JP2009178237A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine preventing the deterioration of a player's interest even in a game state where the player may win a lottery winning combination related to the operation of a replay at a high probability. <P>SOLUTION: When a first internal lottery winning combination (a failure) is determined during the operation of a replay time and same type of symbols (double blanks) continuing in the rotating direction of reels are stopped at a specific position of a display window by the stop operation of the player, this game machine adds a predetermined number of points to a number-of-point retention means (a point counter). This game machine determines whether or not executing a prize notification based on the number of points retained in the number-of-point retention means. The prize notification is so defined that a notification means notifies of (defines it as a super big bonus) a winning of a second internal lottery winning combination (watermelon) as an internal lottery winning combination during the operation of a bonus game. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

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

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

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

Patent Document 1 discloses a slot machine that changes the gaming state in various ways. The slot machine described in Patent Document 1 has a lottery table for determining a winning combination. The lottery table includes a normal lottery table and a replay high probability lottery table in which the winning probability of the winning combination relating to the replay operation is set higher than that of the normal lottery table. The switching between the normal lottery table and the replay high probability lottery table is executed, for example, after the end of the special game (bonus game) or when a combination of predetermined symbols is displayed. When lottery using the re-game high probability lottery table is performed, it is easy to win a winning combination related to the re-game operation, so that the consumption of medals inserted by the player can be suppressed.
JP 2005-143931 A

  However, in the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a lottery is performed using the replay high probability lottery table, the winning combination related to the replay operation is only won with a high probability. It will be monotonous. As a result, there is a problem that the interest of the player is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a gaming machine in which the player's interest is not diminished even in a gaming state in which a winning combination related to re-game operation is won with high probability The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object of the present invention, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface and a display window for displaying a part of the plurality of symbols. The symbol display means, the input operation detection means for detecting the game value input operation for playing the game, and the start operation detection for detecting the start operation on the condition of the detection of the game value input operation by the input operation detection means Means, a random value extracting means for extracting one random number value from a predetermined random number range based on the detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means, and a predetermined number that each of the plurality of internal winning combinations wins Based on whether the random number value extracted by the random number extraction means belongs to a predetermined numerical range based on the detection of the start operation performed by the numerical range definition means for defining the numerical value range and the start operation detection means. An internal winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination, a notifying means for notifying the player of the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, and a symbol display means based on detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means The symbol changing means for changing the symbol displayed by the symbol, the stop operation detecting means for detecting the stop operation for stopping the symbol change, the symbol position detecting means for detecting the position of the symbol, and the internal winning combination determining means The stop control means for controlling the stop of the fluctuation of the symbol performed by the symbol variation means based on the determined internal winning combination and the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detection means, and the symbol displayed on the symbol display means The game value giving means for assigning a game value according to the combination of the above and the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means are special internal winning combinations, Based on the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination displayed by the symbol display means, the bonus game operating means for operating the bonus game and the bonus game operating means are operated to satisfy a predetermined condition If the bonus game ending means for ending the operation of the bonus game and the internal winning combination determining means determine the internal winning combination relating to the replay, and the combination of symbols relating to the replay is displayed by the symbol display means. Based on the replay operation means for performing the replay operation and the bonus game ending means, when the bonus game operation is ended, the internal winning combination determining means is likely to determine the internal winning combination related to the replay. The replay time actuating means for actuating the time, and the internal winning combination determining means during the operation of the replay time When the symbol position detecting means detects that the same type of symbol that is continuous in the reel rotation direction is stopped at a specific position on the display window by the player's stop operation. A point number adding means for adding a predetermined number of points, a point number holding means for holding the number of points added to the point number adding means, and a second internal determined as an internal winning combination during the operation of the bonus game It is provided with the privilege alert determination means which determines based on the number of points hold | maintained at the point number holding means whether the privilege alert | report which alert | reports a winning combination is performed.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when the symbol position detecting means detects that the same type of symbols continuous in the rotation direction of the reel is stopped at a specific position of the display window during the operation of the replay time. Points are awarded. Then, based on the total number of points awarded, it is determined whether to notify the second internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination during the operation of the bonus game.
By notifying that the second internal winning combination is determined as the internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means during the operation of the bonus game, the player is given a combination of symbols corresponding to the second internal winning combination. The stop operation can be performed so as to be displayed on the display window. As a result, the player can efficiently acquire the game value while suppressing the number of input game values.
In order to obtain such a privilege, the number of points given during the operation of the replay time is required. Therefore, when the first internal winning combination is determined as the internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means during the operation of the replay time, the same type of symbols that are continuous in the reel rotation direction are identified in the display window. Try to stop at the position of, and try to get the number of points. Therefore, the game does not become monotonous during the operation of the replay time, and it is possible to prevent the player's interest from deteriorating.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when the set value is registered by the set value registering unit, the number of points held in the point number holding unit is initialized. Therefore, when the game shop is closed with the number of points held in the point number holding means, the set number is registered to initialize the number of points held in the point number holding means (“0 ”).

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when the operation of the bonus game is ended by the bonus game ending means, the number of points held in the point number holding means is initialized. Thereby, when the operation of the replay time is started, the number of points held in the point number holding means is surely initialized. Therefore, since the player tries to obtain the number of points each time the replay time is started, the game is not monotonous during the replay time and the player's interest is prevented from being lowered. be able to.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, based on the number of points held in the point number holding unit and the set value registered by the set value registering unit, it is determined whether or not the privilege notification is performed. Therefore, it becomes difficult to predict whether or not privilege notification will be performed from the number of points held in the point number holding means, and there is a sense of expectation that privilege notification may be performed until the bonus game is activated. be able to. In addition, the player can predict the set value based on the number of points held in the point number holding means and whether or not the bonus notification is performed during the operation of the bonus game. .

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

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

  On the front surface of the front door 4 provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1, a substantially vertical panel display portion 4a, liquid crystal display portion 4b, and fixed display portion 4c are formed. The liquid crystal display unit 4b of this example shows a specific example of information display means. Speakers 2 </ b> L and 2 </ b> R are provided on the upper portion of the front door 4 as notification means for emitting sound effects relating to game effects. In addition, behind the front door 4, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface are provided in a horizontal row so as to be rotatable. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute).

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

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

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

  When these BET switches 11 to 13 are pressed, the display line is validated. Hereinafter, the pressing operation of the BET switches 11 to 13 and the operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 16 will be referred to as “insertion operation”. Further, on the left side of the BET switches 11 to 13, buttons constituting the operation unit 9 are provided. The operation unit 9 performs selection and determination operations to display information such as menus on the liquid crystal display device 31 (see FIG. 4). In FIG. 1, two operation buttons are provided. Of these two operation buttons, one is a button for selecting a menu, and the other is a button for determining the selected menu. An employee of the game hall can set the date stored in the gaming machine 1 by operating the operation unit 9.

  A C / P (Credit / Payout) switch 17 is provided on the left side of the front surface of the pedestal 10. The C / P switch 17 is a switch for switching credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by pressing operation. By switching the C / P switch 17, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 19 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 18. In this example, the number of medals that can be credited is set to “50”. When the number of credited medals exceeds “50”, the surplus medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 19 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving unit 18.

  The reel is rotated by the player's operation at the left end of the front surface of the pedestal 10, and the variation of symbols in the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R (see FIG. 2 described later) is started. A start lever 14 is attached to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range. Hereinafter, the operation of the start lever 14 performed by the player in order to start the change of the symbol is referred to as “start operation”.

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

  In this example, the first reel stop operation (that is, the stop button pressing operation) performed when all the reels are rotating is the first stop operation, and the next reel is performed after the first stop operation. The stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last reel stop operation performed after the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Also, stop switches 15LS, 15CS, and 15RS (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, are arranged on the back side of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R. By these stop switches, pressing operations (that is, stop operations) of the corresponding stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are detected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Thus, in order to perform various effects in the gaming machine 1, there are a plurality of types of notification modes. As a notification mode, for example, there is one that outputs sound from the speakers 2L and 2R or displays an image in the effect display area 24.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration of various devices and the like provided inside the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of various devices and the like provided inside the gaming machine 1.

  Above the inside of the gaming machine 1, a control unit including a main control circuit 41 and a sub control circuit 71 for electrically controlling the gaming machine 1 is provided. The three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R described above are rotatably provided in a horizontal row below the control unit. A hopper 57 for storing and paying out medals is provided below the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. A first discharge port 65 is provided in front of the hopper 57. The medals stored in the hopper 57 are discharged from the first discharge port 65. Further, a second discharge port 66 for receiving medals discharged from the first discharge port 65 is provided on the back side of the front door 4. The medal discharged from the first discharge port 65 is received by the second discharge port 66, passes through the chute 67, and is paid out from the medal payout opening 19 provided on the front side of the front door 4. Stored.

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

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

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

  The ROM 43 stores a program executed by the main CPU 45 (for example, see FIGS. 17 to 26 described later) and table data (see FIGS. 6 to 12 described later) referred to by the program. Further, the ROM 43 stores, for example, an internal lottery table (see FIG. 8) or the like for lottering a winning number using a random value extracted by the sampling circuit 46. The ROM 43 stores various control signals and the like for transmission to the sub control circuit 71. Note that no command, information, or the like is transmitted from the sub control circuit 71 to the main control circuit 41, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 41 to the sub control circuit 71.

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

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

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

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

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

The reel position detection circuit 53 functions as a symbol position detecting means for detecting the symbol position of each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The reel position detection circuit 53 receives a pulse signal from a reel rotation sensor provided on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and detects a symbol position (see FIG. 6 described later) of each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. To the main CPU 45.
The payout completion signal circuit 59 detects the completion of payout of medals when the value counted by the medal detection units 40Sa and 40Sb (that is, the number of medals paid out from the hopper 57) reaches a designated value. Generate a signal.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 of this example is provided with a reset switch 60 and a setting key type switch 61 for registering a setting value for changing an expected value for determining the internal winning combination by an employee of the gaming store. ing. The reset switch 60 shows a specific example of the set value registration means, and is used when setting a set value that is an index for distinguishing the degree of advantage for the player. The setting key type switch 61 is used to start and end an operation for determining a setting value. This set value is a value for adjusting the expected value at the game store. Normally, the set value is set in the range of “1”, “3”, “6”, “H”. In this example, the winning probability increases as the setting 1 increases to the setting H.

