JP2007325860A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To diversify performances by the display of the number of credits. <P>SOLUTION: The number of credits setting part 305 sets the number of displays of tokens in the number of credits display area when a token putout button is operated and the credits are put out corresponding to a game state to be a shifting destination. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that displays the number of game media stored inside a main body.

  Generally, the slot machine is configured to display the number of medals stored in the main body (so-called credit number) among medals inserted according to a medal insertion slot or paid out in accordance with a winning combination. Has been.

  In addition, the slot machine performs various effects in order to increase the expectation of transition to a special game such as a big bonus game which is a game state advantageous to the player.

  In recent years, methods have been proposed for diversifying effects by changing the aspect of effects with the number of credits as an opportunity (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2005-204881 A JP 2003-62163 A

  However, while there are things that produce an effect based on the number of credits and increase the player's expectation, there is no one that produces an effect by displaying the number of credits itself and raises the player's expectation. If the presentation is performed by displaying the number of credits itself, and the player's expectation can be enhanced, the production can be further diversified.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to produce an effect by displaying the number of credits itself and to diversify the effect.

A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a game medium slot for accepting insertion of game media, a role lottery means for lottering a role, a winning determination unit for determining a winning of a role lottered by the role lottery unit, Number of game media stored in the main body among at least one of the game media inserted from the game media slot and the game media paid out according to the combination determined by the winning determination means Game medium storage means for storing the game, display means for displaying the number of game media stored in the game medium storage means, game state control means for controlling the transition of the game state, and games stored in the main body And display information setting means for setting a display number of game media displayed on the display means when the medium is ejected outside the main body in accordance with a game state as a transfer destination.

  As described above, in the present invention, the number of credits displayed on the display means when game media stored (so-called credits) inside the main body is discharged outside the main body is determined according to the game state of the transfer destination. Therefore, it is possible to notify the player of the gaming state as the transfer destination based on the credit display number at that time. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to use the display of the number of credits itself as an effect, and it is possible to diversify the effect.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the number of game media stored in the game media storage means is equal to or greater than the set display number, the set display number is displayed on the display means. Is preferred.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the combination drawn by the combination lottery means includes a special combination, the gaming state includes a gaming state in which a special combination can be won, and the display information setting unit includes a transition destination and When the gaming state is a gaming state in which a special combination can be won, the number of game media displayed on the display means is set to a predetermined number.

  As described above, in the present invention, when the game state as the transfer destination is a game state in which a special role can be won, the display number of game media on the display means is set to a predetermined number. By referring to the number of display of game media on the display means, it is possible to grasp that the game state as the transfer destination is a game state in which a special combination can be won.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the gaming state includes a high-probability gaming state with a high winning probability for a special role and a low-probability gaming state with a low winning probability for a special role, and the display information setting means includes a transition destination When the gaming state is a high probability gaming state or a low probability gaming state, the number of game media displayed on the display means is set to a predetermined number.

  As described above, in the present invention, when the game state to be transferred is a high probability game state or a low probability game state, the display number of game media on the display means is set to a predetermined number. By referring to the display number of the game media on the display means, it is possible to notify the player whether the gaming state as the transition destination is a high probability gaming state or a low probability gaming state.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the display means displays the number of game media in a display mode different from a normal display mode when the display number of game media is set by the display information setting unit. To do.

  As described above, in the present invention, when the display number of game media is set by the display information setting means, the number of game media is displayed in a display mode different from the normal display mode. Visibility can be improved. Further, the player can easily grasp whether the game state is the normal game state or the other game state based on the display state of the number of credits.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to produce an effect by displaying the number of credits itself and to diversify the effect.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments to which the invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First, a slot machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

(Slot machine 10)
An effect display device 40 having a display function is provided on the front surface portion of the housing of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, and the effect display device 40 is provided with one transparent display window 21. The effect display device 40 having a display function is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays images for various effects and information necessary for games. For example, a credit number display area 32 is provided in the lower left portion of the effect display device 40 toward the slot machine 10, and the number of true medals credited is displayed, or a medal payout button 35 described later is displayed. When operated, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, the number of false medals on the effect is displayed. Above the credit amount display area 32, the number of bets displayed between 1 and 3 for the number of medals inserted by operating a bet switch 43a or 43b, which will be described later, or inserted through the medal insertion slot 23. A display area 32 is provided. A payout number display area 34 is provided at the lower right portion of the effect display device 40 toward the slot machine 10. The payout number display area 34 displays the number of medals to be paid out by winning a winning combination. Further, in the effect display device 40, the front portion of the display window 21 is not provided with a liquid crystal for displaying an image or a circuit for controlling the liquid crystal, and remains transparent.

