JP2008264380A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which enables players to practice an effective skill-stop without consuming medals uselessly. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 1 has a game mode selection means which makes the players select the main game mode or the practice mode for practicing the skill-stop which notifies the players of the skill-stop timing for stop operation and a notification means for notifying the players of the skill-stop timing (for example, speakers 21L, 21R and 21B, LED lamp 29 and liquid crystal display device 5). A subcontrol circuit 72 determines stop symbols on pseudo reels 4L, 4C and 4R according to the stop symbols on the main reels 3L, 3C and 3R when the main game mode is selected or determines the stop symbols on the pseudo reels 4L, 4C and 4R according to the input timing of a stop command signal when the practice mode is selected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, when a start operation is performed, a mainstream gaming machine performs an internal lottery based on a lottery table and a random number table, and based on the result of the internal lottery and the timing of a stop operation by the player Thus, the rotation of the reel is stopped. Therefore, even if the aforementioned internal lottery is performed and the winning combination related to the player's profit is determined, if the stop operation is not performed at an appropriate timing, the corresponding symbol combination is not displayed and the game The person is required to have a predetermined technique (so-called “promotion”). In addition, it is difficult for a player who can't push up to play this kind of game machine, and even if it happens to stop at a symbol related to the internal winning, it will be less interesting than stopping it. .

  However, novice players, in particular, aim for a specific symbol until they win a bonus combination or until a specific gaming state (for example, a gaming state that is advantageous to a player who notifies the replay time or child role). There is a strong tendency to play such that it cannot be stopped by stopping and the player does not stop aiming at the symbol (so-called “father strike”).

  Further, for example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 have been proposed as being capable of practicing pressing. The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured to switch between practice and production mode. Further, in Patent Document 2, when the practice game is executed, the aircraft is set in a pseudo lottery state, and medals are not paid out even when stopped by a combination of winning symbols.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-239072 JP 2000-245899 A

  However, if such a practice mode continues for a long time, useless medals are consumed, and there is a problem that the player does not actually use this practice mode. In addition, if the medals are not consumed during practice, players who are simply practicing may occupy the amusement hall for a long time, which may put pressure on the management of the amusement hall. Exists.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that allows a player to perform effective push-up practice without consuming unnecessary medals. .

In order to solve the above-described problem, the gaming machine of the present invention has a plurality of display units (for example, reels 3L, 3C, and 3R described later) that display a plurality of symbols (for example, a symbol written on the outer peripheral surface of the main reel). The first display means (for example, main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which will be described later) for displaying the game result by the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed on the display, and a plurality of symbols corresponding to the display section of the first display means. A second display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 5 to be described later) having a display section (pseudo reels 4L, 4C, 4R) for displaying and performing an effect relating to the game by displaying at least the symbols on the display section; When a start command signal for instructing the start of a unit game based on the detection is output from a start signal output means (for example, a start switch described later), a winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination (for example, a main control described later) Path 71) and a stop signal output means (for example, a stop signal to be described later) for outputting a stop command signal for instructing stop of the variable display of the symbols displayed on the display unit of the first display means based on detection of the stop operation. Switches 7L, 7C, and 7R), and a first display for performing display control for stopping the display of variation of symbols displayed on the display unit of the first display means based on the stop command signal and the determined winning combination. Display control is performed by the first display control means based on the stop command signal in the control means (for example, the main control circuit 71 described later, the processing of A5 to A8 in FIG. 9 described later) and the real game mode. Second display control means (for example, sub-control circuit 72 described later) for controlling display of symbols displayed on the display section of the second display means corresponding to the display section of the first display means, and the real game mode. And a game mode selection means (for example, B13) for selecting a practice mode for practicing the eye pressing for notifying the pressing timing for performing the stop operation, and a notifying means (for example, a speaker 21L described later) for notifying the pressing timing. , 21R, 21B, LED lamp 29, and liquid crystal display device 5), and the second display control means, when the production game mode is selected, according to the stop pattern of the first display means When the stop symbol of the second display means is determined and the practice mode is selected, the stop symbol of the second display means is determined according to the input timing of the stop command signal.

  According to this configuration, the practice mode can be used to execute the main game with the payout of medals in parallel on the first display means while performing the practice of pushing on the second display means. Can practice the eyeball without consuming unnecessary medals. In addition, since a player who does not consume medals does not occupy the amusement hall for a long time, there is no fear of squeezing the management of the player.

