JP2008272100A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for improving a savor of a game more during a bonus game and during a replay time operation. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 1 determines an internal winning role by random number drawing when rotating a plurality of reels (3L, 3C and 3R) where patterns are displayed on the surfaces, and displays the pattern corresponding to the internal winning role on an effective lines by the pressurizing operation of stop buttons (15L, 15C and 15R) thereafter. Then, a reporting means includes a vibration speaker 20 for reporting that the internal winning role is determined to a player by vibrations, and reports that the internal winning role is won to the player by the vibration speaker 20 corresponding to the determined internal winning role during the operation of replay time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is particularly enjoyed by arranging symbols drawn on a plurality of rotating reels such as a slot machine.

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on each peripheral surface, a plurality of display windows corresponding to each reel, and a symbol appearing on the display window by rotating and stopping each reel are aligned. Amusement machines (so-called pachislot machines) to enjoy are known.

In this type of gaming machine, on the assumption that the player has inserted medals, a start switch for performing an operation for generating a signal for starting the rotation of the reel (hereinafter referred to as “start operation”); Based on an operation by the player who stops the rotation of the reel (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”), a stop switch that controls the stop of the rotation for each reel, and a signal output by the start switch and the stop switch. And a control unit that controls the operation of the motor and rotates and stops each reel.
In such a pachislot machine, it is determined whether or not there is a winning based on a combination of symbols displayed by a plurality of display windows, and medals are paid out when it is determined that the winning.

  Currently, the mainstream pachislot machine detects a start operation by a player, generates a random number internally, performs lottery, and rotates the reel based on the result of the lottery and the timing of the stop operation by the player. Like to stop. For example, when the result of winning a prize by the internal random lottery described above (hereinafter, the result of the internal lottery is referred to as “internal winning combination”) is determined by the player so that the prize is established. A stop operation is performed. At this time, even after the operation to stop the rotation is performed, since the rotation of the reel is stopped after continuing within a predetermined period (for example, 190 ms), in many aspects, A stop operation at an appropriate timing (so-called “pressing”) is required. When a combination of symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination related to the bonus is displayed on the display window by the player's intention, a bonus game advantageous to the player is activated. For this reason, what combination of symbols is displayed on the display window when the rotation of the reel is stopped is related to the timing of the stop operation, that is, the skill of the player.

  In Patent Literature 1, when an internal winning combination related to a special role is determined as the internal winning combination described above, vibration generating means ( A gaming machine that informs a player using a device is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, a plurality of lottery tables for determining a winning combination are stored, and when a predetermined condition (for example, after a bonus game operation is completed or a predetermined symbol combination is displayed) is determined. Disclosure of a slot machine that can suppress consumption of medals inserted by a player under a predetermined condition when a table is switched and a winning combination (replay) related to re-game operation is won with high probability Has been.

According to such a slot machine, for example, the replay time is activated when the bonus game ends, and during this replay time, the replay is won with a high probability. Therefore, it is possible to expect to win the next bonus game while suppressing consumption of medals acquired during the bonus game.
JP 2000-37499 A JP 2005-143931 A

  By the way, the conventional vibration generating means disclosed in Patent Document 1 notifies a player only when a bonus is determined as an internal winning combination during a general game. In addition, since the vibration generated by the vibration generating means corresponds to all the internal winning combinations, even if the player feels the vibration, it is impossible to immediately detect what role the internal winning combination is. It was.

  Further, the conventional slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a replay time function in which replay is won with high probability. However, since replay is established with a high probability at the replay time, an unskilled player who does not know the slot machine has anxiety that only replay will be won. On the other hand, since the replay is won with high probability at the replay time, the game of the replay time is monotonous for the skilled player, and there is a problem that the game is unsatisfactory.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that enhances the interest of the game during the replay time.

  In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object of the present invention, a gaming machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface and a display window for displaying a part of the plurality of symbols. A symbol display means, a throwing operation detecting means for detecting a throwing operation of a gaming value for playing a game, a start operation detecting means for detecting a starting operation on condition that the throwing operation is detected by the throwing operation detecting means, and a start An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on detection of a start operation performed by the operation detecting means, an informing means for notifying the player of an internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, and a starting operation Based on the detection of the start operation performed by the detection means, the symbol change means for changing the symbol displayed by the symbol display means, the stop operation detection means for detecting the stop operation, and the internal winning combination determination means The combination of the stop control means for controlling the stop of the fluctuation of the symbol performed by the symbol variation means based on the detected internal winning combination and the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detecting means, and the symbol displayed on the symbol display means The game value granting means for assigning a game value in accordance with the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means is a special internal winning combination, and a combination of symbols corresponding to the special internal winning combination is displayed as a symbol. Based on the display by the means, the bonus game operating means for operating the bonus game and the bonus game operating means are operated, and the number of game values given by the game value providing means is determined in advance. The bonus game ending means for ending the operation of the bonus game when the number exceeds the limit and the internal winning combination determining means When a bonus combination is determined, a bonus game is executed by the re-game operating means for operating the re-game and the bonus game ending means based on the display of the symbol combination related to the re-playing by the symbol display means. And the replay time actuating means for actuating the replay time that increases the probability that the internal winning combination relating to replay is determined by the internal winning combination determining means. The informing means includes vibration imparting means for notifying the player that the internal winning combination has been determined by vibration, and a special internal winning combination has been determined by the internal winning combination determining means during operation of the replay time. In this case, the player is notified that the special internal winning combination is won by the vibration applying means.

  According to the present invention, when the internal winning combination related to the bonus game is internally won during the replay time, the vibration speaker is vibrated to notify. For this reason, the game during the replay time, which was a monotonous game in which the replay is continuously won for the player, is expected for the player who wants to predict the internal winning of the internal winning combination related to the bonus game. A game filled with That is, the player is interested in whether or not the vibration speaker vibrates during the replay time, so that the game during the replay time does not become monotonous.

  Moreover, since the notification mode is made different according to the internal winning combination, the internal winning combination becomes clear. For this reason, the player loses frequency and can reduce loss of game value.

  In addition, since the vibration is applied by the vibration applying means together with the detection of the start operation, the player can recognize the internal winning combination at an early stage of the game. For this reason, the player can understand the target symbol at an early stage, the frequency of missed winnings is reduced, and the loss of game value can be suppressed.

Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as “this example”) will be described with reference to FIGS.
In this example, a description will be given of an example in which a player uses a medal as a game value for playing a game and is applied to a gaming machine 1 that plays a game. In addition to medals, coins, game balls, game point data, tokens, etc. are used as the game value, or a medium such as a card that stores the game value information given to or given to the player It can also be applied to a gaming machine that can play a game.

<Description of exterior configuration of gaming machine>
First, with reference to FIG. 1, the external structure of the gaming machine in this example will be described. The gaming machine 1 of this example is an example applied to a so-called pachislot machine, and is a gaming machine that uses a medal to play a game.

  On the front surface of the front door 4 provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1, a substantially vertical panel display portion 4a, liquid crystal display portion 4b, and fixed display portion 4c are formed. In addition, behind the front door 4, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface are provided in a horizontal row so as to be rotatable. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute).

  The panel display unit 4a includes a bonus game information display unit 5 that displays information related to the bonus game, BET lamps 6a to 6c that are turned on according to the number of inserted medals, and a payout display unit 7a that displays the number of paid out medals. A credit display section 7b for displaying the number of credited medals is arranged.

  A substantially horizontal base 10 is formed below the panel display 4a, the liquid crystal display 4b, and the fixed display 4c. On the right side of the pedestal 10, a medal slot 16 for inserting medals is provided. The inserted medals are credited (ie, stored) or consumed to play the game. The number of medals inserted or credited is counted by an inserted number counter or a credit counter (not shown). Further, on the left side of the pedestal 10, 1 is used to select the number of medals consumed to play one game out of credited medals (hereinafter referred to as “inserted number”) by pressing operation. A -BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided.

  The 1-BET switch 11 selects “1” as the number of inserted sheets by a single pressing operation. The 2-BET switch 12 selects “2” as the number of inserted sheets by a single pressing operation. The maximum BET switch 13 is selected as “3” as the number of inserted sheets by one pressing operation.

  When these BET switches 11 to 13 are pressed, the display line is validated. Hereinafter, the pressing operation of the BET switches 11 to 13 and the operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 16 will be referred to as “insertion operation”. Further, on the left side of the BET switches 11 to 13, buttons constituting the operation unit 9 are provided. The operation unit 9 performs selection and determination operations for displaying information such as menus on the liquid crystal display device 31 (see FIG. 3). In FIG. 1, two operation buttons are provided. Of these two operation buttons, one is a button for selecting a menu, and the other is a button for determining the selected menu. An employee of the game hall can set the date stored in the gaming machine 1 by operating the operation unit 9.

  Further, a C / P (Credit / Payout) switch 17 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 pressing operation. By switching the C / P switch 17, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 19 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 18. Speakers 2 </ b> L and 2 </ b> R are provided on the left and right sides of the upper portion of the gaming machine 1 as notification means for emitting sound effects relating to the effects of the game. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present example, a vibration speaker 20 is attached to the back surface of the liquid crystal display unit 4b as vibration applying means included in the notification means.

  The vibration speaker 20 is a member for emitting sound from the entire plate surface by applying vibration to the plate surface attached with a suction cup or the like. When the vibration speaker 20 vibrates, the board surface itself vibrates, so that the player can feel the vibration by touching the board surface with his / her hand. In the gaming machine 1 of this example, the vibration speaker 20 is disposed on the back surface of the liquid crystal display unit 4b so that the internal winning of the RB is notified during the RT operation. The vibration speaker 20 may be placed anywhere as long as the player can feel it. For example, the vibration speaker 20 may be installed on the back surface of the medal payout opening 19. In addition, a plurality of notification modes performed by vibration of the vibration speaker 20 are provided. It is assumed that the vibration speaker 20 provided in the gaming machine 1 of the present example gives vibration with a constant period and a constant amplitude.

