JP2009106593A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which reduces a physical burden on a player when operating a touch panel when the touch panel is provided in the vicinity of a pattern display area. <P>SOLUTION: In a slot machine performing a quiz of selecting one of three choices as a mini game, on both of the sides and on the upper side of reel display windows 4L, 4C and 4R formed within the screen of a reel part display 2 where the touch panel 5 is provided on the surface of the screen, button image display areas BL, BR and a question display area QA are respectively set. A question sentence is displayed in a question display area QA, and three button images respectively displaying choices of an answer to the question sentence are displayed in display areas designated by the player out of the button image display areas BL and BR. According to operation by the player, the position of the button image displayed in the button image display area BL or BR is moved in a vertical direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a touch panel is provided on the screen surface of an image display device and an instruction content from a player is recognized based on a contact position on the touch panel.

  It is well known that there are pachinko machines and slot machines (so-called pachislot machines) as representative machines installed in amusement halls such as pachinko parlors. In these gaming machines, in order to improve the fun of the game, there are a lot of tastes in the effects of light such as sounds and lamps. There are also productions using the. In addition, some of these types of gaming machines have been proposed that can play different games (hereinafter referred to as mini-games) separately from the games originally provided by gaming machines. In some cases, the game originally provided by the gaming machine in accordance with the points made progresses in an advantageous manner for the player, thereby further enhancing the interest of the game.

  Here, in the case of a pachinko machine, the “game originally provided by a gaming machine” means that a pachinko ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a gaming area provided on a gaming board surface in which a large number of nails are implanted. A game in which a plurality of pachinko balls are paid out to a player when a pachinko ball falling in the game area enters a winning opening. In the case of a slot machine, after inserting a medal as a game medium into the slot machine, the start switch is operated to rotate a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols drawn thereon, and then the stop switch is operated to operate each of the reels. When a combination of symbols corresponding to any combination is displayed along the winning line when the reels are stopped, a game that gives the player a privilege (for example, a medal payout) (i.e., this game is slotted) Machine game). In the slot machine game, when a start switch is operated, a random number lottery (hereinafter referred to as an internal lottery) is performed for a plurality of predetermined roles in the slot machine. When a certain winning combination is won, reel stop control is performed such that when each reel is stopped, a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is stopped and displayed as much as possible along the winning line. Also, if you do not win any winning combination in the internal lottery, when you stop each reel, the reels will not be displayed in a way that will stop the symbol combination corresponding to any winning combination along the winning line. Stop control is performed.

  Among the slot machines that provide various effects such as sound, light, and character images as described above, and mini games, the various effects and settings of the mini games can be changed by the player touching the touch panel. Proposed. For example, in the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, a touch panel is provided on the surface of an image display unit that displays an effect image, and by touching the display positions of various keys displayed on the image display unit via the touch panel. The occurrence probability of various effects for the purpose of informing the internal lottery result, the reliability of the informed internal lottery result, and the like can be changed.

  In addition, the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a touch panel having a liquid crystal display, and by touching various virtual switches displayed on the liquid crystal display via the touch panel, sound output from the sound output device is output. The volume and brightness of the liquid crystal display can be adjusted. Furthermore, in the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 3, a role-playing game can be performed separately from the slot machine game. In the role-playing game, a plurality of ally character images are displayed immediately after the enemy character image is displayed. When a desired character image is touched through the touch panel among these ally character images, the touched ally character image and the enemy character image can be made to fight each other.

  Like the slot machines disclosed in each of the above-mentioned patent documents, when a touch panel and an image display device are used in combination as an input device for inputting a player's instruction, if the installation place of the image display device can be secured, It is not necessary to secure a place to install the input device, it can function as an input device only when an instruction from the player is required, and there is no moving part to prevent malfunction due to entry of dust and moisture The number of items that can be instructed and the size of the contact area that the instruction is considered to be valid can be clearly displayed. It has many features such as being able to change.

JP 2001-246047 A JP 2002-143372 A JP 2007-054312 A

  By the way, the layout of the above-mentioned front surface of the housing of the slot machine (the surface facing the player) is usually a medal tray that receives and stores medals paid out from the slot machine from the bottom to the top, and a rectangular waist portion. Panel (decorative panel with a pattern that matches the model name and motif), operation panel with start switch and stop switch, and symbol display area (reel display window) where the symbols drawn on the reel can be seen A front panel is formed, and an upper lamp, a speaker, and the like used for production are provided above the front panel (the uppermost part of the housing). Here, the above-described operation unit is provided substantially at the center in the vertical direction on the front surface of the housing. Also, in general, in a game arcade, slot machines are fixed and installed side by side in a horizontal row on a base and frame for mounting a game machine called an island, and a player sits on a chair installed in front of each slot machine Play games. At this time, although there is a slight variation due to individual differences, the player sees the symbol display area formed on the front panel horizontally or slightly with a small line of sight. Further, the player can operate the start switch and stop switch provided in the operation unit located directly below the front panel with a relatively easy posture without raising the elbow.

  Therefore, when the physical burden on the player is taken into consideration, it is preferable to provide the touch panel disclosed in each patent document described above on the operation unit or the waist panel. However, since the operation unit is already provided with various switches such as a start switch and a stop switch, it is difficult to secure a space for installing the touch panel. On the other hand, the lumbar panel can secure the installation space of the touch panel, but the button image (the content of the instruction to the slot machine and the image representing the contact area in which the instruction is considered to be valid. ) Display position is lower than the operation unit, the visibility is lowered. For this reason, the player may have to grasp the display position and display contents of the button image by bowing his head or turning his / her upper body in order to keep his viewpoint away from the slot machine. Therefore, when the touch panel is provided on the lower back panel, the physical burden at the time of operation may be small, but the overall operability including the operation of the start switch, the stop switch and the like may be lowered.

  Due to such structural limitations, it is most appropriate to provide the touch panel on the front panel (more specifically, in the vicinity of the symbol display area). However, in this case, the operation position with respect to the touch panel becomes high. The person will operate with the elbows raised, increasing the burden on the arms and shoulders.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce a physical burden when a player operates the touch panel when a touch panel is provided in the vicinity of the symbol display area. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has variable display means for variably displaying a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols in the housing, and the symbol stop display displayed when the variable display is stopped. A gaming machine that discharges the game medium according to an aspect, the storage member that is provided at a lowermost part of the housing and stores the game medium to be discharged, and a decoration member that is provided above the storage member An operating unit provided on the upper side of the decorative member, and provided with an instruction unit for instructing start and stop of variable display in the variable display unit according to an operation from the outside, and provided on the upper side of the operating unit. An image display device that displays an image on the screen, a touch panel that is provided on the surface of the screen of the image display device and that outputs position information according to a contact position from the outside, and is provided at a center position of the screen of the image display device. , A symbol display area for displaying a part of the symbol string variably displayed by the variable display means; a button image display area provided on the right and left sides of the symbol display area for displaying a button image; and the button image Button image display control means for displaying the button image in the display area, and the button image according to an external operation is provided on the button image display area provided on the right side of the symbol display area or on the left side. Display area instruction means for instructing which one of the displayed button image display areas to display, the display position of the button image displayed in the button image display area, and position information output from the touch panel Input processing means for performing processing, and the length of the button image display area in the vertical direction on the screen of the image display device is the pattern. The button image display control means displays the button image in the button image display area designated by the display area instruction means. The button image display control means is set to be longer than the vertical length of the display area. .

  Here, the variable display means is composed of, for example, a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface, and the symbols are variably displayed by rotating the reels, or each of the plurality of symbol rows is scrolled. This corresponds to an image display device to be displayed. The symbol stop display mode refers to, for example, a combination of symbols displayed when the rotation of a plurality of reels described above is stopped or when scroll display is stopped in the image display device. The button image is an image representing the content of the instruction to the gaming machine and the contact area where the instruction is considered to be valid. For example, the button image refers to an image imitating the button part of a push button switch. The number of button images displayed in the button image display area may be one or more.

  According to the present invention, the button image is displayed in the button image display area instructed by the display area instruction means in response to an external operation, among the button image display areas provided on the left and right of the symbol display area. Thus, the player can display a button image in a button image display area that is easy to operate with his / her dominant hand, for example, so even if a touch panel is provided near the symbol display area, the player can operate the touch panel. The physical burden on the player when playing can be reduced.

  In the gaming machine, the present invention further includes a movement instructing unit for instructing a moving direction of a display position of the button image in the button image display area in accordance with an external operation. The control means moves the display position of the button image displayed in the button image display area in the vertical direction of the screen of the image display device in response to an instruction from the movement instruction means.

  According to the present invention, when the movement instruction means instructs the movement of the button image displayed in the button image display area in accordance with an operation from the outside, The button image moves downward. Thereby, since the player can adjust the height of the display position of the button image according to his / her physique and preference, even if the touch panel is provided near the symbol display area, the touch panel The physical burden on the player when operating can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above gaming machine, the button image display control unit moves the button image by a predetermined distance in a direction corresponding to the instruction every time the movement instruction unit gives an instruction. It is characterized by letting.

  According to the present invention, for example, whenever the player operates the movement instruction means, the button image displayed in the button image display area moves upward or downward by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, by appropriately determining the predetermined distance, the height adjustment of the display position of the button image can be performed quickly and with little effort.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the gaming machine described above, the button image display control means continuously moves the button image in a direction corresponding to the instruction while the movement instruction means is instructed. It is a feature.

  According to the present invention, for example, while the player operates the movement instruction means, the button image displayed in the button image display area continuously moves (scrolls) upward or downward. Thereby, the player can finely adjust the display position of the button image, and can display the button image at a position more suited to his / her physique and preference.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when a touch panel is provided in the vicinity of the symbol display area, it is possible to reduce a physical burden when the player performs an operation on the touch panel.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine. FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. In the central portion of the slot machine 1, a reel unit display 2 (a portion of an area surrounded by a thick line in FIG. 1) is disposed. The reel unit display 2 is formed with reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R for visually recognizing symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided in the slot machine 1. In the image display areas other than these reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, an effect image for improving a sense of expectation for the game and an interest in the game, an image for executing a mini game described later, and the like are displayed. The Therefore, the reel unit display 2 corresponds to an image display device that displays an image. Further, a touch panel 5 having the same size as the screen size is affixed to the surface of the screen of the reel unit display 2, and when the player touches the touch panel 5, the touch panel displays position information (coordinates) corresponding to the touched position. Data). Since the structure of the reel unit display 2 is the same as that of the prior art, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided in a horizontal row in the slot machine 1 so as to be freely rotatable. In addition, on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, as shown in FIG. 2, a symbol row in which 21 symbols composed of eight types of symbols are arranged at equal intervals is drawn. In FIG. 2, the symbols constituting each symbol row include “Bell” symbol BE, Blank symbol BL, “Red Cherry” symbol RC, “Plum” symbol PL, “Watermelon” symbol WM, and “Red 7” symbol. There are RS, “peach cherry” design PC, and “blue 7” design BS. Among these symbols, “Bell” symbol BE is based on yellow, “Red Cherry” symbol RC and “Red 7” symbol RS are based on red, “Plum” symbol PL and “Blue 7”. The color of the design BS is based on blue, the color of the “watermelon” design WM is based on green, and the color of the “peach cherry” design PC is based on pink. The “red cherry” symbol RC and the “peach cherry” symbol PC are symbols having the same shape but different colors. In each symbol row, a broken line indicates a region occupied by one symbol (hereinafter referred to as a symbol region), but this broken line is illustrated for explaining the symbol region. Not drawn on the reel. The blank symbol BL means a symbol region in which no symbol is drawn, but for convenience of explanation, it is referred to as a blank “symbol”. Each symbol constituting each symbol row is assigned a unique number (hereinafter referred to as symbol number).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the player views three consecutive symbols in the symbol row of each reel shown in FIG. 2 through the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R while the reel is stopped. be able to. That is, when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, 3 (design) × 3 (reel) = 9 symbols are displayed to the player through the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Further, when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate, the symbols drawn on the reels move downward from above in the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. That is, the symbol sequence drawn on each reel appears to move in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 in the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Therefore, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R correspond to variable display means for variably displaying the symbol row, and the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R correspond to a symbol display area.

