JP2009189532A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine increasing a player's excitement and enjoyment by diversifying a stand-by time provided when starting a bonus or finishing the bonus. <P>SOLUTION: When determining an internal lottery winning combination which allows a display of a symbol combination related to the operation of a bonus, the game machine determines either of a plurality of types of stand-by times based on the number of games counted from a time when the operation of the bonus is finished. When the operation of the bonus is started or when the operation of the bonus is finished, the game machine stands by while the stand-by time is measured, so as not to rotate a plurality of reels respectively and executes either of a plurality of types of performance contents determined based on the stand-by time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a start lever has been operated by a player on condition that a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface are provided side by side, and medals, coins, etc. (hereinafter, medals, etc.) are inserted. (Hereinafter, a start operation) is detected, and a start switch that outputs a signal requesting the start of rotation of all reels and a stop button provided for each of the plurality of reels are pressed by the player. (Hereinafter referred to as stop operation), and a stop switch that outputs a signal for requesting the rotation of the corresponding reel to stop, and a corresponding drive force for each reel. And control the operation of the stepping motor based on the signal output from the start switch and stop switch. Rotation and gaming machine that includes a control unit that performs a stop, the are known.

  In the above gaming machine, when the start operation by the player is detected, a lottery using a random number is performed, and based on the result (hereinafter referred to as an internal winning combination) and the timing at which the stop operation by the player is detected, the reel rotation To stop. When a combination of symbols related to winning is displayed as a result of the rotation of the reels being stopped, the player is given benefits such as paying out medals and operating bonuses.

  In such a gaming machine, in order to improve the interest of the player, the content of the effect composed of various devices such as a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, an LED lamp, and video, sound, light, or a combination thereof Is determined by lottery or the like, and is executed by the various devices described above.

Recently, as a result of the rotation of a plurality of reels being stopped, an effect that informs the player when the start of the bonus operation is determined (hereinafter referred to as an effect at the start of the bonus) and the end of the bonus operation are determined. An effect that informs the player to that effect (hereinafter referred to as bonus end effect) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a gaming machine, after rotation of a plurality of reels is stopped, a player is prohibited from inserting medals and the like, and a time for waiting to start the next game (hereinafter referred to as a waiting time) is provided. In the standby time, the bonus start effect and the bonus end effect are executed. The purpose of this is to increase the player's sense of expectation and achievement with respect to the operation of the bonus by encouraging the player to pay attention to the effect.
JP 2007-236561 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machines as described above, since the setting of the standby time is basically uniform, it is difficult to give diversity to the bonus start effect and the bonus end effect that are executed during the standby time. , There was a problem that the player's interests lacked ups and downs.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that aims to diversify the waiting time provided at the start of a bonus or at the end of a bonus, thereby improving the interest of the player.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following gaming machines.

  (1) A plurality of reels (for example, reels 3L, 3C, and 3R described later) having a plurality of symbols arranged on the respective surfaces, and a start operation detecting means for detecting a start operation (for example, a start switch 6s described later) And random number extraction means (for example, a main CPU 31 described later, a random number generator 36 described later, a sampling circuit 37 described later) for extracting a random value when the start operation is detected by the start operation detection means, An internal lottery means (for example, an internal lottery process described later) for determining an internal winning combination by lottery based on the random number value extracted by the numerical value extraction means, and the start operation detection means detects the start operation. Reel rotating means (for example, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described later) for rotating each of the reels, and a plurality of reels. Based on the stop operation detecting means (for example, a stop switch 7S described later) for detecting the stop operation, the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detecting means, and the internal winning combination determined by the internal lottery means As a result of the reel stop means for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel (for example, reel stop control process described later) and the rotation of the plurality of reels being stopped by the reel stop means, the plurality of reels have a specific symbol. When a combination (for example, a combination of symbols “red 7” for each reel described later) is displayed, bonus operating means (for example, a bonus operation check process described later) for operating a bonus (for example, BB described later), Bonus end means (for example, bonus end check processing described later) for terminating the operation of the bonus performed by the bonus operation means, and the button When the bonus operation is ended by the minus end means, a game number counting means (for example, RT control processing described later) for counting the number of games based on detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means, When an internal winning combination (for example, an internal winning combination “BB” to be described later) that permits display of the specific symbol combination is determined by the lottery means, based on the number of games counted by the game number counting means, A plurality of types of standby time (for example, 10 seconds or 15 seconds, which will be described later) are determined by standby time determination means (for example, main control lock-related processing which will be described later), and the reel stop means causes rotation of the plurality of reels. As a result of the suspension, when the bonus operation is performed by the bonus operation means, or the bonus operation is ended by the bonus end means. The waiting time is measured by the timer means for measuring the waiting time determined by the waiting time determining means (for example, the main CPU 31 described later, the processing of S204 in the interrupt processing described later) and the timer means. During this time, the reel rotating means waits so that each of the plurality of reels is not rotated (for example, the process of S3 in the main flowchart to be described later) and the standby time determined by the standby time determining means. An effect content determination means (for example, a BB start effect determination process described later, a BB end effect determination process described later) that determines any of a plurality of types of effect contents based on time, and the waiting time by the timer means. While being measured, the effect content determined by the effect content determination means is expressed as an effect device (for example, a liquid crystal display device 5 described later). Demonstration execution means (for example, below the sub-CPU 81, rendering registration task will be described later) to further perform game machine characterized by comprising a a.

  According to this gaming machine, when an internal winning combination that allows display of a combination of symbols related to the operation of the bonus is determined, a plurality of types of standbys are determined based on the number of games counted after the operation of the bonus is terminated. Determine any of the times. Then, while the determined standby time is measured, standby is performed so that each of the plurality of reels is not rotated, and the production content determined based on the standby time is executed. Accordingly, the waiting time set at the start of the bonus and at the end of the bonus can be varied, and the bonus start effect and the bonus end effect executed during the wait time can be varied. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the player.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when an internal winning combination that allows display of a combination of symbols related to the operation of the bonus is determined, a plurality of types are determined based on the number of games counted after the operation of the bonus is terminated. Is determined, and any one of a plurality of types of effects is determined based on the determined standby time. Therefore, the waiting time set at the start of the bonus and at the end of the bonus can be varied. As a result, the bonus start effect and the bonus end effect executed during the wait time can be varied. It is possible to improve the interest of the player.

  A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a functional flow of the gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a pachislot machine) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a player inserts a medal and operates the start lever, one value (hereinafter, random number value) is extracted from random numbers in a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65535).

