JP2007190238A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of notifying a prescribed symbol without applying excessive load to a speaker. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine 1 is provided with symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C and 29R provided in the back side of symbols, "red 7". While reels are varied by stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C and 29R emit sound when specifying the symbols to be displayed on the display windows 21L, 21C and 21R to be the symbols, "red 7", out of a plurality of symbols attached to the outer circumferential faces of the reels under varying. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

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

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

Recently, an illuminating device that illuminates a symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel and a speaker are installed inside the reel, and a sound transmitting hole through which sound is transmitted is provided in a specific symbol to notify the specific symbol. A gaming machine in which sound is output from the speaker has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this gaming machine, since the speaker is installed inside the reel, the player can feel as if the sound is generated from the reel, and the effect of the sound effect is dramatically improved. It becomes possible to improve.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-40486

  However, in the gaming machine as described above, there is a problem that the speaker continues to output sound in order to notify a specific symbol, and an excessive burden is placed on the speaker.

  The objective of this invention is providing the game machine which can alert | report a predetermined symbol, without applying an excessive burden to a speaker.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a gaming machine, the speaker control means is a reel that is rotated when the reel is rotated by the symbol changing means. The speaker is controlled so that sound is output when the symbol displayed on the display window is specified by the symbol specifying means to be a predetermined symbol among a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface of the It is characterized by that.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) Symbol display means (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R described later, display described later) including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface and a display window for displaying a part of the plurality of symbols. Windows 21L, 21C, 21R) and a game start command means (for example, a start switch described later) for outputting a game start command signal in response to an operation (for example, a start operation described later, an operation of a start lever 6 described later) by the player. 6S) and a winning combination determining means (for example, an internal lottery process described later) for determining a winning combination (for example, an internal winning combination to be described later) based on the detection of the game start command signal output from the game start command means. , A main control circuit 71, which will be described later, and the rotation start of the plurality of reels based on the detection of the game start command signal output from the game start command means, Symbol changing means (for example, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, which will be described later, main control circuit 71, which will be described later) for changing the symbol displayed by the display means, and an operation by the player (for example, stop button 7L, which will be described later). 7C and 7R), stop command signal output means for outputting a stop command signal (for example, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS described later), and the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means and the stop command Based on the stop command signal output from the signal output means, stop control means for controlling stop of rotation of the plurality of reels performed by the symbol changing means (for example, means for performing reel stop control processing described later, described later) Means for performing a reel control process, a main control circuit 71 described later, and positions of the plurality of symbols (for example, a rotational position described later, a reference position described later) Symbol position detection means (for example, a reel position detection circuit 50 described later, detection pieces 28L, 28C, and 28R described later, and a main control circuit 71 described later) and a symbol position detected by the symbol position detection means. A symbol specifying means for specifying a symbol displayed on the display window based on the position (for example, a means for performing a process in step S154 in FIG. 25 described later, a symbol counter described later, a main control circuit 71 described later), Speakers (for example, later-described symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R) provided on the back side of a predetermined symbol (for example, “red 7” described later) among a plurality of symbols, and control of the speaker. Speaker control means (for example, means for performing speaker control processing described later, image control microcomputer 81 described later, sub-control circuit 72 described later), and the speaker control means When the reel is rotated by the symbol changing means, the symbol specifying means causes the display window to indicate that the predetermined symbol among the plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel being rotated. The speaker is controlled so that the sound is output when the symbol displayed on the screen is specified (for example, it is determined YES in step S154 of FIG. 25 described later). A featured gaming machine.

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), the speaker control means includes a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel that is rotating when the reel is rotated by the symbol changing means. The speaker is controlled so that sound is output when the symbol displayed on the display window is specified by the symbol specifying means as being a predetermined symbol. In this way, the speaker is controlled so that sound is output when the symbol displayed on the display window by the symbol specifying means is specified as a predetermined symbol, so that the speaker is displayed on the display window. If the symbol to be displayed is not a predetermined symbol, no sound is output from the speaker. On the other hand, when the symbol displayed on the display window is a predetermined symbol, sound is output, so that it is possible to grasp that the predetermined symbol is displayed on the display window. Therefore, the predetermined symbol can be notified without imposing an excessive burden on the speaker. Also, since the sound is output at the timing when the predetermined symbol is displayed on the display window, for example, when the symbol desired by the player is the predetermined symbol, a stop operation aimed at the predetermined symbol, so-called It is possible to grasp the timing of the pushing operation. Therefore, even a player who is not good at the eye pressing operation can easily perform the eye pressing operation, so that the game can be performed with peace of mind.

  (2) In the gaming machine described in (1), the speaker control means is a combination of symbols (for example, “red 7” described later) corresponding to the winning combination (for example, BB1 described later) determined by the winning combination determining means. -A gaming machine characterized in that the speaker is controlled so that the sound is output on condition that the predetermined symbol is included in symbols constituting red 7-red 7 ").

  (2) According to the gaming machine described in (2), the speaker control means generates a sound on condition that a predetermined symbol is included in the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means. The speaker is controlled so that it is output. Thereby, when a sound is output, the player may be able to detect the winning combination. In other words, the player may be able to easily perform the pushing operation of the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination. Therefore, the player can play the game with the expectation that the sound will be output, so that the interest of the game can be further improved.

  (3) In the gaming machine described in (1) or (2), the predetermined symbol is a combination of symbols that triggers a special game (for example, a big bonus game described later) that is relatively advantageous to the player. (E.g., "Red 7-Red 7-Red 7", which will be described later, "BAR-BAR-BAR", which will be described later).

  According to the gaming machine described in (3), the predetermined symbol is at least one symbol among symbols constituting a combination of symbols that trigger a special game that is relatively advantageous to the player. Therefore, when the sound is output from the speaker, the player can perform a pressing operation of the symbols constituting the combination of symbols that triggers the special game, compared with the case where the sound is not output from the speaker. The combination of symbols that triggers the special game can be easily arranged.

  (4) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the speaker control means controls the speaker by wireless communication.

  According to the gaming machine described in (4), the speaker is controlled by wireless communication. That is, since the wire communication which is a system using a conducting wire, a coaxial cable, and the like for the transmission path is not adopted, the conducting wire, the coaxial cable, and the like become unnecessary. Therefore, it becomes possible to mount a compact speaker on the reel as much as it becomes unnecessary, and it is not necessary to take a troublesome conductor and coaxial cable, so that a plurality of speakers can be easily incorporated into the reel.

  According to the present invention, when the symbol displayed on the display window is not a predetermined symbol, no sound is output from the speaker. On the other hand, when the symbol displayed on the display window is a predetermined symbol, sound is output, so that it is possible to grasp that the predetermined symbol is displayed on the display window. Therefore, the predetermined symbol can be notified without imposing an excessive burden on the speaker.

  Hereinafter, the gaming machine of the embodiment will be described.

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

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

  A substantially horizontal plane pedestal 4 is formed below the panel display 2a, the liquid crystal display 2b, and the fixed display 2c. On the right side of the pedestal 4, a medal slot 10 for inserting medals is provided. The inserted medals are credited (ie, stored) or consumed to play the game. Also, on the left side of the pedestal unit 4, a 1-BET for selecting the number of medals consumed to play one game out of credited medals (hereinafter referred to as “inserted number”) by pressing operation. A switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided.

  The 1-BET switch 11 selects “1” as the number of inserted sheets by a single pressing operation. The 2-BET switch 12 selects “2” as the number of inserted sheets by a single pressing operation. The maximum BET switch 13 is selected with “3” as the number of inserted sheets by one pressing operation.

  When these BET switches 11 to 13 are pressed, the display line is activated (details will be described later). The operation of pushing the BET switches 11 to 13 and the operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 10 are hereinafter referred to as “insertion operation”. In addition, an operation unit 17 is provided above the BET switches 11 to 13. The operation unit 17 is operated to display information such as a game history on the liquid crystal display device 131 (see FIG. 4 described later).

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

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14 is a predetermined start lever 6 for rotating the reel by the player's operation and starting the variation of symbols in the display windows 21L, 21C and 21R shown in FIG. It is attached so as to be freely rotatable within an angle range. The operation in which the player tilts the start lever 6 in order to start changing the symbol is hereinafter referred to as “start operation”.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided on the right side of the start lever 6 at the center of the front surface of the pedestal portion 4. In the embodiment, one game (ie, unit game) basically starts when a start operation is performed, and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  In this embodiment, the reel stop operation (that is, the stop button operation) performed when all the reels are rotating is the first stop operation, and the stop operation performed after the first stop operation is the first stop operation. The stop operation performed after the second stop operation and the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Further, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS shown in FIG. 6 to be described later are arranged on the back side of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. These stop switches detect pressing operation of the corresponding stop button (that is, stop operation).