The second display control means automatically cancels the practice mode and cancels the practice mode when a predetermined winning combination (for example, a bonus flag) is won internally when the practice mode is selected. A signal for notifying this is output to the notification means. According to this configuration, when the bonus flag is won internally in the real game during the practice of pushing the practice mode with the second display means, it is known that the practice mode has been canceled by display, sound, vibration, etc. At the same time, the practice mode can be forcibly terminated to achieve the achievements that have been improved in the bonus game in the production game mode.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention further includes a push notification mode selection unit that selects a push notification mode for notifying the push timing for performing the stop operation in the notification mode set during the production game mode, and the notification unit When the eye press notification mode is selected, the eye press timing for performing the stop operation is notified during the production game mode. According to this configuration, for example, when all games, bonuses, and customizing are made, the player can set the announcement mode other than the practice mode in the notification mode set by the player such as pressing the first frame. Become.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that allows a player to perform effective push-practice without consuming unnecessary medals.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the gaming machine of the present invention will be described in detail.

<Configuration of gaming machine>
The gaming machine described in the present embodiment is a so-called “pachi-slot machine”, and a game is made so that a specific winning mode is established based on the symbols displayed by stopping the variable display of a plurality of symbols on the winning line. The change display can be stopped by detecting the user's operation. Note that the gaming machine plays a game using a game medium such as a coin or a medal, a game ball, or the like, or a card that stores information on a game value given to or given to a player. In the following description, a game medium payout device that borrows a game medium when a player starts a game with a “pachislot machine” will be described as a medal payout device.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the liquid crystal display device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pseudo reel used in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display device 5 is installed on the front surface of a cabinet 2 as a gaming machine casing forming the entire gaming machine 1. The liquid crystal display device 5 can display pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R synchronized with three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, which will be described later, and effect images by characters and the like. The liquid crystal display device 5 will be described in detail later.

  A reel display window 43 opened obliquely upward is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5. In the back of the reel display window 43, three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided as variable display means. Each of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R has a symbol row formed of a plurality of symbols on its outer peripheral surface. The symbol row consists of a plurality of types of symbols with code numbers “00” to “20”. Specifically, the pattern includes “red 7”, “blue 7”, “bell”, “watermelon”, “Replay”, and “cherry”. Each reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rpm). “Red 7” and “Blue 7” in the symbol sequence are set as constituting a specific winning mode. Here, the specific winning mode means a winning mode in which a bonus of BB (big bonus) or RB (regular bonus) described later is established.

  As shown in FIG. 2, three pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5. Each of the three pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R has a semi-cylindrical outer shape (FIG. 3), and is arranged horizontally in parallel with the curved surface directed toward the liquid crystal display device 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the three pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R have reel body portions 42L, 42C, and 42R as reel bodies, and reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R as reel image display means. is doing. The reel main body portions 42L, 42C, and 42R have a semi-cylindrical outer shape. The reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R are attached so as to cover the entire curved surfaces of the reel body portions 42L, 42C, and 42R.

  The reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R are formed by bending an organic EL display. It may be formed by connecting a plurality of organic EL displays. Here, the organic EL display is a display that uses an organic substance that emits light when a voltage is applied, and forms a display by depositing a light emitter on a substrate such as glass, plastic, or film and applying a DC voltage thereto. Refers to the display. Since this organic EL display is a self-luminous element, the viewing angle is not limited and the visibility is excellent, so that the symbols are not easily seen depending on the position of the player's eyes. In addition, since a backlight is not required, it can be made thin (about 2 mm) and light. In this embodiment, an organic EL display is used for the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R, but an LCD having a backlight may be used.

The reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R are configured to display reel images that have the same plurality of symbols as the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. A plurality of symbols of the reel image can be visually recognized through the liquid crystal display device 5 from the front of the cabinet 2. Further, the reel images are displayed in a variable manner so as to be synchronized with the rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. That is, when the start lever 6 is operated, the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R start rotating together with the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Therefore, even when the player performs the reel stop operation while visually recognizing the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, the same game as when the player performs the reel stop operation while visually recognizing the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The result can be obtained.

  Each of the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R can be visually recognized by a total of nine symbols in the vertical direction from the front of the cabinet 2 in the present invention. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, five pay lines are set corresponding to the stop positions of nine visually recognizable symbols (FIG. 2 shows examples of pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R). That is, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d that horizontally traverse three symbols arranged in the vertical direction are provided, and a cross down line 8a and a cross up line 8e that traverse diagonally. Each of these pay lines may be displayed so as to be visible to the player, or may not be displayed.

  By operating a 1-BET button 11 and a maximum BET button 12, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22, one winning line is provided (only the center line 8c). When two bets are made (the 1-BET button 11 is operated twice (pressed) or two medals are inserted), three (in addition to the center line 8c, the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d), the maximum number (this embodiment) In the case of 3 bets), 5 (3 cross-line 8a and cross-up line 8e) are activated in addition to 3 (2 bets). The winning lines 8a to 8e are related to success or failure of the winning combination. Specifically, the winning combination of the predetermined combination is established by stopping and displaying the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined combination in a predetermined position corresponding to any activated winning line. Will be. In the following description, the activated winning line may be referred to as an activated line.

