JP2015003115A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of attracting a player's attention to sub-reels when a performance is executed on the sub-reels.SOLUTION: In the game machine 1, subordinate reels 23L, 23C and 23R have symbol lines capable of displaying a first symbol combination, "white 7-white 7-white 7", corresponding to all the specific internal winning symbol combinations of "BB (big bonus) 1"-"BB8". When the combination of the symbols "white 7-white 7-white 7" is displayed on the subordinate reels 23L, 23C and 23R, the respective symbols of the combination "white 7-white 7-white 7" are irradiated with red and blue light, by which the display state of the combination of the symbols "white 7-white 7-white 7" is changed to announce the kind of a specific internal winning symbol combination (one of the "BB1"-"BB8") determined as the specific internal winning symbol combination.

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 reels corresponding to each of the reels, and a display window for displaying a part of a plurality of symbols of each reel, A gaming machine (so-called pachislot machine) is known in which the symbols appearing on the display window are enjoyed by rotating and stopping each reel.

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 (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”) by a player that stops the rotation of the reels, a stop switch that controls the rotation stop 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 gaming machine including a sub-reel provided substantially at the center of the front surface of the device, and a main reel provided above the sub-reel and smaller than the sub-reel. In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, a combination of symbols corresponding to winning of a small role or establishment of a bonus is displayed by a main reel, and effects are diversified by sub reels.

JP 2003-339945 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the determination of establishment of a bonus, winning of a small role, or the like is determined based on a combination of symbols displayed by the main reel. Therefore, the player performs a so-called push so that a combination of symbols corresponding to winning of a small role or establishment of a bonus is displayed while visually recognizing the main reel. As a result, there is a problem that the player ignores the effect of the sub reel and always plays the game paying attention to the main reel, and the advantage of providing the sub reel is lost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can pay attention to a sub reel when an effect is performed by the sub reel.

  In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object of the present invention, the present invention provides the following gaming machines.

A main reel with a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of internal winning combinations including at least two types of specific internal winning combinations when a predetermined start condition is satisfied;
When the internal winning combination determining means wins one of the two or more types of specific internal winning combinations, the internal winning combination is carried over as an internal winning combination until the specific internal winning combination is stopped and displayed on the main reel. Carry-over means,
A main reel design changing means for rotating the main reel and changing a plurality of designs of the main reel based on satisfying the predetermined start condition;
Game operation detecting means for detecting an operation by a player;
Based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means and the detection of the operation by the player performed by the gaming operation detection means, stop control of the symbol variation performed by the main reel symbol varying means is performed. Main reel stop control means;
A game medium giving means for giving a game medium based on a symbol displayed stopped on the main reel;
A plurality of symbols on the outer peripheral surface, a sub reel capable of displaying a first symbol corresponding to all of the two or more specific internal winning combinations;
Sub-reel symbol variation means for rotating the sub-reel and varying a plurality of symbols on the sub-reel based on satisfying the predetermined start condition;
Based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means and the detection of the operation by the player performed by the gaming operation detecting means, the stop control of the symbol variation performed by the sub reel symbol varying means is performed. Sub reel stop control means;
When the first symbol is stopped and displayed on the sub-reel while waiting for the progress of the game on the main reel, the internal symbol winning combination is determined by the internal symbol combination determining means by changing the display state of the first symbol. Informing means for informing the determined type of the internal winning combination,
Main reel waiting means for waiting for the progress of the game in the main reel when any specific internal winning combination is determined as an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means,
The sub-reel stop control means is based on an internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means and detection of an operation by the player performed by the game operation detecting means while waiting for the progress of the game on the main reel. The stop control of the variation of the symbol performed by the sub reel symbol variation means,
When the first symbol is stopped and displayed on the sub-reel except when waiting for the game progress on the main reel, the notifying unit is configured to receive a specific internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining unit. A gaming machine characterized in that the type of winning combination is not notified.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the internal winning combination is determined from a plurality of internal winning combinations including at least two kinds of specific internal winning combinations by the internal winning combination determining means. When one of two or more types of specific internal winning combination is determined as the internal winning combination, the specific internal winning combination is displayed until the symbol corresponding to the determined specific internal winning combination is stopped and displayed on the main reel. Carry the role by means of internal winning carry-over. The sub reels can display a first symbol corresponding to all of two or more specific internal winning combinations. If any specific internal winning combination is determined as an internal winning combination and the first symbol is stopped and displayed on the sub reel, the display state of the symbol is changed, and the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination is determined. Notify the type of winning role.
Therefore, it is possible to cause the player to reliably recognize the type of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination. Thereby, the player can promptly arrange the symbols corresponding to the specific internal winning combination in the main reel after the notification of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination is performed. Therefore, the player tries to confirm the type of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination. Therefore, when the effect by the sub reel is performed, the player can pay attention to the sub reel.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when any specific internal winning combination is determined as the internal winning combination, the progress of the game on the plurality of main reels is waited. Therefore, when any specific internal winning combination is determined as the internal winning combination, the rotation of the main reel is not started and only the sub reel is rotated. As a result, it is possible to indicate to the player that any specific internal winning combination has been determined as the internal winning combination. Further, by starting the rotation of only the sub reel, the player can surely enjoy the effect by the sub reel that notifies information advantageous to the player.

