JP2008272216A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reducing the thickness in the cross direction of a case body. <P>SOLUTION: In a pachinko slot machine, three disks 301-303 are provided instead of conventional triple reels, the board surfaces of the three disks 301-303 are made parallel to the front surface of a liquid crystal display screen 5a equivalent to the front surface of a panel display part, axes of three rotary shafts 491a, 492a and 493a are made the same, the inner and outer diameters of a symbol area 301b of the first disk, a symbol area 302b of the second disk and a symbol area 303b of the third disk are made different, the widths of them are made the same, and a plurality of patterns for a game are disposed over the peripheral direction of the three symbol areas. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a disk.

Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which game symbols are arranged on respective peripheral surfaces, and a plurality of reels provided so as to correspond to the respective reels, and one of the game symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel. When a player's operation is detected on condition that a player can visually recognize the symbols of the part and a medal is inserted, a signal requesting the start of rotation of each reel is output. When a start switch and a player's operation are detected, a stop switch that outputs a signal requesting stop of rotation of the reel according to the type of the reel, and a signal output by the start switch and the stop switch, There is known a so-called pachislot machine including a control unit that controls the operation of a stepping motor to rotate and stop each reel. Usually, in such a pachislot machine, it is determined whether or not a winning is made based on a combination of symbols displayed by the plurality of display windows, and if it is determined that a winning is achieved, a medal is paid out (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-239074

  However, in a conventional gaming machine, a game symbol is arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel, and the reel is rotated about an axis parallel to the front surface of the casing. ) Has a problem that it is larger than the diameter of the reel.

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the thickness of the casing in the front-rear direction.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention determines the internal winning combination based on the start operation detecting means (for example, 6S in FIG. 17) for detecting the game start operation and the start operation detected by the start operation detecting means. Rotating around an internal winning combination determining means (for example, 71 in FIG. 17) and a first rotation axis (for example, 491a in FIG. 2) perpendicular to the front surface of the housing (for example, 2a in FIG. 1), A first annular region (for example, 301b in FIG. 2) between a first diameter and a second diameter, and a plurality of gaming symbols are arranged in the first annular region. A disk (for example, 301 in FIG. 2) and a disk disposed at a predetermined distance from the first disk, and a second rotation axis (for example, FIG. 2) having the same axis as the first rotation axis. 492a) and a second annular region between the second diameter and the third diameter ( For example, the second disk (302b in FIG. 2) having a plurality of gaming symbols arranged in the second annular region (for example, 302 in FIG. 2), the second disk, A disk disposed at a distance, and rotates about a third rotation axis (for example, 493a in FIG. 2) having the same axis as the first rotation axis, and the third diameter and the fourth diameter. A third disk (for example, 303 in FIG. 2) having a third annular region (for example, 303b in FIG. 2) between and a plurality of gaming symbols arranged in the third annular region. And a symbol display means for variably displaying a part of a plurality of gaming symbols arranged in the first annular region, the second annular region, and the third annular region (for example, 4 in FIG. 1). 5) and the first disk and the second disk based on the detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means. The symbol changing means (for example, 39, 491, 492, 493 in FIG. 17) for changing the game symbols displayed in a row by the third disc, the first disc, the second disc, and the first Stop operation detecting means (for example, 7L, 7C, 7R, 46 in FIG. 17) for detecting the stop operation of the variation of the game symbols displayed in a row by 3 disks, and the stop performed by the stop operation detecting means Based on the operation detection and the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, stop control means (for example, FIG. 17) performs stop control of the variation of the game symbols displayed in a row by the corresponding disk. 71).

  According to this configuration, since the symbol row is variably displayed in the first to third annular regions of the first to third disks whose rotation axis is perpendicular to the front surface of the casing, Compared with a gaming machine having reel units in parallel to each other, it is possible to reduce the thickness in the front-rear direction of the housing corresponding to the disc space. In addition, by reducing the thickness in the front-rear direction of the housing, for example, a space for placing an exhibit related to a game, an effect, or a player's luggage can be provided.

  In the present invention, instead of a triple reel in which a plurality of gaming symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surface, a plurality of gaming symbols are provided in the annular area of the board surface with the rotation axis perpendicular to the front surface of the housing. By providing the drawn first to third disks, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having an effect that the thickness in the front-rear direction of the housing can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This gaming machine is a so-called “pachislot machine”. The pachi-slot machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a game medium such as a coin, medal, game ball, token, etc., or a game medium such as a card that stores information on the game value given to or given to the player. In the following description, medals are used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a panel display portion 2 a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of a cabinet 2 (included in a housing) that forms the entire pachislot machine 1. A rectangular liquid crystal display screen (hereinafter also referred to as a display screen) 5a displayed by the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the front surface of the panel display unit 2a. The liquid crystal display can be performed on the display screen 5a. The discs (corresponding to the first disc 301, the second disc 302, and the third disc 303 (see FIG. 2)) arranged so as to be superimposed on the back side can be displayed in a transparent manner. On the display screen 5a, effective lines 8a to 8e, which will be described later, a fan-shaped display window 4, information relating to the game, or various effects such as animation are displayed.

  A display window 4 is displayed on the left side of the display screen 5a. In the display window 4, a center line 8c is displayed as an effective line in the horizontal direction, and a top line 8b, a bottom line 8d, a cross-down line 8a, and a cross-up line 8e (see FIG. 3) are displayed in an oblique direction.

  These active lines are respectively operated by operating a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22, respectively. A book is set. Which effective line is set is recognized by turning on BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c described later.

  Here, the effective lines 8a to 8e are related to the success or failure of the combination. Specifically, one symbol (for example, “cherry” to be described later) corresponding to a predetermined role (for example, “cherry small role” to be described later) is a predetermined position (for example, display window) corresponding to the center line 8c. 4), the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined combination are stopped and displayed side by side at a predetermined position corresponding to any active line, A predetermined combination will be established.

  Inside the cabinet 2, three disks 301 to 303 each having a series of symbols composed of a plurality of types of symbols are provided in a single row in a rotatable manner in each annular symbol area (see FIG. 2). (See FIG. 4). As described above, the design of each disk can be seen through the display window 4. Each disk rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute).

  Outside the area of the liquid crystal display screen 5a, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, a maximum BET lamp 9c, and a credit display unit 19 are provided on the left side of the display window 4.

  The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”).

  The 1-BET lamp 9a lights up when the number of BETs is “1” and one effective line is set. The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the number of BETs is “2” and three valid lines are set. The maximum BET lamp 9c is lit when the number of BETs is “3” and all (5) effective lines are set.

  The credit display unit 19 is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays the number of medals stored (credited). The stored medals are those that the player has acquired in the game and should be paid out and stored in the plane by operating the C / P switch 14 described later. The number of medals stored is stored in a predetermined storage area.

