JP2008149033A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which permits the upper panel of a game machine (color) to be changed in real time. <P>SOLUTION: Button numbers are allotted to the respective buttons of a button operating section 17 in the form of hardware and the pressing of an arbitrary button reports the button number to a full-color LED control microcomputer 81. The full-color LED control microcomputer 81 collates the number with an emitted light color table previously stored in a program ROM 83, searches a full-color LED control data table previously stored in the program ROM 83 for the color of light which the full-color LED display device 5 mounted on the back of the upper panel should emit and reports the full-color LED control data to the full-color LED display device 5 to ensure that the full-color LED display device 5 emits the light in the color following the button number, whereby the full-color LED display device 5 emits light in the color corresponding to the button number. <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 each reel so that the symbols are displayed in a variable manner. After a certain time, 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 current mainstream models, a predetermined combination of symbols is arranged along an activated formation line (hereinafter referred to as an “effective line”), and in order to establish 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 winning the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) is effective The player is required to perform a stop operation at an appropriate timing at which the player can stop at the line. In other words, no matter how much internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation of the player is bad, a winning cannot be established. That is, gaming machines that require skill in the timing of the stop operation (the high importance of technical intervention called “to push”) are currently mainstream.

  By the way, the gaming machine as described above is generally replaced with a new model every several months. For example, the upper panel may be changed to a different color, replaced with a new design makeup panel, the reel design changed, or the game content changed. Of these, the replacement of the upper panel has a great visual effect. However, when this upper panel is to be replaced, the upper panel is conventionally attached from the back side of the door frame of the gaming machine. There was a problem that the members were attached and could not be replaced unless all of them were removed.

Therefore, by removing and attaching the upper panel from the front side instead of the back side of the door frame of the gaming machine, the replacement work is easy, and the upper panel can be replaced with less work man-hours. Has been presented (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-245396 A

  However, as described above, even if the replacement operation of the upper panel is easy and can be performed with a small number of work steps, it is necessary to manufacture a new upper panel, and it is not possible to attach the upper panel according to the player's preference. Further, when the player leaves the table and returns to the table again, if the most noticeable color of the upper panel is the same as that of the other table, the player cannot find his / her table at a glance. In addition, the player's mood and the convenience of the game hall, such as telling the player the opening time of the stop, etc., the player and the shop floor clerk can not easily change the upper panel in real time, etc. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and in particular, a game in which the upper panel of the gaming machine can be changed (change in color) in real time so that the player can find his / her stand at a glance. The purpose is to provide a machine.

  The present invention provides the following.

  (1) A plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the respective surfaces, a symbol display means for displaying a plurality of symbols out of a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of each reel, and a predetermined cycle Based on detecting a game start command signal from the game start signal output means, a game start signal output means for outputting a game start command signal in response to an operation by a player, a random number generation means for generating a random number A random number extracting means for extracting a random number generated by the random number generating means; and a reel rotating means for rotating the plurality of reels based on detection of a game start command signal from the game start signal output means; An internal winning combination determining means for determining at least one internal winning combination from a plurality of predetermined internal winning combinations based on the random number extracted by the random number extracting means, and responding to an operation by the player. A stop signal output means for outputting a stop command signal for instructing a stop of rotation of the corresponding reel, an output of the stop command signal from the stop signal output means, and an internal determined by the internal winning combination determining means In a gaming machine comprising a reel stop control means for controlling the rotation of the corresponding reel based on the winning combination, the upper panel having light transmittance and the back surface of the upper panel illuminate the upper panel A button operation having a plurality of buttons for providing a plurality of light emitting means capable of full color display, a sub-control circuit for controlling the light emission color of the light-emitting means, and giving a light emission instruction for the light emission color to the sub-control circuit. And a gaming machine.

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), the upper panel is illuminated from the rear surface of the upper panel with light emitting means capable of full-color display in the light emission color determined by operating the button operation unit.

  As a result, the number of coins to be paid out when winning the winning combination is displayed together with the symbol combination of each winning combination, and the color of the upper panel, which has a large visual effect, is determined by the preference of the player and the game shop clerk. It can be changed in real time according to gender.

  (2) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the light emitting means is a full color LED.

  According to the gaming machine described in (2), a full color LED is used as the light emitting means.

  As a result, an LED light source that has higher responsiveness and lower cost than a liquid crystal display device, etc., and a higher luminance and lower cost than a plasma display device, etc. is adopted as a light emitting means. You can get a gaming machine.