  Further, the slot machine 1 determines whether or not any combination is achieved based on the symbols displayed in the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R when the rotation of the three reels is stopped (hereinafter, a prize is awarded). A winning line is defined as a reference for making a judgment. That is, five winning lines crossing the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are determined in advance, and according to combinations of symbols stopped and displayed on the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R along these winning lines, It is determined whether or not a winning combination has been established (hereinafter, this determination is referred to as winning determination). As the winning lines, as shown in FIG. 1, a right rising line L1, an upper stage line L2, a middle stage line L3, a lower stage line L4, and a right lowering line L5 are determined in advance. Among these winning lines, a winning line (hereinafter referred to as an effective line) used as a reference when performing a winning determination is determined according to the number of medals (game media) inserted into the slot machine 1 in one game. Change. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a maximum of three medals can be inserted in one game, and when a game is performed with one medal inserted, only the middle stage line L3 becomes an effective line. . In addition, when a game is played with two medals inserted, the three winning lines of the upper stage line L2, the middle stage line L3, and the lower stage line L4 are effective lines. Further, when a game is played with three medals inserted, all the winning lines L1 to L5 become effective lines.

  On the lower side of the reel unit display 2 and on the front right side of the slot machine 1, a medal slot 6 for inserting medals into the slot machine 1 is provided. As described above, the medal slot 6 is inserted. The effective line is determined according to the number of medals awarded. When three medals are inserted and then medals are continuously inserted, the medals inserted after the fourth are stored in the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 can store up to 50 medals.

  A pedestal 7 is formed on the left side of the medal slot 6 over the front left end of the slot machine 1. On the right side of the upper surface of the pedestal portion 7, there is provided a game information display portion 8 for displaying information relating to games played in the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the game information display unit 8 includes 7-segment indicators 8a and 8b capable of displaying 2-digit numbers, and six LEDs 8c to 8h. The 7-segment display 8a displays the number of medals stored in the slot machine 1. Therefore, the 7-segment display 8a is hereinafter referred to as a stored number display 8a. The 7-segment display 8b displays the number of medals to be paid out to the player when a winning combination is established. Therefore, the 7-segment display 8b is hereinafter referred to as a payout number display 8b. LEDs 8c, 8d, and 8e are provided on the right side of the payout number display 8b. These LEDs 8c, 8d, and 8e indicate the number of medals inserted in one game according to the number of lighting. When only one medal is inserted, only the LED 8e is lit, and when two medals are inserted, the LED 8e and 8d is turned on, and when three pieces are inserted, the LEDs 8e, 8d, and 8c are turned on. Hereinafter, the LED 8c is referred to as a 3BET lamp, the LED 8d is referred to as a 2BET lamp, and the LED 8e is referred to as a 1BET lamp.

  LEDs 8f, 8g, and 8h are provided on the left side of the stored number display 8a. The LED 8f blinks when the slot machine 1 is in a state where a medal can be inserted, and turns off when the slot machine 1 is in a state where it cannot be inserted (for example, while a game is being performed). Therefore, below, LED8f is called an insert lamp. The LED 8g is lit when a replay combination described later is established, and informs the player that the next game to be started is a re-game. Therefore, below, LED8g is called a re-game display lamp. Further, the LED 8h is lit when a medal is inserted into the slot machine 1, and informs the player that the game can be started (that is, the operation of the start switch 15 described later is valid). Therefore, below, LED8h is called a start lamp.

  Returning to FIG. 1, a MAX-BET switch 9, a 1-BET switch 10, and a 2-BET switch 11 are provided on the left side of the above-described game information display unit 8 in order from the right in the figure. Each of these BET switches is a switch for inserting medals stored in the slot machine 1 into the slot machine 1, and the 1-BET switch 10 is in a state where three or more medals are stored in the slot machine 1. When operated, one coin is inserted from the stored medals every time it is operated, and when the 2-BET switch 11 is operated, two medals are inserted at a time, and the MAX-BET switch 9 is turned on. When operated, three medals are inserted into the slot machine 1 at a time. In this way, by operating the various BET switches 9 to 10, medals are inserted into the slot machine 1 in the same manner as when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 6, and according to the number of inserted medals. As described above, the effective line is determined. Further, between the above-described MAX-BET switch 9 and 1-BET switch 10, a selection switch 12 that is operated to adjust the display position of a button image (details will be described later) displayed on the reel unit display 2 and A decision switch 13 is provided.

  Stop switches 14L, 14C, and 14R are arranged on the vertical surface of the pedestal portion 7 and substantially at the center of the front surface of the slot machine 1 so as to correspond to the lower sides of the reel display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, respectively. These stop switches 14L, 14C, and 14R correspond to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively. For example, when the stop switch 14L is pressed, stop control of the left reel 3L is performed by a main control unit described later. Is called. Similarly, stop control of the middle reel 3C is performed when the stop switch 14C is pressed, and stop control of the right reel 3R is performed when the stop switch 14R is pressed. Thereby, the stop switches 14L, 14C, and 14R correspond to stop instruction means. On the left side of the stop switches 14L, 14C, 14R, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated by a tilting operation by the player, and a start for changing the symbols displayed on the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is started. A switch 15 is provided. The start switch 15 corresponds to start instruction means. The pedestal portion 7 provided with the stop switches 14L, 14C, 14R and the start switch 15 corresponds to an operation portion.

  Below the pedestal 7, a waist panel 16 on which a model name given to the slot machine 1 and a pattern such as a character in accordance with the concept of the slot machine 1 is drawn is arranged. The waist panel 16 corresponds to a decorative member. A medal discharge switch 17 for discharging medals stored in the slot machine 1 is provided on the left side of the waist panel 16. Further, a medal discharge port 18 is provided on the lower side of the lumbar panel 16 (the lowermost part of the front of the slot machine 1). As a result of playing the game in the slot machine 1, when winning a prize, and in the slot machine 1 When the medal discharge switch 17 is pressed while the medal is stored, the medal is discharged from the medal discharge port 18 and stored in the medal tray 19. Therefore, the medal tray 19 corresponds to a storage member that stores medals discharged from the slot machine 1. At the top of the slot machine 1, there is provided an upper lamp 20 that emits light in a light emission pattern according to the game situation, and performs production and notification. Further, below the upper lamp 20, a left speaker 21L and a right speaker 21R that output operation sounds, performance sounds, notification sounds, and the like according to the game situation are arranged.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the structure of the main control part which controls the game in the slot machine 1 is demonstrated. In this figure, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The main control unit 30 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 31 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 31 includes a main CPU 32, a program ROM 33, a control RAM 34, and an I / O port 35. The program ROM 33 stores a game control program executed by the main CPU 32 and various tables referred to in the process of executing the game control program.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 9, contents of main tables stored in the program ROM 33 will be described. FIG. 5 is a symbol arrangement table showing information related to each symbol row shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a combination data indicating a predetermined combination and a combination won in the internal lottery in the game provided by the slot machine 1. FIG. 7 shows an internal lottery table in which the winning probability of each combination in the internal lottery is determined. FIG. 7 is a symbol combination table that defines the correspondence between the contents of 8 is an internal winning combination determination table that is referred to when converting the result of the internal lottery into data corresponding to a specific type of winning combination (hereinafter referred to as internal winning combination data). FIG. 9 is the end of the RB game. The contents of the bonus operation time table including data on conditions (described later) are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the symbol arrangement table corresponds to the symbol numbers assigned to the 21 symbols drawn on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R shown in FIG. 2, and the symbol numbers. A numerical value (symbol code) indicating the type of symbol is associated with the symbol. The symbol code is 1-byte data, “Red 7” symbol RS is “1” in decimal, “Blue 7” symbol BS is “2” in decimal, and “Watermelon” symbol WM is “3” in decimal. ”,“ Bell ”symbol BE is decimal number“ 4 ”,“ Red Cherry ”symbol RC is decimal number“ 5 ”,“ Peach Cherry ”symbol PC is decimal number“ 6 ”, and“ Plum ”symbol PL is 10. The decimal number is “7”, and the blank symbol BL is “8” in decimal. In FIG. 4, the value of the above-described symbol code is represented by a binary number.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the symbol combination table includes a symbol combination displayed along the active line when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, data indicating a predetermined combination of roles, The number of medals to be paid out when each combination is established is associated with each other. That is, when the symbol combination shown in FIG. 6 is stopped and displayed along any one of the effective lines, a combination corresponding to the symbol combination is established, and any symbol combination is not stopped and displayed. Becomes “losing”. There are eight types of roles: “small role 1”, “small role 2”, “small role 3”, “small role 4”, “replay”, “RB1”, and “RB2”. Here, in the symbol combinations corresponding to “small role 1” and “small role 2”, “ANY” is illustrated as the symbol of the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R. Even if is stopped, it indicates that the winning combination is established. That is, in the left reel 3L, when the “red cherry” symbol RC stops along one of the active lines, “small role 1” is established, and when the “peach cherry” symbol PC stops, “small role 2” "Is established.

  Among the above-mentioned combinations, when “small combination 1”, “small combination 2”, “small combination 3”, and “small combination 4” are established, medals corresponding to the combination according to the contents of the symbol combination table shown in FIG. The number will be paid out to the player. In addition, when “replay” is established, in the next game, the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the game in which the “replay” is established are automatically inserted into the slot machine 1, and the player It is possible to play another game (that is, re-game) without consuming the owned medals. Furthermore, when “RB1” or “RB2” is established, an RB game is started from the next game, and a game in which “small role 3” is established with high probability until a predetermined end condition (described later) is satisfied. Can do. Hereinafter, “RB1” and “RB2” are collectively referred to as a bonus combination.