  On the right side of the display window 4, a WIN lamp (17 in FIG. 17) as a so-called hit display lamp, a payout display section (18 in FIG. 17), and a bonus game information display section (20 in FIG. 17) are provided.

  The WIN lamp 17 is turned on with a predetermined probability when a predetermined role, for example, “Big Bonus (hereinafter referred to as BB)” is won. Here, BB and “regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as RB)” are collectively referred to as “bonus” hereinafter. Details of BB and RB will be described later.

  The payout display unit 18 is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays the payout number of medals at the time of winning. The bonus game information display unit 20 includes a 7-segment LED, and displays the number of games in the RB game state described later.

  A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the liquid crystal display screen 5a. There is an unused space on the front side of the pedestal portion 10, and it is possible to place exhibits, effects, or player's luggage related to the game. On the right side of the pedestal 10, a medal insertion roll 22 is provided. On the left side of the pedestal 10, an operation key 24, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided. .

  The 1-BET switch 11 bets one game out of the credited medals by a single pressing operation, and the 2-BET switch 12 selects one of the medals credited by a single pressing operation. The maximum BET switch 13 is bet the maximum number of medals that can be bet on one game by one press operation. By operating these BET switches 11, 12, and 13, a predetermined effective line is set as described above.

  The operation key 24 is used to select a display image displayed on the display screen 5a. In addition, a menu screen is displayed by calling a predetermined operation.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the right side of the front portion of the pedestal unit 10 to switch the credit (Credit) / payout (Pay) of medals acquired by the player in the game by a push button operation. By switching the C / P switch 14, the credit mode or the payout mode is switched. In the credit mode, when a winning is established, medals corresponding to the winning number are credited. Further, in the payout mode, when a winning is established, medals for the number of payouts corresponding to the winning are paid out from the medal payout exit 15 at the lower front, and the medals paid out from the medal payout exit 15 are sent to the medal receiving unit 16. Can be stored.

  Three stop buttons 7 (the left stop button 7L, the middle stop button 7C, and the right stop) for stopping the rotation of the three disks 301 to 303 on the left side of the C / P switch 14 at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 are shown. Corresponding to the button 7R). On the left side of the stop button 7, the three disks 301 to 303 are rotated by the player's operation, and the start lever 6 for starting the variable display of the symbols in the display window 4 is rotatable within a predetermined angle range. Is attached.

  Speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right sides of the payout table panel 23 above the panel display unit 2a.

  In the present embodiment, one game (unit game) basically starts when the start lever 6 is operated, and ends when all the disks 301 to 303 are stopped.

  In the present embodiment, the disk stop operation (operation of any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R) performed when all the disks are rotating is referred to as “first stop operation”. The stop operation performed after “1 stop operation” is referred to as “second stop operation”, and the stop operation performed after “second stop operation” is referred to as “third stop operation”.

Here, the disks 301 to 303 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a disk mechanism unit as an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, three disks 301 to 303 are attached to rotating shafts 491a, 492a, and 493a of main stepping motors 491 to 493 supported by plate-like support members 304 to 306 made of a transparent material. The rotary shafts 491a, 492a, and 493a are arranged perpendicular to the liquid crystal display screen 5a, and the disk surfaces of the disks 301 to 303 are parallel to the liquid crystal display screen 5a. The outer diameters of the three disks 301 to 303 are the same, and the axes of the three rotation shafts 491a, 492a, and 493a are the same. The outer diameter is “2 (R ₁ + R ₂ + R ₃ + R ₄ )”, and “R ₁ = R ₂ = R ₃ ”. Here, loads (for example, weight, thickness, outer diameter) of the three disks 301 to 303 are made equal, and the main stepping motors 491 to 493 having the same specifications are driven by the same control. Further, the three disks 301 to 303 are provided so as to overlap the third disk 303, the second disk 302, and the first disk 301 in this order from the liquid crystal display screen 5a toward the back of the housing. Therefore, the thickness of the disk mechanism portion of the housing is defined by the specifications of the main stepping motors 491 to 493 and the thicknesses of the disks 301 to 303 and the support members 304 to 306.

The first disk 301 has a circular non-transmissive area 301a (corresponding to 301a ₁ , 301a ₂ , 301a ₃ ) centered on the rotation shaft 491a and an annular pattern area 301b around the non-transmissive area 301a. However, it does not have a transmission region (see FIG. 7). Here, the diameter of the non-transmissive region 301a is “2 (R ₂ + R ₃ + R ₄ )”, and the width of the symbol region 301b is “R ₁ ”.
The second disk 302 includes a circular non-transmissive region 302a (corresponding to 302a ₁ and 302a ₂ ) centered on the rotation axis 492a, an annular design region 302b at the periphery of the non-transmissive region 302a, and a peripheral region of the design region 302b. Ring-shaped transmission region 302c (see FIG. 6). Here, the diameter of the non-transmissive region 302a is “2 (R ₃ + R ₄ )”, the width of the symbol region 302b is “R ₂ ”, and the width of the transmissive region 302c is “R ₁ ”.
The third disk 303 includes a circular non-transmissive region 303a centered on the rotation axis 491a, a ring-shaped symbol region 303b at the periphery of the non-transmissive region 303a, and a ring-shaped transparent region 303c (303c ₁ , 303) at the periphery of the symbol region 303b. and it corresponds to 303c _2), a has (see Fig. 5). Here, the diameter of the non-transmissive region 303a is “2R ₄ ”, the width of the symbol region 303b is “R ₃ ”, and the width of the transmissive region 303c is “R ₁ + R ₂ ”.

  The non-transmissive regions 301a, 302a, and 303a are formed of, for example, an opaque resin material, or colored after being formed of a transparent or translucent resin material. The symbol regions 301b, 302b, and 303b are made of, for example, a transparent or translucent resin material. On the surface of the symbol areas 301b, 302b, and 303b (the surface facing the liquid crystal display screen 5a), 21 symbols (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, are arranged at equal intervals over the entire circumference. The transmissive regions 302c and 303c are formed of a transparent or translucent resin material. Further, the three disks 301 to 303 may be integrally formed of the same material. Or you may form with a different material.

The outer diameter of the symbol area increases in the order of the symbol area 303 b of the third disk 303, the symbol area 302 b of the second disk 302, and the symbol area 301 b of the first disk 301. The widths of the three symbol areas 301b, 302b, and 303b are the same (R ₁ = R ₂ = R ₃ ). Between the symbol region 301b and the liquid crystal display screen 5a of the first disc 301, the transmissive region 303c ₁ of the transmissive region 302c and the third disc 303 of the second disc 302 of the same width is interposed symbol region of the second disc 302 Since the transmission region 303c ₂ of the third disk 303 having the same width is interposed between 302b and the liquid crystal display screen 5a, the transmission region 303c of the third disk 303 is provided in the display window 4 on the liquid crystal display screen 5a. The symbol area 302b of the second disk 302 and the symbol area 301b of the first disk 301 are transparently displayed through the screen, and the symbol area 303b of the third disk 303 is transparently displayed.

