JP2007252662A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of improving the rotation of customers by urging a player to stop operation and appropriately helping a player inexperienced in a game. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine comprises: a means for variably displaying identification information on the basis of the detection of game start command signals; a winning combination decision means; a time counting means for counting the time after starting the variable display; a setting means for setting the probability of winning the winning combination; a means for storing the automatic stop condition information of variable display corresponding to each setting value; a means for storing probability information for which the probability of automatic stop is determined so as to be different for each setting value; and a decision means for deciding whether or not to execute automatic stop on the basis of the setting value and the probability information. Stop is executed in losing in the case that an automatic stop condition is satisfied and it is decided to execute the automatic stop when the counted time becomes a prescribed time without stop-displaying all the variably displayed identification information by stop command signals by the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot gaming device or a slot machine.

Conventionally, in a pachislot gaming apparatus, when a player operates a start lever, a plurality of rotating reels provided in a front display window starts to rotate. Thereafter, the player operates the stop button to sequentially stop the rotating reels. At this time, when the symbols on the reels appearing in the display window become a predetermined combination (winning symbol), coins, medals, etc. Game media is paid out.

Some players who play with a pachislot gaming device will leave the spinning reel rotated to indicate that the base is not a vacant seat but a reserved seat when leaving the seat temporarily. There is a player to put into a state. Normally, a pachislot gaming device is processed and improved so that a motor or the like does not burn even if the rotating reel is kept rotating for a certain amount of time. However, as a practical problem, for example, when the motor is kept rotated for several hours, there is a risk that the burn-in of the motor or the like cannot be reliably prevented.

Some players operate a stop button after operating the start lever to start the rotation of the rotating reel and then carefully observing the rotation. However, when a game is played in this way, the time spent for one game (from the start lever being operated until all the rotating reels are stopped) becomes longer. There was a risk that the rotation of the player) would worsen and affect profits.

Thus, conventionally, there is a gaming machine that automatically stops the rotation of the rotating reel after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start lever was operated. With such a gaming machine, since the rotating reel automatically stops after a certain period of time, it is possible to prevent seizure of a motor or the like that rotates the rotating reel. Further, it is possible to speed up the progress of each player's game, and to prevent a decrease in the customer's turnover rate.

However, there is a problem that for the beginner who cannot operate the stop button well if the automatic stop function is simply installed, if the progress of the game is accelerated, the medal will be lost immediately. . Therefore, for such a player, it is not possible to fully enjoy the game, and it will not be possible to visit the game store, thereby taking away the opportunity for such a player to enjoy the game, and also for the game store side in the end. The problem of being lost was invited.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a gaming machine that derives a predetermined stop mode (a combination of symbols) when it is selected not to perform a stop operation by a stop button and to automatically stop the variation display by controlling the gaming machine (for example, a patent) References 1 and 2).

According to the gaming machines described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since a predetermined stop mode (combination of symbols) is derived by automatic stop, there is no confidence in operating the stop button to derive the predetermined stop mode. It is possible to rescue a low-player.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-236056 JP 2004-089345 A

However, in the gaming machines of Patent Documents 1 and 2, since a predetermined stop mode is derived by automatic stop, a game by automatic stop is also encouraged, and the game is more effective than operating the stop button. There was a problem of slowing down the progress of. In addition, in order to derive a predetermined stop mode by automatic stop, if the player who played the game by operating the stop button failed to operate the stop button, etc., the game that did not perform the stop operation There was a problem that it would suffer a disadvantage rather than the person.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to encourage the player to perform a stop operation to improve the rotation of the customer and to a player who is unfamiliar with the game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of performing relief within a range that does not give excessive profit.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following.
(1) a game start command means for outputting a game start command signal for starting a game in response to an operation by the player;
Fluctuation display means for variably displaying the identification information based on detecting the game start command signal output from the game start command means;
A winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination based on the detection of the game start command signal output from the game start instruction means;
Clocking means for timing the time since the fluctuation display means started the fluctuation display of the identification information;
A setting means for setting the probability of winning the winning combination step by step;
Automatic stop condition storage means for storing automatic stop condition information indicating a condition for automatically stopping the variation display of the identification information in association with each set value indicating a stage set by the setting means;
Probability information storage means for storing the probability information determined so that the probability of automatically stopping the variation display of the identification information is different for each set value;
A determination means for determining whether to automatically stop the variation display of the identification information based on the set value and the probability information;
Stop command means for outputting a stop command signal to stop the change display of the identification information in response to an operation by the player;
When all of the identification information to be variably displayed is not stopped by the stop command signal output from the stop command means, and when the time counted by the time measuring means reaches a predetermined time, the automatic stop condition is set. Satisfying, and when the determination means has decided to automatically stop the fluctuation display of the identification information, the automatic stop means for stopping the fluctuation display of the identification information in a manner of stopping the loss A gaming machine characterized by

According to the invention of (1), the automatic stop condition is satisfied when the time after the fluctuation display means (for example, rotating reel) starts the fluctuation display of the identification information (for example, symbol) reaches a predetermined time. In addition, when it is determined that the variation display of the identification information is to be automatically stopped, the variation display of the identification information is automatically stopped in a manner of stopping the loss. For a player, if a player loses even though the stop operation has not been performed, it means that the game is abandoned once, which is a detrimental action, so the game machine has the possibility of automatic stop. Thus, it is possible to prompt the player to perform a stop operation before the automatic stop, and the rotation of the customer can be improved.
In addition, when automatic stop condition information is stored in association with each set value, satisfies the condition indicated by the automatic stop condition information, and when it is determined to automatically stop the variation display of the identification information Stop automatically. Therefore, when the player automatically stops, the player can estimate the set value of the gaming machine by estimating which condition is satisfied and automatically stopping. Disclosure of the set value does not directly affect the game but serves as a judgment material when the game is stopped, and indirectly rescues the player. Therefore, a player who is unfamiliar with the game can make a set value guessed on the condition that one game is abandoned, and can perform relief within a range that does not give an excessive profit.
Further, since the automatic stop is performed on the condition that it is determined that the variable display is automatically stopped by lottery, it is possible to prevent a game from being played for the purpose of searching for a gaming machine having a high set value.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(2) The gaming machine of (1) above,
The automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is a predetermined winning combination.