  The internal lottery means performs lottery based on the extracted random number value and determines an internal winning combination. By determining the internal winning combination, a combination of symbols that permits display along a winning determination line described later is determined. The types of symbol combinations include those related to “winning” in which merits such as paying out medals, re-games, bonuses, etc. are given to players, and other so-called “loses”. Is provided.

  Subsequently, after a plurality of reels have been rotated, when a stop button is pressed by the player, the reel stop control means determines the corresponding reel based on the internal winning combination and the timing when the stop button is pressed. Control to stop the rotation of.

  The reel stop control means basically performs control to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel within a specified time (190 msec) from when the stop button is pressed. In the present embodiment, the number of symbols that move with the rotation of the reel within the specified time is referred to as “the number of sliding symbols”, and the maximum number is determined as four symbols.

  The reel stop control means uses the specified time to make the symbol combination as much as possible along the winning determination line when the internal winning combination permitting the display of the symbol combination related to winning is determined. Stop reel rotation as shown. On the other hand, for the combination of symbols that are not permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination, the reel rotation is stopped so that the combination is not displayed along the winning determination line using the specified time.

  Thus, when the rotation of the plurality of reels is all stopped, the winning determination means determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line is related to winning. When it is determined that the prize is related to a winning, a privilege such as a medal payout or a bonus operation is given to the player. A series of flows as described above is performed as one game in the pachislot.

  The bonus operation means starts the operation of the bonus when the combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line is a combination of symbols related to the operation of the bonus. During the operation of the bonus, the internal winning combination that permits the display of the symbol combination related to the payout of medals is determined with a relatively high probability. The bonus ending means ends the operation of the bonus when the total number of medals paid out to the player during the operation of the bonus reaches a predetermined number.

  Also, in the pachislot, in the above-described series of flows, various effects can be achieved by using video display performed by a liquid crystal display device, light output performed by various lamps, sound output performed by a speaker, or a combination thereof. Done.

  When the player operates the start lever, an effect random number value (hereinafter referred to as effect random number value) is extracted separately from the random value used for determining the internal winning combination. When the effect random number value is extracted, the effect content determining means determines, by lottery, what is to be executed this time from among a plurality of types of effect contents associated with the internal winning combination.

  When the content of the production is determined, the production execution means is linked to each opportunity such as when the rotation of the reel is started, when the rotation of each reel is stopped, or when the presence / absence of a prize is determined. To proceed with the production. In this way, in the pachislot, the player is given the opportunity to know or predict the determined internal winning combination (in other words, the combination of symbols to be aimed at) by executing the production contents associated with the internal winning combination. As a result, the player's interest is improved.

  The above is the basic function of the pachi-slot of this embodiment. The outline of the characteristic functions provided in the pachislot machine of this embodiment will be briefly described below. In the pachislot of this embodiment, when it is determined that a bonus operation is to be performed as a result of stopping the rotation of a plurality of reels, or when it is determined to end the bonus operation, the next game is started. A stand-by time for waiting is provided, and a bonus start effect and a bonus end effect are executed within the wait time.

  The standby time determination means determines any of a plurality of types of standby time provided in advance when an internal winning combination that permits display of a combination of symbols related to the operation of the bonus is determined. As will be described in detail later, when an internal winning combination that allows display of a combination of symbols related to the operation of the bonus is determined, a plurality of types of games are referred to with reference to the number of games counted after the operation of the bonus is completed. Determine one of the waiting times. More specifically, when the number of games counted after the operation of the bonus is the first number (1 time), a first standby time (special 1 described later) is determined, and the second The second waiting time (special 2 described later) is determined when the number of times is (777 times). In addition, when the number of games counted after the operation of the bonus is not the first number or the second number, a predetermined standby time (usually described later) is determined.

  The effect content determining means determines the effect content according to the standby time determined by the standby time determining means as the effect content of the bonus start effect and the bonus end effect.

  The timer means starts measuring the waiting time determined by the waiting time determining means when the operation of the bonus is started or when the operation of the bonus is ended. Then, the waiting means waits for the next game to start without accepting the operation of the start lever by the player while the waiting time is being measured by the timer means.

  The effect execution means executes the effect content determined according to the standby time by an effect device such as a liquid crystal display device when the operation of the bonus is started or when the operation of the bonus is ended.

  This is the end of the description of the function flow of the pachislot in this embodiment. Next, the structure of the pachislot machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows the external structure of the pachislot machine in the present embodiment.

  The pachi-slot 1 includes a cabinet 1a that houses reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, a circuit board, and the like, and a front door 1b that is attached to the cabinet 1a so as to be opened and closed. Inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided side by side. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is configured by attaching a belt-like sheet in which a plurality of symbols (for example, 21 pieces) are continuously arranged along the rotation direction to the peripheral surface of a cylindrical frame.

  A liquid crystal display device 5 is provided at the center of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a display screen including symbol display areas 4L, 4C, and 4R, and is provided so as to be positioned on the near side superimposed on the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R when viewed from the front. The symbol display areas 4L, 4C, and 4R are provided corresponding to the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively, and have a configuration capable of transmitting through the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind the reels. I have.

  That is, the symbol display areas 4L, 4C, and 4R serve as display windows, and the rotation and stop operations of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind the display areas can be viewed from the player side. Become. In the present embodiment, the entire display screen including the symbol display areas 4L, 4C, and 4R is used to display an image and execute an effect.

  The symbol display areas (hereinafter referred to as display windows) 4L, 4C, 4R have a plurality of types arranged on the surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided behind them is stopped. Among the symbols, one symbol (three in total) is displayed in each of the upper, middle, and lower regions within the frame. In addition, a target for determining whether or not to win a pseudo line that is a combination of any of the predetermined areas of the upper, middle, and lower areas of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. Is defined as a line (winning determination line).

  In the present embodiment, a top line 8b formed by combining the upper stages of the display windows, a center line 8c formed by combining the middle stages of the display windows, a bottom line 8d formed by combining the lower stages of the display windows, and an upper stage of the left display window. The cross-down line 8e is a combination of the middle stage of the middle display window and the lower stage of the right display window, and the cross-up line 8a is a combination of the lower stage of the left display window, the middle stage of the middle display window, and the upper stage of the right display window. It is provided as a winning judgment line.

  The front door 1b is provided with various devices to be operated by the player. The medal slot 22 is provided to accept a medal dropped from the outside by the player. The medals received in the medal slot 22 are inserted into one game with a predetermined number (for example, three) as an upper limit, and the amount exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited inside the pachislot 1 ( So-called credit function).