  Further, a reset signal from the reset switch 60 is input to the main CPU 45. Further, the main CPU 45 executes processing for determining a set value based on an input signal from the setting key type switch 61. The random number generator 49 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 46 outputs one random number value from the random numbers generated by the random number generator 49 at an appropriate timing after the start lever 14 is operated. To extract. The extracted random number value is stored in a random value storage area provided in the RAM 44. For example, in order to determine an internal winning combination based on an internal lottery table (see FIG. 8) stored in the ROM 43, etc. Referenced.

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

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

  The symbol arrangement table (see FIG. 6) stored in the ROM 43 is used for associating the symbol positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol arrangement table, information indicating the code number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and the symbol corresponding to each code number with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated. Is associated with the symbol code.

  The ROM 43 stores a symbol combination table (see FIG. 10). This symbol combination table is given to the display combination and player after the stop of all reels 3L, 3C, 3R when performing control to stop the rotation of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R. This is referred to in order to determine the profit (for example, the number of medals to be paid out). A combination of symbols displayed on the effective line is referred to as a “display combination”. The display combination command indicating the display combination is sent from the main control circuit 41 to the sub-control circuit 71 when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

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

  Here, for example, when the random number value generated when the start lever 14 is operated is within the range of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the internal lottery table (see FIG. 8), that is, the internal lottery is extracted from the extracted random number value. When an internal winning combination is determined by processing (random lottery), the possibility of winning or winning is increased. When winning or BB is established, the main CPU 45 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 56 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 57.

<Description of sub-control circuit>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a circuit configuration example and operation of the sub control circuit 71 of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The sub control circuit 71 includes an image control circuit (gSub) 71a and a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 71b. The image control circuit (gSub) 71 a or the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 71 b is configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 41.

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

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

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

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

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

  The work RAM 89 and the calendar IC 88 are backup targets. That is, even when the power supplied to the image control microcomputer 81 is shut off, the power is continuously supplied, and the stored information and the like are prevented from being erased.

  The image control IC 86 generates an image corresponding to the effect content (for example, effect data described later) determined by the image control microcomputer 81 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 31. The image control IC 86 includes a control RAM 87. The image control microcomputer 81 also writes and reads information and the like with respect to the control RAM 87. The control RAM 87 is expanded with registers of the image control IC 86 and the like. The image control microcomputer 81 updates the register of the image control IC 86 at every predetermined timing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to a volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and the like, and is a means for adjusting the volume output from the speakers 2L and 2R. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs control to adjust the volume of the sound output from the speakers 2L and 2R based on the input signal transmitted by the volume control unit 103.

<Description of each table configuration>
Next, a configuration example of each table used in the gaming machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, an example of a symbol arrangement table in which 21 types of symbols represented on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are arranged will be described with reference to FIG. Each symbol has a symbol position (also referred to as a code number) of “00” to “20”. Information on the correspondence between each symbol and symbol position is stored in the ROM 43 shown in FIG. 4 as a symbol arrangement table. The symbol position is information for identifying the symbol position on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, “Red 7”, “Blue 7”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Red Cherry”, “Blue Cherry”, “Replay”, “Blank (in this example, It is a star. However, this symbol can be changed as appropriate.) ”Represents a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates so that the symbol row moves in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

In the gaming machine 1 of this example, “red cherry”, “blue cherry”, “bell”, “watermelon”, “replay”, “BB1”, “BB2”, and lose are provided as internal winning combinations. Here, “red cherry”, “blue cherry”, “bell”, and “watermelon” are collectively referred to as “small role”, and “replay” is referred to as “internal winning role related to re-game operation”. Call “BB1”, “B
“B2” is referred to as “special internal winning combination relating to the operation of the bonus game”, or simply “special internal winning combination”, “BB”. In addition, when “small role” is displayed as a display combination, it is called “winning”, and “internal winning combination related to re-game operation” and “special internal winning combination related to bonus game operation” are displayed. Is displayed as “actuation” or “establishment”.

  In the gaming machine 1 of this example, even if “blank” is displayed along the active lines of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, no winning is achieved. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this example, “blank” is arranged at the symbol positions 5 and 6 of the reel 3L. The “blank” symbols arranged continuously in the rotation direction of the reel are called “double blanks”.

Since the “double blank” in which the “blank” symbols are continuous is conspicuous on the rotating reel 3L, the player can easily display the “double blank” on the display window 21L by so-called pressing.
In this example, when the reel position detection circuit 53 detects that “double blank” of the reel 3L is displayed on the display window 21L by the player's stop operation during RT (replay time) operation described later. “1” is given as the predetermined number of points. The number of points given is added to a point counter described later. And the value of a point counter is used when determining whether privilege notification is performed in the privilege notification lottery process (see FIG. 32) described later.

  The gaming state used in the gaming machine 1 of the present example includes a general gaming state and a regular bonus gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “RB”) which is a bonus game with a higher probability that a small role will be determined as an internal winning combination than the general gaming state. Abbreviated as “game state”). The RB gaming state is repeatedly executed during BB operation which is a big bonus game. In this example, the RB gaming state is always set during the BB operation. As for the general gaming state and the RB gaming state, the type of internal winning combination that may be determined in the internal lottery process (see FIG. 20) for determining the internal winning combination, and the internal winning combination is determined in the internal lottery process. They are distinguished by the probability, the maximum number of sliding symbols, whether or not the bonus game is being operated, and the like.

  The general game state includes a normal section having no carryover combination and a carryover section having a carryover combination, and is a general game state in a normal game. A carryover combination is when the combination of symbols corresponding to the internal symbol combination determined in the internal lottery process (see FIG. 20) is displayed along the active line-or when it is allowed for a plurality of games. This is information for identifying the combination of symbols. In the carryover section, “BB1” and “BB2” are not determined as internal winning combinations, but in the normal section, “BB1” and “BB2” may be determined as internal winning combinations.

  The RB gaming state is a state that transits during BB operation. During the BB operation, the RB operation flag (see FIG. 12C) is always on. In the RB gaming state, the expected value of the gaming value given to the player for the unit gaming value used for playing the game (for example, one medal consumed to play one game) is the value of the general gaming state. It is relatively higher than the expected value (that is, the degree of advantage is relatively high). In this bonus game, a combination of symbols corresponding to BB (that is, “red 7-red 7-red 7 (BB1)” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7 (BB2)”) is displayed along the active line. It operates on condition that it is done.

When a combination of symbols corresponding to BB ("Red 7-Red 7-Red 7" or "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7") is displayed along the active line, BB is activated and Transition to the BB gaming state. In this example, shifting to the BB gaming state is the same as shifting to the RB gaming state. In the BB gaming state, the RB gaming state is repeated until a predetermined number of medals are paid out. There are two types of RB gaming state end conditions as follows.
(1) 12 games are played.
(2) The number of times the combination of symbols corresponding to the small role is displayed along the active line is eight.

  Next, an internal lottery table and an internal lottery table determination table for determining the number of lotteries will be described with reference to FIG. This internal lottery table determination table has information on the internal lottery table corresponding to the gaming state and the number of lotteries. In the case of the general gaming state, the internal lottery table for the general gaming state (see FIG. 8A) is selected, and “7” is determined as the number of lotteries. In the RB gaming state, the internal lottery table for the RB gaming state (see FIG. 8B) is selected, and “4” is determined as the number of lotteries.

  The number of lotteries is the number of times necessary to determine the internal winning combination. That is, the number of lotteries is specifically the number of times to determine whether or not the random number value is within a predetermined range (numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number shown in FIG. 8). In the case of the general gaming state, it corresponds to the winning numbers 1 to 7, and in the case of the RB gaming state, it corresponds to the winning numbers 1 to 4.

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

This internal lottery table is provided for each gaming state, and has information on a numerical range defined by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to the winning number for each inserted number.
FIG. 8A shows an internal lottery table for a general gaming state referred to in the general gaming state.
FIG. 8B shows an RB gaming state internal lottery table referred to in the RB gaming state.
FIG. 8 (c) shows an internal lottery table for RT operation that is referred to during RT operation.
In this example, in order to start a game, the number of inserted medals must be three in the general gaming state (including during RT operation). On the other hand, in the RB gaming state, the number of inserted medals must be two.

  In the determination of the winning number based on the internal lottery table, the random number value extracted within the range of “0” to “65535” corresponds to the winning number shown in FIG. It is determined whether it is within the numerical range. Then, the winning numbers are extracted in descending order from the same winning number as the number of lotteries determined by the internal lottery table determination table (see FIG. 7) (“7” in the general gaming state) until the winning number becomes “1”. The random number is compared with the numerical range of the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number. As a result of the lottery, when the random number value is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value, the corresponding winning number is won. Then, the internal winning combination is determined based on the winning number won and the internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 9).

  If the random number is never within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit and the upper limit until the winning number is changed from “7” to “1”, the winning number is “0”, and an internal winning combination is lost. Is determined. In this example, the loser is not an internal winning combination associated with a profit (for example, a medal payout) given to the player. In addition, the symbol combination corresponding to the loss can be considered to be an arbitrary symbol combination different from the symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning combination provided in advance, but usually the symbol corresponding to the loss. No combination is provided.

In the general gaming state (except when the RT is operating), the main CPU 45 refers to the general gaming state internal lottery table shown in FIG.
In the case of the general gaming state, the inserted number is “3”, and the numerical value range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number “3” (bell) is “2446” to “6933”.
The numerical range indicated by the lower limit and the upper limit corresponding to the winning number “6” (BB1) is “7000” to “7199”.
Since the internal winning condition is that the random number is between the upper limit value and the lower limit value, the probability of winning the winning number “6” (BB1) (the upper limit value and lower limit value) The difference is “200”), and the probability of winning the winning number “3” (bell) (the difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value is “4488”) is high. In other words, it can be said that “Bell” may win about 22 times as much as “BB1”.