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

  The panel display unit 2a includes a bonus game information display unit 16, BET lamps 17a to 17c, a payout display unit 18, and a credit display unit 19. The bonus game information display unit 16 includes 7-segment LEDs, and displays information related to the bonus game in a bonus game (for example, a later-described big bonus game and a later-described regular bonus game). The 1-BET lamp 17a, the 2-BET lamp 17b, and the maximum BET lamp 17c are turned on according to the number of inserted sheets.

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

  The liquid crystal display unit 2b includes display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R, and an effect display area 23. The display content of the liquid crystal display unit 2b is the pattern displayed on the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated and stopped (that is, when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped). And the operation of a liquid crystal display device 131 described later (see FIG. 4 described later).

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

  The display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in the diagonal direction as display lines. These five display lines are activated when the player pushes the BET switches 11 to 13 described above or when the player inserts medals into the medal slot 10 (validated display lines). (Hereinafter referred to as “effective line”).

  Here, each display window 21L, 21C, 21R is provided with three symbol display areas (that is, an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage) in the vertical direction (ie, vertical direction). That is, the left reel 3L upper, the left reel 3L middle, the left reel 3L lower, the middle reel 3C upper, the middle reel 3C middle, the middle reel 3C lower, the right reel 3R upper, the right reel 3R middle, and the right reel 3R lower The symbol display area is provided. When the variation of the symbols in the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R stops, the symbols are stopped and displayed in each of the symbol display areas provided in the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. Each of the display lines 8a to 8e connects one symbol display area in each of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R.

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

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

  The effect display area 23 is an area other than the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R and the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R in the area of the liquid crystal display unit 2b. This effect display area 23 is an image for informing that a bonus (for example, BB1 and BB2 described later) has been determined as an internal winning combination, an image for increasing the interest of the game, and the player advantageously proceeds with the game. Information necessary for the display is displayed.

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

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the left reel 3L. Inside the left reel 3L, a left LED storage circuit board 57L is installed on the back side of the symbol displayed in the left display window 21L when the rotation of the left reel 3L stops. The left LED storage circuit board 57L includes LED storage portions Z1, Z2, and Z3. Each of the LED storage units Z1, Z2, and Z3 is configured to transmit a plurality of LED lamps 55 and sound output from the left symbol notification speaker 29L described later from the back side of the LED storage units Z1, Z2, and Z3. A plurality of sound transmission holes (not shown) are provided.

  The LED lamp 55 illuminates the rear surface side of the reel sheet 56 mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the left reel 3L with white light. More specifically, the area corresponding to the left display window 21L is illuminated. The reel sheet 56 is configured to have translucency, and light emitted from the LED lamp 55 is transmitted to the front side of the reel sheet 56. It should be noted that a plurality of sound transmission holes (not shown) configured to transmit sound output from the left symbol notification speaker 29L, which will be described later, in an area corresponding to a predetermined symbol arranged on the reel sheet 56. Is provided.

  The left reel 3L includes a cylindrical frame structure formed by connecting two annular frames 51, 52 of the same shape with a plurality of connecting members 53 apart from each other by a predetermined interval, and the structure of the frame structure. The transmission member 54 is configured to transmit the driving force of the stepping motor 49L provided at the center to the annular frames 51 and 52.

  The annular frame 51 is provided with a left detection piece 28 </ b> L corresponding to a place where a symbol corresponding to a code number “00” described later is attached. The left detection piece 28L is disposed so as to pass a position detectable by a reel position detection circuit 50 described later every time the left reel 3L makes one rotation.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal output from the reel rotation sensor (that is, the detection piece 28L, 28C, 28R) provided on the reel 3L, 3C, 3R and receives the pulse signal output from each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. Is supplied to the CPU 31. That is, the reel position detection circuit 50 outputs a signal each time the left detection piece 28L passes and detects the left detection piece 28L.

  Further, the reel position detection circuit 50 has the same timing for detecting the left detection piece 28L and the timing for displaying a symbol corresponding to a code number “00” to be described later in the middle symbol display area of the left display window 21L. It is attached to the gaming machine 1 so as to be substantially the same. In the embodiment, the position where the reel position detection circuit 50 detects the left detection piece 28L is taken as the reference position of the left reel 3L, and the rotational position is detected based on this reference position.

  The transmission member 54 is provided with a left symbol notification speaker 29L configured to output sound. The left symbol notification speaker 29L corresponds to a predetermined symbol (for example, a symbol “7” whose code number described later corresponds to “03”) represented on the outer peripheral surface of the left reel 3L. It is provided inside 3L (that is, the back side of a predetermined symbol). Note that the sound output from the left symbol notification speaker 29L is provided for each internal winning combination, gaming state, and symbol type. Further, this sound includes voice and music.

  In the embodiment, a condition that “red 7” described later is displayed on the left display window 21L while the left reel 3L is rotating (that is, a condition that a speaker output command described later is output) Sound is output from the left symbol notification speaker 29L. That is, the player can hear the sound output from the left symbol notification speaker 29L through the sound transmission holes provided in the reel seat 56 and the LED storage units Z1, Z2, and Z3.

  In addition, illustration of the electric circuit arrange | positioned at the left reel 3L is abbreviate | omitted. Also, the central reel 3C and the right reel 3R have the same structure as the left reel 3L, and LED housing circuit boards 57C and 57R (not shown) and detection pieces 28C and 28R (see FIG. Not shown), and symbol notification speakers 29C and 29R described later are provided.

  Here, when the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R are provided on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, it is preferable that the sounds output from the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R are different from each other. It is.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device 131. The liquid crystal display device 131 includes a protective glass 132, a display plate 133, a liquid crystal panel 134, a light guide plate 135, a reflective film 136, a white light source (for example, light of all wavelengths at a ratio in which a specific color is not conspicuous in human eyes). And fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b, lamp holders 139a to 139h, and the like.

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

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

  Here, in FIG. 4, in order to control the operations of the bonus game information display unit 16, the payout display unit 18, the credit display unit 19, and the BET lamps 17a to 17c, an area of the display board 133 corresponding to the panel display unit 2a The illustration of the electric circuit arranged on the back side of is omitted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, functions of the LED lamp 55 and the fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b will be described.

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

  Part of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138 a and 138 b is reflected by the reel sheet 56. Further, a part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 55 provided on the LED housing circuit boards 57L, 57C, and 57R passes through the reel sheet 56. These lights are transmitted through the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, 136BR, the light guide plate 135 and the liquid crystal panel 134 constituting the liquid crystal display device 131, so that the player can visually recognize the symbols arranged on the reel. Can do.

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

  Next, the function of each lamp when the liquid crystal in the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R is driven (that is, when a voltage is applied to a portion of the liquid crystal panel 134 corresponding to the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R) will be described. To do.

  Part of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138 a and 138 b is reflected by the reel sheet 56. A part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 55 passes through the reel sheet 56. Among the areas of the liquid crystal panel 134, in the area where the liquid crystal is driven, a part of the light is reflected, absorbed, or transmitted, so that the player can display the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R for production. The displayed image or the like can be visually recognized.

  FIG. 5 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”. Information on the correspondence between each symbol and code number is stored in a ROM 32 described later as a symbol arrangement table (not shown). The code number is information for identifying the position of the symbol on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, "Red 7 (design 91)", "BAR (design 92)", "Bell (design 93)", "Watermelon (design 94)", "Cherry (design 95) ”,“ Replay (symbol 96) ”, and“ blank (symbol 97) ”are displayed. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  “Blank” is basically a symbol that is not directly related to the symbol related to the internal winning combination. That is, even when “blank” is displayed along any one of the active lines, the player is not given any profit such as payout of medals, automatic insertion of medals, and transition of the gaming state described later. .

  In the embodiment, BB1, BB2, cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, and lose are provided as internal winning combinations. Hereinafter, BB1 and BB2 are collectively referred to as “BB (big bonus)”. Cherry, bell, and watermelon are collectively referred to as “small role” hereinafter.

