JP2008086468A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing a beginner, who is not used to a game, to perform stopping operation at appropriate timing. <P>SOLUTION: A stop button unit of the game machine includes a plurality of stop buttons 7L, 7C and 7r made of transparent materials to be operated by the player and three colored LEDs 27L, 27C and 27R disposed on the rear side of these stop buttons 7L, 7C and 7R for emitting light in red, blue and white. The game machine also has an LED driving circuit 80 for making the three colored LEDs emit light in prescribed modes for respective symbols corresponding to a determined winning combination in the period of time for operating the stop buttons 7L, 7C and 7R which can stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined by a main control circuit along a center line 8c. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  For example, a slot machine equipped with a stop button, a so-called pachislot machine, has a variable display device configured by arranging a plurality of mechanical rotating reels that display a plurality of symbols in the front display window, or a symbol on the reel on the screen. It has an electrical fluctuation display device for displaying. In response to the player's start operation, the control means drives the variable display device to rotate the reels to display the symbols in a variable manner. After a certain period of time, either automatically or by the player's stop operation, Stop rotation sequentially. At this time, when the symbols of the reels appearing in the display window become a specific combination (winning symbol), a profit is given to the player by paying out game media such as coins and medals.

  Currently, the mainstream model has a plurality of types of winning modes. In particular, when a predetermined winning combination is established, a single coin is not paid out, and the gaming state is better in condition than the normal state for a predetermined period. As such a combination, a combination that can play a game that gives a relatively large profit to the player a predetermined number of times (referred to as “Big Bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “BB”) and a relatively small profit to the player There is a role that can play a predetermined number of games (referred to as “regular bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”).

  In addition, in the current mainstream models, a combination of predetermined symbols is arranged along an activated formation line (hereinafter referred to as an “effective line”), and in order to achieve a winning in which coins, medals, etc. are paid out, A combination of symbols indicating that the winning combination of the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and the winning combination of the internal winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) is achieved by a standard lottery process (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) The player is required to perform a stop operation at an appropriate timing at which the player can stop at the active line.

  That is, in the gaming machine as described above, no matter how much internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation by the player is bad, a winning cannot be established. However, it is not easy for a beginner to perform a stop operation at such an appropriate timing because skillful techniques are required.

Therefore, in order to assist such a player's operation of the stop button, a gaming machine having a reel backlight that illuminates a specific symbol from the inside of the reel among a plurality of types of symbols provided on the outer peripheral surface has been proposed. (See Patent Document 1). According to this gaming machine, it is possible to prompt the player to perform a stop operation by illuminating a specific symbol with the reel backlight.
JP 2004-167018 A

  However, in such a gaming machine, it is possible to urge the player to operate the stop button at an appropriate timing by illuminating a specific symbol to make it stand out, but stop according to the reel that rotates at high speed. Manipulating the buttons was still not easy for beginners unfamiliar with games.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can perform a stop operation at an appropriate timing even for a beginner unfamiliar with gaming.

  The present invention provides the following.

  (1) Symbol display means (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which will be described later) for displaying a plurality of types of symbols (for example, symbols 121 to 127, which will be described later) necessary for the game, and start operation means that can be operated by the player (For example, a start lever 6 described later), a game start command means (for example, a start switch 6S described later) for outputting a game start command signal in response to an operation of the start operation means by a player, and the game start command means On the condition that the game start command signal output from is detected, the symbol change means for changing the symbol displayed by the symbol display means (for example, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described later, motor drive circuit 39, And the main control circuit 71) and the winning combination determination for determining the winning combination on the condition that the game start command signal output from the game start command means is detected. Stages (for example, step S6 and main control circuit 71 in FIG. 16 to be described later), stop operating means (for example, stop button unit 24 to be described later) operable by the player, and operation of the stop operating means by the player In response to this, a stop signal output means (for example, a reel stop signal circuit 46 described later) for outputting a stop command signal for instructing a stop of symbol fluctuation performed by the symbol fluctuation means, and the stop signal output means. Stop control means (for example, a main control circuit 71 to be described later) for stopping and controlling the variation of the symbol performed by the symbol variation means based on the winning signal determined by the winning combination determination means. A gaming machine (for example, a gaming machine 1 to be described later), wherein the stop operation means is formed of a light-transmitting material and can be operated by a player (for example, a stop to be described later). Buttons 7L, 7C, 7R) and light emitting means (for example, three-color LEDs 27L, 27C described later) provided on the back side of the plurality of stop operation units and capable of emitting light in a plurality of modes (for example, red, blue, white described later). , 27R), and a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means (for example, red 7RB and blue 7RB described later) is a predetermined line (for example, center line 8c described later) In the period of operation of the stop operation unit that can be stopped along the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross-up line 8a, and the cross-down line 8e) (for example, the number of sliding frames described later), Light emission control means for causing the light emission means to emit light in a predetermined manner for each symbol corresponding to the determined winning combination (for example, an LED drive circuit 80, which will be described later, 0A, the main control circuit 71, the gaming machine characterized by comprising a sub-control circuit 72A).

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), the stop operation means for the player to perform the stop operation is provided on the back side of the stop operation unit formed of a translucent material and operable by the player. And a light emitting means capable of emitting light in a plurality of modes. Thereby, the stop operation part which a player operates can be light-emitted in a some aspect.