  On the right side of the C / P switch 17, a reel is rotated by a player's operation, and a start lever 14 for starting the fluctuation of symbols in display windows 21L, 21C, 21R (see FIG. 2 described later) described later. Is rotatably attached within a predetermined angle range. Hereinafter, the operation of the start lever 14 performed by the player in order to start the change of the symbol is referred to as “start operation”.

  In addition, on the right side of the start lever 14 in the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10, there are provided three stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively. . In the gaming machine 1 of this example, one game (ie, unit game) basically starts when a start operation is performed and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped. To do.

  In this example, the first reel stop operation (that is, the stop button pressing operation) performed when all the reels are rotating is the first stop operation, and the next reel is performed after the first stop operation. The stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last reel stop operation performed after the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Further, stop switches 15LS, 15CS, and 15RS (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, are arranged behind the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R. By these stop switches, pressing operations (that is, stop operations) of the corresponding stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are detected.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the panel display part 4a, the liquid crystal display part 4b, and the fixed display part 4c provided in the front door 4 of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  The panel display unit 4a includes a bonus game information display unit 5, BET lamps 6a to 6c, a payout display unit 7a, and a credit display unit 7b. The bonus game information display unit 5 is composed of a 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode) and displays information related to the bonus game. The 1-BET lamp 6a, the 2-BET lamp 6b, and the maximum BET lamp 6c are lamps that are turned on according to the number of inserted medals.

  The 1-BET lamp 6a lights up when the number of inserted sheets is one. The 2-BET lamp 6b lights up when the number of inserted sheets is two. The maximum BET lamp 6c is lit when the number of inserted sheets is three. Each of the payout display unit 7a and the credit display unit 7b is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays the number of medals paid out and the number of medals to be credited when a winning is achieved.

  The liquid crystal display unit 4b includes display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R, and an effect display area 24. The display content of the liquid crystal display unit 4b includes the symbols displayed on the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R rotate and stop (that is, when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R stop rotating). Of the combination) and the operation of the liquid crystal display device 31.

  The display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and display symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and various displays for production. The display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided with a top line 23b, a center line 23c, and a bottom line 23d in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line 23a and a cross-down line 23e in the diagonal direction as display lines. In the gaming machine 1 of this example, when the player presses the BET switches 11 to 13 or when the player inserts medals into the medal insertion slot 16, the inserted number becomes “2” or “3”. As a condition, five display lines 23a to 23e are activated. This activated display line is hereinafter referred to as an “effective line”.

  Here, in each of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, three symbol display areas (that is, an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage) are provided in the vertical direction (that is, the vertical direction). And when the change of the symbol in each display window 21L, 21C, 21R stops, a symbol stops and is displayed on each of the symbol display area provided in each display window 21L, 21C, 21R. Each of the display lines 23a to 23e is a line that linearly connects the symbol display areas in the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R when the symbols are stopped.

  The display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are at least when the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating and the corresponding stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R can be pressed. It will be in a transmissive state so that the symbols on 3R can be visually recognized. The window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R are provided so as to surround the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, and represent the window frames of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R disposed in front of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. ing.

  The effect display area 24 is an area other than the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R and the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R in the area of the liquid crystal display unit 4b. In this effect display area 24, an image for definite notification that the bonus has been determined as an internal winning combination, an effect for increasing the interest of the game, information necessary for the player to advance the game advantageously, etc. Is displayed.

  The fixed display unit 4c is an area where a predetermined figure, picture or the like is drawn. The fixed display portion 4c displays information related to winning symbol combinations and medal payout numbers. Note that a still image or a moving image may be displayed by connecting a figure, a picture, or the like drawn on the fixed display unit 4c with an image displayed in the effect display area 24.

  Thus, in order to perform various effects in the gaming machine 1, there are a plurality of types of notification modes. As a notification mode, for example, there are those that output sound from the speakers 2L and 2R, cause vibration by the vibration speaker 20, or display an image in the effect display area 24.

<Description of main control circuit>
Next, a circuit configuration example including a main control circuit 41 that controls the operation of the gaming machine 1 and a sub control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-control circuit 71 is a liquid crystal display that displays an image on the liquid crystal display unit 4 b based on a peripheral device (that is, an actuator) electrically connected to the main control circuit 41 and a control signal transmitted from the main control circuit 41. This is a circuit for controlling the device 31, the speakers 2 </ b> L and 2 </ b> R, the vibration speaker 20, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102.

  The main control circuit 41 includes a microcomputer 42 arranged on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for extracting random values. The microcomputer 42 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 45, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 43, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 44.

  The main CPU 45 executes a program stored in the ROM 43 to perform processing relating to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls the operation of each actuator. The main CPU 45 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 48 and a frequency divider 47 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 49 for generating a random number, and a sampling circuit 46 for extracting a random value from the generated random number. Is connected. The main CPU 45 may be configured to execute generation of random numbers and extraction of random number values. In that case, the random number generator 49 and the sampling circuit 46 may be omitted, but may be left for preliminary use.

  The ROM 43 stores a program executed by the main CPU 45 (for example, FIG. 13 to FIG. 20 described later) and table data referred to by the program (see FIG. 5 to FIG. 12 described later). The ROM 43 stores, for example, an internal lottery table (see FIG. 7) and the like for lottery using a random number extracted by the sampling circuit 46. In addition, various control signals for transmission to the sub control circuit 71 are stored. Note that no command, information, or the like is transmitted from the sub control circuit 71 to the main control circuit 41, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 41 to the sub control circuit 71.

  The RAM 44 is used for temporarily storing data when the main CPU 45 executes the program. The RAM 44 stores, for example, information such as an internal winning combination, a carryover combination, and the current gaming state.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 42 include a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 6a, 2-BET lamp 6b, maximum BET lamp 6c) and a display unit (bonus game information display unit 5). , A payout display portion 7a, a credit display portion 7b, etc.), a hopper 57 for paying out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 56, and stepping motors 52L, 52C, 52R for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. is there.

  Furthermore, a motor drive circuit 51 that controls the rotational operation of the stepping motors 52L, 52C, and 52R, a hopper drive circuit 56 that controls the payout of medals from the hopper 57, and a lamp drive that controls the turning on and off of the BET lamps 6a, 6b, and 6c. Connected to the CPU 31 is a circuit 54 and a display drive circuit 55 that controls display by a display unit (that is, a bonus game information display unit 5, a payout display unit 7a, a credit display unit 7b, etc.). Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal output from the main CPU 45 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  Further, a reel stop signal circuit 15 comprising stop switches 15LS, 15CS, 15RS, a start switch 14S, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, a C / P switch 17, a medal sensor 16S, The reel position detection circuit 53 and the payout completion signal circuit 59 generate an input signal necessary for the main CPU 45 to generate a control signal and transmit it to the main CPU 45.

  That is, the start switch 14S detects the operation of the start lever 14 and outputs a game start command signal for instructing the start of the game. The medal sensor 16S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 16. The stop switches 15LS, 15CS, and 15RS generate a stop command signal for instructing the stop of symbol variation in accordance with the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R.

  The reel position detection circuit 53 receives a pulse signal from a reel rotation sensor provided on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and supplies a signal for detecting the rotation position of each reel 3L, 3C, and 3R to the main CPU 45. The payout completion signal circuit 59 generates a signal for detecting the completion of payout of medals when the value counted by the medal detection unit 58 (that is, the number of medals paid out from the hopper 57) reaches a specified value. appear.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 of this example is provided with a reset switch 60 and a setting key type switch 61 for determining a set value. The reset switch 60 is used to set a set value that is an index for distinguishing the degree of advantage for the player. The setting key type switch 61 is used to start and end an operation for determining a setting value. This set value is a value for adjusting the winning value at the game store. Usually, the set value is set in the range of “1” to “6”. That is, the winning probability increases as the setting 1 increases to the setting 6.

  Further, a reset signal from the reset switch 60 is input to the main CPU 45. Further, the main CPU 45 executes processing for determining a set value based on an input signal from the setting key type switch 61. The random number generator 49 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 46 outputs one random number value from the random numbers generated by the random number generator 49 at an appropriate timing after the start lever 14 is operated. To extract. The extracted random number value is stored in a random value storage area provided in the RAM 44. For example, in order to determine an internal winning combination based on an internal lottery table (FIG. 7 described later) stored in the ROM 43, etc. Referenced.

  The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are configured to rotate once by outputting a drive pulse to the stepping motors 52L, 52C, and 52R a predetermined number of times (for example, 336 times). The number of drive pulses output to each of the stepping motors 52L, 52C, 52R is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 44 as a drive pulse count value.

  On the other hand, a reset pulse is obtained from the reels 3L, 3C, 3R every rotation. When the reset pulse is input to the main CPU 45 via the reel position detection circuit 53, the count value of the drive pulse stored in the RAM 44 is updated to “0”. As a result, the count value of the drive pulse corresponds to the rotational position within one rotation range for each reel 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The symbol arrangement table (see FIG. 5) stored in the ROM 43 is used to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol arrangement table, information indicating the code number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and the symbol corresponding to each code number with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated. Is associated with the symbol code.

  The ROM 43 stores a symbol combination table (see FIG. 9). This symbol combination table is given to the display combination and player after the stop of all reels 3L, 3C, 3R when performing control to stop the rotation of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R. This is referred to in order to determine the profit (for example, the number of medals to be paid out). A combination of symbols displayed on the effective line is referred to as a “display combination”.

  The main CPU 45 sends an input signal sent from the stop switches 15LS, 15CS, 15RS to the motor drive circuit 51 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R, and also determines a stop table (not shown). Is sent to the motor drive circuit 51 for controlling to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Here, for example, when the random number value generated when the start lever 14 is operated is within the range of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the internal lottery table (see FIG. 7), that is, the internal lottery is extracted from the extracted random number value. A winning is established when an internal winning combination is determined by the process (random number lottery). At this time, the main CPU 45 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 56 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 57. At that time, the medal detection unit 58 counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 47, and outputs a medal payout completion signal to the main CPU 45 when the counted value reaches a designated number. As a result, the main CPU 45 stops driving the hopper 57 via the hopper drive circuit 56 and ends the medal payout process.