According to the invention of (2), the automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is a predetermined winning combination (for example, bell). When the presentation performed on the machine is a presentation based on a predetermined winning combination (for example, bell), and the change display of the identification information is automatically stopped, the gaming machine indicates that the setting value corresponds to the condition. Can know.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(3) The gaming machine of (1) or (2) above,
The automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that a stop command signal output from the stop command means is a signal corresponding to predetermined identification information among a plurality of pieces of identification information.

According to the invention of (3), in the automatic stop condition information, the stop command signal output from the stop command means includes predetermined identification information (for example, “left” of a plurality (for example, three) of identification information. ”,“ Middle ”, and“ Right ”among the three pieces of identification information, the information indicating the condition that the signal corresponds to“ Left ”), for example, a stop command corresponding to the“ Left ”identification information. When the change display of the identification information is automatically stopped when the signal is output (when the “left” rotating reel is stopped), the player knows that the gaming machine has a setting value corresponding to the condition. be able to.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(4) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
In accordance with an operation by the player, a game start input means for receiving an operation input for starting a game is provided,
The automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that an operation amount input from the game start input means is a predetermined amount or more.

According to the invention of (4), since the automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that the operation amount input from the game start input means (for example, the start lever) is a predetermined amount or more, the game start When the variation display of the identification information is automatically stopped when the input means is operated by a predetermined amount or more, the player can know that the gaming machine has a set value corresponding to the condition.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(5) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
In response to an operation by the player, a stop input means for receiving an operation input for stopping the variation display of the identification information is provided,
The automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that an operation amount input from the stop input means is a predetermined amount or more.

According to the invention of (5), since the automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that the operation amount input from the stop input means (for example, the stop button) is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount, the stop input means When the variation display of the identification information is automatically stopped when a predetermined amount is operated, the player can know that the gaming machine has a set value corresponding to the condition.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the rotation of the customer by encouraging the player to perform a stop operation, and to perform relief within a range that does not give excessive profits to a player who is unfamiliar with the game. A possible gaming machine can be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot gaming device will be described as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a pachislot gaming device.
In addition to coins, medals, tokens, and the like, the pachislot gaming device 1 can play a game using a game medium such as a card that is given to a player or stores information on the game value that is given. Although it is a gaming machine, in the following, it is assumed that a medal is used.

A liquid crystal display device 5 is installed on the front surface of the housing 2 forming the entire pachislot gaming device 1. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown). The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be partially or entirely switched to a transparent / non-transparent state, The image regarding can be displayed.

Further, on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, three rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided as variable display means. Each of the three rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R has identification information such as a plurality of symbols displayed on its outer peripheral surface, and is provided in a horizontal row so as to be rotatable.
In the present embodiment, a case is described in which there are three pieces of identification information (three symbol rows composed of a plurality of symbols or the like displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel). There may be one piece of identification information.

A pedestal portion 10 having a horizontal surface is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 10, and a 1-BET switch 11 is provided on the left side of the pedestal portion 10. And a maximum BET switch 13 is provided.

A stored medal settlement switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player by a push operation.
When “payout” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement 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 unit 16. On the other hand, when “credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as a credit in a memory (for example, a RAM 43 described later) provided in the pachislot gaming apparatus 1.

On the right side of the stored medal settlement switch 14, a start lever 6 for rotating the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R by a player's operation is rotatably attached within a predetermined angular range. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three rotary reels 3L, 3R, and 3C are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal unit 10, respectively. The start lever 6 as the game start input means and the stop buttons 7L, 7C and 7R as the stop input means can detect the operation amount (movement amount). A method for detecting the operation amounts of the start lever 6 and the stop button 7 will be described in detail later.

An enter button 26 and a cancel button 27 are provided on the right side of the front portion of the base 10. By operating the decision button 26 and the cancel button 27, it is possible to input an instruction regarding switching of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 or the like.
A door opening / closing / clamping release device 29 is further provided on the right side of the front surface of the pedestal 10, and a predetermined key is inserted into the key hole of the door opening / closing / clamping release device 29 and turned to the right to turn the front door Open / close and turn counterclockwise to release the stop.

Speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right above the housing 2. Between the two speakers 21L and 21R, a payout table panel 23 indicating a combination of winning symbols, a medal payout number, and the like is provided. ing.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a start lever provided in the pachislot gaming apparatus shown in FIG.
The start lever 6 is slidably fixed by a support member 92 fixed to the housing 2. The start lever 6 is provided so as to penetrate the surface of the housing 2 via the support member 92, and the housing is provided at the rear portion (right side portion in the figure) of the start lever 6 as shown in FIG. A spring receiver 93 is fixed at a position away from the rear surface of the body 2 by a predetermined distance, and a return spring 94 including a coil spring is fitted between the spring receiver 93 and the start lever 6. Accordingly, the start lever 6 is held so as to be perpendicular to the housing 2 in a normal state by the biasing force of the return spring 94.

A disc-shaped reflecting plate 95 is fixed to the rear end portion, which is a free end of the start lever 6 extending to the rear surface side of the housing 2, at a right angle to the axis of the start lever 6. Further, a start switch 6S is fixed on the back side of the reflecting plate 95 at a position coaxial with the start lever 6 and separated by a predetermined distance.

The start switch 6S includes a light emitting unit 96 that emits light toward the reflecting plate 95, and a light receiving unit 97 that detects light reflected from the reflecting plate 95. When the start lever 6 is at the reference position (normal state), the start switch 6S is positioned coaxially with the start lever 6, and the incident light emitted from the light emitting unit 96 is reflected by the reflecting plate 95, and the reflected light is reflected. The light enters the light receiving unit 97. In this state, the start switch 6S is maintained in the off state.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the operation amount of the start lever and the reflected light.
The vertical axis indicates the amount of reflected light detected by the light receiving unit 97, and the horizontal axis indicates the operation amount of the start lever 6.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the start lever 6 is not operated, the light receiving unit 97 detects the light amount “z”, but the start lever 6 is operated and the operation amount exceeds “A”. As a result, the amount of light falls below the threshold “a”. At this time, the pachislot gaming device 1 detects that the start lever 6 has been operated. At this time, when the operation amount of the start lever 6 further exceeds “B”, that is, when the amount of light received by the light receiving unit falls below the threshold “b”, the predetermined amount set in the pachislot gaming device 1 As described above, it is detected that the start lever 6 has been operated. Thus, in the pachi-slot gaming device 1, it is determined whether or not the start lever 6 has been operated by a predetermined amount or more based on the amount of light detected by the light receiving unit 97.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of the liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, three rotating reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) having a plurality of identification information symbols drawn on their outer peripheral surfaces are rotatable. It is provided in a horizontal row.