  (3) In the gaming machine according to (1) or (2), a predetermined emission color is assigned to each button of the button operation unit, and the sub control circuit is assigned to each button. A gaming machine characterized in that the light emitting means emits light with a color according to the assigned light emission color.

  According to the gaming machine described in (3), a light emission color is assigned in advance to each of the plurality of buttons provided in the button operation unit, and the color of the upper panel is changed by one push with the light emission color.

  As a result, the color of the upper panel can be changed easily and instantaneously with one push.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the color of the upper panel can be changed in real time with a simple configuration and at a low cost, and the color of the upper panel having a large visual effect can be changed to a player or a game hall. It can be changed instantly and easily when it comes to mind according to the tastes and needs of the store clerk, etc., to the player of the game machine, the player of other game machines, and the store clerk of the game hall On the other hand, a large visual effect (influence) can be given. In other words, you can become more and more fun and interested in the game.

  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”. This gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium such as a card that stores information on gaming value given to or given to a player in addition to coins, medals, gaming balls, tokens, and the like. However, in the following description, medals are used.

  A panel display portion 2a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of the cabinet 2 forming the entire gaming machine 1, and vertically long display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided at the center thereof.

  An upper panel 84 is provided above the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. On the back surface of the upper panel 84, for example, a full color LED, which is a light emitting means, is arranged by a well-known method so as to be scattered, and the upper panel 84 is illuminated from the back surface (not shown). . Note that the number of full-color LEDs may be smaller than that described above, and the emitted light may be illuminated on the entire upper panel 84 using a conventionally known diffusion plate or the like. A set of the full color LEDs or a combination of the full color LEDs and the diffusion plate constitutes the full color LED display device 5 (described later).

  A button operation unit 17 is provided on the left side of the upper panel 84. In FIG. 1, although it has the structure which has five push buttons in the vertical direction, it is not limited to this. By depressing each of these buttons, the display color (color) of the upper panel 84 is changed (described later).

  The display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as display lines, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in an oblique direction.

  These display lines are operated by operating a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 (hereinafter referred to as “BET operation”), or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22. One, three, and five are activated respectively. Which display line is activated is displayed by turning on BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c, which will be described later.

  Here, the display lines 8a to 8e are related to the success or failure of the combination. Specifically, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined combination are stopped and displayed side by side at a predetermined position corresponding to one of the active lines (the activated display lines), thereby the predetermined combination. Will be established.

  Inside the cabinet 2, three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R as symbol display means in which a plurality of types of symbols necessary for a game are drawn in a row are rotatably provided on each outer peripheral surface. . Specifically, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided in a horizontal row inside the cabinet 2 so that a part of the outer peripheral surface is displayed through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R of the cabinet 2. (See FIG. 3 described later). Each reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rpm).

  On the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, a maximum BET lamp 9c, and an information display unit 18 are provided. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”).

  The 1-BET lamp 9a is turned on when the number of BETs is “1” and one display line is activated (when one effective line is set). The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the BET number is “2” and three display lines are activated (when three valid lines are set). The maximum BET lamp 9c is lit when the number of BETs is “3” and all (5) display lines are activated (when all (5) valid lines are set). The information display unit 18 is made up of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of medals stored (credited), the number of paid-out medals, and the like.

  A substantially horizontal base 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. On the right side of the pedestal portion 10, a medal slot 22 is provided as a game medium insertion means that allows a player to insert medals. The player can bet medals on the game one by one by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 22. By betting medals one by one in this way, predetermined display lines are sequentially activated. In addition, when the number of medals exceeding the maximum number (for example, 3) of medals that can bet on one game is inserted, the excess is credited.

  A 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided on the left side of the pedestal unit 10. Here, the 1-BET switch 11 is betted on the game by one pressing operation, and the 2-BET switch 12 is credited by one pressing operation. Two of the existing medals are bet on the game, and the maximum BET switch 13 bets the maximum number (for example, three) of medals that can be bet on one game. By operating these BET switches 11, 12, and 13, a predetermined display line is validated as described above.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player 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 16.

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14, a start lever 6 is provided as a start operation means that can be operated by the player to start the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. ing. A start switch 6S (see FIG. 4 to be described later) is provided inside the cabinet 2, so that it is possible to detect the operation of the start lever 6 by the player.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R as stop operation means that can be operated by the player to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided at the lower position in the center of the front surface of the base portion 10, respectively. ing. Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 16.