Furthermore, the above-described light emitting means is determined within the period of the operation time of the stop operation unit capable of stopping the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means along a predetermined line. A light emission control means for emitting light in a manner corresponding to each winning combination is provided.
Thereby, when the winning combination is determined, the stop operation unit emits light at a timing at which the combination of symbols corresponding to the determined winning combination can be stopped along the line. Therefore, the player can stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination on the line by operating at the timing when the stop operation unit emits light.
Here, in particular, the player pays attention to the stop operation unit that he / she operates, and operates at the timing when the stop operation unit emits light. It can be performed. That is, even a beginner unfamiliar with a game can perform a stop operation at an appropriate timing.

  Here, the light emission means is controlled to emit light in a predetermined manner for each symbol corresponding to the determined winning combination by the light emission control means. Therefore, the player can aim at the symbol to be stopped by identifying the difference in the light emission mode of the button, and can perform a stop operation at an appropriate timing for stopping the symbol.

  (2) In the gaming machine described in (1), the light emitting means can emit light in a plurality of colors (for example, red and blue described later) predetermined for each symbol corresponding to the winning combination. A gaming machine characterized by

  (2) According to the gaming machine described in the above, since the button operated by the player emits light in a color corresponding to the symbol, the player determines the difference in the light emission mode of the different buttons depending on the symbol corresponding to the winning combination. Easy to identify.

  (3) In the gaming machine according to (1) or (2), the light emission control means can stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the determined winning combination along a predetermined line. A gaming machine characterized in that a period during which the light emitting means emits light within a period of operation time of the operation unit can be adjusted.

  According to the gaming machine described in (3), the time during which the light emitting means emits light can be shortened or lengthened in accordance with the skill of the player. For example, when the player is a beginner, it is possible to lengthen the time for prompting the player to perform a stop operation by increasing the time during which the light emitting means emits light. Therefore, by adjusting the length of time to emit light according to the skill of the player, it can be enjoyed from beginners to advanced players.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the stop operation means for the player to perform the stop operation includes a stop operation unit formed of a light-transmitting material and operable by the player, and a plurality of stop operation units provided on the back side of the stop operation unit. And a light emitting means capable of emitting light in the mode. Thereby, the stop operation part which a player operates can be light-emitted in a some aspect. Furthermore, the above-described light emitting means is determined within the period of the operation time of the stop operation unit capable of stopping the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means along a predetermined line. A light emission control means for emitting light in a manner corresponding to each winning combination is provided. Thereby, when the winning combination is determined, the stop operation unit emits light at a timing at which the combination of symbols corresponding to the determined winning combination can be stopped along the line. Therefore, the player can stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination on the line by operating at the timing when the stop operation unit emits light. Here, in particular, the player pays attention to the stop operation unit that he / she operates, and operates at the timing when the stop operation unit emits light. It can be performed. That is, even a beginner unfamiliar with a game can perform a stop operation at an appropriate timing.

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

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called pachislot machine. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a game medium such as a card that stores information on game value given to or given to a player in addition to coins, medals, game balls, tokens, and the like. However, in the following description, medals are used.

  On the front surface of the front door 2, a panel display portion 2a, a liquid crystal display portion 2b, and a fixed display portion 2c as substantially vertical surfaces are formed (described later). In addition, behind the front door 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R as a symbol display means in which a plurality of types of symbols necessary for a game are drawn on each outer peripheral surface are provided horizontally in a row. It has been. Stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R (see FIG. 7 described later) are connected to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, so that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can rotate at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute). .

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

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

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

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

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14, there is a start lever 6 as a start operation means for rotating the reel by the player's operation and starting the symbol variation display in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R. It is rotatably attached within a predetermined angle range.

  A stop button unit 24 is provided on the right side of the start lever 6 at the center of the front portion of the pedestal portion 4 as stop operation means that can be operated by the player. The stop button unit 24 includes three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R serving as stop operation units for the player to stop the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and the three stop buttons 7L, 3C LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R as light emitting means provided on the back side of each of 7C and 7R (see FIG. 6 described later). Further, the stop button unit 24 is provided with a stop button switch (not shown) that detects a stop operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. The configuration of the stop button unit 24 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

In the embodiment, one game (unit game) basically starts when the start lever 6 is operated and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.
In this embodiment, the reel stop operation (stop button operation) performed when all the reels are rotating is the first stop operation, and the stop operation performed after the first stop operation is the second. The stop operation performed after the stop operation and the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Further, operating the left stop button 7L as the first stop operation is hereinafter referred to as forward pressing. The operation of the center or right stop button 7C, 7R as the first stop operation is hereinafter referred to as irregular pressing.

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

  The panel display unit 2a includes a bonus game information display unit 16, BET lamps 17a to 17c, a payout display unit 18, and a credit display unit 19. The bonus game information display unit 16 is composed of 7 segment LEDs and displays game information in the bonus. The 1-BET lamp 17a, the 2-BET lamp 17b, and the maximum BET lamp 17c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”).

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

  The liquid crystal display unit 2b includes symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R, and an effect display area 23. The display content of the liquid crystal display unit 2b changes according to the rotation and stop modes of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the operation of a liquid crystal display device 131 (see FIG. 3 described later).

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

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

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

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

  The effect display area 23 is an area other than the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R among the areas of the liquid crystal display unit 2b. The effect display area 23 displays an image (for example, a notification lamp) that clearly notifies that a bonus can be established, an effect for increasing the fun of the game, and for the player to advance the game advantageously. Displays necessary information.

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

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

  This LED lamp illuminates the rear surface side of the reel sheet mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with white light. In more detail, the area | region corresponding to the above-mentioned symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R is illuminated. This reel sheet is configured to have translucency, and light emitted from the LED lamp is transmitted to the front side.