The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 31 and a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 includes a transparent display window 31 a and a pattern formation region 31 b on which a pattern is drawn. A screen image displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the back surface of the front panel 31 is displayed on the front panel 31. Visible through the display window 31a.

On the back side of the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5 are a game start display lamp 25, a WIN lamp 17, a medal insertion lamp 24, various BET lamps 9c, 2-BET lamps 9b and 1-BET lamps 9a, and the number of payouts. A display unit 18, a medal stored number display unit 19, and various display units such as an accessory operation number display unit 20 are provided. In addition, in the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, the front portions of the various lamps and the various display units described above are transparent so that the various lamps and the various display units can be visually recognized.

The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter also referred to as BET number). One game ends when all the rotating reels are stopped, or when medals are paid out, when medals are paid out.

The WIN lamp 17 is turned on with a predetermined probability when BB (Big Bonus) or RB (Regular Bonus) is won internally, and also when a BB or RB winning is established. The game medal insertion lamp 24 blinks when the medal insertion is acceptable. The game start display lamp 25 is lit when at least one line is activated.

The number-of-payout display unit 18 displays the number of medals to be paid out when a winning is established, and the medal stored number display unit 19 displays the number of stored medals, and an accessory operation number display unit. 20 displays the number of possible RB games, the number of possible RB games, and the like. These display units consist of a 7-segment display.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. 6 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG.
The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 31 composed of a protective glass 32 and a display plate 33, a transparent liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a reflective film 36, fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b, which are so-called white light sources, and a lamp holder. 39a to 39h, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. The TCP is constituted by a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34, or the like. .

The liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the near side by rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided with a predetermined interval.

The protective glass 32 and the display board 33 are comprised with the transparent member. On the display board 33, patterns and the like are formed at positions corresponding to the BET lamps 9a to 9c. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is formed is the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is not formed is the display window 31a of the front panel 31. (See FIG. 2). The entire surface of the front panel 31 may be used as the display window 31a without forming the pattern forming area 31b on the front panel 31. In this case, a pattern is not formed on the display board 33 or the display board 33 may be omitted.
Note that various lamps arranged on the back side of the display plate 33, electric circuits for operating the various display units, and the like are not shown.

The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 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 transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. By adopting a normally white transparent liquid crystal panel 34, even if a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, identification information such as symbols displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R The variable display and stop display can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when such a situation occurs, it is possible to play a game centered on the variation display mode and the stop display mode of the identification information displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

The light guide plate 35 is for guiding light from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (illuminating the transparent liquid crystal panel 34), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

The reflective film 36 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 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate 35. The reflective film 36 includes a reflective area 36A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 36B.

The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are disposed along the upper end and the lower end of the light guide plate 35, and both ends are supported by a lamp holder 39 (see FIG. 5). The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b is reflected by the reflection area 36A of the reflection film 36 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

The fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are arranged toward the rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at the upper position and the lower position on the back side of the reflective film 36, respectively. The light coming out of the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b, reflected by the surfaces of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

Thus, in the liquid crystal display device 5, the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b and reflected from the reflection region 36A of the reflective film 36 and the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are irradiated, and the rotation reels 3L, 3C and 3R The light reflected from the surface and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
Accordingly, the region of the liquid crystal display device 5 corresponding to the non-reflective region 36B of the reflective film 36 is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state depending on whether or not the liquid crystal is driven. The region of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to is in a non-transparent state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is driven.

In the pachislot gaming device 1, only a part of the liquid crystal display device is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is entirely transparent. / A region that switches to a non-transparent state may be used. In this case, in the pachislot gaming device 1, when the entire area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area to be switched to the transmission state or the non-transmission state, the reflection film 36 is all set to the non-reflection area 36 </ b> B or the reflection film 36 is omitted. Good.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachislot gaming apparatus shown in FIG.
The main control circuit 81 has a microcomputer 40 disposed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 40 includes a CPU 41 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM 42, and a RAM 43. Connected to the CPU 41 are a clock pulse generation circuit 144 and a frequency divider 145 for setting a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 146 and a sampling circuit 147 for generating a random number to be sampled. In addition, as a means for random number sampling, you may comprise so that the sampling of a random number may be performed on the operation | movement program of CPU41.

The ROM 42 stores various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 82. As the command, for example, a command related to display control for the liquid crystal display device 5 is stored.

Examples of commands related to control on the liquid crystal display device 5 include an effect start command, an end effect command, and the like.
The effect start command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image when the rotation of the three rotary reels 3 is started. The end effect command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image when all three rotary reels 3 are stopped.
Further, a command relating to setting or releasing of RB and BB is also stored in the ROM 42, and the setting or releasing of RB or BB is notified to the sub-control circuit 82 by the command. It should be noted that data indicating that RB or BB is being executed may be included in various commands relating to display control for liquid crystal display device 5 instead of commands relating to setting or canceling RB or BB.

Various commands as described above are called from the ROM 42 by the CPU 41 and set in the RAM 43 when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The command set in the RAM 43 is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing. The sub control circuit 82 executes various processes based on the supplied command. The sub control circuit 82 does not input a command or the like to the main control circuit 81, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 81 to the sub control circuit 82.

The ROM 42 stores a symbol table for associating the rotational positions of the rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary reel, and a combination of symbols for winning. In addition, a winning symbol combination table in which a winning medal payout number is associated with a winning determination code representing the winning, a lottery probability table necessary for performing a lottery for determining an internal winning combination, and the like are stored.
In particular, the ROM 42 indicates an automatic stop condition determination table for storing automatic stop condition information indicating a condition for automatically stopping the rotating reel 3 and a set value, and a probability of automatically stopping the rotating reel 3. An automatic stop lottery probability determination table that stores probability information and set values in association with each other is stored. The ROM 42 functions as an automatic stop condition storage unit that stores automatic stop condition information in association with each set value, and probability information that is determined so that the probability of automatically stopping the rotating reel 3 differs for each set value. It functions as a probability information storage means for storing.
The ROM 42 stores timekeeping programs for measuring various times, and is read out and executed by the CPU 41 in accordance with the gaming state and various input signals.