  Further, in order to detect the rotational positions (symbol positions) of the three disks 301 to 303, the attachment surfaces of the main stepping motors 491 to 493 on the three support members 304 to 306 are provided with, for example, a light emitting part and a light receiving part. Photosensors 50a, 50b and 50c of the type are provided. On the other hand, on the back surfaces (opposite surfaces to the mounting surface) of the non-transmissive areas 301a, 302a, and 303a of the three disks 301 to 303, a shielding piece as a start index is provided at a position that blocks the light receiving unit according to the rotation of the disk. 50d, 50e, and 50f are provided. The photo sensors 50a, 50b, and 50c detect the passage of the shielding pieces 50d, 50e, and 50f according to the rotation of the disks 301 to 303, and generate pulse signals. By counting the number of drive pulses of the stepping motors 491 to 493 on the basis of this pulse signal, the displacement from the shielding pieces 50d, 50e, and 50f can be detected based on the counting result.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the display window 4 displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 5a as an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the liquid crystal display screen 5a, by transmitting light only in the area corresponding to the display window 4, a part of the symbol areas 301b, 302b, and 303b of the disks 301 to 303 can be seen through. The display window 4 has a substantially fan shape so that three frames of symbols arranged in the symbol areas 301b, 302b, and 303b are transparently displayed. The display window 4 displays the above-mentioned active lines 8a to 8e according to the number of bets. Among the effective lines, the center line 8c is displayed in the horizontal direction, and the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross-down line 8a, and the cross-up line 8e are displayed in the diagonal direction. In the present embodiment, the display window 4 is transparently displayed and the effective lines 8a to 8e are displayed so that the left part of the ring-shaped symbol areas 301b, 302b, and 303b overlaps the display window 4. In addition, the symbols in the symbol areas 301b, 302b, and 303b are arranged so that the symbols displayed in the display window 4 are aligned in the vertical direction. In the display window 4, as the three discs 301 to 303 rotate, the three symbol rows fluctuate substantially in the vertical direction, so that a player who is accustomed to a pachislot machine that changes the symbol sequences of the three reels can play the game without any discomfort. It can be performed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing symbol areas 301b, 302b, and 303b of three disks 301 to 303 as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third disk 303 as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second disk 302 as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first disk 301 as an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, three disks overlap in the order of the third disk 303, the second disk 302, and the first disk 301 from the front of the operation direction (see FIG. 2), and the symbol area 303b, the symbol area 302b, Since the outer diameter increases in the order of the symbol region 301b, the three symbol regions 301b, 302b, and 303b are concentric rings as shown in FIG. Will spread in the direction. Note that the symbols of the three symbol regions 301b, 302b, and 303b do not overlap each other.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the design area 301 b of the first disk 301, the design area 302 b of the second disk 302, and the design area 303 b of the third disk 303 have a plurality of types over the entire circumference. A symbol row in which 21 symbols are arranged is formed. Each symbol is assigned a code number of “00” to “20” and stored (stored) in a ROM 32 (see FIG. 17) described later.

  Each of the three symbol areas 301b, 302b, and 303b includes a symbol row composed of symbols of “red 7”, “BAR”, “replay”, “cherry”, “plum”, “bell”, and “watermelon”. Is represented. The three disks 301 to 303 are rotationally driven so that the symbol areas 301b, 302b, and 303b move in the direction of the arrows in the figure.

  The symbol row is formed in the symbol regions 301b, 302b, and 303b by, for example, printing. Here, since the symbol areas 301b, 302b, and 303b are arranged perpendicularly to the rotation axes of the disks 301 to 303, the printed symbols are prevented from being peeled off by centrifugal force. It will improve the durability. Note that when a normal cylindrical reel mechanism is used, a strip-shaped sheet member on which a pattern row is printed is attached (for example, attached) to the outer periphery of the reel. The end portion (seam portion) of the sheet member may be peeled off from the reel by centrifugal force.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a symbol combination table as one embodiment of the present invention.

  In the pachislot machine 1, when the player operates the start lever 6, an internal lottery is performed to determine an internal winning combination (for example, “bell small part”, “replay”, “BB1”, etc.). Then, when the player stops the three disks 301 to 303 and the symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning combination is stopped and displayed on the effective line 8 designated by the player, the display combination is established. It becomes.

  Here, among the displayed winning combinations, in particular, a winning combination is a winning combination when the symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning combination is stopped and displayed on the active line. When the symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning combination is stopped and displayed on the active line, the winning combination is “successful winning combination”.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the symbol combination “CHERRY-ANY-ANY” (ANY may be any symbol) along the active line will win the “Cherry small role” and the number of medals inserted will be “ In the case of “1” or “2”, 15 medals are paid out, and in the case where the number of inserted medals is “3”, 4 medals are paid out. When the number of inserted sheets is 3, that is, when five effective lines are set, red cherry is displayed in the upper or lower part of the three frames of the symbol area 301b displayed on the display window 4. Since it is established on two effective lines, eight (4 × 2) medals are paid out.

  In addition, the symbol combination “Bell-Bell-Bell” is arranged along the active line, so that “Bell's small role” is won, and 15 medals are paid out regardless of the number of medals inserted.

  In addition, the combination of symbols “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is arranged along the active line, so that the “watermelon small part” is won and eight medals are paid out regardless of the number of medals inserted.

  In addition, the symbol combination “Plum-Plum-Plum” is arranged along the active line, so that “Plum Minor” is won and four medals are paid out regardless of the number of medals inserted.

  The “cherry small part”, “bell small part”, “watermelon small part”, and “plum small part” may be collectively referred to as “small part”.

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

  Further, by arranging the symbol combination “red 7-red 7-red 7” along the active line, “BB1” is established and no medal is paid out, but the gaming state of the next game is “RB gaming state”. (More specifically, the BB1 operating flag is turned “ON”, and the RB operating state is set by the RB operating process). The gaming state will be described later.

  In addition, when the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” is arranged along the active line, “BB2” is established and the medal is not paid out, but the gaming state of the next game is “RB gaming state” (from Specifically, the BB2 operating flag is turned “ON”, and the RB gaming state is set by the processing at the time of RB operation.

  In addition, symbols other than the combinations of symbols related to the “cherry small part”, “bell small part”, “watermelon small part”, “plum small part”, “replay”, “BB1” and “BB2” When the combination is displayed, “losing” is established.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a bonus operating time table as one embodiment of the present invention. In the bonus operation time table, various information setting values set when the bonus is established are described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the display combination “BB1” is established and the processing at the time of BB operation is activated, “BB1 operating flag” is set as the operating flag, and “465” is set in the bonus end number counter. To do.