  Returning to FIG. 1, on the left side of the reel display window 43, a display unit 17 for displaying the number of payouts and the number of credits is provided. The display unit 17 is composed of a 7-segment display unit and displays a numerical value of up to 4 digits. The left two-digit portion displays the number of stored medals (number of credits), and the right two-digit portion displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is established.

  On the right side of the display unit 17, a medal insertion lamp 18, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, and a maximum BET lamp 9c are provided. The medal insertion lamp 18 blinks when the medal insertion can be accepted. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are lit according to the number of medals (hereinafter, also referred to as BET number) bet to play one game (unit game). Note that one game ends when all reels are stopped, or when medals are paid out, when medals are paid out.

  A game start display lamp 19 and a replay lamp 20 are provided on the left side of the display unit 17. The game start display lamp 19 is lit when at least one of the pay lines 8a to 8e is activated. The replay lamp 20 is turned on when winning a “replay” described later. That is, when the replay lamp 20 is lit, the game can be started without inserting medals.

  A pedestal portion 10 having a horizontal surface is formed below the reel display window 43 and the display portion 17. On the left side of the pedestal 10, a 1-BET button 11 and a maximum BET button 12 are provided. The 1-BET button 11 makes one of the credited medals bet on the game by one pressing operation, and two of the credited medals by two pressing operations. The number of bets on the game. The maximum BET button 12 sets the maximum number of bets that can be bet on one game (three in this embodiment) to be bet on the game. By operating the BET buttons 11 and 12, the above-described pay lines 8a to 8e are activated.

  Further, a stored medal settlement button 14 (hereinafter referred to as a C / P button 14) is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal portion 10 to switch credit / payout of medals acquired by the player by a push operation. Yes. When “payout” is selected by switching the C / P button 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the medals received are stored in the medal receiving unit 16. On the other hand, when “credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as credits in a memory (eg, RAM 33 described later) provided in the gaming machine.

  A start lever 6 for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by a player's operation is attached to the right side of the C / P button 14 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3R, and 3C are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal portion 10, respectively.

  On the right side of the pedestal portion 10, a medal slot 22 is provided. Furthermore, speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the cabinet 2. Further, a speaker 21B is also provided on the right side of the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front. In addition, an LED lamp 29 is provided between the speakers 21L and 21R, and blinks or the like in accordance with an effect corresponding to the gaming state.

  The speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B are configured to output a reel rotation sound effect when a plurality of symbols of the reel images displayed on the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R are rotated and displayed. In order to make the reel sound effect sound sufficiently heard by the player, for example, it is desirable to make it larger than BGM or the like output from the gaming machine, but it is not limited to this. The volume of the reel rotation sound output from the speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B increases as the rotational speed of the variable display of the plurality of symbols on the reel image displayed on the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R increases. It is supposed to be bigger.

  Although not shown, a vibration source 13 that generates vibration is provided inside the cabinet 2. The vibration source 13 is not limited on the condition that the vibration amount can be controlled, and a general technique such as one using a motor may be used. A vibration source 13 as a vibration generating means, which is an example of a sensory stimulation means, is provided in the vicinity of the front surface inside the cabinet, and the vibration is transmitted to the player via a table or a ground on which the cabinet or game machine is installed. It is supposed to be. Further, the vibration amount of the vibration generated from the vibration source 13 is increased as the rotational speed of the variable display of a plurality of symbols displayed on the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R increases. ing.

Here, the structure of the liquid crystal display device 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 51 including a protective glass 52 and a display plate 53, a transparent liquid crystal panel 54, a light guide plate 55, a reflection film 56, and fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b which are so-called white light sources. 58a, 58b, lamp holders 59a to 59h, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving the transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. The TCP is a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. Etc.). As described above, the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided in front of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Further, the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, 4R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided with a predetermined interval.

  The protective glass 52 and the display board 53 are comprised with the transparent member. On the display board 53, a pattern or the like is formed at a position corresponding to the above-described BET lamps 9a to 9c. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is formed is the pattern formation area 51b of the front panel 51, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is not formed is the display window 51a of the front panel 51. (See FIG. 2). The entire surface of the front panel 51 may be used as the display window 51a without forming the pattern forming region 51b on the front panel 51. In this case, a pattern is not formed on the display board 53 or the display board 53 may be omitted. Note that various lamps arranged on the back side of the display plate 53, electric circuits for operating various display units, and the like are not shown.

  The transparent liquid crystal panel 54 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. By adopting a normally white transparent liquid crystal panel 54, even if there is a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven, identification information such as symbols displayed on the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, 4R The variable display and stop display can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when such a situation occurs, it is possible to play a game centering on the variable display mode and stop display mode of the identification information (for example, symbols) displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The light guide plate 55 is used to guide the light from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 (illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 54), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

  The reflective film 56 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 55 toward the front side of the light guide plate 55. The reflective film 56 includes a reflective area 56A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 56B.

