JP2009028258A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine enabling even a novice who is not used to games to perform stop display of a combination of symbols as performance without feeling a sense of congruity. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with: a plurality of reels where many kinds of symbols are provided in rows on its outer periphery surface; main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R for displaying partial areas on the respective outer periphery surfaces of the plurality of reels; and sub-display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R capable of displaying areas different from areas displayed by the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. The game machine is further provided with: shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R for opening/closing the sub-display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R; and a shutter drive circuit 55 for controlling opening/closing of the shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R according to a prescribed condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

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

  Currently, the mainstream models have a plurality of types of winning modes. In particular, when a winning combination of a predetermined combination is established, the game state is better for a predetermined period than the normal state for a predetermined period of time, without finishing paying out one coin. As such a combination, a combination that can play a game that gives a relatively large profit to the player a predetermined number of times (referred to as “Big Bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “BB”) and a relatively small profit to the player There is a role that can play a predetermined number of games (referred to as “regular bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”).

  In addition, in the current mainstream models, a combination of predetermined symbols is arranged along an activated formation line (hereinafter referred to as an “effective line”), and in order to achieve a winning in which coins, medals, etc. are paid out, A combination of symbols indicating that the winning combination of the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and the winning combination of the internal winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) is achieved by a standard lottery process (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) The player is required to perform a stop operation at a timing at which the player can stop at the active line. In other words, no matter how much internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation of the player is bad, a winning cannot be established. That is, gaming machines that require skill in the timing of the stop operation (highly focused on technical intervention called “to push”) are currently mainstream.

  In addition, currently mainstream gaming machines have left, middle, and right reels that have a plurality of symbols arranged at equal intervals on each outer peripheral surface, and the three outer peripheral surfaces of each reel that are provided corresponding to these three reels. Left, middle, and right display windows for displaying three symbol areas are provided, and a total of nine symbols are variably displayed in a plurality of display areas configured in a 3 × 3 square matrix. Further, a total of five effective lines are provided by connecting the display areas of each column in a straight line. Specifically, a top line, a center line, and a bottom line are provided in order from the top as effective lines extending horizontally, and a cross-up line and a cross-down line are provided as effective lines extending obliquely (Patent Document 1). reference).

By the way, in recent years, a gaming machine has been proposed in which only the center line of these five active lines is disabled and four effective lines are used. In such a gaming machine, the combination of symbols as an effect that does not involve payout of coins, medals, etc. is stopped and displayed along the center line without using the invalid center line for the determination of winning. . Here, the combination of symbols as an effect is, for example, an union of symbols (so-called reach eyes) or the like indicating that when BB or RB is determined as an internal winning combination. By stopping and displaying the combination, it is possible to have an interesting game that is different from a simple medal payout.
JP 2005-689 A

  However, as described above, the current mainstream gaming machine includes a center line as an active line. For example, a player who is unfamiliar with a gaming machine may play a game without noticing that the center line is invalid. There is. In such a case, the player overlooks the combination of symbols as an effect along the center line, but feels uncomfortable with no coins or medals being paid out. Therefore, there is a possibility that the game cannot be enjoyed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of stopping and displaying a combination of symbols as an effect without feeling uncomfortable even for a beginner unfamiliar with the game.

  The present invention provides the following.

  (1) A plurality of reels (for example, later-described reels 3L, 3C, 3R) having a plurality of types of symbols (for example, later-described symbols 91 to 99) arranged in a row on the outer peripheral surface, and the plurality of reels A main symbol display section (for example, main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, which will be described later) that displays a partial area of each outer peripheral surface, and the main symbol display section among the outer peripheral surfaces of each of the plurality of reels A sub-symbol display unit (for example, sub-display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R described later) capable of displaying an area different from the area to be displayed, and a game start command signal for instructing the start of a unit game according to the start operation are output. Based on the start command means (for example, a start switch 6S to be described later) and the output of the game start command signal, the plurality of reels are varied to display the variation display of the symbols on the main symbol display unit and the sub symbol display unit. Starting system to start Based on the means (for example, a main control circuit 71 described later and means for executing step 16 in FIG. 21) and the output of the game start command signal, at least one of a plurality of predetermined combinations is determined as a winning combination. The winning symbol determining means for determining (for example, a main control circuit 71 described later and means for executing step S9 in FIG. 21), and changes in symbols in the main symbol display unit and the sub symbol display unit in accordance with the stop operation Stop command means for outputting a stop command signal for commanding stop of display (for example, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS described later), and the output of the stop command signal, the variation of the plurality of reels is stopped to Stop control means (for example, a main control circuit 71 described later and step S17 in FIG. 21) for stopping the variable display of the symbols in the main symbol display unit and the sub symbol display unit. ) And a game medium payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game media for each combination of symbols according to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the main symbol display section by the stop control means (for example, described later) Main control circuit 71, hopper 40, and means for executing step S21 in FIG. 22), sub-symbol display unit shielding means for opening and closing the sub-symbol display unit (for example, shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R described later), An gaming machine comprising: opening / closing control means (for example, a shutter drive circuit 55 described later) that controls opening / closing of the sub-symbol display unit shielding means according to a predetermined condition.

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), it is possible to display a main symbol display unit that displays a partial region of the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of reels, and a region that is different from the region displayed by the main symbol display unit. A sub-symbol display unit was provided. Further, according to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the main symbol display unit among the main symbol display unit and the sub-symbol display unit, a predetermined number of game media for each combination of symbols is provided by the game medium payout means. To be paid out. In particular, since the sub-design display section displays an area different from a part of the outer peripheral surface of the reel displayed by the main design display section, the player is displayed on the sub-design display section. It is easy to recognize that the combination of symbols is a combination of symbols as an effect that does not involve paying out game media. As a result, the player performs a stop operation while viewing the sub-design display unit that displays a different area from the main design display unit, so that the sub-design display unit has no sense of incongruity with the predetermined symbol combination set as the production. Stop display is possible.

  Further, a sub-symbol display unit shielding means for opening and closing such a sub-symbol display unit and an opening / closing control unit for controlling opening / closing of the sub-symbol display unit shielding unit according to a predetermined condition are provided. Here, for example, by opening the sub-symbol display unit only when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the player is drawn attention to the sub-symbol display unit, and a predetermined symbol is displayed on the sub-symbol display unit. It is possible to prompt a stop operation so that the combination is displayed as stopped.

  (2) The first symbol combination (for example, RT transition symbol combination described later, “BAR-Replay-BAR” symbol) is displayed on the main symbol display unit when the stop control means stops symbol variation display. When the combination is stopped and displayed, a predetermined end condition (for example, an RT operating flag is updated to OFF, an RT game number counter to be described later becomes 0, and a cherry as a display combination in an RT gaming state) Until the game condition is satisfied), a specific game state control means (for example, a main control described later) that makes the game state a specific game state (for example, an RT game state described later) that is relatively advantageous to the player. Circuit 71), and the plurality of types of symbols include a second symbol combination different from the first symbol combination when the combination of the first symbols is stopped and displayed on the main symbol display unit. For example, the following “blank-blank-blank” symbol combination) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of reels so as to be stopped and displayed on the sub-symbol display unit (1). ) Gaming machine described in.

  According to the gaming machine described in (2), when the first symbol is stopped and displayed on the main symbol display unit, the gaming state becomes a specific gaming state that is relatively advantageous to the player. When the first symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the main symbol display unit, the second symbol combination different from the first symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the sub symbol display unit. In addition, a plurality of types of symbols are provided on the outer peripheral surface of each reel. In other words, the player performs a stop operation while looking at the sub-symbol display unit, and performs the stop operation so that the combination of the second symbols is stopped and displayed on the sub-symbol display unit, thereby changing the gaming state to the specific gaming state. Can be migrated.

  (3) The sub-symbol display unit has a plurality of display windows capable of transparently displaying only one symbol out of the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of reels (for example, a plurality of sub-display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R described later). The sub-symbol display unit shielding means is composed of a plurality of shielding members (for example, a plurality of shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R described later) that open and close each of the plurality of display windows, and the opening / closing control means The gaming machine according to (1) or (2), wherein each of the plurality of shielding members can be independently controlled to open and close according to the predetermined condition.

