big game. The big game progress information notification image displays the progress of the big game using a figure whose shape changes according to the cumulative payout number of medals in the big game. In the present embodiment, the figure is a rectangular figure whose length in the horizontal direction changes according to the cumulative payout number of medals in the big game. That is, this figure serves as a level meter indicating the cumulative number of medals paid out at the present time. Since the big game ends when the cumulative payout number of medals exceeds a predetermined total payout number, the player can easily know the progress of the big game by looking at the image of the level meter.

  Now, such a big game progress information notification image will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the big game progress information notification image. As shown in FIG. 6, the big game progress notification image includes a level meter image A and a basic image B. The basic image B is for composing a single united image as a whole in combination with the image A of the level meter. In the present embodiment, an image showing the appearance of the pipe is used as the basic image B, and a rectangular graphic image is used as the image A of the level meter. The level meter image A is displayed in the center of the pipe image. The horizontal length of the level meter increases as the cumulative payout number of medals in the big game increases. Here, the left end of the level meter is fixed at a predetermined reference position P1 in the basic image B, and the right end of the level meter moves to the right according to the cumulative payout number of medals in the big game. . The state in which the inside of the pipe is filled with the level meter according to the progress status of the big game is represented by the big game progress status notification image. Specifically, when the big game is started but the medals have not yet been paid out, as shown in FIG. 6A, only the basic image B is displayed, and the level meter image is displayed. A is not displayed. When the cumulative payout number of medals increases, as shown in FIG. 6B, the level meter extends from the reference position P1 to a predetermined position according to the cumulative payout number at that time, as shown in FIG. Is displayed. When the accumulated payout number of medals reaches a predetermined total payout number for the big game, the right end of the level meter is positioned at the predetermined end position P2 in the basic image B as the big game progress information notification image. Is displayed that completely fills the interior of the basic image B. In the case of the big game, images other than the big game progress notification image are also displayed. However, in FIG. 6, these images are omitted and only the big game progress notification image is shown.

  In order to realize the display of such a big game progress information notification image, the level effect image A and basic image B are included in the image elements constituting the screen in the normal effect table for the bonus command. That is, the address of the image data representing the image A of the level meter and the address of the image data representing the basic image B are specified in the plurality of image data addresses in the normal effect table for the bonus command. Further, in the scenario table associated with the normal effect table for the bonus command, expansion in the right direction is designated as the effect data for the image A of the level meter.

  The display control CPU 31 manages the cumulative payout number of medals during the big game while using the payout number variable. The payout number variable indicates the cumulative payout number of medals that have been paid out so far, and is stored in the RAM 31a. Specifically, the display control CPU 31 clears the payout number variable to zero when the big game is started. When the display control CPU 31 receives a payout number command from the effect control board 80 while the big game is being performed, the display control CPU 31 recognizes the payout number of medals to be paid this time based on the payout number command and stores it in the RAM 31a. Based on the stored payout number variable, the cumulative payout number of medals paid out so far is recognized. Then, the cumulative payout number of medals at the time when the payout number command is sent is calculated by adding the former payout number and the latter cumulative payout number. Thereafter, the display control CPU 31 sets the calculated cumulative payout number of medals as a payout number variable and stores it in the RAM 31a.

Further, the display control CPU 31 determines the horizontal length of the level meter corresponding to the current accumulated payout number of medals based on the payout number variable while the big game is being played. Specifically, the display control CPU 31 recognizes the accumulated payout number s of medals at the current time based on the payout number variable stored in the RAM 31a. Then, the recognized cumulative payout number s is divided by the predetermined total payout number s ₀ for the big game, and the value obtained by the division is multiplied by the maximum horizontal length d ₀ of the level meter, The horizontal length d of the level meter corresponding to the accumulated payout number of medals at the current time is determined. That is, the horizontal length d of the level meter at the present time can be obtained by a calculation formula d = (s / s ₀ ) × d ₀ . Here, as described above, the predetermined total payout number s ₀ for the various major roles games is 345 for the BB game, 253 for the CTBB1 game, and 110 for the CTBB2 game. The maximum length d ₀ in the lateral direction of the level meter, regardless predetermined total payout number s ₀ for various major role games, in any kind of major role game, are set to the same, for example, 400 pixels. That is, all the shapes that the level meter can form at the end of the big game for various big players are the same. In this way, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of basic images B for each type of big game. Data relating to the total payout number s ₀ and the maximum horizontal length d ₀ of the level meter for these various major games is stored in the ROM 32.