  The bet button 11 is provided to determine the number of coins to be inserted into one game from medals deposited inside the pachislot. The checkout button 14 is provided to pull out medals deposited inside the pachislot.

  The start lever 6 is provided to start rotation of all reels. The stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are associated with the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively, and are provided to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The 7-segment indicator 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and the number of medals inserted in the current game (hereinafter referred to as the number of inserted coins), the number of medals paid out to the player as a privilege (hereinafter referred to as the number of payouts), pachislot 1 Information such as the number of medals deposited in the inside (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits) is digitally displayed to the player.

  The lamp 101 outputs light in a pattern of turning on and off according to the production contents. The speakers 21L and 21R output sound such as sound effects and music according to the contents of the production. The medal payout port 15 guides medals discharged by driving a medal payout device described later to the outside. The medals discharged from the medal payout opening 15 are stored in the medal tray 16.

  Next, the arrangement of symbols arranged on the surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R of the pachi-slot 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Plural kinds of symbols are continuously arranged in the rotation direction on the surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. More specifically, on the surface of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, positions divided by 21 in the rotation direction (positions specified by a symbol counter provided in a RAM 33 described later, symbol positions “0” to “0”) For “20”), any one of red 7 (symbol 61), chance (symbol 62), replay (symbol 63), bell (symbol 64) and cherry (symbol 65) is arranged in total 21 Individual symbols are arranged.

  Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled by a main control circuit 71 described later so as to rotate at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute) in a direction from the top to the bottom (arrow direction in the figure). In the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a plurality of symbols arranged on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R vary with the rotation.

  This completes the description of the structure of the pachislot 1. Next, with reference to FIG.4 and FIG.5, the structure of the circuit with which the pachislot 1 in this Embodiment is provided is demonstrated. The pachi-slot 1 includes a main control circuit 71, a sub-control circuit 72, and peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected thereto.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration of the main control circuit 71 of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 installed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU (hereinafter, main CPU) 31, a ROM (hereinafter, main ROM) 32, and a RAM (hereinafter, main RAM) 33.

  The main ROM 32 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 31, a data table such as an internal lottery table, data for transmitting various control commands (commands) to the sub control circuit 72, and the like. The main RAM 33 is provided with a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination determined by execution of the control program.

  The main CPU 31 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36, and a sampling circuit 37. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate clock pulses. The main CPU 31 executes a control program based on the generated clock pulse. The random number generator 36 generates a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts one value from the generated random numbers.

  A switch or the like is connected to the input port of the microcomputer 30. The main CPU 31 receives input from a switch or the like and controls the operation of peripheral devices such as stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R. The stop switch 7S detects that each of the three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R has been pressed (stop operation) by the player. The start switch 6S detects that the start lever 6 has been operated by the player (start operation).

  The medal sensor 22S detects that a medal received at the medal slot 22 has passed through a selector (not shown). The selector is a device for selecting whether or not a medal is appropriate in material, shape, etc., and guides an appropriate medal received in the medal insertion slot 22 to the hopper. The medal sensor 22S is provided on a path through which the medal passes in the selector.

  The bet switch 11S detects that the bet button 11 has been pressed by the player. The settlement switch 14S detects that the settlement button 14 has been pressed by the player.

  Peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by the microcomputer 30 include stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, a 7-segment display 18, and a hopper 40. A circuit for controlling the operation of each peripheral device is connected to the output port of the microcomputer 30.

  The display unit drive circuit 48 controls the operation of the 7-segment display 18. The hopper drive circuit 41 controls the operation of the hopper 40. The payout completion signal circuit 51 manages the detection of medals performed by the medal detection unit 40S provided in the hopper 41, and checks whether or not the medals discharged from the hopper 40 have reached the payout number.

  The motor drive circuit 39 controls driving of stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The reel position detection circuit 50 detects a reel index indicating that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have made one rotation by an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion in accordance with each reel 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R have a configuration in which the momentum is proportional to the number of output pulses and the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle. The driving force of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is transmitted to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R via a gear having a predetermined reduction ratio. Each time one pulse is output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant angle.

  The main CPU 31 manages the rotation angles of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by counting the number of times pulses are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R after detecting the reel index.

  More specifically, the number of pulses output to the aforementioned stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted by a pulse counter provided in the RAM 33, and is a predetermined number of times necessary for the rotation of one symbol described above. Each time the pulse output (for example, 16 times) is counted by the pulse counter, the symbol counter provided in the RAM 33 is incremented by one. The symbol counter is provided for each of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and the value is cleared each time the reel index is detected by the reel position detection circuit 50.

  That is, in this embodiment, by managing the symbol counter, it is possible to manage how many symbols have been rotated since the reel index was detected. It is possible to detect the position of each symbol in the reel rotation direction with reference to the detected position.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration of the sub-control circuit 72 of the pachislot 1 in the present embodiment.

  The sub control circuit 72 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 71 and performs processing such as determination and execution of effect contents based on a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub control circuit 72 basically includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as sub CPU) 81, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as sub ROM) 82, a RAM (hereinafter referred to as sub RAM) 83, a rendering processor 84, a drawing RAM 85, a driver 87, a DSP (DSP). A digital signal processor) 90, an audio RAM 91, an A / D converter 88, and an amplifier 89 are included.

  The sub CPU 81 controls the output of video, sound, and light according to the control program stored in the sub ROM 82 in accordance with the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub-RAM 83 is provided with a storage area for registering the determined contents and effects data, and a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub ROM 82 basically includes a program storage area and a data storage area.

  A control program executed by the sub CPU 81 is stored in the program storage area. For example, in the control program, a main board communication task for controlling communication with the main control circuit 71 and an effect registration task for extracting effect random numbers and determining and registering effect contents (effect data) In addition, a drawing control task for controlling the display of video by the liquid crystal display device based on the determined contents of the presentation, a lamp control task for controlling the light output by the lamp, a voice control task for controlling the sound output by the speaker, and the like are included.

  The data storage area is a storage area for storing various data tables, a storage area for storing effect data constituting each effect content such as a bonus start effect and a bonus end effect, and a storage area for storing animation data related to video creation. , A storage area for storing sound data relating to BGM and sound effects, a storage area for storing lamp data relating to light on / off patterns, and the like.

  The sub-control circuit 72 is connected to the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21L and 21R, and the lamp 101 as peripheral devices whose operations are controlled.

  The sub CPU 81, the rendering processor 84, the drawing RAM 85 (including the frame buffer), and the driver 87 create a video according to the animation data designated by the contents of the presentation, and display the created video on the liquid crystal display device.