  According to the gaming machine described in (3), the sub-symbol display unit is constituted by a plurality of display windows capable of transparently displaying only one symbol out of the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of reels, and the sub-symbol display unit shielding means Is constituted by a plurality of shielding members that open and close each of the plurality of display windows, and these shielding members can be independently controlled to be opened and closed by an opening / closing control means. Here, for example, by opening only a specific display window among the plurality of display windows, attention can be drawn to the specific display window to the player. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the player to perform a stop operation so that a specific effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the opened display window.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the sub-symbol display unit displays an area different from a part of the outer peripheral surface of the reel displayed by the main symbol display unit. It can be easily recognized that the combination of symbols displayed on the display unit is a combination of symbols as an effect not accompanied by payout of game media. Thus, the player can stop and display a predetermined symbol combination on the sub-symbol display unit by performing a stop operation while viewing the sub-symbol display unit displaying an area different from the main symbol display unit. In addition, for example, by opening the sub-symbol display unit only when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the player is drawn attention to the sub-symbol display unit, and a combination of the predetermined symbol is displayed on the sub-symbol display unit. Can be urged to perform a stop operation so as to stop display.

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

  A panel display portion 2a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of the cabinet 2 forming the entire gaming machine 1, and main display windows 4L, 4C as main rectangular display portions in the center are formed at the center thereof. 4R is provided. The main display windows 4L, 4C and 4R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as display lines, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in an oblique direction.

  These display lines are activated by operating a BET switch 11 described later (hereinafter referred to as “BET operation”) or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22. The activation of these display lines is indicated by the lighting of the BET lamp 9 described later.

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

  Immediately below each of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, there are sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R as sub-symbol display portions having a size approximately one third of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Is provided. These sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R are provided with effect lines 19 extending in the horizontal direction. Unlike the above-described display lines 8a to 8e, the effect line 19 is not related to the success or failure of the combination. The panel display unit 2a is provided with shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R as a plurality of shielding members that open and close the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R (see FIG. 2 described later). FIG. 1 shows a state where the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R are opened.

  Inside the cabinet 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R in which a plurality of types of symbols necessary for the game are drawn in a row are provided on each outer peripheral surface in a freely rotatable manner. Specifically, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed such that a part of the outer peripheral surface thereof is seen through the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R and the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R of the cabinet 2. Are provided in a horizontal row inside the cabinet 2 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 to be described later). Each reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rpm). Thereby, the symbols provided on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be displayed in a variable manner and stopped. The configurations of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R, and the shutters 13L, 13C, 13R will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  A BET lamp 9 is provided on the left side of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The BET lamp 9 is inserted when the required number of medals for playing a game is activated and all (5) display lines are activated (when all (5) active lines are set). Lights up. In the embodiment, the number of medals required for playing one game differs depending on the game situation. In a normal state where a bonus that makes it easy for a player to win medals is not activated, three medals are required to play one game. On the other hand, in the state where the bonus is operating, two medals are required to play one game.

  A substantially horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The liquid crystal display unit 5a is provided at a substantially central position of the pedestal unit 10 in an inclined state with respect to the horizontal plane. In the liquid crystal display unit 5a, various effects and display of a demonstration screen are performed.

  In the pedestal portion 10, a medal insertion slot 22 through which a player can insert medals is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display portion 5a in FIG. A BET switch 11 and an information display unit 18 are provided on the left side of the liquid crystal display unit 5a in FIG. By depressing the BET switch 11, the number provided for a unit game (one game) (ie, 3 when the bonus is not activated and 2 when the bonus is activated) ) And the predetermined display line is activated as described above. The operation of the BET switch 11 and the operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 22 (the operation of inserting a medal for playing a game) are hereinafter referred to as “BET operation”.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by a push button operation. By switching the C / P switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 16.

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14, a start lever 6 that can be operated by the player to start the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is provided to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range. In addition, a start switch 6S (see FIG. 4 to be described later) is provided inside the cabinet 2 so that an operation of the start lever 6 by the player can be detected.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that can be operated by the player to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided at the center of the front surface of the base portion 10 and below the liquid crystal display portion 5a. It has been. Speakers 9 </ b> L and 9 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 16.

  Here, in the embodiment, basically, one game (unit game) is started when the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and thereby the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R starts. The stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are operated (stop operation), and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped, and the operation is finished.

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

  With reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R and the shutters 13L, 13C, 13R of the panel display unit 2a will be described.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the panel display unit 2a.
The panel display unit 2a is provided with main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R, and shutters 13L, 13C, 13R for opening and closing the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R. ing.

  The main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are each formed by forming a part of the panel display portion 2a from a light-transmitting material, and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided on the back side of the panel display portion 2a. A part of the outer peripheral surface of the screen can be displayed in a transparent manner. Specifically, the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are formed in a rectangular shape, and a plurality of types of symbols (described later) provided at equal intervals along the outer peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. 3), three consecutive symbols are transparently displayed.

  Each of the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R is configured by forming a part of the panel display portion 2a from a light-transmitting material, and the main display among the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. A region different from the region in which the windows 4L, 4C, and 4R are transparently displayed can be transparently displayed. Specifically, the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R are formed in a substantially square shape and transparently display only one symbol on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R are formed directly below the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, respectively, thereby the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R and the sub display windows 12L, 12C. , 12R can display four consecutive symbols in a transparent manner.

  The shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R are plate-like members having substantially the same size as the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R, and are formed of a non-light-transmitting material. The shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R are provided on the back side of the panel display portion 2a so as to be slidable with respect to the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R by a guide member (not shown).

  Specifically, the shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R are positioned on the back side of the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R, respectively, and the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R are closed, and the sub display windows 12L, 12C. , 12R is located below in FIG. 2 and is slidable between the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R opened. The shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R can slide independently. These shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R constitute sub-symbol surface shielding means in the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the sub display window 12L is opened and the sub display windows 12C and 12R are closed.

  The shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R are connected to a shutter drive circuit 55 serving as an opening / closing control unit that controls opening and closing of each. The shutter drive circuit 55 includes a plurality of actuators that slide the shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R, thereby independently controlling opening and closing of the shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R. The shutter drive circuit 55 is connected to a sub-control circuit 72 described later, and controls opening / closing of the shutters 13L, 13C, 13R according to a predetermined condition (see step S165 and step S167 in FIG. 34 described later).

  FIG. 3 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “0” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a ROM 32 (see FIG. 4 described later) as a data table. On each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, “red 7 (design 91)”, “BAR (design 92)”, “watermelon (design 93)”, “bell (design 94)”, “blue cherry (design 95) ) ”,“ Red cherry (symbol 96) ”,“ yellow cherry (symbol 97) ”,“ replay (symbol 98) ”, and“ blank (symbol 99) ”. Yes. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, on the outer peripheral surface of the reel 3L, the blank symbol 99 is provided separately from the symbol 92 of the BAR in the direction of the arrow. Also, on the outer peripheral surface of the reel 3C, a blank symbol 99 is provided separately from the replay symbol 98 in the direction of the arrow. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the reel 3R, a blank symbol 99 is provided separately from the BAR symbol 92 in the direction of the arrow.

  Therefore, according to the symbol arrangement as shown in FIG. 3, the symbol combination “BAR-Replay-BAR” as the first symbol combination extends along the center line 8c of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. When the display is stopped, the “blank-blank-blank” symbol combination as a second symbol combination different from the first symbol combination is displayed on the effect line 19 of the sub-display windows 12L, 12C, 12R. Will be stopped and displayed.

  Here, BB1 (Big Bonus 1), BB2 (Big Bonus 2), watermelon, bell, blue cherry, red cherry, yellow cherry and replay are provided in the role of the embodiment.

  BB1 and BB2 are accessory continuous action devices according to the first type special accessory. The “special feature continuous action device related to the first type special feature” is a device capable of continuously operating the first type special feature and is activated when a specific symbol combination is displayed. The one that ends the operation when it is

  “Type 1 special character” is a character that increases the number of symbol combinations related to winnings per prescribed number, or increases the probability that the conditional device related to winnings per prescribed number operates. When the game is played, it means that the operation can be continued until a game result not exceeding 12 times is obtained.

  “Winning” means that a predetermined combination for displaying a medal for a symbol is displayed.

  Hereinafter, BB1 and BB2 are collectively referred to as “bonus”, and blue cherry, red cherry, and yellow cherry are collectively referred to as “cherry”. Also, watermelon, cherry, and bell are collectively called “small role”.

  The combination (combination data) is basically control information in which a profit given to a player is associated with a symbol combination, stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, switching (transition) of the game state, It is used for giving game value. The gaming state can be basically distinguished by the type of the internal lottery table used for determining the internal winning combination. Specifically, the gaming state can be distinguished by the type of a role that may be won internally, the probability of internal winning, and the like.

  In the embodiment, a general gaming state, an RB gaming state, and an RT gaming state are provided as gaming states.