  Further, in the slot machine 1, when the RB game is finished, a transition is made to a replay time (hereinafter referred to as RT) in which “replay” is established with a high probability. This RT is continued until a predetermined number of games are performed or one of the “small role 1”, “RB1”, and “RB2” roles is established, during which the probability that “replay” is established increases. Therefore, the player can play the game while suppressing consumption of medals. Therefore, if it can be avoided that the symbol combination corresponding to “small role 1” is stopped and displayed along the active line during RT, the predetermined number of games is consumed until the RB game is started. Until then, RT can be continued. That is, RT (a state in which a game can be performed while suppressing consumption of medals) can be prolonged as much as possible. Hereinafter, the state during the RB game is referred to as the RB gaming state, the state during the RT is referred to as the RT gaming state, and the states other than the RB gaming state and the RT gaming state are referred to as the general gaming state.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the internal lottery table is generated from each winning number and a random number generator 38, which will be described later, and is sampled by the sampling circuit 39 (the generation range of random values is “0” to “65535”) are associated with a lower limit value and an upper limit value for determining which winning number corresponds to the winning number. That is, for example, in a game played with three medals inserted, when an internal lottery is performed using the internal lottery table shown in FIG. 7A, a random number value “2564” is sampled by the sampling circuit 39. If it is, the result of the internal lottery is that the winning number is “7”. If the sampled random number value does not belong to any numerical range defined by the internal lottery table, the winning number is determined to be “0”. In FIGS. 7A to 7C, the column “width” indicates a value obtained by subtracting the lower limit from the upper limit corresponding to each winning number and adding 1. . Therefore, a value obtained by dividing the value shown in the “width” column by the number of random values that can be generated (65536) is the winning probability of each winning number.

  Here, FIG. 7A shows an internal lottery table used when the slot machine 1 is in a general gaming state, and the winning numbers “1” to “1” A lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to “7” are defined, and the winning probability of each winning number increases as the number of inserted sheets increases. FIG. 7B shows an internal lottery table used in the RT gaming state, and the winning probability of the winning number “5” is higher than that in the general gaming state. The winning numbers other than the winning number “5” have the same winning probability as in the general gaming state. FIG. 7C shows an internal lottery table used in the RB gaming state, and the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning numbers “1” to “4” are defined. As a result, in the RB gaming state, the winning numbers “5” to “7” that are the targets of the internal lottery in the general gaming state and the RT gaming state are not subject to the internal lottery. Further, the winning probability of the winning number “3” is higher than the internal lottery table used in the general gaming state and the RT gaming state.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, in the internal winning combination determination table, flag data actually stored in the control RAM 34 as a result of the internal lottery is determined for each of the winning numbers “0” to “7”. ing. This flag data is represented in binary in the “data” column of the table shown in FIG. 8, and is composed of 1-byte data as shown in this figure. Also, the winning number “0” is “losing”, the winning number “1” is “small role 1”, the winning number “2” is “small role 2”, the winning number “3” is “small role 3”, and the winning number “4” corresponds to “small role 4”, the winning number “5” corresponds to “replay”, the winning number “6” corresponds to “RB1”, and the winning number “7” corresponds to “RB2”. Further, the winning numbers “1” to “7” shown in FIG. 8 correspond to the winning numbers shown in FIG. Therefore, it can be seen that the winning probability of “replay” is high in the RT gaming state (see FIG. 7B). Also, in the RB gaming state, the winning probability of “small role 3” is high, and it can be seen that “replay”, “RB1”, and “RB2” are not subject to lottery (see FIG. 7C). ).

  Next, the bonus operation time table shown in FIG. 9 defines the data stored in the respective storage areas previously defined in the control RAM 34 when the RB game is started. In other words, in the control RAM 34, an operating flag possible area in which data indicating that the RB gaming state is stored, and a game possible number in which data for counting the number of games played during the RB game are stored are stored. A count area and a winning count count area in which data for counting the number of times a winning combination is established during the RB game are stored are defined. When the start of the RB game is determined, a value “00000001” in binary is stored in the operating flag storage area of the control RAM 34 as shown in FIG. 9, and “12” is stored in the possible game count area. Is stored, and “8” is stored in the winning count count area. As a result, after the transition to the RB game, every time a game is played, the value stored in the possible game count area is decremented by 1, and every time a winning combination is established, it is stored in the possible win count count area. One value is subtracted by one. When the value stored in any one of these count areas becomes “0”, the RB game ends and the process proceeds to RT. Accordingly, it can be said that the RB game end condition is stored in the bonus operation time table.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, main storage areas for data relating to games provided in the control RAM 34 will be described. Here, FIG. 10A shows the contents of the internal winning combination storing area in which the flag data obtained by the internal winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 7 is stored as a result of executing the internal lottery. Yes. FIG. 10B shows the contents of the carryover combination storage area in which the flag data is stored only when “RB1” or “RB2” is determined in the internal lottery. FIG. 10C shows the contents of the operating flag storage area described above.

  The internal winning combination storage area shown in FIG. 10A has an 8-bit storage area from bit 0 to bit 7. In the figure, bit 0 is the least significant bit (the same applies to other storage areas shown in FIG. 10). ). Therefore, as apparent from the internal winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 8, when the internal lottery results in “losing”, bits 0 to 7 are all “0”. In addition, when winning “small role 1” in the internal lottery, only bit 0 wins “1”. When winning “small role 2”, only bit 1 wins “1” and “small role 3”. When only bit 2 wins “1” and “small role 4”, only bit 3 wins “1”, and when “replay” wins, only bit 4 wins “1” and “RB1” When only bit 5 wins “1” and “RB2” is won, only bit 6 becomes “1”. Bit 7 is always “0”. Therefore, from a different perspective, each of the bits 0 to 6 can be said to be a winning combination flag storage area indicating whether or not the corresponding combination is won by internal lottery. The data in the internal winning combination storing area is cleared every time one game is completed.

  In addition, the carryover combination storage area shown in FIG. 10B also has an 8-bit storage area from bit 0 to bit 7, and when “RB2” is won by internal lottery, only bit 6 is “1”, “ When “RB1” is won, only bit 5 is “1”, and other bits are always “0”. When “1” is stored in bit 5 or bit 6, the state is maintained until the RB game is started, and is cleared when the RB game is started. Therefore, when the internal winning combination (“RB1” or “RB2”) that will start the RB game is determined, the state of the winning combination flag is carried over until the RB game is started. . Therefore, “RB1” and “RB2” are also referred to as “carryover”. In addition, while “1” is stored in bit 5 or bit 6 of the carryover combination storage area, it corresponds to the bit in which “1” is stored in the internal winning combination storage area regardless of the random number value to be sampled. The role to play is also regarded as an internal winning role. That is, for example, when “1” is stored in bit 6 of the carryover combination storage area and “1” is stored in any bit of the internal winning combination storage area shown in FIG. Both the combination corresponding to the bit and “RB2” are regarded as internal winning combinations. Furthermore, since the carryover combination is determined based on the internal winning combination, it can be said to be a subordinate concept of the internal winning combination.

  In the operating flag storage area shown in FIG. 10C, “1” is stored in bit 0 when the RB game is being played, and bit “0” is set when the RB game is not being played. Stored. Bits 1 to 7 always store “0”.

  Returning to FIG. 4, a clock pulse generation circuit 36, a frequency divider 37, a random number generator 38, and a sampling circuit 39 are connected to the main CPU 32. The clock pulse generation circuit 36 and the frequency divider 37 generate a reference clock signal and an interrupt signal, respectively. Based on these signals, the main CPU 32 performs game control processing, interrupt processing, and the like, which will be described later. The random number generator 38 generates a random number within a certain range (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 39 samples one random number value from the random number generated by the random number generator 38 when the start switch 15 shown in FIG. 1 is tilted by the player.

  In FIG. 4, the main output devices whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 31 include various displays such as the game information display unit 8, a hopper 51 for storing medals (a drive unit for payout) Stepping motors 25L, 25C, and 25R for rotationally driving the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The microcomputer 31 drives and controls various BET lamps 8c to 8e, an insert lamp 8f, a replay display lamp 8g, and a start lamp 8h via the LED drive circuit 41. Further, the microcomputer 31 drives and controls the stored number display unit 8a and the payout number display unit 8b via the display unit driving circuit 42, respectively.

  Further, the microcomputer 31 drives and controls the hopper 51 by outputting a drive command to the hopper drive circuit 43, and drives the stepping motors 25L, 25C, and 25R by outputting a drive pulse signal to the motor drive circuit 44. Control. The various drive circuits described above are connected to the main CPU 32 via the I / O port 35 described above, and each receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the main CPU 32 to operate the corresponding output device. Control. That is, when a drive command is output from the microcomputer 31, the hopper drive circuit 43 supplies a drive current to the drive unit of the hopper 51 to pay out medals to the hopper 51, and when the output of the drive command stops, The supply of drive current is stopped, and the payout of medals from the hopper 51 is stopped. The medals paid out from the hopper 51 are discharged to the medal tray 19 from the medal discharge port 18 shown in FIG.

  Further, each time the driving pulse signal corresponding to each stepping motor is output from the microcomputer 31, the motor driving circuit 44 rotates the corresponding stepping motor one step at a time. Further, the main CPU 32 counts the number of drive pulses output to each stepping motor, and the reel index provided only at a predetermined place on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R detects the reel position. When the index detection signal detected by the circuit 45 and corresponding to the index detection signal is output from the reel position detection circuit 45 to the main CPU 32 via the I / O port 35, the main CPU 32 calculates the number of drive pulses counted. clear. As a result, the main CPU 32 counts the number of drive pulses output to the stepping motors 25L, 25C, and 25R to thereby determine the position of each reel in the rotation direction (reel position based on the position where the reel index is detected). It can also be said to be a rotation angle.

  Specifically, gears (not shown) that transmit the rotation of the stepping motors 25L, 25C, and 25R to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at a predetermined reduction ratio are provided, and the stepping motors 25L, 25C, and 25R include On the other hand, when 16 drive pulse signals are output, one symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each reel is rotated. Accordingly, since 21 symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each reel, the main CPU 32 has 21 (the number of symbols) × 16 (the number of drive pulses required to rotate by one symbol) = 336. When the drive pulse is output, the reel rotates once.

  Note that the number of drive pulses output to the stepping motors 25L, 25C, and 25R described above is stored in a pulse count area provided in the control RAM 34, and the main CPU 32 has a numerical value stored in the pulse count area. Each time it becomes a multiple of 16, the numerical value stored in the symbol count area provided in the control RAM 34 is incremented by one. The symbol count area is provided corresponding to each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and the value stored in the area is cleared each time an index detection signal is output from the reel position detection circuit 45. . Here, the above-described reel index is determined when the center position of the symbol area corresponding to any one symbol number in each symbol row shown in FIG. 2 matches the middle line L3 shown in FIG. It is provided at a position detected by the position detection circuit 45. Thus, if the symbol corresponding to the position where the reel index is provided is the symbol of symbol number “0” in each symbol row shown in FIG. 2, the value stored in the symbol count area described above is currently It can be considered that the symbol number is located on the line L3. The main CPU 32 can recognize the type of symbol displayed in the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R based on the value stored in the symbol count area.