  The display control CPU 31 transmits the horizontal length d of the level meter calculated as described above to the display control VDP 33 when displaying the big game progress status notification image. Then, the display control VDP 33 transfers the image data representing the level meter to the frame buffer 35a with an enlargement effect such that the level meter has the transmitted length d. Thus, the level beta-image A and the basic image B are combined in the frame buffer 35 a, and the big game progress notification image obtained by the combination is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 36.

  Further, the display control CPU 31 manages whether or not to display the level meter image A when displaying the big game progress information notification image using the level meter display flag. Specifically, when a bonus command is sent from the effect control board 80, the display control CPU 31 turns on the level meter display flag, while a normal effect display command other than the bonus command is sent from the effect control board 80. When sent, the level meter display flag is turned off. When the level meter display flag is ON, the display control CPU 31 controls the display control VDP 33 to display the level meter image A on the liquid crystal panel 36. If the level meter display flag is off, the level meter image A is not displayed. Therefore, when a bonus start command is sent from the effect control board 80, the level meter image A is not displayed.

  Next, the procedure of the process performed by the main control board 70 in the spinning cylinder game machine of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing performed by the main control board 70.

  First, the CPU 74 of the main control board 70 performs a bet button operation waiting process (S1). That is, the CPU 74 waits for a detection signal from the inserted medal detection sensor 61, the MAX bet button operation detection sensor 62, or the one-sheet insertion button operation detection sensor 63. Upon receiving such a detection signal, the CPU 74 gives an operation command indicating that a predetermined number of medals have been inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 or that the MAX bet button 15 or the single insertion button 16 has been pressed a predetermined number of times. To 80. Next, the CPU 74 performs a start lever pressing waiting process (S2). That is, the CPU 74 waits for a detection signal sent from the start lever operation detection sensor 64. When the CPU 74 receives a signal from any one of the inserted medal detection sensor 61, the MAX bet button operation detection sensor 62, and the one-sheet insertion button operation detection sensor 63, if the CPU 74 receives a signal from the start lever operation detection sensor 64, Recognizes that has started.

  When the game is thus started, the CPU 74 performs a role lottery process based on the random number value (S3). That is, the random number generation means 71 of the main control board 70 acquires a random number value at the timing of receiving a signal from the start lever operation detection sensor 64 and sends the acquired random number value to the CPU 74. The CPU 74 determines, based on a predetermined combination lottery table stored in the ROM 72, which combination the acquired random number value corresponds to and determines which combination has been won. . Thereafter, the CPU 74 generates an effect command based on the result of the lottery drawing, and transmits the created effect command to the effect control board 80 (S4). Here, it is assumed that the effect command also serves as an operation command indicating that the start lever 18 has been pressed.

  Next, the CPU 74 waits for 4.1 seconds after receiving a signal from the previous start lever operation detection sensor 64 (S5). After 4.1 seconds, the CPU 74 controls the spinning reel driving means 66a, 66b, 66c to rotate the first spinning reel 11a, the second spinning reel 11b, and the third spinning reel 11c. (S6).

  Next, the CPU 74 performs a stop process for the three reel reels 11a, 11b, and 11c (S7). That is, when the CPU 74 receives a signal from the first stop button operation detection sensor 65a, the CPU 74 controls the first drum reel driving means 66a to stop the first drum reel 11a and the first stop button 19a. An operation command indicating that is pressed is transmitted to the effect control board 80. When the CPU 74 receives a signal from the second stop button operation detection sensor 65b, the CPU 74 controls the second drum reel driving means 66b to stop the second drum reel 11b and the second stop button 19b. An operation command indicating that is pressed is transmitted to the effect control board 80. Further, when the CPU 74 receives a signal from the third stop button operation detection sensor 65c, the CPU 74 controls the third drum reel driving means 66c to stop the third drum reel 11c and the third stop button 19c. An operation command indicating that is pressed is transmitted to the effect control board 80.

