JP2009050609A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of making a plurality of players in a game parlor more interested in the play. <P>SOLUTION: A main control circuit 71 of the game machine 1 transmits a cherry operation signal to another game machine 1 connected to the game machine in such a way that the communication is possible when a cherry symbol combination is established as a display winning combination. A subordinate control circuit 72 of the game machine 1 receiving the cherry operation signal determines presentation data corresponding to common presentation to be executed in common among a plurality of game machines, and executes the presentation in a liquid crystal display device 131 based on the presentation data. <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 each reel so that the symbols are displayed in a variable manner. After a certain time, automatically or by the player's stop operation, Stop rotation sequentially. At this time, when the symbols of the reels appearing in the display window are in 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 gaming state is not better than the normal state for a predetermined period of time without completing one coin payout. As such a combination, a combination that can play a game that gives a relatively large profit to the player a predetermined number of times (referred to as “Big Bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “BB”) and a relatively small profit to the player There is a role that can play a predetermined number of games (referred to as “regular bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”).

  In addition, in current mainstream models, a combination of predetermined symbols is arranged along an activated formation line (hereinafter referred to as an “effective line”), and a winning in which coins, medals, etc. are paid out is 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 (the high importance of technical intervention called “to push”) are currently mainstream.

In such a gaming machine, a combination lottery means (110) for performing lottery of winning or losing a combination and a stop for performing stop control of the rotating reel based on the lottery result of the combination lottery means (110) A control means (180), and a winning determination means (200) for determining whether or not a winning is made according to the stop position of the symbol when rotation of all the rotating reels (40) is stopped. A feature is proposed in which the means (110) is formed so that a plurality of roles can be won in one game (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this gaming machine, a plurality of combinations (for example, BB and other combinations (chance combination)) can be won in one game. Therefore, when the chance combination wins, it can be expected that BB is won, and the interest of the player can be enhanced.
JP 2004-113292 A

  In such a gaming machine, when a chance combination is won, a chance effect is given to give the expectation that BB is also winning at the same time, thereby enhancing the interest of the player. However, the gaming machines for which the chance effect is performed are only the gaming machines that have won the chance role, and it is not possible to enhance the interest of the player who plays the game with other gaming machines.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that improves the interest of a plurality of players in a gaming store.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the present invention provides the following.

  (1) A gaming machine that is communicably connected to a plurality of gaming machines, and a plurality of display units (for example, display windows 4L, which will be described later) capable of variably displaying and stopping and displaying a plurality of types of symbols. 4C, 4R, etc.) (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which will be described later) and a start command means for outputting a game start command signal for instructing the start of a unit game in accordance with the start operation signal ( For example, a winning combination for determining a winning combination (for example, an internal winning combination to be described later, a carryover combination to be described later) from a plurality of predetermined combinations in accordance with the game start command signal. Means (for example, a means for performing internal lottery processing described later, a main control circuit 72, which will be described later), and a start control means (for example, start display of symbol variation by the symbol display means in response to the game start command signal) Stop to stop the variable display of the symbol based on the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means (the motor driving circuit 39 described later, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described later, the main control circuit 71 described later) and the like. A predetermined combination (for example, a cherry to be described later) is determined as a winning combination by a control unit (for example, a unit for performing reel stop control processing described later, a main control circuit 71 to be described later) and the winning combination determining unit. On the condition, a transmission means for transmitting a predetermined combination operation signal (for example, a cherry operation signal described later) to the plurality of gaming machines (for example, a means for transmitting a cherry operation signal to other gaming machines described later, main control described later) Circuit 71 and the like, production means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 131 to be described later), and production common to the plurality of gaming machines (for example, a common performance to be described later). Effect data storage means (for example, a control ROM 82 to be described later, a sub-control circuit 72 to be described later) that stores a plurality of effect data including common effect data to be performed, and the winning combination determining means. Based on the winning combination, effect determining means for determining one effect data from a plurality of effect data stored in the effect data storage means (means for performing an effect content determining process in FIG. 22 described later, sub-control circuit 72 described later) Etc.) and production control means (for example, a sub-control circuit 72 described later) for controlling the production means based on the production data determined by the production determination means. The condition that the predetermined combination operation signal is received (for example, the cherry operation signal is received, the lock command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72, and the common effect flag is turned on) The matter), game machines and determining the common effect data.

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), when the predetermined combination is determined as the winning combination, the transmission unit transmits a predetermined combination operation signal to a plurality of gaming machines connected to be communicable. When receiving the predetermined combination actuating signal, the effect determining means determines common effect data for performing an effect common to the effect means of the plurality of gaming machines. The effect control means controls the effect means based on the common effect data. Thus, when a predetermined combination is determined as a winning combination in one gaming machine among the plurality of gaming machines, an effect common to the plurality of gaming machines is performed.