  The fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b are arranged along the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the light guide plate 55, and both ends are supported by the lamp holder 59. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b is reflected by the reflection area 56 </ b> A of the reflection film 56 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 54.

  The fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are disposed toward the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R at an upper position and a lower position on the back side of the reflective film 56, respectively. The light exiting from the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b, reflected by the surfaces of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R and incident on the non-reflective area 56B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 54.

  The fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b blink when a plurality of symbols of the reel image displayed on the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R are rotated and displayed, and the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b pass through the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. The blinking of 58b is visible to the player. The blinking intervals of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are made shorter as the rotational speed of the variable display of the plurality of symbols displayed on the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R increases.

  As described above, in the liquid crystal display device 5, the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b and reflected from the reflection area 56A of the reflective film 56 and the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are supplied to the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. The light reflected from the surface and incident on the non-reflective region 56B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. Therefore, the region of the liquid crystal display device 5 corresponding to the non-reflective region 56B of the reflective film 56 is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state depending on whether or not the liquid crystal is driven. The reflective region 56A of the reflective film 56 The region of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to is in a non-transparent state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is driven.

  The gaming machine is a region where only a part of the liquid crystal display device 5 is switched to a transparent / non-transparent state. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is entirely transparent / It may be a region that switches to a non-transparent state. In this case, when the entire region of the liquid crystal display device 5 is a region that is switched to the transmissive state or the non-transmissive state, all the reflective films 56 may be the non-reflective regions 56B or the reflective film 56 may be omitted.

  Since it has the above-described configuration, reel images are displayed on the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R attached to the curved surface of the reel body. The player's sense is stimulated by the volume and flashing. Thereby, it is possible to provide the player with an effect that the mechanical reel is rotating.

  Next, the main control circuit will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electric circuit of the main control circuit according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation of the gaming machine 1 is controlled by a main control circuit 71 provided on the main board and a sub control circuit 72 provided on the sub board. 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 main board side 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. The random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range. The sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. The CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the random numbers sampled by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32.

  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.

  The main actuators whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 30 include various lamps (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c, medal insertion lamp 18, game start display lamp 19, Replay lamp 20), display unit 17, the above-mentioned hopper (including a driving unit for paying out) 40 for storing medals and paying out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41, and reels 3L and 3C There are stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R that rotationally drive 3R.

  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 various lamps, and a display unit that drives and controls the display unit 17. A drive circuit 48 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38. 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 control circuit 71 is connected to input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for generating a control command. Main input signal generating means include a start switch 6S, a touch panel 60, a 1-BET switch 11S, a maximum BET switch 12S, a C / P switch 14S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 47, and a payout completion signal circuit 44. There is. These are also connected to the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38.

The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in accordance with the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 47 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 44 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.

  Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71. For example, the game state being executed, the number of inserted medals, and the like are stored. On the other hand, the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 determines the reel stop mode according to the operation of the probability lottery table and stop button used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation). Various data tables such as a stop table group for the purpose, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the like are stored.

  Next, the sub control circuit will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of the sub control circuit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The main control circuit 71 is connected to the sub control circuit 72 so that commands, information, and the like can be output in one direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the sub control circuit 72 controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the control command (command) from the main control circuit 71, the sound from the speakers 21 </ b> L, 21 </ b> R, 21 </ b> B and the LED lamp 29. The light output is controlled. The sub-control circuit 72 is configured on a sub-board different from the main board constituting the main control circuit 71 and includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “sub-microcomputer”) 73 as a main component, and the liquid crystal display device 5 and Image control circuit 81 as display control means of reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R in pseudo reels 4R, 4C, and 4L, sound source IC 78 that controls sound output from speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B, and power as an amplifier An amplifier 79, an LED drive circuit 77 for driving the LED lamp 29, and a vibration source control circuit 84 for driving the vibration source 13 are provided.

  The sub microcomputer 73 includes a sub CPU 74 that performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71, a program ROM 75 serving as a sub board-side storage unit, and a work RAM 76. The sub control circuit 72 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 sub CPU 74. The program ROM 75 stores an effect pattern table shown in FIG. 7 described later executed by the sub CPU 74, a control program such as a pseudo reel effect processing routine shown in FIG. 9 described later, and the like. The work RAM 76 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the control program is executed by the sub CPU 74.

  The image control circuit 81 includes an image control IC 82, an image control work RAM 83, an image ROM 86, and a video RAM 87. The image control IC 82 determines the display contents on the liquid crystal display device 5 according to the image control program based on the parameters set by the sub microcomputer 73. The image control work RAM 83 is configured as temporary storage means (buffer) when the image control program is executed by the image control IC 82. The image ROM 86 stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM 87 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control IC 82 forms an image.