  The sub CPU 81 turns on and off the lamp according to the lamp data designated by the contents of the effect. The sub CPU 81, the DSP 90, the audio RAM 91, the A / D converter 88, and the amplifier 89 output sound such as BGM from the speaker in accordance with the sound data specified by the production content.

  This completes the description of the circuit configuration of the pachislot machine 1. Next, the configuration of various data tables stored in the main ROM 32 will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

  The symbol arrangement table defines the position of each symbol in the rotation direction of each reel and data (hereinafter referred to as symbol code) specifying the type of symbol arranged at each position. The symbol code is 1-byte data, and each of “1 (00000001B)” to “5 (00001010B)” is assigned according to five types of symbols, red 7 (symbol 61) to cherry (symbol 65). ing.

  In the symbol arrangement table, the position of the symbol existing in the middle of the display window when the reel index is detected is set to “0”, and the position of each symbol in the rotation direction of each reel managed by the symbol counter described above is set. “0” to “20” are assigned respectively. In this embodiment, by referring to the symbol counter and the symbol arrangement table, it is possible to specify the symbol type displayed in the middle of each display window.

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

  In the present embodiment, when the symbol combination displayed by the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R along the winning determination lines 8a to 8e matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table, Judgment is made, and privileges such as payout of medals, replay operation, and bonus game operation are given to the player.

  The symbol combination table defines a symbol combination, a display combination, and a payout number that are predetermined according to the type of privilege. The display combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line.

  The display combination is represented as 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. For example, when the symbol “bell” of each reel is displayed along the winning determination line, “bell (00000010)” is determined as the display combination.

  Further, when a numerical value of 1 or more is determined as the payout number, medals are paid out. In this embodiment, when a cherry or bell is determined as a display combination, medals are paid out. The number of payouts is defined according to the number of inserted sheets. Basically, a larger number of paid-out sheets is determined when the number of inserted sheets is small.

  In addition, when replay is determined as the display combination, replaying is performed. When BB is determined as the display combination, the big bonus (BB) is activated. If the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line does not match any of the symbol combinations defined by the symbol combination table, it is a so-called “losing”.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the bonus operation time table will be described.

  The bonus operation time table defines data to be stored in various storage areas provided in the main RAM when the bonus operation is performed.

  The in-operation flag is data for identifying the type of bonus that is activated. In the present embodiment, BB (a combination continuous action device related to a first type special combination) and RB (a first type special combination) are provided as bonus types. The operation of RB is continuously performed while the operation of BB is performed.

  The operation of BB is ended when the medals that have reached the prescribed number are paid out. The operation of the RB is ended when a game that reaches the specified number of times is performed, when there is a winning that reaches the specified number of times, or when the operation of the BB ends. The bonus end number counter, the possible game number counter, and the possible winning number counter are data for managing whether or not the specified number of times or the specified number of times as a trigger end timing of the bonus has been reached.

  More specifically, numerical values defined by the bonus operation time table are stored in the respective counters, and the subtraction is performed through the operation of the bonus. As a result, the operation of the corresponding bonus is completed on condition that the value of each counter is updated to “0”.

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

  The internal lottery table defines a data pointer and a lottery value according to the winning number. The data pointer is data acquired as a result of lottery performed with reference to the internal lottery table, and is data for designating an internal winning combination defined by an internal winning combination determination table described later. The data pointer is provided with a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer.

  In the present embodiment, random numbers extracted from a predetermined numerical range “0 to 65535” are sequentially subtracted by lottery values corresponding to each winning number, and whether or not the result of the subtraction is negative ( An internal lottery is performed by determining whether or not a so-called “digit” has occurred.

  Therefore, the larger the numerical value defined as the lottery value, the higher the probability that the data (that is, the data pointer) to which it is assigned will be determined. The winning probability of each winning number can be represented by “the lottery value corresponding to each winning number / the number of all random numbers that may be extracted (65536)”. In the present embodiment, depending on the situation such as whether or not the bonus is activated, the type of internal winning combination and the winning probability that are determined are varied by using different types of internal lottery tables. , The expectation that the player holds is undulating.

  FIG. 9 shows an internal lottery table for a general gaming state. The internal lottery table for the general gaming state defines lottery values and data pointers corresponding to the winning numbers 1 to 4. FIG. 10 shows an internal lottery table for RB operation that is referred to during RB operation. The internal lottery table for RB operation defines lottery values and data pointers corresponding to the winning number 1. In the internal lottery table for RB operation, the probability that the internal winning combination relating to the payout of medals is determined is higher than that in the internal lottery table for the general gaming state.

  FIG. 11 shows an internal lottery table for RT operation that is referred to during operation of the replay time (RT). The operation of RT is started after the operation of BB is ended, and is ended when 1000 games are digested. The internal lottery table for the RT operation is basically the internal lottery for the general gaming state except that the lottery value of the winning number for determining the internal winning combination “replay” related to the re-game operation is different. The configuration is basically the same as the table.

  The internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIGS. The internal winning combination determination table defines an internal winning combination in accordance with the data pointer. When the data pointer is determined, the internal winning combination is uniquely acquired.

  FIG. 12 shows a small combination / replay internal winning combination determination table. The small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table defines an internal winning combination relating to the payout of medals or an internal winning combination relating to the operation of replay. FIG. 13 shows a bonus internal winning combination determination table. The bonus internal winning combination determination table defines internal winning combinations related to the operation of the bonus.

  The internal winning combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols of each reel that is permitted to be displayed along the winning determination line. Like the display combination, the internal winning combination is represented as 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. When the data pointer is “0”, the content of the internal winning combination is “lost”, which indicates that any display of symbol combinations defined by the symbol combination table described above is not permitted.

  In the present embodiment, when the stop button is pressed by the player, the combination of symbols allowed by the internal winning combination within the range of the maximum number of sliding pieces “4” is as much as possible along the winning determination line. As shown, the rotation of each reel is stopped (so-called pull-in). On the other hand, the combination of symbols that is not allowed by the internal winning combination uses the aforementioned “slip” to stop the rotation of each main reel so that it is not displayed along the winning determination line ( So-called kicking).

  The main control lock time determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main control lock time determination table is referred to when the internal winning combination “BB” related to the operation of the bonus is determined during the RT operation (the period from the end of the operation of the bonus until 1000 games are consumed). Any one is determined from a plurality of types of standby time (hereinafter, main control lock time).

  The main control lock time determination table defines a plurality of lock patterns and defines a range of random values when each lock pattern is determined. The lock pattern is data for designating a numerical value to be stored in the main control lock timer for measuring the main control lock time with reference to a main control lock timer table described later.