  From the viewpoint of the player, it is possible to grasp that the predetermined combination is determined as the winning combination in any one of the plurality of gaming machines by performing the common effect. Therefore, even a player of a gaming machine whose predetermined combination is not determined as a winning combination, a game is played with an expectation that the predetermined combination is determined as a winning combination. For a player of a gaming machine in which a predetermined combination is determined as a winning combination, the player can have a sense of superiority to other players, while a game other than a gaming machine in which the predetermined combination is determined as a winning combination. For the next player, the next is to play games in the hope of having a sense of superiority. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the game of not only the player of the gaming machine whose predetermined combination is determined as the winning combination but also the player of the other gaming machine.

  (2) In the gaming machine according to (1), on the condition that the predetermined combination actuating signal is received, a predetermined period (for example, an end flag is set) after the variable display of symbols on all of the plurality of display units is stopped. Game start invalid means (for example, means for setting a lock flag, which will be described later on, described later) for invalidating the start of the variable display of symbols by the start control means) A main control circuit 71 and the like, and the effect control means controls the effect means based on the common effect data after the predetermined period has elapsed.

  According to the gaming machine described in (2), the game start invalidating unit invalidates the start of the variable display for a predetermined period when the predetermined combination actuating signal is received. The effect control means controls the effect means based on the common effect data after the elapse of the predetermined period. Thereby, when a predetermined combination actuating signal is received, a common effect based on the start of the game and the common effect data can be simultaneously performed in a plurality of gaming machines. Therefore, the interest of a plurality of players can be improved at the same time.

  (3) In the gaming machine described in (1) or (2), the stop control means stops the variable display of symbols in all of the plurality of display units, and a specific combination (for example, BB1, BB2, RB described later) Special advantageous state actuating means (for example, described later) that operates a special advantageous state (for example, RB gaming state described later) that is relatively advantageous to the player on the condition that the symbol combination corresponding to A gaming machine further comprising a main control circuit 71), wherein the predetermined combination is the specific combination.

  (3) According to the gaming machine described in (3), since the predetermined role is a specific role that triggers the operation of the special advantageous state, a plurality of players can be obtained by performing a common performance in a plurality of gaming machines. Can have the expectation that a particular role is a winning role. Therefore, the interest of a plurality of players can be improved.

  (4) In the gaming machine described in (1) or (2), the stop control means stops the variable display of symbols in all of the plurality of display units, and a specific combination (for example, BB1, BB2, RB described later) Special advantageous state actuating means (for example, described later) that operates a special advantageous state (for example, RB gaming state described later) that is relatively advantageous to the player on the condition that the symbol combination corresponding to The gaming machine further comprising a main control circuit 71), wherein the predetermined combination is a combination determined as the winning combination simultaneously with the specific combination.

  According to the gaming machine described in (4), since the predetermined combination is determined as the winning combination at the same time as the specific combination that triggers the operation of the special advantageous state, a common effect is provided in a plurality of gaming machines. By being performed, a plurality of players can have the expectation that a specific combination is a winning combination. Therefore, the interest of a plurality of players can be improved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which improves the interest of the some player of a game store can be provided.

  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.

  The housing 3 forming the entire gaming machine 1 includes a box-shaped cabinet 60 and a front door 2 that opens and closes the cabinet 60. On the left and right sides of the front door 2, front frame lamps 120L and 120R capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors are provided.

  The frame lamps 120L and 120R may be existing light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes (LED) and organic electroluminescence (organic EL) as long as they can emit at least green, yellow, blue, and red.

  Further, vertically long rectangular display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided in the approximate center of the front surface of the front door 2. The display windows 4L, 4C and 4R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as display lines, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in the diagonal direction.

  These display lines are activated by operating a BET switch 11 (to be described later) (hereinafter referred to as “BET operation”) or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22. The fact that the display line has been validated is indicated by 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 active lines (the activated display lines), thereby the predetermined combination. Will be established.

  The left reel display window frame lamp 121L provided to surround the left display window 4L, the central reel display window frame lamp 121C provided to surround the center display window 4C, and the right display window A right reel display window frame lamp 121R is provided so as to surround 4R. These reel display window frame lamps 121L, 121C, and 121R also emit light of at least green, yellow, blue, and red, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic electroluminescence (organic EL), similar to the frame lamps 120L and 120R. If possible, an existing light emitting element may be used.

  A plurality of reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotatably provided in a row on the back surface of the front door 2. In each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, a symbol row as identification information constituted by a plurality of types of symbols necessary for the game is drawn on each outer peripheral surface. The symbol of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is It can be visually recognized from the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Further, each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute), and the symbol row is variably displayed.

  Above the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a liquid crystal display device 131 and speakers 9L, 9R as image display means are provided. The liquid crystal display device 131 has a display surface larger than the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, and performs an effect by image display. The speakers 9L and 9R perform effects such as sound effects and sounds.