  Thus, when the three reels 11a, 11b, and 11c are stopped, when the predetermined symbol combination is aligned on an effective winning line and a predetermined combination is established, the game is won, and the CPU 74 receives a predetermined number. The medal is paid out (S8). Thus, the processing flow shown in FIG. 7 ends, but the CPU 74 then starts the process again from step S1.

  Next, the procedure of the process performed by the effect control board 80 in the rotating type gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing performed by the effect control board 80.

  The CPU 83 of the effect control board 80 sends from the main control board 70 an operation command indicating that a predetermined number of medals have been inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 or that the MAX bet button 15 or the single insertion button 16 has been pressed a predetermined number of times. Among the effect combination data stored in the RAM 82, information for specifying the content of the image effect when the medal is inserted or when the MAX bet button 15 or the one-sheet insert button 16 is pressed, and the number of the pattern data for lighting effect And the number of the voice effect pattern data. Thereafter, the CPU 83 creates a display command for a normal effect based on the recognized content of the image effect, and controls the image display unit 30 by transmitting the created normal effect display command to the image display unit 30. At the same time, the display unit 40 and the speaker unit 50 are controlled in accordance with the recognized pattern data for each number (S11).

  Next, when the effect command generated based on the result of the role lottery is sent from the main control board 70, the CPU 83 performs the effect content lottery process (S12). Specifically, the CPU 83 performs lottery of effect contents using a lottery probability for the effect command (the result of the role lottery) in a predetermined effect content determination table. The CPU 83 acquires effect combination data corresponding to the determined effect content from the ROM 81 and temporarily stores it in the RAM 82. That is, the effect combination data determined in the previous game stored in the RAM 82 is rewritten with the effect combination data determined in the current game.

  Thereafter, the CPU 83 selects, from among the effect combination data stored in the RAM 82, information for specifying the content of the image effect when the start lever 18 is pressed, the number of the pattern data for lighting effect, and the number of the pattern data for sound effect. Recognize Thereafter, the CPU 83 creates a display command for a normal effect based on the recognized content of the image effect, and controls the image display unit 30 by transmitting the created normal effect display command to the image display unit 30. At the same time, the display unit 40 and the speaker unit 50 are controlled in accordance with the recognized pattern data for each number (S13). Here, the effect command also serves as an operation command indicating that the start lever 18 has been pressed.

  Next, when an operation command indicating that the first stop button 19 a is pressed is sent from the main control board 70, the CPU 83 selects the first stop button 19 a from among the effect combination data stored in the RAM 82. The information for specifying the content of the image effect, the number of the pattern data for lighting effect and the number of the pattern data for sound effect are recognized. Thereafter, the CPU 83 creates a display command for a normal effect based on the recognized content of the image effect, and controls the image display unit 30 by transmitting the created normal effect display command to the image display unit 30. At the same time, the display unit 40 and the speaker unit 50 are controlled in accordance with the recognized pattern data for each number (S14).

  In addition, when an operation command indicating that the second stop button 19b is pressed is sent from the main control board 70, the CPU 83 selects from the effect combination data stored in the RAM 82 when the second stop button 19b is pressed. Recognize the information specifying the content of the image effect, the number of the pattern data for electrical effect production, and the number of the pattern data for audio production. Thereafter, the CPU 83 creates a display command for a normal effect based on the recognized content of the image effect, and controls the image display unit 30 by transmitting the created normal effect display command to the image display unit 30. At the same time, the display unit 40 and the speaker unit 50 are controlled in accordance with the recognized pattern data for each number (S15).