In this example, “BB1” and “BB2” are defined as internal winning combinations in which the big bonus game is activated. The difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value of “BB1” (winning number 6) and “BB2” (winning number 7) is the same. Therefore, the winning probabilities of “BB1” and “BB2” are the same. However, the winning probability of “BB1” and “BB2” may be made different by making the difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value of “BB1” and “BB2” different.
In this example, the numerical ranges of the winning number “4” (watermelon) and the winning number “6” (BB1) overlap. Similarly, the numerical ranges of the winning number “4” (watermelon) and the winning number “7” (BB2) overlap. That is, when “BB1” or “BB2” is determined as an internal winning combination, “watermelon” is simultaneously determined as an internal winning combination. If “Watermelon” and “BB1” or “Watermelon” and “BB2” are won as internal winning combinations, the player can win “Watermelon” or “BB1”, “BB2” by pushing forward. Can be selected.

In the RB gaming state, the internal lottery table for RB gaming state shown in FIG. In the case of the RB gaming state, the inserted number is “2”, and the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number “1” and the winning number “2” is “0” to “4369”. .
The numerical range indicated by the lower limit and the upper limit corresponding to the winning number “3” is “4370” to “37137”, and the numerical range indicated by the lower limit and the upper limit corresponding to the winning number “4” is “37138” to “65535”.
As described above, in the RB gaming state, the probability that the winning number “3” (“Bell”) and the winning number “4” (“Watermelon”) are determined as the internal winning combination becomes very high. The winning number “1” (“red cherry”) and the winning number “2” (“blue cherry”) have overlapping numerical ranges, so that the winning combination is won.

In this example, after the BB is finished, the game state shifts to the general game state and the RT (replay time) is in operation. The main CPU 45 determines whether or not the RT is operating based on whether or not an RT operating flag, which will be described later, is on.
During the RT operation, the RT operation internal lottery table in FIG. 8C is referred to.
The internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number “5” in the RT lottery table for RT operation is “replay”. The numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number “5” is “7589” to “62201”. That is, since the numerical range of “Replay” is “54613”, the winning probability of replay is higher during RT operation than in the general gaming state where RT is not operating. During RT operation, it is also used when the winning probability of replay is low, but it is not used in this example.

There are the following two types of replay time end conditions.
(1) “BB1 (red 7)” or “BB2 (blue 7)” is determined as an internal winning combination.
(2) The RT game number counter to be described later becomes “0”. In other words, in a general gaming state that starts after the end of the BB, 1000 games are completed.

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

  As can be seen from FIG. 9, the internal winning combination includes “red cherry” corresponding to the winning numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”. ”,“ Blue Cherry ”,“ Bell ”,“ Watermelon ”,“ Replay ”,“ BB1 ”,“ BB2 ”are set as internal winning combinations. When the winning number is “0”, the internal winning combination is “losing”. In this example, “BB1” and “BB2” are “special internal winning combinations” for operating the big bonus game. In this example, “losing” is set as “first internal winning combination”, and “watermelon” is set as “second internal winning combination”.

When the winning number is “1” (“red cherry”), “00000001” is determined as the internal winning combination.
When the winning number is “2” (“blue cherry”), “00000010” is determined as the internal winning combination.
When the winning number is “3” (“bell”), “00000100” is determined as the internal winning combination.
When the winning number is “4” (“watermelon”), “00001000” is determined as the internal winning combination.
When the winning number is “5” (“Replay”), “00010000” is determined as the internal winning combination.
When the winning number is “6” (“BB1”), the internal winning combination “00100000” is determined.
When the winning number is “7” (“BB2”), the internal winning combination “01000000” is determined.
When the winning number is “0” (losing), “00000000” is determined as the internal winning combination. That is, all 8 bits are set to “0”.
In this way, a different internal winning combination is determined by setting any one bit of 8-bit data to “1”.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, it will be described what symbols are combined to determine seven internal winning combinations (display combinations). An example of determining the payout number corresponding to the determined display combination will also be described. In the following description, “ANY” represents an arbitrary symbol.

  FIG. 10 is an example of a symbol combination table showing the relationship between symbol combinations, display combinations, and payout numbers. This symbol combination table corresponds to the display combination corresponding to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed in each of the three symbol display areas connected by one effective line for each number of inserted symbols. Has information on the number of payouts. The display combination is basically information (that is, data) for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the active line, and a predetermined symbol combination and a profit (for example, medal) given to the player. Payout, gaming state operation). Here, the display combination corresponds to the internal winning combination shown in FIG. 9, and is composed of 8-bit binary data. The number of payouts determined in the symbol combination table is changed in consideration of the number of inserted medals in addition to the symbol combination displayed on the active line.

When a combination of symbols “red cherry-ANY-ANY” is displayed along the effective line, “red cherry” (that is, data “00000001”) is displayed, and when the number of inserted sheets is two, Two medals are paid out. Further, when the number of inserted sheets is 3, two or four medals are paid out according to the corresponding effective line (when corresponding to two effective lines).
When a combination of symbols of “blue cherry” -ANY-ANY ”is displayed along the effective line,“ blue cherry ”(that is, data“ 00000010 ”) is displayed, and the number of inserted sheets is two. Two medals are paid out. Further, when the number of inserted sheets is 3, two or four medals are paid out according to the corresponding effective line (when corresponding to two effective lines).

When a combination of symbols “Bell-Bell-Bell” is displayed along the effective line, “Bell” (that is, data “00000100”) is displayed, and the number of inserted sheets is either 2 or 3. Even in this case, 8 medals are paid out.
When a combination of “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” symbols is displayed along the active line, “watermelon” (ie, data “00001000”) is displayed, and the number of inserted sheets is either 2 or 3. Even so, 15 medals are paid out.
When the symbol combination “Replay-Replay-Replay” is displayed along the active line, “Replay” (that is, data “00010000”) is displayed and a medal is automatically inserted.

When a combination of symbols “red 7-red 7-red 7” is displayed along the active line, “BB1” (that is, data “00100000”) serves as a display combination. In this case, medals are not paid out, but the big bonus game is activated from the next game and BB1 is in operation.
When a combination of symbols “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is displayed along the active line, “BB2” (that is, data “01000000”) becomes a display combination, and medals are not paid out. The big bonus game is activated from the next game and BB2 is in operation.
In this example, the BB1 operation and the BB2 operation are collectively referred to as “BB operation”. Thus, when “BB1” or “BB2” is established, the BB is in operation, and the state changes from the general gaming state to the BB gaming state. As a result, the probability that a predetermined internal winning combination (in this example, red cherry, blue cherry, bell, watermelon) is determined as an internal winning combination increases.

  In this example, when the BB is in operation, the RB is in operation in the bonus operation monitoring process (see FIG. 18). In other words, while the BB is operating, the RB is operating any number of times, and a regular bonus game can be played.

  Next, an example of a bonus operation time table referred to in a bonus operation check process (see FIG. 24) described later will be described with reference to FIG.

The bonus operating time table shown in FIG. 11 stores a flag storage area (operating flag storage area) for switching on and off the RB operating flag or the BB operating flag, and stores the value of the bonus end number counter. An area, a storage area for the value of the possible game number counter, and a storage area for the value of the possible winning number counter. The RB operating flag and the BB operating flag are flags that are referred to in order to identify the current gaming state that is operating.
That is, when the RB gaming state is operating, the RB operating flag is turned on, and when the RB gaming state is not operating, the RB operating flag is turned off.
Similarly, the BB operating flag is turned on when the big bonus game is operating, and the BB operating flag is turned off when the big bonus game is not operating.

  The bonus end number counter is associated with a numerical value representing the number of medals that can be acquired during the BB operation. In this example, by setting the numerical value associated with the bonus end number counter to 300, the BB end condition is that the medal payout number exceeds 300.

The game possible number counter is a counter for identifying the number of remaining unit games that can be played in the RB gaming state (that is, the number of possible games). Also, the winning possible number counter is a counter for identifying the number of remaining unit games (that is, the number of possible winnings) in which a combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination can be displayed in the RB gaming state.
In the RB gaming state, “12” and “8” are stored as initial values in the possible game number counter and the possible winning number counter, respectively, based on the bonus operation time table.
In this example, if the BB operation is in progress, the initial value is set by the bonus operation monitoring process (see FIG. 18) and the RB gaming state even if the possible game number counter or the possible winning number counter becomes “0”. Will continue.

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

FIG. 12A shows an example of an internal winning combination storing area for storing information of an internal winning combination (display combination).
In the internal winning combination storage area consisting of 8 bits,
Bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to “red cherry”.
Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to “blue cherry”.
Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to “bell”.
Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to “watermelon”.
Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to “replay”.
Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to “BB1”.
Bit 6 is a storage area corresponding to “BB2”.
Bits 0 to 6 take a value of “0” or “1” depending on the display combination. Bit 7 is an unused storage area and remains a value of “0”.

FIG. 12B shows an example of the carryover combination storage area for storing information on the carryover combination. In the carryover combination storage area consisting of 8 bits, bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to “BB1”. Bit 6 is a storage area corresponding to “BB2”. Bit 5 and bit 6 take a value of “0” or “1”.
For example, when “BB1” is determined as the internal winning combination, “1” is stored in bit 5 corresponding to BB1 in the carryover combination storage area (that is, “00100000” is stored in the carryover combination storage area). Stored). When “BB2” is determined as the internal winning combination, “1” is stored in bit 6 corresponding to BB2 in the carryover combination storage area (that is, “01000000” is stored in the carryover combination storage area). Stored).
Bits 0 to 4 and bit 7 are unused storage areas.