  Here, in the embodiment, basically, in one game (unit game), a predetermined display line is validated by a BET operation, and then the start lever 6 is operated (start operation) and the reels 3L, 3C, It starts when the rotation of 3R starts and ends when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped by operating (stopping operation) the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R.

  In the embodiment, the reel stop operation (stop button operation) performed when all the reels are rotating is “first stop operation”, and the stop operation performed after “first stop operation” is “second stop operation”. The stop operation performed after “stop operation” and “second stop operation” is referred to as “third stop operation”.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the internal structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the cabinet 2. Specifically, it is a perspective view showing a configuration of the rear surface of the front door 20 and the inside of the cabinet 2 in a state where the front door 20 for opening and closing the cabinet 2 is opened.

  The front door 20 is locked to the cabinet 2 and can be opened by using a key for unlocking managed on the game hall side.

  A main control circuit 71 and a sub control circuit 72 for electrically controlling the gaming machine 1 are provided above the interior of the cabinet 2. The configurations of the main control circuit 71 and the sub control circuit 72 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Within the cabinet 2, below the main control circuit 71 and the sub control circuit 72, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R each having a symbol row drawn on their outer peripheral surfaces are provided in a horizontal row. Stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R (see FIG. 4 described later) are attached to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively, so that they can rotate.

A selector 47 for selecting medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 and a cancel chute 55 for guiding the medals to the medal receiving unit 16 are provided at the lower part of the rear surface of the front door 20.
On the other hand, a power supply unit 24 that supplies electric power to devices constituting the gaming machine 1 such as the main control circuit 71 and the sub control circuit 72 described above is located in the cabinet 2 at a position facing the selector 47 and the cancel chute 55. A hopper 40 is provided as a game medium payout means for paying out medals.

The selector 47 is provided on the back surface of the front door 20 at a position substantially opposite to the medal slot 22 described above, and the medal inserted from the medal slot 22 is introduced into the selector 47. The selector 47 sorts the medals into appropriate medals and defective medals based on the shape of the medals inserted into the medal slot 22. Here, the medals selected as appropriate medals by the selector 47 are discharged to the bucket 40 b provided in the hopper 40, and the medals selected as defective medals are discharged to the cancel chute 55.
The selector 47 also includes a medal sensor 22S (see FIG. 4 to be described later) for detecting medals selected as appropriate medals, thereby counting the number of medals inserted into the medal slot 22 by the player. It is possible to do.

  The hopper 40 includes a base 40 a that forms the lower part of the hopper 40, and a bucket 40 b that is connected to the base 40 a and forms an upper part of the hopper 40, and is placed inside the cabinet 2. Yes.

  The bucket 40b is a container for storing medals discharged from the selector 47 as proper medals or medals manually supplied. A substantially circular hole (not shown) is formed at the bottom of the bucket 40b.

  The base 40a is connected to the bottom of the bucket 40b through the above-described hole. The base 40a includes a medal discharge mechanism (not shown) that discharges a predetermined number of medals from medals accumulated in the bucket 40b. This medal discharge mechanism is driven by a hopper drive circuit 41 (see FIG. 4 described later) connected to the main control circuit 71. Thereby, the hopper 40 pays out medals according to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  FIG. 3 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a ROM 32 (FIG. 4) described later as a data table. On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, “blue 7 (design 121)”, “red 7 (design 122)”, “BAR (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.

  Here, BB, RB, replay, watermelon small part, plum small part, upper and lower cherry small part, and middle cherry small part are provided in the role of the embodiment. RB is a type 1 special agent. BB is an accessory continuous operation device related to the first type special accessory.

  4 is based on a main control circuit 71 for controlling the game processing operation in the gaming machine 1, a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including speakers 21L and 21R, LEDs 101 and sub-control circuit 72 for controlling 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, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are storage means. Although not shown, the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 includes at least a control unit, a calculation unit, a memory unit, and an input / output unit, and this calculation unit functions as various function units described above or later.

  The CPU 31 extracts a clock pulse generator 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 36 as a random number generator for generating a random number, and a random number generated by the random number generator 36 ( A sampling circuit 37 is connected as a random number extraction means for sampling.

The random number generator 36 generates (updates) random numbers belonging to a predetermined numerical range (random number width) at a preset cycle. Specifically, the random number generator 36 updates (counts up) a numerical value belonging to a set random number width (for example, “16384”) in ascending order by 1 every predetermined period (for example, 224 μsec). To generate a random number.
Here, the generation cycle in which the random number generator 36 generates a random number can be changed in three different generation cycles of 224 μsec, 2240 μsec, and 22400 μsec. Further, the generation cycle of the random number generator 36 is appropriately changed based on a command from the CPU 31. The sampling circuit 37 extracts a random number generated at any time by the random number generator 36.