  The sub CPU 74 controls lighting, extinguishing, blinking, and the like by the LED lamp 29 by driving the LED driving circuit 77. The sub CPU 74 controls the sound source IC 78 and the power amplifier 79 to control sound output from the speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B. In particular, the sub CPU 74 outputs sound effects from the speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B at a volume proportional to the reel image fluctuation display speed.

  Further, the sub CPU 74 controls the liquid crystal display device 5 to control lighting, extinguishing, blinking, and the like of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b. The sub CPU 74 controls the display mode of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b at a blinking speed proportional to the fluctuation display speed of the reel image. The sub CPU 74 controls the vibration generated from the vibration source 13 by controlling the vibration source control circuit 84. The main control circuit 71 constitutes the first display control means of the present invention, and the sub control circuit 72 constitutes the second display control means of the present invention.

  Next, the effect pattern table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an effect pattern table according to the embodiment of the present invention. The vibration pattern table is stored in the program ROM 75 of the sub-microcomputer 73 and is output from the vibration amount (displacement) pattern of the vibration source corresponding to the status of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, and the speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B. The reel rotation effect sound volume pattern and the flashing patterns of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are stored.

  The effect pattern table has a status column, a vibration amount (displacement) pattern column, a sound effect pattern column, and a blinking pattern column. When the status of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R changes, vibration is generated. Each effect pattern is selected from the amount (displacement) pattern field, the sound effect pattern field, and the blinking pattern field. For example, when the status of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R changes from “no rotation” to “three spinning”, the vibration amount (displacement) is proportional to the fluctuation display speed of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. The vibration source 13 is controlled so as to continuously change from 0 m to 0.003 m, the reel rotation sound effect is controlled so as to continuously change from no output to 12 dB, and the blinking interval of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b is 0 Hz. From 20 to 20 Hz.

Also, for example, when the status of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R changes from “3 rotating” to “2 rotating”, that is, any one of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. When the fluctuation display stops, the vibration source 13 is controlled so that the vibration amount (displacement) continuously changes from 0.003 m to 0.002 m in proportion to the fluctuation display speed of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. The reel rotation sound effect is controlled so as to continuously change from 12 dB to 11 dB, and the blinking intervals of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are controlled to be maintained at 20 Hz. That is, the vibration amount (displacement), the volume of the reel rotation effect sound, and the blinking interval of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are changed in proportion to the fluctuation display speed of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R.

  As will be described later, the vibration amount (displacement) pattern, the sound effect pattern, and the flashing pattern are set to be equal to or more than the effect pattern as a notification means for notifying the timing of the eye pressing when the eye pressing practice mode is selected. Thus, it is possible to notify the timing of pressing the stop operation during the practice mode.

  Next, the game mode selection screen will be described. FIG. 8 is a view showing a game mode selection screen according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the sub control circuit 72 performs the push practice for notifying the production game mode selection button 61 for selecting the production game mode and the push timing for performing the stop operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. A practice mode selection button 62 for selecting a practice mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. The production game mode selection button 61 and the practice mode selection button 62 constitute the game mode selection means of the present invention. By selecting the practice mode, the eye pressing timing can be notified through the speakers 21L, 21R, 21B, the LED lamp 29, and the liquid crystal display device 5 as notification means.

  According to this configuration, the practice mode is used for practicing pushing on the liquid crystal display device 5 on which the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are displayed, and the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are accompanied by paying out medals. Since the game can be executed in parallel, the player can practice the pressing without consuming unnecessary medals.

  Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The gaming machine 1 causes four types of game states to appear: “normal game state”, “practice game state”, “RB game state”, and “BB general game state”. The game states of “Normal Game State”, “RB Game State” and “BB General Game State” basically realize the types of roles that may be won internally, the probability of winning internally in replay, and the establishment of a prize. It is distinguished by the type of bonus that can be played, and the relationship between internal winnings and winning.

  The “normal gaming state” basically means a gaming state in which an expected value of a so-called “participation rate” (a valuable value given to a player with respect to a unit valuable value bet on a game) is smaller than “1”. This is a gaming state that is most disadvantageous for the player as compared to other gaming states.

  The “BB general gaming state” is generated when the BB is won internally and the BB is won in the “general gaming state”. The BB winning is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” along the active line in the “general gaming state”. The “BB general gaming state” ends when 30 small-games or 3 RBs (regular bonus) are consumed. The “BB general gaming state” may be ended when the payout of a predetermined number of medals is completed.