  Further, when the display combination “BB2” is established and the BB operation process is activated, the “BB2 operating flag” is set as the operating flag, and “350” is set in the bonus end number counter.

  Further, when the RB operation time process is activated by the bonus operation monitoring process, the “RB operation flag” is set as the operating flag, “12” is set in the possible game number counter, and “8” is set in the possible winning number counter. Set.

  Here, the gaming state will be described. The gaming state indicates a gaming state during the game or during several games, and includes a basic “general gaming state” and an “RB gaming state” advantageous to the player.

  The “RB gaming state” is a gaming state in which an internal lottery table that is easy to win a winning combination that can acquire medals at the time of internal lottery is selected, and is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. The “internal lottery table” will be described later.

  Further, the “RB gaming state” has an end condition. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of games that can be performed in one “RB gaming state” (this is referred to as the “number of possible RB games”) is twelve. Further, in this “RB gaming state”, the number of times that a winning combination in which medals are paid out can be established (this is referred to as “RB winning number”) is up to eight times. In other words, this “RB gaming state” ends when the number of games reaches 12 times or the winning combination is reached 8 times.

  Furthermore, the “RB gaming state” is a gaming state that occurs during a bonus (specifically, when the BB operating flag is in the “on” state), but a bonus termination condition is also defined. In this embodiment, the number of payouts for ending the bonus is defined as “465” when operated by “BB1”, and “350” when operated by “BB2”. That is, the bonus (the state where the BB operation flag is “on”) is ended when the payout number reaches “465” or “350”.

  Further, as described above, the “general gaming state” is a basic gaming state in which there is no privilege advantageous to the player.

  Furthermore, in the “general gaming state”, when “BB1” (internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus) is won internally, but the symbol combination “BB1” is not displayed on the set active line, The winning “BB1” is carried over to the next game. When “BB1” is won internally, “BB1” is stored as a “carryover” until the symbol combination “BB1” is displayed on the set active line. While “BB1” is stored as “carry-over”, the “carry-over state” continues.

  Similarly, in the “general gaming state”, “BB2” (internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus) is won internally, but the symbol combination “BB2” is not displayed on the set active line. The internal winning “BB2” is carried over to the next and subsequent games, and “BB2” is stored as a “carryover combination” until the symbol combination “BB2” is displayed on the set active line. The “carry-over state” continues while “BB2” is stored as “carry-over”.

  Here, the relationship between the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag from when the BB operating flag is updated to “on” to when it is updated to “off” will be described. When BB is established, the BB operating flag is updated to “ON”. When the BB operating flag is updated to “ON”, the RB operating flag is updated to “ON”. When the possible number of games becomes 0 or the possible number of wins becomes 0, the RB operating flag is updated to “off”. The RB gaming state is maintained until the BB operating flag is updated to “off”.

  When the condition that the BB operating flag is updated to “off” is satisfied, the BB operating flag is updated to “off”, but this BB operating flag is updated to “off”. The RB operating flag is updated to “off”. Therefore, when the BB operating flag is “ON”, the RB operating flag is updated to “ON”. That is, after BB is established, the RB gaming state is maintained until the BB operating flag is updated to OFF.

  Further, a state where “BB1” and “BB2” are carried over as “carry-over” is also referred to as a BB internal winning state (BB carry-over state).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an internal lottery table determination table as one embodiment of the present invention. The internal lottery table determination table is used to determine the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries based on the gaming state in the internal lottery process.

  In other words, the internal lottery table determination table defines an internal lottery table to be selected according to the gaming state and the number of lotteries indicating how many lotteries are to be performed using the internal lottery table. Here, the number of lotteries indicates the number of lottery processes performed using the random number value obtained prior to the internal lottery process and the upper limit value and the lower limit value set for each winning number. The internal winning combination is determined according to the winning number determined by the internal lottery process.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the general gaming state, the internal lottery table for the general gaming state is determined as the internal lottery table, and “7” is determined as the number of lotteries. In the RB gaming state, the internal lottery table for the RB gaming state is determined as the internal lottery table, and “4” is determined as the number of lotteries.

  Next, the internal lottery table will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a general gaming state internal lottery table as one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows an RB gaming state internal lottery table as an embodiment of the present invention. Both internal lottery tables are used for acquiring lottery values based on the winning number and the number of inserted sheets in the internal lottery process.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the internal lottery table shows a winning number, and a lower limit value and an upper limit value of random numbers that become lottery values according to the number of pieces inserted for each winning number. A value obtained by dividing the range of each lottery value by “65536” is the winning probability of the corresponding internal winning combination. The range that does not correspond to the random number range of any winning number is “lost”. Further, in the present embodiment, two internal lottery tables, “general gaming state internal lottery table” and “RB gaming state internal lottery table” are used.

  The general game state internal lottery table of FIG. 11 is used in the general game state as described above. Further, here, the winning number is associated with the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the lottery value for each inserted number. Based on this internal gaming state internal lottery table, the winning number may be determined as any one of “1” to “7”, and within the range between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of any lottery value. If not, the winning number is “0”.

  The RB gaming state internal lottery table of FIG. 12 is used in the RB gaming state as described above. Based on this RB gaming state internal lottery table, the winning number may be determined as any one of “1” to “4”, and within the range between the lower limit value and the upper limit value of any lottery value. If not, the winning number is “0”.

  Here, the internal lottery table is provided for each set value (setting) provided in a plurality of stages (for example, six stages), but the internal lottery table for each set value is omitted. The set value is basically a value set (selected) by the game store side, and the degree of player's advantage in the game (for example, the winning rate, the internal winning probability of the combination, etc.) varies depending on the set value. It has become. Actually, “1” to “6” are provided as set values. Then, the probability of internally winning a role such as “RB” is made different between the set values. Further, instead of preparing an internal lottery table corresponding to the gaming state for every set value, the same internal lottery table may be shared among the set values. At this time, it may be shared in the same gaming state, or can be shared in different gaming states. Such setting of the internal lottery table can be easily performed by the above-mentioned internal lottery table determination table.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an internal winning combination determination table as an embodiment of the present invention. The internal winning combination determination table is for determining an internal winning combination in accordance with the winning number obtained by the internal lottery process. Here, the internal winning combination is represented by an 8-bit bit string.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the winning number is “0”, “00000000” is determined as the internal winning combination, which means “losing”. When the winning number is “1”, “00000001” is determined as the internal winning combination, which is “Cherry”. When the winning number is “2”, “00000010” is determined as the internal winning combination, which is “bell”.

  When the winning number is “3”, “00000100” is determined as the internal winning combination, which is “watermelon”. When the winning number is “4”, “00001000” is determined as the internal winning combination, which is “Plum”. When the winning number is “5”, “00010000” is determined as the internal winning combination, which is “replay”.