  The gaming state of the embodiment basically includes a general gaming state and a regular bonus gaming state (hereinafter, abbreviated as “RB gaming state”) constituting a regular bonus game which is a bonus game. The gaming state includes the type of internal winning combination that may be determined in the internal lottery process (FIG. 19 described later) for determining the internal winning combination, the probability that the internal winning combination is determined in the internal lottery process, The state is distinguished by the number of sliding symbols and whether or not the bonus game is being operated.

  The general gaming state includes a normal section having no carryover combination and a carryover section having a carryover combination. In the carryover section, BB is not determined as the internal winning combination, and in the normal section, BB may be determined as the internal winning combination. The carryover combination is determined when the combination of symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination determined in the internal lottery process (described later in FIG. 19) is allowed to be displayed along one or more games. This is information for identifying a combination of symbols.

  The carryover section operates on condition that BB1 or BB2 is determined as an internal winning combination in the internal lottery process (FIG. 19 described later). On the condition that the combination of symbols corresponding to BB1 or BB2 is displayed along the active line, the carryover section ends, and a big bonus game composed of a plurality of regular bonus games is activated.

  The RB gaming state can be identified by turning on or off an RB operating flag described later. The RB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the gaming state is the RB gaming state. The condition for updating the RB operating flag to ON is that a BB operating flag described later is ON. The condition that the RB operating flag is updated to OFF is that the value of the possible game number counter is “0”, the value of the possible winning number counter is “0”, or the BB operating flag is updated to OFF. It is to be done. The game possible number counter is a counter that counts the number of unit games that can be performed in the RB gaming state. The winable number counter is a counter that counts the number of games in which a combination of symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination is displayed along the active line and medals are paid out in the RB gaming state.

  The BB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not to operate the RB gaming state. The condition that the BB in-operation flag is updated to ON is that the symbol combination corresponding to BB (that is, “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “BAR-BAR-BAR”) is displayed along the active line. Is Rukoto. The condition for updating the BB operating flag to OFF is that the number of paid out medals exceeds the payable number (the value of a bonus end number counter to be described later becomes “0”).

  Here, the payable number is the number of medals that can be paid out in a game (game) from when the BB operating flag is updated to on until the BB operating flag is updated to off. The bonus end number counter is a counter that counts the number of medals paid out during a period from when the BB operating flag is updated to on until it is updated to off. When BB is established, “350” is set as the initial value of the bonus end number counter.

  While the BB operating flag is on, the expected value of the game value given to the player for the unit game value used to play the game (for example, one medal bet on one game) is: It is relatively higher than the expected value of the general gaming state (the degree of advantage is relatively high).

  Here, the relationship between the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag from when the BB operating flag is updated to on until it is updated to off will be described. When the symbol combination corresponding to BB is displayed along the active line, the BB operating flag is updated to ON. When this BB operating flag is updated to ON, the RB operating flag is updated to ON. Then, when the value of the game possible number counter becomes “0” or the value of the winning possibility number counter becomes “0”, the RB operating flag is updated to OFF. If the BB operating flag is ON, the RB operating flag is updated to ON again.

  When the condition that the BB operating flag is updated to OFF is satisfied, the BB operating flag is updated to OFF. However, when the BB operating flag is updated to OFF, the RB operating flag is OFF. Updated to Therefore, when the BB operating flag is on, the RB operating flag is updated to on. That is, after the combination of symbols corresponding to BB is displayed along the active line, the RB gaming state is set until the BB operating flag is updated to OFF.

  6 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls the operation of the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices (that is, actuators) that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and control signals transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display device 131, speakers 9L and 9R, symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C and 29R, LEDs 101 and lamps 102 is shown.

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

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

  The ROM 32 stores programs executed by the CPU 31 (for example, FIGS. 15 to 25 described later) and fixed data. In the ROM 32, for example, an internal lottery table (FIGS. 9 and 10 to be described later) for determining an internal winning combination based on the extracted random number value and a display for determining a reel stop mode according to a stop operation. An expected combination storing area (not shown) and the like are stored. In addition, various control signals to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 are stored. Note that commands and information are not transmitted from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72.

  The RAM 33 is used for temporarily storing data when the CPU 31 executes the program. The RAM 33 stores, for example, internal winning combination, carryover combination, information on the current gaming state, and the like.

  In the circuit of FIG. 6, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 17a, 2-BET lamp 17b, maximum BET lamp 17c) and bonus game information. The display unit 16, the payout display unit 18, the credit display unit 19, and the like, the hopper 40 that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to the command of the hopper driving circuit 41, and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated. There are stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R.

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

  Further, as means for generating an input signal transmitted to the microcomputer 30 in order for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control signal, a start switch 6S, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, 1-BET switches 11, 2- There are a BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 10S, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 58.

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

  The payout completion signal circuit 58 receives a signal for detecting completion of payout of medals when the value counted by the medal detection unit 40S (that is, the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches a designated value. appear.

  In the circuit of FIG. 6, the random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 is generated by the random number generator 36 at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is tilted. One random number value is extracted from the random number. The random number value extracted in this way is stored in a random value storage area provided in the RAM 33. For example, an internal winning combination or the like based on an internal lottery table (FIGS. 9 and 10 described later) stored in the ROM 32 is used. Referenced to determine.

  The reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate once by outputting a drive pulse to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R a predetermined number of times (for example, 336 times). The number of drive pulses output to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 as a drive pulse count value.

  On the other hand, a reset pulse is obtained from the reels 3L, 3C, 3R every rotation. When this reset pulse is input to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50, the count value of the drive pulse stored in the RAM 33 is updated to “0”. As a result, the count value of the drive pulse corresponds to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The symbol arrangement table stored in the ROM 32 is used for associating the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol arrangement table, each of the code number and the code number which are sequentially given at a fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position (that is, the reference position) where the reset pulse is generated. A symbol code, which is information indicating a corresponding symbol, is associated.

  The ROM 32 stores a symbol combination table (FIG. 12 to be described later). The above symbol combination table is used for the display combination and player described later after stopping all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R when performing control to stop the rotation of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R. Is referred to in order to determine the profit (for example, the number of medals to be paid out) given to the.

  When the internal winning combination is determined by the internal lottery process (FIG. 19 described later) based on the extraction of the random number value, the CPU 31 stops the stop switches 7LS, 7CS at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. , 7RS, and a signal for performing control to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on the input signal sent from the 7RS and the determined stop table (not shown).

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

  In addition, inside the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R are provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 includes an image control circuit (gSub) 72a and a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The image control circuit (gSub) 72 a or the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72 b is configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 71.

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

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

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

  The serial port 82 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The program ROM 83 stores a program (for example, FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 described later) executed by the image control microcomputer 81.

  The work RAM 84 is provided as a means for temporarily storing information when the image control microcomputer 81 executes a program. Various information is stored in the work RAM 84.

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

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

  The image control IC 86 generates an image corresponding to the later-described effect contents determined by the image control microcomputer 81 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 131.

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

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

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

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

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 performs a process for controlling the output of the sound / lamp in accordance with the program stored in the program ROM 113 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. .

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 is connected to LEDs 101 and lamps 102. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 transmits an output signal to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 in response to a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a at a predetermined timing. As a result, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect.

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

  The sound source IC 115 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 116. The power amplifier 116 is an amplifier, and speakers 9L and 9R and symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C and 29R are connected to the power amplifier 116. The power amplifier 116 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 115 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 9L and 9R or the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R. The sound source ROM 117 stores sound source data and the like for generating a sound source.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 is connected to a volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and the like, and is a means for adjusting the volume output from the speakers 9L, 9R or the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 sets the sound output from the speakers 9L, 9R or the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R to a volume corresponding to the transmitted input signal based on the input signal transmitted by the volume control unit 103. Control to adjust.

  With reference to FIG. 8, an internal lottery table (FIGS. 9 and 10 described later) and an internal lottery table determination table for determining the number of lotteries will be described.

  The internal lottery table determination table includes an internal lottery table (FIGS. 9 and 10 described later) corresponding to the gaming state and information on the number of lotteries. In the case of the general gaming state, an internal lottery table (FIG. 9 described later) for the general gaming state is selected, and basically “6” is determined as the number of lotteries (step S61 of FIG. 19 described later). In the RB gaming state, an internal lottery table for RB gaming state (FIG. 10 described later) is selected, and “3” is determined as the number of lotteries (step S61 of FIG. 19 described later). The number of lotteries is the number of times required for determining the internal winning combination.