  The RB gaming state is a gaming state constituted by a game in which the first type special character is operating. In the RB gaming state, an expected value of a so-called “playing rate” (the number of medals paid out to the player with respect to the number of medals inserted to play a game) is larger than 1, which is higher than that in the general gaming state. This is an advantageous gaming state.

  The RB gaming state can be identified by turning on or off the RB operating flag. The RB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the gaming state is the RB gaming state. The condition for updating the RB operating flag to ON is that a BB operating flag described later is updated to ON. The “BB operating flag” is a general term for the BB1 operating flag and the BB2 operating flag. That is, “the BB operating flag is updated to ON” means that either the BB1 operating flag or the BB2 operating flag is updated to ON.

  In addition, the condition that the RB operating flag is updated to OFF is that the game possible number counter is 0, the winning possible number counter is 0, or the BB operating flag is updated to OFF. The “gameable number counter” refers to the number of unit games that can be performed in the RB gaming state, and is defined as 12 in the embodiment. The “winning possible number counter” refers to the number of possible winnings in the RB gaming state, and is defined as 8 in the embodiment.

  The BB1 operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the BB1 operating flag is in an advantageous state generated by establishment of BB1, and the same applies to BB2. The condition for updating the BB operating flag to ON is that BB is satisfied. The condition for updating the BB operating flag to OFF is that the number of medals paid out exceeds the payable number. “Payable number” refers to the number of medals that can be paid out in a game (game) from when the BB operating flag is updated to on until the BB operating flag is updated to off. Then it is 465 sheets.

  Here, the relationship between the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag from when the BB operating flag is updated to on until it is updated to off will be described. When BB is established, the BB operating flag is updated to ON. When this BB operating flag is updated to ON, the RB operating flag is updated to ON. When either the game possible number counter or the winning number counter becomes 0, the RB operating flag is updated to OFF. If the BB operating flag is ON, the RB operating flag is updated to ON again.

  When the condition that the BB operating flag is updated to OFF is satisfied, the BB operating flag is updated to OFF. However, when the BB operating flag is updated to OFF, the RB operating flag is OFF. Updated to 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.

  The general gaming state is a gaming state in which the expected value of the “delay rate” is smaller than 1. The general game state is composed of a flag with a bonus as a carryover combination and a non-flag between a bonus carryover combination. A “carryover combination” means a combination in which the corresponding symbol combinations are allowed to be arranged along the active line over one or more games. Between the flags, the symbol combinations corresponding to the bonus are aligned along the active line. Is allowed across one or more games. In addition, there is no internal winning for a bonus between flags, and there is a possibility that a bonus is internally won for non-flags, so even in the same general gaming state, different games are different between flags and non-flags. State.

  The RT gaming state is a gaming state in which the probability that a replay to be described later is determined as an internal winning combination is higher than that in the general gaming state, and is advantageous to the player over the general gaming state. In addition, the RT gaming state is a gaming state in which a carryover combination may be won internally. Whether or not it is in the RT gaming state can be determined by whether or not the RT operating flag is on. When the RT operating flag is on, the RT gaming state is set.

  The RT operating flag is updated to ON on condition that an RT transition symbol combination, which will be described later, is displayed on the center line 8c (step S140 in FIG. 31, which will be described later). The RT in-operation flag indicates whether a predetermined number of unit games are performed and an RT game number counter, which will be described later, becomes 0 (step S64 in FIG. 26, which will be described later), or a cherry is established as a display combination during the RT game state. (Step S137 in FIG. 31 to be described later) is updated off.

  4 is based on a main control circuit 71 for controlling the game processing operation in the gaming machine 1, a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display unit 5a, speakers 9L and 9R, LEDs 101, lamps 102, and a sub-control circuit 72 that controls the shutter drive circuit 55 is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program (see FIGS. 21 to 32 described later), and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are storage means.

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

  In the ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30, an internal lottery table (see FIGS. 7 to 9 to be described later) used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), according to the operation of the stop button. A stop table group (see FIG. 16 described later) for determining the reel stop mode is stored. In addition, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 are stored. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands and information to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. Various information is stored in the RAM 33, and a storage area shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 to be described later is provided. The RAM 33 stores, for example, information such as an internal winning combination and a carryover combination described later.

  In the circuit of FIG. 4, as the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30, a BET lamp 9 and a hopper that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper driving circuit 41. 40 (including a drive unit for payout) and stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Further, a motor drive circuit 39 that drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 that drives and controls the hopper 40, and a lamp drive circuit 45 that drives and controls the BET lamp 9 are connected to the output section of the CPU 31. Yes. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, a BET switch 11, and a C / P switch 14. A medal sensor 22S, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6 and outputs a game start command signal (a signal for instructing the start of the game). The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22. The stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS generate a stop command signal (a signal for instructing to stop the change of the symbol) in accordance with the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  In the circuit of FIG. 4, the random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range (random number range), and the sampling circuit 37 generates one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. Sampling. By using the random numbers sampled in this way, an internal winning combination is determined based on, for example, a probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32. The internal symbol combination (internal symbol combination data) is indirectly associated with the corresponding symbol combination and the profit given to the player through the stop control mode or display combination corresponding to the internal symbol combination. It can be said that.

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

  A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, the code numbers sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided in correspondence with the respective code numbers with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Further, the ROM 32 stores a symbol combination table (see FIG. 11 described later). In this symbol combination table, a symbol combination for winning a combination (winning, etc.), a medal payout number for winning, and a winning determination code (establishment determining code) representing the winning (establishment) are associated with each other. The above symbol combination table is used when the left reel 3L, the central reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are controlled to stop, and when the winning is confirmed after the all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped (display combination confirmation). Referenced. The display combination (display combination data) is basically a combination (established combination) corresponding to the symbol combination arranged along the effective line. The player is given a profit corresponding to the display combination.

  When an internal winning combination or a stop winning combination is determined by lottery processing (such as internal lottery processing) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 31 stops the stop switch 7LS at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. , 7CS, 7RS, and a signal for controlling the stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the motor drive circuit 39 based on the operation signal sent from the 7CS, 7RS and the determined stop table.

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

  The symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol arrangement table includes symbol information drawn on the reel outer peripheral surface corresponding to the symbol positions (code numbers) of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Based on the symbol arrangement table and a symbol combination table to be described later, the combination of symbols arranged along each effective line can be grasped.

  The internal lottery table determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal lottery table determination table includes information on the type of the internal lottery table corresponding to the gaming state and information on the number of lotteries. Here, when the gaming state is the general gaming state, an internal lottery table for general gaming state (see FIG. 7 described later) is selected, and 8 is determined as the number of lotteries (step S31 of FIG. 23 described later). . The number of lotteries is the number of times required for determining the internal winning combination. However, even if the gaming state is the general gaming state, the number of lotteries determined to be 8 is updated to 6 when it is between the flags (step S34 in FIG. 23 described later).

  If the gaming state is the RB gaming state, an internal lottery table for RB gaming state (see FIG. 8 described later) is selected, and 5 is determined as the number of lotteries (step S31 in FIG. 23 described later). When the gaming state is the RT gaming state, an RT gaming state internal lottery table (see FIG. 9 described later) is selected, and 8 is determined as the number of lotteries (step S52 in FIG. 25 described later).

  The internal lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 shows a general gaming state internal lottery table, which is referred to when the game state is the general gaming state. FIG. 8 shows an internal lottery table for the RB gaming state, which is referred to when the player is in the RB gaming state. FIG. 9 shows the RT lottery state internal lottery table, which is referred to in the RT gaming state.

  The internal lottery table includes information on the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the numerical range corresponding to the winning number. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, since the winning number corresponds to the winning combination, the internal lottery table stores information on the upper limit value and lower limit value of the numerical value range corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined winning combinations. It can be said that it has.

  In the determination of the winning number based on the internal lottery table (lottery), the random number is a lower limit value corresponding to the winning number until the winning number becomes 0 in descending order from the same winning number as the number of times determined for each gaming state. It is determined whether it is within the range indicated by the upper limit value. If the random number value is within the range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value, the corresponding winning number is won. In addition, the number of times of determining whether or not it is within the range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number is the same as the number of lotteries determined in the internal lottery table determination table.

  If the random number is not within the range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value until the winning number becomes 0, the winning number is 0 (lost). The internal winning combination lose indicates that the internal lottery did not win the combination associated with the player's profit. Further, the loss in the embodiment is not a combination associated with the game value. In addition, the symbol combination corresponding to the loss as the internal winning combination can be considered as an arbitrary symbol combination different from the symbol combination corresponding to the plurality of predetermined combinations. The corresponding symbol combination is not provided.