  When the winning number is “6”, “00100000” is determined as the internal winning combination, which is “BB1”. When the winning number is “7”, “01000000” is determined as the internal winning combination, which is “BB2”.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing bonus check data as one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the bonus check data is “01100000” in 8 bits.

  The bonus check data is used for a logical operation (logical product operation) with an internal winning combination in the internal lottery process, and only bonus data is extracted from the internal winning combination. Specifically, when the internal winning combination is “00100000” and “01000000” by the logical product operation of the bonus check data “01100000” and the internal winning combination, “1” of bit 5 and bit 6 becomes valid. The bonus data is extracted only when the internal winning combination is “BB1” and “BB2”.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a storage area for an internal winning combination (or display combination) as an embodiment of the present invention. This storage area is allocated to a predetermined storage area of the RAM 33. Here, the type (bit 0 to bit 6) of each bit data stored is associated with the value (0 or 1) set as the bit data. Here, bit 7 is an unused storage area.

  The internal symbol combination storage area stores the logical sum of the data stored in the internal symbol combination and carryover combination storage area in the internal lottery process.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a carryover combination storage area as one embodiment of the present invention. This carryover combination storage area is also allocated to a predetermined storage area of the RAM 33. Here, bit 0 to bit 4 and bit 7 are unused storage areas.

  In addition, the carryover combination storage area stores the logical sum of the logical product of the internal winning combination and bonus check data and the data of the carryover combination storage area in the internal lottery process.

  Next, a circuit configuration of the pachislot machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 17 shows a main control circuit 71 that controls game processing operations in the pachislot machine 1, peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and control signals (commands) transmitted from the main control circuit 71. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit including a liquid crystal display device 5 and a sub-control circuit 72 that controls the speakers 21L, 21R and the like based on FIG.

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

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be extracted (sampled).

  In addition, as a means for random number sampling, you may comprise so that random number sampling may be performed within the microcomputer 30, ie, on the operation program of CPU31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  In the ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30, a program related to the processing of the CPU 31, an “internal lottery table” used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and set when a bonus is established. A “bonus operating table” in which various information setting values are defined, a “stop control table (not shown)” for determining the stop mode of the disk according to the operation of the stop button, and the sub-control circuit 72 Various control commands (commands, signals) and the like are stored.

  Various information is stored in the RAM 33. For example, the extracted random number value, various flags (for example, BB operating flag, RB operating flag), the number of medal credits, gaming state information, and the like are stored.

  Further, the sub control circuit 72 does not input commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72.

  As a main actuator whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30, a hopper (including a drive unit for payout) 40 that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41, There are main stepping motors 491, 492, 493 for rotating the disks 301-303.

  Further, a motor drive circuit 39 for driving and controlling the main stepping motors 491, 492 and 493 and a hopper drive circuit 41 for driving and controlling the hopper 40 are connected to the output section of the CPU 31. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator. The motor drive circuit 39 rotates the main stepping motors 491, 492, 493 at an arbitrary speed.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, There are a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 22 </ b> S, a disk stop signal circuit 46, a disk position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51, which are also connected to the CPU 31.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6 and generates a start switch signal. The inserted medal sensor 22 </ b> S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22.

  When the inserted medal sensor 22S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22, the CPU 31 counts this medal and credits up to 50 medals to the RAM 33. The CPU 31 is credited to the RAM 33. The medals are subtracted by the number corresponding to the operation of the 1-BET switch 11, the 2-BET switch 12, and the maximum BET switch 13, the effective lines 8a to 8e are set, and the BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c are turned on. It has become.

  The disk stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in response to the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The disk position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the disk rotation sensor (corresponding to 50a, 50b, 50c in FIG. 2) and supplies a signal for detecting the position of the symbol on each disk to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  The random number generator 36 generates random values belonging to a certain numerical range (0 to 65535), and the sampling circuit 37 samples one random value at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. An internal winning combination is determined based on the random number values sampled in this way and the internal lottery table stored in the ROM 32.

  After the rotation of the disks 301 to 303 is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the main stepping motors 491, 492, 493 is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. Reset pulses are obtained from the mechanism portions of the disks 301 to 303 every rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 31 via the disk position detection circuit 50. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 33 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 33 stores a count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each disk.

  A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the disks 301 to 303 with the symbols drawn in the annular symbol area (see FIG. 2). In this symbol table, the code number (corresponding to the symbol position) that is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each disk on the basis of the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated as described above corresponds to each code number. Are associated with a symbol code indicating the symbol provided.

  Further, a symbol combination table (see FIG. 8) is stored in the ROM 32. In this symbol combination table, a symbol combination serving as a display combination, a medal payout number of the display combination, and a display combination determination code representing the display combination are associated with each other. The symbol combination table is referred to at the time of stop control of the first disk 301, the second disk 302, and the third disk 303 and when the display combination is confirmed after all the disks 301 to 303 are stopped.

  Based on the lottery process (internal lottery process) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 31 selects the disk stop signal sent from the disk stop signal circuit 46 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, and the selected Based on the “stop control table”, a signal for stopping the disks 301 to 303 is sent to the motor drive circuit 39.

  If it becomes a stop mode indicating winning after the internal winning, the CPU 31 updates the credit counter set in the RAM 33 or gives a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 according to the mode set by the C / P switch 14. And a predetermined number of medals are paid out from the hopper 40. At this time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 31. As a result, the CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 41 and ends the “medal payout process”.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub-control circuit 72 as an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the sub control circuit 72 controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 5, lamps (BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, WIN lamp 17) and LEDs based on a control signal from the main control circuit 71. Lighting control of the (payout display unit 18, credit display unit 19, bonus game information display unit 20) and sound output control from the speakers 21L and 21R are performed.

  The sub control circuit 72 is configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 71, and includes a sound / lamp control circuit 73 and an image control circuit 80.

  The image control circuit 80 includes a serial port 81 for exchanging signals between the main control circuit 71 and the serial port 77, an image control CPU 82, an image control work RAM 83, an image control program ROM 84, a calendar IC 85, and an image ROM 86. A video RAM 87, an image control IC 88, and a control RAM 89.

  Similarly to the main control circuit 71, the image control circuit 80 includes a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, and is connected to the image control CPU 82 (not shown). These are configured to execute random number sampling.

  Random number sampling is performed by generating random values belonging to the random number range “0-127”, “0-255”, and sampling one random value. The random number sampling can also be performed by the image control CPU 82.

  The image control CPU 82 includes a computer that controls the entire image control circuit 80, and effects data (image information) according to a control program stored in the image control program ROM 84 based on a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Various processes such as determination and output (including light emission pattern information and sound information).

  The image control work RAM 83 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control CPU 82 executes the image control program stored in the image control program ROM 84.