  Furthermore, when an operation command indicating that the third stop button 19c has been pressed is sent from the main control board 70, the CPU 83 selects from the effect combination data stored in the RAM 82 when the third stop button 19c is pressed. Recognize the information specifying the content of the image effect, the number of the pattern data for electrical effect production, and the number of the pattern data for audio effect. Thereafter, the CPU 83 creates a display command for a normal effect based on the recognized content of the image effect, and controls the image display unit 30 by transmitting the created normal effect display command to the image display unit 30. At the same time, the display unit 40 and the speaker unit 50 are controlled in accordance with the recognized pattern data for each number (S16).

  Thus, the processing flow shown in FIG. 8 ends. Thereafter, the CPU 83 starts processing again from step S11. Since the game is started by operating the start lever 18, the process from the process of step S12 to the process of step S11 when the process flow of FIG. 8 is started is the process performed at the time of the current game.

  Next, a procedure of processing performed by the display control CPU 31 of the image display unit 30 in the spinning cylinder gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of overall processing (main routine) performed by the display control CPU 31 of the image display unit 30.

  The process shown in FIG. 9 is started when the power is turned on. First, the display control CPU 31 clears the system timer (S111). Then, the display control CPU 31 clears the effect timer (S112). That is, the display control CPU 31 is provided with such two timers. These timers are software timers. Here, the system timer is used to determine the timing for repeatedly executing the main routine shown in FIG. The effect timer is for setting a timer value included in the scenario table.

  The processes in steps S111 and S112 are power-on processes that are executed only when the power is turned on. On the other hand, the processing from step S113 to step S118 in FIG. 9 is a main routine performed by the display control CPU 31. That is, the processing from step S113 to step S118 is first executed when the power is turned on, but thereafter, it is repeatedly executed every time an interrupt signal is sent to the display control CPU 31 at a constant cycle. Here, as this interrupt signal, a signal (VSYNC interrupt signal) sent from the liquid crystal panel 36 when an image of one frame is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 36 is used. Usually, since it takes 30 ms to display an image of one frame, the VSYNC interrupt signal is sent to the display control CPU 31 every 30 ms. Therefore, the processing from step S113 to step S118 is executed every 30 ms. Actually, the display control CPU 31 determines whether or not the VSYNC interrupt signal has been sent based on the value of the system timer. That is, when the VSYNC interrupt signal is sent, the display control CPU 31 performs a process of incrementing the value of the system timer by 1 as an interrupt process separately from the main routine. Then, the display control CPU 31 determines the timing for executing the processing from step S113 to step S118 based on the value of the system timer.

  Next, in step S113, the display control CPU 31 determines whether a command from the effect control board 80 has been received. If it is determined that a command has been received, the display control CPU 31 performs a command execution process (S114). If it is determined in step S113 that no command has been received, or if the process in step S114 ends, the display control CPU 31 performs a scenario execution process (S115). Thereafter, the display control CPU 31 performs a level meter display execution process (S116). The command execution process, scenario execution process, and level meter display execution process will be described in detail later.

  Next, the display control CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the system timer is “1” or more (S117). If it is determined that the value of the system timer is “1” or more, the display control CPU 31 recognizes that a VSYNC interrupt signal has been sent. Then, the value of the system timer is cleared to “0” (S118). As a result, when the VSYNC interrupt signal is sent next time, the value of the system timer becomes “1” again, so that the display control CPU 31 receives the current VSYNC interrupt signal based on the value of the system timer. It can be determined whether or not 30 ms has elapsed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  Next, command execution processing, scenario execution processing, and level meter display execution processing included in the main routine of FIG. 9 will be described. First, command execution processing will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of command execution processing performed by the display control CPU 31 of the image display unit 30.

  First, the display control CPU 31 determines whether or not the command sent from the effect control board 80 is a normal effect display command (S121). If it is determined that the sent command is not a normal production display command, the display control CPU 31 proceeds to step S129. On the other hand, when determining that the sent command is a display command for a normal effect, the display control CPU 31 determines whether the display command for the normal effect is a bonus start command (S122). When determining that the display command of the normal effect is a bonus start command, the display control CPU 31 clears the payout number variable stored in the RAM 31a (S123).