  The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 stores a probability lottery table (see FIG. 9 described later) used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and the reel stop according to the stop button operation. A stop table group for determining the mode is stored. In addition, the ROM 32 stores various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands and information 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, a flag, game state information, and the like are stored.

  In the circuit of FIG. 4, as the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30, a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c) and an information display section 18, 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, and a stepping motor 49L that rotates the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. 49C and 49R.

  Furthermore, a motor drive circuit 39 that drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 that drives and controls the hopper 40, a lamp drive circuit 45 that drives and controls the BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c, and the information display unit 18 A display unit driving circuit 48 that controls the driving of the CPU 31 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.

  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 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, There are a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 22S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S, as a game start signal output means, detects the operation of the start lever 6 by the player and outputs a game start command signal for instructing the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (start of unit game). . The medal sensor 22S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22 and outputs a predetermined signal. The reel stop signal circuit 46 detects the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R by the player as a stop signal output means, and outputs a stop command signal for instructing to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel 3L, 3C, 3R. To do.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 receives a pulse signal from a reel rotation sensor (not shown) and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 counts the signal output from the medal detection unit 40S provided in the hopper 40, and when the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40 reaches the designated number, the payout of medals is performed. Outputs a signal to command completion.

Next, an outline of the operation of the main control circuit 71 configured as described above will be described.
First, in the circuit of FIG. 4, a random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a predetermined random number width at a predetermined cycle. The sampling circuit 37 extracts the random number generated by the random number generator 36 on the condition that the game start command signal output in response to the operation of the start lever 6 is detected. That is, the random number generated at any time by the random number generator 36 is extracted at the timing when the player operates the start lever 6. In addition, when the arithmetic unit in the CPU 31 having a function as an internal winning combination determining unit detects a game start command signal, the arithmetic random number extracted by the sampling circuit 37 and a probability lottery table (described later) stored in the ROM 32. 9), the winning combination is determined.

  In addition, the calculation unit in the CPU 31 having a function as a reel rotating means for changing the symbols is based on the game start command signal output at the timing when the player operates the start lever 6, and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Is sent to the motor drive circuit 39. The motor drive circuit 39 drives the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R according to the signal output from the CPU 31, and rotates the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Thereby, the variation display of the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of reel 3L, 3C, 3R is performed.

  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 a count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  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, a symbol arrangement table (see FIG. 6 described later) is stored in the ROM 32. In this symbol arrangement table, with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated as described above, a code number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and a corresponding code number. A symbol code indicating the symbol provided is associated with the symbol.

  Furthermore, a symbol combination table is stored in the ROM 32. In this symbol combination table, a symbol combination corresponding to a combination, a medal payout number corresponding to the symbol combination, and a determination code thereof are associated with each other. This symbol combination table is referred to when the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are stopped and when the display combination is confirmed after all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped. Here, the display combination is a combination (established combination) corresponding to the symbol combinations arranged along the display line.

  Based on the random number sampling lottery process (probability lottery process), the calculation unit in the CPU 31 having a function as a reel stop control means for performing stop control of symbol variation is performed by the player using the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. Based on the operation command signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 46 at the operated timing and the selected stop table, a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is output to the motor drive circuit 39, and the corresponding reel Stop rotation.

  Here, the stop table is a table that associates the timing at which the stop command signal is output with the position at which the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, and a plurality of stop tables are provided for each winning combination. The stop table is selected according to the winning combination determined in the probability lottery process.

  In the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that are controlled to stop, if the combination of symbols displayed along the active line is in a stop mode indicating a winning combination, the CPU 31 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41, The hopper 40 pays out medals. Here, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 8, the number of medals to be paid out by the hopper 40 depends on the combination of symbols that are stopped and the number of medals (BET number) bet on the unit game. Are predetermined.

  Further, when paying out medals from the hopper 40, the medal detection unit 40S detects the medals paid out from the hopper 40 and outputs a predetermined signal to the payout completion signal circuit 51. The payout completion signal circuit 51 counts signals from the medal detection unit 40S, and outputs a medal payout completion signal to the CPU 31 when the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40 reaches a designated number. As a result, the CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper driving circuit 41 and ends the payout of medals.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 includes a full color LED control circuit (gSub) 72a and a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The full-color LED 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. Further, no information is exchanged between the main control circuit 71 and the full-color LED control circuit (gSub) 72a. That is, the full color LED control circuit (gSub) 72a operates independently of the main control circuit 71.