  The internal winning combination storing area is an area that is cleared for each game. However, when “BB1” or “BB2” is determined as the internal winning combination, “BB1” or “BB2” is stored in the carryover combination storage area as the carryover combination. That is, a value of “1” is set in bits 5 or 6 of the carryover combination storage area. The setting process of the carryover combination in the internal winning combination storing area is performed by an internal lottery process (see FIG. 20).

  FIG. 12C shows an example of the operating flag storage area. In the operating flag storage area consisting of 8 bits, bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to the RB operating flag (see the bonus operating time table in FIG. 11). Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the BB operating flag. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to the RT operating flag. Bits 3 to 7 are unused storage areas. Only bits 0 to 2 have a value of “0” or “1”, and bits 3 to 7 all have a value of “0”.

Here, when “1” is stored in bit 0 corresponding to the RB operating flag in the operating flag storage area (that is, when the operating flag storage area is “00000001”), the RB is operating. The flag is turned on, which means that the player is in the RB gaming state.
Further, when “1” is stored in bit 1 corresponding to the BB operating flag in the operating flag storage area (that is, when the operating flag storage area is “00000010”), the BB operating flag is turned on. Therefore, it means that the BB is operating.
In this example, if the BB is in operation, the RB gaming state is set, and therefore, “1” is stored in bit 0 and bit 1 in the operating flag storage area. That is, the operating flag storage area is “00000011”.

On the other hand, when “0” is stored in bit 0 corresponding to the RB operating flag in the operating flag storage area, and “0” is stored in bit 1 corresponding to the BB operating flag. , Indicating that the game is in a general gaming state.
When “1” is stored in bit 2 corresponding to the RT operating flag in the operating flag storage area (that is, when the operating flag storage area is “00000100”), the RT operating flag is turned on. Therefore, it means that the replay time is in operation. This is also a general gaming state.

  The carryover combination storage area and the operating flag storage area are secured in the RAM 44 and the work RAM 89. When the main CPU 45 updates each operating flag whose area is reserved in the RAM 44, the updated information on each operating flag is transmitted to the sub control circuit 71 in synchronization with this timing. Then, based on the received information, each operating flag that secures an area in the work RAM 89 is updated. The work RAM 89 is a RAM that stores backup target data. For this reason, even if the gaming machine 1 is turned off, the carryover combination storage area and the operating flag storage area are not cleared.

  Next, an example of the general gaming state effect determination table will be described with reference to FIG. The general game state effect determination table is a table that is referred to when the game state is the general game state in the effect lottery process (see FIG. 30). The general game state effect determination table stores a plurality of effect identifiers for identifying effect contents and probabilities of selecting these effect identifiers.

  In this example, it is set as the specification which produces a different production | presentation by an internal winning combination. When the general game state effect determination table is referred to, when “watermelon” is won as the internal winning combination, the selected effect identifier is any one of effects B, C, D, and E. At this time, the probability that the effect B is selected is “48/128”, the probability that the effect C is selected is “48/128”, and the probability that the effect D is selected is “16/128”. The probability that the production E is selected is “16/128”.

  Next, an example of the RB gaming state effect determination table will be described with reference to FIG. The RB gaming state effect determination table is a table that is referred to when the gaming state is the RB gaming state in the effect lottery process (see FIG. 30). In the RB gaming state effect determination table, a plurality of effect identifiers for identifying effect contents and the probabilities of selecting these effect identifiers are stored.

In the gaming machine 1 of this example, different tables are referred to depending on whether the privilege flag is on or off.
The RB gaming state effect determination table A shown in FIG. 14A is a table that is referred to when a privilege flag, which will be described later, is on in the RB gaming state.
The RB gaming state effect determination table B shown in FIG. 14B is a table that is referred to when the privilege flag is OFF in the RB gaming state.

  When the RB gaming state effect determination table A is referred to, when “watermelon” is won as the internal winning combination, the selected effect identifier is always effect F (probability “128/128”). When the production F is executed, the player can determine that “watermelon” has won the internal winning combination, and can perform a stop operation so that “watermelon” wins. In this example, notifying by the effect F that the second internal winning combination “watermelon” has been determined as the internal winning combination is referred to as bonus notification, and BB with this bonus notification is referred to as a super big bonus. (SBB).

  When the RB gaming state effect determination table B is referred to, if “watermelon” is won as the internal winning combination, the effect identifier is not selected and there is no effect. That is, when “watermelon” is won as the internal winning combination, the effect is not executed. In addition, the production identifier may not be selected when “red cherry” or “blue cherry” is won as the internal winning combination. Therefore, in the case where the effect is not executed in the RB gaming state, the player cannot easily determine that “watermelon” has won the internal winning combination, and thus it is easy to miss the winning of “watermelon”. In this example, a BB that does not notify that the “watermelon” that is the second internal winning combination is determined as the internal winning combination is referred to as a normal big bonus (NBB).

  Next, an example of the RT gaming state effect determination table will be described with reference to FIG. The RB gaming state effect determination table is a table that is referred to when the gaming state is the RT gaming state (RT in operation) in the effect lottery process (see FIG. 30). The RT game state effect determination table stores a plurality of effect identifiers for identifying effect contents and probabilities of selecting these effect identifiers.

When the RT game state effect determination table is referred to, if “BB1” is won for the internal winning combination, the selected effect identifier is always effect I (probability “128/128”). Therefore, when the production I is executed, the player can determine that “BB1” has won the internal winning combination, and can perform a stop operation so that “BB1 (red 7)” is established. .
When “BB2” is won for the internal winning combination, the selected production identifier is always the production J (probability “128/128”). Therefore, when the effect J is executed, the player can determine that “BB2” has won the internal winning combination, and can perform a stop operation so that “BB2 (blue 7)” is established. .

  Next, an example of the privilege notification determination table referred to by the sub CPU will be described with reference to FIG. The privilege notification determination table is a table referred to in the privilege notification lottery process (see FIG. 32). In this privilege notification determination table, the probability of performing privilege notification (SBB) (SBB) is stored in association with the total points and set values. The total point is a value (point counter value) obtained by totaling the number of points given in the RT gaming state. This number of points is given when the internal winning combination is “lost” and “double blank” is displayed on the display window. The set value is a value determined by operating the setting key switch 61 (see FIG. 4).

  The probability of determining the privilege notification (SBB) increases as the total point value increases and the set value increases (the largest set value is “H”). For example, when the value of the total points is “25”, the probability of determining to perform the privilege notification (SBB) at the set value “1” is “64/128”, and the privilege notification at the set value “H”. The probability of determining to perform (SBB) is “128/128”.

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

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

  When the designated storage area of the RAM 44 is erased by the process of step S2, the main CPU 45 performs a bonus operation monitoring process (see FIG. 18) (step S3).

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs a medal acceptance / start check process (see FIG. 19) described later (step S4). After the medal acceptance / start check process, the main CPU 45 extracts a random value and stores the extracted random number value in the random value storage area of the RAM 44 (step S5). Specifically, the main CPU 45 extracts a random value from the range of “0” to “65535” by the random number generator 49 and the sampling circuit 46, and stores the extracted random value in the random value storage area of the RAM 44. The random number value extracted by the main CPU 45 is used in the internal lottery process (see FIG. 20).

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs gaming state monitoring processing (step S6). In the game state monitoring process, the main CPU 45 edits the game state information for identifying the game state in the current unit game based on the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag, and sets it in the RAM 44.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs an internal lottery process (see FIG. 20) (step S7). In the internal lottery process, the main CPU 45 refers to the internal lottery table determination table (see FIG. 7), the internal lottery table (see FIG. 8), and the internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 9). decide.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs RT game number counter update processing (see FIG. 21) (step S8). Then, the main CPU 45 transmits a start command to the sub control circuit 71 (step S9). The start command includes information such as game state information and an internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation (step S10). If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the operation is stopped to digest 4.1 seconds as the waiting time (step S11). If 4.1 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S12.

  Next, the main CPU 45 requests the rotation start of all reels (step S12). Specifically, the main CPU 45 updates all three effective stop button flags, which will be described later, corresponding to each of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R to ON. When all the effective stop button flags are updated to ON, the pressing operation of the three stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R becomes effective. Then, the main CPU 45 rotates the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs a reel stop control process (see FIG. 22) (step S13). In the reel stop control process, the main CPU 45 stops the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R based on a stop signal output from the stop switches 15L, 15C, and 15R by the stop operation of the player.

  Next, the main CPU 45 pays out the display combination and medal in consideration of the effective line counter based on the combination of symbols displayed in the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R and the symbol combination table (see FIG. 10). The number of sheets is determined (step S14). The main CPU 45 determines the display combination based on the code number of the symbol displayed on the active line and the symbol combination table (see FIG. 10). Further, the main CPU 45 updates the display combination storage area and updates information on the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination.

  Specifically, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the combination of symbols corresponding to the determined internal winning combination is displayed along the active line corresponding to the active line counter. Thereafter, the effective line counter is decremented by “1”, and this process is repeated until the effective line counter becomes “0”. Since “5” is stored in the valid line counter by the medal acceptance / start check process (see FIG. 19), the main CPU 45 determines the display combination and the number of medals to be paid out for each of the five valid lines. .

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

  When the display combination and the number of payouts are determined, the main CPU 45 performs a process of transmitting a display combination command to the sub-control circuit 71 (step S15). The display combination command includes information on the determined display combination and the number of medals to be paid out.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs a medal payout process for paying out medals based on the determined medal payout number (step S16). In the medal payout process, the main CPU 45 updates the credit counter set in the RAM 44 based on the payout number in the credit mode. The updated credit counter value is displayed on the credit display section 7b. When the credit counter is updated, the value of the credit counter is displayed on the credit display unit 7b.

  In this example, the upper limit of the credit counter is set to “50”. When the value of the credit counter exceeds the upper limit “50”, the value exceeding “50” is determined as the payout execution number. Note that even when the credit mode is switched from on to off by operating the C / P switch 17, that is, when the credited medal is settled, the number of credited medals (credit counter value) is paid out. Determined as the number of executions. The main CPU 45 drives and controls the hopper 57 by the hopper drive circuit 56 based on the determined payout execution number, and pays out medals from the medal payout opening 19.