  On the other hand, three reel (rotating drum) groups 31 are arranged inside the housing and behind the display window 21. A left reel 31L, a middle reel 31C, and a right reel 31R are arranged from the left as viewed from the player. In the following description, the reel group 31 indicates the three reels described above. The reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are ring-shaped bodies, and a reel tape on which a plurality of winning symbols (designs constituting a winning combination) are printed is affixed to the outer peripheral surface thereof. For example, 21 types of symbols are arranged at equal intervals on one reel. However, the arrangement of symbols differs for each reel. From the inside of the display window 21, three symbols (circles shown on the reel group 31 in FIG. 1) that are continuous in the vertical direction of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R can be seen.

  A stepping motor (not shown) is connected to the center of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, and the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are rotated by driving the stepping motor. Therefore, from the standpoint of the player, the symbols of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R appear to move up and down within the display window 21. Further, a back lamp (not shown) is provided inside the reels 31L, 31C and 31R. Three back lamps are arranged for each reel, and are arranged inside the reels 31L, 31C and 31R so as to correspond to each of nine symbols in total that can be seen from the display window 21 when the reels are stopped. ing. The reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are made of a light-transmitting material, and are configured so that the symbols attached to the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are illuminated when the back lamp is turned on.

  The dotted line on the display window 21 of the effect display device 40 indicates the effective line group 22 including the effective lines 22a, 22b and 22c. The effective line group 22 includes a horizontal effective line 22a in the horizontal direction, two effective lines 22b in the upper and lower horizontal directions, and two effective lines 22c in the diagonally downward and leftward directions. ing. The symbols attached to the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are spaced so that all nine symbols visible from the display window 21 are positioned on these effective line groups 22 when the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are stopped. Is arranged in.

  A medal insertion slot 23 is provided on the lower right side of the effect display device 40. When a player inserts a medal from here, one of the effective lines 22a, 22b and 22c is selected according to the number of inserted medals. Thru 3 lines are valid. When the number of inserted medals is one, one effective line 22a is effective. When two medals are inserted, three horizontal effective lines 22a and 22b are effective. In total, the five effective lines 22a to 22c including the two effective lines 22c become effective. This control is performed by a later-described main CPU (central processing unit) 51 (see FIG. 2). For example, when three medals are inserted, if a combination of specific symbols is stopped on at least one effective line 22a to 22c when the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, the combination depends on the combination. I won the winning role.

  In addition, various operation switches that are operated by the player to advance the game are provided on the front surface of the housing. For example, in this embodiment, a start switch 41, a stop switch group 42, and a bet switch group 43 are provided. Furthermore, a speaker 71 is provided at the lower part of the effect display device 40 (in the vicinity of the medal payout opening).

  The start switch 41 is a switch, for example, a lever, that is operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. The stop switch group 42 includes a left stop switch 42L that is operated when stopping the left reel 31L, a middle stop switch 42C that is operated when stopping the middle reel 31C, and a right stop that is operated when stopping the right reel 31R. Switch 42R. These stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R are juxtaposed as buttons, for example.

  The bet switch group 43 is a switch group for designating the number of bets (the number of bets) when a player inserts a medal in a credit. The bet switch group 43 includes a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a and a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b. It is configured. These bet switches 43a and 43b are also arranged as buttons, for example. Each time the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a is operated, the bet number is switched between 1 and 2, and when the MAX bet switch 43b is operated, the bet number becomes 3.

  In the slot machine 10, in the normal game, when the player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 23 or operates the bet switch group 43, the effective lines 22a to 22c are activated according to the number of bets. Further, when the player operates the start switch 41, a lottery for a combination is performed and the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R start to rotate. When the player operates the stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R, the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R stops according to the operated button, and the activated effective line group 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as effective line). When a combination of symbols arranged in the upper line matches a predetermined combination of symbols of a combination, a prize is awarded, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination. However, when the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R is stopped, control based on the lottery result of the winning combination is performed.

  Further, during the game (game), various effects such as lighting of the back lamp, image display using the effect display device 40, output of sound from the speaker 71, and the like are performed. Further, as such an effect, a notification effect of the possibility of winning a role may be performed.

  Above the effect display device 40, a credit number display part 36 and a payout number display part 37 are arranged. The credit amount display unit 36 displays the number of medals that have been credited. The number-of-payout display unit 37 displays the number of medals to be paid out by winning a winning combination. That is, in the credit number display area 32 and the credit number display unit 36, the same number of medals is displayed within a range that satisfies the upper limit set according to the current gaming state. On the other hand, in the payout number display area 34 and the payout number display portion 37, the same medal number is always displayed. Further, on the left side of the start switch 41, a medal payout button 35 for paying out all credited medals is provided.

Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Inside the casing of the slot machine 10, a main control board 50, a sub control board 60, a reel board 11, a central display board 12, and a power supply board 13 connected to the main control board 50 are arranged. Here, the main control board 50 controls the reel board 11, the central display board 12, and the power supply board 13 to perform game control (operation control during the game) of the slot machine 10. The effect control (control of effect display, sound, etc.) according to the game control of the control board 50 is performed.