  The “RB gaming state” has a higher expected value of the payout rate than the “general gaming state”, and is the most advantageous gaming state for the player as compared to other gaming states. The “RB gaming state” is generated when an RB (regular bonus) is won in the “general gaming state” or the “BB general gaming state”. The RB winning is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-blue 7” along the active line in the general gaming state or the BB general gaming state. The establishment of RB winning in the “BB general gaming state” is generally referred to as “JACIN”, and the subsequent game is referred to as “JAC game”. The transition between the game states is performed when a combination of bonus symbols is displayed on the winning line.

  Next, a description will be given of the relationship between the gaming state, the symbol combination indicating the winning and the number of medals paid out. In the general gaming state, there is a possibility of winning “BB”, “RB”, “Replay”, “Watermelon Minor”, “Bell Minor” and “Cherry Minor” is there. “BB” is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” along the effective line. “RB” is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-blue 7” along the active line. The payout number of these medals is “0”. Further, “replay” is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay”. When a re-game winning 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 the case of watermelon, bell and cherry small roles, 6, 10 and 6 medals are paid out, respectively.

  In the BB general gaming state, there is a possibility of winning “RB”, “Watermelon Minor”, “Bell Minor” and “Cherry Minor”. In the RB gaming state, there is a possibility of winning a small role of “re-game”, “watermelon”, “bell”, or “cherry”. In the case of watermelon, bell and cherry small roles, 6, 10 and 6 medals are paid out, respectively.

  Next, the control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a main routine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (step A1). Specifically, the CPU 31 initializes the storage contents of the RAM 33, initializes communication data, and the like. Subsequently, the CPU 31 erases the predetermined stored contents of the RAM 33 at the end of the game (step A2). Specifically, the CPU 31 erases the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game, writes the parameters necessary for the next game to the write area of the RAM 33, and the start address of the sequence program of the next game Specify etc. Next, the CPU 31 stands by until there is an input from the inserted medal sensor 22S or the BET switches 11S and 12S (step A3). The CPU 31 outputs a mode selection screen display instruction to the sub control circuit 72 (step A4). As a result, the sub control circuit 72 displays the mode selection screen shown in FIG. 8 on the liquid crystal display device 5. Thus, the player can select the actual game mode or the eye pressing practice mode in which the eye pressing practice is possible on the mode selection screen of FIG. Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the practice mode has been selected by the player (step A5). When CPU 31 determines that practice mode selection has been selected (step A5: YES), CPU 31 outputs a practice mode selection command to sub-control circuit 72 (step A6). When the practice mode is not selected (step A5: NO), the CPU 31 transmits a medal insertion signal to the sub control circuit 72 and determines whether or not the start switch 6S is turned on by operating the start lever 6 ( Step A7).

  When the start switch 6S is not turned on (step A7: NO), the CPU 31 waits for input by repeating step A4, and when the start switch 6S is turned on (step A7: YES), A game start signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and random numbers for lottery are extracted (step A8). And CPU31 confirms the game state in this game by performing a game state monitoring process (step A9). That is, the CPU 31 sets the game state of the current game to any one of the BB general game state, the RB game state, and the general game state.

  Then, the CPU 31 performs a probability lottery process (step A10) and determines an internal winning combination. Subsequently, the CPU 31 executes a stop table group selection process (step A11). Specifically, the CPU 31 selects a specific stop table group using the type of internal winning combination. The stop table group is used when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped in the subsequent step A13. Here, the CPU 31 transmits to the sub-control circuit 72 a game information signal including information related to the internal winning combination, gaming state, stop table group, and symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination. Subsequently, the CPU 31 performs a reel rotation process (step A12). Specifically, the CPU 31 rotates the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and transmits a reel stop permission signal to the sub control circuit 72 when a predetermined speed (for example, constant speed rotation) is reached. The reel stop permission signal includes a detection signal that is detected when the symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination is positioned on the effective line (specifically, the center line 8c) after the predetermined speed is reached. included.

  Next, the CPU 31 executes a reel rotation stop process (step A13). That is, the CPU 31 performs a sliding frame number determination process for determining the number of sliding frames at the timing when any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R is operated or when the value of the automatic stop timer becomes “0”. . Specifically, the CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the stop table, the stop operation position, and the stop control position determined (selected) in step A12. “The number of sliding symbols” is the number of symbols that move until the reel stops after the stop button is operated (shows the amount of movement (movement distance) of the symbol until the reel stops) . In the present embodiment, the “slip frame number” is “0”. That is, the reels are stopped simultaneously with the operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Subsequently, the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the stop operation has been performed is rotated by the number of sliding frames and then stopped. The CPU 31 transmits a reel stop signal (left, middle, right) to the sub control circuit 72 every time the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is operated and the corresponding reel stops. Further, the CPU 31 transmits an all reel stop signal to the sub control circuit 72 when all the reels are stopped.