  In addition, it is determined in descending order from the winning number whether the winning number is 0 or not, and the numerical ranges defined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value corresponding to each of the plurality of roles are set to overlap. As a result, multiple winning combinations may be determined as internal winning combinations. An internal winning combination is determined based on the winning number, the gaming state, the set value, and the internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 10 described later).

  For example, a case where the general gaming state internal lottery table shown in FIG. 7 is referred to will be described. If the random number extracted from the range 0 to 65535 is 20000, the numerical range information corresponding to the winning number 8 is the numerical range information that the lower limit value is “21535” and the upper limit value is “21613”. First, a random number value R (20000) −lower limit value L (21535) is calculated for the winning number 8. The result of this calculation is negative. Therefore, since the random number value is not within the numerical value range corresponding to the winning number (L ≦ R ≦ U), if the extracted random number value is 20000, the winning number 8 is unfair.

  Next, based on the information of the numerical value range corresponding to the winning number 7, a random value R (20000) −lower limit value L (19935) is calculated. This calculation result becomes 0 or more. Next, the random value R (20000) −the upper limit value U (20013) is calculated. This calculation result becomes 0 or less. Therefore, since the random number value is in the numerical value range corresponding to the winning number (L ≦ R ≦ U), when the extracted random number value is 20000, the winning number 7 is won. When winning the winning number 7, BB1 corresponding to the winning number 7 becomes an internal winning combination.

  When winning number 6 to winning number 1 are calculated random number value R (20000) −lower limit value L and random number value R (20000) −upper limit value U, winning number 4 is won. It is illegal for the winning number. Therefore, when the extracted random number value is 20000, winning numbers 4 and 7 are won, and red cherry and BB1 corresponding to these winning numbers are determined as internal winning combinations.

  Here, the internal lottery table will be examined in more detail. Referring to FIG. 7, the numerical range corresponding to the winning number 4 includes the numerical range corresponding to the winning number 7. Therefore, when the red cherry is determined as the internal winning combination, BB1 may be determined as the internal winning combination in addition to the red cherry. The table shown in FIG. 9 has the same configuration. When red cherry is determined as an internal winning combination, BB1 may be determined as an internal winning combination in addition to the red cherry.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the numerical range corresponding to the winning number 5 includes the numerical range corresponding to the winning number 8. Therefore, when the yellow cherry is determined as the internal winning combination, BB2 may be determined as the internal winning combination in addition to the yellow cherry. The table in FIG. 9 has the same configuration. When yellow cherry is determined as the internal winning combination, BB2 may be determined as the internal winning combination in addition to the yellow cherry.

  In addition, between the flags (determined as NO in step S33 of FIG. 23 described later), when the general gaming state internal lottery table is referred to, the number of lotteries is changed to six. Thereby, there is no case where the winning numbers 7 and 8 are won between the flags. Therefore, between the flags, BB1 and BB2 are not determined as internal winning combinations.

  In addition, when comparing the internal lottery table for the general gaming state and the internal lottery table for the RT gaming state, when using the internal lottery table for the RT gaming state, compared to when using the internal lottery table for the general gaming state, The numerical range corresponding to the winning number 6 is wide (that is, the probability of winning the replay as an internal winning combination is high). Therefore, in the RT gaming state, it is possible to obtain the advantage that the unit game can be advanced without inserting medals, compared to the general gaming state.

  The internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal winning combination determination table includes information (data) of an internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number. The internal winning combination data is represented in binary. The internal symbol combination 1 and the internal symbol combination 2 shown corresponding to the winning number are information for identifying the internal symbol combination and are 1-byte data respectively. In particular, the internal winning combination 2 is related to the carryover combination.

  For example, when the winning number is “0”, “00000000” (internal winning combination 1) and “00000000” (internal winning combination 2) are determined as data of the internal winning combination. The internal winning combination corresponding to this data is losing. When the winning number is “1”, “00000001” (internal winning combination 1) and “00000000” (internal winning combination 2) are determined as data of the internal winning combination. The internal winning combination corresponding to this data is Bell. When the winning number is “2”, “00000010” (internal winning combination 1) and “00000000” (internal winning combination 2) are determined as data of the internal winning combination. The internal winning combination corresponding to this data is watermelon. The same applies to the case where the winning numbers are “3” to “8”.

  The symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol combination table includes a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols stopped and displayed at each of three symbol stop positions connected by one effective line, and information on the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination. This symbol combination table is referred to when the payout number is determined according to the symbol combination displayed along the active line after all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  When the internal winning combination is a bell, “bell-bell-bell” may be arranged along the effective line. In this case, the display combination becomes a bell and 10 medals are paid out. When the internal winning combination is watermelon, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” may be arranged along the effective line. In this case, the display combination becomes watermelon, and five medals are paid out.

  When the internal winning combination is blue cherry, among the five active lines, “blue cherry (middle) -ANY-ANY” is aligned along the center line 8c, and “blue” is aligned along the effective lines excluding the center line. Cherry (corner) -ANY-ANY "may be lined up. “Blue cherry (middle)” indicates “blue cherry” stopped in the middle of the left main display window 4L, and “Blue cherry (corner)” stops in the upper or lower stage of the left main display window 4L. The displayed “blue cherry” is shown. In the former case, the display combination is medium cherry, and four medals are paid out according to the symbol combination table. In the latter case, the display combination is a square cherry. At this time, the symbol combination “blue cherry (corner) -ANY-ANY” is established on the two effective lines (either the top line 8b and the cross-down line 8e or the bottom line 8d and the cross-up line 8a). . Therefore, when the display combination is a square cherry, the number of medals that is twice the number indicated by the symbol combination table is paid out according to the symbol combination table. The same applies when the internal winning combination is red cherry or yellow cherry.

  When the internal winning combination is replay, “replay-replay-replay” may be arranged along the active line. In this case, the display combination is replayed and medals are automatically inserted.

  When the internal winning combination is BB1, “red 7-red 7-red 7” may be arranged along the active line. In this case, the display combination is BB1, and the BB is activated when the BB operating flag is turned on. At this time, the gaming state shifts to the RB gaming state. When the internal winning combination is BB2, “BAR-BAR-BAR” may be arranged along the active line. In this case, the display combination is BB2, and BB is operated in the same manner as in the case where the display combination is BB1.

  The RT transition symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG. The RT transition symbol combination table is referred to when the RT transition symbol combination is stopped and displayed along the center line.

  The RT transition symbol combination table includes information on values stored in the RT game number counter corresponding to each RT transition symbol combination. The RT transition symbol combination is a symbol combination that triggers the update of the RT operating flag to ON. More specifically, when the RT transition symbol combination is stopped and displayed along the center line, the RT operating flag is updated to ON.

  In the embodiment, these RT transition symbol combinations may be stopped and displayed along the center line only when the watermelon small combination is determined as the internal winning combination (can be stopped). As shown in FIG. 12, RT transition symbol combinations include “BAR-Replay-BAR” and “BAR-Bell-BAR”. When the RT transition symbol combination is displayed on the center line, the corresponding value is stored in the RT game number counter (step S141 in FIG. 31 described later).

  As shown in FIG. 12, when “BAR-Replay-BAR” is stopped and displayed on the center line 8c, 100 is stored in the RT game number counter, and “BAR-Bell-BAR” is stopped on the center line 8c. When displayed, 50 is stored in the RT game number counter.

  A display example of RT transition symbol combination will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a display example of the RT transition symbol combination. The symbol stop position at the left reel 3L is “8”, the symbol stop position at the center reel 3L is “13”, and the symbol stop at the right reel 3R. This is a display example of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R and the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R when the position is “2”. In this display example, the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R are opened. Here, the “symbol stop position” refers to the position of the symbol on the center line 8c when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the RT transition symbol combination “BAR-Replay-BAR” is stopped and displayed on the center line 8c of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. In this case, as described above, the symbol combination “blank-blank-blank” is stopped and displayed on the effect line 19 of the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R.

  In other words, the player pays attention to the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R, and performs a stop operation so that the “blank-blank-blank” symbol combination is stopped and displayed along the effect line 19. The RT transition symbol combination “BAR-Replay-BAR” can be stopped and displayed on the center line 8c. As described above, the special symbol combination is stopped and displayed along the effect line 19 of the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R, and the RT transition symbol combination is stopped and displayed along the center line 8c. This can improve the fun of the game.

  With reference to FIG. 14, the bonus operation time table will be described.