(Main control board 50)
The main control board 50 is provided with a main CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 54, which are connected to each other via a bus 55.

  The main CPU 51 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. The main CPU 51 reads out programs, data, and the like stored in the ROM 52, and controls the entire slot machine 10 based on these.

  The ROM 52 stores a program, data, and the like necessary for processing shown in FIG. 6 described later and other game controls in the main CPU 51. The RAM 53 is used when the main CPU 51 performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 54 performs timing control and the like when signals are transmitted and received between the main control board 50, the sub control board 60, the reel board 11, the central display board 12, and the power supply board 13. . However, transmission of signals from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60 is performed between the main control board 50 and the sub control board 60, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50 is not performed. Not done.

(Sub-control board 60)
The sub control board 60 is provided with a sub CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, image control processor 64, image data ROM 65, video RAM 66, tone generator circuit 67, amplifier 68 and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 69. The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, image control processor 64, sound source circuit 67 and I / F circuit 69 are connected to each other via a bus 70. The image data ROM 65 and the video RAM 66 are connected to an image control processor 64, and the amplifier 68 is connected to a sound source circuit 67.

  The sub CPU 61 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes) and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 61 reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 62, and controls the sub control board 60 as a whole, particularly controls the effects for the player. Note that there are no restrictions on the processing capability or development language of the sub CPU 61.

  The ROM 62 stores a program, data, and the like necessary for processing shown in FIG. 7 described later and other effects during the game in the sub CPU 61. The RAM 63 is used when the sub CPU 61 performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, and RAM 63 have the same functions as the main CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 provided on the main control board 50, respectively. The ROM 62 and RAM 63 may be of the same standard as the ROM 52 and RAM 53, respectively, but those having a larger storage capacity may be used.

  The effect display device 40 is connected to the image control processor 64. The image data ROM 65 stores data relating to objects displayed on the effect display device 40, background data, and the like. The video RAM 66 is used when the image control processor 64 creates an image to be displayed on the effect display device 40, and image data to be displayed is developed in the video RAM 66 based on data read from the image data ROM 65. The

  In addition, the image control processor 64 in the present embodiment has a function of performing image processing for displaying a virtual three-dimensional image in real time. If necessary, the image control processor 64 may be configured to include a plurality of dedicated semiconductor circuits (LSIs) that perform image processing for displaying a three-dimensional image in real time. In this embodiment, the function of performing image processing for displaying a three-dimensional image in real time is realized by the cooperation of the image control processor 64 and the sub CPU 61. However, as another embodiment, The function may be realized by the control processor 64 alone.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a speaker 71, the above-described back lamp, and the like are provided in addition to the effect display device 40 as effect peripheral devices. The speaker 71 is connected to the amplifier 68. These effect peripheral devices output effects during the game (such as a notification effect of the possibility of winning a role), and are connected only to the sub-control board 60 and connected to the main control board 50. Not.

  The I / F circuit 69 performs timing control and the like when receiving a signal from the main control board 50. As described above, the signal is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60, but the signal is not transmitted from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

(Reel board 11)
A stepping motor (not shown) for driving the left reel 31L, the middle reel 31C, and the right reel 31R is connected to the reel substrate 11. Control of the operations of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R is performed by an instruction from the main CPU 51 via the reel substrate 11.

(Central display board 12)
The central display board 12 is attached to the central part on the back side of the effect display device 40, for example. The central display board 12 includes a credit number display section 36, a selector 81, a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a, a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b, a start switch (lever) 41, a left stop switch (button) 42L, A stop switch (button) 42C, a right stop switch (button) 42R, a setting display section 82, a setting change switch 83, and a medal payout button 35 are connected.

  The selector 81 identifies whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 is a regular one, and removes an illegal medal. The setting display unit 82 is arranged so as to be seen from the back side of the front door, and displays settings related to the lottery and payout (for example, settings 1 to 6). The setting change switch 83 is a switch operated when changing a lottery combination or a setting related to payout. The other components connected to the central display substrate 12 in FIG. 2 are the same as those having the same reference numerals shown in FIG.

(Power supply board 13)
A setting change enabling switch 91, a power switch 92, a hopper device 93, and a power device 94 are connected to the power device board 13. The setting change enable switch 91 is a switch that is operated when a setting change using the setting change switch 83 is enabled. That is, the setting change using the setting change switch 83 can be performed only when the setting change enable switch 91 is in the ON state. The power switch 92 is a switch for switching the power supply device 94 on / off. The hopper device 93 is a device for storing and paying out medals, and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the stored medals to the player based on an instruction from the main CPU 51 via the power supply device board 13. .

  Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 50 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the main control board 50. In the present embodiment, for example, the following units 101, 103, 106, 107, 108, and 109 are configured from programs recorded in the main CPU 51 and the ROM 52. For example, the following flag information storage unit 105 and credits are stored in the RAM 53, for example. A number storage unit 110 is provided. For example, the ROM 52 stores data of the following lottery table 102.

(Role lottery section 103)
The role lottery unit 103 draws a role (special role, small role, replay, etc.). Here, the special combination is a combination that is a game different from the normal game and is shifted to a plurality of special games advantageous to the player. A small role is a role of paying out to a player a number of medals according to the type of the small role. Replay is a role that gives a player the right to replay while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the previous game.

  Further, the role lottery unit 103 obtains one random number after generating a random number internally for each player, refers to the lottery table 102 stored in the ROM 52, and based on the area to which the obtained random number belongs. The presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination are determined.

  That is, the role lottery unit 103 generates random numbers in a predetermined area (0 to 65535 in decimal notation), for example, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the start switch 41 is operated, Get the numeric value. In the lottery table 102, a special role winning area, a small role winning area, a replay winning area, a non-winning (losing) area, and the like are set at a predetermined ratio with respect to random numbers that can be acquired by the role lottery unit 103. ing.

  Then, the combination lottery unit 103 compares the acquired random number value with the lottery table 102 to determine an area to which the random value belongs, and determines a combination corresponding to the area to which the random value belongs. For example, when the extracted random number value belongs to the special combination winning area, it is determined that the special combination is won, and when it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be lost. If any combination is won, the flag for the combination is turned on.

  Note that the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of gaming states. Specifically, a gaming state in which a special role is won and a special role can be won, a high-probability gaming state in which the special role is highly likely to win (so-called heaven mode), and a special role winning probability is low. Including a low probability gaming state (so-called hell mode). The role lottery unit 103 refers to different lottery tables for the high-probability gaming state and the low-probability gaming state, and the lottery table referred to in the high-probability gaming state has a wide selection area for special roles. The lottery table referred to in the probability gaming state has a special area winning area set narrower than the lottery table referred to in the high probability gaming state. The transition control of the gaming state between the plurality of gaming states and the control of the gaming state as the transition destination are performed by the control unit 101 described later.

(Control unit 101)
The control unit 101 controls the operation timing of the combination lottery unit 103, a reel control unit 106 and a winning determination unit 107, which will be described later. For example, on the condition that the start switch 41 is operated, the control unit 101 causes the combination lottery unit 103 to perform combination lottery, causes the reel control unit 106 to start the rotation of the reel group 31, and the stop switch. The reel control unit 106 performs stop control of the reel group 31 on the condition that the group 42 has been operated, and further causes the winning determination unit 107 to perform a prize determination on the condition that the reel group 31 has stopped.

  In addition, the control unit 101 determines the number of acquired medals corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining unit 107 and the number of medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 23 and the selector 81, and the number of medals is described later. The credit number stored in the credit number storage unit 110 is added to the credit number stored in the credit number storage unit 110 to update the credit number in the credit number storage unit 110. On the other hand, the control unit 101 determines the number of medals inserted by operating the bet switch 43, subtracts the number of credits stored in the credit number storage unit 110 by the number of medals, and the credit number storage unit 110 Update the number of credits in When the medal payout button 35 is operated and all credited medals are paid out, the credit number stored in the credit number storage unit 110 is updated to “0”. Here, the number of credits is the number of medals that have not been paid out from the slot machine 10 among medals inserted through the medal slot 23 or earned by winning a winning combination. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of medals that can be credited is 50.

  The credit number stored in the credit number storage unit 110 is displayed on the credit number display unit 36 and transmitted to the sub control board 60 under the control of the control unit 101. Furthermore, when the control of the gaming state described above is performed, the control unit 101 transmits information for notifying the gaming state that is the transition destination to the sub-control board 60. The control unit 101 also transmits operation information indicating whether or not the medal payout button 35 is operated to the sub-control board 60. The operation of the control unit 101 is not limited to these.

(Flag information storage unit 105)
The flag information storage unit 105 stores the type of the winning combination and the fact that the flag is turned on when a flag for any combination is turned on by the lottery result of the combination lottery unit 103.

(Reel control unit 106)
The reel control unit 106 controls rotation and stop of the reel group 31 (reels 31L, 31C, and 31R) based on an instruction from the control unit 101. More specifically, the reel control unit 106 has a gaming state (for example, a high-probability gaming state, a low-probability gaming state, a gaming state in which a special role can be won, a special gaming state, etc.), a result of a lottery by the role lottery unit 103, In addition, the stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are determined based on the operation timing of the stop switch group 42 (stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R), and the driving of the stepping motor is controlled and determined. The rotation of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R is stopped at the position.