In the RAM 43, in addition to the commands described above, for example, variables relating to game progress such as the number of credits corresponding to the number of medals, a set value, and automatic stop for stopping the rotating reel 3 after a predetermined period has elapsed after starting rotation. A flag such as a flag is stored. The automatic stop flag is set when a predetermined automatic stop condition is satisfied, and is cleared when the game is ended (the rotation of all the rotating reels 3 is stopped) regardless of the stop by the stop button 7 or the automatic stop. Flag to be

Major peripheral devices (actuators) whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 40 include various lamps (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c, WIN lamp 17, and game medal insertion. A lamp 24, a game start display lamp 25), various display units (payout number display unit 18, medal accumulated number display unit 19, and accessory operation number display unit 20), and medal are stored. There are a hopper (including a payout driving unit) 50 for paying out a predetermined number of medals, and stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R for rotating the rotary reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

Further, a motor drive circuit 49 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 59L, 59C and 59R, a hopper drive circuit 51 for driving and controlling the hopper 50, a lamp driving circuit 55 for driving and controlling various lamps, and a display for driving and controlling various display units. The unit drive circuit 58 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 41 via the I / O port 48. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 41, and controls the operation of each actuator.

The main input signal generators for generating input signals necessary for the microcomputer 40 to generate control commands include a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a maximum BET switch 13, a stored medal settlement switch 14, There are an inserted medal sensor 22S, a reset switch 62, a setting key type switch 63, a reel stop signal circuit 56, a reel position detection circuit 60, a payout completion signal circuit 61, and a pressure sensor 57. These are also connected to the CPU 41 via the I / O port 48.

The setting key type switch 63 allows a setting value to be changed by inserting a predetermined key into the keyhole and turning it to the left or right. The setting key type switch 63 functions as a setting means for setting the probability of winning the winning combination step by step. The changed set value is stored in the RAM 43.
For example, when the probability of winning the BB is 1/300, the set value is 1, and when the probability is 1/280, the set value is 2. A value that indicates the probability of winning the winning combination step by step. In the present embodiment, the case where the set value is composed of six stages of 1 to 6 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

The start switch 6S as a game start command means detects the operation of the start lever 6. The inserted medal sensor 22 </ b> S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 56 serving as a stop command means generates a stop signal in response to an operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. With these operations, the decision button 26 and the cancel button 27 can switch the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 and input an instruction.
The pressure sensor 57 is provided integrally with the electrical contact disposed in the housing 2 so as to face the stop button 7. When the stop button is operated, the electrical contact comes into contact. The operation (“ON” or “OFF”) is detected, and the operation amount is detected by the pressure sensor 57.

The reel position detection circuit 60 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and transmits a signal for detecting the position of each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 41.
The payout completion signal circuit 61 generates a medal payout completion signal when the count value of the medal detection unit 50S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 50) reaches a designated number. When the CPU 41 receives this medal payout completion signal, the driving of the hopper 50 is stopped via the hopper drive circuit 51 to complete the payout of medals. The medal detection unit 50S includes a medal sensor including a physical sensor for detecting medals paid out from the hopper 50, and can count the number of medals paid out by the medal sensor.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 7, the random number generator 146 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 147 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. . Based on the random numbers sampled in this way and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 42, an internal winning combination is determined. After the internal winning combination is determined, random number sampling is performed again to select the “stop control table”.

After the rotation of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 43. From the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 41 via the reel position detection circuit 60. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 43 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range is stored in the RAM 43 for each of the rotation reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

A symbol table is stored in the ROM 42 in order to associate the rotational positions of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R as described above with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel. In this symbol table, with reference to the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated as described above, the code numbers sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each rotary reel 3L, 3C, 3R, and the corresponding code number A symbol code indicating the symbol provided is associated with the symbol.

Furthermore, a winning symbol combination table is stored in the ROM 42. In this winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning medal dividend number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The winning symbol combination table is referred to when the left rotating reel 3L, the central rotating reel 3C, and the right rotating reel 3R are controlled to stop and when winning confirmation after all reels are stopped.

When internal winning is performed by lottery processing (probability lottery processing) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 41 receives an operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 56 at a timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, and Then, based on the selected “stop control table”, a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 49.

In the stop mode indicating that the winning combination of the internal winning combination is established, when “payout” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, the CPU 41 supplies the hopper drive circuit 51 with a payout command signal. A predetermined number of medals are paid out from 50. At that time, the medal detection unit 50S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 41. As a result, the CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 50 via the hopper drive circuit 51 and ends the “medal payout process”.
On the other hand, when “credit” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, the number of medals to be paid out is stored in the RAM 43 as credits.

A sub control circuit 82 is connected to the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41.
The sub control circuit 82 performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 5 and sound output control from the speakers 21L and 21R based on a control command (command) from the main control circuit 81.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 81 to the sub-control circuit 82 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub-control circuit 82 to the main control circuit 81. Not limited to this, the sub control circuit 82 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 81.

The sub control circuit 82 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208, and a work RAM 210. In addition, the determination button 26 and the cancel button 27 are connected to the sub control circuit 82 via the interface circuit 240. With these operations, the decision button 26 and the cancel button 27 can switch the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 and input an instruction.

The sub-control circuit 82 includes a display control circuit 250 that performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 5, and a sound control circuit 230 that performs control related to sound generated from the speaker 21.

The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes such as a process related to effects according to a program stored in the program ROM 208, and controls the sub control circuit 82 according to various commands supplied from the CPU 41.

The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling a game effect in the liquid crystal display device 5 by the sub CPU 206, and also stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect. .

The program ROM 208 also includes a plurality of types of effect pattern data corresponding to the screen image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 and a plurality of types of end effects corresponding to the screen image displayed when all the reels 3 are stopped. Pattern data is stored.

In this embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, what is stored in the program ROM 208 may be stored in the ROM 42. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41 and the ROM 42 and the sub control circuit 82 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main control including the CPU 41 and the ROM 42 is performed. Only the circuit 81 may be configured, and in this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 described above may be stored in the ROM 42 and executed by the CPU 41. Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 82 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208. In this case, the program stored in the ROM 42 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise as follows.