  A BET lamp 9 is provided on the left side of the 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 plane pedestal 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Within the horizontal plane of the pedestal 10, a medal slot 22 is provided on the right side, and a BET switch 11 is provided on the left side.

  By depressing the BET switch 11, the number of cards used for a unit game (one game) (that is, 3 when the bonus is not activated and 2 when the bonus is activated) ) Medals are inserted, and a 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, the reel is rotated by a player's turning operation, and a start lever 6 serving as a start operation means for starting display of symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Is rotatably attached within a predetermined angle range.

  Stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R as stop operation means for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R by a player's pressing operation are provided in the approximate center of the front surface portion of the pedestal portion 10, respectively. ing. In the embodiment, one game (unit game) basically starts when the start lever 6 is operated and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  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”.

  In front of the lower portion of the front door 2, a medal payout opening 15 for paying out medals and a medal receiving portion 16 for storing the payout medals are provided. A waist panel 20 with a design corresponding to the motif of the model is attached to the front surface of the lower part of the front door 2 between the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R and the medal receiving part 16. It has been.

  Such a gaming machine 1 is connected to a plurality of gaming machines 1 and a hall computer 300 via a network as shown in FIG. Thereby, it becomes possible to transmit / receive a predetermined signal between the plurality of gaming machines 1, and the hall computer 300 can manage the state of the gaming machine 1 (total number of medals paid out, error state, etc.). it can.

  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 of “0” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a ROM 32 (FIG. 4) described later as a data table. On each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, “red 7 (design 91)”, “blue 7 (design 92)”, “BAR (design 93)”, “bell (design 94)”, “watermelon (design 95) ) "," Cherry (symbol 96) "," Replay (symbol 97) ", and" Blank (symbol 98) ". Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  Here, RB (Regular Bonus), BB1 (Big Bonus 1), BB2 (Big Bonus 2), Watermelon, Bell, Cherry, and Replay are provided in the role of the embodiment.

  RB is a type 1 special agent. “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.

  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

  Hereinafter, BB1 and BB2 are collectively referred to as “BB”, and BB and RB are collectively referred to as “bonus”. Bells, watermelons, and cherries are collectively called “small roles”.

  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.

  Further, in the gaming state of the embodiment, an expected value of a so-called “play rate” (the number of medals to be paid out to the player with respect to the number of medals inserted to play a game) is larger than 1. There are a gaming state and a general gaming state in which the expected value of the “play rate” is smaller than 1. 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.

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

  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 that the RB operating flag is updated to ON is that RB is established or 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 when both the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are off. Further, the general gaming state is composed of a flag with a bonus 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.

  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 device 131, speakers 9L and 9R, LEDs 101 and a sub-control circuit 72 for controlling the lamps 102 is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program (FIGS. 15 to 17 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.

  The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 has an internal lottery table (FIGS. 7 and 8 to be described later) used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and a reel corresponding to the stop button operation. A stop table group for determining the 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 FIG. 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 driving circuit 39 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, a hopper driving circuit 41 for driving and controlling the hopper 40, and a lamp driving circuit 45 for driving and controlling 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 10S, 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 10 </ b> S 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 winning combination (internal winning combination data) indirectly associates the corresponding symbol combination with the profit given to the player through the stop control mode or display combination corresponding to the internal winning 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, a code number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated is provided for each code number. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Further, a symbol combination table (FIG. 10) is stored in the ROM 32. 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 (FIG. 7 described later) is selected, and 7 is determined as the number of lotteries. 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 7 is updated to 4 when it is between the flags. On the other hand, when the gaming state is the RB gaming state, an RB gaming state internal lottery table (FIG. 8 described later) is selected, and 3 is determined as the number of lotteries.

  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.

  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. 9, since the winning number corresponds to the winning combination, the internal lottery table stores information on the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the numerical 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. The internal winning combination is determined based on the winning number, the gaming state, the set value, and the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 9 described later).

  For example, a case where the general gaming state internal lottery table shown in FIG. 7 is referred to will be described. When the random value (R) extracted from the range of “0 to 65535” is “10050”, the information of the numerical range corresponding to the winning number 7 is that the lower limit (L) is “10160” and the upper limit (U) Therefore, first, a random number (R) “10050” −lower limit (L) “10160” is calculated for the winning number 7. This calculation result is 0 or less. Accordingly, since the random value (R) is not within the numerical range (L ≦ R ≦ U) corresponding to the winning number, if the extracted random value (R) is “10050”, the winning number 7 is illegal. .

  Then, for the winning numbers 6 to 1, the random number (R) “10050” −lower limit (L) and the random number (R) “10050” −upper limit (U) are calculated. 3 and winning number 5 will be won, and other winning numbers will be unfair. Therefore, when the extracted random number value is “10050”, the winning number 3 and the winning number 5 are won, and the cherry and BB1 corresponding to the winning number are determined as the internal winning combination.