  For example, as a result of the lottery by the part lottery unit 103, when no part is won, the reels 31L, 31C, and 31C are arranged so as not to stop the combination of symbols of any part on the activated effective line. A stop position of 31R is determined. On the other hand, when any combination is won, the stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are determined so that the combination of symbols of the winning combination is stopped on the activated effective line.

  In particular, when the special combination is won in the game, the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are within the range of the stop control so that the combination of the special combination symbols is stopped on the active line that is enabled ( For example, within 4 symbols), pull-in control is performed so that the symbols related to special roles are aligned as much as possible. However, even if the special combination is won, when the small combination or replay is selected, the reels 31L, 31C, and 31C, so that the combination of the special combination symbols does not stop on the activated active line. A stop position of 31R is determined. Such control when stopping the reels 31L, 31C and 31R may be performed using a reel control table.

(Winning determination unit 107)
The winning determination unit 107 determines whether or not a combination of symbols in the active line group 22 is arranged in any of the active lines that are active, and if there is an in-line combination, It is determined that the prize has been won. At this time, the winning determination unit 107 determines, for example, the symbol positioned on the effective line by detecting the angle, the number of steps, or the like when the stepping motor is stopped, and based on this, determines the presence / absence of a winning combination. . When a table is used for control when stopping the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, the winning determination unit 107 does not determine the combination of symbols after the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R actually stop. Alternatively, when the reel control unit 106 determines the stop position of the reel group 31 using a table, the combination of symbols that stop on the effective line may be determined.

(Special game control unit 108)
As a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 107, the special game control unit 108 controls the special game from the next game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. For example, the special game control unit 108 causes the reel control unit 106 to perform reel control for special games according to the lottery result of the role lottery unit 103 during the special game, or causes the sub control board 60 to perform special game effects. Or let it be done.

(Payout control unit 109)
The payout control unit 109 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 107.

  Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 60 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sub control board 60. In the present embodiment, for example, the effect pattern selection unit 201 is configured from programs recorded in the sub CPU 61 and the ROM 62, and the programs recorded in the sub CPU 61 and the ROM 62, and the image control processor 64 and the image data ROM 65. The effect control unit 202 is composed of programs recorded in the above.

(Production pattern selection unit 201)
The effect pattern selection unit 201 selects an effect pattern according to the gaming state. Specifically, the effect pattern selection unit 201 receives a signal from the role lottery unit 103 of the main control board 50 and selects an effect pattern according to the winning combination or the like, or a winning determination unit 107 of the main control board 50. Further, in response to a signal from the special role game control unit 108, an effect pattern corresponding to a winning combination or a gaming state is selected.

(Production control unit 202)
The effect control unit 202 controls the effect based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201. In other words, the effect control unit 202 generates virtual three-dimensional space image data based on the effect pattern, and displays it on the effect display device 40. In addition, the effect control unit 202 controls the sound source circuit 67 so that a sound signal is generated by the sound source circuit 67, amplified by the amplifier 68, and then output from the speaker 71.

  Further, the effect control unit 202 transmits the number of credits stored in the credit number storage unit 110 transmitted from the main control board 60, the gaming state that becomes the transition destination when the gaming state is switched, and the medal payout button 35. Receive operation information.

  Next, the configuration of the effect control unit 202 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed functional configuration of the effect control unit 202.

  The effect control unit 202 includes an image control unit 301, a sound control unit 302, an object information storage unit 303, an image data generation unit 304, a credit number setting unit 305, and a display control unit 306.

(Image control unit 301)
The image control unit 301 controls a later-described image data generation unit 304 so as to generate image data corresponding to the production pattern selected by the production pattern selection unit 201.

(Sound controller 302)
The sound control unit 302 controls the sound source circuit 67 so as to generate a sound corresponding to the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201.

(Object information storage unit 303)
The object information storage unit 303 includes object data for configuring each object in the virtual three-dimensional space generated by the image data generation unit 304, attribute information and motion information of each object, a viewpoint for the three-dimensional space, In addition to storing information relating to the light source, background image information, and the like, two-dimensional image data for displaying the credit amount display area 32, the bet number display area 33, and the payout number display area 34 are stored.

(Image data generation unit 304)
The image data generation unit 304 reads out necessary information from the object information storage unit 303 under the control of the image control unit 301, generates 3D image data and 2D image data to be displayed on the effect display device 40, and combines them. To do.

(Credit number setting unit 305)
The credit number setting unit 305 receives information indicating the game state of the transfer destination from the main control board 50 every time the gaming state is switched, and every time the credit number stored in the credit number storage unit 110 is updated. Is received from the main control board 50. In addition, when the medal payout button 35 is operated, the credit amount setting unit 305 receives operation information indicating that from the main control board 50.