  Next, as a main input device for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 31 to generate a control command, a stop switch 14L, 14C, 14R, a medal sensor 6S for detecting a medal inserted into the medal slot 6 , BET switches 9, 10, 11, start switch 15, and medal discharge switch 17. Signals output from these switches are output to the main CPU 32 via the I / O port 35. For the stop switches 14L, 14C, and 14R, a stop instruction signal corresponding to the stop switch pressed by the player is output from the reel stop signal circuit 52 and output to the main CPU 32 via the I / O port 35. The

  The main CPU 32 also receives a signal output from a medal detection unit 53 that detects medals paid out by the hopper 51. The medal detection unit 53 outputs a detection signal to the payout signal generation circuit 46 in the main control unit 30 every time the hopper 51 ejects one medal. Accordingly, the payout signal generation circuit 46 outputs the detection signal output from the medal detection unit 53 to the main CPU 32 via the I / O port 35, and the main CPU 32 outputs the number of detection signal outputs (the hopper 51 has paid out). When the number of medals reaches a target number of times (for example, the number of payouts corresponding to the established combination or the number of medals stored in the slot machine 1), a drive command to the hopper drive circuit 43 Stops output. Further, the main CPU 32 transmits various information (commands) related to the game being executed in the slot machine 1 to the sub control unit 60 via the sub control unit communication port 47 connected to the I / O port 35. To do. Then, based on these commands, the sub-control unit 60 executes an effect and a mini game based on images and sounds, as will be described later.

  Next, the configuration of the sub-control unit 60 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 30 controls the progress of a series of games, such as determination of internal winning combination and reel control, while the sub control unit 60 is a combination of images, sounds, lights, or combinations thereof. The output is controlled to produce a game played in the slot machine 1. The main control unit 30 and the sub control unit 60 are electrically connected by a harness or the like, and the sub control unit 60 performs various operations such as determination and execution of effect contents based on various commands transmitted from the main control unit 30. Process. Further, the sub-control unit 60 controls the mini-game different from the game originally played in the slot machine 1, and the touch panel 5 and the reel used as an input device for inputting an instruction from the player in the mini-game. Control relating to the display position of the button image (image imitating the button part of the push button switch) displayed on the unit display 2 is also performed.

  The sub control unit 60 includes a sub CPU 61, a control ROM 62, a RAM 63, an I / F circuit 64, an image control unit 65, a musical sound control unit 66, and a lamp driver 67. The control ROM 62 is mainly composed of a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area stores an effect control program. Specifically, an operating system, a device driver, an inter-board communication task for performing reception control of various commands transmitted from the main control unit 30, and a light output by the upper lamp 20 (see FIG. 1) are controlled. Based on the LED control task, the voice control task for controlling the sound output from the speakers 21L and 21R, the effect registration task for determining the content of the effect (such as effect data described later), and the content of the determined effect A drawing control task for controlling an image to be displayed on the reel unit display 2 is included. In addition to the effect control program, a mini game control program for performing control related to the above-described mini game, a button image display control program for performing control related to the display position of the button image described above, and the like are also stored. Yes.

  The data storage area of the control ROM 62 includes a table storage area for storing various tables relating to the determination of the contents of the effect, a drawing control data storage area for storing animation data such as the character object data including the button images described above, BGM and sound effects Voice control data storage area for storing sound data, etc., LED control data storage area for storing light lighting patterns, etc., and various control data for storing the above-described mini game control data, button image display position, etc. Consists of a data storage area.

  The RAM 63 stores various commands transmitted from the main control unit 30 and is used as temporary storage means for work during the execution process of the effect control program described above by the sub CPU 61. Further, the RAM 63 stores the type of game state (general / RB / RT) and the value of the RT game number RT in the slot machine 1 according to the command transmitted from the main control unit 30. Furthermore, various random values generated by the sub CPU 61 and referred to in the above-described mini game, the value of the point Pt acquired in the mini game, the coordinate data output from the touch panel 5, and the designated coordinate data for designating the display position of the button image Etc. are memorized. The I / F circuit 64 receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit 30 and outputs the received commands to the sub CPU 61. The image controller 65 includes a rendering processor 651, an SDRAM 652 having a frame buffer, and a liquid crystal driver 653. The rendering processor 651 is connected to the sub CPU 61 and performs rendering in accordance with a command output from the sub CPU 61. Data necessary for a task performed by the rendering processor 651 is expanded in the SDRAM 652 at the time of activation. Then, pixel array data corresponding to an image created by rendering is transferred to the frame buffer and output to the reel unit display 2 via the liquid crystal driver 653.

  The tone control unit 66 includes a D / A converter 661 and a power amplifier 662. The D / A converter 661 converts sound data read from the sound control data storage area of the control ROM 62 by the sub CPU 61 into an analog sound signal and outputs the analog sound signal to the power amplifier 662. The power amplifier 662 amplifies the analog audio signal output from the D / A converter 661 and outputs it to the speakers 21L and 21R. Thus, the analog audio signal amplified by the power amplifier 662 is output as sound from the speakers 21L and 21R to the outside. The lamp driver 67 drives the upper lamp 20 to emit light with a light emission pattern corresponding to the command output from the sub CPU 61.

  Further, the sub CPU 61 receives position information output from the touch panel 5 and an on / off signal output from the selection switch 12 and the determination switch 13. Here, the selection switch 12 and the decision switch 13 output an on signal to the sub CPU 61 while being operated by the player, and output an off signal when not being operated.

  Next, the operation of the slot machine 1 having the above configuration will be described. First, processing executed by the main CPU 32 of the main control unit 30 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of game control processing executed by the main CPU 32. 13 to 17 are flowcharts showing the detailed flow of each process performed in the above-described game control process. FIG. 13 is a medal acceptance / start check process, FIG. 14 is an internal lottery process, and FIG. 15 is a reel. FIG. 16 shows the flow of the stop control process, FIG. 16 shows the bonus end check process, and FIG. 17 shows the bonus operation check process. Further, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of interrupt processing executed in response to the interrupt signal output from the frequency divider 37 shown in FIG.

  When the slot machine 1 is powered on, the main CPU 32 starts the game control process shown in FIG. First, the main CPU 32 performs an initialization process (step S1). In this process, a process of restoring the register data and execution address stored in the control RAM 34 when the power supplied to the slot machine 1 is cut off is performed. Next, the main CPU 32 clears the designated storage area in the control RAM 34 (step S2). In this process, for example, data stored in the internal winning combination storing area shown in FIG. Next, the main CPU 32 performs a medal acceptance / start check process described later (step S3). In this processing, based on input checks of the medal sensor 6S or the BET switches 9 to 11 shown in FIG. 4, the number of inserted sheets stored in the control RAM 34 is updated and the input of the start switch 15 is checked. Done.

  Next, the main CPU 32 extracts a random value by the sampling circuit 39 and stores it in a random value storage area provided in the control RAM 34 (step S4). Then, the main CPU 32 performs an internal lottery process described later (step S5). In this process, the internal lottery table (see FIG. 7) stored in the program ROM 33 is referred to the internal lottery table corresponding to the current gaming state (general / RB / RT) and stored in the random value storage area. It is determined which of a plurality of numerical ranges defined in the internal lottery table belongs to the random number value, and an internal winning combination is determined. This internal lottery process corresponds to internal lottery means. Next, the main CPU 32 requests the start of rotation of all reels (step S6). Here, when the start of rotation of all reels is requested, a process of starting the rotation of the reels is performed in an interrupt process described later. Then, the main CPU 32 stands by until the reel rotation speed reaches a predetermined constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute) (step S7).

  Next, the main CPU 32 performs a reel stop control process described later (step S8). In this process, a process of stopping the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed based on detection of a stop operation on the stop switches 14L, 14C, 14R. This reel stop control process corresponds to stop means. Next, the main CPU 32 refers to the symbol combination table (see FIG. 6), and performs a winning determination that determines whether or not any combination has been established based on the symbol combination stopped and displayed along the active line ( Step S9). More specifically, the symbol combination set in the symbol combination table shown in FIG. 6 is compared with the symbol combination displayed along the active line. Then, the value of the winning combination storage area and the payout number count area in the control RAM 34 is updated. Here, the winning combination storage area has the same contents as the internal winning combination storage area shown in FIG. 10A, and the data stored in the storage area is the same as the internal winning storage area (that is, bits 0 to 0). The correspondence between bit 6 and each combination is the same, and bit 7 is always “0”). However, the meaning of the winning combination storage area is different from the data stored in the internal winning combination storage area in that all reels stop and data corresponding to the actual winning combination is stored. If the symbol combination set in the symbol combination table shown in FIG. 6 does not match, the data corresponding to “lost” (that is, “00000000” in binary) is stored in the winning combination storage area. .

  Next, the main CPU 32 transmits a winning combination command to the sub-control unit 60 (step S10). The winning combination command includes data indicating a winning combination including “losing”. Next, the main CPU 32 performs medal payout processing (step S11). In this process, based on the determined payout number, the control of the hopper 51 shown in FIG. 4 and the display of the payout number display unit 8b shown in FIG. 3 are updated. Next, the main CPU 32 refers to the operating flag storage area shown in FIG. 10C and determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S12). If the main CPU 32 determines that the RB operating flag is on, it performs a bonus end check process described later (step S13). In this process, a process for ending the RB game is performed based on various count areas updated during the operation of the bonus game. When the main CPU 32 finishes the process of step S13 or determines that the RB operating flag is not on in step S12, the main CPU 32 updates the value RT stored in the RT game number count area (step S12). S14). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value RT of the RT game count area provided in the control RAM 34 is “0”, and when it is determined that the value of RT is not “0”, the value of RT is “ 1 "is subtracted. The RT value does not fall below “0”, and even if “1” is subtracted when the RT value is “0”, the state remains “0”. Next, the main CPU 32 performs a bonus operation check process (step S15). In this process, a process for starting the RB game is performed based on the established combination. When this process ends, the process proceeds to step S2, and thereafter, the processes of steps S2 to S15 are repeated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the medal acceptance / start check process in step S3 of the game control process shown in FIG. 12 will be described. First, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the value of the automatic insertion count area is “0” (step S20). This automatic insertion count area is a storage area preset in the control RAM 34. As will be described in detail later, when “replay” is established in the previous game, the number of medals inserted in that game is stored. ing. When determining that the value of the automatic insertion count area is “0”, the main CPU 32 permits medal passage (step S21). Specifically, a solenoid of a selector (not shown) is driven so that a medal inserted into the medal slot 6 can pass through the selector. When the solenoid described above is not driven, the medal cannot pass through the selector and is discharged from the medal discharge port 18 to the medal tray 19.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 32 determines that the value of the automatic insertion count area is not “0”, the main CPU 32 copies the value stored in the automatic insertion count area of the control RAM 34 to the insertion number count area (step S22). Here, the inserted number counting area is a storage area set in advance in the control RAM 34, and stores data indicating the number of medals inserted in one game. Thereafter, the main CPU 32 resets (clears) the value of the automatic insertion count area to 0 (step S23). After completing the process of step S21 or step S23, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the medal has passed through the selector described above (step S24). When determining that the medal has passed, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the value of the inserted number count area is the maximum value (step S25). This maximum value is “1” when the RB operating flag is on, and is “3” when the RB operating flag is off. When the main CPU 32 determines that the value of the inserted number count area is not the maximum value, the main CPU 32 adds 1 to the value of the inserted number count area (step S26).