  Specifically, the number of lotteries is the number of times that it is determined whether or not the random number value is within a predetermined range (a numerical range indicated by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to a winning number described later with reference to FIG. 9). However, in the carryover section, the number of lotteries determined as “6” is updated to “4” (step S63 in FIG. 19 described later).

  With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, an internal lottery table used in an internal lottery process (FIG. 19 described later) for determining an internal winning combination will be described. FIG. 9 shows a general gaming state internal lottery table used in the general gaming state. FIG. 10 shows an RB gaming state internal lottery table used in the RB gaming state.

  The internal lottery table is provided for each gaming state and includes information on a numerical range indicated by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to the winning number. In the determination of the winning number based on the internal lottery table, “0” to “65535” until the winning number becomes “0” in descending order from the same lottery number determined by the internal lottery table determination table (FIG. 8). It is determined whether or not the random number value extracted from the random numbers in the range “” is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number. When the random number value is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value, the corresponding winning number is won (ie, determined). Then, an internal winning combination is determined based on the winning number won and an internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 11 described later).

  Further, the internal lottery table is set so that the numerical ranges defined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value corresponding to each of the internal winning combinations that may be won (that is, determined) are overlapped. For these reasons, a plurality of internal winning combinations may be determined by one lottery. For example, when the number of inserted coins is three and the random number value extracted in the general gaming state is “1900”, the extracted random number value is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value. The numbers are “3” and “6”.

  Therefore, in this case, both the winning numbers “3” and “6” are won, and both the watermelon and BB1 are determined as the internal winning combination based on the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 11 described later). . Moreover, since the numerical ranges defined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value corresponding to each of cherry and BB2 are set to overlap, both cherry and BB2 are determined as an internal winning combination in one lottery. Is allowed.

  If the random number is never within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value until the winning number becomes “0”, the winning number becomes “0”, and the loss is determined as an internal winning combination. In the embodiment, the loss is not an internal winning combination associated with a profit (for example, a medal payout) given to the player. In addition, the symbol combination corresponding to the loss can be considered to be an arbitrary symbol combination different from the symbol combination corresponding to the plurality of roles provided in advance, but in the embodiment, it corresponds to the loss. Assume that no combination of symbols is provided.

  Here, in the carryover section, since the number of lotteries is updated to “4” (step S63 in FIG. 19 described later), the winning number “5” or “6” is not determined. Therefore, in the carryover section, BB1 or BB2 is not determined as the internal winning combination based on the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 11 described later).

  With reference to FIG. 11, an internal winning combination determination table for determining an internal winning combination based on the winning number will be described.

  The internal winning combination determination table includes a winning number and information of an internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number (that is, “flag (data)”). The internal winning combination information is provided corresponding to each of the internal winning combinations in order to identify the internal winning combination. Note that the minimum information amount of the flag (data) required to identify the internal winning combination is 8 bits.

  When the winning number is “0”, the loss (that is, “00000000”) is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is “1”, cherry (that is, “00000001”) is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is “2”, a bell (that is, “00000010”) is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is “3”, a watermelon (that is, “00000100”) is determined as an internal winning combination.

  When the winning number is “4”, replay (that is, “00001000”) is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is “5”, BB2 (that is, “00010000”) is determined as the internal winning combination. When the winning number is “6”, BB1 (that is, “00100000”) is determined as the internal winning combination.

  With reference to FIG. 12, the symbol combination table used for determining the display combination and determining the payout number corresponding to the determined display combination will be described.

  The symbol combination table includes a display combination to be described later and information on the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination. The display combination is basically information (that is, data) for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the active line. The display combination is provided corresponding to a predetermined combination of symbols and profits given to the player (for example, paying out medals, operation in a gaming state).

  When a symbol combination of “cherry-ANY-ANY” is displayed along the effective line, cherry (ie, “00000001”) serves as a display role. When the inserted number is one or two, fifteen medals are paid out, and when the inserted number is three, four medals are paid out. “ANY” indicates an arbitrary symbol. When a combination of symbols “Bell-Bell-Bell” is displayed along the active line, the bell (ie, “00000010”) serves as a display role. When the inserted number is 1 or 2, 15 medals are paid out, and when the inserted number is 3, 8 medals are paid out.

  When the symbol combination “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is displayed along the active line, the watermelon (that is, “00000100”) serves as a display and 12 medals are paid out. When the symbol combination “replay-replay-replay” is displayed along the active line, replay (that is, “00001000”) is displayed and a medal is automatically inserted. That is, in the game next to the game in which the replay is a display role, the same number of medals as those inserted in the previous game are automatically inserted, so that the player can perform the start operation without performing the insertion operation. Can do.

  When a combination of symbols “red 7-red 7-red 7” is displayed along the active line, BB1 (that is, “00100000”) serves as a display and the big bonus game is activated. When the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” is displayed along the active line, BB2 (that is, “00010000”) serves as a display and the big bonus game is activated.

  With reference to FIG. 13, the bonus operation time table referred to in the bonus operation monitoring process (the process in step S23 in FIG. 16 described later) and the bonus operation check process (the process in step S104 in FIG. 22 described later) will be described. .

  The bonus operating time table includes an operating flag (for example, a BB operating flag, an RB operating flag), a bonus end number counter, a possible number of games (that is, a possible number of games counter), and a possible number of winnings (that is, the number of possible winnings). Counter). Specifically, the bonus operating time table includes information on an operating flag (for example, “00000001”) set in an RB operating process, which will be described later, and information on a game possible number counter (“12”). Number counter information (“8”). Further, the bonus operation time table includes information on an operating flag (for example, “00000010”) set in a BB operation processing described later, and information on a bonus end number counter (“350”).

  With reference to FIG. 14, the internal winning combination storing area, the carryover combination storing area, and the random value storing area will be described.

  (1) of FIG. 14 shows an internal winning combination storing area for storing information on the internal winning combination. The information of the internal winning combination is stored (stored) in an internal winning combination storing area consisting of 8 bits. In the internal winning combination storing area, bit 0 is a storing area corresponding to cherry. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the bell. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to a watermelon. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to replay.

  Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to BB2. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to BB1. Bit 6 and bit 7 are unused storage areas. Here, in the internal winning combination storing area, the bit corresponding to the internal winning combination is “1”. For example, when “00000010” is stored in the internal winning combination storing area (when bit 1 is “1”), the internal winning combination is a bell.

  (2) of FIG. 14 shows the carryover combination storage area for storing information on the carryover combination. The carryover combination information is stored in a carryover combination storage area consisting of 8 bits. In the carryover combination storage area, bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to BB2. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to BB1. Bit 0 to bit 3, bit 6, and bit 7 are unused storage areas.

  For example, when there is a carryover combination (that is, when it is a carryover section), “1” is stored in bit 4 or bit 5 corresponding to BB2 or BB1 of the carryover combination storage area (that is, carryover combination storage area) "00100000" or "00010000" is stored in the Further, when there is no carryover combination (that is, when it is not a carryover section), “0” is stored in bits 4 and 5 corresponding to BB2 and BB1 of the carryover combination storage area (that is, in the carryover combination storage area). “00000000” is stored).

  (3) in FIG. 14 shows a random value storage area (storage area). This random value storage area is provided in the RAM 33. In this random value storage area, numerical information relating to random numbers for lottery extracted in step S5 of FIG. 15 described later is stored. In step S5 of FIG. 15 described later, any one piece of numerical information is extracted from “0” to “65535” as a random number for lottery, and the extracted numerical information is stored in the random value storage area.

  It should be noted that a display combination storage area for storing display combination information, an operating flag storage area for storing operating flag information, and the like may be provided as storage areas.

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

  With reference to FIG. 15, the main flowchart by control of main CPU (namely, main control circuit 71) is demonstrated.

  First, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1). Specifically, the CPU 31 initializes the storage contents of the RAM 33 and the like. Subsequently, the CPU 31 deletes (that is, clears) the designated storage area (for example, information on the internal winning combination storage area) in the RAM 33 (step S2), and then performs the process of step S3. Specifically, the CPU 31 erases data in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game.

  In step S3, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation monitoring process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, and then performs a process in step S4. In this process, the CPU 31 performs a process for operating the RB based on the operating flag. In step S4, the CPU 31 performs a medal acceptance / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, and then performs a process of step S5. In this process, the CPU 31 performs processes such as updating the number of inserted sheets and transmitting a demo command, which will be described later, based on inputs from the start switch 6S, the medal sensor 10S, or the BET switches 11-13. In step S5, the CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in the random value storage area, and then performs the process of step S6. The random value extracted by this process is used in the internal lottery process (FIG. 19 described later).