  Next, when the bonus end number counter is “1” or more, the main CPU 45 subtracts the medal payout number determined in step S14 from the value of the bonus end number counter (step S17).

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is on (step S18). When determining that the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is on, the main CPU 45 performs a bonus end check process (see FIG. 23) (step S19), and proceeds to the process of step S20.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are off, or when the bonus end check process ends, the main CPU 45 performs a bonus operation check process (see FIG. 24) (step S20). . When the bonus operation check process ends, the main CPU 45 returns the process to step S2 again.

  In this way, the main CPU 45 executes the processing from steps S2 to S20 as processing in one unit game. When the process up to step S20 is completed, the process proceeds to the process of step S2 in order to execute the process in the next unit game.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the bonus operation monitoring process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described. The bonus operation monitoring process is a process for continuing the RB gaming state during the BB operation.

  First, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the BB operating flag (see FIG. 12C) is on (step S31). When the main CPU 45 determines that the BB operating flag is not on, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus operation monitoring process and shifts the process to the main flow (see FIG. 17).

  On the other hand, when determining that the BB operating flag is on, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S32). When the main CPU 45 determines that the RB operating flag is on, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus operation monitoring process and shifts the process to the main flow.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the RB operating flag is not ON, the main CPU 45 performs RB operating processing based on the bonus operating table (see FIG. 11) (step S33). Specifically, when the BB operating flag is on and the RB operating flag is off, the main CPU 45 performs the RB operating process based on the bonus operating table (see FIG. 11). That is, the main CPU 45 sets “12” in the possible game number counter, sets “8” in the possible winning number counter, and turns on the RB operating flag. Thereafter, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus operation monitoring process and shifts the process to the main flow.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, a medal acceptance / start check process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described. The medal acceptance / start check process is a process for detecting a medal insertion operation and a game start operation performed by the player.

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

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

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

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are on (step S46). When the main CPU 45 determines that the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are not on, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the processing of step S48.

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

  Next, when the main CPU 45 determines that the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are not turned on in the process of step S46, the main CPU 45 changes the maximum value of the input number counter to “2” in the process of step S47. If it is determined in step S55 that the inserted number counter is not the maximum value, or if it is determined in step S56 that will be described later that the start switch 14S is not on, it is determined whether or not the medal has passed. It discriminate | determines (step S48).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  First, the main CPU 45 determines the type and number of lotteries of the internal lottery table corresponding to the gaming state based on the internal lottery table determination table (see FIG. 7) (step S61). That is, the number of lotteries is set to “7” in the general gaming state, and the number of lotteries is set to “4” in the RB gaming state.

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

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 12B) is “00000000” (step S63). That is, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the BB1 carryover state or the BB2 carryover state. Normally, in the general gaming state, the probability that “BB1” or “BB2” is determined as an internal winning combination is low, and the probability that “BB1” or “BB2” wins is also low. Therefore, in order to prevent “BB1” or “BB2” determined as an internal winning combination from being expired in one game, there is a carryover combination storage area in which “BB1” or “BB2” can be carried over as a carryover combination over a plurality of games. Is provided. The carryover combination stored in the carryover combination storage area is not cleared when “BB1” or “BB2” is established, that is, until the operation of the big bonus game is started. When the carryover combination is “BB1”, it is referred to as a BB1 carryover state, and when the carryover combination is “BB2”, it is referred to as a BB2 carryover state.

  When the main CPU 45 determines that the carryover combination storage area is “00000000”, that is, determines that the carryover state is neither the BB1 carryover state nor the BB2 carryover state, the main CPU 45 does not change the number of lotteries. The process proceeds to S65.

  When determining that the carryover combination storage area is not “00000000”, that is, the carryover state of either the BB1 carryover state or the BB2 carryover state, the main CPU 45 changes the number of lotteries to “5” (step S64). The reason why the number of lotteries is changed to “5” is that if the identifier of BB1 or BB2 is stored in the carryover combination storage area, the lottery of “BB1” or “BB2” is not performed again. That is, in the BB1 carryover state or the BB2 carryover state, the number of lotteries is only five from the winning numbers 1 to 5 in the internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 9).

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

  Next, the main CPU 45 compares the random number value stored in a random value storage area (not shown) with the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the internal lottery table (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the number of inserted medals (step 8). S66). Specifically, the main CPU 45 refers to the internal lottery table determined in step S61, acquires the lower limit (L) based on the winning number, and stores the random value stored in the random value storage area of the RAM 44. The lower limit (L) is subtracted from (R) to obtain (RL). Further, the main CPU 45 refers to the internal lottery table determined in step S61, acquires the upper limit value (U) based on the winning number, and stores the random value (R) stored in the random value storage area of the RAM 44. The upper limit value (U) is subtracted from (R−U).

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

  On the other hand, in the determination step S67, when the main CPU 45 determines that the random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value, based on the internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 9) based on the winning number Is determined (step S68).

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

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

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

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

  Next, the RT game number counter update process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The RT game number counter update process is a process for updating the RT game number counter in which a predetermined value (“1000” in this example) is stored.

  First, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on (step S81). When the main CPU 45 determines that the RT in-operation flag is not on, the main CPU 45 ends the RT game number counter update process and shifts the process to the main flow (see FIG. 17).

  On the other hand, when determining that the RT operating flag is ON, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the internal winning combination is “BB1” or “BB2” (step S82). When determining that the internal winning combination is “BB1” or “BB2”, the main CPU 45 clears the RT game number counter (step S83), and moves the process to step 86.

  When determining that the internal winning combination is not “BB1” or “BB2” in the process of step S82, the main CPU 45 subtracts “1” from the value of the RT game number counter (step S84).

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the value of the RT game number counter has become “0” as a result of subtracting “1” from the value of the RT game number counter (step S85). When the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the RT game number counter is not “0”, the main CPU 45 ends the RT game number counter update process and shifts the process to the main flow.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the RT game number counter is “0” in the process of step S85, or clears the RT game number counter in the process of step S83, the main CPU 45 turns off the RT operating flag. (Step S86). Thereby, the operation of the replay time ends. In other words, when the value of the RT game number counter becomes “0” and when the internal winning combination becomes “BB1” or “BB2”, the replay time operation ends. Thereafter, the main CPU 45 ends the RT game number counter update process, and shifts the process to the main flow.

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

  First, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the valid stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R, in other words, the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R that have not been invalidated are pressed (step S91). When the main CPU 45 determines that a valid stop button is not pressed, the main CPU 45 moves the process to step S91 again and waits for a stop button press operation.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that a valid stop button has been pressed, the main CPU 45 updates the valid stop button flag corresponding to each of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R for which the press operation has been performed to off (step S92). . That is, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the stop switches 15LS, 15CS, and 15RS have detected pressing operations of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R corresponding to the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

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

In the gaming machine 1 of the present example, an effective stop button storage area (not shown) is provided in the RAM 44 in order to determine which stop button is an effective stop button that can be pressed by the player. The valid stop button storage area is an 8-bit area from bits 0 to 7. Of these, bits 0 to 2 are used as an effective stop button flag area for determining whether the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are valid or invalid. The area from bits 3 to 7 is unused.
Bit 0 corresponds to the valid stop button flag of the stop button 15L.
Bit 1 corresponds to an effective stop button flag of the stop button 15C.
Bit 2 corresponds to the effective stop button flag of the stop button 15R.
The main CPU 45 determines whether the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are valid or invalid from the state of the flag in this area (bits 0 to 2).

  For example, when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R are rotating, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R is turned on (effective stop). Bits 0 to 2 of the button storage area are “1”). When the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are not rotating, the effective stop button flag corresponding to the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R is turned off (the effective stop button is stored). Bits 0 to 2 of the area are “0”).

  In the gaming machine 1 of this example, in particular, it is necessary to reliably detect the timing at which the stop button 15L is pressed and the rotation of the left reel 3L is stopped. This is to give points to the player when the player presses the stop button 15L to display “double blank” on the display window 21L.

  When the stop button pressed in step S92 is invalidated, the main CPU 45 searches for a symbol position with the highest priority within the range of the number of checks from the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter (step S92). S93). The “symbol counter” is a counter for specifying the symbol positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating, and is counted by the reel position detection circuit 53. The value of the symbol counter corresponds to the code number of the symbol located at the symbol stop position in the middle of the symbol display area. The number of checks is set to “5” in advance.

The search for the symbol position with the highest priority is performed as follows.
The symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter value +0, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter value +1, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter value +2, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter value +3, and the symbol counter value +4 With respect to the five symbol positions corresponding to the symbol positions, it is searched whether or not the constituent symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning combination are symbol positions that can be stopped along the active line. When there is one symbol position that can be stopped along the active line, the symbol position that can be stopped is determined as the symbol position with the highest priority.

When there are a plurality of symbol positions that can be stopped along the active line, ranking is performed as follows. The highest priority is defined for replay, the next highest priority for bonuses, and the lowest priority for other combinations.
In the gaming machine 1 of this example, a drawing priority table (not shown) having information on the relative priority of drawing of the combination of symbols is provided. Based on this table, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided. The stop control is performed. The pull-in priority order table defines a priority order that gives the highest priority order to the replay, and then the order of bonuses and small roles.

  “Withdrawal” is basically a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination within the maximum number of sliding symbols in the symbol display area (hereinafter referred to as “effective symbol display area”) connected by the active line. This means that the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the stop operation has been performed is stopped so as to display the symbols (hereinafter referred to as “drawing target symbols”). In this example, since the number of checks is set to “5”, the maximum number of sliding pieces is set to “4”.

The reason why the priority order is defined in this way is to preferentially stop the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus while keeping the player's gambling feelings inconspicuous. Therefore, among the plurality of symbol positions that can be stopped along the effective line, the symbol symbol that can be stopped along the effective line is the symbol symbol that has the highest symbol combination corresponding to the symbol combination with the highest priority. The symbol position is determined.
In addition, when there is no symbol position that can be stopped along the active line, the symbol position where no combination is established is determined as the symbol position with the highest priority.