  According to the present invention, even when the player is looking only at the main reel, it is possible to focus attention on the sub-reel when an effect is produced by the sub-reel.

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 effective line and effect line 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 for main reels 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 stop table group determination table for main reels in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the storage area of the internal winning combination in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the storage area of the carryover combination and game state flag in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the storage area of the effective stop button and action | operation stop button in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the symbol arrangement | positioning table for sub reels in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the symbol combination corresponding table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the stop table group determination table for sub reels in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the production | presentation determination table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the light emission pattern determination table in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the light emission pattern in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the symbol arrangement | positioning table for 4th reels 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 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 the internal lottery 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 interruption process by control of main CPU in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the interrupt control process by control of the sub CPU in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the command input process 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 stop table group determination process for sub reels in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the sub reel rotation start process in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process at the time of the reel stop command reception in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process at the time of the bonus start command reception in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state by which the special production performed by the sub reel in one embodiment of this invention was started. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state by which the combination of the 1st symbol of the sub reel was stopped-displayed from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the display state of the symbol combination corresponding to the first specific internal winning combination of the sub-reel displayed in a stopped state shown in FIG. 41 is changed; It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the state by which the normal game was restarted after the special production performed with the sub reel in one embodiment of this invention was complete | finished.

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.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a cabinet 1a as a housing that houses a main control circuit 71, which will be described later, and a front door 1b as a door attached to the cabinet 1a so as to be openable and closable. A main reel display section 5 is provided in the center of the front face of the front door 1b. Three main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided in a horizontal row behind the main reel display section 5 and inside the cabinet 1a (not shown). Hereinafter, the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are referred to as a left main reel 3L, a middle main reel 3C, and a right main reel 3R, respectively.

  The three main reels 3L, 3C, 3R have a cylindrical structure, and rotate and stop in the vertical direction by driving stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R (see FIG. 3) described later. . A plurality of types of symbols are continuously arranged at predetermined intervals on the peripheral surfaces of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  At positions corresponding to the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R of the main reel display section 5, vertically long rectangular openings (hereinafter referred to as “main display windows”) 4L, 4C, 4R are provided. These main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided with a transparent and transparent member such as glass or plastic as a protective member. Therefore, the operation of rotating and stopping the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is visible from the player side through the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R.

  When the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the upper, middle, and lower regions in the three main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are arranged on the surfaces of the corresponding main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. One symbol out of the plurality of symbols displayed is displayed. That is, in each main display window 4L, 4C, 4R, three consecutive symbols out of a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the corresponding main reel 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed.

  A sub reel display unit 10 is provided in front of the front door 1 b and above the main reel display unit 5. Three sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are provided in a horizontal row behind the sub reel display unit 10 and inside the cabinet 1a. Hereinafter, the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are referred to as a left sub reel 23L, a middle sub reel 23C, and a right sub reel 23R, respectively.

  The sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R have a cylindrical structure whose diameter is larger than that of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R described above, and are driven by stepping motors 149L, 149C, and 149R (see FIG. 4) described later. Rotate and stop vertically in the vertical direction. A plurality of types of symbols are continuously arranged at predetermined intervals on the peripheral surfaces of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. In this example, the number of symbols arranged on the surface of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R and the surface of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is the same.