  Further, the left reel 3L includes a cylindrical frame structure formed by connecting two annular frames having the same shape with a plurality of connecting members separated by a predetermined interval (for example, reel width), and the structure of the frame structure. It is comprised with the transmission member which transmits the driving force of the stepping motor 49L provided in the center part to an annular frame. A reel sheet is mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the left reel 3L.

  The circuit board for LED storage disposed inside the reel 3L includes three LED storage portions for storing a plurality of LED lamps. The LED storage circuit board is installed such that the LED storage portion is located on the back side of each of the symbols (total of three symbols) that the player can visually recognize through the symbol display area 21L. Although the center reel 3C and the right reel 3R are not shown, they have the same structure as the left reel 3L shown in the figure, and an LED housing circuit board is provided inside each.

  Next, the transmissive liquid crystal display device 131 will be described. The liquid crystal display device 131 includes a protective glass 132, a display plate 133, a liquid crystal panel 134, a light guide plate 135, a reflective film 136, and a white light source (for example, light of all wavelengths is included at a ratio where a specific color is not conspicuous in human eyes). Fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b, lamp holders 139a to 139h, a table carrier package on which an IC for driving a liquid crystal panel is mounted, and a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the liquid crystal panel 134 Composed.

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

  The protective glass 132 and the display board 133 are comprised with the translucent member. The protective glass 132 is provided for the purpose of protecting the liquid crystal panel 134. In the display board 133, a figure, a picture, etc. are drawn in the area | region corresponding to the above-mentioned panel display part 2a and the fixed display part 2c (refer FIG. 2).

  Here, in FIG. 3, the above-mentioned various display units (bonus game information display unit 16, payout display unit 18, credit display unit 19 and the like) arranged on the back side of the area of the display board 133 corresponding to the panel display unit 2a, and Illustration of an electric circuit for operating the BET lamps 17a to 17c is omitted.

  The liquid crystal panel 134 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 134 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven (that is, a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal panel 134). That is, light goes to the display surface side, and thus the transmitted light is visually recognized from the outside.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 4 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a ROM 32 (see FIG. 7 described later) as a data table. On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, “red 7 (design 121)”, “blue 7 (design 122)”, “blank (design 123)”, “plum (design 124)”, “watermelon (design 125) ) "," Replay (symbol 126) ", and" Cherry (symbol 127) ". Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  “Blank” is basically a symbol that is not directly related to the formation of a role. That is, even when “blanks” are displayed along any one of the active lines, the player is not provided with benefits such as paying out medals, automatic insertion of medals, and the transition of the gaming state described later. .

  Here, RB, replay, watermelon small part, plum small part, top and bottom cherry small part, and medium cherry small part are provided as the combination of the embodiment. RB is a type 1 special agent. The combination (combination data) is basically control information in which a profit given to a player is associated with a symbol combination, stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, switching (transition) of the game state, It is control information used for giving game value.

FIG. 5 shows the phases assigned to the area where each symbol is displayed.
Sixteen phases are assigned to each symbol (area corresponding to each symbol). The reel rotates by one symbol when pulse data (excitation signal) is output 16 times. Further, the reel rotates once by outputting its pulse data (drive signal) 336 times.

The configuration of the stop button unit 24 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the stop button unit 24.

  The stop button unit 24 includes three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, diffusion plates 29L, 29C, and 29R provided on the back side of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, and three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R. The three-color LED board 28, the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, the diffusion plates 29L, 29C, and 29R, and the button case 25 that accommodates the three-color LED board 28 are provided.

  The button case 25 is box-shaped, and button attachment holes 251L, 251C, and 251R are formed on the front surface of the button case 25 so that the surfaces of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are exposed. In addition, a recess 252 is formed between the button attachment holes 251L, 251C, and 251R in the front portion of the button case 25. As a result, the player can continuously press the recess 252 with his / her finger when operating the stop buttons 7L, 7C and 7R.

  The button case 25 is provided with a plurality of stop button switches (not shown) that are turned on / off in response to pressing operations of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. These stop button switches are connected to a later-described reel stop signal circuit (see FIG. 7 to be described later), thereby detecting the pressing operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R.

  Further, the rear surface portion of the button case 25 is opened, so that the diffusion plates 29L, 29C, 29R and the three-color LED substrate 28 can be attached.

  The stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are each formed of a translucent material. Further, the diffusing plates 29L, 29C, and 29R are light diffusing plates having substantially the same diameter as the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. By disposing such diffusion plates 29L, 29C, and 29R on the back surface of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, the light emitted from the three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R is diffused, and the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are diffused. Can be illuminated uniformly.

  The three-color LED board 28 is provided with three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R corresponding to the diffusion plates 29L, 29C, and 29R. These three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R are each configured by combining a red LED, a blue LED, and a green LED. Each of the three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R is provided with a reflection frame (not shown), whereby the light emitted from the red LED, the blue LED, and the green LED is mixed. As described above, the three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R can emit light in a plurality of colors. In addition, the light emitted by the three color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R is diffused by the diffusion plates 29L, 29C, and 29R, and causes the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R to emit light in the respective light emission modes.

  Here, it is assumed that the three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R can emit light of “red”, “blue”, “green”, “yellow”, “purple”, and “white”. In particular, among these multiple colors, “red” is a color corresponding to the color of the above-described red 7 symbol 121, and “blue” is a color corresponding to the color of the above-described blue 7 symbol 122. .