  The image control program ROM 84 stores an image control program related to display on the liquid crystal display device 5 and various selection tables (not shown). The image control program ROM 84 also stores an effect identifier determination table and an effect data determination table (not shown).

  The calendar IC 85 stores time information.

  The calendar IC 85 and the image control work RAM 83 are backup targets for retaining data even when the power is turned off. That is, even when the power supplied to the image control CPU 82 is shut off, the power is continuously supplied, and the stored information and the like are prevented from being erased.

  The image ROM 86 stores image data, dot data, and the like for forming an image used for effect display and the like. For example, characters such as people and animals, sprite image data such as symbols, characters, and figures, background data, and the like are stored. Sprite image data is an image to be displayed overlaid on a background image (background surface).

  The image ROM 86 also stores a demonstration video to be displayed when the pachislot machine 1 is not used for a predetermined time.

  The video RAM 87 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control IC 88 forms an image.

  The image control IC 88 forms an image corresponding to the contents of the effect determined by the image control CPU 82 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 5. The control RAM 89 is included in the image control IC 88, and the image control IC 88 Various control parameters for forming an image are stored.

  In the image control circuit 80, the image control CPU 82 also controls the production of sounds and lamps. The image control CPU 82 determines the sound / lamp type and output timing based on the determined effect data. Then, the image control CPU 82 transmits a command to the sound / lamp control circuit 73 via the serial port 81 at every predetermined timing. The sound / lamp control circuit 73 mainly outputs only the sound / lamp in response to the command transmitted from the image control circuit 80 (excluding volume adjustment control described later).

  The sound / lamp control circuit 73 includes a serial port 77 connected to the serial port 81 of the image control circuit 80, a sound / lamp control CPU 74, a program ROM 75, a work RAM 76, a sound source IC 78, a power amplifier 79, and a sound source. ROM91.

  The sound / lamp control CPU 74 performs sound / lamp output control in accordance with control signals transmitted from the main control circuit 71 and the image control CPU 82 via the serial ports 81 and 77. The sound / lamp control CPU 74 is connected to a payout display unit 18, a credit display unit 19, a bonus game information display unit 20, BET lamps 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, and a WIN lamp 17. The sound / lamp control CPU 74 transmits an output signal to each of the actuators in response to a command transmitted from the image control circuit 80 at a predetermined timing. Thereby, each actuator emits light in a predetermined manner according to the command.

  The program ROM 75 stores a control program executed by the sound / lamp control CPU 74. The work RAM 76 is temporary storage means when the sound / lamp control CPU 74 executes the control program described above.

  The sound source ROM 91 stores sound source data and the like for generating a sound source. The sound source IC 78 generates a sound source using the sound source stored in the sound source ROM 91 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit 80 and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 79. The power amplifier 79 is an amplifier to which speakers 21L and 21R are connected. The power amplifier 79 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 78 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 21L and 21R.

  Further, a volume control unit 92 is connected to the sound / lamp control CPU 74. The volume control unit 92 can be operated by a game clerk or the like, and the volume output from the speakers 21L and 21R is adjusted. The sound / lamp control CPU 74 performs control (volume adjustment control) for adjusting the sound output from the speakers 21L and 21R to the input volume based on the input signal transmitted from the volume adjustment unit 92.

  About the pachislot machine 1 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated using FIGS.

  19 and 20 are main flowcharts showing control processing by the main control circuit 71 of the pachi-slot machine 1 as one embodiment of the present invention. The main flowchart shows a processing procedure executed by the control program stored in the ROM 32 and is executed by the CPU 31.

  First, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process at the start of the game (step S1). Specifically, the storage contents of the RAM 33 are initialized, communication data is initialized, and the like.

  Next, initialization processing for one game end, that is, information in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 33 at the end of the game is erased (step S2). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used in the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33, the start address of the sequence program of the next game is specified, etc. I do.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation monitoring process (step S3). Here, when the BB is in operation, the RB is also in operation.

  Next, a medal acceptance / start check process is performed (step S4). Specifically, information for determining whether or not a replay has been established in the previous game based on the replay operating flag, an input from the inserted medal sensor 22S based on the medal insertion into the medal insertion slot 22, and the BET switch 11, In response to inputs from 12 and 13, the insertion number counter set in the RAM 33 is updated. Here, the replay operating flag is information for identifying whether or not replay is established, and the inserted number counter is information for specifying the inserted number in the next game.

  In addition, the effective line is set according to the value of the insertion number counter. For example, if the inserted number counter is “3”, a display combination to be described later is determined based on a combination of symbols displayed on all active lines. Further, based on the operation of the start lever 6 on condition that a medal is inserted (for example, the inserted number counter is “1” or more, or the inserted number counter is the maximum value “3”). The presence of input from the start switch 6S is checked.

  Subsequently, the CPU 31 performs a random value extraction process for internal lottery (step S5). In this random number extraction process, one random number value is extracted from the random number value in the range of “0 to 65535” generated by the random number generator 36 via the sampling circuit 37, and the extracted random number value is stored in the random number value in the RAM 33. Store in the storage area.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process (step S6). In this gaming state monitoring process, information for identifying the gaming state in the current game is set in the RAM 33 based on the BB operating flag, RB operating flag, or carryover combination information.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process (step S7).

  In the internal lottery process, the internal lottery table determination table is referred to, and the number of lotteries and the type of the internal lottery table are determined based on the gaming state acquired in the gaming state monitoring process. For example, when the gaming state is the general gaming state, “7” is determined as the number of lotteries, and the internal lottery table for the general gaming state is determined as the internal lottery table.

  Next, with reference to this internal gaming state internal lottery table, the current internal winning combination is determined based on the random number value acquired by the random value extraction process (the random value stored in the random value storage area of the RAM 33). . Next, if the determined internal winning combination is a bonus, this bonus is set as a carryover combination in the carryover combination storage area of the RAM 33. Further, the logical sum of the current internal winning combination and the carryover combination determined above is determined as the winning combination.

  For example, if “Bell's small combination” is determined as the internal winning combination and “BB1” is set as the carryover combination, “Bell's small combination” and “BB1” are determined as the winning combinations. In other words, the internal winning combination and the carryover combination are information related to the determination of the display mode of the symbol when the disk is stopped, and are referred to as “winning combination”.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a “start command” to the sub control circuit 72 (step S8). The “start command” includes an internal winning combination, a gaming state, information on the used internal lottery table, and the like.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, “4.1 seconds”) has elapsed since the start of the previous game (step S9). When the determination result is “YES”, a timer setting process (step The process proceeds to S11), and when “NO”, the process proceeds to a waiting time digestion process (step S10).

  In the waiting time digestion process (step S10), the game start waiting time is digested (wait) without performing the subsequent processes until the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous game started. Specifically, a process of invalidating the input based on the player's operation to start the game is performed until “4.1 seconds” have elapsed since the previous game started.