  Next, the CPU 31 makes a winning determination (step A14). In the winning determination, a winning combination (a winning combination) is identified based on a stop pattern of nine symbols of the reel that can be visually recognized through the transmissive liquid crystal panel 54. Specifically, the CPU 31 identifies a winning combination based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 8c and a winning determination table. Then, the winning signal is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72. Thereafter, the CPU 31 credits or pays out the acquired medal (step A15). Specifically, the CPU 31 displays the acquired number of medals on the payout number display unit 18 when a medal is acquired by winning. Then, the CPU 31 can select whether to credit the acquired medal into the gaming machine 1 or pay out the medal from the medal payout opening 15 by switching the C / P button 14 by the player. The credited medal can bet by pressing the BET buttons 11 and 12 in the next game. When it is determined that the winning combination is BB or RB, the BB or RB gaming state is generated.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the current gaming state is “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (step A16). If the gaming state is not “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (step A16: NO), the process returns to A2. When the game state is “BB general game state” or “RB game state” (step A16: YES), “game number check process” of bonus (BB, RB) is performed (step A17). In this “game number check process”, the CPU 31 checks the number of times the RB gaming state has occurred, the number of games in the BB general gaming state, the number of winnings in the RB gaming state, the number of games in the RB gaming state, and the BB general gaming. A transition (set) of the game state between the state and the RB game state is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus is over (step A18). Specifically, after the BB winning is established, the CPU 31 has 8 wins or 12 games in the third RB gaming state, or 30 games in the BB general gaming state. It is determined whether or not. In addition, after RB winning is established by arranging “Red 7-Red 7-Blue 7” along the active line, the CPU 31 has 8 winning games or 12 games in the RB gaming state. It is determined whether or not. As a result, if the CPU 31 determines that it is not the end of the bonus (step A18: NO), it returns to step A2. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that it is the end of the bonus (step A18: YES), it outputs a bonus end signal to the sub-control circuit 72 (step A19) and returns to step A2.

  Next, the control operation of the sub-control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the pseudo reel effect processing routine shown in FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 74 determines whether or not a practice mode selection command has been received, and determines whether to select the home game mode or the eye-pushing practice mode (step B1). When the sub CPU 74 determines that the eye-pushing practice mode has been selected (step B1: YES), it sets the flag to ON (step B2).

  Next, the sub CPU 74 determines whether or not a game information signal, a reel stop permission signal, or a reel stop signal is received from the main control circuit 71 (step B3). Specifically, the game transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 in each of the stop table group selection process in step A11, the reel rotation process in step A12, or the reel rotation stop process in step A13 of the main routine shown in FIG. It is determined whether an information signal, a reel stop permission signal, or a reel stop signal has been received. When the point information signal is not received (step B3: NO), the standby state is entered and the process of step B3 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when a game information signal, a reel stop permission signal, or a reel stop signal is received in step B3 (step B3: YES), control processing of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R is performed (step B4). Specifically, the reel image display panel is configured so that the rotation of the reel images of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R is synchronized with the variable display of the plurality of symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R controlled by the main control circuit 71. A plurality of symbols are variably displayed on 41L, 41C, and 41R.

  Thereafter, a vibration amount pattern, a sound effect pattern, and a blinking pattern corresponding to the status of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are obtained from the effect pattern table shown in FIG. 7 (step B5). Next, the vibration source control circuit 84 is controlled so that the behavior of the vibration source 13 becomes the acquired vibration amount pattern (step B6). Further, the sound source IC 78 and the power amplifier 79 are controlled so that the volume of the reel rotation sound output from the speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B becomes the acquired sound effect pattern (step B7). Further, the liquid crystal display device 5 is controlled so that the blinking of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b becomes the acquired blinking pattern (step B8).

  Regarding the processing of Steps B6 to B8, for example, when the status of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R is the rotation start time, the vibration of the vibration source 13 increases as the rotation speed of the reel images of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R increases. The volume and the volume of the reel rotation sound effect increase in proportion to each other, and the blinking intervals of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are shortened in proportion to the rotation speed of the reel image of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. (Fig. 7).

  Next, the sub CPU 74 determines whether or not an all-reel stop signal has been received (step B9). Specifically, the sub CPU 74 determines whether or not all reel stop signals transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 are received in the reel rotation stop processing in step A13 of the main routine shown in FIG. If the sub CPU 74 does not receive the all reels stop signal (step B9: NO), the sub CPU 74 repeats the processes of B3 to B9.

  The sub CPU 74 receives the all-reel stop signal (step B9: YES), and determines that the practice mode selection is selected (step B10: YES), the speakers 21L, 21R, 21B, the LED 29, the liquid crystal display device 5 Is controlled so as to notify the timing of pressing, and the practice mode pseudo reel stop control process is performed (step B12). Specifically, when the practice mode is selected, the sub CPU 74 displays the pseudo reel displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 in accordance with the input timing of the stop command signal (stop switches 7L, 7C, 7R). 4L, 4C, 4R stop symbols are determined.