  In step S6, the CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 18, and then performs the process of step S7. In this process, the CPU 31 determines (shifts) the gaming state based on the operating flag. In step S7, the CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19, and then performs the process of step S8.

  In step S8, the CPU 31 performs a process of transmitting a start command to the sub control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of step S9. The start command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination, and is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. In step S9, the CPU 31 determines whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation. If this determination is YES, the process of step S11 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S10 is subsequently performed.

  In step S10, the CPU 31 performs a game start waiting time digest process (that is, wait), and then performs a process of step S11. Specifically, the CPU 31 invalidates the input based on the player's operation to start the game until a predetermined time (for example, a predetermined second (eg, 4.1 seconds)) has elapsed since the previous game started. Process to make. In step S11, the CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all reels, and subsequently performs the process of step S12. Specifically, the CPU 31 updates all three later-described effective stop button flags corresponding to each of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R to ON.

  In step S12, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 20, and then performs a process of step S13. In step S13, the CPU 31 determines the display combination and the number of payouts based on the symbol combination table, and then performs the process of step S14. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines the display combination and the number of payouts based on the combination of symbols displayed on the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R and the symbol combination table (FIG. 12). In step S14, the CPU 31 performs a process of transmitting a display combination command to the sub control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of step S15. This display command includes information on the display combination determined in step S13.

  In step S15, the CPU 31 performs a medal payout process, and then performs the process of step S16. In step S16, the CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number, and then performs the process of step S17. Here, if the value of the bonus end number counter is “1” or more, the value of the counter is subtracted according to the number of medals paid out. In step S17, the CPU 31 determines whether either the RB operating flag or the BB operating flag is on. If this determination is YES, the process of step S18 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S19 is subsequently performed.

  In step S18, the CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21, and then performs a process of step S19. In step S19, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22, and subsequently performs a process of step S2.

  With reference to FIG. 16, the bonus operation monitoring process for operating the regular bonus game will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is on (step S21). When this determination is YES, the process of step S22 is subsequently performed, and when it is NO, the process of step S4 of FIG. 15 is subsequently performed. In step S22, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on. When this determination is YES, the process of step S4 in FIG. 15 is subsequently performed, and when NO, the process of step S23 is subsequently performed.

  In step S23, the CPU 31 performs RB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (FIG. 13), and subsequently performs step S4 of FIG. Specifically, the CPU 31 updates the RB operation flag to ON, and stores the values of the possible game number counter and the possible winning number counter in the RAM 33. In step S21 to step S23, when the BB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 updates the RB operating flag to on when the RB gaming state ends so that the RB gaming state starts again. Process.

  With reference to FIG. 17, the medal acceptance / start check process performed based on the insertion operation and the start operation by the player will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 sets 40000 as an initial value in the demonstration timer stored in the RAM 33 (step S31), and then performs the process of step S32. The demonstration timer is a timer for measuring that a state (non-game state) in which no operation (BET operation or the like) by the player is performed continues for a predetermined time (for example, about 45 seconds). The value set in the demonstration timer is decremented by 1 every 1.1173 ms in the interrupt processing (FIG. 23 described later) under the control of the main CPU, so that the initial value is set in the timer for demonstration. It becomes 0 after about 45 seconds.

  In step S32, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a medal can be received (medal acceptance permission). If this determination is YES, the process of step S33 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S41 is subsequently performed. In step S33, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the inserted medal switch (medal sensor 10S) has been updated to ON, that is, whether or not a signal from the medal sensor 10S or the BET switches 11 to 13 has been detected. If this determination is YES, the process of step S35 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S34 is subsequently performed.

  In step S34, the CPU 31 performs a credit insertion process, and subsequently performs the process of step S41. For example, when the CPU 31 detects signals from the BET switches 11 to 13 in this process, if the medals for the number corresponding to the signals from the BET switches 11 to 13 are credited, the credit counter The value corresponding to the signal from the BET switches 11 to 13 is subtracted from the value of. The credit counter is a counter for counting the number of medals that have been credited.

  In step S35, the CPU 31 adds “1” to the value of the insertion number counter, and then performs the process of step S36. The inserted number counter is a counter that counts the number of inserted sheets. Specifically, when there is an input from the medal sensor 10S in the process of step S33, “1” is added to the value of the inserted number counter. If there is an input from the BET switches 11 to 13 in the process of step S33, a value corresponding to the BET switches 11 to 13 is added to the insertion number counter. When the value of the inserted number counter reaches “3”, the value of the credit counter is added instead of the inserted number counter.

  In step S36, the CPU 31 performs a process of transmitting a bet command to the sub control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of step S37. This bet command includes information on the value of the inserted number counter updated in step S35 (that is, the inserted number).

  In step S37, the CPU 31 turns on the bet lamps (that is, the BET lamps 17a to 17c), adds “1” to the value of the valid line counter, and then performs the process of step S38. The effective line counter is a counter for identifying the number of effective lines for which the display combination has been determined. Specifically, when there is an input from the medal sensor 10S in the process of step S33, “1” is added to the value of the valid line counter. When there is an input from the BET switches 11 to 13 in the process of step S33, the value corresponding to the BET switches 11 to 13 is added to the value of the effective line counter. The maximum value of the valid line counter is “5”.

  In step S38, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on. If this determination is YES, the process of step S40 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S39 is subsequently performed. In step S39, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of inserted sheets is “3”. If this determination is YES, the process of step S40 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S41 is subsequently performed.

  In step S40, the CPU 31 performs a process for prohibiting the update of the insertion number counter, and then performs the process of step S41. When a signal from the medal sensor 10S or the BET switches 11 to 13 is detected in a state where updating of the inserted number counter is prohibited, the value of the credit counter is updated instead of the inserted number counter.

  In step S41, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the inserted number counter is “1” or more, that is, whether or not the inserted number is “1” or more. If this determination is YES, the process of step S46 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S42 is subsequently performed. In step S42, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the demonstration timer is “0”. That is, it is determined whether or not a state in which no operation (for example, a throwing operation) by the player is performed (hereinafter referred to as “non-game state”) has continued for a predetermined time (about 45 seconds). If this determination is YES, the process of step S43 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S32 is subsequently performed.

  In step S43, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BET lamps 17a to 17c are turned off. If this determination is YES, the process of step S32 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S44 is subsequently performed. In step S44, the CPU 31 performs a process of turning off the BET lamps 17a to 17c, and subsequently performs a process of step S45. In step S45, the CPU 31 performs a process of transmitting a demo command to the sub control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of step S32. The sub control circuit 72 that has received the demo command displays a so-called demo image on the liquid crystal panel 134.

  In step S46, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the start switch is on. Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S based on the tilting operation of the start lever 6. If this determination is YES, the process of step S47 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S32 is subsequently performed. In step S47, the CPU 31 performs a process of making a medal unacceptable (medal acceptance prohibited), and subsequently performs the process of step S5 of FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 18, the gaming state monitoring process for determining the gaming state based on the operating flag will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S51). If this determination is YES, the process of step S52 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S53 is subsequently performed. In step S52, the CPU 31 stores an identifier corresponding to the RB gaming state, and subsequently performs the process of step S7 in FIG.

  In step S53, the CPU 31 stores an identifier corresponding to the general gaming state, and subsequently performs the process of step S7 in FIG. Thus, in the gaming state monitoring process, if the RB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 stores the identifier (information) indicating the RB gaming state in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 33, and the RB operating flag is set. If it is off, an identifier (information) indicating the general gaming state is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 33.

  With reference to FIG. 19, an internal lottery process for determining an internal winning combination based on the gaming state and the like will be described.

  First, based on the internal lottery table determination table (FIG. 8), the CPU 31 determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries according to the gaming state (step S61), and then performs the process of step S62. In step S62, the CPU 31 determines whether the carryover combination storage area is “0”, that is, whether there is a carryover combination. If this determination is YES, the process of step S63 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S64 is subsequently performed. Here, the case where the determination in step S62 is YES is a carryover section.