  Upon receiving the game state of the transfer destination, the credit amount setting unit 305 sets the display number of the credit amount when the medal payout button 35 is operated corresponding to the game state. In this embodiment, the display number of credits is set to 7 in the gaming state in which the special role can be won, and the display number of credits is set to 25 in the high probability gaming state. In the gaming state, the number of displayed credits is set to 20. As other embodiments, more types of gaming states and different types of gaming states may be provided, and the number of credits corresponding to them may be set, or a gaming state in which a special role can be won The number of credits may be set for only a part of the high probability gaming state and the low probability gaming state.

  When the medal payout button 35 is operated, the credit amount setting unit 305 compares the set number of displayed credits with the credit number immediately before the medal payout button 35 operation, and immediately before the medal payout button 35 is operated. If the number of credits is less than the set number of displayed credits, the number of displayed credits in the credit number display area 32 is set to be finally zero, and the image data generating unit 304 is set. Instruct. On the other hand, if the number of credits immediately before the operation of the medal payout button 35 is equal to or larger than the set number of displayed credits, the number of displayed credits in the credit number display area 32 is finally set to the displayed number. To the image data generation unit 304.

  The image data generation unit 304 generates image data corresponding to the credit number display area 32 based on the output from the credit number setting unit 305. That is, when an instruction is received from the credit amount setting unit 305 so that the display number of the credit number finally becomes zero, the credit number display area 32 counts down from the credit number immediately before the operation of the medal payout button 35. Thus, image data that finally displays 0 is generated. In addition, when an instruction is received from the credit amount setting unit 305 so that the display number of the credit amount becomes the finally set display number, the credit immediately before the operation of the medal payout button 35 is displayed in the credit amount display area 32. Image data is generated that counts down from the number and displays the finally set display number.

(Display control unit 306)
The display control unit 306 controls the image data generated by the image data generation unit 304 to be displayed on the effect display device 40.

  Next, the operation of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control by the main control board 50, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control by the sub control board 60.

  In FIG. 6, when a player inserts a medal and the start switch 41 is operated, the control unit 101 detects that the start switch 41 is turned on, and the combination lottery unit 103 performs a combination lottery process. (Step S101 / YES, Step S102). On the other hand, when the start switch 41 is not operated by the player and the control unit 101 cannot detect that the start switch 41 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S101 until it is detected that the start switch 41 is turned on. Repeat the process.

  In the combination lottery process in step S102, the combination lottery unit 103 acquires a random number and performs a combination lottery process by comparing the acquired random number with the lottery table. As a result of the lottery, if any combination is won, the flag of the combination is turned on in the flag information storage unit 105. The lottery result by the combination lottery unit 103 is transmitted as winning combination information to the sub-control board 60 via the I / F circuit 54 (step S103).

  The reel control unit 106 determines whether any one of the stop switch groups 42 has been operated (step S104). When any one of the stop switches is operated (step S104 / YES), reel control is performed so that the winning combination can be won, and the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped (step S104). S105). If no winning combination has been won in the winning lottery process in step S102 (if the winning combination has been won), the reel control unit 106 corresponds to the case where no winning combination has been won in step S105. Reel control is performed.

  Subsequently, the reel control unit 106 determines whether all the stop switches are operated and all the reels are stopped (step S106). When all the reels have not stopped yet (step S106 / NO), the processing from the detection processing of presence / absence of the stop switch operation in step S104 is repeated.

  When all the reels are stopped (step S106 / YES), the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S107). As a result, if there is any winning (step S107 / YES), a winning process corresponding to the winning combination is executed (step S108). That is, when the winning combination is a special combination, the special combination special game control unit 108 performs a transition process for executing the special game from the next game until the predetermined end condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that there is no winning (step S107 / NO), the process returns to step S101. Subsequently, during the special role game, the special game control unit 108 provides the reel control unit 106 with a reel in the special game so as to provide the player with a game state corresponding to the big bonus game or the regular bonus game as the special role. Control is performed, or the sub control board 60 is caused to perform special games. When the specified number of games of the big bonus game or the regular bonus game is finished, a process of shifting to the normal game is performed.

  If the winning combination is not a special combination, if the flag of the special combination is stored in the on state in the flag information storage unit 105, the storage state of the flag in the flag information storage unit 105 is carried over to the next game.

  When the winning combination is replay, the winning determination unit 107 causes the control unit 101 to carry a bet (the number of bets) on the game to the next game. On the other hand, when the winning combination is neither a special combination nor a replay, the payout control unit 109 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination. When the number of credits stored in the credit number storage unit 110 is updated according to the winning combination, the updated number of credits is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60.

  As described above, not only is the number of credits updated in accordance with the winning combination, but medals are paid out in accordance with the operation of the medal payout button 35, and the credit number in the credit number storage unit 110 is updated to “0”. If the medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 23 and the selector 81 and the number of credits in the credit number storage unit 110 is updated, the updated number of credits is sub-controlled from the main control board 50. It is transmitted to the substrate 60. In addition, when the game state is switched, information indicating the game state of the transfer destination is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60.