  Then, when the practice mode is selected, for example, when the bonus flag (predetermined winning combination) is won internally, the sub CPU 74 automatically cancels the practice mode and automatically shifts to the production game mode. To do. Then, the sub CPU 74 outputs a signal for notifying that the practice mode has been released to the speakers 21L, 21R, 21B, the LED 29, and the liquid crystal display device 5 as notification means. According to this configuration, when the bonus flag is won in the real game during the practice mode push-practice on the liquid crystal display device 5 displaying the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, 4R, the display, sound, vibration, etc. In addition to knowing that the practice mode has been canceled, the practice mode can be forcibly terminated to demonstrate the achievements that have been improved in the bonus game in the production game mode.

  On the other hand, when determining that the practice mode is not selected (B10: NO), the sub CPU 74 performs a stop control process for the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R (step B12). Specifically, the sub CPU 74 determines the symbols of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 according to the stop symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the production game mode.

  Thereafter, a vibration amount pattern, a sound effect pattern, and a blinking pattern corresponding to the statuses of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are acquired from the effect pattern table shown in FIG. 7 (step B13). Next, the vibration source control circuit 84 is controlled to stop the vibration source 13 (step B14). Further, the sound source IC 78 and the power amplifier 79 are controlled so that the reel rotation sound effect output from the speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B is not output (step B15). Further, the flashing of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b is stopped, and the liquid crystal display device 5 is controlled so as to be in the lighting state (step B16), and this routine is finished.

  According to the present embodiment, using the practice mode, the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R execute the real game with the payout of medals in parallel while practicing pushing with the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. Thus, the player can practice the eyeball without consuming unnecessary medals. In addition, since a player who does not consume medals does not occupy the amusement hall for a long time, there is no fear of squeezing the management of the player.

  In the above-described embodiment, control is performed so that the eye-pushing practice can be performed during the practice mode. However, the eye-pushing practice may be performed not only in the practice mode but also in the actual mode. In this case, the liquid crystal display device 5 of the gaming machine 1 displays the eye notification mode selection means for selecting the eye notification mode for notifying the eye pressing timing for performing the stop operation in the notification mode set during the production game mode, When the eye press notification mode is selected, the notification unit may notify the eye press timing for performing the stop operation during the actual game mode. According to this configuration, for example, when all games, bonuses, and customizing are made, the player can set the announcement mode other than the practice mode in the notification mode set by the player such as pressing the first frame. Become.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited, and the specific configuration and the like can be appropriately changed in design. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the liquid crystal display device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a pseudo reel used in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of the main control circuit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of the sub control circuit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the production pattern table which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the game mode selection screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the main routine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the pseudo reel effect processing routine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Cabinet 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 5 Liquid crystal display device 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 11 1-BET switch 12 Maximum BET switch 13 Vibration source 14 C / P switch 21L, 21C, 21R Speaker 41L, 41C, 41R Reel image display panel 58a, 58b Fluorescent lamp 71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 74 Sub CPU

Claims (3)

First display means for displaying a game result by a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on a plurality of display units for displaying a plurality of symbols;
A second display unit that has a display unit that displays a plurality of symbols in correspondence with the display unit of the first display unit, and that produces an effect relating to a game by displaying at least the symbol of the display unit;
When a start command signal for instructing the start of a unit game based on the detection of the start operation is output from the start signal output means, a winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination,
A stop signal output means for outputting a stop command signal for instructing to stop the change display of the symbol displayed on the display unit of the first display means based on detection of the stop operation;
First display control means for performing display control for stopping the variable display of symbols displayed on the display unit of the first display means based on the stop command signal and the determined winning combination;
In the production game mode, the symbol displayed on the display unit of the second display unit corresponding to the display unit of the first display unit is controlled by the first display control unit based on the stop command signal. Second display control means for performing display control;
Game mode selection means for selecting the actual game mode and the practice mode for practicing pushing to notify the pushing timing for performing the stop operation;
An informing means for informing the eye pressing timing,
The second display control means determines the stop symbol of the second display means according to the stop symbol of the first display means when the production game mode is selected, and when the practice mode is selected, A gaming machine, wherein a stop symbol of the second display means is determined in accordance with an input timing of the stop command signal. The second display control means automatically cancels the practice mode and notifies that the practice mode has been canceled when a predetermined winning combination is internally won when the practice mode is selected. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the signal is output to a notification means. Further comprising eye notification mode selection means for selecting the eye press notification mode for notifying the eye press timing for performing the stop operation in the notification mode set during the production game mode,
3. The game according to claim 1, wherein, when the eye-pressing notification mode is selected, the notification unit notifies the eye-pressing timing for performing the stop operation during the production game mode. Machine.

Images