  In step S63, the CPU 31 changes the number of lotteries to “4”, and then performs the process of step S64. In step S64, the CPU 31 sets the same value as the number of lotteries as the winning number, and then performs the process of step S65. In step S65, the CPU 31 refers to the internal lottery table corresponding to the type determined in step S61, acquires the lower limit (L) based on the winning number and the number of inserted sheets, and then performs the process of step S66. . In step S66, the CPU 31 subtracts the lower limit (L) from the random value (R) stored in the random value storage area in the RAM 33 (RL), and then performs the process of step S67.

  In step S67, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a digit has been performed. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the calculation result of RL is negative. If this determination is YES, the process of step S76 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S68 is subsequently performed. Here, when this determination is YES, the random value is smaller than the lower limit value (L> R), and when NO, the random value is greater than the lower limit value or the lower limit value. This is a case where the random values are equal (L ≦ R).

  In step S68, the CPU 31 refers to the internal lottery table corresponding to the type determined in step S61, acquires the upper limit (U) based on the winning number and the number of inserted sheets, and then performs the process of step S69. . In step S69, the CPU 31 subtracts the upper limit value (U) from the random number value (R) stored in the random number value storage area in the RAM 33 (RU), and then performs the process of step S70.

  In step S70, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value obtained by the subtraction, specifically, the calculation result of RU is “0”. If this determination is YES, the process of step S72 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S71 is subsequently performed. Here, when this determination is YES, the random number value is equal to the upper limit value (R = U), and when NO is determined, the random number value is not equal to the upper limit value (R ≠ U).

  In step S71, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a digit has been performed. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the calculation result of RU is negative. If this determination is YES, the process of step S72 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S76 is subsequently performed. Here, when this determination is YES, the random number value is below the upper limit value (R <U), and when NO is selected, the random value is above the upper limit value (R > U).

  In step S72, the CPU 31 stores the winning number in the winning number storage area of the RAM 33, and subsequently performs the process of step S73. Here, the CPU 31 refers to the internal winning combination determination table and determines the internal winning combination based on the value stored in the winning number storage area. In step S73, the CPU 31 determines whether the internal winning combination is BB1 or BB2. If this determination is YES, the process of step S74 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S75 is subsequently performed.

  In step S74, the CPU 31 stores a flag in the carryover combination storage area based on the internal winning combination, and then performs the process of step S75. Specifically, the CPU 31 stores “00100000” in the carryover combination storage area when BB1 is determined as the internal winning combination, and stores “00010000” when BB2 is determined as the internal winning combination. Store in the carryover combination storage area.

  In step S75, the CPU 31 calculates the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storing area, stores the calculation result in the internal winning combination storing area, and then performs the process of step S76. In step S76, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the number of lotteries, and then performs the process of step S77.

  In step S77, the CPU 31 determines whether the number of lotteries is zero. If this determination is YES, the process of step S78 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S64 is subsequently performed. Here, when this determination is YES, the number of times of determining whether or not the random number value R is included in the numerical range defined by the upper limit value U and the lower limit value L is six times in the general gaming state, This is a case of 3 times in the RB gaming state and 4 times in the internal winning state (carry-over section). On the other hand, if this determination is NO, the number of times of the above determination is less than 6 in the general gaming state, less than 3 in the RB gaming state, and less than 4 in the internal winning state (carry-over section). It is.

  In step S78, the CPU 31 calculates the logical sum of the internal symbol combination and the carryover combination storage area, stores the calculation result in the internal symbol combination storage area, and then performs the process of step S8 in FIG. As a result, if the random value R does not belong to any numerical range of the internal lottery table shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 and Steps S72 to S75 are not performed, the lost or carryover combination is stored in the internal winning combination. It will be stored in the area.

  With reference to FIG. 20, a reel stop control process for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on the internal winning combination, the timing of the stop operation by the player, and the like will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed, that is, whether or not the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R corresponding to the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have been pressed. (Step S81). Specifically, in this process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the effective stop button flag corresponding to the operated stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is on. When this determination is YES, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the operated stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is updated to OFF, and then the process of step S82 is performed. When the determination is NO, the process of step S81 is performed. repeat.

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

  In step S82, the CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the internal winning combination, and then performs the process of step S83. In step S83, the CPU 31 determines a planned stop position (that is, a position to stop the symbol) based on the determined number of sliding symbols and the current symbol position (that is, the rotation angle), and then the process of step S84. I do. The position where the symbol (reel) is stopped is a position where the reel is rotated by the number of sliding frames after the stop operation is performed.

  In step S84, the CPU 31 requests to stop the rotation of the reel, and then performs the process of step S85. This request is basically output before the planned stop position. In step S85, the CPU 31 performs a process of transmitting a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of step S86. The reel stop command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination, and is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72.

  In step S86, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a rotating reel. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the three valid stop button flags is on. If this determination is YES, the process of step S81 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S13 of FIG. 15 is subsequently performed. That is, when there are reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that are rotating and any of the three effective stop button flags is on, this determination is YES, and all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated. If it is stopped and all three effective stop button flags are OFF, this determination is NO.

  With reference to FIG. 21, a bonus end check process for ending a bonus game when a bonus game end condition is satisfied will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a winning is achieved, that is, whether or not a combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination is displayed along the active line (step S91). If this determination is YES, the process of step S92 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S97 is subsequently performed. In step S92, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the bonus end number counter is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process of step S93 is subsequently performed, and when NO, the process of step S95 is subsequently performed.

  In step S93, the CPU 31 performs processing at the end of RB, and subsequently performs processing in step S94. Specifically, the CPU 31 clears an RB operating flag, a winning possible number counter and a possible gaming number counter. In step S94, the CPU 31 performs processing at the end of BB, and subsequently performs processing in step S19 in FIG. Specifically, the CPU 31 clears the BB operating flag, the bonus end number counter, and the like.

  In step S95, the CPU 31 subtracts “1” from the value of the winning possible number counter, and then performs the process of step S96. In step S <b> 96, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the winning possible number counter is “0”. If this determination is YES, the process of step S99 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S97 is subsequently performed. In step S97, the CPU 31 subtracts “1” from the value of the game possible number counter, and then performs the process of step S98.

  In step S98, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the possible game number counter is “0”. If this determination is YES, the process of step S99 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S19 of FIG. 15 is subsequently performed. In step S99, the CPU 31 performs processing at the end of RB, and subsequently performs processing in step S19 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 22, a bonus operation check process for operating a big bonus game based on the type of display combination or the like will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is replay, that is, whether or not a combination of symbols corresponding to the replay (“replay-replay-replay”) is displayed along the active line (step) S101). If this determination is YES, the process of step S102 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S103 is subsequently performed.

  In step S102, the CPU 31 copies the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion counter, and then performs the process of step S2 in FIG. Specifically, in step S102, the same number as the number inserted for the current game is set (automatic input) in the automatic input counter. The automatic insertion counter is a counter that counts the number of medals to be automatically inserted when the display combination is replay.

  In step S103, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB1 or BB2, that is, the combination of symbols corresponding to BB ("red 7-red 7-red 7" or "BAR-BAR-BAR") is valid. It is determined whether or not the image is displayed along the line. If this determination is YES, the process of step S104 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S2 of FIG. 15 is subsequently performed.

  In step S104, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation time process based on the bonus operation time table (FIG. 13), and subsequently performs a process of step S105. For example, when the display combination is BB1, the CPU 31 refers to the bonus operating time table (FIG. 13), updates the BB operating flag corresponding to BB1 to ON, and sets the value of the bonus end number counter to “ 350 ". In step S105, the CPU 31 clears the carryover combination storage area, and then performs the process of step S2 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 23, an interrupt process by the control of the main CPU for repeatedly performing a predetermined process executed every predetermined time by the main CPU (CPU 31) will be described. This interrupt process is repeated every 1.1173 ms.

  First, the CPU 31 saves the register (step S111), and then performs the process of step S112. In step S112, input port check processing is performed, and then processing in step S113 is performed. Specifically, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S due to the tilting operation of the start lever 6. In step S113, the CPU 31 adds 1 to the value of the interrupt counter, and subsequently performs the process of step S114. The interrupt counter is a counter for identifying whether or not the CPU 31 performs a reel control process (FIG. 24 described later).

  In step S114, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the interrupt counter is an even number. If this determination is YES, the process of step S121 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S115 is subsequently performed. In step S115, the CPU 31 sets information indicating the left reel 3L as a reel identifier as a target of rotation control, and then performs the process of step S116. The reel identifier is information for identifying a reel corresponding to the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R on which the stop operation has been performed (that is, performing stop control) among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. In step S116, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 24, and subsequently performs a process of step S117.