<Description of sub-control circuit>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a circuit configuration example and operation of the sub control circuit 71 of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The sub control circuit 71 includes an image control circuit (gSub) 71a and a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 71b. The image control circuit (gSub) 71 a or the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 71 b is configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 41.

  Communication between the main control circuit 41 and the image control circuit (gSub) 71a is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 41 to the image control circuit (gSub) 71a, and from the image control circuit (gSub) 71a to the main control circuit. No command, information or the like is transmitted to 41. Communication between the image control circuit (gSub) 71a and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 71b is performed in one direction from the image control circuit (gSub) 71a to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 71b. No command, information or the like is transmitted from the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 71b to the image control circuit (gSub) 71a.

  The image control circuit (gSub) 71a includes an image control microcomputer 81, a serial port 82, a program ROM 83, an image ROM (CROM (character ROM)) 84, a video RAM 85, an image control IC 86, a control RAM 87, a calendar IC 88, and a work RAM 89. ing. In the following description, the image control microcomputer 81 has a function of controlling an image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31 and a function of controlling the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 of the sound / lamp control circuit 71b. Therefore, it is also called a sub CPU for the main CPU 45.

  The image control microcomputer 81 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port 82 is illustrated). The CPU provided in the image control microcomputer 81 performs various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 83 based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 41. Note that the image control circuit (gSub) 71a does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit. However, the image control microcomputer 81 executes the program stored in the program ROM 83 to cause disturbance. It is configured to extract numerical values.

  The serial port 82 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 41. The program ROM 83 stores programs such as effect processing executed by the image control microcomputer 81. The work RAM 89 is provided as a means for temporarily storing information when the image control microcomputer 81 executes this program. The work RAM 89 stores various information.

  The calendar IC 88 stores date data. An operation unit 9 is connected to the image control microcomputer 81. In the embodiment, the operation unit 9 is operated by an employee of a game hall and the like, and date setting is performed. The image control microcomputer 81 stores the date information set based on the input signal transmitted from the operation unit 9 in the calendar IC 88. As a result, the date information stored in the calendar IC 88 is backed up.

The work RAM 89 and the calendar IC 88 are backup targets. That is, even when the power supplied to the image control microcomputer 81 is shut off, the power is continuously supplied, and the stored information and the like are prevented from being erased.
The image control IC 86 generates an image corresponding to the effect content (for example, effect data described later) determined by the image control microcomputer 81 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 31.

  The image control IC 86 includes a control RAM 87. The image control microcomputer 81 also writes and reads information and the like with respect to the control RAM 87. The control RAM 87 is expanded with registers of the image control IC 86 and the like. The image control microcomputer 81 updates the register of the image control IC 86 at every predetermined timing.

  A liquid crystal display device 31, an image ROM 84, and a video RAM 85 are connected to the image control IC 86. The image ROM 84 may be connected to the image control microcomputer 81. In this case, the configuration is effective when processing large-size image data such as three-dimensional image data. The image ROM 84 stores image data necessary for the image control IC 86 to generate an image. The video RAM 85 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing information when the image control IC 86 generates an image. The image control IC 86 transmits a signal to the image control microcomputer 81 every time data in the video RAM 85 is transferred to the liquid crystal display device 31.

  In the image control circuit (gSub) 71a, the image control microcomputer 81 also controls the effects of sound and lamps. The image control microcomputer 81 determines the type of sound / lamp and the output timing based on the determined production content. The image control microcomputer 81 transmits a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 71b via the serial port 82 at every predetermined timing. The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 71b mainly controls only the output of the sound / lamp according to the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 71a.

  The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 71b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 91, a serial port 92, a sound source ROM 93, a sound source IC 94, a power amplifier 95, a program ROM 96, and a work RAM 97.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs a process for controlling the output of the sound / lamp according to the program stored in the program ROM 96 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 71a. .

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to LEDs 101 and lamps 102. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 transmits an output signal (that is, a command) to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 in response to a command transmitted at a predetermined timing from the image control circuit (gSub) 71a. As a result, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect.

  The serial port 92 receives a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 71a. The program ROM 96 stores a program executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91. The work RAM 97 provides a storage area for temporarily storing information when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 executes the above-described program.

  The sound source IC 94 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 71 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 95. The power amplifier 95 is an amplifier, and the speakers 2L and 2R and the vibration speaker 20 are connected to the power amplifier 95. The power amplifier 95 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 94 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 2L and 2R. The power amplifier 95 drives the vibration speaker 20 to generate sound and generate vibration. The sound source ROM 93 stores sound source data and the like for generating a sound source. The sound source data stored in the sound source ROM 93 is supplied to the sound source IC 94.

  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 is a means for adjusting the volume output from the speakers 2L and 2R and the vibration speaker 20. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs control to adjust the volume of the sound output from the speakers 2L and 2R and the vibration speaker 20 based on the input signal transmitted by the volume control unit 103.

<Description of each table configuration>
Next, a configuration example of each table used in the gaming machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, an example of a symbol arrangement table in which 21 types of symbols represented on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged will be described with reference to FIG. Each symbol has a symbol position (also referred to as a code number) of “00” to “20”. Information on the correspondence between each symbol and symbol position is stored in the ROM 43 of FIG. 3 as a symbol arrangement table. The symbol position is information for identifying the symbol position on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. On each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, a symbol row composed of symbols of “red 7”, “bell”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, and “replay” is represented. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates so that the symbol row moves in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

  In the gaming machine 1 of this example, “Cherry”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Replay”, “RB”, and Loss are provided as internal winning combinations. Here, “Cherry”, “Bell”, and “Watermelon” are collectively referred to as “small role”, “Replay” is referred to as “internal winning role related to replay operation”, and “RB” is This is called “special internal winning combination relating to the operation of the bonus game” or simply “special internal winning combination”. In addition, when “small role” is displayed as a display combination, it is called “winning”, and “internal winning combination related to re-game operation” and “special internal winning combination related to bonus game operation” are displayed. Is displayed as “actuation” or “establishment”.

  The gaming state used in the gaming machine 1 of the present example includes a general gaming state and a regular bonus gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “RB gaming state”) which is a bonus game in which the probability of winning a small role is higher than the general gaming state. Abbreviated.) For the general gaming state and the RB gaming state, the type of internal winning combination that may be determined in the internal lottery process (see FIG. 15) for determining the internal winning combination, and the internal winning combination is determined in the internal lottery process. They are distinguished by the probability, the maximum number of sliding symbols, whether or not the bonus game is being operated, and the like.

  The general game state includes a normal section having no carryover combination and a carryover section having a carryover combination, and is a general game state in a normal game. Further, in both the normal section and the carryover section, the replay time is in operation (hereinafter simply abbreviated as RT operation) after the end of the RB, so that the probability that the replay will win internally varies for a certain period. In this example, during the replay time operation, the probability that the replay wins internally increases. A carryover combination is when the combination of symbols corresponding to the internal symbol combination determined in the internal lottery process (see FIG. 15) is displayed along the active line—or when it is allowed for multiple games. This is information for identifying the combination of symbols. In the carryover section, “RB” is not determined as the internal winning combination, but in the normal section, “RB” may be determined as the internal winning combination.

  In the RB gaming state, the expected value of the gaming value given to the player for the unit gaming value used for playing the game (for example, one medal consumed to play one game) is the value of the general gaming state. It is relatively higher than the expected value (that is, the degree of advantage is relatively high). This bonus game operates on condition that a combination of symbols corresponding to RB (that is, “red 7-red 7-red 7”) is displayed along the active line.

After the completion of the RB, the game is shifted to the general gaming state and the RT is in operation. The main CPU 45 determines whether or not the RT operation is being performed based on whether or not the RT operation flag is on. There are the following two types of replay time end conditions.
(1) An internal winning combination (in this example, “RB”) in which the RB operates is established.
(2) The RT game number counter to be described later becomes “0”. In other words, in the general gaming state starting after the end of the RB, 500 games are completed.

  Here, when the combination of symbols corresponding to RB (that is, “red 7-red 7-red 7”) is displayed along the active line, the RB is activated to shift from the general gaming state to the RB gaming state. . The RB gaming state end condition is that “12” games are played, or that the number of times a combination of symbols corresponding to the small role is displayed along the active line is “8” times. In this example, the small winning combination refers to a case where the internal winning combination is “Cherry”, “Bell”, or “Watermelon”, and the displayed winning combination matches the internal winning combination (FIG. 8, FIG. 9).

  Next, an internal lottery table and an internal lottery table determination table for determining the number of lotteries will be described with reference to FIG. This internal lottery table determination table has information on the internal lottery table corresponding to the gaming state and the number of lotteries. In the case of the general gaming state, the internal lottery table for the general gaming state (see FIG. 7A) is selected, and “5” is determined as the number of lotteries. When the RT is in operation, the RT operation internal lottery table (see FIG. 7B) is selected, and “5” is determined as the number of lotteries. In the RB gaming state, an internal lottery table for the RB gaming state (see FIG. 7C) is selected, and “3” is determined as the number of lotteries.

  The number of lotteries is the number of times necessary to determine the internal winning combination. That is, the number of lotteries is specifically the number of times to determine whether or not the random number value is within a predetermined range (a numerical range indicated by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to a winning number described in FIG. 7 described later). is there. In the case of the general gaming state, it corresponds to the winning numbers 1 to 5, and in the case of the RB gaming state, it corresponds to the winning numbers 1 to 3.

  Next, an example of an internal lottery table referred to in the internal lottery process for determining an internal winning combination (corresponding to a winning number) will be described with reference to FIG.

This internal lottery table is provided for each gaming state, and has information on a numerical range defined by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to the winning number for each inserted number.
FIG. 7A shows an internal lottery table for a general gaming state referred to in the general gaming state.
FIG. 7B shows an RT lottery table for RT operation that is referred to during RT operation.
FIG. 7C shows an RB gaming state internal lottery table referred to in the RB gaming state.
In this example, in order to start a game, the number of inserted medals must be three in the general gaming state (including during RT operation). On the other hand, in the RB gaming state, the number of inserted medals must be two.