  The light emission modes of these three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R, that is, the light emission modes of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are controlled by an LED drive circuit 80 serving as a light emission control unit described later.

  7 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls game processing operations in the gaming machine 1, a peripheral device (actuator) that is electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display device 131, speakers 9L and 9R, LEDs 101 and a sub-control circuit 72 for controlling the lamps 102 is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program (FIGS. 16 to 22 described later), and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are storage means.

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generator 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  In the ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30, the reel is stopped according to the operation of the probability lottery table, the stop winning combination determination table, and the stop button used for the determination of the random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation). A stop table for determining the mode (see FIG. 12 described later), a light emission mode table for determining the light emission mode of the stop button (see FIGS. 13 to 15 described later), and the like are stored. In addition, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 are stored. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. Various information is stored in the RAM 33. For example, information such as an internal winning combination, a carryover combination, a current gaming state, etc., which will be described later, is stored.

  In the circuit of FIG. 7, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 17a, 2-BET lamp 17b, maximum BET lamp 17c) and bonus game information. Display units such as the display unit 16, the payout display unit 18, the credit display unit 19, and a hopper (including a drive unit for payout) 40 that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41. In addition, there are stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R that rotationally drive the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and an LED drive circuit 80 that controls the light emission mode of the three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R.

  Further, a motor drive circuit 39 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 for driving and controlling the hopper 40, a lamp driving circuit 45 for driving and controlling the BET lamps 17a, 17b and 17c, and a bonus game information display A display unit drive circuit 48 that drives and controls display units such as the unit 16, the payout display unit 18, and the credit display unit 19 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 31. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

For example, the motor drive circuit 39 outputs an excitation signal to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R based on the output pulse data output from the CPU 31 (driven by magnetic force). The motor drive circuit 39 is provided separately from the main control circuit 71, includes an LSI dedicated to motor control, and can control parts such as a sequence and a pulse cycle in hardware.
Further, for example, the LED drive circuit 80 sets each of the three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R to “red”, “blue”, Light is emitted in a light emission mode such as “green”, “yellow”, “purple”, and “white”.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a 1-BET switch 11, and a 2-BET switch 12. , A maximum BET switch 13, a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 10S, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S (game start command means) detects the operation of the start lever 6 and outputs a game start command signal. The medal sensor 10S detects a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 10. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal (stop command signal) in response to the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  In the circuit of FIG. 7, the random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. By using the random numbers sampled in this way, an internal winning combination is determined based on, for example, a probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32.

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

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R employ a two-phase excitation method. This excitation pattern is realized by a predetermined pulse signal generated by the CPU 31. This pulse signal (pulse data) is input to the motor drive circuit 39, and the motor drive circuit 39 drives the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R by outputting an excitation signal corresponding to the pulse signal. In the embodiment, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated by sequentially outputting four pieces of pulse data.

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

  Furthermore, a symbol combination table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32. In this symbol combination table, a symbol combination for winning a combination (winning, etc.), a medal payout number for winning, and a winning determination code (establishment determining code) representing the winning (establishment) are associated with each other. The above symbol combination table is used when the left reel 3L, the central reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are controlled to stop, and when the winning is confirmed after the all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped (display combination confirmation). Referenced. The display combination (display combination data) is basically a combination (established combination) corresponding to the symbol combination arranged along the effective line. The player is given a profit corresponding to the display combination.

  When an internal winning combination or a stop winning combination is determined by lottery processing (probability lottery processing, etc.) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 31 detects a reel stop signal at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Based on the operation signal sent from the circuit 46 and a selected stop table (FIG. 12 described later), a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 39.

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

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 includes an image control circuit (gSub) 72a and a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The image control circuit (gSub) 72 a or the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72 b is configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 71.

  Communication between the main control circuit 71 and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is connected to the main control circuit. No command, information or the like is input to 71. Communication between the image control circuit (gSub) 72a and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is performed in one direction from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b does not input commands, information, etc. to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

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

  The image control microcomputer 81 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the image control microcomputer 81 performs various processes according to the control program stored in the program ROM 83 based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The image control circuit (gSub) 72a does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the image control microcomputer 81. ing.

  The serial port 82 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The program ROM 83 stores a control program executed by the image control microcomputer 81, various tables described later, and the like. The work RAM 84 is configured as a temporary storage unit for work when the image control microcomputer 81 executes the control program described above. Various information is stored in the work RAM 84.

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

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

  The image control IC 86 generates an image corresponding to the content of the effect determined by the image control microcomputer 81 (such as the notification mode effect described above) and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 131.

  The control RAM 87 is included in the image control IC 86. The image control microcomputer 81 writes and reads information and the like with respect to the control RAM 87. In the control RAM 87, a register of the image control IC 86, a sprite attribute table, and a color palette table are developed. The image control microcomputer 81 updates the register of the image control IC 86 and the sprite attribute table at predetermined timings.

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

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

  The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 91, a serial port 92, a program ROM 93, a work RAM 94, a sound source IC 95, a power amplifier 96, and a sound source ROM 97.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs sound / lamp output processing according to the control program stored in the program ROM 93 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to LEDs 101 and lamps 102. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 transmits an output signal to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 in response to a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a at a predetermined timing. As a result, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect.

  The serial port 92 receives a command or the like transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The program ROM 93 stores a control program executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 and the like. The work RAM 94 is configured as a temporary storage means for work when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 executes the control program described above.