  When it is determined that the display command of the normal effect sent from the effect control board 80 in step S122 is not a bonus start command, or when the process of step S123 ends, the display control CPU 31 is sent from the effect control board 80. Then, it is determined whether the display command for the normal effect is a bonus command (S124). When the display control CPU 31 determines that the display command of the normal effect is a bonus command, the display control CPU 31 turns on the level meter display flag (S125), and determines that the display command of the normal effect is not a bonus command. Then, the level meter display flag is turned off (S126). After the process of step S125 or S126, the display control CPU 31 performs a normal effect display command execution process (S127).

  Here, the normal effect display command execution process will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the normal effect display command execution process performed by the display control CPU 31 of the image display unit 30. First, the display control CPU 31 recognizes the type of the normal effect based on the display command of the normal effect sent from the effect control board 80, and refers to the normal effect table corresponding to the recognized type (S141). Next, the display control CPU 31 acquires a scenario table address described in the normal performance table (S142). The acquired scenario table address is stored in the RAM 31a. Thereafter, the display control CPU 31 updates the table value of the normal performance table (S143). The table value is an address that designates each row in the normal performance table. By updating the table value, the updated table value becomes a table value that designates a row immediately below the row designated by the current table value. For example, in the normal performance table shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the current table value designates a row of the scenario table address. At this time, when the table value is updated, the updated table value designates the row of the image data address 1 and the VRAM address 1.

  Next, the display control CPU 31 determines whether or not the updated table value designates the last line in the normal performance table, that is, the table end code line (S144). If it is determined that the updated table value specifies the last line of the normal effect table, the display control CPU 31 ends the normal effect display command execution process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the updated table value does not designate the last row of the normal performance table, the display control CPU 31 acquires the image data address and the VRAM address corresponding to the row designated by the updated table value, The acquired image data address and VRAM address are sent to the display control VDP 33. When receiving the image data address and the VRAM address, the display control VDP 33 transfers the image data in the image ROM 34 corresponding to the image data address to a position in the VRAM 35 corresponding to the VRAM address (S145). Thereafter, the display control CPU 31 updates the table value (S146). Then, the display control CPU 31 proceeds to step S144. By repeatedly performing the processing from step S144 to step S146, all the image data for each image element constituting one screen is developed in the VRAM 35.

  Thus, when the normal effect display command execution process ends, the display control CPU 31 clears the value of the effect timer to “0” (S128). Next, when it is determined that the command sent from the effect control board 80 in the process of step S121 is not a normal effect display command, or when the process of step S128 ends, the display control CPU 31 sends the command from the effect control board 80. It is determined whether the received command is a payout number command (S129). If it is determined that the sent command is a payout number command, the display control CPU 31 recognizes the payout number of medals to be paid this time based on the payout number command, and sets the payout number variable stored in the RAM 31a. Based on this, the cumulative number of medals paid out so far is recognized. Then, the display control CPU 31 calculates the cumulative payout number of medals at the time when the payout number command is sent by adding the former payout number and the latter cumulative payout number, and the calculated medal accumulation The payout number is set as a payout number variable and stored in the RAM 31a (S130). When it is determined in the process of step S129 that the sent command is not a payout number command or when the process of step S130 ends, the display control CPU 31 ends the command execution process of FIG.

  Next, scenario execution processing will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the scenario execution process performed by the display control CPU 31 of the image display unit 30.

  First, the display control CPU 31 determines whether or not the display command for normal performance is in a clear state (S151). Immediately after the display control CPU 31 receives the normal effect display command from the effect control board 80, the normal effect display command is temporarily stored in the RAM 31a. If it is determined that the display command for the normal effect is not in the clear state, the display control CPU 31 clears the display command for the normal effect stored in the ROM 31a (S152). Thereafter, the display control CPU 31 sets the value of the effect timer to “1” (S153). As described above, the processes in steps S152 and S153 are executed only immediately after the display control CPU 31 receives the display command for the normal effect from the effect control board 80.