  Communication between the main control circuit 71 and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b, and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub). ) 72b does not input a command, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71.

  The full color LED control circuit (gSub) 72 a is composed of a full color LED control microcomputer 81 and a program ROM 83.

  The full color LED control microcomputer 81 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port. The CPU provided in the full color LED control microcomputer 81 performs various processes according to the control program stored in the program ROM 83. Although not shown, the CPU of the full-color LED control microcomputer 81 has at least a control unit, a calculation unit, a memory unit, and an input / output unit, and this calculation unit functions as various function units described above or below. . The full-color LED control circuit (gSub) 72a does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but performs random number sampling on the operation program of the full-color LED control microcomputer 81. It is configured.

  The full color LED control microcomputer 81 is connected to the full color LED display device 5 and the button operation unit 17. The button operation unit 17 outputs, to the control microcomputer 81, for example, a button number determined in advance for the pressed button in hardware.

  The program ROM 83 stores a control program executed by the full-color LED control microcomputer 81, various tables described later, and the like. The program ROM 83 stores, for example, an LED control data table (not shown) for controlling the emission color of the full color LED, and the full color LED control microcomputer 81 is a button input from the button operation unit 17 described above. The emission color corresponding to the number is read out by applying it to the aforementioned table, and a control signal for causing the full color LED display device 5 to emit light in the emission color is output to the full color LED display device 5.

  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 program ROM 93 stores information such as a control program for controlling the sound / lamp control microcomputer and various data tables.

  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 in accordance with a control program stored in the program ROM 93 based on a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 via the serial port 92. . 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 main control circuit 71 at a predetermined timing. As a result, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect. Although not shown, the CPU of the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 has at least a control unit, a calculation unit, a memory unit, and an input / output unit, and this calculation unit functions as various function units described above or below. To do.

  The serial port 92 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. 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 sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 and outputs it 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.

  The symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG. In this symbol arrangement table, “symbol position” and “symbol” are associated with each reel.

  The “symbol position” indicates the position of the symbol on the reel. The position is indicated by a code number on the reel. The “symbol” is a symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each reel. For example, on the left reel 3L, a symbol watermelon is drawn at code number 0 indicating a position on the reel, and a symbol red 7 is drawn at code number 20.

  FIG. 7 shows the game condition 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 basically includes a general gaming state, a BB gaming state, an RB gaming state, a BB carryover state, and an RB carryover state. The BB carryover state and the RB carryover state are hereinafter referred to as “carryover state”. Further, the role carried over in this carryover state is hereinafter referred to as “carryover role”. In addition, the BB gaming state, the RB gaming state, the BB carryover state, the RB carryover state, and the like are also referred to as a specific gaming state.

  The general game state is basically a game state in which an expected value of a so-called “play rate (game value given to a player for a unit game 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 BB gaming state is a gaming state configured by a BB general gaming state and an RB gaming state. Further, the BB gaming state is basically a gaming state constituted by a game in which the “actual accessory continuous actuating device related to the first type special accessory” is operating.

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

  The BB carryover state is a gaming state in which symbol combinations corresponding to BB are allowed to be arranged along the display line (BB establishment) over one or more games.

  The RB carryover state is a gaming state in which a combination of symbols corresponding to the RB is allowed along one or more games (establishment of RB).

  Here, as described later, when a specific condition is satisfied in the BB general gaming state, the RB gaming state is generated (shifted to the RB gaming state) without displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the RB. Also, when the RB wins internally during the BB gaming state (the BB general gaming state and the RB gaming state during the BB gaming state), the RB carryover state (the RB during BB carryover state) over one or more games in the BB gaming state ) And the symbol combination corresponding to RB is displayed, the gaming state is shifted from the RB carryover state (RB carryover state during BB) to the RB gaming state in the BB gaming state.

  Also, when the RB is won internally during the BB gaming state, or when the symbol combination corresponding to the RB is not displayed during the RB carryover state and a specific condition is satisfied, the current gaming state (for example, during BB The gaming state can be shifted from the (RB gaming state) to the RB gaming state during the BB gaming state. However, when the BB gaming state end condition is satisfied during the RB carryover state (RB during RB carryover state), the game state is shifted from the RB carryover state (RB during BB carryover state) to the general gaming state. Yes. On the other hand, when the RB is internally won during the general gaming state, the RB carryover state is entered and the RB is carried over.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the BB gaming state generation condition is establishment of BB. The game state transition condition is satisfied (satisfied) when the acquired number (for example, so-called “pure increase number” or “payout number”) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 466), and the gaming state shifts to the general gaming state. To do.