  The sound source IC 95 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 is an amplifier, and speakers 9L and 9R are connected to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 95 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 9L and 9R. The sound source ROM 97 stores sound source data (phrase etc.) for generating a sound source.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to a volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and the like, and the volume output from the speakers 9L and 9R is adjusted. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs control to adjust the sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R to the input volume based on the input signal transmitted from the volume control unit 103.

  FIG. 9 shows the game state of each game state, the transfer condition, and the game state of the transfer destination when the transfer condition is satisfied. In each gaming state, basically, the type of winning combination or its winning probability differs.

  The gaming state of the embodiment includes a general gaming state, an RB gaming state, and a carryover state. In addition, the role (RB) carried over in this carryover state is hereinafter referred to as “carryover role”.

  The general gaming state is basically a gaming state in which an expected value of a so-called “play rate” (a gaming value given to a player with respect to a unit gaming value bet on a game) is smaller than “1”. . Further, it is a gaming state without a carryover role described later, and is the most disadvantageous gaming state for the player as compared with other gaming states.

  The RB gaming state is basically a gaming state constituted by a game in which the “first type special character” is operating.

  The carryover state is basically a gaming state in which it is allowed for one or a plurality of games that symbol combinations corresponding to RBs are arranged along the display line (RB establishment). In other words, the carryover state is a gaming state in which the winning combination for stopping is RB on the condition that the internal winning combination is lost (none). The RB of the embodiment includes red 7RB and blue 7RB. The carryover state includes a red 7RB carryover state and a blue 7RB carryover state.

  Here, the winning combination for stop is information used for stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. When the winning combination for stopping is determined, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are allowed in a state in which the stop mode of the symbol or symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is allowed to be stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R. Is controlled to stop. Further, stop control is performed in a state where a symbol or symbol combination corresponding to a combination other than the winning combination for stop is not allowed. Basically, the combination determined as the internal winning combination becomes the winning combination for stopping. However, in the carryover state, when there is no internal winning combination (losing), the RB becomes a winning combination for stopping.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the condition for generating the RB gaming state is establishment of RB. When one of the conditions that the predetermined number of times (for example, twelve times) the game is finished or the predetermined number of times (for example, eight times) is realized, the transition condition is satisfied, and the gaming state is Transition to the general gaming state.

  The occurrence condition of the carryover state is to internally win RB. When RB is established, the transition condition is established, and the gaming state is shifted to the RB gaming state.

  With reference to FIG. 10, a combination, a combination of symbols, and a payout number will be described.

  RB is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” along the active line (the display combination is RB).

  Replay is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” along the active line. When the replay is established, the same number of medals as the number of inserted medals are automatically inserted, so that the player can play the next game without consuming the medals. In other words, the replay is a role that allows a game to be performed without establishing a game value when it is established.

  In addition, the combinations of symbols that form the “watermelon small part”, “plum small part”, “upper and lower cherry small part”, and “medium cherry small part” are as illustrated.

  The probability lottery table (BET number: 3) will be described with reference to FIG.

  (1) of FIG. 11 shows a probability lottery table for a general gaming state. In the general gaming state, there are cases where red 7RB, blue 7RB, replay, watermelon small part, plum small part, and cherry small part are internally won.

  Here, when red 7RB is won internally (when red 7RB is carried over), “red 7-red 7-red 7” are arranged along the active line on condition that the winning combination for stopping becomes red 7RB. It is acceptable. In addition, when blue 7RB is won internally (when blue 7RB is carried over), "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" is lined up along the active line on condition that the winning combination for stopping becomes Blue 7RB. Is acceptable.

  (2) of FIG. 11 shows the RB gaming state probability lottery table. In this RB game state, there are cases where a watermelon, a plum, and a cherry are played internally.

  (3) of FIG. 11 shows a carry-over state probability lottery table. In the carry-over state, you may win internally for replays, watermelon small roles, plum small roles, and cherry small roles.

  The internal symbol combination (internal symbol combination data) is indirectly associated with the corresponding symbol combination and the profit given to the player through the stop control mode or display combination corresponding to the internal symbol combination. It can be said that.

The stop table will be described with reference to FIG.
The stop table includes information for determining the stop control position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and the number of sliding symbols with respect to the stop operation position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stop table, which is a stop table for the left reel.

  The stop operation position is the symbol (more specifically, the symbol) located on the center line 8c when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are operated. Represents the code number (“00” to “20”) of the symbol located at the upper part of the center line 8c and whose center is closest to the position of the center line 8c.

The stop control position represents a code number of a symbol that is stopped and displayed at the position of the center line 8c when the reel on which the stop operation is performed stops.
The number of sliding symbols is the number of symbols that move from the stop operation to the stop control position. Here, in this embodiment, the maximum number of sliding frames in this stop table is “4 frames”.

According to the stop table shown in FIG. 12, for example, when the internal winning combination is red 7RB and the “cherry symbol” of code number “06” reaches the position of the center line 8c while the left reel 3L is rotating. When the stop button 7L is operated, the “red 7 symbol” with the code number “10” is stopped and displayed at the position of the center line 8c.
In addition, even when the stop button 7L is operated when the “Plum design” with the code number “07” reaches the position of the center line 8c, the “Red 7 design” with the code number “10” is displayed in the center line. The display is stopped at the position 8c.

  Therefore, the stop table defines the operation timing (stop operation position) of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that can stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the determined internal winning combination along the center line 8c. I can say that.

  In addition, the number of sliding symbols that define the number of symbols to be moved before the combination of symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination stops along the center line 8c indicates that the combination of symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination is set to the center line 8c. It can be said that the period of operation time of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that can be stopped along is specified.