  The bonus operating time table mainly includes information necessary for operating the bonus. Specifically, each display combination includes information on an operating flag, a bonus end number counter, a possible game number counter, and a winning number counter. This bonus operating time table is referred to in the process of step S132 of FIG.

  The operating flag is information for identifying an operating gaming state (current gaming state). In the working flag of the embodiment, an RB working flag for identifying whether or not the RB gaming state is working, and for identifying whether or not the BB (working object continuous actuating device) is working. There are a BB operating flag and an RT operating flag for identifying whether or not the RT gaming state is operating.

  The BB operating flag includes a BB1 operating flag that is updated to ON when BB1 is established as a display combination, and a BB2 operating flag that is updated to ON when BB2 is established as a display combination. .

  The “bonus end number counter” means the number of remaining medals that can be paid out when the bonus is operating. In the embodiment, when the bonus is activated, first, “465” is set in the bonus end number counter. This value is subtracted for each unit game by the number of medals paid out.

  The “gameable number counter” refers to the number of remaining unit games that can be performed in the RB gaming state. In the embodiment, when the RB is activated, first, “12” is set in the possible game number counter. This value is decremented by 1 for each unit game.

  The “number of winnings” refers to the number of times that a winning can be won in the RB gaming state, more specifically, the number of remaining unit games in which a combination of symbols corresponding to a small role can be displayed in the RB gaming state. In the embodiment, when the RB is activated, first, “8” is set in the winning possible number counter. This value is decremented by 1 for each unit game.

  The stop table determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the stop table determination table, the type of stop table corresponding to the internal winning combination is defined. That is, the types of stop tables corresponding to the data stored in the internal winning combination 1 storage area and the internal winning combination 2 storage area are defined. In the embodiment, the internal winning combination is not limited to one type, and includes a plurality of types.

  Further, the stop table includes information that defines the mode of stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Specifically, information on the stop mode of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the operation timing of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R by the player (for example, information on the stop position of the symbol, information on the number of sliding symbols). I have. Each stop table is basically configured so that a corresponding internal winning combination can be established as a display combination.

  For example, when “00000100” is stored in the internal winning combination 1 storage area and “00000000” is stored in the internal winning combination 2 storage area, the internal winning combination is a blue cherry and corresponds to this internal winning combination. The stop table is a stop table for blue cherry ((1) in FIG. 16 described later). The blue cherry stop table is configured to be able to be established with the blue cherry as a display role.

  When the internal winning combination does not correspond to any of the internal winning combinations specified in the stop table determination table, the corresponding stop table is a stop table for losing. This lost stop table is configured such that a symbol combination different from the symbol combination defined in the symbol combination table (see FIG. 11) is displayed on the active line.

  The stop table will be described with reference to FIG. This stop table is used when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the pressing operation are controlled to stop on the condition that the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are pressed.

  (1) of FIG. 16 shows the stop table for blue cherries, and is referred to when the internal winning combination is blue cherries. (2) of FIG. 16 shows the stop table for red cherries, which is referred to when the internal winning combination is red cherries. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the stop table is provided about each of the internal winning combination.

  In the stop table, information on the number of sliding frames corresponding to the stop start position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is defined. The “stop start position” refers to the position of the symbol on the center line 8c when the stop operation is performed. More specifically, when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are pressed, the center of the symbol is above the middle symbol stop position, and the center is The symbol position closest to the middle symbol stop position.

  The “sliding frame number” is a symbol that has moved in the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R after the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are operated and before the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop. Numbers. For example, in the stop table shown in (1) of FIG. 16, the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the stop start position “3” of the left reel 3L is “4”. Referring to FIG. 5 described above, the symbol corresponding to the code number “3” of the left reel 3L is “watermelon (symbol 93)”, and the symbol corresponding to the code number “7” is “bell (symbol 94)”. is there. Therefore, in the embodiment, when the left stop button 7L is operated when the “watermelon (symbol 93)” having the code number “3” reaches the position of the center line 8c, the middle of the left main display window 4L is displayed. The left reel 3L is controlled so as to stop and display “bell (symbol 94)” at the symbol stop position.

  In the embodiment, the symbols that can move in the main display window and the sub display window after the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are operated and before the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop. Is defined as 4 (the maximum number of sliding frames).

  With reference to (1) of FIG. 16, the display mode in the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R when the blue cherry is determined as the internal winning combination will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 11 described above, in the left reel 3L, the symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the blue cherry is “blue cherry”. Therefore, referring to FIG. 5 described above, in the left reel 3L, the code number corresponding to “blue cherry” is one place “19”. Therefore, regarding the symbol stop position of the symbol corresponding to the code number “19”, when the stop start position on the left reel 3L is “15” to “19”, “blue cherry” is the left main symbol. The display window 4L stops at the middle symbol stop position. When the stop start position on the left reel is “14” or “20”, “blue cherry” stops at the upper or lower symbol stop position of the left main display window 4L. On the other hand, when the stop start position on the left reel is “0” to “13”, even if the blue cherry is determined as the internal winning combination, the “blue cherry” is displayed on the left main display window. There is no case of stopping at the 4L symbol stop position. Therefore, in order to establish the blue cherry as the display combination, it is required to appropriately operate the stop button 7L in addition to the blue cherry being determined as the internal winning combination.

  Next, with reference to (2) of FIG. 16, the display mode in the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R when the red cherry is determined as the internal winning combination will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 11 described above, in the left reel 3L, the symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to red cherry is “red cherry”. Therefore, referring to FIG. 5 described above, in the left reel 3L, the code number corresponding to “red cherry” is one place “12”. Therefore, regarding the symbol stop position of the symbol corresponding to the code number “12”, when the stop start position on the left reel 3L is “8” to “12”, “red cherry” is the left main symbol. The display window 4L stops at the middle symbol stop position. When the stop start position on the left reel 3L is “7” or “13”, “red cherry” stops at the upper or lower symbol stop position of the left main display window 4L. On the other hand, if the stop start position on the left reel is “0” to “6” or “14” to “20”, even if the red cherry is determined as the internal winning combination, The “cherry” does not stop at the symbol stop position of the left main display window 4L. Therefore, in order to establish a red cherry as a display combination, it is required to appropriately operate the stop button 7L in addition to the red cherry being determined as an internal winning combination.

  The internal winning combination 1, internal winning combination 2, carryover combination, operating flag, and game state storage area (storage area) will be described with reference to (1) to (4) of FIG. These storage areas are provided in both the main control circuit 71 and the sub-control circuit 72.

  (1) of FIG. 17 shows an internal winning combination 1 storage area. Bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to the bell. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to a watermelon. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to blue cherry. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to red cherry. Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to yellow cherry. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to replay. Bit 6 and bit 7 are unused storage areas.

  (2) of FIG. 17 shows an internal winning combination 2 storage area. Bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to BB1. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to BB2. Bits 2 to 7 are unused storage areas.

  Although the illustration of the display combination storage area (display combination 1 storage area to display combination 3 storage area) in which the data of the display combination is stored is omitted, the internal winning combination storage area (internal winning combination 1 storage area to internal winning combination) is omitted. The data structure is the same as that of the combination 2 storage area.

  (3) of FIG. 17 shows a carryover combination storage area. Bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to BB1. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to BB2. Bits 2 to 7 are unused storage areas. In the embodiment, when there is a carryover combination (between flags), 1 is stored in the bit corresponding to the combination established as a carryover combination in the carryover combination storage area.

  (4) of FIG. 17 shows the operating flag storage area. Bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to the BB1 operating flag. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the BB2 operating flag. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to the RT operating flag. Bits 3 to 7 are unused storage areas.

  The symbol storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the symbol storage area, data indicating the symbol type of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R displayed by the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is stored. In the embodiment, five types of top lines 8b, center lines 8c, bottom lines 8d, cross-up lines 8a, and cross-down lines 8e are provided as effective lines, so the types of symbols displayed on these effective lines are different. The data shown is stored. For example, in the case of the top line 8b, the symbol type corresponding to the upper stage in each main display window 4L, 4C, 4R is stored in the symbol storage area. Then, a display combination or the like is determined based on the data stored in the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table described above.

  The configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the block diagram of the sub control circuit 72 shown in FIG.

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

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

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

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

  The serial port 82 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The program ROM 83 stores a control program (FIGS. 33 and 34 described later) executed by the image control microcomputer 81, various tables described later (see FIG. 20 described later), and the like.

  The work RAM 84 is configured as a temporary storage unit for work when the image control microcomputer 81 executes the control program described above. Various information is stored in the work RAM 84. For example, information such as an effect identifier and a frame identifier, which will be described later, is stored.