  In the determination of the winning number based on the internal lottery table, the random number value extracted within the range of “0” to “65535” corresponds to the winning number shown in FIG. It is determined whether it is within the numerical range. Then, the random numbers extracted in descending order from the same winning number as the number of lotteries determined by the internal lottery table determining table (see FIG. 6) (“5” in the case of the general gaming state) until the winning number becomes “1”. The numerical value and the numerical range of the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number are compared. As a result of the lottery, when the random number value is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value, the corresponding winning number is won. Then, the internal winning combination is determined based on the winning number won and the internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 8).

  If the random number is never within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit and the upper limit until the winning number is changed from “5” to “1”, the winning number is “0”, and an internal winning combination is lost. Is determined. In this example, the loser is not an internal winning combination associated with a profit (for example, a medal payout) given to the player. In addition, the symbol combination corresponding to the loss can be considered to be an arbitrary symbol combination different from the symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning combination provided in advance, but usually the symbol corresponding to the loss. No combination is provided.

In the general gaming state (except when the RT is operating), the internal lottery table for general gaming state shown in FIG.
In the case of the general gaming state, the inserted number is “3”, and the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number “2” is “2446” to “6933”.
The numerical range indicated by the lower limit and the upper limit corresponding to the winning number “5” is “0” to “130”.
Since the internal winning condition is that the random number value is between the upper limit value and the lower limit value, looking at the numerical range, the probability of RB hitting (the difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value is “131”) is It can be seen that the probability of hitting “bell” is low (the difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value is “4488”). In other words, it can be said that “bell” may win with a probability about 34 times that of RB.

In this example, the fact that the winning probability of replay fluctuates in the general gaming state is referred to as “RT in operation”. During the RT operation, the main CPU 45 refers to the RT operation internal lottery table of FIG.
The internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number “4” in the RT lottery table for RT operation is “replay”. The numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number “4” is “7589” to “62201”. At this time, since the numerical value range of the replay is “54613”, it indicates that the winning probability of the replay is higher than that in the general gaming state where the RT is not operating. During RT operation, it is also used when the winning probability of replay is low, but it is not used in this example.

  Next, an example of an internal winning combination determination table for determining an internal winning combination based on the winning number will be described with reference to FIG. The internal winning combination determination table includes a winning number and internal winning combination information corresponding to the winning number. The internal winning combination information (ie, flag) is provided corresponding to each internal winning combination in order to identify the internal winning combination. The internal winning combination information is composed of 8-bit binary data.

  As can be seen from FIG. 8, as the internal winning combination, “Cherry”, “Bell”, “Watermelon” corresponding to the winning numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5” , “Replay” and “RB” are set as internal winning combinations. When the winning number is “0”, the internal winning combination is “losing”.

When the winning number is “1” (“Cherry”), “00000001” is determined as the internal winning combination.
When the winning number is “2” (“bell”), “00000010” is determined as the internal winning combination.
When the winning number is “3” (“watermelon”), “00000100” is determined as the internal winning combination.
When the winning number is “4” (“Replay”), “00001000” is determined as the internal winning combination.
When the winning number is “5” (“RB”), the internal winning combination “00010000” is determined.
When the winning number is “0” (losing), “00000000” is determined as the internal winning combination. That is, all 8 bits are set to “0”.
In this way, a different internal winning combination is determined by setting any one bit of 8-bit data to “1”.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, it will be described what symbols are combined to determine five internal winning combinations (display combinations). An example of determining the payout number corresponding to the determined display combination will also be described. In the following description, “ANY” represents an arbitrary symbol. In this example, the number of medals required to play one game in the general gaming state is three, and the number of medals required to play one game in the RB gaming state is two.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a symbol combination table showing the relationship between symbol combinations, display combinations, and payout numbers. This symbol combination table corresponds to the display combination corresponding to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed in each of the three symbol display areas connected by one effective line for each number of inserted symbols. Has information on the number of payouts. The display combination is basically information (that is, data) for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the active line, and a predetermined symbol combination and a profit (for example, medal) given to the player. Payout, gaming state operation). Here, the display combination corresponds to the internal winning combination shown in FIG. 8, and is composed of 8-bit binary data. The number of payouts determined in the symbol combination table is changed in consideration of the number of inserted medals in addition to the symbol combination displayed on the active line.

  When the symbol combination “cherry-ANY-ANY” is displayed along the effective line, “cherry” (that is, data “00000001”) is displayed, and the number of inserted sheets is either 2 or 3. Even in this case, two medals are paid out.

When a combination of symbols “Bell-Bell-Bell” is displayed along the effective line, “Bell” (ie, data “00000010”) is displayed, and the number of inserted sheets is either 2 or 3. Even in this case, 15 medals are paid out.
When a combination of “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” symbols is displayed along the active line, “watermelon” (that is, data “00000100”) is displayed, and the number of inserted sheets is either 2 or 3. Even so, 6 medals are paid out.
When a combination of symbols “Replay-Replay-Replay” is displayed along the effective line, “Replay” (ie, data “00001000”) is displayed, and the number of inserted sheets is either 2 or 3. Even so, medals are automatically inserted.

When a combination of symbols “red 7-red 7-red 7” is displayed along the effective line, “RB” (that is, data “00010000”) serves as a display. In this case, medals are not paid out, but the regular bonus game is activated from the next game, and the RB is in operation.
In this example, when “RB” is established, the RB is in operation, and the state changes from the general gaming state to the RB gaming state. As a result, the probability that a predetermined internal winning combination (cherry, bell, watermelon in this example) is determined as the internal winning combination increases.
Further, when the RT is in operation, when “RB” is established, the RT in-operation flag (see FIG. 11) is turned off, and the replay time ends.

  Next, an example of a bonus operation time table referred to in a bonus operation check process described later (FIG. 18 described later) will be described with reference to FIG.

The bonus operating time table shown in FIG. 10 is a flag storage area (operating flag storage area) for switching the RB operating flag to ON or OFF and updating it, a storage area for the value of the number-of-games counter, and winning possible A storage area for the value of the number counter is provided. The RB operating flag is a flag that is referred to in order to identify the current gaming state that is operating.
That is, when the RB gaming state is operating, the RB operating flag is turned on, and when the RB gaming state is not operating, the RB operating flag is turned off.

The game possible number counter is a counter for identifying the number of remaining unit games that can be played in the RB gaming state (that is, the number of possible games). Also, the winning possible number counter is a counter for identifying the number of remaining unit games (that is, the number of possible winnings) in which a combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination can be displayed in the RB gaming state.
In the RB gaming state, “12” and “8” are stored as initial values in the possible game number counter and the possible winning number counter, respectively, based on the bonus operation time table.

  Next, an example of an internal winning combination storage area (display combination storage area), a carryover combination storage area, and an operating flag storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11A shows an example of an internal winning combination storing area for storing information of an internal winning combination (display combination).
In the internal winning combination storage area consisting of 8 bits,
Bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to “cherry”.
Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to “bell”.
Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to “watermelon”.
Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to “replay”.
Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to “RB”.
Bits 0 to 4 take a value of “0” or “1” depending on the display combination. Bits 5 to 7 are unused storage areas and remain the value of “0”.

FIG. 11B shows an example of a carryover combination storage area for storing information on a carryover combination. In the carryover combination storage area consisting of 8 bits, bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to “RB” and takes a value of “0” or “1”.
For example, when “RB” is won internally, “1” is stored in bit 4 corresponding to the RB in the carryover combination storage area (that is, “00010000” is stored in the carryover combination storage area). .
Bits 0 to 3 and bits 5 to 7 are unused storage areas.

  The internal winning combination storing area is an area that is cleared for each game. However, when “RB” is won internally, “RB” is stored in the carryover combination storage area as a carryover combination. That is, a value of “1” is set in bit 4 of the carryover combination storage area. The process of setting a carryover combination in the internal winning combination storing area is performed by an internal lottery process (see FIG. 15).

  FIG. 11C shows an example of the operating flag storage area. In the operating flag storage area consisting of 8 bits, bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to the RB operating flag (see the bonus operating time table in FIG. 10). Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the RT operating flag. Bits 2 to 7 are unused storage areas. Only bits 0 and 1 have a value of “0” or “1”, and bits 2 to 7 all have a value of “0”.

  Here, when “1” is stored in bit 0 corresponding to the RB operating flag in the operating flag storage area (that is, when the operating flag storage area is “00000001”), the RB is operating. The flag is turned on, which means that the player is in the RB gaming state.

On the other hand, when “0” is stored in bit 0 corresponding to the RB operating flag in the operating flag storage area, and “0” is stored in bit 1 corresponding to the RT operating flag ( That is, when the operating flag storage area is “00000000”, this indicates that the game is in a general gaming state (except that the RT is operating).
When “1” is stored in bit 1 corresponding to the RT operating flag in the operating flag storage area (that is, when the operating flag storage area is “00000010”), the RT operating flag is on. Therefore, it means that the replay time is in operation. This is also a general gaming state.

Next, an example of the effect determination table will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, it is set as the specification which produces a different production | presentation by an internal winning combination. The main CPU 45 performs an effect with reference to an effect determination table in which an effect identifier for identifying the effect contents is stored. The effect determination table is a table referred to in the effect lottery process (see FIG. 24). Further, the table to be referred to is different for each gaming state.
The RB gaming state effect determination table in FIG. 12A is a table that is referred to when the player is in the RB gaming state.
The general game state effect determination table in FIG. 12B is a table that is referred to when the game state is the general game state and the RT is not operating.
The effect determination table for RT in FIG. 12C is a table that is referred to when the RT is in the general gaming state and the RT is operating.

When the RB gaming state effect determination table is selected, when “Cherry” is won as the internal winning combination, the selected effect identifier is any one of effects G, H, and I. The RB gaming state effect determination table stores the probabilities of effects for each effect G, H, and I. For example, the probability that the effect G is selected is “2/128”, the probability that the effect H is selected is “124/128”, and the probability that the effect I is selected is “2/128”. It is.
When the general gaming state effect determination table is selected, when “Cherry” is won as the internal winning combination, the selected effect identifiers are effects B, C, D, and E. The general gaming state effect determination table stores the probabilities of effects for each effect B, C, D, E. For example, the probability that the effect B is selected is “40/128”, the probability that the effect C is selected is “56/128”, and the probability that the effect D is selected is “16/128”. The probability that the production E is selected is “16/128”.