  Next, the main CPU 32 stores “5” in the value of the effective line count area (step S27). The effective line count area is a storage area provided in the control RAM 34, and data for specifying the number of effective lines is stored in the storage area. On the other hand, when the value of the inserted number count area is the maximum value in step S25 described above, the main CPU 32 adds “1” to the value of the credit count area (step S28). The credit count area is a storage area provided in the control RAM 34 and stores data for counting the number of medals stored (credited) in the slot machine 1. When the process of step S27 or S28 described above is performed, or if a medal has not passed through the selector in step S24, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not any of the BET switches 9 to 11 is on. A check is made (step S29), and the value stored in the inserted number count area is updated according to the type of the BET switch that is turned on (step S30). Here, if it is determined in step S25 described above that the value of the inserted sheet count area is the maximum value, the value is not updated to a value exceeding that value.

  Next, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the value of the inserted number count area is “1” (step S31). If the main CPU 32 determines that the value of the inserted number count area is not “1”, it next determines whether or not the value of the inserted number count area is “3” (step S32). At this time, if the main CPU 32 determines that the value of the inserted number count area is not “3”, the process returns to step S24. On the other hand, when the main CPU 32 determines that the value of the inserted number count area is “1” in step S31 described above, or when the value of the input number count area is “3” in step S32. The main CPU 32 transmits a medal insertion command to the sub-control unit 60 (step S33). This medal insertion command includes data on the number of medals inserted into the game.

  Next, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the start switch 15 is turned on (step S34). If the main CPU 32 determines that the start switch 15 is not turned ON, the main CPU 32 returns to step S24, and executes the processes after step S25 again. On the other hand, when determining that the start switch 15 is turned on, the main CPU 32 prohibits medal passage (step S35). This prohibition of medal passage is realized by not driving the solenoid of the selector described above, whereby the medal inserted into the medal slot 6 is discharged from the medal outlet 18 to the medal tray 19. When the process of step S35 ends, the main CPU 32 ends the medal acceptance / start check process, and proceeds to step S4 of the game control process shown in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the internal lottery process in step S5 of the game control process shown in FIG. 12 will be described. First, the main CPU 32 sets a general gaming state internal lottery table (see FIG. 7A) as a lottery table used for internal lottery, and sets “7” as the number of comparisons (step S40). Next, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the RB operation flag is on (step S41). When the main CPU 32 determines that the RB in-operation flag is on, the lottery table used for the internal lottery is changed to the internal lottery table for RB gaming state (see FIG. 7C), and the comparison count is “ 4 "(step S42). On the other hand, when the main CPU 32 determines in step S41 that the RB operating flag is not on, it determines whether or not the value RT in the RT game number count area is “0” (step S43). . When the main CPU 32 determines that the value RT of the RT game count area is not “0”, the lottery table used for the internal lottery is changed to the RT internal lottery table (see FIG. 7B) (step). S44).

  After the process of step S44 or when determining that the value RT of the RT game number count area is “0” in step S43, the main CPU 32 sets bit 5 of the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 10B). Alternatively, it is determined whether “1” is stored in bit 6 (that is, whether “RB1” or “RB2” has been won internally) (step S45). When the main CPU 32 determines that “1” is stored in bit 5 or bit 6 of the carryover combination storage area, the main CPU 32 changes the number of comparisons to “5” (step S46). With this process, when the carryover combination is won internally, “RB1” or “RB2” is not repeatedly won. Next, after the processing of step S42 or S46, or when the main CPU 32 determines that “1” is not stored in bit 5 or bit 6 in step S45, the main CPU 32 sets the same value as the number of comparisons as the winning number. Set (step S47).

  Next, the main CPU 32 refers to the internal lottery table selected by the process of step S40, step S42 or step S44, and stores the random number stored in the random number value storage area of the control RAM 34 by the process of step S4 of FIG. The numerical value, the value stored in the input sheet count area, and the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the set winning number are compared (step S48). Then, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the random number value stored in the random value storage area is not less than the lower limit value to be compared and not more than the upper limit value (step S49). If the main CPU 32 determines in step S49 that the random number value is greater than or equal to the lower limit value and less than or equal to the upper limit value, the winning number corresponding to the lower limit value and the upper limit value that are the comparison targets is determined as the internal winning result. (Step S50). Next, the main CPU 32 determines whether “RB1” or “RB2” is won as a result of the internal lottery based on the internal winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 8 (step S51). When the main CPU 32 determines that the internal winning combination is “RB1” or “RB2”, the main CPU 32 stores data indicating “RB1” or “RB2” in the carryover combination storage area shown in FIG. Step S52).

  After the process of step S52 or when the main CPU 32 determines in step S51 that the internal winning combination is not “RB1” or “RB2”, the data representing the internal winning combination (“in the internal winning combination determination table of FIG. 8“ The logical sum of the value in the “Data” column) and the value stored in the carryover combination storage area is stored in the internal winning combination storage area (see FIG. 10A) (step S53). Next, after determining that the random number value stored in the random number storage area in step S <b> 53 or not in step S <b> 49 is not greater than the lower limit value and not greater than the upper limit value after comparison in step S <b> 49. “1” is subtracted from the number of times (step S54). Then, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the number of comparisons is “0” (step S55). If it is determined that the number of comparisons is not “0”, the process returns to step S47.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of comparisons is “0”, the logical sum of the value stored in the internal winning combination storage area and the value stored in the carryover combination storing area is stored in the internal winning combination storage area. Store (step S56). Then, the main CPU 32 transmits a start command to the sub-control unit 60 (step S57). This start command includes data representing the value (indicating the type of internal winning combination) stored in the internal winning combination storing area in step S56. When this process ends, the main CPU 32 ends the internal lottery process shown in FIG. 14, and proceeds to the process of step S6 shown in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the reel stop control process in step S8 of the game control process shown in FIG. 12 will be described. First, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not a valid stop switch (that is, a stop switch of the stop switches 14L, 14C, and 14R that has not been pressed by the player after the reel has started rotating) has been pressed. Is determined (step S60). When the main CPU 32 determines that a valid stop switch has not been pressed, it repeats the process of step S60. When so-called automatic stop control is performed, it is determined whether a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed based on the start switch 15 being turned on, and it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, the process may proceed to step S62 to be described later, and control may be performed so that the symbol combination that becomes “lost” is stopped and displayed along the active line.

  When the main CPU 32 determines that a valid stop switch has been pressed in step S60, the main CPU 32 identifies the stop switch for which the press operation has been performed, and invalidates the corresponding stop switch (step S61). That is, after that, even if the corresponding stop switch is pressed, an identifier indicating that the operation is invalid is stored in the control RAM 34. Next, the main CPU 32 sets “5” as the number of checks (step S62). Then, the main CPU 32 proceeds from the symbol number corresponding to the value stored in the symbol count area of the control RAM 34 toward the direction in which the symbol number value decreases (the direction opposite to the arrow shown in FIG. 2). Within the range of the number of checks, the symbol number with the highest priority is searched (step S63). For example, from the symbol number corresponding to the value stored in the symbol count area, it corresponds to the internal symbol combination (that is, data stored in the internal symbol combination storage area) in each symbol within the range of the number of checks It is searched whether there is a symbol that satisfies the symbol combination.

  At this time, the symbol combination corresponding to “Replay” as the priority 1 is determined in advance according to the type of the symbol combination related to the grant (in other words, the type of the internal winning combination). Assume that symbol combinations corresponding to “RB1” and “RB2” as priority 2 are defined, and symbol combinations corresponding to “small role 1” to “small role 4” are defined as priority 3 respectively. ), The symbol number with the highest priority is determined. Here, when there are a plurality of symbols having the highest priority within the above-mentioned range, a predetermined priority (for example, the number of sliding pieces “0” → “1” → “ Either “2” → “3” → “4”) may be determined.

  Next, the main CPU 32 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the search result obtained by the process of step S63 (step S64). That is, when the stop switch is operated, the amount of movement from the symbol number (hereinafter referred to as “stop start symbol number”) located at the middle line L3 to the determined symbol number is determined as the number of sliding symbols. Next, the main CPU 32 stores the scheduled stop position based on the number of sliding symbols and the value stored in the symbol count area (step S65). That is, the symbol number of the value obtained by adding the number of sliding symbols to the stop start symbol number is determined as the scheduled symbol number to be stopped. When the scheduled stop symbol number is stored, a process of stopping the rotation of the reel based on the scheduled stop symbol number is performed in an interrupt process (see FIG. 18) described later. Note that the number of sliding symbols and the scheduled symbol number to be stopped are in an equivalent relationship because when one is determined, the other is also determined.

  Next, the main CPU 32 transmits a reel stop command to the sub-control unit 60 (step S66). The reel stop command includes data such as the type of reel whose stop is controlled. Then, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not a valid stop switch remains (step S67). As a result, when the main CPU 32 determines that an effective stop switch remains, the process returns to step S60. On the other hand, when the main CPU 32 determines that no effective stop switch remains, the reel stop control process shown in FIG. And the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1, within a predetermined range from the stop start symbol number, symbol combinations corresponding to internal winning combinations (including “losing” in this case) as much as possible stop along the active line. It is controlled. In addition, when an internal winning combination excluding “losing” is determined, if there is no symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning combination within the predetermined range described above, The symbol combination "" is controlled to stop along the active line. This state is referred to as “missing”. In this case, the data stored in the internal winning combination storing area in the control RAM 34 does not match the data stored in the established winning combination storing area. Further, as can be seen from the symbol row of each reel shown in FIG. 2, the “Plum” symbol PL is the number of other symbols arranged between the two “Plum” symbols PL in any reel. Since there are less than four, if the internal winning combination is "Replay", the "Plum" symbol PL will always be aligned along the active line no matter what timing the player operates the stop switch Will stop display. For the same reason, even if the internal winning combination is “small combination 3”, the “bell” symbols BE are always stopped and displayed along the active line.

  On the other hand, for example, the “watermelon” symbol WM has a portion where the number of other symbols arranged between two “plum” symbols PL is five or more in each reel. Even if “small role 4” is determined as a winning combination, there is a possibility that it will be missed depending on the operation timing of the stop switch by the player. For the same reason, “small role 1” (corresponding symbol combination: red cherry-ANY-ANY), “small role 2” (corresponding symbol combination: peach cherry-ANY-ANY), “RB1” (corresponding symbol combination: Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7) and “RB2” (corresponding symbol combination: red 7-red 7-red 7) may be missed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the bonus end check process in step S13 of the game control process shown in FIG. 12 will be described. First, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not any combination is established (step S70). In this process, whether or not any one of the values of bit 0 to bit 3 in the established combination storage area provided in the control RAM 34 is “1” (that is, “small combination 1” to “small combination”). It is determined whether or not any of the combination “4” is established. When the main CPU 32 determines that any one of “Small 1” to “Small 4” has been established, the main CPU 32 subtracts “1” from the value of the winning count count area provided in the control RAM 34 ( Step S71). Next, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the value of the winning count count area is “0” (step S72). If it is determined that the value of the winning count count area is not “0”, or if it is determined in step S70 that none of “Small 1” to “Small 4” is established, "1" is subtracted from the value of the possible count area (step S73).