  Next, the operation of the sub control board 60 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, only the operation for displaying the number of credits in the credit amount display area 32 will be described, but other effect operations such as an operation for displaying 3D image data can be executed on the effect display device 40, for example. Of course.

  First, the credit amount setting unit 305 determines whether or not the gaming state is switched and the gaming state as the transfer destination is notified from the main control board 50 (step S701).

  When the game state as the transfer destination is notified (step S701 / YES), the credit amount setting unit 305 determines the game state as the transfer destination (step S702).

  If the game state of the transfer destination is a game state in which a special combination can be won, the credit amount setting unit 305 sets the display number of the credit amount to 7 (step S703).

  If the game state of the transfer destination is the high probability gaming state, the credit amount setting unit 305 sets the display number of the credit amount to 25 (step S704).

  If the game state of the transfer destination is the low probability game state, the credit amount setting unit 305 sets the display number of the credit amount to 20 (step S705).

  Subsequently, the credit amount setting unit 305 determines whether or not the operation information of the medal payout button 35 has been received from the main control board 50 (step S706).

  When the operation information of the medal payout button 35 is received, that is, when the medal payout button 35 is operated (step S706 / YES), the credit amount setting unit 305 displays the credit number immediately before the operation of the medal payout button 35, The currently displayed number of credits is compared (step S707).

  If the number of credits immediately before the operation of the medal payout button 35 is less than the set number of displayed credits (step S707 / NO), the number of displayed credits in the credit number display area 32 is finally 0. The image data generation unit 34 is instructed. In the credit amount display area 32, the image data generation unit 304 generates image data that counts down from the credit amount immediately before the medal payout button 35 is operated and finally displays 0 (step S709). Thus, when the medal payout button 35 is operated and all credited medals are paid out, the credit number display area 32 counts down from the credit number immediately before the medal payout button 35 is operated and finally becomes 0. Will be displayed.

  On the other hand, if the number of credits immediately before the operation of the medal payout button 35 is equal to or larger than the set number of displayed credits (step S707 / YES), the number of displayed credits in the credit number display area 32 is finally set. The image data generation unit 304 is instructed to set the number to be displayed. In the credit amount display area 32, the image data generation unit 304 generates image data that displays the display number that is finally set after being counted down from the credit amount immediately before the operation of the medal payout button 35 (step S708). ). As a result, when the medal payout button 35 is operated and all credited medals are paid out, the credit number display area 32 is counted down from the credit number immediately before the medal payout button 35 is operated, and finally the current An image corresponding to the set display number is displayed.

  When the operation information of the medal payout button 35 is not received (step S706 / NO), the credit number setting unit 305 generates an image data generation unit so as to generate image data for displaying the current credit number. Instruct to 304. Thereby, the image data generation unit 304 generates image data that displays the current credit number in the credit number display area 32 (step S710).

  If it is determined in step S701 that the gaming state has not been switched and the gaming state as the transfer destination has not been notified (step S701 / NO), the setting value for the number of displayed credits is The processing of steps S706 and S710, steps S706, S707 and S708, or steps S706, S707 and S709 is executed without being changed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the medal payout button 35 is operated and a credited medal is paid out, the display number of the credit number in the credit number display area 32 is set as the game state of the transfer destination. It is configured to set according to. Accordingly, the player operates the medal payout button 35 to display the number of credits displayed in the credit amount display area 32 (7 in the gaming state in which a special role can be won, 25 in the high probability gaming state, It is possible to notify the player of the gaming state that is the transfer destination by referring to 20 in the probability gaming state. That is, when the display number of the credit number is 7, the gaming state in which the special role can be won, and when the display number of the credit number is 25, the high probability gaming state and the display number of the credit number are In the case of 20 cards, it is notified that the low probability gaming state becomes the transition destination. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the display of the number of credits itself can be used as an effect, and the effect can be diversified.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the credit number display area 32 when a gaming state in which a special combination can be won becomes a transition destination.

  FIG. 8A shows a state in which the current (actual) number of credits is 15 as displayed on the credit amount display unit 36 in this gaming state. On the other hand, FIG. 8B shows a state where the medal payout button 35 is operated in the state of FIG. 8A, for example.