  When the RT medium effect determination table is selected, when “RB” is won for the internal winning combination, the probability that the effect F is selected is “128/128”. In other words, when “RB” is internally won during RT operation, an effect associated with effect F is always performed. For this reason, the player can know from the content of the effect associated with the effect F that “RB” has won internally. In this example, the effect F is an effect accompanied by vibration by the vibration speaker 20.

  In this way, different effect identifiers are determined depending on the internal winning combination in accordance with the gaming state, so that the player can infer the internal winning combination from the effect contents associated with the effect identifier.

<Description of main control circuit operation>
Next, an operation performed by the control of the main CPU 45, that is, a process of the main control circuit 41 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  First, the main CPU 45 starts an initialization process when an employee of the game hall turns on a power switch (not shown) of the gaming machine 1 (step S1). As an initialization process, the main CPU 45 checks whether the RAM 44 is normal, initializes an input / output port, and the like. Further, the main CPU 45 performs a process of storing the determined setting value in a predetermined area of the RAM 44 based on signals supplied from the reset switch 60 and the setting key type switch 61. When the initialization process ends, the main CPU 45 erases the designated storage area (for example, information on the internal winning combination storage area) of the RAM 44 at the end of the game (step S2).

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs a medal acceptance / start check process (see FIG. 14) described later (step S3). After the medal acceptance / start check process, the main CPU 45 extracts a random value and stores the extracted random value in the random value storage area of the RAM 44 (step S4). Specifically, the main CPU 45 extracts a random value from the range of “0” to “65535” by the random number generator 49 and the sampling circuit 46, and stores the extracted random value in the random value storage area of the RAM 44. The random number value extracted by the main CPU 45 is used in the internal lottery process.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs gaming state monitoring processing (step S5). In the game state monitoring process, the main CPU 45 edits the game state information for identifying the game state in the current unit game based on the RT operating flag and the RB operating flag, and sets it in the RAM 44.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs an internal lottery process (see FIG. 15) (step S6). In the internal lottery process, the main CPU 45 determines an internal winning combination with reference to an internal lottery table determination table (see FIG. 6), an internal lottery table (see FIG. 7), and an internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 8).

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs RT game number counter update processing (step S7). Specifically, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the RT game number counter is “0”. When determining that the value of the RT game number counter is not “0” (that is, during RT operation), the main CPU 45 subtracts “1” from the value of the RT game number counter. Further, when the value of the RT game number counter becomes “0” as a result of the subtraction, the main CPU 45 turns off the RT operating flag and transmits an RT end command to the sub-control circuit 71.

Next, the main CPU 45 transmits a start command to the sub control circuit 71 (step S8). The start command includes information such as game state information and an internal winning combination.
The start command transmitted by the gaming machine 1 of the present example includes a command for starting vibration of the vibration speaker 20 when “RB” is won internally during the replay time.

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation (step S9). If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the operation is stopped to digest 4.1 seconds as the waiting time (step S10). If 4.1 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S12.

  Next, the main CPU 45 requests the start of rotation of all reels (step S11). Specifically, the main CPU 45 updates all three effective stop button flags, which will be described later, corresponding to each of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R to ON. When all the effective stop button flags are updated to ON, the pressing operation of the three stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R becomes effective. Then, the main CPU 45 rotates the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs a reel stop control process (see FIG. 16) (step S12). In the reel stop control process, the main CPU 45 stops the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R based on a stop signal output from the stop switches 15L, 15C, and 15R by the stop operation of the player.

  Next, the main CPU 45 considers the effective line counter based on the combination of symbols displayed in the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R and the symbol combination table (see FIG. 9), and the number of payouts of the display combination and medals. Is determined (step S13). The main CPU 45 determines the display combination based on the code number of the symbol displayed on the active line and the symbol combination table (see FIG. 9). Further, the main CPU 45 updates the display combination storage area and updates information on the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination.

  Specifically, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the combination of symbols corresponding to the determined internal winning combination is displayed along the active line corresponding to the active line counter. Thereafter, the effective line counter is decremented by “1”, and this process is repeated until the effective line counter becomes “0”. Since “5” is stored in the valid line counter by the medal acceptance / start check process (see FIG. 14), the main CPU 45 determines the display combination and the number of paid-out medals for each of the five valid lines.

  When the replay is determined for the display combination, the main CPU 45 stores the number of medals that can be replayed (“3” in the general gaming state) in the automatic insertion counter. When the replay is a display combination, the automatic insertion counter counts the number of medals to be automatically inserted in the next game.

  Next, when the display combination and the number of payouts are determined, the main CPU 45 performs a process of transmitting a display combination command to the sub-control circuit 71 (step S14). The display combination command includes information on the determined display combination and the number of medals to be paid out.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs a medal payout process for paying out medals based on the determined medal payout number (step S15). In the medal payout process, the main CPU 45 updates the credit counter set in the RAM 44 based on the payout number in the credit mode. When the credit counter is updated, the value of the credit counter is displayed on the credit display unit 7b. In the payout mode, the main CPU 45 pays out medals by drivingly controlling the hopper 57 by the hopper drive circuit 56 based on the payout number.

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S16). When determining that the RB operating flag is on, the main CPU 45 performs a bonus end check process (see FIG. 17) (step S17), and proceeds to the process of step S18.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the RB operating flag is off, or when the bonus end check process ends, the main CPU 45 performs a bonus operation check process (see FIG. 18) (step S18). When the bonus operation check process ends, the main CPU 45 returns the process to step S2 again.

  In this way, the main CPU 45 executes the processing from steps S2 to S18 as processing in one unit game. When the process up to step S18 is completed, the process proceeds to step S2 in order to execute the process in the next unit game.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the medal acceptance / start check process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described. The medal acceptance / start check process is a process for detecting a medal insertion operation and a game start operation performed by the player.

  First, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the value of the automatic insertion counter is “0” (step S41). When the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the automatic insertion counter is not “0”, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S43. Here, the automatic insertion counter is data for identifying whether or not “replay” has been established in the previous unit game. When “replay” is established, medals for the number of replayable games are automatically inserted. On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the automatic insertion counter is “0”, the main CPU 45 permits passage of medals (step S42), and proceeds to the processing of step S45.

  On the other hand, when determining that the value of the automatic insertion counter is not “0”, the main CPU 45 copies the automatic insertion counter to the insertion number counter (step S43) and clears the automatic insertion counter (step S44). Here, the inserted number counter is data for coefficient of game value (for example, medal).

  Next, when the passage of medals is permitted in step S42 or the automatic insertion counter is cleared in step S44, the main CPU 45 sets “3” as the maximum value of the medal insertion number counter (step S45).

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the RB operation flag is on (step S46). When the main CPU 45 determines that the RB operating flag is not on, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S48.

  On the other hand, when determining that the RB operating flag is on, the main CPU 45 changes the maximum value of the medal insertion number counter to “2” (step S47). In this example, the number of inserted medals in the general gaming state is determined to be “3”, and the number of inserted medals in the RB gaming state is determined to be “2”. Therefore, the main CPU 45 performs steps S45 and S47. Thus, the maximum value of the number of medals inserted according to the gaming state is set.

  Next, when the main CPU 45 determines in the process of step S46 that the RB operating flag is not on, and when the maximum value of the input number counter is changed to “2” in the process of step S47, the process of step S55 described later is performed. When it is determined that the value of the inserted number counter is not the maximum value, or when it is determined that the start switch 14S is not turned on in step S56 described later, it is determined whether or not a medal has passed (step S48). ).

  When determining that the medal has not passed, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S54. On the other hand, when determining that the medal has passed, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the inserted number counter is the maximum value (step S49).

  When the main CPU 45 determines that the inserted number counter is the maximum value in the process of step S49, the main CPU 45 adds “1” to the value of the credit counter (step S53), and proceeds to the process of step S54. Here, the credit counter is data for calculating the number of credited medals.

  On the other hand, when determining that the insertion number counter is not the maximum value, the main CPU 45 adds “1” to the value of the insertion number counter (step S50).

  Next, the main CPU 45 stores “5” in the effective line counter (step S51). The valid line counter is data for specifying the number of valid lines, and the display combination is searched based on the valid line counter.

  Next, the main CPU 45 transmits a medal insertion command to the sub control circuit 71 (step S52), and proceeds to the process of step S54. The medal insertion command includes information on the number of inserted medals.

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines that the medal has not passed in the process of step S48, transmits a medal insertion command in the process of step S52, or adds "1" to the credit counter in the process of step S53. The bet switch is checked (step S54). Specifically, the main CPU 45 specifies the bet switch that is turned on when the bet switches 11, 12, and 13 are on, and based on the maximum values of the insertion number counter, the credit counter, and the insertion number counter. Then, the value to be added to the insertion number counter is calculated and the insertion number counter is updated.

  Note that the main CPU 45 sets “5” to the active line counter when it is determined in the process of step S48 that no medal has passed and any of the bet switches is turned on. Further, the value of the inserted number counter is updated based on the type of the bet switch that is turned on, and a medal insertion command including information indicating the value of the inserted number counter is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 71.

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the value of the insertion number counter is the maximum value (step S55). When the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the insertion number counter is not the maximum value, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S48. On the other hand, when determining that the value of the insertion number counter is the maximum value, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the start switch 14S is on (step S56).

  Next, when the main CPU 45 determines that the start switch 14S is not on, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S48. On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the start switch 14S is on, the main CPU 45 prohibits the passage of further medals (step S57), ends the medal acceptance / start check processing, and shifts the processing to the main flow.

  Next, an internal lottery process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The internal lottery process is a process for determining an internal winning combination depending on the gaming state or the like.