  Next, in the game monitoring timer setting process (step S11), the game monitoring timer is set. Specifically, an intergame monitoring timer and an automatic stop timer are set. The inter-game monitoring timer is a timer for measuring the time from the start of the game in order to secure the time between the games, and the automatic stop timer is used for the player's stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. This is a timer for automatically stopping the disks 301 to 303 without depending on the stop operation.

  Subsequently, the CPU 31 requests the motor drive circuit 39 to start rotation of all the disks (disks 301 to 303) (step S12), and the motor drive circuit 39 performs rotation processing for all the disks.

  Next, a disk stop control process is performed (step S13). Specifically, when any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R is operated, the disks 301 to 303 corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that have been stopped are stopped based on the stop table. At this time, a “disk stop command” is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. The “disc stop command” includes stop disc and stop position information.

  When all the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are operated and all the disks 301 to 303 are stopped, the display combination and the number of payouts are determined based on the symbol combination table (step S14). In this process, the display combination (the combination in which the winning combination is established) is identified based on the symbol stop mode of the display window 4, and the display combination flag is set. Specifically, the display combination and the number of payouts are identified based on the code number of the symbols arranged along the active line, the symbol combination table, and the number of inserted symbols.

  Next, a display combination command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 (step S15). The “display combination command” includes information on a display combination flag for specifying a display combination, information on the number of payouts, and the like.

  Next, a medal payout process is performed (step S16). In this medal payout process, in the credit mode, the credit counter set in the RAM 33 is updated based on the payout number information. The value of the credit counter in the credit display unit 19 is displayed based on the update of the credit counter. In the payout mode, the hopper 40 is driven and controlled by the hopper drive circuit 41 to pay out medals based on the payout number information. Further, if the display combination is replay, the CPU 31 turns on the replay operating flag. Further, the CPU 31 updates the number of acquired medals. Thereafter, the CPU 31 transmits a payout end command to the sub control circuit 72. This payout end command includes information indicating that the payout of medals has been completed.

  Next, the CPU 31 updates the value of the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (step S17). Here, if the value of the bonus end number counter is “1” or more, the value of the counter is subtracted according to the number of medals paid out.

  Next, the CPU 31 refers to a predetermined storage area of the RAM 33 to check the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag (step S18), and if the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is “ON”. Then, a bonus end check process is performed (step S19).

  If both the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are “off” (determined in step S18), the bonus operation check process is performed (step S20) when the bonus end check process (step S19) ends.

  When the bonus operation check process (step S20) ends, the process returns to the one-game end initialization process (step S2 in FIG. 19).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing periodic interrupt processing by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71. This periodic interrupt processing is periodically performed by the main control circuit 71 every 1.1173 ms.

  First, the CPU 31 performs a timer update process for subtracting “1” from the value set in the demonstration timer (step S201). The demonstration timer is a timer for measuring that a state (non-game state) in which no operation (BET operation or the like) by the player is performed continues for a predetermined time (for example, about 45 seconds). For example, when the medal acceptance / start check process is started, “40000” is set in the demonstration timer, and the demonstration timer is “0” in a state where the player does not perform an operation (such as a BET operation) (non-game state). At this time, if the BET lamps 9 a to 9 c are lit, the CPU 31 turns off the BET lamps 9 a to 9 c and transmits a demo command to the sub-control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 that has received the demo command displays a so-called demo image on the liquid crystal display screen 5a.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs an input port check process (step S202). In this input port check process, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 22, detection of medal insertion by the insertion medal sensor 22S, input operation such as presence / absence of input from the start switch 6S by tilting operation of the start lever 6 is confirmed. To do.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a disk rotation driving process (step S203). Specifically, information indicating the disc to be controlled (any one of the first disc 301, the second disc 302, and the third disc 303) is a disc identifier (for example, left “0”, middle “1”, right “2”). "Identify as") and command the motor drive circuit 39 to control the drive of the disk.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a lamp and 7SEG driving process for driving the lamps and LEDs (step S204), and ends the periodic interrupt process. In this lamp / 7SEG driving process, the CPU 31 gives a command for displaying, for example, the number of medals stored (credited), the number of paid-out medals, etc. on the credit display unit 19 and the payout display unit 18 in a predetermined RAM 33. Write to storage area. Further, the CPU 31 writes a command for turning on the BET lamps 9 a to 9 c and a command for turning on the WIN lamp 17 provided on the front surface of the cabinet 2 in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 33 according to the number of medals bet. . These commands are transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72.

  Next, processing performed in the sub control circuit 72 will be described. In the sub control circuit 72, processing is performed by the image control CPU 82 in accordance with the control program stored in the image control program ROM 84. When the power is turned on, the image control CPU 82 generates a reset interrupt, and sequentially performs reset interrupt processing stored in the image control program ROM 84 based on the generation of the interrupt.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing reset interrupt processing performed in the image control CPU 82 of the sub control circuit 72.

As shown in FIG. 22, in the reset interrupt process performed in the sub control circuit 72, first, the image control CPU 82 performs a command reception process for receiving a command input from the main control circuit 71 (step S301). ). In the command reception process, each game information is updated according to the command received from the main control circuit 71, and a process for determining the effect is performed according to the received command.
For example, when receiving a start command from the main control circuit 71, information on the start command is acquired, and it is determined whether or not a bonus is won. Here, when it is determined that the bonus has been won, a random value for determining the effect identifier is acquired and the effect identifier determination process is performed. In the effect identifier determination process, whether or not to determine “display window expansion effect” as an effect identifier is determined based on the acquired random number value. In the display window enlargement effect, the area of the display window 4 is enlarged and displayed from 3 frames to 9 frames (see FIG. 24).
Next, according to the determined effects, lamp effect request processing for transmitting control signals to lamps (BET lamps 9a to 9c, WIN lamp 17), sound effect request processing for transmitting control signals to speakers 21L, 21R, etc., liquid crystal display Liquid crystal effect request processing for transmitting a control signal to the device 5 or the like is performed, and the command reception processing is terminated.

  Next, the image control CPU 82 performs a command output process for outputting commands to other than the image control IC 88 and the sound / lamp control circuit 73 (step S302).

  Next, the image control CPU 82 performs an image drawing process (step S303), and ends the RESET interrupt process. In the image drawing process, an effect image to be displayed is displayed based on the determined effect data. In the image drawing process, the image control CPU 82 writes image data to the control RAM 89 of the image control IC 88 and writes image data to the frame buffer provided in the video RAM 87. The image data written in the frame buffer is transferred to the liquid crystal display device 5, and an image corresponding to the image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 5a (for 1/30 s).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing image drawing processing performed in the sub-control circuit 72 as one embodiment of the present invention, and shows details of step S303 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 23, in the image drawing process, first, the image control CPU 82 determines whether or not “display window enlargement effect” is determined as the effect identifier (step S311). When the determination in step S311 is “YES”, the image control CPU 82 determines the content of the effect related to the effect identifier “display window enlargement effect”, and the image control IC 88 displays an image corresponding to the effect content on the display screen 5a. Drawing is performed in a predetermined area (corresponding to the display area) (step S312).