  Here, the number of sliding symbols will be described taking the symbol position of the left reel of the symbol arrangement table (see FIG. 6) as an example. For example, when the internal winning combination is “bell”, when the player performs a stop operation at the symbol position “4”, the bell ahead of the second frame is drawn. In this way, even an unskilled player who does not have the skill to push can win a prize.

  Returning to the description of the processing, in step S92, the pressing operation of the stop button is invalidated. In step S93, when the symbol position with the highest priority is searched, the main CPU 45 Based on the symbol counter, the number of sliding symbols is determined (step S94). In this process, the main CPU 45 determines the number of sliding symbols such that the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop at the symbol position determined in the process of step S93.

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs a stop control position waiting process (step S95). In this process, the main CPU 45 waits for the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R to stop until the symbol positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R become the symbol positions determined in the process of step S93. When the symbol position of 3R becomes the symbol position determined in the process of step S93, a process of stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed.

  Next, the main CPU 45 transmits a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 71 (step S96). There are three types of reel stop commands: a “left reel stop command” corresponding to the reel 3L, a “middle reel stop command” corresponding to the reel 3C, and a “right reel stop command” corresponding to the reel 3R. These three types of reel stop commands each include information on stop control such as the position of the symbol to be stopped according to the value of the symbol counter.

  When the reel stop command is transmitted in step S96, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid (step S97). That is, the main CPU 45 determines which of the three valid stop button flags is on. At this time, if there is a rotating reel among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, there is a stop button whose effective stop button flag corresponding to that reel is on. For this reason, the main CPU 45 shifts the process to step S91 again and repeats the reel stop control process.

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

  Next, a bonus end check process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The bonus end check process is a process for performing a check for ending the bonus game when a bonus game end condition is satisfied.

  First, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not a winning corresponding to the display combination (internal winning combination) shown in the symbol combination table (see FIG. 10) has been established (step S111). When the main CPU 45 determines that no winning is achieved, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S118. On the other hand, when determining that a winning is achieved, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the value of the bonus end number counter is “0” (step S112).

  In this example, when the bonus operation is started, “300” is set to the value of the bonus end number counter by the bonus operation check process (see FIG. 24). Each time a prize is won, the payout number is subtracted from the value of the bonus end number counter, and when the value of the bonus end number counter becomes “0” (a negative value is regarded as “0”), the bonus is increased. finish.

  In the process of step S112, when the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the bonus end number counter is not “0”, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S116. On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the bonus end number counter is “0”, the main CPU 45 performs BB end time processing (step S113). Specifically, the main CPU 45 turns off the BB operating flag that is on, and turns off the RB operating flag when the RB operating flag is on.

  Next, the main CPU 45 transmits a bonus end command including information on the end of the bonus game to the sub-control circuit 71 (step S114).

  Next, the main CPU 45 turns on the RT operating flag and stores “1000” in the RT game number counter (step S115). That is, after the end of the BB, the replay time is activated, and the game in the general gaming state in which the winning probability of “replay” is increased is played up to 1000 times. Thereafter, the main CPU 45 shifts the processing to a main flow (see FIG. 17).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the bonus end number counter is not “0” in the process of step S112, the main CPU 45 subtracts “1” from the value of the winning possible number counter (step S116).

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the value of the subtractable winning number counter is “0” (step S117). When the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the possible winning number counter is “0”, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S120. On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the winning possible number counter is not “0”, the main CPU 45 proceeds to the process of step S118.

  When the main CPU 45 determines that a winning is not established in the process of step S111 or when it is determined that the winning possible number counter is not “0” in the process of step S117, the main CPU 45 calculates “ 1 "is subtracted (step S118).

  Next, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the value of the possible game number counter subtracted in the process of step S118 is “0” (step S119). When the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the possible game number counter is not “0”, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus end check processing and shifts the processing to the main flow.

  On the other hand, the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the possible game number counter is “0” in the process of step S119, or determines that the value of the possible game number counter is “0” in the process of step S117. If so, an RB end process is performed (step S120). Specifically, the main CPU 45 performs processing such as turning off the RB operating flag. When the main CPU 45 performs the RB end process, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus end check process, and moves the process to the main flow.

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

  First, the main CPU 45 determines whether the display combination is “BB1” or “BB2” based on the symbol combination table (see FIG. 10) (step S121). That is, the main CPU 45 determines whether or not the symbols “red 7-red 7-red 7 (BB1)” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7 (BB2)” are aligned on the active line. When the main CPU 45 determines that the display combination is not “BB1” or “BB2”, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus operation check process and shifts the process to the main flow (see FIG. 17).

  On the other hand, when determining that the display combination is “BB1” or “BB2”, the main CPU 45 performs a bonus operation time process based on the bonus operation time table (see FIG. 11) (step S122). Specifically, the main CPU 45 sets “300” in the bonus end number counter based on the bonus operating time table and turns on the BB operating flag in the operating flag storage area (see FIG. 12C). To do.

  Next, the main CPU 45 clears the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 12B) (step S123), and transmits a bonus start command including bonus start information to the sub-control circuit 71 (step S124). Thereafter, the main CPU 45 ends the bonus operation check process and shifts the process to the main flow.

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

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

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 45 determines in the process of step S131 that the RT operating flag is OFF, the main CPU 45 ends the internal lottery table change process and shifts the process to the internal lottery process.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 26, an interrupt process performed under the control of the main CPU 45 will be described. The interrupt process under the control of the main CPU 45 is a process that occurs every predetermined period (for example, 1.1173 milliseconds).

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

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

  Next, the main CPU 45 performs a reel control process (step S143). Specifically, when there is a reel rotation start request, the main CPU 45 starts the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and performs control for rotating at a constant speed. Further, in the reel stop control process (see FIG. 22), the main CPU 45 determines that the value of the symbol counter of the corresponding reel is the stop control position when the stop control position is determined by determining the number of sliding pieces. Control is performed to stop the reel when the value becomes the same as the value indicating. For example, when the value indicating the stop control position is “4”, the main CPU 45 stops the corresponding reel when the value of the symbol counter becomes “4”.

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

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

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

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

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

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU determines that a command of a type different from the previously received command has been received, the sub CPU stores a message in the message queue based on the received command (step S204). A message queue is a mechanism for exchanging information between processes. In this example, game information is stored as a message in a message queue, and game information is transferred to an effect registration process (see FIG. 28) described later. After storing the message in the message queue, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S201.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 28, the effect registration process performed under the control of the sub CPU will be described. The effect registration process is a process of registering different effect contents (for example, animation data, LED / sound data) for each determined effect.

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

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

  Next, the sub CPU performs an effect content determination process (see FIG. 29) (step S214). In this example, eight types of effects associated with the effect identifiers A to J are performed.

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

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

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

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

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

  When the series of processing ends, the sub CPU proceeds to processing in step S211. The sub CPU executes the effect registration process in about 2 milliseconds.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 29, an effect content determination process performed under the control of the sub CPU is described. The effect content determination process is a process of setting different effect data for each received various commands.

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

  On the other hand, when determining that the start command has been received, the sub CPU performs an effect lottery process (see FIG. 30) described later (step S222), and proceeds to the process of step S234. The effect lottery process is a process of setting an effect identifier used in the effect determination table.

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

  On the other hand, when determining that the reel stop command has been received, the sub CPU performs a reel stop command reception process (see FIG. 31) described later (step S225), and proceeds to the process of step S234. The reel stop command receiving process is a process of giving a predetermined number of points when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the operation of the replay time.

  When determining that the reel stop command has not been received in the process of step S223, the sub CPU determines whether or not a display combination command has been received (step S225). When determining that the display combination command has not been received, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S228.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the display combination command has been received, the sub CPU sets effect data according to the type of display combination or the like (step S226). Thereafter, the sub CPU performs a privilege notification lottery process (see FIG. 32) described later (step S227), and proceeds to the process of step S234. The privilege notification lottery process is a process of performing lottery on whether or not to execute the privilege notification with reference to the privilege notification determination table when the display combination is “BB1” or “BB2”.

  When determining that the display combination command has not been received in the process of step S225, the sub CPU determines whether or not a bonus start command has been received (step S228). When the sub CPU determines that the bonus start command has not been received, the sub CPU proceeds to step S230.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU determines that it has received the bonus start command, the RB gaming state (sub) that is the gaming state managed by the sub CPU, the game / operation state information (sub) held by the sub control circuit 71 (Step S229). The game / operation state information (sub) is an area for storing information on a game state and an operating flag referred to by the sub CPU. The RB gaming state (sub) is a gaming state managed by the sub CPU, and is the same state as the RB gaming state in the main CPU. Thereafter, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S234.

  When determining that the bonus start command has not been received in the process of step S228, the sub CPU determines whether or not a bonus end command has been received (step S230). When determining that the bonus end command has not been received, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S234.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU determines in step S230 that the bonus end command has been received, the sub-control circuit 71 holds the general gaming state (sub), which is the gaming state managed by the sub CPU. Set in the operating state information (sub) (step S231). The general game state (sub) is a game state managed by the sub CPU, and is the same state as the general game state in the main CPU.

  Next, the sub CPU turns off the privilege flag (step S232) and clears the value of the point counter (step S233). The privilege flag is turned on when it is determined to perform the privilege notification in the privilege notification lottery process (see FIG. 32). The point counter is a specific example of the point number holding means, and counts the number of points given in the reel stop command receiving process (see FIG. 31). Note that the value of the point counter is also cleared when the set value is set (registered) by the reset switch 60 (see FIG. 4). When the process of step S233 is completed, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S234.

  Next, the sub CPU performs an effect execution process based on the effect data set in the game / operation state information (sub) held by the sub control circuit 71 in the processes of steps S222, S224, S227, S229, S230, and S233. Is performed (step S234).