  Here, the general gaming state internal lottery table of FIG. 7 will be examined in more detail. The numerical range corresponding to the winning number 3 (cherry) is the numerical range corresponding to the winning number 5 (BB1), the numerical range corresponding to the winning number 6 (BB2), and the numerical range corresponding to the winning number 7 (RB). Including. Therefore, when a cherry is determined as an internal winning combination, BB1, BB2, or RB may be simultaneously determined as an internal winning combination in addition to cherry. More specifically, BB1, BB2, or RB is determined as the internal winning combination with a probability of 240/300 when cherry is determined as the internal winning combination. When cherry and BB1, BB2, or RB are simultaneously determined as an internal winning combination, reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are controlled so that cherry is established as a display combination. Therefore, the player can have a high expectation that BB1, BB2, or RB is determined as the internal winning combination when Cherry is established as the display combination.

  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 winning combination shown corresponding to the winning number is information for identifying the internal winning combination, and is 1-byte data.

  For example, when the winning number is “0”, “00000000” is determined as the data of the internal winning combination. The internal winning combination corresponding to this data is losing. When the winning number is “1”, “00000001” is determined as the data of the internal winning combination. The internal winning combination corresponding to this data is Bell. When the winning number is “2”, “00000010” is determined as the 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 “7”.

  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 the three symbol stop positions connected by one effective line, and information on the number of payouts for each inserted number corresponding to the display combination. Yes. 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 cherry, out of the five active lines, “cherry (medium) -ANY-ANY” is arranged along the center line 8c, and “cherry (corner) along the effective lines excluding the center line”. ) -ANY-ANY ". “Cherry (Middle)” indicates “Cherry” stopped and displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L, and “Cherry (Corner)” indicates “Cherry” stopped and displayed in the upper or lower stage of the left display window 4L. ". 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, a symbol combination of “cherry (corner) -ANY-ANY” is established on 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, eight medals are paid out according to the symbol combination table, which is twice the number indicated by the symbol combination table.

  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, “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” 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.

  When the internal winning combination is RB, “BAR-BAR-BAR” may be arranged along the active line. In this case, the display combination is RB, and the RB is activated when the RB operating flag is turned on. At this time, the gaming state shifts to the RB gaming state.

  With reference to FIG. 11, the bonus operation time table will be described.

  The bonus operating time table 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.

  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 is a BB operating flag.

  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” refers to the number of remaining medals that can be paid out when the BB is operating. In the embodiment, when the BB operates, 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 to the winning possible number counter. This value is decremented by 1 each time a symbol combination corresponding to a small combination is displayed.

  With reference to (1) to (4) of FIG. 12, the internal winning combination, the carryover combination, the operating flag, and the storage area (storage area) of the gaming state will be described. These storage areas are provided in both the main control circuit 71 and the sub-control circuit 72.

  (1) of FIG. 12 shows an internal winning combination storing 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 cherry. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to replay. Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to BB1. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to BB2. Bit 6 is a storage area corresponding to RB. Bit 7 is an unused storage area.

  The display combination storage area in which the display combination data is stored is not shown, but has the same data structure as the internal winning combination storage area.

  (2) of FIG. 12 shows a carryover combination storage area. Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to BB1. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to BB2. Bit 6 is a storage area corresponding to RB. Bits 0 to 3 and bit 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.

  (3) of FIG. 12 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 RB operating flag. Bits 3 to 7 are unused storage areas.

  (4) of FIG. 12 shows a game state storage area. Bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to the RB gaming state. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to between flags in the general gaming state. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to non-flags in the general gaming state. Bits 3 to 7 are unused storage areas.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit 72. The main control circuit 71 controls the progress of a series of games such as determination of an internal winning combination and reel control, while the sub control circuit 72 relates to video, sound, light, or a combination of these. This is to control the production.

  The main control circuit 71 and the sub control circuit 72 are electrically connected by a harness or the like, and the sub control circuit 72 is based on various commands (such as a start command described later) transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Various processes such as determination and execution of production contents are performed.

  The sub control circuit 72 basically includes a sub CPU 81, a control ROM 82, an SDRAM 83, a rendering processor 84, a drawing SDRAM 85 (including the frame buffer 86), a driver 87, an A / D converter 88, and an amplifier 89. .

  As main actuators whose operations are controlled by the sub-control circuit 72, there are a liquid crystal display device 131, speakers 9L and 9R, and LEDs 101. Note that the LEDs 101 are not limited to decorative lamps (not shown) provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1, but also include back lamps provided inside the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The control ROM 82 basically includes a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area stores a sub CPU control program (FIGS. 20 to 23 described later).

  Specifically, an inter-base communication task for controlling communication with an operating system, a device driver, and the main control circuit 71, an LED control task for controlling light output by the LEDs 101, and sounds by the speakers 9L and 9R A voice control task for controlling the output of the image, an effect registration task for determining the content of the effect, and a drawing control for controlling the display of the video by the liquid crystal display device 131 based on the determined content of the effect Tasks are included.