  Next, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the value of the possible game count area is “0” (step S74). If the main CPU 32 determines that the value of the possible game count area is not “0”, the main CPU 32 ends the bonus end check process and proceeds to the process of step S14 in FIG. On the other hand, when the main CPU 32 determines that the value of the possible game count area is “0”, or when the value of the possible win count area is “0” in step S72, the RB An end-time process is performed (step S75). Specifically, the data in the operating flag storage area shown in FIG. 10C is cleared, and the values in the winning count count area and the game count count area are cleared. Next, the main CPU 32 stores a value “1000” (decimal number) in the value RT of the RT game number count area provided in the control RAM 34 (step S76). Then, the main CPU 32 transmits a bonus end command to the sub-control unit 60 (step S77), and ends the bonus end check process shown in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the bonus operation check process in step S15 of the game control process shown in FIG. 12 will be described. First, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the established winning combination is “RB1” or “RB2” (step S80). When the main CPU 32 determines that the established winning combination is “RB1” or “RB2”, the main CPU 32 performs RB operation processing based on the bonus operation table shown in FIG. 8 (step S81). Next, the main CPU 32 clears the carryover combination storage area shown in FIG. 10B and also clears the value RT of the RT game number count area provided in the control RAM 34 (step S82). Then, after transmitting a bonus start command to the sub-control unit 60 (step S83), the main CPU 32 ends the bonus operation check process shown in FIG. 17, and proceeds to step S2 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 32 determines in step S80 that the winning combination is not “RB1” or “RB2”, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not “replay” has been established (step S84). When the main CPU 32 determines that “replay” has been established, after copying the value stored in the insertion number count area of the control RAM 34 to the automatic insertion count area described above (step S85), FIG. The bonus operation check process shown is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S2 shown in FIG. Further, when the main CPU 32 determines in step S84 that “replay” has not been established, the main CPU 32 next determines whether or not “small role 1” has been established (step S86). If the main CPU 32 determines that “small role 1” has not been established, the bonus operation check process shown in FIG. 17 ends, and the process proceeds to step S2 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the main CPU 32 determines that “small role 1” has been established, the value RT in the RT game number count area of the control RAM 34 is cleared (step S87), and the bonus operation check process shown in FIG. When finished, the process proceeds to step S2 shown in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the flow of an interrupt process executed by the main CPU 32 using an interrupt signal periodically output from the frequency divider 37 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the main CPU 32 executes the interrupt process of FIG. 18 every 1.1173 milliseconds. First, after saving the register (step S90), the main CPU 32 performs an input port check process (step S91). As the input port check process, the main CPU 32 checks the input of signals from the switches shown in FIG. Next, the main CPU 32 performs a reel control process (step S92). With this process, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate when a reel rotation start request is made, and thereafter the rotation at a constant speed is maintained. Further, when the scheduled symbol number is stored, when the value stored in the symbol count area of the corresponding reel matches the value of the scheduled symbol number, the reel is decelerated so that the corresponding reel stops. And stop control is performed. Thus, for example, if the value of the symbol count area is “0” and the symbol number to be stopped is “4”, the corresponding reel rotates when the value of the symbol count area becomes “4”. Stopped. Next, the main CPU 32 performs a lamp driving process (step S93), and various lamps driven by the LED driving circuit 41 and the display unit driving circuit 42 shown in FIG. 4 and numerical values displayed by the various display units are updated. Is done. Then, after restoring the register (step S94), the main CPU 32 ends the interrupt process shown in FIG.

  Next, various controls performed by the sub CPU 61 of the sub control unit 60 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, communication processing performed by the sub CPU 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sub CPU 61 determines whether a command transmitted from the main control unit 30 has been received (step S100). If the sub CPU 61 has not received any command from the main control unit 30, the process of step S100 is performed again. If any command is received, the type of the received command is recognized (step S101). Then, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the recognized command is different from the previously received command (step S102), and if it is the same command as the previously received command, the process of step S100 is performed. Return to. On the other hand, if it is determined that a command different from the previously received command has been received, the sub CPU 61 stores the received command in the message queue defined in the RAM 63 (step S103), and then proceeds to the processing of step S100. Returning below, the processes of steps S100 to S103 are repeatedly executed. As described above, when receiving the command, the sub CPU 61 stores the command in the message queue.

  Next, the effect registration process performed by the sub CPU 61 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sub CPU 61 extracts the command stored in step S103 of the communication process shown in FIG. 19 from the message queue (step S110). Next, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not there is a command (step S111). When it is determined that there is a command, the sub CPU 61 copies game information from the command to the RAM 63 (step S112). Then, the sub CPU 61 performs an effect content determination process which will be described in detail later (step S113). In this processing, based on the type of command received, the content of the effect using the reel unit display 2, the upper lamp 20, and the speakers 21L and 21R is determined, and the progress of the effect based on the determined effect content is performed. Is called.

  Next, after performing the effect content determination process in step S113 or when it is determined that there is no command in the message in step S111, the sub CPU 61 is based on the effect data determined in the effect content determination process in step S113. Then, the animation data for performing the effect by the image displayed on the reel unit display 2 is registered (step S114). Then, the sub CPU 61 designates a command for instructing musical sound data output from the speakers 21L and 21R and a light emission pattern for causing the upper lamp 20 to emit light based on the effect data determined in the effect content determination process in step S113. A command is registered (step S115). When this process ends, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S110.

  Next, the contents of the effect content determination process performed in step S113 of the effect registration process shown in FIG. 20 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the command extracted from the message queue in step S110 of FIG. 20 is the medal insertion command transmitted in step S33 of the medal acceptance / start check process shown in FIG. Step S120). If it is determined that the command is a medal insertion command, the sub CPU 61 advances an effect according to the number of inserted coins (step S121), ends the effect content determination process shown in FIG. 21, and step S114 shown in FIG. Move on to processing. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 61 determines in step S120 described above that the command is not a medal insertion command, the sub CPU 61 determines that the command extracted from the message queue in step S110 in FIG. 20 is the internal lottery shown in FIG. It is determined whether the start command is transmitted in step S57 of the process (step S122). If it is determined that the command is a start command, the sub CPU 61 executes an effect lottery process described later (step S123). When this process ends, the sub CPU 61 ends the effect content determination process shown in FIG. 21, and proceeds to the process of step S114 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU 61 determines in step S122 described above that the command is not a start command, the sub CPU 61 determines that the command extracted from the message queue in step S110 of FIG. 20 is the reel stop control shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the reel stop command is transmitted in step S66 of the process (step S124). If it is determined that the command is a reel stop command, the sub CPU 61 advances the effect based on the type of the reel that has been stopped, etc. (step S125). That is, for example, detection of a first stop operation (stop switch operation performed first by the player after the reel starts rotating), second stop operation (second player after the reel starts rotating) And a third stop operation (a stop switch operation last performed by the player after the reel starts to rotate) is detected. When this process ends, the sub CPU 61 ends the effect content determination process shown in FIG. 21, and proceeds to the process of step S114 shown in FIG.

  Next, when the sub CPU 61 determines in step S124 described above that the command is not a reel stop command, the sub CPU 61 determines that the command extracted from the message queue in step S110 of FIG. 20 is the game control process shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the winning combination command is transmitted in step S10 (step S126). When the sub CPU 61 determines that the winning combination command is received, the sub CPU 61 stores the established combination type in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 63 and advances the presentation based on the combination type. (Step S127). That is, an effect is produced when the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. When this process is finished, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the RT gaming state (step S128). If it is determined that the RT gaming state is present, the sub CPU 61 stores it in the RAM 63. 1 is subtracted from the value of the RT game number RT (step S129). Next, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the value of the RT game number RT is “0” (step S130), and if it is “0”, data indicating the current game state stored in the RAM 63. Is updated to data indicating that it is in the general gaming state (step S131). When this process ends, the sub CPU 61 ends the effect content determination process shown in FIG. 21, and proceeds to the process of step S114 shown in FIG. Note that if the current gaming state is not the RT gaming state in step S128 described above, and if the value of the RT gaming number RT is not “0” in step S130, the sub CPU 61 directly shows in FIG. The effect content determination process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S114 shown in FIG.

  Next, when the sub CPU 61 determines in step S126 described above that the command is not a winning combination command, the sub CPU 61 determines that the command extracted from the message queue in step S110 of FIG. 20 is the bonus operation check process shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the bonus start command is transmitted in step S83 (step S132). Here, when the sub CPU 61 determines that the command is a bonus start command, the sub CPU 61 sets effect data corresponding to the RB game (step S133). Next, the sub CPU 61 updates the data indicating the current gaming state stored in the RAM 63 to data indicating the RB gaming state (step S134). When this process ends, the sub CPU 61 ends the effect content determination process shown in FIG. 21, and proceeds to the process of step S114 shown in FIG.

  Next, when the sub CPU 61 determines in step S132 described above that the command is not a bonus start command, the sub CPU 61 determines that the command extracted from the message queue in step S110 of FIG. 20 is the bonus end check process shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the bonus end command is transmitted in step S77 (step S135). If the sub CPU 61 determines that the command is a bonus end command, the sub CPU 61 sets effect data to be executed when the bonus game ends (step S136). Then, the sub CPU 61 updates the data indicating the current gaming state stored in the RAM 63 to data indicating the RT gaming state (step S137). When this process ends, the sub CPU 61 ends the effect content determination process shown in FIG. 21, and proceeds to the process of step S114 shown in FIG. If the sub CPU 61 determines in step S135 described above that the command is not a bonus end command, the effect content determination process shown in FIG. 21 is terminated as it is, and the process proceeds to step S114 shown in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the detailed content of the effect lottery process of step S123 in the effect content determination process shown in FIG. 21 will be described. First, the sub CPU 61 updates various game information based on the contents of the start command extracted from the message queue (step S140). Next, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the current gaming state stored in the RAM 63 is the RB gaming state (step S141). If the sub CPU 61 determines that the game is in the RB gaming state, a lottery process for determining an effect to be executed during the bonus game is performed (step S142), and the effect lottery process of FIG. 22 and the effect of FIG. The content determination process ends, and the process proceeds to step S114 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 61 determines in step S141 that the current gaming state is not the RB gaming state, then whether or not the current gaming state stored in the RAM 63 is the RT gaming state. Is determined (step S143). If the sub CPU 61 determines that it is not in the RT gaming state, the effect data to be executed is determined based on the type of the winning combination in the internal lottery and the result of the random lottery based on the random number generated by the sub CPU 61. Then, the effect lottery process of FIG. 22 and the effect content determination process of FIG. 21 are finished, and the process proceeds to the process of step S114 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 61 determines in the above-described step S143 that it is in the RT gaming state, the winning combination in the internal lottery is “small role 1” (the role that will end the RT). Whether or not (step S145). Here, when the winning combination in the internal lottery is not “small role 1”, the sub CPU 61 performs a mini game process described later (step S146), and further performs the above-described process of step S144. The effect lottery process of FIG. 22 and the effect content determination process of FIG. 21 are finished, and the process proceeds to the process of step S114 of FIG. On the other hand, if the winning combination in the internal lottery is “small role 1” in step S145, it is determined whether or not the value of the point Pt stored in the RAM 63 is “0” ( Step S147). When the sub CPU 61 determines that the value of the point Pt is “0”, the mini game process of step S146 described above is performed, and further, the process of step S144 described above is performed, and then the effect lottery of FIG. The process and the effect content determination process of FIG. 21 are terminated, and the process proceeds to the process of step S114 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S147 that the value of the point Pt stored in the RAM 63 is not “0”, the sub CPU 61 subtracts 1 from the value of the point Pt stored in the RAM 63 (step S147). In step S148, the player is notified that “small role 1” has been won in the internal lottery (step S149). As a notification method, for example, a symbol (“red cherry” symbol RC) that constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to “small role 1” is displayed on the reel unit display 2. It is conceivable that a specific sound that is generated only at the time of output is output from the speakers 21L and 21R, or the upper lamp 20 is caused to emit light in a specific pattern. Then, the sub CPU 61 ends the effect lottery process of FIG. 22 and the effect content determination process of FIG. 21, and proceeds to the process of step S114 of FIG.