  The condition for generating the RB gaming state during the general 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 condition for generating the carryover state is one of internal winning for BB, internal winning for RB, or internal winning for RB during the BB gaming state. The transition condition is established when the BB or RB is established, the BB gaming state is ended, or the RB gaming state is started in the BB gaming state, and the gaming state is BB gaming state, RB gaming state, or general Transition to the gaming state.

  The occurrence condition of the BB general gaming state is that the BB is established or that the RB gaming state is ended during the BB gaming state. When the BB gaming state ends or the RB gaming state starts during the BB gaming state, the transition condition is established, and the gaming state transitions to the general gaming state or the RB gaming state.

  The occurrence condition of the RB gaming state in the BB gaming state is that a specific condition is established in the BB gaming state or in the BB gaming state, or the RB gaming state in the BB gaming state or in the BB gaming state. RB is established inside. When one of the conditions that the predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) the game is completed, the predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) is realized, or the BB gaming state is ended is satisfied. The transition condition is satisfied, and the gaming state shifts to the general gaming state, the RB gaming state in the BB gaming state, or the BB general gaming state.

  With reference to FIG. 8, a combination of a combination, a symbol, and a payout number will be described.

  (1) in FIG. 8 is when the BET number (the number of medals bet on the game) is 1, (2) in FIG. 8 is when the BET number is 2, and (3) in FIG. 8 is when the BET number is 3. The combination of symbols, symbol combinations and the number of payouts are shown.

  BB 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 BB). In addition, “Blue 7” and “Red 7”, which are symbol combinations of BB, are lottery with different flags.

  RB is established by arranging “BAR-BAR-BAR” along the effective line. In the BB general gaming state, RB is also established by arranging “Plum-Replay-Replay” along the active line.

  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 can be played without newly inserting a medal 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) in FIG. 9 shows a general gaming state probability random determination table. In the general gaming state, BB (red 7), BB (blue 7), RB, replay, watermelon small part, plum small part, top and bottom cherry small part, and middle cherry small part may be won internally. .

  Here, when BB (red 7) is hit internally (when BB (red 7) is carried over), “red 7-red 7-red 7” is allowed to line up along the active line. When BB (blue 7) is hit internally (when BB (blue 7) is carried over), “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is allowed to line up along the active line.

  (2) of FIG. 9 shows a probability lottery table for the BB general gaming state. In the BB general gaming state, there are cases where RB1, RB2, replay, watermelon small part, plum small part, top and bottom cherry small part, and medium cherry small part are internally won.

  Here, when RB1 is won internally (when RB1 is carried over), “BAR-BAR-BAR” is allowed to line up along the active line. When RB2 is won internally (when RB2 is carried over), “Plum-Replay-Replay” is allowed to line up along the active line.

  (3) in FIG. 9 shows an RB gaming state probability random determination table. In this RB gaming state, there are cases where a watermelon, a plum, a cherry top and a cherry cherry, and a medium cherry are played internally.

  Here, in the BB general gaming state and the RB gaming state, the formation rate is calculated with the watermelon small combination, cherry small combination, and RB1 as predetermined combinations.

  (4) of FIG. 9 shows the carry-over state probability lottery table. In the carryover state, there may be internal winnings for replays, watermelon small roles, plum small roles, upper and lower cherry small roles, and medium cherry small roles.

[Main flowchart]
With reference to the main flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the control operation of the main control circuit 71 as game control means will be described.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 performs initialization at the start of the game (when the gaming machine 1 is turned on or when the gaming machine 1 is reset). The CPU 31 initializes the storage contents of the RAM 33, initializes communication data, and the like. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used in the previous game is erased, and the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33. . Specifically, a game state flag indicating a game state (general game state / BB game state / RB game state / BB carryover state / RB carryover state, etc.) is turned OFF, and a winning number counter that counts and stores the number of winnings. A game number counter for counting and storing the number of times and a payout number counter for counting and storing the number of payouts are set to zero. Thereafter, the CPU 31 moves the process to step S2.

  In step S2, the CPU 31 confirms that the player has performed a game start operation after the BET operation. Specifically, the CPU 31 checks whether or not the start lever 6 has been operated after the BET operation. If the start lever 6 has not been operated, the CPU 31 moves the process to step S2. When the start lever 6 is operated, the CPU 31 determines that the player has performed a game start operation, and moves the process to step S3.