  The effect execution process is a process of reading animation data corresponding to the effect identifier from the image ROM 84 and reading LED / sound data from the program ROM 96 and the sound source ROM 93. When the effect execution process ends, the effect content determination process ends, and the process returns to the effect registration process (see FIG. 28).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 30, the effect lottery process performed under the control of the sub CPU will be described. The effect lottery processing includes a general game state effect determination table (see FIG. 13), an RB game state effect determination table A and B (see FIG. 14), and an RT game state effect determination table (see FIG. 15). This is a process for determining the content of the effect by referring to it.

  First, the sub CPU determines whether or not the game / operation state information (sub) is in the BB operation (step S241). When determining that the BB is not operating, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S245.

  When it is determined in the process of step S241 that the BB is operating, the sub CPU determines whether or not the privilege flag is on (step S242). When determining that the privilege flag is on, the sub CPU refers to the RB gaming state effect determination table A (see FIG. 14A) and determines the effect identifier based on the internal winning combination (step S243). ).

  At this time, there are three types of effect identifiers to be determined, “effect F” to “effect H”. When “watermelon” is won as an internal winning combination, “effect F” is always selected. Thereby, during the BB operation, the production F is executed as a privilege notification for notifying that “watermelon” which is the second internal winning combination is determined as the internal winning combination. That is, when the privilege flag is on, a super big bonus (SBB) is provided in which privilege notification is performed. In the case of SBB, the player can determine that “watermelon” has won the internal winning combination, and do not miss the “watermelon” winning by performing a stop operation so that “watermelon” wins. can do. When the effect identifier is determined in step S243, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S248.

  When it is determined in the process of step S242 that the privilege flag is not on, the sub CPU refers to the RB gaming state effect determination table B (see FIG. 14B) and determines the effect identifier based on the internal winning combination. Is determined (step S244).

  At this time, there are three types of effect identifiers to be determined: “effect G”, “effect H”, and “no effect”. When “watermelon” is won for the internal winning combination, “no effect” is always selected, The production F is not selected. “No effect” is also selected with a probability of 16/128 when “red cherry” or “blue cherry” is won as an internal winning combination. In other words, if the privilege flag is not on (is off), a normal big bonus (NBB) in which privilege notification is not performed is obtained. If the production is not executed in the case of NBB, the player cannot determine whether “(red, blue) cherry” is determined as an internal winning combination or “watermelon” is determined as an internal winning combination. Red or blue) Cherry ”or“ Watermelon ”may be missed. When the effect identifier is determined in step S244, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S248.

  In SBB, which can confirm that “Watermelon” has been won for the internal winning combination by “Direction F”, the player should win more medals than NBB who cannot confirm that “Watermelon” has been won for the internal winning combination. Can do. In other words, in the SBB, it can be determined that “watermelon” has won the internal winning combination, so the player can prevent or reduce the “watermelon” winning, and the BB while suppressing the number of medals inserted. It is possible to obtain 300 medals for which the operation of is finished.

  On the other hand, in NBB, since it is not possible to determine that “watermelon” has been won as an internal winning combination, it becomes easier for a player to miss the “watermelon” winning prize, and until 300 medals are obtained until the operation of BB ends. The number of medals to be inserted becomes larger than in the case of SBB. As a result, the SBB can increase the net number of medals more than the NBB. The net increase in the number of medals is the total number of medals inserted to rotate the reel from the total number of payouts based on the display combination (in this example, when the number exceeds 300) during BB operation. Is subtracted.

  When it is determined in step S241 that the BB is not operating, the sub CPU determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on (step S245). When determining that the RT operating flag is not on, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S247.

  When it is determined in the process of step S245 that the RT operating flag is ON, the sub CPU refers to the RT gaming state effect determination table (see FIG. 15) and determines the effect identifier based on the internal winning combination. (Step S246). At this time, there are eight types of effect identifiers to be determined, “effect A” to “effect E”, “effect I”, “effect G”, and “no effect”, and the probability that each effect identifier is set. Selected. When the effect identifier is determined in the process of step S246, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S248.

  When it is determined in the process of step S245 that the RT operating flag is not on, the sub CPU refers to the general gaming state effect determination table (see FIG. 13) and determines the effect identifier based on the internal winning combination. (Step S247). At this time, there are six types of effect identifiers to be determined, “effects A to E” and “no effect”, and each effect identifier is selected with a probability set. When the effect identifier is determined in the process of step S247, the sub CPU proceeds to the process of step S248.

  Next, the sub CPU sets effect data based on the effect identifier determined in the processes of steps S243, S244, S246, and S247 (step S248), and returns the process to the effect content determination process (see FIG. 29). .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 31, a reel stop command reception process performed under the control of the sub CPU will be described. The reel stop command receiving process is a process of giving a predetermined number of points when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the operation of the replay time.

  First, the sub CPU determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on (step S251). When it is determined that the RT operating flag is not on, the sub CPU ends the reel stop command reception process and shifts the process to an effect content determination process (see FIG. 29).

  When determining in step S251 that the RT operating flag is ON, the sub CPU determines whether or not a double blank is included in the information of the left reel stop command (step S252). That is, the sub CPU determines whether or not the symbol positions 5 and 6 corresponding to “double blank” are included in the information of the left reel stop command. When it is determined that “double blank” is not included in the information of the left reel stop command, the sub CPU ends the reel stop command reception process and shifts the process to the effect content determination process.

  In the process of step S252, when it is determined that the information on the left reel stop command includes “double blank”, the sub CPU gives the number of points (step S253). In this example, in a game during the replay time operation, if the left reel stop command information includes “double blank”, the number of points is given “1 point”. After that, the sub CPU adds the number of assigned points to the point counter (step S254), sets effect data for performing the effect of notifying the provision of the number of points (see FIG. 33), and executes the process. Move on to decision processing. The value of the point counter (the total number of points given) is used in the bonus notification lottery process (see FIG. 32) when performing lottery on whether or not to determine bonus notification.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 32, the privilege notification lottery process performed under the control of the sub CPU will be described. The privilege notification lottery process is a process of determining whether or not to perform privilege notification (SBB) with reference to the privilege notification determination table (see FIG. 16).

  First, the sub CPU determines whether or not the display combination is “BB1” or “BB2” (step S261). In other words, the sub CPU determines whether or not the symbols “red 7-red 7-red 7 (BB1)” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7 (BB2)” are aligned on the active line. When determining that the display combination is not “BB1” or “BB2”, the sub CPU ends the privilege notification lottery process and moves the process to the effect content determination process (see FIG. 29).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the display combination is “BB1” or “BB2”, the sub CPU determines whether or not the privilege notification is performed based on the value of the point counter (step S262). Specifically, the sub CPU refers to the privilege notification determination table (see FIG. 16), determines the value of the point counter and the set value determined by the operation of the setting key switch 61 (see FIG. 4). Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the privilege notification is performed.

  Next, the sub CPU determines whether or not privilege notification is determined in the process of step S262 (step S263). When the sub CPU determines that it is determined that the bonus notification is not performed (NBB) as a result of lottery, the sub CPU ends the bonus notification lottery process and shifts the process to the effect content determination process.

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU determines that the bonus notification (SBB) is determined as a result of lottery, the sub CPU turns on the privilege flag (step S264), and moves the process to the effect content determination process. When the privilege flag is turned on, in the effect lottery process (see FIG. 30), when determining the effect identifier based on the internal winning combination, the RB gaming state effect determination table A is referred to, and “watermelon” is activated during the BB operation. Becomes a super big bonus (SBB) for notifying that it has been determined as an internal winning combination.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 33, a display example for notifying the point number assignment performed when the point number is given during the operation of the replay time will be described.

  When the number of points is given during the operation of the replay time, a display for informing the liquid crystal display unit 4b that the number of points has been given is expressed by characters (messages). In the gaming machine 1 of this example, as shown in FIG. 33, “1 point, get!” Is displayed. Thus, the player can successfully display the “double blank” of the reel 3L on the display window 21L by pushing and can reliably notify that the number of points has been given.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of this example, a display for notifying the provision of the number of points and a display for notifying the total number of points granted so far (point counter value) are expressed in characters (messages). That is, in the gaming machine 1 of this example, the display “1 point, get!” And the display “total points are now 17 points” are performed. Thereby, the player can recognize the value of the total point at that time, and can predict the probability that the privilege notification at that time is performed (the probability of becoming SBB). As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that further enhances the interest of the player.

  In this example, when the number of assigned points is added to the point counter, a display for notifying the addition of the number of points and the total of the number of points is performed. That is, even if the rotation of the central reel 3C and the right reel 3R is not stopped, the number of points given and the total number of points are displayed. In addition, as a timing which displays the number of points provided and the total of the number of points, for example, it may be when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

The configuration and operation of the gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention have been described above based on the attached drawings.
According to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the reel position detection circuit 53 detects that “double blank” is displayed on the display window 21L in one game during the operation of the replay time (RT). The number of points (1 point) is given. Then, whether or not to notify that “watermelon” has been determined as an internal winning combination during the operation of the bonus game is determined by lottery based on the total number of points (point counter value).
When it is notified that “watermelon” has been determined as an internal winning combination during the bonus game operation (becomes SBB), the player can perform a stop operation so that “watermelon” wins. Therefore, the player can prevent or reduce the “watermelon” winning from being missed, and can play a bonus game while suppressing the number of inserted medals.
Therefore, when the “winning” is determined as the internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means during the replay time, the player performs a stop operation so that “double blank” is displayed on the display window 21L. And try to earn points. Therefore, even when the replay time in which “replay” is determined with high probability as an internal winning combination is in operation, the game does not become monotonous and it is possible to prevent the player's interest from deteriorating.

  While the replay time is in operation, “Replay” is determined with high probability as an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means, so that consumption of medals inserted by the player can be suppressed. However, if “losing” is determined as an internal winning combination during the RT operation, medals are consumed, and the player feels a loss. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, even if “losing” is won internally during the RT operation, the player pushes and displays “double blank” on the display window 21L, so that You can earn points that lead to profits. Therefore, game play can be diversified, and the interest of the player can be enhanced.