  When it is determined in the process of step S151 that the display command for the normal effect is in the clear state, or when the process of step S153 ends, the display control CPU 31 decrements the value of the effect timer by 1 (S154). Next, the display control CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the effect timer is “0” (S155). When determining that the value of the effect timer is not “0”, the display control CPU 31 ends the scenario execution process of FIG. On the other hand, when determining that the value of the effect timer is “0”, the display control CPU 31 acquires a timer value corresponding to the current table value in a predetermined scenario table, and sets the value of the effect timer to the acquired timer value. Setting is made (S156). Here, the predetermined scenario table is a scenario table corresponding to the scenario table address acquired in step S142 in the normal effect display command execution process. The table value is an address that specifies each row of the scenario table. The value of the effect timer (timer value included in the scenario table) set in the process of step S156 means the time for which the screen configured based on the scenario data including the timer value is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 36. To do. That is, the timing for displaying the image of the next frame from the image of one frame on the liquid crystal panel 36 is controlled by the set value of the effect timer.

  Next, the display control CPU 31 acquires image element specifying data, position data, and effect data corresponding to the current table value in the scenario table, and sends the acquired data to the display control VDP 33. When the display control VDP 33 receives the image element specifying data, position data, and effect data, the display control VDP 33 converts the image data in the VRAM 35 for the image element corresponding to the image element specifying data into the frame buffer 35a corresponding to the position data. Then, the effect corresponding to the effect data is transferred to the position (S157). Thereafter, the display control CPU 31 updates the table value (S158). In other words, the table value that designates the next row below the row designated by the current table value is set as the new table value. Then, the display control CPU 31 ends the scenario execution process of FIG.

  As can be seen from the above, the value of the effect timer set in the process of step S156 is decremented by 1 by the process of step S154 each time the scenario execution process is performed. For this reason, as long as it is determined in step S155 that the value of the effect timer previously set in step S156 is not “0”, that is, the time corresponding to the set value of the effect timer elapses. Until then, the process of step S157 is not performed, and the content of the screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 36 does not change as it is. Then, when the time corresponding to the set value of the production timer elapses, the process of step S157 is performed, and the content of the screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 36 changes. In this way, by performing such scenario execution processing, it is possible to realize animation display of an image.

  Next, the level meter display execution process will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the level meter display execution process performed by the display control CPU 31 of the image display unit 30.

  First, the display control CPU 31 determines whether or not the level meter display flag is on (S161). If it is determined that the level meter display flag is off, the display control CPU 31 ends the level meter display execution process of FIG. On the other hand, when determining that the level meter display flag is ON, the display control CPU 31 determines whether or not the type of major player is BB based on the bonus type command stored in the RAM 31a (S162). If it is determined that the type of the main character is BB, the display control CPU 31 determines the payout number variable stored in the RAM 31a, the predetermined total payout number (345) for the BB game stored in the ROM 32, and the level meter. Based on the maximum length, the length of the level meter corresponding to the accumulated payout number of medals at the present time is calculated (S163). Specifically, the display control CPU 31 divides the accumulated payout number of medals represented by the payout number variable by a predetermined total payout number for the BB game, and the maximum length of the level meter is obtained by the division. By multiplying, the horizontal length of the level meter is calculated according to the accumulated payout number of medals at the present time.

  If it is determined in step S162 that the type of major player is not BB, the display control CPU 31 determines whether the type of major player is CTBB1 (S164). If it is determined that the type of the main character is CTBB1, the display control CPU 31 determines the payout number variable stored in the RAM 31a, the predetermined total payout number (253) for the CTBB1 game stored in the ROM 32, and the level meter. Based on the maximum length, the length of the level meter corresponding to the accumulated payout number of medals at the current time is calculated (S165). On the other hand, when determining that the type of major player is not CTBB1, the display control CPU 31 recognizes that the type of major player is CTBB2, and determines the payout number variable stored in the RAM 31a and the CTBB2 game stored in the ROM 32. Based on the predetermined total payout number (110) and the maximum length of the level meter, the length of the level meter corresponding to the accumulated payout number of medals at the current time is calculated (S166).