  In step S3, the CPU 31 notifies the sub control circuit 72 that a coin has been inserted and a game has started. Specifically, the CPU 31 transmits a game start notification signal to the sub control circuit 72. Thereafter, the CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S4.

  In step S4, the CPU 31 performs an internal lottery depending on the gaming state. That is, based on whether the gaming state is a general gaming state or a specific gaming state, an internal lottery is performed to determine a symbol combination. Specifically, the CPU 31 extracts a random number for lottery, and when the gaming state flag is OFF, the “general gaming state probability lottery table” in the internal lottery table (FIGS. 8 and 9) is used to determine the gaming state. If the flag is not OFF, the “design combination” is determined using the “specific game state probability lottery table”. Thereafter, the CPU 31 moves the process to step S5.

  In step S5, the CPU 31 rotates the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated when the player presses the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, or when a certain time elapses. Stop 3R. Specifically, the CPU 31 sets a reel stop time monitoring timer for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R after a predetermined time has elapsed, and rotates the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Then, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are turned on in response to the player pressing the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, or when the reel stop time monitoring timer has elapsed for a certain time. Stop. Thereafter, the CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S6.

  In step S6, the CPU 31 checks whether or not the stopped symbol combination has won a prize. Specifically, the CPU 31 checks whether or not the stopped symbol combination is a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination. If the symbol combination does not correspond to a winning combination, the CPU 31 determines that no winning has been won, and the process proceeds to step S9. If it corresponds to a winning combination, it is determined that a winning has been won, and the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, the CPU 31 pays out based on the stopped symbol combination. Specifically, the CPU 31 pays out the payout number corresponding to the stopped symbol combination based on the combination, symbol combination, and payout number table (FIG. 8). Thereafter, the CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S8.

  In step S8, the CPU 31 performs subtraction processing for the winning number counter and the payout number counter based on the current gaming state. Specifically, for example, when the game state flag is in the BB game state, the CPU 31 subtracts the current payout number from the payout number counter. When the game state flag is the RB game state, 1 is subtracted from the winning number counter. Thereafter, the CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S9.

  In step S9, the CPU 31 subtracts the game number counter based on the current game state. Specifically, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the number-of-games counter when, for example, the game state flag is the RB game state. Thereafter, the CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S10.

  In step S10, the CPU 31 sets a game state based on the current game result and various counters for the game state. That is, when the current gaming state is the general gaming state, it is checked whether or not to shift to the specific gaming state. When the current gaming state is the specific gaming state, whether or not to shift to the general gaming state. Check out.

  Specifically, the CPU 31 checks the game state flag. For example, if the game state flag is OFF (general game state), the CPU 31 checks the current game result. That is, based on the internal lottery table (FIGS. 8 and 9), “contents of the combination” corresponding to the stopped symbol combination is checked. If the combination is a BB combination, the gaming state flag is set to the BB gaming state and the number of payouts is counted. In addition, the number of payouts for the end condition corresponding to the combination is stored. If the “contents of the combination” is an RB combination, the number of winnings and the number of games as end conditions corresponding to the combination are stored in a winning number counter and a game number counter, respectively.

  Similarly, the CPU 31 checks the gaming state flag. For example, if the gaming state flag is not OFF (specific gaming state), the CPU 31 checks whether it is the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state. When the game state flag is the BB game state, the payout number counter is checked, and when it is 0 or less, the general game state (the game state flag is turned OFF) is set. When the game state flag is the RB game state, the winning number counter and the game number counter are checked, and if either of them is 0, the general game state (the game state flag is turned OFF) is set. Thereafter, the CPU 31 shifts the processing step to S2.

[Upper panel color change processing flowchart]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the upper panel color change process. With reference to this flowchart, the color changing process of the upper panel will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, the color changing process of the upper panel is performed independently of the process of the CPU 31.

  Further, in this embodiment, each button of the button operation unit 17 is provided with a hardware button number (here, No. 1 to No. 5). The button number is notified to the full color LED control microcomputer 81. Further, the full-color LED control microcomputer 81 compares the number with a light emission color table (FIG. 12) stored in advance in the program ROM 83 to determine a color to be emitted by the full color LED.

  Then, the full-color LED control microcomputer 81 obtains the full-color LED control data necessary for the full-color LED to emit the color to be emitted from the full-color LED control data table (not shown) stored in advance in the program ROM 83. The full-color LED control data is retrieved and notified to the full-color LED display device 5. As a result, the full color LED display device 5 emits light in the light emission color corresponding to the above button number.