  In step S117, the CPU 31 sets information indicating the central reel 3C as a reel identifier as a target of rotation control, and then performs the process of step S118. In step S118, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 24, and subsequently performs a process of step S119. In step S119, the CPU 31 sets information indicating the right reel 3R in the reel identifier as a target of rotation control, and then performs the process of step S120. In step S120, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 24, and subsequently performs a process of step S121.

  Here, the reel control processing shown in step S116, step S118, and step S120 is performed when the value of the interrupt counter is updated to an odd number, but the value of the interrupt counter is updated every 1.1173 ms. The Therefore, the reel control process is performed every 2.2346 ms.

  In step S121, the CPU 31 performs a lamp / 7SEG drive control process, and then performs the process of step S122. In step S122, the CPU 31 restores the register and ends the periodic interrupt process. In the interrupt process under the control of the main CPU, the CPU 31 performs a timer update process for subtracting “1” from the value set in the demonstration timer.

  With reference to FIG. 24, a reel control process for controlling the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 refers to the reel identifier set in step S115, step S117, or step S119 in FIG. 23, and determines whether or not the corresponding reel is under control (step S131). If this determination is YES, the process of step S132 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S117, step S119, or step S121 of FIG. 23 is subsequently performed according to the reel identifier.

  Here, during the control, it is indicated that the state is any one of the stop control, the acceleration control, and the constant speed control. For example, if the value of the stop control in-progress flag area provided in the RAM 33 is on, it is determined (determined) that the stop control is being performed, and thus it is determined that control is being performed. If it is off, it is determined that the stop control is not being performed, and therefore it is determined that the control is not being performed. The same applies to acceleration control and constant speed control.

  Thus, in the reel control process, the CPU 31 refers to the reel identifier set in step S115, step S117, or step S119 in FIG. 23 before calling the process, and performs a process according to the state related to the corresponding reel. I am doing so. For example, when the right reel 3R is controlled, information indicating the right reel 3R (that is, an identifier indicating the right reel 3R) is set in the reel identifier in step S119, and the process is executed following step S119. In the reel control process, information related to the right reel 3R such as a stop control flag, an acceleration control flag, and a constant speed control flag related to the right reel 3R provided in the RAM 33 is referred to and set. Receives signals related to the reel 3R and outputs excitation signals. Similarly, information regarding each of the left reel 3L and the center reel 3C is referred to and set.

  In step S132, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a rotation start is requested. If this determination is YES, the process of step S133 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S134 is subsequently performed. In step S133, the CPU 31 performs a rotation start process for starting the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R according to the reel identifier, and subsequently uses the process of step S117, step S119, or step S121 of FIG. 23 as the reel identifier. Do it accordingly.

  In step S134, the CPU 31 determines whether acceleration control is being performed. If this determination is YES, the process of step S135 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S136 is subsequently performed. The setting during the acceleration control is performed in step S133. In step S135, the CPU 31 performs an acceleration control process for accelerating the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R according to the reel identifier, and subsequently uses the process of step S117, step S119, or step S121 of FIG. 23 as the reel identifier. Do it accordingly.

  In step S136, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a rotation stop is requested. If this determination is YES, the process of step S137 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S138 is subsequently performed. In step S137, the CPU 31 performs a stop request process for setting that the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the reel identifier is under stop control, and then continues to step S117, step S119, or step S121 of FIG. Is performed according to the reel identifier.

  In step S138, the CPU 31 determines whether stop control is being performed. If this determination is YES, the process of step S139 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S140 is subsequently performed. In step S139, the CPU 31 performs a stop control process for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R according to the reel identifier, and subsequently uses the process of step S117, step S119, or step S121 of FIG. 23 as the reel identifier. Do it accordingly.

  In step S140, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a reel index has been detected (whether or not a reset pulse has been obtained). If a reel index is detected, the index flag is on. If this determination is YES, the process of step S141 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S144 is subsequently performed. In step S141, the CPU 31 sets the value of the pulse counter to “0”, and then performs the process of step S142.

  The pulse counter is a counter for identifying whether or not the symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have been rotated by one frame (360/21 angle). The value of this pulse counter is basically set to “16” as an initial value on condition that the symbol is rotated by one frame (step S153 in FIG. 25 described later), and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are controlled. Every time the interrupt processing by the CPU 31 is performed twice in the middle state, “1” is subtracted (step S151 in FIG. 25 described later).

  In step S142, the CPU 31 sets the value of the symbol counter to “0”, and then performs the process of step S143. The symbol counter is a counter for counting the number of symbols shifted from the reference position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. The value of the symbol counter is basically set to “0” as an initial value on condition that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R make one rotation (step S142 in FIG. 24), and the symbol rotates by one frame. Every time, “1” is added (step S156 in FIG. 25 described later).

  For example, when the value of the symbol counter for the left reel 3L is “03”, “red 7” corresponding to the code number “03” shifted by 3 frames from the “bell” corresponding to the code number “00” is displayed. It is in the reference position. Thus, based on the reference position, the symbols displayed in the middle symbol display area of the left display window 21L can be specified (that is, the rotational position is detected).

  In step S143, the CPU 31 performs a process of transmitting a reel index detection command to the sub control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of step S144. The reel index detection command includes information indicating that a reset pulse has been detected, and is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. In step S144, the CPU 31 performs a pulse counter update process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 25, and subsequently performs the process of step S117, step S119, or step S121 of FIG. 23 according to the reel identifier.

  The pulse counter update process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed at the timing of step S144 in FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 subtracts “1” from the value of the pulse counter (step S151), and then performs the process of step S152. In step S152, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the pulse counter is “0”. When this determination is YES (that is, when it is determined that the excitation position has been changed by the number of times for one symbol), the process of step S153 is subsequently performed. When the determination is NO, the process of step S159 is subsequently performed. .

  In step S153, the CPU 31 sets the value of the pulse counter to “16”, and then performs the process of step S154. In step S154, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the symbol counter is “3”. If this determination is YES, the process of step S155 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S156 is subsequently performed.

  Specifically, when “red 7” corresponding to the code number “03” is displayed in the middle symbol display area of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R, this determination is YES, and other than the code number “03”. This determination is NO when the symbol corresponding to is displayed in the middle symbol display area of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R.

  In step S155, the CPU 31 performs a process of transmitting a speaker output command to the sub-control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of step S156. The speaker output command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination, and is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. That is, in step S155, the CPU 31 triggers the speaker output when the symbol displayed in the middle symbol display area of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R is identified as “red 7” in the process of step S156. The sound command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72.

  In step S154, the CPU 31 may determine whether the value of the symbol counter is “2”, “3”, or “4”. In this way, the CPU 31 sends a speaker output command to the sub-control circuit 72 when “red 7” is displayed in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R. It becomes possible to transmit.

  In step S156, the CPU 31 adds “1” to the value of the symbol counter, and then performs the process of step S157. In step S157, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the symbol counter exceeds “20”. If this determination is YES, the process of step S158 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S159 is subsequently performed.

  In step S158, the CPU 31 sets the value of the symbol counter to “0”, and then performs the process of step S159. In step S159, the CPU 31 performs pulse output processing for acceleration control, constant speed control, or deceleration control of the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by outputting an excitation signal, and then the step of FIG. The process of S117, step S119, or step S121 is performed according to the reel identifier.

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

  With reference to FIG. 26, the RESET interrupt process by the control of the sub CPU for repeatedly performing the predetermined process by the control of the sub CPU (image control microcomputer 81) will be described.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 performs initialization processing of the work RAM 84, the control RAM 87, the video RAM 89, and the like (step S161), and then performs processing of step S162. In step S162, the image control microcomputer 81 performs an input monitoring process for monitoring whether there is an input from the operation unit 17 or the like, and then performs a process in step S163. In step S163, the image control microcomputer 81 performs a command input process for executing a process corresponding to an unprocessed command, and subsequently performs a process of step S164. However, when receiving the speaker output command, the image control microcomputer 81 performs speaker control processing in FIG. In step S164, the image control microcomputer 81 performs speaker control processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 27, and subsequently performs processing in step S165. In step S165, the image control microcomputer 81 performs a command output process for outputting a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b, and then performs a process of step S162.

  With reference to FIG. 27, speaker control processing for performing control to output sound from the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R will be described.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a speaker output command has been received (step S171). If this determination is YES, the process of step S172 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S165 of FIG. 26 is subsequently performed. In step S172, the image control microcomputer 81 performs sound output control of the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R, and then performs the process of step S165 of FIG.