  At positions corresponding to the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R of the sub reel display unit 10, vertically long rectangular openings (hereinafter referred to as “sub display windows”) 24L, 24C, and 24R are provided. When the rotation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is stopped, the upper, middle, and lower regions in the three sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R are arranged on the surfaces of the corresponding sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. One symbol of a plurality of symbols is displayed. That is, in each of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, 24R, three consecutive symbols out of a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the corresponding sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R are displayed.

  In the present embodiment, based on the combination of symbols displayed by the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, it is determined whether or not a player is to be given a privilege such as a medal payout. On the other hand, the above determination is not performed for the combination of symbols displayed by the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. That is, operations such as rotation and stop of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are not targets for determining whether or not to give a bonus to the player.

  The operations of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are mainly directed to the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, in which the combination of symbols related to the provision of benefits is displayed and the type thereof is informed in an easy-to-understand manner to the player. It is done as a purpose. The operations of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are basically performed in conjunction with the operations of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R are provided with transparent and transparent members such as glass and plastic as protective members. A synthetic resin color film (hereinafter referred to as a smoke film) having a light transmittance lower than that of glass or the like employed as the protective member is attached to the back side of the protective member (that is, the inside of the cabinet 1a). (Illustration omitted).

  In addition, back lamps are provided in the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R at positions corresponding to the upper, middle, and lower regions of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R (not shown). . This back lamp has a part of the peripheral surface of each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R located in the upper, middle and lower regions of each of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, 24R from the inside to the front which is the player side. It is possible to illuminate. As the back lamp, it is preferable to employ a light emitting element having high luminance such as an LED (light emitting diode) or a halogen lamp as a light source.

  When the back lamp is turned off, the operations of rotating and stopping the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R become invisible from the player side by the smoke films of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R. On the other hand, when the back lamp is turned on, the amount of light transmitted through the smoke film increases, so that the rotation of each sub-reel 23L, 23C, 23R and the operation of stopping the sub-reel are transmitted through each sub-display window 24L, 24C, 24R. Visible from the player side.

  In the present embodiment, the corresponding back lamps are turned on and off according to the respective regions (upper, middle, and lower) of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R and the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. Thereby, it is possible to create a state in which each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is partially invisible or partially visible.

  In the present embodiment, the sub display windows 24L, 24C, 24R are provided with a protective member such as glass or plastic, and a smoke film is attached to the back side thereof. However, the protective member according to the present invention may be made of glass or the like (smoked glass or the like) whose light transmittance is set lower than colorless and transparent glass or the like. In that case, it is not necessary to stick a smoke film on the back side of the protective member. In addition, for example, a liquid crystal display panel may be adopted, and a visible state and an invisible state may be controlled by adjusting voltage application.

  In the present embodiment, a white back lamp, a red back lamp, and a blue back lamp are prepared as the back lamps of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. By turning on and off these back lamps, for example, the “white 7” symbol of each sub-reel 23L, 23C, 23R is visually recognized as a “red 7” symbol or a “blue 7” symbol. Note that lighting and extinguishing of the back lamps provided on the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R will be described in detail later.

  A 4th reel 110 showing a specific example of the notification reel is provided above the sub reel display unit 10 and inside the cabinet 1a. The 4th reel 110 rotates and stops in the horizontal direction by driving a stepping motor 249 (see FIG. 4) described later. The operations such as the rotation of the 4th reel 110 and the stop thereof are performed mainly for the purpose of production in the same manner as the operations of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R.

  One opening (hereinafter referred to as “4th display window”) 112 is formed above the sub reel display unit 10 and at a position corresponding to the 4th reel 110. The 4th display window 112 is provided with a transparent and transparent member such as glass as a protective member. Therefore, the rotation and stop operation of the 4th reel 110 can be viewed from the player side through the 4th display window 112.

  On the right side of the main reel display section 5, a medal slot 22 for receiving medals is provided. When one medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 22, one is counted as the number of medals inserted to obtain the result of one internal lottery (hereinafter referred to as the inserted number). When the inserted number reaches the maximum number (three or two in the present embodiment), the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 thereafter is a predetermined number (50 in the present embodiment). ) Is stored (credited) in the gaming machine 1.