  The data storage area stores a table storage area for storing various tables such as an effect table (FIG. 14 described later), a drawing control data storage area for storing animation data such as character object data, and sound data such as BGM and sound effects. Voice control data storage area, LED control data storage area for storing light lighting patterns, and the like.

  The sub CPU 81 controls the output of video, sound, and light in accordance with a control program stored in the control ROM 82 based on various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71.

  The SDRAM 83 is configured as a temporary storage unit for work when the sub CPU 81 executes a control program. The SDRAM 83 stores various information such as a production number described later. A storage area similar to that shown in FIG. 12 is also stored. Therefore, the sub-control circuit 72 can also determine the internal winning combination and the display combination.

  The rendering processor 84 is connected to the sub CPU 81 and performs rendering in accordance with a command output from the sub CPU 81. Data necessary for a task performed by the rendering processor 84 is expanded in the drawing SDRAM 85 at the time of activation. The drawn image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 131 through the driver 87.

  The A / D converter 88 is connected to the sub CPU 81 and converts music data from digital to analog in accordance with a command output from the sub CPU 81. When conversion to analog is performed by the A / D converter 88, sound is output from the speakers 9L and 9R via the amplifier 89.

  Further, the LEDs 101 are connected to the sub CPU 81, and light is output based on the signal and power output from the sub CPU 81.

  The common effect determination table will be described with reference to FIG. This table is referred to when the common effect flag is on. In the embodiment, when a plurality of gaming machines are connected to be communicable and a cherry is established as a display combination in any of these gaming machines, an effect common to all three games (common effects) is provided for all of the gaming machines. Done. The common effect flag is provided to determine whether or not to perform this common effect. When the common effect flag is on, the common effect is performed, and when the common effect flag is off, the common effect is performed. Absent.

  The common effect determination table includes information on the effect number corresponding to the common effect counter and the internal winning combination. The common effect counter is a counter that counts the number of games (unit games) in which the common effect is performed. The effect number is information for identifying the contents of the effect performed on the liquid crystal display device 131.

  When the common effect counter is 3, regardless of the internal winning combination, 1 is determined as the effect number, and the liquid crystal display device 131 performs an effect in which the character creates fireworks. When the common effect counter is 2, regardless of the internal winning combination, 2 is determined as the effect number, and the liquid crystal display 131 performs an effect of igniting the created fireworks. When the common effect counter is 1, when a bonus (BB1, BB2, or RB) is determined as an internal winning combination, 3-1 is determined as an effect number, and a bonus is determined as an internal winning combination. If not, 3-2 is determined as the production number. When the production number is 3-1, the liquid crystal display device 131 produces an effect in which the ignited fireworks are launched. When the production number is 3-2, the liquid crystal display device 131 produces the ignited fireworks. The production that fails is performed.

  As described above, the common effect is configured as an effect for notifying the bonus (3-1 and 3-2 are provided as effect numbers). Since such a common performance is performed by all of the plurality of gaming machines, a plurality of players who play a game with a plurality of gaming machines have an expectation that the bonus is determined as an internal winning combination. Play a game.

  Here, the common effect is performed when cherry is established as a display combination (see step S14 to step S17 in FIG. 16 described later, step S123 in FIG. 22, step S124). Further, as described above, when a cherry is established as a display combination, there is a high probability that a bonus is determined as an internal winning combination. Therefore, when a common performance is performed, the probability that a bonus is determined as an internal winning combination is high in at least one gaming machine.

  A player who has succeeded in launching fireworks with a common performance that continues for three games (a player whose bonus has been determined as an internal winning combination) is superior to other players. While other players can have a feeling, the next time they will play games in the hope that they will have a sense of superiority. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of a plurality of players who are playing with a plurality of gaming machines.

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

  With reference to FIG. 15, a main flowchart showing main processing executed by the main CPU (that is, CPU 31) will be described.

  When the power is turned on, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1), and proceeds to step S2. In this process, the CPU 31 checks whether the RAM 33 is normal or initializes the input / output port. In step S2, the CPU 31 clears the storage area below the designated address, and proceeds to step S3. Specifically, the CPU 31 erases / moves data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game, writes parameters necessary for the next game to the write area of the RAM 33, and executes a sequence program for the next game. Specify the start address. In step S3, a bonus operation monitoring process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S4. In this process, the CPU 31 starts the operation of the RB gaming state based on the BB operating flag.

  In step S4, it is determined whether or not the lock flag is on. The lock flag is information for determining whether or not a game (unit game) can be started. When the lock flag is on, the game cannot be started, and when the lock flag is off, the game can be started. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S4, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, a medal acceptance / start check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S6. In this process, the CPU 31 determines whether a start operation is possible based on the number of inserted sheets. In step S6, a random value is extracted and stored in a random value storage area, and the process proceeds to step S7. The random number value extracted in the process of step S6 is used in the internal lottery process (step S8).