  That is, according to the stop table for the left reel shown in FIG. 12, when the internal winning combination is red 7RB, in order to stop the “red 7 symbol” of the code number “10” on the center line 8c, the slip The stop button 7L may be operated within a period defined by the number of frames, that is, within a period in which symbols with code numbers “06” to “10” are located on the center line 8c.

  Note that the stop table for the left reel shown in FIG. 12 determines the stop control position of the left reel 3L when the left stop button 7L is operated (forward push) as the first stop operation. Similarly, the stop control position of the central reel 3C and the right reel 3R following the stop of the left reel 3L is defined by a stop table (not shown).

A stop button light emission mode table (left stop button light emission mode table) will be described with reference to FIGS.
The stop button light emission mode table includes information for determining the light emission mode of the three-color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R, that is, the light emission mode of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, with respect to the symbol display positions of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. I have. 13 to 15 are diagrams showing examples of the stop button light emission mode table, which are light emission mode tables for the left stop button. More specifically, FIG. 13 is a light emission mode table for a left stop button for beginners, FIG. 14 is a light emission mode table for a left stop button for intermediate players, and FIG. 15 is a table for advanced users. It is a light emission mode table for the left stop button.

  The symbol display position is such that the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R are located on the center line 8c (more specifically, the center of the symbol is located above the center line 8c, and the center is the center line 8c. Represents the code number ("00" to "20") of the symbol closest to the position. The symbol display position for each rotating reel 3L, 3C, 3R can be specified by counting the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R as described above. As described above, the light emission mode indicates the light emission mode (light emission color) of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R.

  According to the stop button light emission mode table (for beginners) shown in FIG. 13, for example, when the internal winning combination is red 7RB, the symbol display position is within the period of code numbers “06” to “10”. The stop button 7L emits “red” light. The period of the code numbers “06” to “10” is the period of the code number of the stop operation position where the “red 7 symbol” of the code number “10” in the stop table can be stopped at the center line 8c. It corresponds.

  That is, the stop button light emission mode table of the present embodiment is set corresponding to the number of sliding frames determined by the stop table. More specifically, the stop button light emission mode table of the present embodiment includes the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that can stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the determined internal winning combination along the center line 8c. The stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are set to emit light in a color determined for each symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination during the operation time period.

  Further, according to the stop button emission mode table (for intermediate users) shown in FIG. 14, for example, when the internal winning combination is red 7RB, the period in which the symbol display positions are code numbers “07” to “10” The stop button 7L emits red light.

  Further, according to the stop button light emission mode table (for advanced users) shown in FIG. 15, for example, when the internal winning combination is red 7RB, the period in which the symbol display positions are code numbers “08” to “10” The stop button 7L emits red light.

  That is, according to the stop button light emission mode table of the present embodiment, it can be said that the light emission period specified by the light emission mode table for beginners is the longest and the light emission period specified by the light emission mode table for advanced users is the shortest.

  As described above, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a plurality of stop button light emission mode tables having different periods for emitting light in a predetermined color are provided for beginners, intermediate players, and advanced players. It has been. When controlling the LED drive circuit 80, the combination of symbols corresponding to the determined internal winning combination can be stopped along the center line 8c by using the stop button light emission mode table having different light emission periods. Within a possible period, it is possible to adjust the period during which the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R emit light.

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

  First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (step S1). Specifically, initialization of the storage contents of the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, and the like are performed. Subsequently, a predetermined storage content (information of a predetermined storage area (for example, an area for storing an internal winning combination)) in the RAM 33 at the end of the game is erased (step S2), and the process proceeds to step S3. Specifically, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33, the start address of the sequence program of the next game is specified, etc. I do.

  In step S3, medal insertion / start check processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S4. In this processing, processing such as updating the number of BETs is performed based on inputs from the start switch 6S, the medal sensor 10S, or the BET switches 11-13. In step S4, a random number for lottery is extracted, and the process proceeds to step S5. The random numbers extracted in this process are used in the probability lottery process described later.

  In step S5, a gaming state monitoring process described later with reference to FIG. 19 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, a probability lottery process described later with reference to FIG. 20 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, stop table selection processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S8. Specifically, the stop table corresponding to the determined internal winning combination is selected.

  In step S8, stop button light emission mode table selection processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S9. Specifically, the stop button light emission mode table corresponding to the determined internal winning combination is selected. In this process, one of the beginner, intermediate, and advanced tables is selected from the stop button light emission mode tables corresponding to the selected stop table. Here, it is assumed that a player can set in advance which stop button light emission mode table to select from among beginners, intermediates, and advanced players.

  In step S9, a start command is set, and the process proceeds to step S10. The start command includes information such as a gaming state, an internal winning combination, a stop table determined in the initial determination process, and is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. In step S10, it is determined whether or not “4.1 seconds” have elapsed since the previous game started. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S12, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, a game start waiting time digest process (wait process) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S12. Specifically, the input based on the operation of starting the player's game is invalidated until a predetermined time (for example, a predetermined second (eg, “4.1 seconds”)) has elapsed since the start of the previous game. Perform the process.

  In step S12, a game monitoring timer is set, and the process proceeds to step S13. This game monitoring timer includes an automatic stop timer for automatically stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R regardless of the stop operation of the player's stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R.