  As described above, in the gaming state in which a special combination can be won, the number of credits displayed by the credit number setting unit 305 is seven. Since the number of credits in the state in FIG. 8A is 7 or more, when the medal payout button 35 is operated and all credited medals are paid out, the medal payout is made in the state of FIG. 8A. When the button 35 is operated, as shown in FIG. 8B, “0” is displayed on the credit display unit 36 indicating the true credit number, but the credit display area for displaying the credit number in the production is displayed. “7” is displayed in 32.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the credit number on presentation is displayed on the credit display area 32, the said credit number in the credit display area 32 is blinked and displayed, for example. Thus, in this embodiment, the display mode of the credit display area 32 is different between the state in which the number of credits for presentation is displayed and the other state (normal state). Thereby, the player can easily grasp that the credit number in the effect is displayed in the credit display area 32, and can improve the visibility of the credit number. Further, the player can easily grasp whether the game state is the normal game state or the other game state based on the display state of the number of credits.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for example, when the medal payout button 35 is operated in the state shown in FIG. 8A, and the medal is paid out, the number of display in the credit number display area 32 is set to 7 sheets. Until it becomes, the sound effect when the medal is paid out is generated, and after that, the sound effect is deleted. Thereby, the display timing of the credit number on the effect in the credit number display area 32 can be transmitted to the player by voice.

  Furthermore, as another embodiment related to the display mode of the number of credits, the gaming state as the transfer destination is determined as any of a gaming state in which a special role can be won, a high probability gaming state, and a low probability gaming state. When the display number of the credit number on the effect is set according to the game state, the subsequent display of the credit number may be set in a blinking state. For example, if the game state in which a special role can be won becomes the transition destination, and the display number of credits is set to 7 accordingly, the display of the credit number will be in a blinking state, and then the medal payout button Even if 35 is operated and the number of credits becomes seven, the flashing display state of the number of credits is maintained. However, when the transition from the gaming state to the normal gaming state is determined and the medal payout button 35 is operated, the number of credits displayed when the medals are discharged to the outside of the slot machine body is set to 0. The flashing display of the credit number is canceled and the normal display state is obtained. This blinking display may be made to blink differently depending on the gaming state as the transfer destination. Furthermore, the display is not limited to blinking, and the color of the credit number may be changed or the character font of the credit number may be changed, and various display modes can be switched.

  Note that medals stored (credited) inside the slot machine may be discharged in response to an operation of the medal payout button 35, or may be discharged in response to a predetermined effect such as a big bonus finalizing effect, for example. Even in that case, it is possible to diversify the effects by displaying the number of credits based on the number of displayed credits set by the method described above.

  The embodiment described above can be realized by a computer executing a program. The means for supplying the program to the computer may be a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM recording the program or a transmission medium such as the Internet for transmitting the program. As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been explained in full detail with reference to drawings, a concrete structure is not restricted to said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of a main control board. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of a sub control board. It is a figure which shows the detailed functional structure of an effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control by a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the control by a sub control board | substrate. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of credit amount display area | region when the game state which can win a special combination becomes a transfer destination.

Explanation of symbols

10: Slot machine 11: Reel board 12: Central display board 13: Power supply board 21: Display window 22a, 22b, 22c: Effective line 23: Medal slot 31L, 31C, 31R: Reel 32: Credit number display area 35: Medal payout button 36: Credit number display section 40: Front panel 41: Start switch 42L, 42C, 42R: Stop switch 43a, 43b: Bet switch 50: Main control board 51: Main CPU
52, 62: ROM
53, 63: RAM
54, 69: I / F circuit 60: Sub control board 67: Sound source circuit 68: Amplifier 71: Speaker 101: Control unit 102: Lottery table 103: Role lottery unit 105: Flag information storage unit 106: Reel control unit 107: Winning Determination unit 108: Special game control unit 109: Payout control unit 201: Production pattern selection unit 202: Production control unit 301: Image control unit 302: Sound control unit 303: Object information storage unit 304: Image data generation unit 305: Number of credits Setting unit 306: Display control unit

Claims (5)

A game medium slot for accepting game medium input;
Role lottery means for lottery of roles,
Winning determination means for determining the winning of the winning combination drawn by the winning lottery means;
Of at least one of the game media inserted from the game media slot and the game media paid out according to the combination determined by the winning determination means, the game media stored in the main body Game medium storage means for storing a number;
Display means for displaying the number of game media stored in the game medium storage means;
Gaming state control means for controlling the transition of the gaming state;
Display information setting means for setting a display number of game media displayed on the display means when the game media stored inside the main body is discharged to the outside of the main body according to a game state as a transfer destination. A gaming machine characterized by   2. The set display number is displayed on the display means when the number of game media stored in the game medium storage means is greater than or equal to the set display number. Game machines.   The combination drawn by the combination lottery means includes a special combination, the gaming state includes a gaming state in which a special combination can be won, and the display information setting unit wins the special combination in the gaming state as a transition destination. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein in a possible gaming state, the display number of game media displayed on the display means is set to a predetermined number.   The gaming state includes a high-probability gaming state with a high probability of winning a special role and a low-probability gaming state with a low probability of winning a special role, and the display information setting means has a high probability that the gaming state as a transition destination is a high probability The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a gaming state or a low-probability gaming state, a display number of game media displayed on the display means is set to a predetermined number. .   The display means displays the number of game media in a display mode different from a normal display mode when the display number of game media is set by the display information setting unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images