  First, the main CPU 45 determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries according to the gaming state based on the internal lottery table determination table (FIG. 6) (step S61). That is, the number of lotteries is set to “5” in the general gaming state, and the number of lotteries is set to “3” in the RB gaming state.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs an internal lottery table change process (step S62). The internal lottery table changing process is a process for changing to the RT lottery internal lottery table if the RT operating flag is on.

Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 11B) is “00000000” (step S63). That is, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the RB carryover state. When the carryover combination is “RB”, it is referred to as an RB carryover state.
Normally, in the general gaming state, the probability that “RB” is won internally is low, and the probability that “RB” is established is also low. For this reason, in order to prevent the “RB” won internally from being expired in one game, a carryover combination storage area is provided in which “RB” can be carried over as a carryover combination over a plurality of games. The carryover combination stored in the carryover combination storage area is not cleared when “RB” is established, that is, until the operation of the regular bonus game is started.

  When determining that the carryover combination storage area is “00000000”, that is, when determining that the carryover combination storage area is not in the RB carryover state, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S65 without changing the number of lotteries.

  When determining that the carryover combination storage area is not “00000000”, that is, the RB carryover state, the main CPU 45 changes the number of lotteries to “4” (step S64). The reason why the number of lotteries is changed to “4” is that, when the RB identifier is stored in the carryover combination storage area, the lottery of “RB” is not performed again. That is, in the RB carryover state, the number of lotteries is only four from the winning numbers 1 to 4 in the internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 8).

  Next, the main CPU 45 sets the same value as the number of lotteries determined in step S61 or the number of lotteries changed in step S64 as a winning number (step S65).

  Next, the main CPU 45 compares the random number value stored in the random value storage area (not shown) with the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the internal lottery table (see FIG. 7) corresponding to the number of inserted medals (step S66). ).

Specifically, the main CPU 45 refers to the internal lottery table determined in step S61, acquires the lower limit (L) based on the winning number, and stores the random value stored in the random value storage area of the RAM 44. The lower limit (L) is subtracted from (R) to obtain (RL).
Further, the main CPU 45 refers to the internal lottery table determined in step S61, acquires the upper limit value (U) based on the winning number, and stores the random value (R) stored in the random value storage area of the RAM 44. The upper limit value (U) is subtracted from (R−U).

  The main CPU 45 determines whether or not the random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value based on the calculated (R−L) and (R−U) (step S67). Specifically, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not (R−L) obtained is a positive value and (R−U) is a negative value. In the determination step S67, when the random number value is not between the upper limit value and the lower limit value, the main CPU 45 moves the process to step S70.

  On the other hand, in the determination step S67, when the main CPU 45 determines that the random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value, the main winning combination is determined from the internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 8) based on the winning number. Determine (step S68).

  Next, the main CPU 45 stores the determined internal winning combination and the logical sum of the internal winning combination storing area in the internal winning combination storing area (step S69). Then, the main CPU 45 subtracts “1” from the number of lotteries currently stored (step S70).

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the number of lotteries obtained by subtracting “1” in step S70 has become “0” (step S71). When determining that the number of lotteries is not “0” in the determination step S71, the main CPU 45 moves the process again to step S65, and sets the same value as the number of lotteries decreased as the winning number.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the number of lotteries is “0”, the main CPU 45 stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination storage area and the carryover combination storage area in the carryover combination storage area (step S72).

  Next, the main CPU 45 stores the logical sum of the internal symbol combination storage area and the carryover combination storage area in the internal symbol combination storage area (step S73). Thereafter, the internal lottery process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the main flow. Initially, the internal winning combination storing area is “0”, and if it is “0” as it is, it is a so-called loss.

  Next, the reel stop control process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The reel stop control process is a process for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R based on the internal winning combination or the timing of the stop operation by the player.

  First, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (step S81). When the main CPU 45 determines that a valid stop button has not been pressed, the main CPU 45 proceeds to step S81 again and waits for a stop button press operation.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that an effective stop button has been pressed, the main CPU 45 updates the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop button 15L, 15C, 15R for which the press operation has been performed to OFF (step S82). That is, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the stop switches 15LS, 15CS, and 15RS have detected pressing operations of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R corresponding to the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The effective stop button flag is information for identifying whether or not the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are rotating, and the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R Three are provided corresponding to each. When the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R are rotating, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R is on. When the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are not rotating, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R is off.

  In the gaming machine 1 of this example, a drawing priority table (not shown) having information on the relative priority of drawing of the combination of symbols is provided. Based on this table, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided. The stop control is performed. The pull-in priority order table defines a priority order that gives the highest priority order to the replay, and then the order of bonuses and small roles.

  “Withdrawal” is basically a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination within the maximum number of sliding symbols in the symbol display area (hereinafter referred to as “effective symbol display area”) connected by the active line. This means that the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the stop operation has been performed is stopped so as to display the symbols (hereinafter referred to as “drawing target symbols”).

Here, the number of sliding pieces will be described by taking the symbol position of the left reel of the symbol arrangement table (see FIG. 5) as an example. For example, when the internal winning combination is “bell”, when the player performs a stop operation at the symbol position “0”, the bell ahead of the second frame is drawn. In this way, even an unskilled player who does not have the skill to push forward can expect a prize.
In some cases, the player may perform an operation of removing the internal winning combination (also referred to as “trickling”). That is, when the internal winning combination is “RB”, if the stop operation is performed at the symbol position “17”, since there is red 7 one frame ahead, red 7 is drawn and “RB” is established. However, when the stop operation is performed at the symbol position “14”, red 7 is missed because there is no red 7 ahead of the four frames. In this way, the skilled player can intentionally miss “RB” even if the RB is hit internally by changing the symbol position to be stopped.

When the pressing operation of the stop button is invalidated in step S82, the main CPU 45 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the internal winning combination and the symbol counter (step S83). Subsequently, stop control position waiting processing is performed (step S84). Specifically, the main CPU 45 stops the reel stop control process until a reel control process of an interrupt process (see FIG. 20) described later is performed based on the stop control position determined by the determined number of sliding symbols.
The main CPU 45 restarts the reel stop control process when the corresponding reel is stopped by the reel control process (step S143) of the interrupt process (see FIG. 20).

  Next, the main CPU 45 transmits a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 71 (step S85). The reel stop command includes data indicating the type of the stopped reel, information on a stop control position corresponding to the value of the symbol counter, and the like.

  When the reel stop command is transmitted in step S85, the main CPU 45 subsequently determines whether or not there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid (step S86). That is, the main CPU 45 determines which of the three valid stop button flags is on. At this time, if there is a rotating reel among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, there is a stop button whose effective stop button flag corresponding to that reel is on. For this reason, the main CPU 45 shifts the process to step S81 again and repeats the reel stop control process.

  When the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped and all the three valid stop button flags are off, the main CPU 45 ends the reel stop control process and shifts the process to the main flow.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the bonus end check process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described. The bonus end check process is a process in which a check for ending the bonus game is performed when the bonus game end condition is satisfied, and the replay time is in operation.

  First, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not a winning combination corresponding to the display combination (internal winning combination) shown in the symbol combination table (see FIG. 9) has been established (step S91). When the main CPU 45 determines that no winning has been established, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S94.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that a winning is achieved, the main CPU 45 subtracts “1” from the value of the winning possible number counter (step S92).

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the value of the subtractable winning number counter is “0” (step S93). When the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the possible winning number counter is “0”, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S96. On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the winning possible number counter is not “0”, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the processing of step S94.

  When the main CPU 45 determines that the winning is not established in the process of step S91 or when it is determined that the winning possible number counter is not “0” in the process of step S93, the main CPU 45 calculates “ 1 "is subtracted (step S94).

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the value of the possible game number counter subtracted in the process of step S94 is “0” (step S95). When the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the possible game number counter is not “0”, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus end check processing and shifts the processing to the main flow.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the possible game number counter is “0”, or when the value of the possible number of winning counter is “0” in the process of step S93, Processing is performed (step S96), and a bonus end command including bonus end information is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 71 (step S97). Specifically, the main CPU 45 performs processing such as turning off the RB operating flag.

  Next, the main CPU 45 turns on the RT operating flag and stores “500” in the RT game number counter (step S98). That is, since the replay time is activated after the RB ends, a game in the general gaming state in which the winning probability of “replay” is increased is played up to 500 times.

  When the main CPU 45 performs the RB end process, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus end check process, and moves the process to the main flow.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, a bonus operation check process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described. The bonus operation check process is a process for performing a check for operating a bonus game or the like based on the determined display combination type or the like.

  First, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the display combination is “RB” based on the symbol combination table (see FIG. 9) (step S111). That is, it is determined whether or not “red 7-red 7-red 7 (RB)” symbols are aligned on the active line. When determining that the display combination is not “RB”, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus end check process and shifts the process to the main flow.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the display combination is “RB”, the main CPU 45 performs a bonus operation time process based on the bonus operation time table (see FIG. 10) (step S112). Specifically, the main CPU 45 sets “12” in the possible game number counter and “8” in the possible winning number counter based on the bonus operating time table (see FIG. 10), and the operating flag storage area (see FIG. 10). 11 (c)) is turned on.

  Next, the main CPU 45 clears the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 11B) (step S113), and transmits a bonus start command including bonus start information to the sub-control circuit 71 (step S114).

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the RT operating flag in the operating flag storage area (see FIG. 11C) is on (step S115). When the main CPU 45 determines that the RT operating flag is not ON, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus operation check process and shifts the process to the main flow (see FIG. 13).

  On the other hand, when determining that the RT operating flag is ON, the main CPU 45 turns off the RT operating flag, clears the RT game number counter (step S116), ends the bonus operation check process, To the main flow.

  Next, the internal lottery table changing process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The internal lottery table changing process is a process for changing the internal lottery table referred to during the RT operation.

First, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on (step S131).
When the main CPU 45 determines that the RT operating flag is ON, the main CPU 45 changes the internal lottery table for general gaming state to the internal lottery table for RT operating (step S132), ends the internal lottery table changing process, To the internal lottery process.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the RT operating flag is OFF, the main CPU 45 ends the internal lottery table changing process and shifts the process to the internal lottery process.