  In step S13, the start of rotation of all reels is requested, and the process proceeds to step S14. Specifically, the reel control process in step S52 of FIG. 21 described later is executed in response to the rotation start request for all reels. In step S14, the start of light emission control of the stop button is requested, and the process proceeds to step S15. Specifically, the determination in step S61 of FIG. 22 described later is YES in response to a request to start the light emission control of the stop button. In step S15, a reel stop permission command is set, and the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, it is determined whether or not the stop switch (stop switch) is “ON”, that is, whether any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R has been operated. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S18, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, it is determined whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S18, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S18, the number of sliding frames is determined, and the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the process waits for the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, which have been stopped, to rotate by the number of sliding frames determined in step S18, and then proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, the rotation stop of the reel is requested, and the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, a reel stop command is set, and the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S23, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S23, the stop button light emission control is requested to stop, and the process proceeds to step S24. Specifically, the determination in step S61 of FIG. 21 described later is NO in response to the stop button issue control stop request.

  In step S24, a display combination search process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S25. The display combination search process is a process of setting a flag for identifying a display combination (a winning combination) based on a symbol stop mode of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R. In step S25, a display combination command including display combination information is set, and the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S26, a medal payout process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, a payout end command is set, and the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, it is determined whether or not the RB operating flag is on. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S30, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S29. The RB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the RB gaming state is set, and is on when the RB gaming state is set, and is “off” when the RB gaming state is not set.

  In step S29, an RB operation check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In the RB operation check process, if the display combination is RB, the RB operation process is performed. In step S30, an RB end check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In the RB end check process, whether or not the number of games (number of games) in the RB gaming state exceeds the number of games that can be played (for example, 8 times), and the number of winning combinations in the RB gaming state is the number of winning times (for example, 8 times). ) Is exceeded. If it is determined that at least one of the number of times has been exceeded, the RB gaming state is terminated.

  The gaming state monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operation flag is on (step S31). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S32, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S32, the RB gaming state is set as the gaming state, and the process proceeds to step S6 in FIG.

  In step S33, it is determined whether or not a carryover combination is set. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S34, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S35. The carryover combination is set in step S47 of FIG. In step S34, the RB internal winning state is set, and the process proceeds to step S6 in FIG. In step S35, the general gaming state is set, and the process proceeds to step S6 in FIG. The internal winning combination is determined based on the gaming state set in the gaming state monitoring process.

  The probability lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB gaming state is set (step S41). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S42, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S43. In step S42, an internal winning combination is determined based on the probability lottery table for the RB gaming state ((2) in FIG. 11), and the process proceeds to step S46. In step S43, it is determined whether or not it is a carryover state. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S44, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S44, an internal winning combination is determined based on the probability lottery table for the carryover state ((3) in FIG. 11), and the process proceeds to step S46. In step S45, an internal winning combination is determined based on the probability lottery table for the general gaming state ((1) in FIG. 11), and the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, it is determined whether or not the internal winning combination is RB. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S47, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG. In step S47, a carryover combination is set based on the internal winning combination, and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 21, the periodic interruption process of the main control circuit 71 will be described. This periodic interrupt process occurs every 1.1173 ms.

  First, the CPU 31 performs input port check processing (step S51), and proceeds to step S52. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S when the start lever 6 is pressed. In step S52, a reel control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S53. Specifically, information indicating the reel to be controlled is set as a reel identifier, and the drive of the reel is controlled.

  In step S53, 7SEG drive processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S54. Specifically, the number of medals stored (credited), the number of medals to be paid out at the time of winning a combination, and the like are displayed on the payout display unit 18. In step S54, a BET lamp driving process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S54. Specifically, the BET lamps 17a, 17b, and 17c are turned on based on the number of medals bet on the game. In step S55, a stop button light emission control process described later with reference to FIG. 22 is performed.

With reference to FIG. 22, the stop button light emission control process will be described.
First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a stop button light emission control start request has been made (step S61). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S62, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S51 in FIG.

  In step S62, a setting check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S63. Specifically, it is checked whether the light emission order setting selected in advance by the player is a setting for forward pressing or a setting for irregular pressing. Here, the setting for forward pressing is a setting for causing the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R to emit light one by one in the order of the left stop button 7L, the middle stop button 7C, and the right stop button 7R. The irregular pressing setting is a setting for causing all stop buttons corresponding to the rotating reels to emit light simultaneously based on the respective light emission mode tables. These two settings can be selected in advance by the player.

  In step S63, it is determined whether or not the setting is for forward pressing. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S64, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S69. In step S64, it is determined whether or not the left reel is rotating. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S65, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S66. In step S65, the left stop button is caused to emit light, and the process proceeds to step S51 in FIG. Specifically, the left stop button 7L is caused to emit light in the light emission manner determined by the selected stop button light emission manner table and the symbol display position of the rotating left reel 3L.

  In step S66, it is determined whether or not the central reel is rotating. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S67, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S68. In step S67, the middle stop button is caused to emit light, and the process proceeds to step S51 in FIG. Specifically, the middle stop button 7C is caused to emit light in the light emission mode determined by the selected stop button light emission mode table and the symbol display position of the rotating central reel 3C. In step S68, the right stop button is caused to emit light, and the process proceeds to step S51 in FIG. Specifically, the right stop button 7R is caused to emit light in the light emission manner determined by the selected stop button light emission manner table and the symbol display position of the rotating right reel 3R.

  In step S69, all stop buttons corresponding to the rotating reels are caused to emit light, and the process proceeds to step S51 in FIG. Specifically, all the stop buttons are caused to emit light in the light emission manner determined by the selected stop button light emission manner table and the symbol display position of the rotating reel.