  The RT game number counter is data for managing the number of games in which the RT operation is continued. In the present embodiment, the RT operation is started on the condition that the bonus operation ends. Therefore, the number of games managed by the RT game number counter is from the time when the bonus operation ends. This corresponds to the number of games counted. In this embodiment, 1000 is stored as the initial value of the RT game number counter, and the RT operation ends when the number of games counted from the end of the bonus operation reaches 1000 times. Like to do.

  Referring to the main control lock time determination table, when the value of the RT game number counter is “999” (that is, when the number of games counted after the bonus operation is finished is 1), the lock pattern is “Special 1” is determined. Further, when the value of the RT game number counter is “223” (that is, when the number of games counted after the bonus operation is finished is 777), “special 2” is determined as the lock pattern. . Then, when the value of the RT game number counter is neither “999” nor “223”, “normal” is determined as the lock pattern.

  The main control lock timer table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main control lock timer table defines a numerical value stored in the main control lock timer when the BB is operated and a numerical value stored in the main control lock timer when the BB is ended, according to the lock pattern. The lock pattern is provided with “normal”, “special 1”, and “special 2”, and different numerical values are defined according to each. When the numerical values of the respective lock patterns are compared, “normal <special 1 <special 2”.

  This completes the description of the contents of the data table stored in the main ROM 32. Next, the configuration of various storage areas provided in the main RAM 32 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The configuration of the internal winning combination storing area will be described with reference to FIG. The internal winning combination storing area stores the internal winning combination represented by the above-mentioned 1-byte data. When the bit is set to “1”, display of the corresponding symbol combination is permitted. When all bits are “0”, the content is lost.

  The main RAM is provided with a display combination storage area in which the display combination is stored. The configuration of the display combination storing area is the same as the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area. When “1” is set in the bit, the corresponding symbol combination is displayed along the winning determination line.

  The configuration of the carryover combination storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the internal winning combination “BB” related to the operation of the bonus is determined as a result of the above-mentioned lottery, this is stored in the carryover combination storing area. The internal winning combination (hereinafter referred to as the carryover combination) related to the operation of the bonus stored in the carryover combination storage area is retained without being cleared until the corresponding symbol combination is displayed on the winning determination line. It has become. And while the carryover combination is stored in the carryover combination storage area, it is stored in the internal winning combination storage area regardless of the result of the lottery described above.

  The configuration of the operating flag storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operating flag storage area stores an operating flag consisting of 1 byte. In the operating flag, a unique bonus or RT is assigned to each bit. When the bit is set to “1”, the corresponding bonus or RT is activated. The state when all bits are “0” is defined as a general gaming state.

  This completes the description of the configuration of the various storage areas provided in the main RAM. Next, the contents of the program executed by the main CPU of the main control circuit will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 19, the main flowchart by control of main CPU is demonstrated. When power is supplied to the pachislot machine, first, the main CPU 31 performs an initialization process (S1). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the designated storage area in the main RAM (S2). For example, data stored in a storage area that needs to be erased for each game, such as an internal winning combination storage area or a display combination storage area, is cleared.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the main control lock flag is on (S3). When the main CPU 31 determines that the main control lock flag is on, the main CPU 31 waits without performing subsequent processing until the main control lock flag is updated to on. As a result, the insertion of medals by the player, the operation of the start lever, etc. become invalid, and the start of the game is awaited. The main control lock flag is turned off on condition that the main control lock timer is updated to zero.

  When determining that the main control lock flag is not on, the main CPU 31 performs a medal acceptance / start check process described later with reference to FIG. 20 (S4). In this process, the medal sensor and start switch input are checked.

  Next, the main CPU 31 extracts a random number value and stores it in a random value storage area provided in the main RAM (S5). Next, the main CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 (S6). In this process, the internal winning combination is determined by lottery based on a random value. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub-control circuit (S7). The start command includes a parameter for specifying an internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all main reels (S8). When the start of rotation of all the main reels is requested, the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is controlled by an interrupt process (FIG. 27 to be described later) executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec). The rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 23 (S9). In this process, the input of the stop switch is checked, and the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped based on the timing when the stop button is pressed and the internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 searches for a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line, and determines a payout number or the like based on the result (S10). As a result of the search, if the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table, the corresponding display combination and the number of payouts are determined. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a display command to the sub control circuit (S11). The display command includes parameters that specify the display combination, the number of payouts, and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs medal payout processing (S12). Based on the determined payout number, the hopper is driven and the credit number is updated. Next, the main CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (S13). The numerical value determined as the payout number is subtracted from the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus operating flag is on (S14). When determining that the bonus operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 24 (S15). It is checked whether or not to end the bonus operation with reference to various counters for managing the bonus end timing.

  The main CPU 31 performs RT control processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 25 after S15 or when it is determined in S14 that the bonus operating flag is not on (S16). The number of games during RT operation is counted. After S15 or after S16, the main CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 26 (S17). It is checked whether or not the bonus operation starts. When this process ends, the process proceeds to S2.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 20, the medal acceptance / start check process will be described.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the automatic insertion counter is 0 (S31). When it is determined that the automatic insertion counter is 0, the medal passage permission is performed (S32). The selector solenoid is driven, and the passage of medals in the selector is prompted.

  When determining that the automatic insertion counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 copies the automatic insertion counter to the insertion number counter (S33). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the automatic insertion counter (S34). S33 and S34 are processes for replaying.

  After S32 or S34, the main CPU 31 sets 3 as the maximum value of the insertion number counter (S35). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus operating flag is on (S36). When determining that the bonus operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 changes the maximum value of the insertion number counter to 2 (S37).

  The main CPU 31 determines whether or not the passage of medals has been detected after S37 or when it is determined in S36 that the bonus operating flag is not on (S38). When determining that the passage of medals has been detected, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the inserted number counter has reached the maximum value (S39). When determining that the inserted number counter has not reached the maximum value, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the inserted number counter (S40). Next, the main CPU 31 stores 5 in the effective line counter (S41). Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a medal insertion command to the sub control circuit (S42). The medal insertion command includes a parameter for specifying the number of inserted coins.

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S39 that the inserted number counter is the maximum value, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the credit counter (S43). The main CPU 31 checks the bet switch after S43, after S42, or when it is determined in S38 that the passage of medals has not been detected (S44). A numerical value corresponding to the bet button is added to the inserted number counter while being subtracted from the credit counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter has reached the maximum value (S45). When it is determined that the insertion number counter has not reached the maximum value, the process proceeds to S38, whereas when it is determined that the insertion number counter has reached the maximum value, it is determined whether or not the start switch is on (S46). .