The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC 232 that controls audio, an audio data ROM 234 that stores various audio data, and an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals.

The sound source IC 232 is connected to the sub CPU 206, the audio data ROM 234, and the AMP 236. The sound source IC 232 controls sound generated from the speaker 21.

The sub CPU 206 selects one audio data from a plurality of audio data stored in the audio data ROM 234 based on the command supplied from the CPU 41. Thereafter, the sub CPU 206 reads the selected audio data from the audio data ROM 234 and supplies it to the sound source IC 232. The sound source IC 232 that has received the sound data converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal and supplies the sound signal to the AMP 236. The AMP 236 amplifies the audio signal and generates audio from the speakers 21 (21L and 21R).

The display control circuit 250 generates a screen image according to a game result determined by the CPU 41 or an instruction input by the various buttons 26 and 27 and performs control for displaying the screen image on the liquid crystal display device 5. An image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212, an image data ROM 216 for storing various image data, and a D / A converter 218 for converting the image data as an image signal. The VDP 212 is connected to a sub CPU 206, an image data ROM 216 in which image data is stored, and a D / A converter 218 that converts the image data into an image signal.

The VDP 212 includes various circuits such as a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, and a pallet circuit, and can perform various processes for displaying a screen image on the liquid crystal display device 5. That is, the VDP 212 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 5. Further, the VDP 212 includes a storage medium (for example, a video RAM) as a buffer for displaying a screen image on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 5. By storing the image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, a screen image is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 5 at a predetermined timing.

The image data ROM 216 stores image data such as a background image and a character image, for example.

The VDP 212 extracts various images from the image data ROM 216 in accordance with an image display command (command) supplied from the sub CPU 206.

The VDP 212 stores various images extracted from the image data ROM 216 in a buffer (for example, a video RAM or the like) by superimposing them in order from the image located at the rear, for example, in the order of the background image and the character image. Combined and supplied to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the screen image as an image signal and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 5.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of automatic stop condition determination processing performed in the main control circuit.
This subroutine is executed when a predetermined key is inserted into the setting key type switch 63 and turned to the left or right to change the setting value.

First, the CPU 41 refers to the set value stored in the RAM 43 (step S100). Next, the CPU 41 refers to the automatic stop condition determination table stored in the ROM 42 (step S101), and determines the automatic stop condition by extracting the automatic stop condition information corresponding to the set value (step S102). .
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the automatic stop condition determination table.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the automatic stop condition determination table, set values and automatic stop condition information are associated with each other. In the figure, in the column of automatic stop condition information, the specific contents of the conditions indicated by each automatic stop condition information are described.

Next, in step S103, the CPU 41 performs initial setting based on the extracted automatic stop condition information.
Specifically, when the set value is “1”, a setting is made to turn on the automatic stop flag when the internal winning combination is determined to be “bell”.
Further, when the set value is “2”, after the start lever 6 is operated, a setting for turning on the automatic stop flag when the first operated stop button is the stop button 7L is set. Do.
When the set value is “3”, a setting for turning on the automatic stop flag is performed when the operation amount of the start lever 6 is a predetermined amount or more (see FIG. 3).
When the set value is “4”, a setting for turning on the automatic stop flag is performed when the operation amount of the stop button 7 is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount.
When the set value is “5”, a setting is made to turn on the automatic stop flag when the operation of the start lever 6 is 5 seconds after the previous operation of the start lever 6. . That is, a setting is made so that the clocking process A (see FIG. 11) is executed at every predetermined timing.
When the set value is “6”, the automatic stop flag is set to “ON” when the elapsed time from when the start lever 6 is operated to when the stop button 7 is first operated is 2 seconds or more. Set to make it. That is, a setting is made so that the time measurement process B (see FIG. 12) is executed at every predetermined timing.
After the process of step S103, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the timing process A performed in the main control circuit.
The time measurement process A is a process executed separately from the game execution process described later only when the set value is “5”. When the set value is “5”, the timing related to the setting of the automatic stop flag is started after the initial setting shown in step S103 of FIG. 9 is completed. That is, the timer value T = 0 is set and count-up is started.

First, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the start lever 6 has been operated (step S160). If it is determined that the start lever 6 has not been operated, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when determining that the start lever 6 has been operated, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the timer value T = 5 (5 seconds) (step S161). In the present embodiment, the timer value T = t (t is an arbitrary positive number) means that, for example, when the timer value T = 5, the timer value is “4.9” or more and “5.1”. The time is within a predetermined range centered on t, such as being less than.

If it is determined that the timer value T = 5 (step S161: YES), the automatic stop flag is set in the RAM 43, and the process proceeds to step S163. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer value T = 5 is not satisfied (step S161: NO), the process proceeds to step S163.

In step S163, the CPU 41 sets a timer value T = 0 and ends this subroutine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the time measuring process B performed in the main control circuit.
The timing process B is a process that is executed separately from the game execution process described later only when the set value is “6”.

First, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the start lever 6 has been operated (step S180). If it is determined that the start lever 6 has been operated (step S180: YES), the CPU 41 sets the timer value T = 0 and starts measuring time (step S181). After this process, the process moves to step S183. On the other hand, if it is determined that the start lever 6 has not been operated (step S180: NO), the process proceeds to step S182.

In step S182, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the timer value T is being measured. If it is determined that the time is being measured, the process proceeds to step S183. If it is determined that the time is not being measured, this subroutine is terminated.

In step S183, the CPU 41 determines whether any one of the stop buttons 7 has been operated. If it is determined that none of the stop buttons 7 are operated, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that any one of the stop buttons 7 has been operated, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time is 2 seconds or more (timer value T ≧ 2) (step S184).

If it is determined that the elapsed time is 2 seconds or longer (step S184: YES), the automatic stop flag is set in the RAM 43, and the process proceeds to step S186. On the other hand, if it is determined that the elapsed time is not 2 seconds or longer (step S184: NO), the process proceeds to step S186.
In step S186, the CPU 41 finishes timing and ends this subroutine.

In the following, the pachislot gaming device 1 is activated, the variables used in the CPU 41 are initialized to predetermined values, and the set values, various timers, etc. are steadily operated with the predetermined values set. It shall be.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing performed in the main control circuit.
This subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a previously executed main routine.