  Next, an interrupt process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described with reference to FIG. The interrupt process under the control of the main CPU 45 is a process that occurs every predetermined period (for example, 1.1173 milliseconds).

  First, the main CPU 45 interrupts the program being executed, and saves the address indicating the interrupted position and the values of various registers in a predetermined area of the RAM 44 (step S141). In this process, when the interrupt process under the control of the main CPU 45 is completed, the address indicating the position where the saved program is interrupted and the values of various registers are restored, and the program is executed continuously from the point of interruption. Done.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs input port check processing (step S142). Specifically, the main CPU 45 checks a signal supplied from each switch.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs a reel control process (step S143). Specifically, when there is a reel rotation start request, the main CPU 45 starts the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and performs control for rotating at a constant speed.

  Further, in the reel stop control process (see FIG. 16), the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the symbol counter of the corresponding reel indicates the stop control position when the stop control position is determined by determining the number of sliding pieces. Control is performed to stop the reel when the value becomes the same as the indicated value. For example, when the value indicating the stop control position is “4”, the main CPU 45 stops the corresponding reel when the value of the symbol counter becomes “4”.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs a lamp / 7SEG drive control process (step S144). Specifically, the main CPU 45 controls driving of the BET lamps 6 a, 6 b, 6 c through the lamp driving circuit 54. By this control, the BET lamps 6a, 6b, and 6c are turned on and off. The main CPU 45 controls driving of the bonus game information display unit 5, the payout display unit 7a, and the credit display unit 7b via the display unit drive circuit 55. By this control, various information (for example, the number of credits) is displayed on the bonus game information display unit 5, the payout display unit 7a, and the credit display unit 7b.

  Next, the main CPU 45 refers to the value saved in the RAM 44 in the process of step S141, and restores the register (step S145). Thereafter, the interrupt process under the control of the main CPU 45 is terminated, and the program interrupted by the occurrence of the interrupt process under the control of the main CPU 45 is continuously executed.

<Description of operation of sub-control circuit>
Next, an operation performed under the control of the sub CPU (image control microcomputer 81), that is, processing of the sub control circuit 71 will be described. First, a main board communication process performed by the sub CPU will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU receives various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 41 (step S201). Next, the sub CPU extracts type information from the received command (step S202).

  Next, the sub CPU determines whether or not a command of a type different from the previously received command has been received (step S203). When the sub CPU determines that a command of the same type as the previously received command has been received, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S201.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU determines that a command of a type different from the previously received command has been received, the sub CPU stores a message in the message queue based on the received command. A message queue is a mechanism for exchanging information between processes. In this example, game information is stored as a message in a message queue, and game information is transferred to an effect registration process (see FIG. 22) described later. After storing the message in the message queue, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S201.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the effect registration process performed under the control of the sub CPU will be described. The effect registration process is a process of registering different effect contents (for example, animation data, LED / sound data) for each determined effect.

  First, the sub CPU extracts a message from the message queue (step S211). At this time, the sub CPU determines whether or not there is a message in the message queue (step S212). When the sub CPU determines that there is no message in the message queue, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S215.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU determines that there is a message in the message queue, it copies the game information from this message to the video RAM 85 (step S213).

  Next, the sub CPU performs an effect content determination process (see FIG. 23) (step S214). In this example, nine types of effects associated with the effect identifiers A to I are performed.

  Next, the sub CPU registers animation data when it is determined in the process of step S212 that there is no message in the message queue, or after performing the effect content determination process of step S214 (step S215).

  Specifically, the sub CPU registers animation data based on the effect data set in the effect content determination process in step S214 and causes the liquid crystal display device 31 to display an image. As a result, the content of the effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4b (see FIG. 2).

  More specifically, the sub CPU transmits an image display command to the image control IC 86 based on the effect data determined in the effect content determination process. Based on the received image display command, the image control IC 86 selects appropriate image data from the image data developed in the video RAM 85, determines the display position and size of the selected image data, and Data is stored in a frame buffer area provided in the video RAM 85.

  Further, the sub CPU performs a bank switching process for switching the display screen data area and the write data area of the frame buffer area at predetermined intervals. In the bank switching process, the image control IC 86 outputs the image data written in the write image data area to the liquid crystal display device 31, replaces the display image data area with the write image data area, and then displays the next image to be displayed. Write data.

  Next, the sub CPU registers LED / sound data. Specifically, the sub CPU registers LED / sound data based on the effect data set in the effect content determination process (step S216). Then, the sub CPU turns on the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 via the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91, outputs sound such as sound effects from the speakers 2L and 2R, and drives the vibration speaker 20 to generate vibration. Let

  When the series of processing ends, the sub CPU proceeds to processing in step S215. The sub CPU executes steps S211 to S216 of the effect registration process (see FIG. 22) in about 2 milliseconds.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 23, an effect content determination process performed under the control of the sub CPU will be described. The effect content determination process is a process of setting different effect data for each received various commands.

  First, the sub CPU determines whether or not a start command has been received (step S221). If the sub CPU determines that it has not received the start command, it proceeds to the processing of step S223.

On the other hand, when determining that the start command has been received, the sub CPU performs an effect lottery process (see FIG. 24) described later (step S222), and proceeds to the process of step S229. The effect lottery process is a process of determining an effect determination table.
The gaming machine 1 of this example refers to the RT medium effect determination table (see FIG. 12C) when “RB” is won internally during the replay time, and based on the effect identifier (effect F). Then, the notification is performed by the vibration speaker 20.

  When determining that the start command is not received in the process of step S221, the sub CPU determines whether or not a display command is received (step S223). When the sub CPU determines that the display command has not been received, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S225.

  On the other hand, when determining that the display command has been received, the sub CPU sets effect data according to the type of display combination or the like (step S224), and proceeds to the processing of step S229.

  When determining that the display command is not received in the process of step S223, the sub CPU determines whether or not a bonus start command is received (step S225). When the sub CPU determines that the bonus start command has not been received, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S227.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU determines that it has received the bonus start command, the RB gaming state (sub) that is the gaming state managed by the sub CPU, the game / operation state information (sub) held by the sub control circuit 71 (Step S226), and the process proceeds to step S229. The game / operation state information (sub) is an area for storing information on a game state and an operating flag referred to by the sub CPU. The RB gaming state (sub) is a gaming state managed by the sub CPU, and is the same state as the RB gaming state in the main CPU.

  If the sub CPU determines in step S225 that a bonus start command has not been received, the sub CPU determines whether a bonus end command has been received (step S227). When determining that the bonus end command has not been received, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S229.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU determines that the bonus end command has been received in the process of step S227, the sub-control circuit 71 holds the general gaming state (sub), which is the gaming state managed by the sub CPU. The operating state information (sub) is set (step S228). The general game state (sub) is a game state managed by the sub CPU, and is the same state as the general game state in the main CPU.

  Next, the sub CPU performs an effect execution process based on the effect data set in the game / operation state information (sub) held by the sub control circuit 71 in the processes of steps S222, S224, S226, S227, and S228. (Step S229).

  The effect execution process is a process of reading animation data corresponding to the effect identifier from the image ROM 84 and reading LED / sound data from the program ROM 96 and the sound source ROM 93. When the effect execution process ends, the effect content determination process ends, and the process returns to the effect registration process (see FIG. 22).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the effect lottery process performed under the control of the sub CPU will be described. The effect lottery process is a process of determining the content of the effect determined with reference to the effect determination table (see FIG. 12).

  First, the sub CPU determines whether or not the game / operation state information (sub) is in the RB operation (step S241). When determining that the RB is operating, the sub CPU refers to the RB effect determination table (see FIG. 12A), determines the effect identifier based on the internal winning combination (step S242), and step S246. Move on to processing. At this time, there are three types of effect identifiers to be determined, effects GI.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU determines in the process of step S241 that the RB is not operating, the sub CPU determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on (step S243). When it is determined that the RT operating flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S245.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the RT operating flag is ON, an effect identifier is determined based on the internal winning combination with reference to the RT effect determination table (see FIG. 12B) (step S244). The process proceeds to step S246. At this time, there are six types of effect identifiers to be determined, effects AF.

When the sub CPU determines in the process of step S243 that the value of the RT operating flag is not on, the sub CPU refers to the general state effect determination table (see FIG. 12B), and based on the internal winning combination, An effect identifier is determined (step S244), and the process proceeds to step S246. At this time, there are five types of effect identifiers to be determined, effects A to E.
The gaming machine 1 of this example performs notification by the vibration speaker 20 based on the effect identifier (effect F) determined in step 244 when “RB” is internally won during the replay time.

  The sub CPU sets effect data based on the effect identifier determined in the processes of steps S242, S244, and S245 (step S246), and returns the process to the effect content determination process.

  Next, the timing at which the vibration speaker 20 vibrates will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. Here, it is assumed that one game time is t3 seconds. The lengths of the periods t1 to t3 described below satisfy the relationship of t1 <t2 <t3.

FIG. 25A shows an example of mute and sound output of the game start sound.
FIG. 25B shows an example of the vibration and no vibration state of the vibration speaker 20.
FIG. 25 (c) shows an example of the state of rotation and stop of the reel that is stopped first.
FIG. 25 (d) shows an example of turning on / off the start lever 14.

  When the player pushes down the start lever 14, a game start operation is performed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 25 (d), the start switch 14S detects the operation of the start lever 14 and is turned on. When the gaming machine 1 detects that the start switch 14S is turned on, as shown in FIG. 25 (a), the gaming machine 1 outputs a game start sound for t1 seconds and starts to rotate the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. To do. Further, the gaming machine 1 performs an internal lottery and determines an internal winning combination.

  When “RB” is won internally during the replay time, the vibration of the vibration speaker 20 is started as shown in FIG. At this time, the display content (including light emission, etc.) of the liquid crystal display unit 4b and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R does not change, but the player expects the internal winning of “RB” by feeling the vibration of the vibration speaker 20. can do.