  Next, the contents of the mini game process executed by the sub CPU 61 in step S146 of the effect lottery process shown in FIG. 22 will be described with reference to the drawings shown in FIGS. First, an outline of a mini game executed in the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The mini-game played in the slot machine 1 is a so-called three-choice quiz, and three answers (options) are displayed on the reel unit display 2 together with a question sentence. When the correct answer is selected from the displayed options, “1” is added to the point Pt. The selection of an option is performed by touching any one of the three button images on which the contents of the answers are displayed via the touch panel 5.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 23, the screen configuration in the reel unit display 2 when the mini game is being executed will be described. In this figure, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. 23, a question sentence display area QA is set on the upper side of the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R on the screen of the reel unit display (hereinafter simply referred to as a screen). Is displayed. In addition, rectangular button image display areas BL and BR in which button images are displayed are set on the left and right sides of the reel display windows 4L, 4C and 4R. Here, the button image display area BL is provided on the left side of the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and the button image display area BR is provided on the right side of the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The length in the longitudinal direction of the button image display areas BL and BR (the reel unit display 2 is installed in the slot machine 1 substantially vertically, so this direction is hereinafter referred to as the vertical direction) is the reel display windows 4L, 4C, It is longer than each longitudinal direction of 4R, and the display position of the button image can be moved in the vertical direction within the display area (details will be described later).

  In addition, the pixels constituting the screen of the reel unit display 2 in the present embodiment are arranged in a matrix, and the number of pixels in the vertical direction is 380 and the number of pixels in the horizontal direction is 640. The positions of the button image display areas BL and BR on the screen of the reel unit display 2 are recognized by the coordinate points corresponding to the respective pixels of the reel unit display 2. That is, assuming that the pixel at the upper left corner of the reel unit display 2 is the origin (0, 0), the position of the upper left corner of the button image display area BL coincides with the coordinate point (10, 10), and the position of the lower left corner is ( 10, 370). Further, the position of the upper left corner of the button image display area BR coincides with the coordinate point (510, 10), and the position of the lower left corner coincides with the coordinate point (510, 370). Data of coordinate points indicating the positions of these button image display areas BL and BR (hereinafter referred to as coordinate data) are stored in the control ROM 62 in advance. For the sake of simplicity, when the player touches the touch panel 5, the touch panel 5 uses the same coordinate data (that is, the range of coordinate data output by the touch panel 5 as the position information of the touched location). (0, 0) to (639, 379)) are output.

  Next, a button image displayed in the above-described image display area BL or BR will be described with reference to FIG. The shape of the button image in this embodiment is a rectangle, and one button image is displayed using 11 pixels in the vertical direction and 121 pixels in the horizontal direction. In the mini game in the slot machine 1, since three options are displayed, the three button images B1, B2, and B3 are displayed in a row in the vertical direction at regular intervals. Here, in the case of the button image shown in FIG. 24 (the hatched portion in the figure), the button image B1, the button image B2, and the button image B3 are arranged in order from the top. Note that the image data of these button images is stored in the control ROM 62 in advance. The coordinate data of the four corners of each button image is stored in the control ROM 62 in advance, and this coordinate data is a relative value with the upper left corner of the button image B1 as the origin OP. . The display position of the button images B1, B2, B3 in the image display area BL or BR is the coordinate data specified in the image display area BL or BR with the origin OP set at the upper left corner of the button image B1. (Hereinafter referred to as “designated coordinate data”).

  Further, the question sentence used in the mini game and the contents of the three options are stored in the control ROM 62 in association with each predetermined question number as shown in FIG. Here, in FIG. 25, among the three options “answer 1”, “answer 2”, and “answer 3”, the option “answer 1” is the correct answer option. Needless to say, the number of problems prepared in advance may be appropriately determined according to the storage capacity of the control ROM 62, but in the slot machine 1, it is assumed that 200 problems are prepared.

  Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 26, the flow of the mini game process performed by the above-described configuration will be described. First, in step S146 of the effect lottery process shown in FIG. 22, when the sub CPU 61 starts the mini game process, first, in FIG. 26, the value Q of the number of questions that are given in one mini game is “0”. It is determined whether or not it exceeds (step S160). Here, in the slot machine 1, the number of questions in one mini game is 10 questions, and the value of the number Q of questions is stored in the RAM 63. If the value of the question number Q does not exceed “0”, the sub CPU 61 generates a random number RND1 (generated numerical value range: an integer of 0 to 99) and stores it in the RAM 63 (step S161). If the random number RND1 is to be stored in the RAM 63, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number RND1 is “0” (step S162). If not, the mini game process in FIG. The process proceeds to step S144 in the effect lottery process of No. 22.

  On the other hand, when the value of the random number RND1 is “0”, the sub CPU 61 sets the value of the problem number Q to “10” (step S163), and generates a random number RND2 (generated numerical value range: 1 to 1). 200) and is stored in the RAM 63 (step S164). Here, when the value of the number Q of questions exceeds “0” in step S161 described above, the process directly proceeds to the process of step S164. Next, the sub CPU 61 reads out the question sentence of the problem number corresponding to the value of the random number RND2 generated in step S164 from the control ROM 62 and displays it in the question sentence display area QA set in the screen of the reel unit display 2 ( Step S165). Further, the sub CPU 61 reads the contents of the “answer 1”, “answer 2”, and “answer 3” corresponding to the value of the random number RND2 generated in step S164 from the control ROM 62, and the button images B1, B2, and so on. Each image is superimposed on B3 and displayed in the image display area BL or BR (step S166).

  At this time, the origin set in the upper left corner of the button image B1 is displayed so as to be a position represented by the designated coordinate data (X, Y) stored in the ROM 63, and thereby the image display area BL or The display positions of the button images B1, B2, B3 in the BR are determined. Here, the value of the specified coordinate data (X, Y) described above is determined by a display position adjustment process described later, but the initial value is set to (10, 10). Further, when the sub CPU 61 superimposes the contents of “answer 1”, “answer 2”, and “answer 3” on the button images B1, B2, and B3, the correspondence between the two is determined at random and displayed on each button image. The content of the choices to be made is not constant. Note that information indicating whether “answer 1”, “answer 2”, or “answer 3” is associated with each button image is stored in the RAM 63.

  Next, the sub CPU 61 determines whether coordinate data has been received from the touch panel 5 (step S167). If coordinate data has not been received from the touch panel 5, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the processing of step S166 (step S168). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, The process again proceeds to step S167, and it is determined whether coordinate data is received from the touch panel 5. When the coordinate data is received from the touch panel 5 within a predetermined time, the sub CPU 61 determines which button image the player has touched based on the received coordinate data, and displays the button image touched by the player as “ It is determined whether or not the content of “Answer 1” has been associated (step S169). Therefore, the sub CPU 61 that performs the process of step S169 corresponds to an input processing unit. If the content of “answer 1” is associated with the button image touched by the player, the sub CPU 61 regards that the player has answered correctly, and displays the correct image (for example, “correct answer” in the question sentence display area QA). The message “!” Or the symbol “◯”) is displayed (step S170). Next, the sub CPU 61 adds “1” to the value of the point Pt stored in the RAM 63 (step S171), and subtracts “1” from the value of the number of questions Q (step S172). Then, the mini game process of FIG. 26 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the process of step S144 in the effect lottery process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the content of “answer 1” is not associated with the button image touched by the player in step S169 described above, the sub CPU 61 regards that the player has made a mistake, and displays the question sentence display area. An incorrect image (for example, a message “error” or a symbol “x”) is displayed on the QA (step S173). Then, the process proceeds to step S172, and after subtracting “1” from the number Q of questions, the mini game process in FIG. 26 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S144 in the effect lottery process in FIG. . Further, in step S168 described above, if coordinate data cannot be received from the touch panel 5 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the process of step S166, a time-out occurs, and the process proceeds to the process of step S173 described above. The incorrect answer image is displayed in the question sentence display area QA, the process proceeds to step S172, and after subtracting “1” from the value of the number Q of questions, the mini game process of FIG. The process proceeds to step S144 in the effect lottery process.

  Next, a flow of display position adjustment processing for adjusting the display positions of the button images B1, B2, and B3 displayed in the button image display areas BL and BR will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, the processes shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 are executed in parallel with the various processes described above performed by the sub CPU 61. First, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not an ON signal is output from the selection switch 12 (step S180). If the ON signal is not output from the selection switch 12, the process of step S180 is performed again, and the selection switch 12 is operated by the player, and the standby state is maintained until the ON signal is output from the selection switch 12. .

  When the selection switch 12 is operated by the player, an ON signal is output from the selection switch 12 to the sub CPU 61, whereby the sub CPU 61 receives the value of the designated coordinate data (X, Y) stored in the ROM 63. The button images B1, B2, and B3 shown in FIG. 24 are displayed in the image display area BL or BR so that the position specified by is the position of the origin OP set at the upper left corner of the button image B1. (Step S181). Next, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not an ON signal is output from the selection switch 12 (step S182). If an ON signal is output as a result of the player operating the selection switch 12, the sub CPU 61 stores it in the RAM 63. It is determined whether or not the value of the X coordinate of the designated coordinate data (X, Y) is “10” (step S183). If the value of the X coordinate is “10”, the sub CPU 61 updates the value of the X coordinate to “510” (step S184). On the other hand, if the value of the X coordinate of the designated coordinate data (X, Y) is not “10”, the sub CPU 61 updates the value of the X coordinate to “10” (step S185). Thereby, every time the player operates the operation switch 12, the value of the X coordinate of the designated coordinate data (X, Y) is alternately changed to "10" or "510". Thus, the selection switch 12 corresponds to display area instruction means. The sub CPU 61 that performs the processes of steps S181 to S186 corresponds to a button image display control unit.

  Then, when the processing of step S184 or S185 is performed, the sub CPU 61 next determines whether or not an ON signal is output from the determination switch 185 (step S186). Here, in the process of step S182, when the ON signal is not output from the selection switch 12, the sub CPU 61 proceeds directly to the process of step S186 without performing the processes of steps S183 to S185. If the ON signal is not output from the determination switch 13, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S181, and the button images B1, B2, and B2 based on the updated designated coordinate data by the process of step S184 or S185. B3 is displayed in the button image display area BL or BR. That is, by repeatedly performing the processing of steps S181 to S186, each time the player operates the operation switch 12, the button images B1, B2, and B3 are alternately displayed in the button image display area BL or BR. become. During this time, when the determination switch 13 is operated by the player and an ON signal is output from the determination switch 13 to the sub CPU 61, the sub CPU 61 displays the button image display in which the button images B1, B2, and B3 are currently displayed. Within the region, the vertical position adjustment process is performed to adjust the display position in the vertical direction of the button images B1, B2, B3 (step S187).