  Hereinafter, it will be described in detail with reference to the color changing process flowchart of the upper panel in FIG.

  First, the full-color LED control microcomputer 81 checks whether or not a button number has been notified from the button operation unit 17 (step S20). If there is no notification, the process proceeds to step S20 (waiting for notification), and if there is a notification, the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21, the full-color LED control microcomputer 81 refers to the emission color table from the notified button number, determines a color to be emitted by the full-color LED display device 5, and moves the process to step S22.

  In step S22, the full-color LED control microcomputer 81 searches the full-color LED control data table for full-color LED control data for emitting the color to be emitted by the full-color LED display device 5, and moves the process to step S23.

  In step S23, the full color LED control microcomputer 81 notifies the full color LED display device 5 of the full color LED control data obtained in step S22. Thereby, the full color LED display device 5 controls the voltage and current supplied to the full color LED based on the full color LED control data so that the full color LED emits light in the color to be emitted. As a result, the full color LED, that is, the full color LED display device 5 emits light in the display color according to the button number, and the emitted light illuminates the upper panel 84. Thereafter, the full color LED control microcomputer 81 shifts the processing to step S20.

  The gaming machine 1 configured as described above has the following effects.

  The number of payouts to be paid out when winning the winning combination is displayed along with the symbol combination of each winning combination, and the color of the upper panel, which has a large visual effect, is matched to the preference and necessity of the player or the store clerk at the playground. Can be changed in real time.

  In addition, as the light emitting means, an LED light source having higher responsiveness and lower cost than a liquid crystal display device or the like, and having higher luminance and lower cost than a plasma display device or the like is adopted. Machine can be provided.

  In addition, regardless of the presence or absence of the game and the progress, the color of the upper panel can be changed easily and instantaneously by pushing the button operation unit 17 once.

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

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that a predetermined color (light emission color) is assigned to each button of the button operation unit 17, but by pressing the button, the light emission color of the upper panel 84 is steplessly performed. When the color changes to a desired color for a player or a game shop clerk, it is fixed at the light emission color at the time when the pressing operation of the button is stopped (finger is released from the button). good. Thereby, a player, a shop clerk, or the like can cause the upper panel 84 to emit light in a color freely selected from among infinite colors.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a gaming machine. The figure which shows the internal structure of a game machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the symbol arranged on the reel. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an electric circuit. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the sub control circuit of an Example. It is a figure which shows a symbol arrangement | positioning table. It is a figure which shows the generation | occurrence | production condition of each game state, a transfer condition, and a transfer destination game state. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a combination, a symbol combination, and a payout number. It is a figure which shows a probability lottery table. It is a main flowchart of the main control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the color change process of an upper panel. It is a figure which shows a luminescent color table.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Cabinet 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 5 Full color LED display device 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 17 Button operation part 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 72a Full color LED control circuit (gSub)
81 Full color LED control microcomputer 83 Program ROM
84 Top panel

Claims (3)

A plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface;
A symbol display means for displaying a plurality of symbols out of a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of each reel;
Random number generating means for generating a random number at a predetermined cycle;
A game start signal output means for outputting a game start command signal in response to an operation by the player;
Random number extraction means for extracting a random number generated by the random number generation means based on detecting a game start command signal from the game start signal output means;
Reel rotation means for rotating the plurality of reels based on detecting a game start command signal from the game start signal output means;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining at least one internal winning combination from a plurality of predetermined internal winning combinations based on the random number extracted by the random number extracting means;
Stop signal output means for outputting a stop command signal for commanding stop of rotation of the corresponding reel in accordance with an operation by the player;
Reel stop control means for controlling the rotation of the corresponding reel based on the output of the stop command signal from the stop signal output means and the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means,
In a gaming machine comprising
A light transmissive upper panel;
A plurality of light emitting means capable of full color display mounted on the back surface of the upper panel so as to illuminate the upper panel;
A sub-control circuit for controlling the emission color of the light emitting means;
A button operation unit having a plurality of buttons for giving a light emission instruction of the light emission color to the sub-control circuit;
A gaming machine comprising: The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A gaming machine, wherein the light emitting means is a full color LED. A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A predetermined emission color is assigned to each button of the button operation unit, and the sub-control circuit causes the light emitting means to emit light in a color according to the emission color assigned to each button. A gaming machine characterized by

Images