  Then, the player presses one of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. By this pressing operation, the rotation of the first reel is stopped as shown in FIG. The reel to be stopped may be any of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

As the rotation of the first reel is stopped, the vibration of the vibration speaker 20 is stopped. If the period from the start of the reel rotation to the stop of the first reel rotation is t2 seconds, the period during which the vibration speaker 20 vibrates is equal to t2 seconds.
Thus, in this example, when the rotation of the reel is stopped first, the vibration of the vibration speaker 20 is also stopped.

  Next, a display example on the front panel of the gaming machine 1 when “RB” is won internally during the replay time will be described with reference to FIG. At this time, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are in a rotating state.

As shown in FIG. 26, when “RB” is won internally during the replay time, the effect F is determined, and the vibration speaker 20 vibrates and can be notified to the player. Specifically, when the liquid crystal display unit 4b vibrates, the vibration is transmitted to the start lever 14, the medal payout opening 19 and the like touched by the player, and the player can feel the vibration.
In effect F, information indicating that “RB” has won internally is not displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4b. However, since the player can predict that “RB” has been won internally by vibration, the player will perform a stop operation to activate “RB”.

The configuration and operation of the gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention have been described above based on the attached drawings.
According to the present embodiment, the player is notified that the internal winning combination has been determined during the replay time by the sound output from the speakers 2L and 2R or the vibration of the vibration speaker 20. In particular, when “RB” is won internally during the replay time, the housing of the gaming machine 1 vibrates due to the vibration speaker 20 vibrating. At this time, an effect associated with the effect identifier (in this example, effect F) for notifying the internal winning of “RB” is performed. For this reason, during the RT operation, the player can know that “RB” has won internally, and is therefore interested in performing a push to activate “RB”. For this reason, there is an effect that the game during the replay time does not become monotonous.

  In addition, the skilled player can make a push to activate “RB” by predicting the internal winning of “RB” during the replay time, but the unskilled player can make a push to activate “RB”. I can't do it. In this way, the number of games that shift to the RB gaming state differs depending on the skill level of each player, so that the skilled player aims to quickly shift to the RB gaming state, and the unskilled player is more skilled in the game. It can be said that the desire to do becomes stronger.

  In addition, during the replay time, “Replay” wins with a high probability, and even if “RB” wins internally, “Replay” tends to be a display role. For this reason, although “replay” continues, since the gaming machine 1 of this example can notify that “RB” has been won internally, the player has a higher expectation to win “RB”. There is an effect. In addition, even a player who is visually impaired can feel the vibration, so that the game can be enjoyed.

  Further, when notifying the player that the internal winning combination has been won by the vibration speaker 20, a notification mode for notifying that the special internal winning combination has been won and an internal winning combination other than the special internal winning combination are won. It is made to differ from the information mode which reports that it did. For example, when “RB” is won as a special internal winning combination, the vibration speaker 20 is vibrated, but when “BELL” is selected as a winning combination other than “RB”, an animation is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4b. By displaying or outputting sound effects from the speakers 2L and 2R, there is an effect that the player's interest is further enhanced.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, “RB” is provided as a display combination for ending RT by being established during the RT operation, but other display combinations may be provided.

  Moreover, it is possible to make the player have a sense of expectation by not informing. For example, during the RT operation, it may not be notified that “RB” which is the replay time end condition has been internally won. By doing so, it becomes difficult for the player to guess whether or not “RB” has been won internally during the game, and this has the effect of further increasing interest.

  In addition, the effect is displayed in conjunction with the sound emitted from the speakers 2L and 2R, and various images are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4b or the reel is vibrated. At this time, in the case of notifying that “RB” has been won internally during the replay time, not only the effect F but also light emission from the lamp, sound emission, vibration, and video. Alternatively, a combination of these may be notified to the player. Since the liquid crystal display unit 4b, the speakers 2L and 2R, and the vibration speaker 20 can be combined to produce a wide variety of effects, entertainment can be further enhanced.

  The carryover combination information storage unit and the operating flag storage area are secured in the work RAM 89. The work RAM 89 is a RAM that stores backup target data. For this reason, even if the gaming machine 1 is turned off, the carryover combination information storage unit and the operating flag storage area are not cleared. When the data is saved in this way, even if the gaming machine is turned off on the previous day, the carryover combination information and the operating flag remain saved. For this reason, when the power is turned on the next day, the carryover combination information up to the previous day and the operating flag may be taken over.

  A plurality of types of vibration notification modes performed by the vibration speaker 20 may be provided. In the above-described embodiment, vibrations having a constant period and a constant amplitude are given, but there are various vibration notification modes. As a vibration notification mode, for example, the player may be notified by changing the intensity of vibration at a certain period. As another vibration notification mode, “RB” is won internally during the replay time by changing the duration of vibration or emitting the vibration in pulses (for example, a combination of long and short pulse widths). As well as other winning combinations may be notified.

  In the above-described embodiment, the number of lotteries is reduced by “1” in step S70 of the internal lottery process (FIG. 15), and this lottery number is associated with the winning number of the internal lottery table (see FIG. 7). Yes. However, an internal lottery table used in the RB carryover state may be provided separately. In the internal lottery table used in the RB carryover state, winning numbers 1 to 4 are stored (that is, a value corresponding to the winning number 5 is not stored). For this reason, in the RB carryover state, “RB” does not win internally. When referring to such a table, the process of “changing the number of lotteries to 4” in step S64 of the internal lottery process (FIG. 15) is changed to “refer to the internal lottery table used in the RB carryover state”. That's fine.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in the timing chart (see FIG. 25), the vibration speaker 20 is vibrated until the rotation of the reel is first stopped, triggered by detection of the start operation of the start lever 14. Like to do. However, vibration of the vibration speaker 20 may continue until the second or third rotation of the reel is stopped, or may continue until the next game is started.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, notification by vibration of the vibration speaker 20 is performed when “RB” is won internally during the replay time. This notification may be performed a plurality of times. For example, after notifying the first time that “RB” has won internally, notification may be performed every 10 games during the replay time. Or you may alert | report at the time of the start of a game continuously several times after alert | reporting for the 1st time. By notifying in this way, even a player who could not feel the first notification (vibration) is more likely to feel the second notification (vibration) and predicts the internal winning of “RB”. It becomes easy.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is notified that the winning combination related to the regular bonus is won internally during the replay time, but the winning related to the big bonus can be achieved by adapting to the gaming machine to which the big bonus is won. You may make it alert | report that the combination won internally. Alternatively, it may be notified that a winning combination other than the winning combination related to the regular bonus has been won internally.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine 1 of this example, as shown in FIG. 12, nine types of production identifiers from production A to I are prepared, but the production identifier is not limited to nine types. There may be fewer than nine types of performance identifiers or more than nine types.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described including the effect, this invention is not limited to embodiment described here. It goes without saying that various embodiments are included without departing from the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

It is a perspective view which shows the example of an external appearance structure of the game machine in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the panel display part in one embodiment of this invention, a liquid crystal display part, and a fixed display part. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the main control circuit in one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the sub control circuit in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the symbol arrangement | positioning table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the internal lottery table determination table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the internal lottery table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the internal winning combination determination table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the symbol combination table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the table at the time of the bonus action | operation in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the storage area of the internal winning combination, carryover combination, and operating flag in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the production | presentation determination table in one embodiment of this invention. It is a main flowchart which shows the process example of the main control circuit in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the medal reception and start check process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the internal lottery process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the reel stop control process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the bonus completion | finish check process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the bonus operation | movement check process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the internal lottery table change process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the interruption process by control of main CPU in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the main board | substrate communication process by control of the sub CPU in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the effect registration process by control of the sub CPU in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the production content determination process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the effect lottery process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the vibration process of the vibration speaker in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the screen which the vibration speaker of the liquid crystal display device in one embodiment of this invention vibrates.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 3L, 3C, 3R ... Reel, 4 ... Front door, 4a ... Panel display part, 4b ... Liquid crystal display part, 4c ... Fixed display part, 6a-6c ... BET lamp, 9 ... Operation part, 14 ... Start lever, 15L, 15C, 15R ... stop button, 20 ... vibration speaker, 31 ... liquid crystal display device, 41 ... main control circuit, 42 ... microcomputer, 45 ... main CPU, 71 ... sub control circuit, 81 ... image control microcomputer 91 ... Sound / lamp control microcomputer

Claims (3)

A symbol display means comprising a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface and a display window for displaying a part of the plurality of symbols;
An input operation detecting means for detecting an input operation of a game value for performing a game;
Start operation detection means for detecting a start operation on condition of detection of the input operation by the input operation detection means;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on detection of a start operation performed by the start operation detecting means;
Informing means for notifying the player of the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means;
A symbol changing means for changing a symbol displayed by the symbol display means based on detection of a starting operation performed by the start operation detecting means;
Stop operation detecting means for detecting the stop operation;
Stop control means for controlling the stop of symbol variation performed by the symbol variation means based on the internal symbol combination determined by the internal symbol combination determination means and detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detection means; ,
Game value giving means for giving the game value according to a combination of symbols displayed on the symbol display means;
Based on the fact that the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means is a special internal winning combination, and a combination of symbols corresponding to the special internal winning combination is displayed by the symbol display unit. A bonus game operating means for operating
Bonus game ending means for ending the operation of the bonus game when the bonus game is activated by the bonus game activating means and the number of game values given by the game value giving means exceeds a predetermined number; ,
When the internal winning combination relating to the replay is determined by the internal winning combination determining means, the replay that activates the replay based on the combination of the symbols related to the replay being displayed by the symbol display means Operating means;
Replay time actuating means for actuating a replay time that increases the probability that the internal winning combination relating to replay is determined by the internal winning combination determining means when the bonus game ending means ends the operation of the bonus game. ,
The informing means includes vibration applying means for informing the player that an internal winning combination has been determined by vibration,
When a special internal winning combination is determined by the internal winning combination determining means during the operation of the replay time, the player is notified that the special internal winning combination is won by the vibration applying means. A gaming machine. Providing a plurality of types of notification modes by vibration when notifying the player that the internal winning combination has been won by the vibration applying means;
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein a notification mode by the vibration applying unit is made different according to an internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining unit. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification mode by the vibration applying unit is performed simultaneously with the detection of the start operation by the start operation detecting unit.

Images