  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, processing for maintaining the current gaming state is performed.

  In step S8, an internal lottery process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S9. In this process, the CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the random value stored in the random value storage area with reference to the internal lottery table (FIGS. 7 and 8). In step S9, the start command is stored, and the process proceeds to step S10. This start command includes information stored in various storage areas (see FIG. 12), and is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 by interrupt processing (see step S32 in FIG. 17).

  In step S10, the start of rotation of all reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, and the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, a reel stop control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S12. In this process, the CPU 31 executes a command related to the stop of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. In step S12, with reference to the symbol combination table (FIG. 10), the display combination, the number of payouts, etc. are determined based on the symbol combination displayed along the active line, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the display combination command is stored, and the process proceeds to step S14. This display combination command is stored in various storage areas (see FIG. 12) and transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 by interrupt processing (see step S32 in FIG. 17).

  In step S14, it is determined whether or not the display combination is cherry. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S15, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, a cherry activation signal is transmitted to another gaming machine, and the process proceeds to step S16. The cherry operation signal is a signal used for performing a common performance performed in common by a plurality of gaming machines.

  In step S16, the lock flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S17. Thus, when the display combination is cherry, the lock flag is turned on and the next game cannot be started (see step S4 in FIG. 15). In step S17, a lock command is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S18. The lock command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 by interrupt processing (see step S32 in FIG. 17). When receiving the lock command, the sub-control circuit 72 performs a common effect that is commonly performed by a plurality of gaming machines (see steps S123 to S125 in FIG. 22 and steps S131 to S133 in FIG. 23).

  Based on the medal payout number determined in step S18, medals are paid out, and the process proceeds to step S19. When the display combination is replay, medals are automatically inserted. In step S19, the bonus end number counter is updated based on the medal payout number determined in step S12, and the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, it is determined whether or not the BB operating flag is on. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S21, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S21, a bonus end check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S22. In this process, the operating flag is updated based on the updated bonus end number counter or the like. In step S22, a bonus operation check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S23. In this process, the operating flag is updated based on the display combination.

  In step S23, it is determined whether or not the lock flag is on. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S24, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In step S24, the game end flag is set on, and the process proceeds to step S25. The game end flag is information for determining whether or not the game has ended. In step S25, a game end signal is transmitted to another gaming machine, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. Thus, by transmitting and receiving a game end signal between gaming machines connected via a network, it is possible to manage that one game on another gaming machine has ended.

  With reference to FIG. 17, 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 S31), and proceeds to step S32. 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 S32, a communication data transmission process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S33. In this process, the stored various commands are transmitted to the sub control circuit 72.

  In step S33, a reel control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S34. 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 S34, 7SEG drive processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, a lamp driving process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, a timer management process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S37, an operation signal reception process described later with reference to FIG. 18 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S38. In step S38, a lock flag update process described later with reference to FIG. 19 is performed, and the periodic interrupt process is terminated.

  With reference to FIG. 18, the operation signal reception process will be described. This process is performed when a cherry is established as a display combination in another gaming machine that is communicably connected and a cherry activation signal is transmitted from the other gaming machine (step S15 in FIG. 16).

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a cherry operation signal has been received (step S41). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S42, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S38 in FIG. In step S42, the lock flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S43. In step S43, a lock command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S38 in FIG. As a result, even in a gaming machine that is communicably connected to a gaming machine whose display combination is cherry, the lock flag is turned on and the next game cannot be started. Note that a gaming machine in which the gaming state is the RB gaming state (during bonus) does not update the lock flag to ON even when the cherry operating signal is received.

  The lock flag update process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the game end flag is on (step S51). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S52, and when it is NO, the periodic interrupt process is terminated. In step S52, it is determined whether or not a game end signal has been received. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S53, and when it is NO, the periodic interrupt process is terminated. In step S53, the lock flag is set to OFF, and the periodic interrupt process ends.

  As described above, when a cherry is established as a display combination in one gaming machine among a plurality of gaming machines connected to be communicable, the lock flag is set on in gaming machines other than the bonus game among the plurality of gaming machines. (Step S16 in FIG. 16 and Step S42 in FIG. 18). Here, when the game (unit game) ends with the lock flag turned on, the game end flag is set to on and a game end signal is transmitted to other gaming machines (steps S24 and S25 in FIG. 16). ). When the game end flag is on (YES in step S51 in FIG. 19) and a game end signal is received from another gaming machine (YES in step S52 in FIG. 19), the lock flag is turned off. set.

  As a result, the lock flag set on in a plurality of communicably connected gaming machines can be set off simultaneously in the plurality of gaming machines, and the next game start time can be aligned. . In particular, when a cherry is established as a display role in one of a plurality of gaming machines connected to be communicable, a common presentation is performed on the plurality of gaming machines. Can be started simultaneously.