First, the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is a request for automatic insertion of medals (step S120). The case where there is a request for automatic insertion is a case where a winning of replay (replay) is established in the previous game. When there is a request for automatic insertion of medals, medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step S122), and a medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 82 (step S123).

On the other hand, when determining in step S120 that there is no request for automatic medal insertion, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a medal has been inserted (step S121). That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a detection signal issued by the insertion medal sensor 22S that has detected that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 has been received, or whether the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13). ) To determine whether or not a medal has been inserted. When it is determined that a detection signal issued by the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13) is received, the CPU 41 corresponds to the number of medals bet from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. A process of subtracting the number of credits is performed.

When determining in step S121 that no medal has been inserted, the CPU 41 returns the process to step S120.
If it is determined in step S121 that a medal has been inserted, or if the process in step S123 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether the start lever 6 has been operated (step S124). That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal from the start switch 6S has been received.

When determining in step S124 that the start lever 6 has not been operated, the CPU 41 returns the process to step S120. On the other hand, when determining in step S124 that the start lever 6 has been operated, the CPU 41 performs processing related to various settings (step S125). In these various setting processes, random numbers are sampled from the random number generator 146 at the timing when the start lever 6 is operated, and the internal winning is based on the sampled random number values and the lottery probability table set in the RAM 43. A lottery process for generating a winning combination (winning flag) is performed. When executing this process, the CPU 41 functions as a winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination.
Further, in the various setting processes, the time elapsed after the rotation of the rotating reel 3 is started at the timing when the start lever 6 is operated. That is, the timer value S = 40 is set and the countdown is started. As a result, the elapsed time from the start of rotation of the rotary reel 3 is counted. When executing this process, the CPU 41 functions as a time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time since the rotation reel 3 started to rotate.
In the various setting processes, for example, a WIN lamp lighting lottery process, a process related to selection of a stop control table for stopping the rotating reel, a process for initializing for reel rotation, and the like are performed, and the rotating reel 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) rotation is started.
In the various setting processes, when the set value is “1” and the internal winning combination is “Bell”, or the set value is “3” and the start lever 6 is operated by a predetermined amount or more. Sometimes, an automatic stop flag is set in the RAM 43.

After the rotation of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses transmitted to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R is counted, and the counted value is stored in the RAM 43. A reset pulse is obtained for each rotation from the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and these pulses are input to the CPU 41 via the reel position detection circuit 60. The count value is cleared to “0” in the drive pulse counted in the RAM 43 by the reset pulse thus obtained. By doing so, the RAM 43 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

Further, in the symbol table stored in the ROM 42 in order to associate the rotational positions of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel, the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated is used as a reference. A code number that is sequentially given for each of the rotation reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and a symbol code indicating a symbol that is provided for each code number are associated with each other. Further, the winning symbol combination table stored in the ROM 42 is referred to when controlling the rotation of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and when confirming winning after stopping all the rotating reels.
After executing the process of step S125, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S126.

In step S <b> 126, the CPU 41 sets an effect start command in the RAM 43. This effect start command is a command for starting display of a predetermined effect image on the liquid crystal display device 5 and causing the speaker 21 to start outputting predetermined sound, and relates to the internal winning combination determined by the lottery process. Contains data. The effect start command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.
After executing the process of step S126, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S127.

In step S127, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the stop button 7 (7L, 7C, 7R) is “ON” based on the presence / absence of an input signal from the reel stop signal circuit 56. If it is determined that the stop button 7 is not “ON”, the process proceeds to step S128. On the other hand, if it is determined that the stop button 7 is “ON”, the process proceeds to step S131. At this time, the CPU 41 sets the automatic stop flag when the set value is “2” and the rotating reel 3L is stopped, or when the set value is “4” and the stop button 7 is operated more than a predetermined amount. Is set in the RAM 43, and the process proceeds to step S131.

In step S128, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an automatic stop flag is stored in the RAM 43. If it is determined that the automatic stop flag is stored in the RAM 43, the process proceeds to step S129. If it is determined that the automatic stop flag is not stored in the RAM 43, the process returns to step S127.

In step S129, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer (timer value S) is “0” (step S129). If it is determined that the value is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S127. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value is “0”, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an automatic stop lottery has been won.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic stop lottery probability determination table.
As shown in FIG. 14, in the automatic stop lottery probability determination table, set values and probability information are associated with each other. In the figure, the probability information column describes the automatic stop rate indicated by each probability information. In this process, the CPU 41 determines whether or not to automatically stop by random number lottery based on probability information corresponding to the set value. When executing this process, the CPU 41 functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not to automatically stop the rotating reel 3 based on the set value and the probability information. If it is determined that the automatic stop lottery has been won, the process proceeds to step S131. If it is determined that the automatic stop lottery has not been won, the process returns to step S127.

In step S131, the CPU 41 stops the rotation of the rotary reel 3 corresponding to the stop button 7. At this time, the winning request (internal winning combination), the symbol position (the rotational position of the rotary reel 3 during operation). ) The number of sliding frames is determined from the selected stop control table or the like. At this time, when the rotation of the rotary reel 3 is stopped based on the automatic stop flag and the winning in the automatic stop lottery, the number of sliding symbols is referred to the “stop control table” of the lose regardless of the internal winning combination. To decide. As a result, the rotating reel 3 is stopped in a manner of stopping the loss.
When executing the processing of step S128 to step S131, the CPU 41 satisfies the automatic stop condition and rotates when the timer value S becomes “0” without displaying all the reels 3 stopped. When it is determined that the rotation of the reel 3 is to be automatically stopped, it functions as an automatic stopping means for stopping the rotating reel 3 in a manner of stopping the loss.

Next, the CPU 41 performs a process of rotating and stopping the rotating reel 3 by the number of sliding frames determined in step S131 (step S132), and sets a stop request for one rotating reel 3 (step S133). .

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not all of the three rotary reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) have been stopped (step S135). If it is determined that all the rotating reels 3 are not stopped, the process returns to step S128. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the rotating reels 3 have stopped, the CPU 41 finishes counting down the timer value S, clears it, and performs a winning search (step S136). At this time, a winning symbol combination table or the like stored in the ROM 42 is referred to. Further, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal. If not, the illegal error may be displayed and the process may be interrupted.