  On the other hand, when the determination in step S311 is “NO”, the image control CPU 82 determines other contents of the effect excluding the effect identifier “display window enlargement effect”, and the image control IC 88 determines the image corresponding to the effect contents. Is drawn in a predetermined area of the display screen 5a (step S313).

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a display window enlargement effect as one embodiment of the present invention.

  In the display window enlargement effect, as shown in FIG. 24, the area of the liquid crystal display screen 5a corresponding to nine symbols as the display window 4 is transparently displayed. In the case of three bets, five active lines 8a to 8e are displayed as in the normal display window 4. In the display window enlargement effect, the display window 4 is enlarged by three frames before and after the normal three-frame area (see FIG. 3), so even a player who is not good at pushing can easily push the eye. Will be able to. Therefore, the missed bonus at the time of winning the bonus is reduced, and the player can play the game while having a sense of expectation for the bonus establishment.

  According to the pachislot machine 1 as one embodiment of the present invention, three disks 301 to 303 are provided in place of the conventional three reels, and the three disks 301 are provided with respect to the front surface of the panel display unit 2a. -303 are parallel, the axes of the three rotation shafts 491a, 492a, 493a are the same, the symbol area 301b of the first disc, the symbol area 302b of the second disc, the symbol area 303b of the third disc, Since the inner and outer diameters of the two are different, the width is the same, and a plurality of gaming symbols are arranged in the circumferential direction of the three symbol regions, the thickness in the front-rear direction of the housing corresponding to the disc space is reduced. Can do. Furthermore, by reducing the thickness in the front-rear direction of the casing, for example, an exhibit, a production, or a player's luggage related to the game can be placed on the upper surface of the pedestal portion 10. Further, it is expected to reduce eye fatigue during the game by widening the distance between the player and the liquid crystal display screen 5a displaying the display window 4.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the display window 4 for variably displaying a part of the plurality of gaming symbols is formed by the transparent display of the liquid crystal display screen 5a, and is used for a predetermined role (for example, a bonus). When the player wins, the display window 4 is enlarged, so that the player can have a sense of expectation for the establishment of a bonus prize by supporting the eye-opening, and the interest in the game can be maintained.
In this case, for example, a part of a plurality of gaming symbols arranged in the symbol area 301b of the first disc, the symbol area 302b of the second disc, and the symbol area 303b of the third disc are displayed on the display window 4. The area of the display window 4 of the liquid crystal display screen 5a is determined based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal lottery process of the liquid crystal display device 5 as the symbol display means for variably displaying and the main control circuit 71 as the internal winning combination determining means. A gaming machine having a sub-control circuit 72 as display control means for controlling image drawing processing for the liquid crystal display device 5 so as to be enlarged can be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the second disk 302 and the third disk 303 are provided with the transmission region 302c and the transmission region 303c has been described. Even if the disk is configured so that the outer diameters of the disks are different, the same effect can be obtained in reducing the thickness of the casing in the front-rear direction. The configuration corresponds to an embodiment of the invention of claim 1. According to the above configuration, the symbols arranged in the symbol area 301b of the first disc, the symbol area 302b of the second disc, and the symbol area 303b of the third disc are directly from the display window 4 of the liquid crystal display screen 5a. It will be seen through.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the liquid crystal display device 5 is used as the symbol display means has been described. However, the present invention is made of a non-transmissive material provided with an opening corresponding to the display window 4. The same effect may be obtained by using a disk with a display window that rotates about the same rotation axis as the rotation axes 491a, 492a, and 493a. In this case, there are substantially fan-shaped openings having different circumferential lengths (for example, a first display window for three frames and a second display window for nine frames), and the liquid crystal display device 5 and the third disk 303 A disk with a display window that rotates between the two may be provided, and the disk with a display window may be rotated based on an internal winning combination to change the display window to increase or decrease the number of symbols to be displayed. The disk with the display window may be driven by a stepping motor having the same axis as the three disks 301 to 303. The effective line may be displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 5a.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine as an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the disk as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display window as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the design area | region of the disk as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 3rd disk as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd disk as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st disk as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the symbol combination table as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the table at the time of the bonus operation | movement as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the internal lottery table determination table as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the internal lottery table for general gaming states as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the internal lottery table for RB game states as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the internal winning combination determination table as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the bonus check data as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the internal winning combination storing area | region as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the carryover combination storage area as one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of an electric circuit including a main control circuit as one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a sub control circuit as one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the main control circuit as one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing by the main control circuit subsequent to FIG. 19. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the regular interruption process as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reset interruption process of the sub control circuit as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image drawing process of the sub control circuit as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display window expansion effect as one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachi-slot machine 4 Display window 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
50a, 50b, 50c Photo sensor (disk rotation sensor)
50d, 50e, 50f Shielding piece 71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 301, 302, 303 Disc (first disc, second disc, third disc)
491, 492, 493 Main stepping motors 491a, 492a, 493a Rotating shafts 301a ₁ , 301a ₂ , 301a ₃ , 302a ₁ , 302a ₂ , 303a Non-transparent areas 301b, 302b, 303b Pattern areas 301c ₁ , 301c ₂ , 302c Transmission areas 304, 305, 306 Support member

Claims (1)

Start operation detecting means for detecting a start operation of the game;
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;
It rotates around a first rotation axis perpendicular to the front surface of the housing, and has a first annular region between the first diameter and the second diameter, and the first annular region is used for gaming. A first disk on which a plurality of symbols are arranged,
A disk disposed at a predetermined distance from the first disk, wherein the disk rotates about a second rotation axis that is the same axis as the first rotation axis, and the second diameter and the third diameter A second disk having a second annular region between the diameters, and a plurality of gaming symbols arranged in the second annular region;
A disk disposed at a predetermined distance from the second disk, wherein the disk rotates about a third rotation axis that is the same axis as the first rotation axis, and the third diameter and the fourth diameter; A third disk having a third annular region between and a plurality of gaming symbols arranged in the third annular region;
A symbol display means for variably displaying a part of a plurality of symbols for gaming arranged in the first annular region, the second annular region, and the third annular region;
Symbol variation means for varying the symbols for games displayed in a row by the first disk, the second disk, and the third disk based on detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detection unit;
A stop operation detecting means for detecting a stop operation of a variation of the game symbols displayed in a row by the first disk, the second disk, and the third disk;
Based on the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detecting means and the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, stop control of variation of the game symbols displayed in a row by the corresponding disk is performed. Stop control means;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

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