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

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

  The image control IC 86 generates an image corresponding to the content of the effect determined by the image control microcomputer 81 and outputs it to the liquid crystal display unit 5a.

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

  The image control IC 86 is connected to the liquid crystal display unit 5a, the image ROM 88, and the video RAM 89. The image ROM 88 may be connected to the image control microcomputer 81. In this case, the configuration may be effective when processing a large amount of image data such as three-dimensional image data. The image ROM 88 stores image data, dot data, and the like for generating an image. The video RAM 89 is configured as a temporary storage unit when an image is generated by the image control IC 86. The image control IC 86 sends a signal to the image control microcomputer 81 every time data in the video RAM 89 is transferred to the liquid crystal display unit 5a.

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

  Further, the shutter 13L, 13C, 13R described above is connected to the image control microcomputer 81 via the shutter drive circuit 55. The image control microcomputer 81 outputs an opening / closing command signal for instructing opening / closing of the shutters 13L, 13C, 13R to the shutter driving circuit 55 based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Based on the output of the opening / closing command signal, the shutter drive circuit 55 drives the actuator to open / close the shutters 13L, 13C, 13R.

  The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 111, a serial port 112, a program ROM 113, a work RAM 114, a sound source IC 115, a power amplifier 116, and a sound source ROM 117.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 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 111 performs sound / lamp output processing according to the control program stored in the program ROM 113 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 is connected to LEDs 101 and lamps 102. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 transmits an output signal to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 in response to a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a at a predetermined timing. As a result, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect.

  The serial port 112 receives a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The program ROM 113 stores a control program executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 and the like. The work RAM 114 is configured as a temporary storage means for work when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 executes the control program described above.

  The sound source IC 115 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 116. The power amplifier 116 is an amplifier, and speakers 9L and 9R are connected to the power amplifier 116. The power amplifier 116 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 115 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 9L and 9R. The sound source ROM 117 stores sound source data (phrase etc.) for generating a sound source.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 is connected to a volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and the like, and the volume output from the speakers 9L and 9R is adjusted. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 111 performs volume adjustment control for adjusting the sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R to the input volume based on the input signal transmitted from the volume adjustment unit 103.

  The jump table of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The jump table includes information on processing to be performed according to the type of the received command when the command (information or command) transmitted from the main control circuit 71 is received. Specifically, information on 13 types of processing to be executed corresponding to the “identifier” of the command transmitted by the main control circuit 71 is stored. The main control circuit 71 transmits data (information) composed of “4 bytes” to “8 bytes” to the sub control circuit 72 as one command, but the “first data” is the “first byte”. Data is shown.

  When the initialization command is received, the identifier is 01H, and the process corresponding to this identifier “01H” is the initialization command process. The initialization command process is a process for initializing the work RAM 84 and the like. When the demonstration display command is received, the identifier is 02H, and the process corresponding to this identifier “02H” is the demonstration display command process. The demonstration display command process is a process of displaying an image for notifying that the gaming machine is waiting for a customer on the liquid crystal display unit 5a.

  When the game medal insertion command is received, the identifier is 03H, and the process corresponding to this identifier “03H” is the game medal insertion command process. The game medal insertion command process is a process performed in response to the “BET operation”. When the game start command is received, the identifier is 04H, and the process corresponding to this identifier “04H” is a game start command process. The game start command process is a process performed when the start lever 6 is operated.

  When the reel stop command is received, the identifier is 05H, and the processing corresponding to this identifier “05H” is reel stop command processing. The reel stop command process is a process performed when any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is operated. When the all reel stop command is received, the identifier is 06H, and the processing corresponding to this identifier “06H” is all reel stop command processing. The all reel stop command process is a process that is performed when the third stop operation is performed.

  The identifier when the display combination establishment command is received is 07H, and the process corresponding to this identifier “07H” is the display combination establishment command process. The display combination establishment command process is a process performed based on the success or failure of the display combination. When the payout end command is received, the identifier is 08H, and the process corresponding to this identifier “08H” is a payout end command process. The payout end command process is a process performed based on the payout of medals.

  When the RB end command is received, the identifier is 09H, and the processing corresponding to this identifier “09H” is RB end command processing. The RB end process is, for example, a process for changing the game state information to indicate the general game state at the end of the RB. The identifier when the BB end command is received is 0AH, and the process corresponding to this identifier “0AH” is the BB end command process. The BB end command process is a process for changing the game state information to the one indicating the general game state at the end of the BB.

  When an error command is received, the identifier is 0BH, and the processing corresponding to this identifier “0BH” is error command processing. The error command process is a process for displaying, on the liquid crystal display unit 5a, an image for notifying a problem such as when a medal in the hopper 40 becomes empty.

  The identifier when the effect instruction request command is received is 0CH, and the process corresponding to this identifier “0CH” is the effect instruction request command process. The effect instruction request command process is a process for executing an effect by image display, light, and sound on the liquid crystal display unit 5a, the LEDs 101, the lamps 102, the speakers 9L and 9R, and the like. When the bonus start command is received, the identifier is 0DH, and the processing corresponding to this identifier “0DH” is bonus start command processing. The bonus start command process is a process for executing notification of the timing at which the bonus is activated.

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

  First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (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. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased (step S2), and the process proceeds to step S3. 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.

  In step S3, a bonus operation monitoring process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S4. In this process, when the BB operating flag is on, processing is performed to update the RB operating flag to on so that the RB gaming state continues even after the RB gaming state ends. In step S4, medal insertion / start check processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S5. In this processing, processing such as updating the number of BETs is performed based on input from the start switch 6S, the medal sensor 22S, or the BET switch 11.

  In step S5, a game medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, a random number for lottery is extracted, and the process proceeds to step S7. The random numbers extracted in this process are used in an internal lottery process described later. In step S7, a gaming state monitoring process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S8. In this process, it is determined whether or not the gaming state transition condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the gaming state transition condition is satisfied, the gaming state is shifted and the gaming state transition condition is satisfied. If it is not discriminated, the current game state is maintained.

  In step S8, an internal lottery process described later with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, RT game number counter update processing described later with reference to FIG. 26 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S10. This RT game number counter is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71.

  In step S10, a game start command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S11. The game start command includes information such as a game state and an internal winning combination. In particular, the internal winning combination information includes data of the internal winning combination 1 storage area and data of the internal winning combination 2 storage area. In step S11, a reel stop initial setting process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 27 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not “4.1 seconds” have elapsed since the previous game started. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S14, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, a wait process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S14. In this process, a process of invalidating an input based on an operation for starting a game by a player until a predetermined time (for example, a predetermined second (eg, “4.1 seconds”)) has elapsed since the start of the previous game is performed. Do.

  In step S14, a game monitoring timer is set, and the process proceeds to step S15. This game monitoring timer includes an automatic stop timer for automatically stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R regardless of the stop operation of the player's stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. In step S15, the start of rotation of all reels is requested, and the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, a reel stop permission command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, a stop control process described later with reference to FIG. 28 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S18 in FIG.

  In step S18 of FIG. 22, the display combination search process described later with reference to FIG. 29 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S19. In this process, a process for setting a flag for identifying a display combination (a winning combination) based on a symbol stop mode of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is performed. In step S19, an error check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, a display combination establishment command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S21. This display combination establishment command includes information on the established display combination.

  In step S21, a medal payout process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the bonus end number counter is updated based on the payout number, and the process proceeds to step S23. In this processing, on the condition that the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, processing for subtracting a value corresponding to the payout number from this bonus end number counter is performed.

  In step S23, a payout end command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, it is determined whether either the RB operating flag or the BB operating flag is on. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S25, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S26. The RB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the RB is operating, and is on when the RB is operating, and is off when the RB is not operating. The BB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the BB is operating, and is on when the BB is operating, and is off when the BB is not operating.

  In step S25, a bonus end check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 28 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S27. In this process, whether or not the number of games in the RB gaming state (the number of games) has exceeded the number of games that can be played (for example, 12 times), or the number of winning combinations in the RB gaming state has exceeded the number of games that can be won (for example, 8) Whether or not the bonus end number counter has become 0 or less. If it is determined that at least one condition is satisfied, the bonus is terminated.

  In step S26, a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. 31 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S27. In this process, if the display combination is RB, BB1, or BB2, the corresponding operating flag is turned on, and the bonus is activated. At this time, the gaming state is shifted to the RB gaming state. When the RT transition symbol combination is stopped and displayed, the RT operating flag is turned on and the RT gaming state is entered.