  When determining that the start switch is not on, the main CPU 31 proceeds to S38, whereas when determining that the start switch is on, the main CPU 31 prohibits medal passage (S47). The selector solenoid is not driven, and medals are expelled. When this process ends, the medal acceptance / start check process ends.

  Next, an internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines an internal lottery table and the number of lotteries (S61). The operating flag storage area is referred to, and the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries are determined according to whether the bonus and RT are activated or not. The number of lotteries indicates the number of times that a lottery value is subtracted and a determination is made as to whether a digit has occurred for each winning number defined by the internal lottery table. For example, when the internal lottery table for the general gaming state is determined, 4 is determined as the number of lotteries.

  Next, the main CPU 31 obtains a random value stored in the random value storage area and sets it as a determination random value (S62). Next, the main CPU 31 sets 1 as the initial value of the winning number (S63).

  Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the internal lottery table and acquires a lottery value corresponding to the winning number (S64). Next, the main CPU 31 subtracts the lottery value from the determination random number value (S65). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a digit has been made (S66). When the main CPU 31 determines that the digit is not performed, the main CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the number of lotteries and adds 1 to the winning number (S67).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (S68). When the main CPU 31 determines that the number of lotteries is not 0, the process proceeds to S64. On the other hand, when the number of lotteries is determined to be 0, the main CPU 31 sets 0 as the small role / replay data pointer and serves as the bonus data pointer. 0 is set (S69).

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S66 that a digit has been made, the main CPU 31 obtains a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer according to the current winning number (S70). After S70 or S69, the main CPU 31 refers to the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table and acquires the internal winning combination based on the small winning combination / replay data pointer (S71).

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores the acquired internal winning combination in the internal winning combination storing area (S72). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0 (S73). When the main CPU 31 determines that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus internal winning combination determination table and acquires the internal winning combination based on the bonus data pointer (S74). ). Next, the main CPU 31 stores the acquired internal winning combination in the carryover combination storing area (S75).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0 (S76). When the main CPU 31 determines that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is not 0, the main CPU 31 performs a main control lock-related process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 (S77). One of a plurality of types of main control lock times is determined.

  After S77, the main CPU 31 determines that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0 in S76 or that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is not 0 in S73. Sometimes, a logical sum of the carryover combination storage area and the internal winning combination storage area is taken, and the result is stored in the internal winning combination storage area (S78). That is, the internal winning combination relating to the bonus operation is carried over. When this process ends, the internal lottery process ends.

  Next, main control lock-related processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on (S91). When determining that the RT operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 obtains a value stored in the RT game number counter provided in the main RAM 33 (S92). Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the main control lock time determination table, and determines a lock pattern based on the acquired value of the RT game number counter (S93). When this process ends, the main control lock related process ends. When determining that the RT operating flag is not on, the main CPU 31 sets “normal” as the lock pattern (S94). When this process ends, the main control lock related process ends.

  Next, the reel stop control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (S101). When the main CPU determines that a valid stop button has not been pressed, it waits until it is pressed.

  When the main CPU determines that a valid stop button has been pressed, the main CPU invalidates the operation of the corresponding stop button (S102). The valid and invalid states of each stop button are managed in a predetermined storage area provided in the main RAM.

  Next, the main CPU sets 5 as the number of checks (S103). In the present embodiment, since the maximum number of sliding symbols is “4”, when the stop button is pressed, including the symbol position in the middle of the corresponding display window, Up to the position is subject to check. That is, any of the five numerical values “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” is determined as the number of sliding frames.

  Next, the main CPU, based on the internal winning combination, each check range including the position of the symbol in the middle of the corresponding display window (hereinafter referred to as stop start position) when the stop button is pressed. Among the symbol positions, the symbol position with the highest priority is searched (S104). In this process, the position of the symbol that can display the combination of symbols permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination along the winning determination line is determined as the position of the symbol with the highest priority.

  Next, the main CPU determines the number of sliding symbols based on the search result (S105). The number of symbols from the stop start position to the symbol position with the highest priority is determined as the number of sliding symbols. Next, the main CPU shifts to waiting for a scheduled stop position (S106). When a transition is made to waiting for the planned stop position, the driving of the stepping motor is controlled by an interrupt process described later, and the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped after the position of the highest priority symbol reaches the middle stage of the corresponding display window. The

  Next, the main CPU transmits a reel stop command to the sub-control circuit (S107). The reel stop command includes a parameter for specifying the type of the stopped reel.

  Next, the main CPU determines whether or not there is a stop button whose operation is valid (S108). That is, it is determined whether there is a reel that is still rotating. When the main CPU determines that there is a stop button with an effective operation, the main CPU proceeds to S101, whereas when it determines that there is no stop button with an effective operation, the main CPU ends the reel stop control process.

  Next, the bonus end check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (S151). When determining that the bonus end number counter is 0, the main CPU 31 performs BB end time processing (S152). In this process, the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are turned off, and various counters for managing the end timing of the bonus are cleared. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a bonus end command to the sub control circuit (S153).

  Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the main control lock timer table, and acquires the value at the end of the BB based on the lock pattern determined by the above-described main control lock related process (S154). Next, the main CPU 31 turns on the main control lock flag and sets the acquired value in the main control lock timer (S155). The value of the main control lock timer is decremented by 1 by executing an interrupt process described later every 1.1173 msec. For example, when the value “4475” is set in the main control lock timer, a time of about 5 seconds (= 1.1173 msec × 4475) is measured. Next, the main CPU 31 turns on the RT operating flag and sets 1000 in the RT game number counter (156). When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends.

  When the main CPU determines that the bonus end number counter is not 0 in S151, the main CPU updates the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter (S157). The possible game number counter is decremented by 1, and when there is a win, the possible pay number counter is decremented by one. Next, the main CPU determines whether or not the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter is 0 (S158).

  When the main CPU determines that the winning count counter or the possible game count counter is not 0, the main CPU ends the bonus end check process, whereas when determining that the winning count counter or the possible game count counter is 0, Processing at the end of RB is performed (S159). In this process, the RB operating flag is turned off, and the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter are cleared. When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends.

  Next, the RT control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on (S171). When determining that the RT operating flag is not on, the main CPU 31 ends the RT control process, whereas when determining that the RT operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 decrements the RT game number counter by 1 (S172). .

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT game number counter is 0 (173). When the main CPU 31 determines that the RT game number counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 terminates the RT control process. On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 determines that the RT game number counter is 0, the main CPU 31 turns off the RT operating flag (S174). . When this process ends, the RT control process ends.