  Referring to FIG. 20, a main board communication task showing a sequence of processing performed by sub control circuit 72 (ie, sub CPU 81) in response to reception of a command from main control circuit 71 (ie, CPU 31). Will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 receives a command (step S101), and proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the command type is extracted, and the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, it is determined whether a command different from the previous one is received. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S104, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S101. In step S104, the message (for example, information on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71) is stored in the message queue, and the process proceeds to step S101.

  With reference to FIG. 21, an effect registration task showing a procedure of processing in which the sub CPU 81 registers data for performing an effect according to a command from the CPU 31 will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 extracts a message from the message queue (step S111), and proceeds to step S112. In step S112, it is determined whether or not there is a message. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S113, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S113, the game information is copied from the message, and the process proceeds to step S114. In this processing, for example, the sub CPU 81 performs processing such as copying display combination data from a display combination command to a predetermined storage area. In step S114, an effect content determination process described later with reference to FIG. 22 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S115. In this process, in accordance with the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71, effect data relating to the effect is registered. The effect data includes various data such as animation data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 131, sound data output from the speakers 9L and 9R, and data for lighting the LEDs 101, for example.

  In step S115, animation data is registered, and the process proceeds to step S116. In step S116, LED data is registered, and the process proceeds to step S111.

  The effect content determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not it is a start command reception time (step S121). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S122, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S123. In step S122, the effect lottery process described later with reference to FIG. 23 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S115 in FIG.

  In step S123, it is determined whether or not a lock command is received. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S124, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S126. In step S124, the common effect flag is set on, and the process proceeds to step S125. By setting the common effect flag to ON, effect data corresponding to the common effect is set in an effect lottery process described later.

  In step S125, 3 is set in the common effect counter, and the process proceeds to step S115 in FIG. In step S126, effect data is set based on the received command, and the process proceeds to step S115 in FIG.

  The effect lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the common effect flag is on (step S131). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S132, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S137. In step S132, with reference to the common effect determination table (FIG. 14), the effect number is determined based on the common effect counter and the internal winning combination, and the process proceeds to step S133.

  In step S133, effect data corresponding to the effect number is set, and the process proceeds to step S134. In step S134, the common effect counter is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S135. In step S135, it is determined whether or not the value of the common effect counter is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S136, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S115 in FIG. In step S136, the common effect flag is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S115 in FIG.

  In step S137, with reference to an effect determination table (not shown), an effect number is determined based on the internal winning combination, and the process proceeds to step S138. In step S138, effect data corresponding to the effect number is set, and the process proceeds to step S115 in FIG.

  Thus, when the lock command is received (the lock flag is set to ON) (step S124 in FIG. 22), the common effect flag is set to ON. When the lock flag is set to OFF and the next game starts and a start command is received (step S9 in FIG. 15), effect data for performing a common effect is set (steps S131 to 133 in FIG. 23). This common effect is performed for three games (until the common effect counter reaches 0).

  A display example of the liquid crystal display device 131 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the common effect counter is 3, 1 is determined as the effect number. Then, the effect that the character 200 creates fireworks is performed on the liquid crystal display device 131 ((1) in FIG. 24). This effect is performed by setting the lock flag to OFF, but in a plurality of gaming machines, the lock flag is set to OFF simultaneously. Therefore, this effect is performed simultaneously with a plurality of gaming machines.

  Then, when the next game is reached and the common effect counter becomes 2, 2 is determined as the effect number. Then, an effect of igniting the fireworks created by the character 200 is performed on the liquid crystal display device 131 ((2) in FIG. 24).

  Then, when the next game is reached and the common effect counter becomes 1, when the bonus is determined as the internal winning combination, 3-1 is determined as the effect number. Then, the liquid crystal display device 131 performs an effect in which the ignited fireworks are launched ((3) in FIG. 24).

  On the other hand, when the common effect counter is 1 and the bonus is not determined as the internal winning combination, 3-2 is determined as the effect number. Then, the liquid crystal display device 131 performs an effect that fails to launch the ignited fireworks ((4) in FIG. 24).

  As described above, when a cherry is formed as a display combination in one of the plurality of gaming machines, a common effect is continuously performed for three games thereafter. In this continuous performance, when the fireworks are successfully launched, it is possible to grasp that the bonus is determined as an internal winning combination. As described above, when a cherry is established as a display combination, there is a high probability that a bonus is determined as an internal winning combination. Therefore, when a common performance is performed, the probability that a bonus is determined as an internal winning combination in any of the gaming machines is high. Therefore, a plurality of players of a plurality of gaming machines can grasp that the probability that a bonus is determined as an internal winning combination is high in any gaming machine when a common presentation is performed, and shows a high interest in the common presentation. It will be.