  After the processing of step S163, S165, or S166 is completed, the display control CPU 31 transfers the image data representing the level meter in the VRAM 35 to a predetermined range of the frame buffer 35a (S167). Here, the predetermined range is a position obtained by adding, to the reference position, the length of the level meter obtained in the calculation process of step S163, S165 or S166 from the reference position where the left end of the level meter is displayed. Range. Thus, when the image data representing the level meter image is transferred to the frame buffer 35a, the leading role game progress notification image obtained by combining the level meter image A and the basic image B is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 36. It will be. Thereafter, the display control CPU 31 ends the level meter display execution process of FIG.

  In the spinning-reel game machine of this embodiment, the display control CPU of the image display unit receives the payout number command while the big game is being executed, and based on the payout number command, the display control CPU A major player who calculates a cumulative payout number, determines the horizontal length of a level meter corresponding to the cumulative payout number based on the calculated cumulative payout number, and includes a level meter having the determined horizontal length A game progress notification image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel. In this way, by notifying the progress status of the big game by the shape of the level meter, the player can easily recognize the progress status of the big game. In addition, each time the display control CPU receives a payout number command, the horizontal length of the level meter is changed in accordance with the cumulative payout number of medals, so that the progress status of the big game can be expressed in detail and the level meter Can be made substantially the same as the time when the final role game ends. For this reason, the player can grasp the progress of the big game in detail and accurately only by looking at the shape of the level meter. Furthermore, when multiple types of big actors are provided, regardless of which type of big actor game is executed, a figure with the same final shape can be used as a level meter to notify the progress of the big actor game. As a result, it is possible to notify the progress of the big game for a plurality of types of big game with a small amount of image data.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the range of the summary.

  For example, in the above embodiment, when a rectangular figure (level meter) included in the big game progress information notification image is used whose lateral length changes according to the cumulative payout number of medals in the big game. However, as the rectangular figure, a figure whose length in the vertical direction changes according to the cumulative payout number of medals in the big game may be used. In general, an image of the progress of a major game is a graphic that shows the progress of the major game using a figure whose shape changes in accordance with the cumulative payout number of medals in the major game while the major game is being executed. That's fine. However, as in the above embodiment, by using a rectangular figure as a figure for indicating the progress status of the big game, the progress status of the big game can be displayed in a simple figure, so that the player There is an advantage that the progress of the game can be recognized more easily.

  In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the figure (level meter) for notifying the progress status of the big game is a rectangular figure. It may be a square or a circle. Here, in the case where a circle is used as a graphic for notifying the progress of the big game, the radius can be set to a changing length for the graphic. Thereby, the shape of the circle gradually increases as the big game progresses. Alternatively, the diameter along the predetermined direction can be a varying length for the graphic. As a result, the shape of the circle is gradually completed as the big game progresses.

  As described above, in the case of a spinning-reel game machine according to the present invention, the display control means receives the payout number command signal based on the payout number command signal every time a major player game is executed. The cumulative payout number of game media in the big game is calculated, the shape of a predetermined figure corresponding to the cumulative payout number is determined based on the calculated cumulative payout number, and the big figure including the figure having the determined shape A game progress status notification image is displayed on the image display means. In this way, by notifying the progress of the big game by the shape of the figure, the player can easily recognize the progress of the big game. In addition, by changing the shape of the figure in accordance with the accumulated payout number of game media every time the display control means receives a payout number command signal, the progress of the big game can be expressed in detail, and the figure Can be made substantially the same as the time when the final game is completed. For this reason, the player can grasp the progress status of the big game in detail and accurately only by looking at the shape of the figure. Furthermore, when there are multiple types of big figures, no matter which type of big game is executed, the final figure should be the same as the figure that informs the progress of the big game. Thus, it is possible to notify the progress status of the big game for a plurality of types of big game with a small amount of image data. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a rotating game machine having a plurality of symbol display means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a spinning cylinder game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the spinning machine. It is a schematic block diagram of the image display part of the spinning machine. It is a figure for demonstrating a normal production table. It is a figure for demonstrating a scenario table. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of a big game progress status alert image. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the process which a main control board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the process which an effect control board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the whole process which the display control CPU of an image display part performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the command execution process which the display control CPU of an image display part performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the normal effect display command execution process which the display control CPU of an image display part performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the scenario execution process which the display control CPU of an image display part performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the level meter display execution process which the display control CPU of an image display part performs.