  Next, the bonus operation check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB (S181). When the main CPU 31 determines that the display combination is BB, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus operation time table and performs the BB operation time process (S182). In this process, the BB operating flag is turned on, and a predetermined value is set in the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 clears the carryover combination storage area (S183). Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a bonus start command to the sub-control circuit (S184). Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the main control lock timer table, and acquires the value at the start of the BB based on the lock pattern determined in the above-described main control lock related process (S185). Next, the main CPU 31 turns on the main control lock flag and sets the acquired value in the main control lock timer (S186).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on (187). When it is determined that the RT in-operation flag is not on, the bonus end check process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the RT in-operation flag is on, the RT in-operation flag is turned off and the value of the RT game number counter is set. Is cleared (S188). When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends.

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S181 that the display combination is not BB, it determines whether or not the display combination is replay (S189). When determining that the display combination is replay, the main CPU 31 copies the value of the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion counter (S190).

  When determining that the display combination is not replay in S189, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is on (S191). When determining that the BB operating flag is not on, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation check process, whereas when determining that the BB operating flag is on, whether or not the RB operating flag is on. Is determined (S192).

  When determining that the RB operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation check process. On the other hand, when determining that the RB operating flag is not on, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus operating time table and operates the RB operation. Time processing is performed (S193). In this process, the RB operating flag is turned on, and predetermined values are set in the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter. When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

  Next, an interrupt process (1.1173 msec) under the control of the main CPU will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 saves the register (S201). Next, the main CPU 31 performs input port check processing (S202). In this process, signals input from various switches such as a stop switch are checked.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the main control lock timer is 0 (S203). When determining that the main control lock timer is not 0, the main CPU 31 updates the main control lock timer (S204). 1 is subtracted from the value of the main control lock timer. Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the main control lock timer is 0 (S205). When determining that the main control lock timer is 0, the main CPU 31 turns off the main control lock flag (S206).

  After determining that the main control lock timer is not 0 in S205 after S206, or when determining that the main control lock timer is 0 in S203, the main CPU 31 performs a reel control process (S207). In this process, when the start of rotation of all the reels is requested, the driving of the stepping motor is controlled so that the rotation of each reel is started and then rotated at a constant speed. When the number of sliding pieces is determined, the driving of the stepping motor is controlled so that the rotation of the corresponding reel waits for the number of sliding pieces and the rotation is decelerated and stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a lamp and 7-segment drive process (S208). Next, the main CPU 31 restores the register (S209). When this process ends, the interrupt process ends.

  This completes the description of the contents of the program executed by the main CPU of the main control circuit. Next, the contents of the program executed by the sub CPU of the sub control circuit will be described with reference to FIGS.

  With reference to FIG. 28, a main board communication task performed by the sub CPU 81 will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 performs a reception check on the command transmitted from the main control circuit (S301). Next, when receiving a command, the sub CPU 81 extracts the type of the command (S302).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not a command different from the previous one has been received (S303). If the sub CPU 81 determines that a command different from the previous command has not been received, the process proceeds to S301. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 81 determines that a command different from the previous command has been received, the sub CPU 81 stores the command in the message queue (S304).

  Next, an effect registration task performed by the sub CPU will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 extracts a message from the message queue (S311). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether there is a message (S312). When the sub CPU determines that there is a message, it copies the game information from the message (S313). For example, various data such as an internal winning combination, a type of reel that has stopped rotating, a display combination, an operating flag, and the like specified by parameters are copied to a storage area provided in the sub-RAM.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 performs an effect content determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 30 (S314). In this process, depending on the type of the received command, the contents of the effect are determined and the effect data is registered.

  The sub CPU 81 registers animation data after S314 or when it is determined that there is no message in S312 (S315). Next, the sub CPU 81 registers sound data (S316). Next, the sub CPU 81 registers lamp data (S317). The registration of the animation data, the registration of the sound data, and the registration of the ramp data are performed based on the effect data registered in the effect content determination process. When this process ends, the process proceeds to S311.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 30, the flowchart of the effect content determination process performed by sub CPU is demonstrated.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not it is a start command reception time (S321). When determining that the start command is received, the sub CPU extracts a random number for effect, determines the effect number by lottery based on the internal winning combination, etc., and registers it (S322). The production number is data for designating production contents to be executed this time.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 registers the production data at the start based on the registered production number (S323). The effect data is data that designates animation data, sound data, and lamp data. When the effect data is registered, corresponding animation data and the like are determined, and effects such as video display are executed. When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when determining that the start command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the reel stop command is received (S324). If the sub CPU 81 determines that the reel stop command is received, the sub CPU 81 registers the stop effect data based on the registered effect number and the type of the stop button (S325). When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when determining that the reel stop command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the display command is received (S326). When determining that the display command is being received, the sub CPU 81 registers the display effect data based on the registered effect number (S327). When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when determining that the display command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the bonus start command is received (S328). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the bonus start command is received, it performs bonus start effect determination processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 31 (S329). When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when determining that the bonus start command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the bonus end command is received (S330). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the bonus end command is not received, the sub CPU 81 ends the effect content determination process. On the other hand, when the sub CPU 81 determines that the bonus end command is received, the bonus end described later with reference to FIG. Effect determination processing is performed (S331). When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 31, a flowchart of the BB start effect determination process will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the lock pattern is “special 1” (S351). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the lock pattern is “special 1”, it sets the BB start (special 1) effect data (S352). When this process ends, the BB start effect determination process ends.

  When determining that the lock pattern is not “special 1”, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the lock pattern is “special 2” (S353). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the lock pattern is “special 2”, it sets the BB start (special 2) effect data (S354). When this process ends, the BB start effect determination process ends.

  When determining that the lock pattern is not “special 2”, the sub CPU 81 sets the BB start (normal) effect data (S355). When this process ends, the BB start effect determination process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 32, a flowchart of the BB end effect determination process will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the lock pattern is “special 1” (S371). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the lock pattern is “special 1”, it sets the BB end (special 1) effect data (S372). When this process ends, the BB end effect determination process ends.

  When determining that the lock pattern is not “special 1”, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the lock pattern is “special 2” (S373). When determining that the lock pattern is “special 2”, the sub CPU 81 sets the effect data for BB end (special 2) (S374). When this process ends, the BB end effect determination process ends.

  When determining that the lock pattern is not “special 2”, the sub CPU 81 sets the BB end (normal) effect data (S375). When this process ends, the BB end effect determination process ends.