  And, as a result of the common performance, a player who has succeeded in launching fireworks can have a sense of superiority to other players, while for other players, he will have a sense of superiority next. I expect to play games. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of a plurality of players in a plurality of gaming machines.

  In particular, this common effect is started simultaneously with a plurality of gaming machines. Therefore, the interest of a plurality of players in a plurality of gaming machines can be improved at the same time.

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

  In the embodiment, the common effect is performed when cherry is established as the display combination, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a common effect may be performed by determining cherry as an internal winning combination.

  In the embodiment, the bonus is also determined as an internal winning combination at a probability of 240/300 when cherry is determined as the internal winning combination, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when cherry is determined as the internal winning combination, the bonus may be determined as the internal winning combination at the same time. Thereby, when a common effect is performed, a bonus is always determined as an internal winning combination in at least one gaming machine among a plurality of gaming machines, so that the interest in the common effect is improved.

  In the embodiment, an internal lottery table is provided in which the numerical range corresponding to the winning combination is a continuous value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may make it provide the internal lottery table which shall contain the several value which does not continue the numerical value range corresponding to a combination.

  Further, in the embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is set with the first type special bonus (RB), but the second type special bonus and the second type special bonus are operated continuously. A continuous actuator can also be provided. The type 2 special combination is a combination that activates the condition device related to the prize regardless of the result of the internal lottery. It operates when determined in advance, and the result of one game is obtained. In some cases, the operation ends. Examples of the second type special combination include a so-called challenge game (CG) and / or a single challenge game (SCG). Moreover, what is called a challenge bonus (CB) can be mentioned in the accessory continuous operation apparatus which operates a 2nd type special accessory continuously.

  In addition to the gaming machine 1 as in the embodiment, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a parrot. Furthermore, the present invention is also applied to a game program in which the operation of the gaming machine 1 described above is simulated for a home game machine or a portable terminal (for a mobile phone, a portable game machine, etc.). Can run the game. In that case, a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a gaming machine. The figure which shows the structure of an amusement store. 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 gaming states The figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. The figure which shows a symbol combination table. The figure which shows a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. The figure which shows various storage areas. The block diagram which shows the structure of a sub control circuit. The figure which shows a common production | presentation determination table. The main flowchart of a main control circuit. The flowchart following FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing periodic interrupt processing every 1.1 ms. The flowchart which shows a process at the time of an operation signal reception. The flowchart which shows a lock flag update process. The flowchart which shows the main board | substrate communication task of a subcontrol circuit. The flowchart which shows the production registration task of a sub-control circuit. The flowchart which shows production content determination processing. The flowchart which shows production lottery processing. FIG. 6 shows a display example in a liquid crystal display device.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 2 front door 3L, 3C, 3R reel 6 start lever 7L, 7C, 7R stop button 30 microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 131 Liquid crystal display device

Claims (4)

A gaming machine that is communicably connected to a plurality of gaming machines,
A symbol display means having a plurality of display units capable of variably displaying and stopping and displaying a plurality of types of symbols;
Start command means for outputting a game start command signal for commanding start of a unit game in response to the start operation signal;
A winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination from a plurality of predetermined combinations according to the game start command signal;
In response to the game start command signal, start control means for starting the symbol variation display by the symbol display means,
Based on the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means, stop control means for stopping the change display of the symbol,
Transmission means for transmitting a predetermined combination operation signal to the plurality of gaming machines on the condition that the predetermined combination is determined as a winning combination by the winning combination determining means,
Directing means for performing,
Effect data storage means for storing a plurality of effect data including common effect data for performing effects common to the effect means of the plurality of gaming machines;
Effect determining means for determining one effect data from a plurality of effect data stored in the effect data storage means based on the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means;
An effect control means for controlling the effect means based on the effect data determined by the effect determining means,
With
The gaming machine characterized in that the presentation determining means determines the common presentation data on condition that the predetermined combination actuating signal is received. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
On the condition that the predetermined combination actuating signal is received, a game start that invalidates the start of symbol variation display by the start control means for a predetermined period after the symbol variation display on all of the plurality of display units is stopped. Further comprising invalidating means,
The gaming machine characterized in that the production control unit controls the production unit based on the common production data after the predetermined period has elapsed. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The special advantageous state that is relatively advantageous to the player is provided on the condition that the display of the variation of the symbols in all of the plurality of display units is stopped by the stop control means and the symbol combination corresponding to the specific combination is displayed. Further comprising special advantageous state actuating means for actuating,
The gaming machine characterized in that the predetermined combination is the specific combination. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The special advantageous state that is relatively advantageous to the player is provided on the condition that the display of the variation of the symbols in all of the plurality of display units is stopped by the stop control means and the symbol combination corresponding to the specific combination is displayed. Further comprising special advantageous state actuating means for actuating,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined combination is a combination determined as the winning combination at the same time as the specific combination.

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