  On the left side of the main reel display portion 5, a 1-bet button 11 and a maximum-bet button 13 that are used when selecting the number of inserted coins from medals stored in the gaming machine 1 are provided. When the 1-bet button 11 is pressed once, “1” is selected as the inserted number, and when the maximum bet button 13 is pressed once, “2” or “3” is selected as the inserted number.

  On the left side of the sub-reel display unit 10, a payout display unit 18a and a credit display unit 18b each including a 7-segment LED are provided. The payout display unit 18a displays the number of medals to be paid out to the player (hereinafter referred to as “payout number”) when a combination of symbols related to winning is displayed along effective lines 8a to 8e described later. To do. The credit display unit 18b displays the number of medals owned by the player stored in the gaming machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as “credit number”).

  Below the 1-bet button 11 is provided a settlement button 14 for discharging medals deposited in the gaming machine 1 from a medal payout opening 15 provided at the lower front. The medals discharged from the medal payout opening 15 are stored in the medal receiving part 16.

  Below the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a start lever 6 for starting the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R is provided. Further, on the right side of the start lever 6, there are provided three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R for stopping the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, respectively.

  In this example, when all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R (sub-reels 23L, 23C, 23R) are rotating, it is indicated that any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is pressed. This is called “1 stop operation”. Subsequently, when the remaining two of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R (sub-reels 23L, 23C, 23R) are rotating, the fact that any one of the corresponding stop buttons is pressed is “second stop”. This is called “operation”. And, when the remaining one of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R (sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R) is rotating, pressing the corresponding stop button is referred to as a “third stop operation”. Further, the first reel stop is referred to as “first stop”, the second reel stop is referred to as “second stop”, and the third reel stop is referred to as “third stop”.

  Lamps 101L and 101R made of LEDs are provided on the upper portion of the front door 1b. Speakers 21L and 21R are provided below the front door 1b. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, the operation of the 4th reel 110, the output of light by the lamps 101L, 101R and the above-described back lamp, the output of sound by the speakers 21L, 21R, or these Produce by combination.

  Next, the effective line and the effect line will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the main reel display unit 5 and the sub reel display unit 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R has a pseudo line (hereinafter referred to as “a pseudo line”) that connects one of predetermined regions among the three regions of the upper, middle, and lower stages. , Referred to as an “effective line”). It is determined whether or not a prize is won based on a combination of symbols displayed along the active line.

  In the present embodiment, five types of effective lines are provided: a cross-up effective line 8a, a top effective line 8b, a center effective line 8c, a bottom effective line 8d, and a cross-down effective line 8e. For example, the cross-up effective line 8a is composed of a combination of the upper stage of the left main display window 4L, the middle stage of the middle main display window 4C, and the lower stage of the right main display window 4R, and the top effective line 8b includes the main display windows 4L and 4C. , 4R.

  Each of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R has a pseudo line (hereinafter referred to as “production line”) connecting any one of the three regions including the upper, middle, and lower stages. ") Is formed. By the combination of symbols displayed along the effect line, an effect is provided informing the player that the winning has been established and its type.

  In the present embodiment, there are provided five types of effect lines, a cross-up effect line 28a, a top effect line 28b, a center effect line 28c, a bottom effect line 28d, and a cross-down effect line 28e. For example, the top effect line 28b is composed of an upper combination of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, 24R.

<Description of main control circuit>
Next, a circuit configuration example including a main control circuit 71 that controls the operation of the gaming machine 1 and a sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a main CPU 31 and ROM 32 and RAM 33 which are storage means. In the ROM 32, a control program (see FIGS. 22 to 31) executed by the main CPU 31, various tables such as an internal lottery table (described later) (see FIGS. 5 to 11), and various control commands ( Data for transmitting a command) is stored. The RAM 33 is provided with various storage areas (see FIGS. 12 to 14) such as an internal winning combination storage area described later, and various data are stored therein.

  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 a reference clock pulse. Based on the generated reference clock pulse, an interrupt process described later is performed. The random number generator 36 generates a certain range of random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts (samples) one value (hereinafter, random number value) from the random number generated by the random number generator 36.