  As described above, the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is determined when the bonus operation is determined as a result of the rotation of the plurality of reels being stopped, or when the bonus operation is determined to end. A main control lock time for waiting without starting the next game is provided, and a bonus start-time effect and a bonus end-time effect are each executed within the main control lock time.

  When the internal winning combination “BB” related to the operation of the bonus is determined, the number of games (RT game number counter value) counted after the operation of the BB ends is referred to, and a plurality of pre-set The type of main control lock time “normal”, “special 1” or “special 2” is determined. More specifically, “special 1” is determined when the number of games counted after the operation of the BB is “1”, “special 2” is determined when it is “777”, When it is other times, “normal” is determined. Further, the content of the effect is determined based on the main control lock time determined as described above, and the effect content corresponding to each main control lock time is executed.

  Therefore, the main control lock time set at the start of the bonus and at the end of the bonus can be varied, and the bonus start effect and the bonus end effect executed during the main control lock time can be varied. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the player.

  In addition, with reference to the number of games counted after the bonus operation has ended, one of a plurality of types of main control lock times is determined, so that the main control lock time is determined. Since it is not necessary to perform a process related to a dedicated lottery, it is possible to reduce the burden on the control system.

  Furthermore, when the internal winning combination “BB” is determined early after the previous bonus is completed, such as when the number of games counted after the operation of the BB is “1”, The main control lock time, which is different from the main control lock time, is determined, and the production contents corresponding to the main control lock time are executed, so that the player's sense of superiority and achievement can be satisfied. This is suitable for improving the interests of people.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a reel, a start operation detecting means, a random number extracting means, an internal lottery means, a reel rotating means, a stop operation detecting means, a reel stopping means, a bonus operating means, a bonus ending means, and a game count. The specific configurations of the means, the standby time determination means, the timer means, the standby means, the production content determination means, the production execution means, etc. are not limited to the elements of the present embodiment described above.

  The waiting time determination means determines any one of a plurality of types of waiting times when the number of games counted after the bonus operation ends does not exceed a predetermined number of times, The waiting time is changed when the number of times is reached, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the number of games counted after the operation of the bonus is within the “first range (for example, 1 to 20)”, a first waiting time (special 1 described later) is determined, and “second The second waiting time (special 2 to be described later) may be determined when it is within the range (for example, 101 to 120). Further, the standby time may be determined according to whether the number of games counted after the bonus operation is ended is “odd” or “even”.

  In the present embodiment, three types of standby times are provided, but the types of standby times to be adopted can be arbitrarily increased or decreased. In the present embodiment, the waiting time at the start of the bonus and the end of the bonus are made different from each other, but may be the same.

  In the present embodiment, the check of the medal sensor 22S and the bet switch 11S and the check of the start switch 6S are not performed to wait for the start of the next game. While the sensor 22S and the bet switch 11S are checked, the start of the next game may be waited by not checking the start switch 6S. For example, the determination of “whether or not the main control lock flag is on” in S3 of the main flowchart under the control of the main CPU shown in FIG. 19 is made by referring to the “start switch” in S46 of the medal acceptance / start check process shown in FIG. It may be performed immediately before the determination of whether or not is on.

  2 to 3 applied in the present embodiment, circuit configurations and peripheral devices shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, table configurations shown in FIGS. 6 to 15, and FIGS. 16 to 18. The configuration of the RAM storage area, the configuration of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 19 to 32, and the like can be arbitrarily changed or modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  In addition to the slot machine (cylinder-type game machine) provided with the mechanical reel as in this embodiment, the present invention is also applied to a game machine such as a video slot that displays the reels and symbols arranged on the surface thereof by video. The invention can be applied. Furthermore, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program in which the operation in the slot machine is executed in a pseudo manner for a home game machine. In that case, a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

  The effects described in the present embodiment are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the present embodiment. .

It is a figure which shows the function flowchart of the pachi-slot. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachi-slot 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol distribute | arranged on the surface of a reel. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of the pachislot 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub control circuit 72 of the pachi-slot 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows a symbol arrangement | positioning table determination table. It is a figure which shows a symbol combination table. It is a figure which shows a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. It is a figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. It is a figure which shows the main control lock time determination table. It is a figure which shows the main control lock timer table. It is a figure which shows an internal winning combination storing area. It is a figure which shows a carryover combination storage area. It is a figure which shows the operating flag storage area. It is a figure which shows the main flowchart performed by main CPU. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a medal reception / start check process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of an internal lottery process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a main control lock related process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a reel stop control process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a bonus completion | finish check process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of RT control processing. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a bonus action check process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the interruption process by CPU31. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the main board | substrate communication task performed by sub CPU. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of an effect registration task. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of effect content determination processing. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the effect determination process for BB start. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the effect determination process for BB completion.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 4L, 4C, 4R Display window 6 Start lever 6S Start switch 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 7S Stop switch 30 Microcomputer 31 Main CPU
32 Main ROM
33 Main RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 81 Sub CPU
82 Sub ROM
83 Sub RAM

Claims (1)

A plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface;
Start operation detecting means for detecting the start operation;
Random number value extracting means for extracting a random value when the start operation is detected by the start operation detecting means;
Internal lottery means for determining an internal winning combination by lottery based on the random value extracted by the random value extraction means;
A reel rotating means for rotating each of the plurality of reels when the start operation is detected by the start operation detecting means;
Stop operation detecting means for detecting stop operation according to each of the plurality of reels;
Reel stop means for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel based on the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detection means and the internal winning combination determined by the internal lottery means;
As a result of the rotation of the plurality of reels being stopped by the reel stop means, a bonus operation means for operating a bonus when a combination of specific symbols is displayed by the plurality of reels;
Bonus end means for ending the operation of the bonus performed by the bonus operation means;
A game number counting means for counting the number of games based on detection of a start operation performed by the start operation detecting means when the operation of the bonus is ended by the bonus end means;
When an internal winning combination permitting display of the specific symbol combination is determined by the internal lottery means, one of a plurality of types of waiting time is determined based on the number of games counted by the game number counting means. Waiting time determining means to
As a result of the rotation of a plurality of reels being stopped by the reel stop means, when the bonus operation is performed by the bonus operation means, or when the bonus operation is ended by the bonus end means, the waiting time determination means Timer means for measuring the waiting time determined by
Waiting means for waiting so that each of the plurality of reels is not rotated by the reel rotating means while the waiting time is measured by the timer means;
Production content determination means for determining any of a plurality of types of production content based on the standby time determined by the standby time determination means;
A game machine comprising: an effect execution means for executing the effect content determined by the effect content determination means by the effect device while the waiting time is measured by the timer means.

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