  Here, the CPU 31 transmits a speaker output command to the image control microcomputer 81 in response to specifying that the symbol displayed in the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R is “red 7”. Further, since the image control microcomputer 81 outputs a sound from the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R based on the speaker output command, the player displays “Red 7” on the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. You can easily grasp what is being done.

  On the other hand, if the symbol displayed in the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R is not specified as “red 7”, the CPU 31 does not transmit a speaker output command, so the sound is transmitted from the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R. Not output. Accordingly, the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R can notify “red 7” without imposing an excessive burden on the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R.

  Hereinafter, the gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described.

  The structure of the gaming machine of the second embodiment, the configuration of the electric circuit, and the like are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, speaker control processing different from the speaker control processing described in FIG. 27 is performed. Hereinafter, parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

  With reference to FIG. 28, speaker control processing for performing control to output sound from the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R will be described.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a speaker output command has been received (step S181). If this determination is YES, the process of step S182 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S165 of FIG. 26 is subsequently performed.

  In step S182, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the winning combination is lost, that is, whether or not the information of the internal winning combination included in the received speaker output command is lost. If this determination is YES, the process of step S165 in FIG. 26 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S183 is subsequently performed.

  In step S183, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the symbol provided with the speaker (for example, the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R) corresponds to the winning combination. If this determination is YES, the process of step S184 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S165 of FIG. 26 is subsequently performed. In the embodiment, the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R are provided on the back side of the symbol “7” arranged on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. Therefore, only when BB1 is determined as an internal winning combination, This determination is YES.

  In step S184, the image control microcomputer 81 performs sound output control of the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R, and then performs the process of step S165 in FIG.

  As described above, in the speaker control process, the sound displayed on the condition that the symbol displayed on the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R is “red 7” on the condition that BB1 is internally won. Are output from the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R. That is, from the viewpoint of the player, it is possible to grasp the timing of performing the “red 7” eye-pressing operation. Therefore, even a player who is not good at the eye pressing operation can easily perform the eye pressing operation, so that the game can be performed with peace of mind.

  Further, in the embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the symbol provided with the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R is a symbol related to the bonus (for example, “red 7”). That is, when the sound is output from the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R, it is possible to grasp the timing for performing the “red 7” eye-pressing operation. It becomes easy to arrange the combinations of symbols related to the bonus game that can acquire the game. Therefore, compared to the case where no sound is output from the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R, the degree of consumption of medals to reduce the combination of symbols related to the bonus game is reduced.

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

  In the embodiment, when the symbols displayed on the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are predetermined symbols, sound is output from the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sound (for example, sound effect) is output from a speaker (for example, symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R) in synchronization with the effect display of information relating to the game performed by the effect display means (for example, the liquid crystal display unit 2b). It is good also as a structure. By doing so, the effect display and the sound effect are synchronized, so that the effect of the effect can be dramatically improved.

  Further, the type of effect display performed by the effect display means, the result of lottery performed with a predetermined probability by the lottery means (for example, the main control circuit 71), the winning combination determining means (for example, the main control circuit 71 for performing the internal lottery process). It is preferable that the sound effect is output from the speaker in accordance with the type of winning combination, the type of gaming state, or the set value determined by (1). By doing so, the player is interested in the effect in which the effect display and the sound effect are synchronized, and can play the game without getting tired of this effect.

  In the embodiment, each symbol notification speaker 29L, 29C, 29R is provided on the back side of a predetermined symbol arranged on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of speakers (for example, symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R) provided on the reels (for example, each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R) may be one or more corresponding to the number of predetermined symbols. Moreover, you may provide a speaker only in a specific reel. By doing so, a change can be caused when the sound is output from the speaker, so that the diversity of the game can be improved.

  In addition, when the predetermined symbol includes the first symbol (for example, “red 7”) and the second symbol (for example, “BAR”), it corresponds to the first symbol and the second symbol. It is preferable to output different sounds from the speakers. For example, a speaker provided on the back side of the first symbol outputs a long sound, and a speaker provided on the back side of the second symbol outputs a short sound. By doing in this way, since the sound output according to the kind of symbol changes, the player can grasp | ascertain a 1st symbol and a 2nd symbol easily.

  Further, in the case where a speaker is provided on a plurality of reels, a configuration may be adopted in which sound is output in a predetermined order. For example, when the reel rotation stop control is performed based on the stop operation order, the sound is output from the speaker according to the stop operation order. By doing so, the player may be able to advantageously advance the game by recognizing the stop operation order, so that the motivation for the game can be increased.

  In the embodiment, the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R are controlled by wired communication, but are not limited thereto. For example, a receiving unit (for example, a receiving antenna) is provided in a speaker (for example, symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R), and a transmitting unit (for example, a transmitting antenna) is provided in speaker control means (for example, the sub-control circuit 72). ) May be provided to control the speaker by wireless communication. Note that the wireless communication method (for example, the frequency of radio waves) is not limited.

  By doing in this way, the conducting wire used for wired communication, a coaxial cable, etc. become unnecessary. Therefore, it becomes possible to mount a compact speaker on the reel as much as it becomes unnecessary, and it is not necessary to take a troublesome conductor and coaxial cable, so that a plurality of speakers can be easily incorporated into the reel.

  In the embodiment, the symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, 29R and the reel sheet 56 on which the symbols are arranged are provided separately, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by adopting a film-like speaker that can be bent and printed, the speaker (for example, symbol notification speakers 29L, 29C, and 29R) and the symbol may be integrated. By doing so, sound is output from the design, so that an effect full of realism can be performed.

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

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a gaming machine. The figure which shows the panel display part of a liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal display part, and a fixed display part. The perspective view which shows schematic structure of a reel. The perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid crystal display device. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the reel. The block diagram which shows the structure of an electric circuit. The block diagram which shows the structure of an electric circuit. The figure which shows an internal lottery table determination table. The figure which shows an internal lottery table. The figure which shows an internal lottery table. The figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. The figure which shows a symbol combination table. The figure which shows a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. The figure which shows the storage area of an internal winning combination, a carryover combination, and a random value. The main flowchart of a main control circuit. The flowchart which shows a bonus operation | movement monitoring process. The flowchart which shows medal reception / start check processing. The flowchart which shows a gaming state monitoring process. The flowchart which shows an internal lottery process. The flowchart which shows a reel stop control process. The flowchart which shows a bonus completion | finish check process. The flowchart which shows a bonus action check process. The flowchart which shows the interruption process by control of main CPU. The flowchart which shows a reel control process. The flowchart which shows a pulse counter update process. The flowchart which shows the RESET interruption process by control of a sub CPU. The flowchart which shows a speaker control process. The flowchart which shows a speaker control process.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 2 front door 3L, 3C, 3R reel 6 start lever 7L, 7C, 7R stop button 30 microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit

Claims (4)

A symbol display means comprising a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface and a display window for displaying a part of the plurality of symbols;
A game start command means for outputting a game start command signal in response to an operation by the player;
A winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination based on detecting the game start command signal output from the game start instruction means;
A symbol change means for starting rotation of the plurality of reels based on detection of a game start command signal output from the game start command means, and for changing a symbol displayed by the symbol display means;
Stop command signal output means for outputting a stop command signal in response to an operation by the player;
Based on the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means and the stop command signal output from the stop command signal output means, stop control for controlling stop of rotation of the plurality of reels performed by the symbol changing means Means,
Symbol position detecting means for detecting the position of each of the plurality of symbols;
A symbol specifying means for specifying a symbol displayed on the display window based on the position of the symbol detected by the symbol position detecting means;
A speaker that is provided on the back side of a predetermined symbol among the plurality of symbols and outputs sound;
Speaker control means for controlling the speaker;
With
The speaker control means has the symbol as the predetermined symbol among a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel that is being rotated when the reel is rotated by the symbol varying means. A gaming machine, wherein the speaker is controlled so that the sound is output when a symbol displayed on the display window is specified by an specifying unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The speaker control means is configured to output the sound on condition that the predetermined symbol is included in a symbol constituting a symbol combination corresponding to the symbol combination determined by the symbol combination determining unit. A gaming machine characterized by controlling the above. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined symbol is at least one symbol among symbols constituting a combination of symbols that trigger a special game that is relatively advantageous to the player. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The gaming machine characterized in that the speaker control means controls the speaker by wireless communication.

Images