  In step S27, a replay operation check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In this process, on the condition that the display combination is replay, the same number as that inserted for the current game is set (automatically inserted) in the automatic insertion counter. The automatic insertion counter is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 33.

  The internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the CPU 31 refers to the internal lottery table determination table (see FIG. 6), determines the type and number of lotteries of the internal lottery table (see FIGS. 7 to 9) according to the gaming state (step S31), and step The process moves to S32. In step S32, an internal lottery table changing process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 25 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, it is determined whether or not the data (information) stored in the carryover combination storage area is “0” (presence of carryover combination). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S35, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S34. With the processing in step S33, it is possible to determine whether there is a carryover combination. More specifically, when it is determined YES in the process of step S33, it can be determined that there is no carryover combination, and when it is determined NO, it can be determined that there is a carryover combination. In step S34, the CPU 31 changes (updates) the number of lotteries to “6”, and proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, the same value as the number of lotteries is set as the winning number, and the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, referring to the internal lottery table determined in steps S31 and S32, the stored random number value, the winning number, and the lower limit value (L) and upper limit value (U) corresponding to the stored setting Are compared, and the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, it is determined whether or not the stored random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S38, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S38, the internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 10) is referenced to determine the internal winning combination and storage area type based on the winning number, and the process proceeds to step S39. In step S39, the address of the internal winning combination storage area is set based on the storage area type, the set address is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33, and the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, the number of lotteries is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, it is determined whether the number of lotteries is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S42, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S42, the logical sum of the internal winning combination 2 storage area and the carryover combination storage area is stored in the carryover combination storage area, and the process proceeds to step S43. With this process, the carryover combination can be stored in the carryover combination storage area. In step S43, the logical sum of the internal symbol combination 2 storage area and the carryover combination storage area is stored in the internal symbol combination 2 storage area, and the process proceeds to step S44 in FIG.

  In step S44 of FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not the bonus has been won internally. In this process, it is determined whether or not the internal winning combination 2 storage area is other than 0. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S45, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG. In step S45, it is determined whether or not the RT operating flag is ON. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S46, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG.

  In step S46, the RT operating flag is updated to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S47. In step S47, the RT game number counter provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 33 is updated to 0, and the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 25, the internal lottery table changing process will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on (step S51). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S52, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S33 in FIG. In step S52, the internal lottery table is changed to the RT lottery state internal lottery table (see FIG. 9), and the process proceeds to step S33 in FIG.

  The RT game number counter update process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT game number counter is 1 or more (step S61). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S62, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG. In step S62, the RT game number counter is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S63, it is determined whether or not the RT game number counter is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S64, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG. In step S64, the RT operating flag is updated to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, the RT game number counter is updated to 0, and the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG.

  The reel stop initial setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 sets internal lottery result information stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 (step S71), and proceeds to step S72. In step S72, it is determined whether or not the internal winning combination is either a loss or a bonus. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S73, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S75.

  In step S73, it is confirmed whether it is between flags. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S74, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S75. In step S74, internal lottery result information corresponding to the internal winning flag is set, and the process proceeds to step S75. In step S75, a stop table corresponding to the internal lottery result information is set, and the process proceeds to step S76. In step S76, the expected display combination storing process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  The stop control process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on the internal winning combination or the timing of the stop operation by the player.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button is turned on, that is, whether or not the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R corresponding to the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are pressed (step). S81). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R for which the pressing operation has been performed is on. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S86, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S82.

  Here, the effective stop button flag is information for identifying whether or not the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the operated stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are rotating, and the stop buttons 7L, 7C, Three are provided corresponding to each of 7R. When the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the operated stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are rotating, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is on. When the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the operated stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are not rotating, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is off. By updating the valid stop button flag to OFF, the pressing operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R once pressed is invalidated thereafter.

  In step S82, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop timer is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S83, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S81. In step S83, the reel on the right side that is rotating is set as the target of stop control, and the process proceeds to step S84. By this process, when a plurality of reels are rotating, the reels are automatically stopped from the right reel.

  In step S84, it is determined whether it is a third stop operation. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S85, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S86. In step S85, an automatic third stop process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S86.

  In step S86, the number of sliding symbols is extracted from the stop table based on the symbol counter and stop button type, and the process proceeds to step S87. The symbol counter is a counter for specifying the symbol position of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating. That is, the code number of the symbol located on the center line 8c can be identified based on the symbol position corresponding to the value of the symbol counter. That is, since the symbol counter and the stop start position when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are operated are equivalent, the CPU 31 starts the stop with the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. The number of sliding frames is extracted from the position.

  In step S87, whether the number of sliding symbols that can be stopped based on the internal winning combination is determined by comparing the extracted number of sliding symbols with the display combination of the number of sliding symbols determined in the expected display combination storing process. It is determined whether or not, and the process proceeds to step S88. In step S88, a reel stop command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S89.

  In step S89, the process waits for the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that have been stopped to rotate by the determined number of sliding frames, and then proceeds to step S90. In step S90, the reel rotation is requested to stop, and the process proceeds to step S91.

  In step S91, it is determined whether or not there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the three valid stop button flags is on. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S92, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S18 in FIG. In step S92, a predicted display combination storing process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S81.

  The display combination search process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed to predict the display combination or determine the display combination based on the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table.

  First, the CPU 31 sets the top address of the symbol storage area, acquires an effective line counter (step S101), and proceeds to step S102. In this process, 3 is set as the initial value of the effective line counter. In step S102, the top address of the symbol storage area (see FIG. 18) is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the combination of the symbols stored in the three symbol storage areas is compared, and the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, it is determined whether or not the number of display combination searches is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S105, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S105, the payout number is determined based on the display combination, the payout number counter is updated, and the process proceeds to step S106. Specifically, the value of the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination is stored in a payout number counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. The payout number counter is a counter for counting the number of medals paid out by the medal payout process in step S21 of FIG.

  In step S106, the address of the symbol combination table is updated, and the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, it is determined whether or not the data corresponding to the updated address is an end code (that is, whether or not the end code is detected). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S108, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S108, it is determined whether or not the value of the effective line counter is zero. When this determination is YES, the process of step S19 in FIG. 22 is performed, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the value of the effective line counter is decremented by 1, the address of the symbol storage area is updated, and the process of step S102 is performed.

  As described above, the CPU 31 detects the end code, and stores it in the symbol combination and symbol combination table stored in the three symbol storage areas corresponding to the display line corresponding to the value of the current effective line counter. It is determined that comparison with all symbol combinations (step S103) has been performed, and the symbol combinations and symbol combination tables stored in the three symbol storage areas corresponding to the display lines corresponding to the value of the next effective line counter are displayed. Comparison with all stored symbol combinations is performed. If the CPU 31 determines that the comparison has been performed for all the effective lines, the display combination search process is terminated.

  The bonus end check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operation flag is on (step S111). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S112, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S118. In step S112, the possible game number counter is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, it is determined whether or not a winning is achieved. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S114, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S115. In step S114, the winning possible number counter is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S115, it is determined whether or not the possible game number counter is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S117, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S116. In step S116, it is determined whether or not the winning possible number counter is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S117, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S118.

  In step S117, RB end time processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S118. In this process, the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter are cleared. In step S118, it is determined whether or not the bonus end number counter is 1 or more. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG. 22, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S119. In step S119, processing at the end of BB is performed, and the process proceeds to step S120. In this process, the bonus end number counter is cleared. In step S120, the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are turned off, a BB end command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG.

  The bonus operation check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB1 or BB2 (step S131). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S132, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S135. In step S132, BB operation processing is performed based on the bonus operation time table (see FIG. 14), and the process proceeds to step S133. In this process, the BB operating flag is updated to ON, and the bonus end number counter is set to 465.

  In step S133, the carryover combination storage area is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S134. In step S134, a bonus start command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG.

  In step S135, it is determined whether or not the display combination is cherry. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S136, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S139. In step S136, it is determined whether or not the RT operating flag is ON. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S137, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG.

  In step S137, the RT operating flag is turned off, and the process proceeds to step S138. In step S138, the RT game number counter is updated to 0, and the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG.

  In step S139, it is determined whether or not an RT transition symbol combination is displayed. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S140, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG. In step S140, the RT operating flag is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S141. In step S141, an RT game number counter is set according to the displayed RT transition symbol combination based on the RT transition symbol combination table (see FIG. 14), and the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 32, the interruption process by control of main CPU (CPU31) is demonstrated. This periodic interruption process is performed every 1.1173 ms.