Next, a modified example of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The gaming machine of the modified example is different from the gaming machine 1 described above in the configuration of the LED drive circuit 80A and the sub control circuit 72A. Specifically, in the present modification, the sub-control circuit 72A controls the LED drive circuit 80A, which is different from the gaming machine 1 described above.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration including a main control circuit 71, a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and a sub-control circuit 72A in a gaming machine according to a modification.

The LED drive circuit 80A according to the modification is connected to the sub control circuit 72A.
The sub-control circuit 72A outputs a control signal to the LED drive circuit 80A according to the position of the symbol of the rotating reel based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 or the like.
Based on the control signal output from the sub-control circuit 72A, the LED drive circuit 80A causes each of the three color LEDs 27L, 27C, and 27R to be “red”, “blue”, “green”, “yellow”, “purple”, In addition, light is emitted in a light emission mode such as “white”.

  Further, the sub control circuit 72A has a table (for example, a light emission mode table shown in FIGS. 13 to 15) stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 in the gaming machine 1 to control the LED drive circuit 80A. ) And control programs (for example, the program shown in FIG. 22) and the like are stored, and a control signal is output to the LED drive circuit 80A based on these tables and programs.

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

  In the embodiment, the stop button light emission mode table is provided when the internal winning combination is red 7RB and blue 7RB. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a stop button light emission mode table may be provided when the internal winning combination is a watermelon small combination, a plum small combination, or the like. In this case, the three-color LED may be caused to emit light in green, for example, in combination with the color of the watermelon pattern.

  In the embodiment, each stop button is caused to emit light within a period in which the combination of symbols corresponding to the determined internal winning combination can be stopped on the center line 8c. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the center line 8c, each stop button is caused to emit light within a period that can be stopped along each display line such as the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross-up line 8a, and the cross-down line 8e. May be.

  Further, in the embodiment, in order to explain the features of the present invention in a straightforward manner, the configuration relating to the gameability of the gaming machine such as the type of combination is most simplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, in the gaming machine of the above embodiment, the types of roles set are “Red 7 RB”, “Blue 7 RB”, “Replay”, “Watermelon Minor”, “Plum Minor”, and Although the “cherry small part” is set, the present invention is not limited to these, and more types of combinations may be set.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the above embodiment, only the first type special combination (regular bonus, RB) is set, but not limited to this, the first type special combination that continuously operates the first type special combination is provided. An object continuation device (big bonus, BB) may be provided. Furthermore, a second-type special combination (challenge game, CG) and a second-type combination continuous operation device (challenge bonus, CB) for continuously operating the second-type special combination may be provided. .

  In particular, in a gaming state in which the second type special combination is operating, generally, the left reel is uncontrolled (the maximum number of sliding symbols is 1), so that the technical intervention by the player is enhanced. Therefore, in a gaming machine in which such a second type special bonus item is set, even a beginner can enjoy it by causing the stop button to emit light at an appropriate timing as in the gaming machine of the above embodiment. Can do.

The perspective view which shows an external appearance. The figure which shows a panel display part, a liquid crystal display part, and a fixed display part. The perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid crystal display device. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the reel. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a design and a motor phase. It is a figure which shows the structure of a stop button unit. The block diagram which shows the structure of an electric circuit. The block diagram which shows the structure of a sub control circuit. The figure which shows generation | occurrence | production conditions of each game state, a transition condition, and a transfer destination game state. The figure which shows the relationship between a combination, a symbol combination, and a payout number. The figure which shows a probability lottery table. The figure which shows a stop table. The figure which shows a stop button light emission mode table (for beginners). The figure which shows a stop button light emission mode table (for intermediate persons). The figure which shows a stop button light emission mode table (for advanced users). The main flowchart of a main control circuit. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart which shows a gaming state monitoring process. The flowchart which shows a probability lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a stop button light emission control process. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Front door 2b Liquid crystal display part 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 21L, 21C, 21R Symbol display area 23 Effect display area 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72, 72A Sub control circuit 83 Program ROM
84 Work RAM
131 Liquid crystal display device 24 Stop button unit 27L, 27C, 27R 3-color LED
80, 80A LED drive circuit

Claims (3)

A symbol display means for displaying a plurality of types of symbols necessary for the game;
A start operation means operable by the player;
A game start command means for outputting a game start command signal in response to an operation of the start operation means by a player;
On the condition that the game start command signal output from the game start command means is detected, the symbol change means for changing the symbol displayed by the symbol display means;
On the condition that the game start command signal output from the game start command means is detected, a winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination;
A stop operation means operable by the player;
Stop signal output means for outputting a stop command signal for instructing stop of symbol variation performed by the symbol variation means in response to an operation of the stop operation means by a player;
A game comprising stop control means for stopping and controlling the variation of the symbol performed by the symbol varying means based on the signal output by the stop signal output means and the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means Machine,
The stop operation means includes a plurality of stop operation parts formed of a light-transmitting material and operable by a player, and a light emitting means provided on the back side of the plurality of stop operation parts and capable of emitting light in a plurality of modes. Prepared,
The light emitting means is determined within the period of operation of the stop operation unit capable of stopping a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means along a predetermined line. A gaming machine comprising light emission control means for emitting light in a predetermined manner for each symbol corresponding to the winning combination. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The gaming machine characterized in that the light emitting means can emit light in a plurality of colors predetermined for each symbol corresponding to the winning combination. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The light emission control means is a period during which the light emission means emits light within an operation timing period of the stop operation unit capable of stopping a combination of symbols corresponding to the determined winning combination along a predetermined line. A game machine characterized by being adjustable.

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