  The contents of the vertical position adjustment process executed in step S187 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the signal output from the selection switch 12 has changed from on to off (step S190). When the signal output from the selection switch 12 changes from on to off, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the value of the Y coordinate of the designated coordinate data (X, Y) stored in the RAM 63 is less than “260”. Is determined (step S191). Here, the value “260” is the origin OP of the button images B1, B2, and B3 when the button images B1, B2, and B3 are displayed at the lowest positions in the vertical direction in the button image display area. Corresponds to the value of the Y coordinate (370−110 = 260).

  If the value of the Y coordinate of the specified coordinate data (X, Y) described above is “260” or more, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S190 again. On the other hand, if the Y coordinate value is less than “260”, the sub CPU 61 adds “25” to the Y coordinate value (step S192), and the Y coordinate updated in step S192. Depending on the value, the vertical display positions of the button images B1, B2, and B3 currently displayed in the button image display area BL or BR (button image display areas specified in steps S180 to S186 shown in FIG. 27) Is changed (step S193). Then, after performing the process of step S193, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S190.

  On the other hand, if it is not recognized in step S190 that the signal output from the selection switch 12 has changed from on to off, the sub CPU 61 determines whether the signal output from the determination switch 13 has changed from on to off. Is determined (step S194). When the signal output from the decision switch 13 changes from on to off, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the value of the Y coordinate of the designated coordinate data (X, Y) stored in the RAM 63 is “10” or less. Is determined (step S195). That is, it is determined whether or not the button images B1, B2, and B3 are displayed at the uppermost position in the button image display area. If the value of the Y coordinate of the specified coordinate data (X, Y) is “10” or less, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S190 again.

  On the other hand, when the value of the Y coordinate described above exceeds “10”, the sub CPU 61 subtracts “25” from the value of the Y coordinate of the specified coordinate data (X, Y) described above (step S196), the process proceeds to step S193 described above. Then, according to the updated value of the Y coordinate, the button images B1, B2, and B3 currently displayed in the button image display area BL or BR (button image display areas designated by steps S181 to S186 shown in FIG. 27). Change the vertical display position. Then, after performing the process of step S193, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S190.

  Next, in the process of step S194 described above, when it is not recognized that the signal output from the decision switch 13 has changed from on to off, the sub CPU 61 stores it in the message queue by the communication process shown in FIG. It is then determined whether the command from the main control unit 30 is a medal insertion command (step S197). If the command stored in the message queue is not a medal insertion command, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S190. On the other hand, when the command stored in the message queue is a medal insertion command, that is, when a medal insertion command is received from the main control unit 30, the sub CPU 61 performs the vertical position adjustment process of FIG. finish. Thereby, it returns to step S180 of the display position adjustment process shown in FIG.

  According to the vertical position adjustment process of FIG. 28 described above, each time the player presses the selection switch 12 and then releases it, the button images B1, B2, and B3 displayed in the button image display area are The number of pixels moves downward by 25 until reaching the lowest position. When the player once presses the release switch 13 and then releases it, each time the button images B1, B2, and B3 displayed in the button image display area reach the maximum upper limit position, the number of pixels is 25. Move upward one by one. Therefore, the selection switch 12 and the determination switch 13 correspond to movement instruction means.

  As described above, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the mini game, the reel unit display 2 is used as an input device for the player's instruction content (more specifically, an option selection instruction in the three-choice quiz). When the button image display areas BL and BR set to the touch panel 5 and the touch panel 5 are adopted, the player operates the selection switch 12 to display the button images B1, B2 and B3 in the button image display areas BL and BR. Either can be displayed. Accordingly, since the button images B1, B2, and B3 can be displayed in the button image display area that is easy to operate with the dominant hand of the player, the physical burden on the player when the player touches the touch panel 5 Can be reduced.

  In addition, the player operates the selection switch 12 or the decision switch 13 to adjust the display position in the vertical direction of the button images B1, B2, and B3 displayed in any one of the button image display areas BL and BR. Therefore, the button images B1, B2, B3 can be moved to a position that suits the player's physique and preference, and the physical burden on the player when the player touches the touch panel 5 can be reduced. It can be reduced more. Further, in the vertical position adjustment process shown in FIG. 28, every time the selection switch 12 or the decision switch 13 is operated, the button image displayed in the button image display area is moved upward or downward by 25 pixels. Since it moves, the height adjustment of the display position of button image B1, B2, B3 can be performed quickly and with little effort.

  In the vertical position adjustment process shown in FIG. 28, each time the selection switch 12 or the decision switch 13 is operated, the display positions of the button images B1, B2, and B3 are moved in units of 25 pixels. 12 or the determination switch 13 may be operated, the display positions of the button images B1, B2, and B3 may be scrolled up and down. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 29, the flow of the vertical position adjustment process that enables such vertical position adjustment will be described.

  When performing the vertical position adjustment process shown in FIG. 29 as the process of step S187 of the display position adjustment process shown in FIG. 27, first, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not an ON signal is output from the selection switch 12. (Step S200). When the ON signal is output from the selection switch 12, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the value of the Y coordinate of the designated coordinate data (X, Y) stored in the RAM 63 is less than "260" (step). S201). If the value of the Y coordinate of the specified coordinate data (X, Y) is “260” or more, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S200 again. On the other hand, if the Y coordinate value is less than “260”, the sub CPU 61 adds “1” to the Y coordinate value (step S202), and the Y coordinate updated in step S202. Depending on the value, the vertical display positions of the button images B1, B2, and B3 currently displayed in the button image display area BL or BR (button image display areas specified in steps S181 to S186 shown in FIG. 27) Is changed (step S203). Then, after performing the process of step S203, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S200.

  If the on signal is not output from the selection switch 12 in step S200, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the on signal is output from the determination switch 13 (step S204). When the ON signal is output from the decision switch 13, the sub CPU 61 determines whether or not the value of the Y coordinate of the designated coordinate data (X, Y) stored in the RAM 63 is “10” or less ( Step S205). If the value of the Y coordinate of the specified coordinate data (X, Y) described above is “10” or less, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S200 again. On the other hand, when the value of the Y coordinate described above exceeds “10”, the sub CPU 61 subtracts “1” from the value of the Y coordinate of the specified coordinate data (X, Y) described above (step S206), the process proceeds to step S203 described above. Then, according to the updated Y coordinate value, the vertical display positions of the button images B1, B2, and B3 currently displayed in the button image display area BL or BR are changed. Then, after performing the process of step S203, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S200.

  Next, in the process of step S204 described above, when the ON signal is not output from the decision switch 13, the sub CPU 61 executes the command from the main control unit 30 stored in the message queue by the communication process shown in FIG. Is a medal insertion command (step S207). If the command stored in the message queue is not a medal insertion command, the sub CPU 61 returns to the process of step S200. On the other hand, when the command stored in the message queue is a medal insertion command, that is, when a medal insertion command is received from the main control unit 30, the sub CPU 61 performs the vertical position adjustment process of FIG. finish. Thereby, it returns to step S180 of the display position adjustment process shown in FIG.

  29, the button images B1, B2, B3 displayed in the button image display area BL or BR while the player operates the selection switch 12 or the decision switch 13. However, it moves continuously by one pixel upward or downward. Thereby, the player can finely adjust the display positions B1, B2, and B3 of the button images, and can display the button images B1, B2, and B3 at positions more suited to his / her physique and preference.

It is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine in an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the symbol row drawn on each reel of the gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content of the game information display part provided in the gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the main control part of the same gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the symbol arrangement | positioning table stored in program ROM which the main control part of the same gaming machine has. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the symbol combination table stored in program ROM which the main control part of the same gaming machine has. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the internal lottery table stored in program ROM which the main control part of the same gaming machine has. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the internal winning combination determination table stored in program ROM which the main control part of the same gaming machine has. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the table at the time of the bonus operation | movement stored in the program ROM which the main control part of the same gaming machine has. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the main memory area set to control RAM which the main control part of the same gaming machine has. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the sub-control part of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game control process performed in the main control part of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the medal acceptance / start check process performed in the main control part of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the internal lottery process performed in the main control part of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the reel stop control process performed in the main control part of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the bonus completion | finish check process performed in the main control part of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the bonus action check process performed in the main control part of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the interruption process performed in the main control part of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the communication process performed in the sub-control part of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the effect registration process performed in the sub-control part of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the production content determination process performed in the sub-control part of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the effect lottery process performed in the sub-control part of the gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the screen content of the mini game displayed on the reel part display of the game machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the button image displayed on the screen of the mini game displayed on the reel part display of the same gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the data regarding the 3 choice quiz performed as a mini game by the sub-control part of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the mini game process performed in the sub-control part of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the display position adjustment process performed in the sub-control part of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the vertical position adjustment process performed in the sub-control part of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the other vertical position adjustment process performed in the sub-control part of the same gaming machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Reel part display 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 4L, 4C, 4R Reel display window 5 Touch panel 12 Selection switch 13 Determination switch 30 Main control part 32 Main CPU
33 Program ROM
34 Control RAM
60 Sub-control unit 61 Sub-CPU
62 Control ROM
63 RAM

Claims (4)

A gaming machine having variable display means for variably displaying a symbol string composed of a plurality of types of symbols in the housing, and discharging the game medium in accordance with the stop display mode of the symbol displayed when the variable display is stopped Because
A storage member that is provided at a lowermost part of the housing and stores the discharged game medium;
A decorative member provided on the upper side of the storage member;
An operation unit provided on an upper side of the decorative member, and provided with an instruction unit for instructing start and stop of variable display in the variable display unit according to an external operation;
An image display device provided on an upper side of the operation unit and displaying an image on a screen;
A touch panel that is provided on the surface of the screen of the image display device and outputs position information according to a contact position from the outside;
A symbol display area that is provided at a center position of the screen of the image display device and displays a part of the symbol row variably displayed by the variable display means;
A button image display area provided on the right side and the left side of the symbol display area, in which a button image is displayed;
Button image display control means for displaying the button image in the button image display area;
A display for instructing whether to display the button image in the button image display area provided on the right side of the symbol display area or the button image display area provided on the left side according to an operation from the outside Area indicating means;
Input processing means for performing processing in accordance with the display position of the button image displayed in the button image display area and the position information output from the touch panel;
The vertical length of the button image display area on the screen of the image display device is set to be longer than the vertical length of the symbol display area,
The button image display control means displays the button image in a button image display area instructed by the display area instruction means. A movement instruction means for instructing a moving direction of a display position of the button image in the button image display area according to an operation from the outside;
The button image display control means moves the display position of the button image displayed in the button image display area in the vertical direction of the screen of the image display device in response to an instruction from the movement instruction means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is characterized. The button image display control means includes
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein each time there is an instruction from the movement instructing unit, the button image is moved by a predetermined distance in a direction corresponding to the instruction. The button image display control means includes
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the button image is continuously moved in a direction corresponding to the instruction while an instruction is given from the movement instruction means.

Images