  The main actuators whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 30 include a display unit (payout display unit 18a and credit display unit 18b), a hopper 40, stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R. Each output port of the microcomputer 30 is connected to each circuit for receiving the control signal output from the main CPU 31 and controlling the operation of each actuator. Each circuit includes a display unit driving circuit 48, a motor driving circuit 39, and a hopper driving circuit 41.

  The display unit driving circuit 48 controls display of various information (payout number and credit number) by the payout display unit 18a and the credit display unit 18b. The hopper drive circuit 41 controls the driving of the hopper 40 that functions as a medal payout device that can accommodate a large amount of medals and can discharge them one by one, and controls the discharge of medals.

  The motor drive circuit 39 outputs the pulses from the main control circuit 71 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, thereby controlling the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, and the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Controls rotation and its stop. In the present embodiment, gears (not shown) that transmit the rotations of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R to the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R with a predetermined reduction ratio are provided. As a result, when a predetermined number of pulses (for example, 16 times) are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate by one symbol arranged on the surface thereof. It has come to be.

  In addition, switches and the like are connected to each input port of the microcomputer 30. These switches and the like input a predetermined signal to the microcomputer 30 as a trigger for controlling the actuators described above. Specifically, a start switch 6S, a stop switch 7S, a 1-bet switch 11S, a maximum bet switch 13S, a settlement switch 14S, a medal sensor 22S, a main reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51 are included in each microcomputer 30. Connected to the input port.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6, and the stop switch 7S detects that the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are pressed. The 1-bet switch 11S detects that the 1-bet button 11 is pressed, and the maximum bet switch 13S detects that the maximum bet button 13 is pressed. The settlement switch 14S detects that the settlement button 14 has been pressed.

  The medal sensor 22S detects that a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 passes through a selector (not shown). The selector is a device for selecting whether or not a medal is appropriate in material, shape, and the like, and guides an appropriate medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 to a hopper 40 having a storage unit capable of storing a large amount of medals. A passage is formed. In the present embodiment, the “insertion operation” includes that a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 and each of the bet buttons 11 and 13 is pressed.

  The payout completion signal circuit 51 detects whether or not the number of medals discharged from the hopper 40 counted by the medal detection unit 40S has reached the payout number. The main reel position detection circuit 50 receives a pulse signal from a sensor that detects the rotation of each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R (for example, an optical sensor composed of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion) and receives each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R. Detects a reel index indicating that has rotated once.

  The main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are configured to rotate once by outputting a drive pulse to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R a predetermined number of times (for example, 336 times). The number of pulses output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted by a pulse counter provided in the RAM 33. Each time the pulse counter counts the number of driving pulses necessary for rotation for one symbol, the main reel symbol counter provided in the RAM 33 is incremented by one. The main reel symbol counter is provided corresponding to each of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and the value is cleared every time the reel position detection circuit 50 detects the reel index.

  In this embodiment, the number of symbols rotated after the reel index is detected is detected based on the value of the main reel symbol counter, and the rotation of the reel is determined based on the position where the reel index is detected. The position of each symbol in the direction is detected. Note that the number of sliding pieces, which will be described later, is managed by the value of the symbol counter that is updated after each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is pressed. In addition, symbol counters are similarly provided for the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R and the 4th reel 110.

<Description of sub-control circuit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sub control circuit 72 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 71 and is configured to perform communication in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 performs various processes such as determination and execution of the contents of effects based on various commands (such as a start command described later) transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Sub-reel 23L, 23C, 23R, 4th reel 110, speakers 21L, 21R, and lamps 101L, 101R (including a back lamp) are connected to sub-control circuit 72 as main actuators whose operations are controlled.

  The sub control circuit 72 includes a sub CPU 81, a control ROM 82, and an SDRAM 83 as main components. Based on the various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71, the sub CPU 81 operates the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, the 4th reel 110, the sound output, and the sound according to the control program stored in the control ROM 82. Control the light output. The SDRAM 83 is configured as a storage unit for temporarily storing information when the sub CPU 81 executes a control program. The SDRAM 83 is provided with a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control circuit 71.

  The control ROM 82 includes a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area stores a sub CPU control program. This sub CPU control program includes a command input process (see FIG. 33), an effect content determination process (see FIG. 34), and the like which will be described later.