Next, the CPU 41 sets an end effect command in the RAM 43 (step S137). This end effect command is a command for displaying an effect image at the end of the game and outputting a sound according to the game result, and includes data related to the result of the winning search in step S136. The end effect command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a medal has been paid out, that is, whether or not there is a winning number (step S138).
When determining that there is a medal payout, the CPU 41 stores or pays out the number of medals according to the gaming state and the winning combination (step S139). When storing medals, the CPU 41 performs a process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, when paying out medals, the CPU 41 sends out a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 51 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 50. At that time, the medal detection unit 50S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 41. As a result, the CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 50 via the hopper drive circuit 51 and ends the medal payout process.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an RB has been won (step S140). If it is determined that RB has been won, the CPU 41 performs processing related to RB setting (step S141). In this step S141, the CPU 41 performs processing related to setting of the RB lottery probability table and the RB winning symbol combination table. In step S141, the CPU 41 starts counting the number of RB game winnings and the like, and starts a process of displaying the count value on the accessory operation count display unit 20. After executing the process of step S141, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S142.

In step S <b> 142, the CPU 41 sets an RB setting command in the RAM 43. The RB setting command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an RB effect image as a screen image, and is supplied to the sub-control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

When it is determined in step S140 that the RB has not been won or when the process of step S142 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the BB has been won (step S143). If it is determined that BB has been won, the CPU 41 performs processing related to BB setting (step S144). In step S144, the CPU 41 performs processing related to setting of a BB lottery probability table, a BB winning symbol combination table, and the like. In step S144, the CPU 41 starts counting the number of times the BB game is consumed, displaying the count value on the accessory action number display unit 20, counting the number of medals paid out, and the like. Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S145.

In step S145, the CPU 41 sets a BB setting command in the RAM 43. The BB setting command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image for BB as a screen image, and is supplied to the sub-control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

When it is determined in step S143 that the BB has not been won or when the process of step S145 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the RB has ended (step S146). If it is determined that the RB has ended, the CPU 41 next performs a process related to the RB setting cancellation (step S147). In step S148, the CPU 41 changes from the RB lottery probability table set in the process of step S141, the RB winning symbol combination table, or the like to the lottery probability table used for the normal gaming state (other than RB or BB). Performs processing related to setting change. Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S148.

In step S <b> 148, the CPU 41 sets an RB release command in the RAM 43. The RB release command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

If it is not determined in step S146 that the RB has ended, or if the process of step S148 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether the BB has ended (step S149). If it is determined that the BB has ended, the CPU 41 then performs a process related to the BB setting cancellation (step S150). In step S150, the CPU 41 sets the lottery probability table used for the normal gaming state (other than RB or BB) from the BB lottery table or the BB winning symbol combination table set in the process of step S144. Process related to change. Thereafter, the CPU 41 moves the process to step S151.

In step S <b> 151, the CPU 41 sets a BB release command in the RAM 43. The BB release command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.
If it is determined in step S149 that the RB has not ended, or if the process of step S151 is executed, this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of command reception processing performed in the sub control circuit.
First, in step S200, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an effect start command has been received. If it is determined that an effect start command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S210.
On the other hand, if it is determined that an effect start command has been received, in step S201, the sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the command from a plurality of types of effect patterns stored in the program ROM 208.
If the RB flag is set, the sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern for RB. If the BB flag is set, an effect pattern for BB is selected. Next, in step S202, effect pattern data, which is data indicating the effect pattern, is supplied to the display control circuit 250. After executing the process of step S202, the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an end effect command has been received. If it is determined that the end effect command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S220.
On the other hand, when determining that the end effect command has been received, in step S211, the sub CPU 206 selects an end effect pattern corresponding to the command from a plurality of types of end effect patterns stored in the program ROM 208.
Next, in step S212, end effect pattern data is supplied to the display control circuit 250. After performing the process of step S210, the process proceeds to step S220.

In step S220, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB setting command has been received. If it is determined that the RB setting command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S230. On the other hand, when determining that the RB setting command has been received, the sub CPU 206 sets the RB flag in step S221. After performing the process of step S221, the process proceeds to step S230. The RB flag is a flag that is set when the RB starts and cleared when the RB ends.

In step S230, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a BB setting command has been received. If it is determined that the BB setting command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S240. On the other hand, when determining that the BB setting command is received, the sub CPU 206 sets the BB flag in step S231. The BB flag is a flag that is set when the BB starts and cleared when the BB ends.

If it is determined in step S230 that the BB setting command has not been received, or if the process of step S231 has been executed, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB release command has been received (step S240). If it is determined that the RB release command has been received, the RB flag is cleared (step S241).

If it is determined in step S240 that an RB release command has not been received, or if the process of step S241 has been executed, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a BB release command has been received (step S250). If it is determined that the BB release command has not been received, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the BB release command has been received, the BB flag is cleared (step S251), and this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of display control processing performed in the display control circuit.
The VDP 212 generates a screen image corresponding to various data supplied from the sub CPU 206.
When the VDP 212 does not receive the production pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: NO), the VDP 212 extracts the demo image from the image data ROM 216 and stores it in the buffer (step S301).

The VDP 212 receives the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: YES). When the VDP 212 does not receive the end effect pattern data (step S304: NO), the effect image is extracted from the image data ROM 216. And stored in the buffer (step S305).

The VDP 212 receives the effect pattern data supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: YES). When the end effect pattern data is supplied (step S304: YES), the VDP 212 extracts the effect image at the end from the image data ROM 216. And stored in the buffer (step S306).
After executing the processing of step S301, S305, or S306, the VDP 212 outputs a screen image to the liquid crystal display device 5 at every predetermined timing (for example, every 1/30 seconds) (step S308).

Thereafter, when the effect has not ended (step S310: NO), the process returns to step S300. On the other hand, when the effect is finished (step S310: YES), the pattern data is cleared (step S311), and the process returns to step S300.