  Further, according to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the set value is set (registered) by the reset switch 60, the value of the point counter is initialized (cleared). Therefore, even when the game shop is closed with the acquired number of points added to the point counter, the value of the point counter can be cleared by setting the set value with the reset switch 60.

  Further, according to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the operation of the bonus game ends, the value of the point counter is initialized (cleared) (see step S233 of the effect content determination process shown in FIG. 29). ). That is, when the operation of the bonus game is finished and the operation of the replay time is started, the value of the point counter is always cleared. Therefore, since the player tries to acquire the number of points each time the replay time is started, the game during the replay time becomes monotonous no matter how many times the replay time is started. It is possible to prevent the player's interest from deteriorating.

  Further, according to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, lottery is performed to determine whether or not to give a privilege notification based on the value of the point counter and the set value set by the reset switch 60 (FIG. 16). See privilege notification determination table). Therefore, it becomes difficult to predict whether or not the bonus notification will be performed from the value of the point counter, and the player has a sense of expectation that the bonus notification may be performed until the operation of the bonus game is started. Can play games. In addition, the player can predict the set value from two pieces of information, that is, whether or not the privilege notification is performed during the operation of the bonus game, and the effect is further enhanced.

Further, according to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the number of points is given during the operation of the replay time, the liquid crystal display unit 4b is notified to give the number of points (see FIG. 33). Therefore, it is possible to reliably notify the player that the number of points has been granted.
Further, according to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the point counter value (total point value) at that time is displayed in order to display the point counter value together with the display notifying the provision of the number of points. Can be recognized by the player. Thereby, the player can predict the probability that the bonus notification will be performed during the operation of the bonus game (the probability of becoming SBB) from the value of the point counter at that time, and the gaming machine that further increases the interest of the player Can be provided.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, in the effect content determination process (see FIG. 29), when the display combination command is received, the privilege notification for determining whether or not the privilege notification (SBB) is performed. A lottery process (see FIG. 32) is performed. Specifically, when “BB1” or “BB2” is established, a lottery for determining whether or not to perform a privilege notification (SBB) is performed. However, the privilege notification lottery processing according to the present invention may be performed when the operation of the replay time ends. In that case, the main CPU 45 transmits an RT end command to the sub-control circuit 71 after the process of step S86 of the RT game number counter update process (see FIG. 21). Then, the sub control circuit 71 (sub CPU) performs a privilege notification lottery process when the RT end command is received. At this time, step S261 of the bonus notification lottery process is omitted.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, when “losing” is won as the internal winning combination during the operation of the replay time, any one of “no effect” and “effects A” to “effect D” An effect identifier is selected (see the RT game state effect determination table shown in FIG. 15). “No production” and “production A” to “production D” are selected even when other internal winning combinations (for example, “bell” or “watermelon”) are determined.
However, as the gaming machine according to the present invention, there is provided an effect identifier that is always selected when the replay time is in operation and “losing” is determined as the internal winning combination, and the effect identifier is other than “losing”. It is good also as a structure which is not selected when an internal winning combination is won.
By configuring in this way, it is possible to reliably notify the player that “losing” has been determined as the internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means during the operation of the replay time. As a result, the player can perform a stop operation so that “double blank” is displayed in the display window 21L, and can prevent or reduce the number of points.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, whether or not the privilege notification is performed is determined based on the value of the point counter and the set value set by the reset switch 60, but only the value of the point counter is determined. Based on this, it may be determined whether or not the privilege notification is performed. In that case, the probability of performing privilege notification (becomes SBB) is increased as the value of the point counter is larger.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, in the privilege notification determination table (see FIG. 16), the point counter value is divided into an appropriate range (10 pieces each), and the probability of winning for each divided range. It was set. However, as the privilege notification determination table according to the present invention, the probability of winning each point counter value may be set.
Moreover, as the privilege notification determination table according to the present invention, the probability that the privilege notification is determined may be set at random with respect to the value of the point counter.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, when the “double blank” of the reel 3L is displayed on the display window 21L during the RT operation, the number of points is given “1” (1 point). However, the number of points is not limited to “1”. As the number of points according to the present invention, for example, an integer greater than “1”, a decimal number, or the like can be applied.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the type of the special internal winning combination for starting the BB has been described as “BB1” or “BB2”, but this special internal winning combination is “BB1”. Or “BB2”. One or three or more special internal winning combinations may be set.

  In addition, the effect is displayed in conjunction with the sound emitted from the speakers 2L and 2R on the liquid crystal display unit 4b. In addition, the effects including the effect F for notifying that “watermelon” is determined as the internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means during the BB operation include lamp emission, sound emission, and video. Any one or a combination thereof. As described above, the entertainment can be further enhanced by performing various effects using the image display unit and the speaker.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the effect identifiers are 11 types of “effect A” to “effect J” and “no effect”. The identifier is not limited to 11 types. The production identifier according to the present invention may be less than 11 types or more than 11 types. It should be noted that with reference to the RB gaming state effect determination table A, the effect selected when “watermelon” is won as the internal winning combination is one type. Then, referring to the RB gaming state effect determination table B, the effect that is selected when “watermelon” is determined as the internal winning combination is selected even when the other small combination is determined as the internal winning combination. It will be a production.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the carryover combination information storage unit and the operating flag storage area are secured in the work RAM 89 that stores the backup target data. For this reason, even if the power of the gaming machine is turned off, the carryover combination information storage unit and the operating flag storage area can be stored without being cleared. In this case, the carryover combination information of the previous day and the operating flag can be taken over the next day.

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

It is a perspective view which shows the example of an external appearance structure of the game machine in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the panel display part in one embodiment of this invention, a liquid crystal display part, and a fixed display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which opened the front door of the game machine in one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the main control circuit in one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the sub control circuit in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the symbol arrangement | positioning table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the internal lottery table determination table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the internal lottery table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the internal winning combination determination table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the symbol combination table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the table at the time of the bonus action | operation in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the storage area of the internal winning combination, carryover combination, and operating flag in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the effect determination table for general gaming states in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the effect determination table for RB game states in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the effect determination table for RT gaming states in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the privilege alerting | reporting determination table in one embodiment of this invention. It is a main flowchart which shows the process example of the main control circuit in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the bonus action | operation monitoring process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the medal reception and start check process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the internal lottery process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of RT game number counter update process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the reel stop control process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the bonus completion | finish check process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the bonus operation | movement check process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the internal lottery table change process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the interruption process by control of main CPU in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the main board | substrate communication process by control of the sub CPU in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the effect registration process by control of the sub CPU in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the production content determination process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the effect lottery process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the reel stop command reception process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the privilege alert | report lottery process in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display which alert | reports provision of the number of points to the liquid crystal display part in one embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 3L, 3C, 3R ... Reel, 4 ... Front door, 4a ... Panel display part, 4b ... Liquid crystal display part, 4c ... Fixed display part, 6a-6c ... BET lamp, 7a ... Discharge display part, 7b DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Credit display part, 9 ... Operation part, 14 ... Start lever, 15L, 15C, 15R ... Stop button, 31 ... Liquid crystal display device, 41 ... Main control circuit, 42 ... Microcomputer, 45 ... Main CPU, 53 ... Reel position Detection circuit (symbol position detection means) 54... Lamp drive circuit 55. Display drive circuit 56. Hopper drive circuit 60. Reset switch (setting value registration means) 71 sub-control circuit 81. 91 ... Sound / lamp control microcomputer

Claims (3)

A symbol display means comprising a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface and a display window for displaying a part of the plurality of symbols;
An input operation detecting means for detecting an input operation of a game value for performing a game;
A start operation detecting means for detecting a start operation on condition of detection of the game value throwing operation by the throwing operation detecting means;
Random number value extracting means for extracting one random number value from a predetermined random number range based on detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means;
A numerical range defining means for defining a predetermined numerical range for each of a plurality of internal winning combinations,
Internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on whether or not the random value extracted by the random value extracting means belongs to the predetermined numerical range based on detection of the starting operation performed by the starting operation detecting means. When,
Informing means for notifying the player of the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means,
A symbol change unit that changes a symbol displayed by the symbol display unit based on detection of a start operation performed by the start operation detection unit;
Stop operation detecting means for detecting a stop operation for stopping the fluctuation of the design,
Design position detecting means for detecting the position of the design;
Stop control means for controlling the stop of symbol variation performed by the symbol variation means based on the internal symbol combination determined by the internal symbol combination determination means and detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detection means; ,
Game value giving means for giving the game value according to a combination of symbols displayed on the symbol display means;
Based on the fact that the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means is a special internal winning combination, and a combination of symbols corresponding to the special internal winning combination is displayed by the symbol display unit. A bonus game operating means for operating
Bonus game ending means for ending the operation of the bonus game when the bonus game is operated by the bonus game operating means and a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A re-game operation for operating the re-game based on the determination of the internal winning combination related to replay by the internal winning combination determining means and displaying the combination of symbols related to the re-game by the symbol display means Means,
A replay time actuating unit that activates a replay time that increases a probability that an internal winning combination relating to replay is determined by the internal winning combination determining unit when the operation of the bonus game is terminated by the bonus game ending unit;
During the operation of the replay time, a first internal winning combination is determined by the internal winning combination determining means, and the same type of symbols continuous in the rotation direction of the reel are identified by the player's stop operation. Point number adding means for adding a predetermined number of points when the symbol position detecting means detects that it is stopped at the position;
Point number holding means for holding the number of points added to the point number addition means;
Based on the number of points held in the point number holding means, whether or not to give a bonus notification of notifying the second internal winning combination determined as an internal winning combination during the operation of the bonus game by the notification means. And a bonus notification determining means for determining the gaming machine. A setting value registration means for registering a setting value for changing the expected value for determining the internal winning combination;
When the set value is registered by the set value registering means or when the operation of the bonus game is ended by the bonus game ending means, the number of points held in the point number holding means is initialized. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The privilege notification determining unit determines whether or not to perform the privilege notification based on the number of points held in the point number holding unit and the set value registered by the set value registration unit. The gaming machine according to claim 2.

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