  First, the CPU 31 performs input port check processing (step S181), and proceeds to step S182. In this process, it is confirmed whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S by pressing the start lever 6. In step S182, communication data transmission processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S183.

  In step S183, a reel control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S184. In this processing, information indicating the reel to be controlled is set as a reel identifier, and processing for controlling the driving of the reel is performed. In step S184, 7SEG drive processing is performed, and the flow proceeds to step S185. In step S185, a lamp driving process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S186. In step S186, a timer management process is performed and the periodic interrupt process is terminated.

  The control operation of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  The sub control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the power is first turned on and a voltage is applied to the reset terminal, the image control microcomputer 81 generates a reset interrupt, and the sub-control processing stored in the program ROM 83 is performed based on the generation of the interrupt. It is configured to perform sequentially.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 performs input monitoring processing (step S151), and proceeds to step S152. In this process, it is determined whether or not a command has been received by determining whether or not there is data in the command buffer (storage area for storing the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71). In step S152, command input processing described later with reference to FIG. 34 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S153.

  In step S153, command output processing for outputting a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is performed, and the process proceeds to step S154. In step S154, an image drawing process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S155. In step S155, it is determined whether or not the VDP counter is 2 or more. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S156, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S151.

  In step S156, 0 is set in the VDP counter, and the process proceeds to step S157. In step S157, a bank switching command is transmitted to the image control IC to cause the image control IC to replace the image data area, and the process proceeds to step S151.

  The command input process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether there is an unprocessed command (step S161). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S162, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S153 in FIG. In step S162, a game data storage address is set, and the process proceeds to step S163.

  In step S163, it is determined whether the identifier of the unprocessed command is 04H, that is, whether the unprocessed command is a game start command. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S164, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S165.

  In step S164, it is determined whether or not the internal winning combination is a watermelon small combination. That is, it is determined whether or not the RT transition symbol combination can be stopped and displayed along the center line 8c. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S165, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S169. In step S165, the image control microcomputer 81 outputs a predetermined opening / closing command signal to the shutter drive circuit 55 to drive the shutters 13L, 13C, 13R, and opens the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R. Move.

  In step S166, it is determined whether the identifier of the unprocessed command is 07H, that is, whether the unprocessed command is a display combination establishment command. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S167, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S168. In step S167, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R are in an open state, and if they are in an open state, outputs a predetermined opening / closing command signal to the shutter drive circuit 55. Thus, the shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R are driven, the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R are closed, and the process proceeds to step S169.

  In step S168, processing according to the received command is performed, and the process proceeds to step S169. In step S169, the unprocessed command is set to have been processed, and the process proceeds to step S153 in FIG.

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

  (1) The main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R that display a partial area on the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are different from the areas displayed by the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. Sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R capable of displaying the area were provided. In addition, according to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed along the display lines of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R among the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R and the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R. A predetermined number of medals are paid out for each combination. In particular, since the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R display a region that is different from a partial region of the outer peripheral surface of the reel displayed by the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, It can be easily recognized that the combination of symbols displayed in the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R is a combination of symbols as an effect that does not involve payout of game media. As a result, the player performs a stop operation while viewing the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R that display areas different from the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, thereby combining predetermined symbols set as effects. Can be stopped and displayed on the sub-symbol display unit without a sense of incongruity.

  In addition, shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R that open and close such sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R, and a shutter drive circuit 55 that controls opening and closing of the shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R according to predetermined conditions are provided. Here, for example, by opening the secondary display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R only when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the player is drawn attention to the secondary display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R, and the secondary display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R are attracted. It can be urged to perform a stop operation so that a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R.

  (2) When the symbol combination “BAR-Replay-BAR” is stopped and displayed on the center line 8c of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, the gaming state becomes an RT gaming state that is relatively advantageous to the player. When the symbol combination of “BAR-Replay-BAR” is stopped and displayed on the center line 8c of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, the symbol combination of “BAR-Replay-BAR” is different. A plurality of types of symbols are provided on the outer peripheral surface of each reel so that a combination of symbols of “blank-blank-blank” is stopped and displayed on the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R. That is, the player performs a stop operation while looking at the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R, and stops so that this “blank-blank-blank” symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R. By performing the operation, the gaming state can be shifted to the RT gaming state.

  (3) The sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R are configured so that only one symbol of the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can be transmissively displayed, and the shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R are configured to Each of the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R is configured to be openable and closable, and the shutters 13L, 13C, and 13R can be independently controlled to open and close by the shutter drive circuit 55. Here, for example, by opening only a specific display window among the plurality of sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R, it is possible to attract the player's attention to the specific display window. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the player to perform a stop operation so that a specific effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the opened display window.

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

  In this embodiment, the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R are opened when the RT transition symbol combination can be stopped and displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sub display window may be opened by random number lottery.

  In the present embodiment, when the symbol combination “blank-blank-blank” is stopped and displayed along the sub display windows 12L, 12C, 12R, the center line 8c of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is displayed on the center line 8c. The RT transition symbol combination is stopped and displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a specific point to be added is set in the sub display windows 12L, 12C, and 12R on the condition that a predetermined symbol combination is stopped and displayed, and the notification of cherry during the RT gaming state is made according to the number of points. May be performed.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a gaming machine. The front view which shows the structure of a panel display part. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the reel. The block diagram which shows the structure of an electric circuit. The figure which shows a symbol arrangement | positioning table. The figure which shows an internal lottery table determination table. The figure which shows the internal lottery table for general gaming states. The figure which shows the internal lottery table for RB game states. The figure which shows the internal lottery table for RT game states. The figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. The figure which shows a symbol combination table. The figure which shows RT transfer symbol combination table. The figure which shows the example of a display of RT transfer symbol combination. The figure which shows a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. The figure which shows a stop table determination table. The figure which shows a stop table. The figure which shows an internal winning combination storage area, a carryover combination storage area, and an operating flag storage area. The figure which shows a symbol storage area. The figure which shows the structure of a subcontrol circuit. The figure which shows a jump table. The main flowchart of a main control circuit. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart which shows an internal lottery process. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart which shows an internal lottery table change process. The flowchart which shows RT game number counter update processing. The flowchart which shows a reel stop initial setting process. The flowchart which shows a stop control process. The flowchart which shows a display combination search process. The flowchart which shows a bonus completion | finish check process. The flowchart which shows a bonus action check process. 11 is a flowchart showing periodic interrupt processing every 1.1 ms. The flowchart which shows the sub control process of a sub control circuit. The flowchart which shows the command input process of a subcontrol circuit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming machine 2 Front door 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 4L, 4C, 4R Main display window 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 12L, 12C, 12R Sub display window 13L, 13C, 13R Shutter 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
55 Shutter drive circuit 71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit

Claims (3)

A plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols arranged in a row on the outer peripheral surface;
A main symbol display section for displaying a partial region of the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of reels;
Of the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of reels, a sub-symbol display unit capable of displaying a region different from the region displayed by the main symbol display unit;
A start command means for outputting a game start command signal for commanding the start of a unit game in response to a start operation;
Start control means for changing the plurality of reels based on an output of the game start command signal, and starting a change display of the symbols in the main symbol display unit and the sub symbol display unit;
A winning combination determining means for determining at least one of a plurality of predetermined combinations as a winning combination based on the output of the game start command signal;
In response to a stop operation, a stop command means for outputting a stop command signal for commanding stop of variable display of symbols in the main symbol display unit and the sub symbol display unit,
In response to the output of the stop command signal, stop control means for stopping the variation of the plurality of reels and stopping the variation display of the symbols in the main symbol display unit and the sub symbol display unit,
Game medium payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game media for each combination of symbols according to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the main symbol display section by the stop control means;
Sub-symbol display unit shielding means for opening and closing the sub-symbol display unit;
An opening / closing control means for controlling opening / closing of the sub-symbol display unit shielding means according to a predetermined condition. When the change control of the symbols is stopped by the stop control means, the game state is changed from the first symbol combination displayed on the main symbol display section until the predetermined end condition is satisfied. A specific game state control means for making the specific game state relatively advantageous to the player,
When the combination of the first symbols is stopped and displayed on the main symbol display unit, the combination of the second symbols different from the combination of the first symbols is displayed on the sub-symbol display unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is provided on an outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of reels so as to be stopped. The sub-symbol display unit is composed of a plurality of display windows capable of transparently displaying only one symbol out of the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of reels,
The sub-symbol display unit shielding means is composed of a plurality of shielding members that open and close each of the plurality of display windows,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening / closing control means is capable of independently opening / closing each of the plurality of shielding members according to the predetermined condition.

Images