Explanation of symbols

11a 1st reel reel (design display means)
11b Second reel reel (design display means)
11c 3rd reel (design display means)
12 Display Window 13 Medal Insertion Port 14 Credit Number Display Part 15 MAX Bet Button 16 Single Insertion Button 17 Bet Count Display Part 18 Start Lever 19a First Stop Button 19b Second Stop Button 19c Third Stop Button 21 Settlement Button 22 Number of Payouts Display unit 23 Medal discharge port 24 Medal tray 25 Dispensing device 30 Image display unit 31 Display control CPU (display control means)
31a RAM
32 ROM
33 Display control VDP
34 Image ROM
35 VRAM
35a Frame buffer 36 Liquid crystal panel (image display means)
40 Illumination Display Unit 50 Speaker Unit 51 First Door Speaker 52 Second Door Speaker 53 Rear Speaker 61 Insertion Medal Detection Sensor 62 MAX Bet Button Operation Detection Sensor 63 Single Sheet Insertion Button Operation Detection Sensor 64 Start Lever Operation Detection Sensor 65a First Stop button operation detection sensor 65b Second stop button operation detection sensor 65c Third stop button operation detection sensor 66a First cylinder reel drive means 66b Second cylinder reel drive means 66c Third cylinder reel drive means 70 Main control board 71 Random number generator 72 ROM
73 RAM
74 CPU (game control means)
80 Production control board 81 ROM
82 RAM
83 CPU

Claims (4)

A plurality of symbol display means capable of a variable display for changing a plurality of symbols and a stop display for stopping the variation display, and after the plurality of symbol display means start the variable display, according to a predetermined operation by the player Stopping the variable display of each of the symbol display means, if a combination of symbols corresponding to various roles including a big role and a small role is stopped and displayed on the plurality of symbol display means, a revolving game in which a normal game of winning is performed In the machine
When a combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination is stopped and displayed on the plurality of symbol display means, a payout number command signal indicating the number of game media to be paid out for the winning of the small combination is generated. And after the combination of symbols corresponding to the major role is stopped and displayed on the plurality of symbol display means, the winning of the minor role can be made easier than the normal game. A game control means for executing a leading role game that ends when the cumulative payout number of game media obtained by winning the winning combination reaches a predetermined total payout number;
While the big game is being executed, an image display for displaying a big game progress notification image showing the progress of the big game using a figure whose shape changes in accordance with the cumulative payout number of game media in the big game. Means,
While the big game is being executed, when the payout number command signal is received, the cumulative payout number of game media in the big game is calculated based on the payout number command signal, and the calculated cumulative payout A display control means for determining the shape of the figure corresponding to the cumulative payout number based on the number of sheets, and causing the image display means to display the leading role game progress notification image including the figure having the determined shape;
It is characterized by having a rotatory game machine.   The figure included in the big-game play progress notification image is a rectangular figure, and the length in the vertical or horizontal direction changes according to the accumulated payout number of game media in the big-game. 2. A rotary type gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein   The display control means divides the cumulative payout number calculated based on the payout number command signal by the predetermined total payout number for the major game, and changes to the figure obtained by the division. 3. A rotary gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the length of the figure corresponding to the cumulative payout number is determined by multiplying the maximum length in the direction. The said big actor is provided with two or more types, The shape which the figure can comprise at the time of the end of the big actor game about each type of big actor is the same, The time of Claim 1, 2, or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned A torso game machine.

Images