As described above, according to the pachislot gaming device 1 in the present embodiment, when the time after the rotating reel 3 starts displaying the variation of the identification information such as the symbol is 40 seconds, the automatic stop condition is satisfied and the rotation is performed. If it is determined that the reel 3 is to be automatically stopped, the variation display of the identification information is automatically stopped in a manner of stopping the loss. It is a disadvantageous action for a player to lose his game even if the stop operation is not performed, which is a disadvantageous act. Therefore, the pachislot gaming device 1 has a possibility of automatic stop. By doing so, it is possible to prompt the player to perform a stop operation before the automatic stop, and the rotation of the customer can be improved.
If automatic stop condition information is stored in association with each set value, satisfies the conditions indicated by the automatic stop condition information, and if it is determined to automatically stop the rotating reel 3, automatic stop is performed. To do. Therefore, when the player automatically stops, the player can estimate the set value of the gaming machine by estimating which condition is satisfied and automatically stopping. Disclosure of the set value does not directly affect the game but serves as a judgment material when the game is stopped, and indirectly rescues the player. Therefore, a player who is unfamiliar with the game can make a set value guessed on the condition that one game is abandoned, and can perform relief within a range that does not give an excessive profit.
Further, since the automatic stop is performed only when it is determined that the rotation is automatically stopped, it is possible to prevent a game from being played for the purpose of searching for the pachislot gaming apparatus 1 having a high set value.

Further, according to the pachislot gaming device 1, the automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means (CPU 41) is “Bell”. In the case where the effect performed in 1 is an effect based on “bell”, when the variation display of the identification information is automatically stopped, the pachislot gaming apparatus 1 sets the set value corresponding to the condition (“1” in the present embodiment). The player can know that it is.
Further, according to the pachislot gaming device 1, the automatic stop condition information includes a condition that the stop signal output from the reel stop signal circuit 56 is a signal corresponding to the “left” identification information among the three pieces of identification information. Therefore, when the change display of the identification information is automatically stopped when the stop signal corresponding to the “left” identification information is output (when the rotating reel 3L is stopped), the pachislot gaming device 1 The player can know that the set value corresponds to the condition.
Further, according to the pachislot gaming device 1, since the automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that the operation amount input from the start lever 6 is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount, the start lever 6 is operated more than the predetermined amount. In this case, when the variation display of the identification information is automatically stopped, the player can know that the pachislot gaming apparatus 1 has a set value corresponding to the condition.
Further, according to the pachislot gaming apparatus 1, since the automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that the operation amount input from the stop button 7 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the stop button 7 is operated more than a predetermined amount. In this case, when the variation display of the identification information is automatically stopped, the player can know that the pachislot gaming device 1 has a set value corresponding to the condition.

In the present embodiment, the case where six automatic stop condition information (see FIG. 10) is stored has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to six and may be a plurality. The automatic stop condition information in the present invention includes, for example, information indicating a condition that the stop button is operated in the order of “left” and “middle”, and the amount of operation of the BET button. The information etc. which show the conditions that it is more than fixed_quantity can be mentioned.
Further, the automatic stop rate indicated by the probability information in the present invention is not limited to that shown in FIG. 14 and can be set as appropriate.
In the present embodiment, the case where the predetermined winning combination in the present invention is “bell” has been described, but it may be, for example, BB, and is not particularly limited.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the time measurement of the rotation of the rotary reel 3 and the time measurement related to the setting of the automatic stop flag are performed separately is described. However, in the present invention, these time measurements are the same. It may be performed by a timer.

In the present invention, it is good also as composition which notifies beforehand that a reel (fluctuation display of identification information) stops automatically by sound or a display until it stops automatically. With this configuration, the automatic stop executed after the notification is not caused by a mechanical failure of the reel or the like or an electrical failure of the reel drive circuit or the like, but by performing some processing. This is because the player can understand that it has occurred. In addition, by making it possible for the player to perform such an understanding, it is possible for the player to look back on the operation up to the notification and analyze what operation will be automatically stopped at a relatively early stage. Because it becomes.

In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot gaming apparatus has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines (for example, a pachinko gaming apparatus, a slot machine, etc.).

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit and the like can be appropriately changed. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

It is a perspective view showing typically an example of a pachislot gaming device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a start lever provided in the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the operation amount of a start lever, and reflected light. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the liquid crystal display device with which the pachislot gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is provided. FIG. 6 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 5. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub control circuit shown in FIG. 7. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the automatic stop condition determination process performed in a main control circuit. It is a figure which shows an example of an automatic stop condition determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the time measuring process A performed in a main control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the time measuring process B performed in a main control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process performed in a main control circuit. It is a figure which shows an example of an automatic stop lottery probability determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the command reception process performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the display control process performed in a display control circuit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachislot gaming device 2 Case 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) Rotating reel 5 Liquid crystal display device 6 Start lever 6S Start switch 7 (7L, 7C, 7R) Stop button 34 Transparent liquid crystal panel 36 Reflective film 41 CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
56 Reel stop signal circuit 82 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU
208 Program ROM
210 Work RAM

Claims (5)

A game start command means for outputting a game start command signal to start a game in response to an operation by the player;
Fluctuation display means for variably displaying the identification information based on detecting the game start command signal output from the game start command means;
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;
Clocking means for timing the time since the fluctuation display means started the fluctuation display of the identification information;
A setting means for setting the probability of winning the winning combination step by step;
Automatic stop condition storage means for storing automatic stop condition information indicating a condition for automatically stopping the variation display of the identification information in association with each set value indicating a stage set by the setting means;
Probability information storage means for storing probability information that is determined so that the probability of automatically stopping the variation display of the identification information differs for each set value;
Determining means for determining whether to automatically stop the variation display of the identification information based on the set value and the probability information;
A stop command means for outputting a stop command signal for stopping the change display of the identification information in response to an operation by the player;
All the identification information to be displayed in a variable manner is not stopped and displayed by the stop command signal output from the stop command means, and when the time counted by the time measuring means reaches a predetermined time, the automatic stop condition is set. Satisfying, and when the determination means has determined to automatically stop the fluctuation display of the identification information, the automatic stop means to stop the fluctuation display of the identification information in a stop manner of losing A gaming machine characterized by 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is a predetermined winning combination. The automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that a stop command signal output from the stop command means is a signal corresponding to predetermined identification information among a plurality of identification information. Item 3. A gaming machine according to item 1 or 2. In accordance with an operation by the player, a game start input means for receiving an operation input for starting a game is provided,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that an operation amount input from the game start input means is a predetermined amount or more. . In response to an operation by the player, a stop input means for receiving an operation input for stopping the variation display of the identification information is provided,
5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the automatic stop condition information includes information indicating a condition that an operation amount input from the stop input unit is a predetermined amount or more.

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