  The data storage area includes a table storage area, an effect data storage area, a reel data storage area, a lamp data storage area, a sound data storage area, and the like. The table storage area stores various tables, and the effect data storage area stores a plurality of types of effect data. The reel data storage area stores sub reel data and 4th reel data. The lamp data storage area stores lamp data defining a lighting pattern and the like, and the sound data storage area stores sound data such as BGM and sound effects.

  The sub-control circuit 72 includes a digital signal processor (hereinafter referred to as “DSP”) 90, an audio RAM 91, an A / D converter 88, and an amplifier 89 for controlling the sound output from the speakers 21L and 21R. It has been.

  The DSP 90 is connected to the sub CPU 81 and outputs designated sound data in accordance with a signal (command) output from the sub CPU 81. Data necessary for a task performed by the DSP 90 is expanded in the audio RAM 91. The A / D converter 88 converts sound data from digital to analog. When the sound data is converted to analog, the sound corresponding to the sound data is output from the speakers 21L and 21R via the amplifier 89 which is an amplifier.

  Connected to the sub CPU 81 are lamps 101L and 101R (including a back lamp), a sub reel motor drive circuit 139, a sub reel position detection circuit 150, a 4 th reel motor drive circuit 239, and a 4 th reel position detection circuit 250. ing. The sub CPU 81 controls the light output from the lamps 101L and 101R based on the light lighting pattern stored in the lamp data storage area.

  The sub-reel motor drive circuit 139 and the 4th reel motor drive circuit 239 have the same functions as the functions of the motor drive circuit 39 in the main control circuit 71. The sub reel motor drive circuit 139 outputs a pulse for controlling the driving to the stepping motors 149L, 149C, and 149R, and controls the rotation and stop of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. The 4th reel motor drive circuit 239 outputs a pulse for controlling the drive to the stepping motor 249, and controls the rotation and stop of the 4th reel 110.

  The sub reel position detection circuit 150 and the 4th reel position detection circuit 250 have the same functions as the functions of the reel position detection circuit 50 in the main control circuit 71. The sub reel position detection circuit 150 detects that each sub reel 23L, 23C, 23R has made one rotation. The 4th reel position detection circuit 250 detects that the 4th reel 110 has made one rotation.

  The SDRAM 83 of the sub control circuit 72 is provided with a symbol counter corresponding to each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R and the 4th reel 110. That is, the position of the symbol in the rotation direction of each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R and the 4th reel is specified by the value of each symbol counter.

<Description of each table configuration>
Next, a configuration example of each table and each storage area used in the gaming machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the main reel symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main reel symbol arrangement table is stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71. The main reel symbol arrangement table includes symbols arranged on the surface (outer peripheral surface) of each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R and symbol positions “0” to “20” of each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R. Is defined. The symbol position is information for identifying the symbol position on the surface of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  On the surface of each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R, one of “red 7”, “white 7”, “blue 7” “BAR”, “cherry”, “bell”, “watermelon”, and “replay” Are arranged, and a symbol row composed of a total of 21 symbols is provided. Each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates so that the symbol row moves in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

  In the main reel symbol arrangement table, the symbol position “0” is the position where the symbol displayed in the middle of each main display window 4L, 4C, 4R when the reel index is detected. The symbol positions “0” to “20” are assigned to the positions of the symbols in the order of arrangement in the rotation direction of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Therefore, by referring to the main reel symbol counter and the main reel symbol arrangement table, it is possible to specify the symbol type displayed in the middle of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R at that time. .

  Next, the internal lottery table determination table used when the main CPU 31 determines the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal lottery table determination table defines information indicating the internal lottery table and information indicating the number of lotteries corresponding to the gaming state. In this example, a general gaming state, an RB gaming state, and a BB gaming state are provided as gaming states. In this example, the BB gaming state is provided as the gaming state, but since the BB gaming state and the RB gaming state are equivalent, the internal lottery table for the BB gaming state is not shown.

  The gaming state is the type of internal winning combination that may be determined in the internal lottery process (see FIGS. 26 and 27), the probability that the internal winning combination is determined in the internal lottery process, the maximum number of sliding symbols, and the bonus It is a state that is distinguished by whether or not the game is being operated. The number of sliding pieces is the number of symbols that the reels rotate until the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R stop rotating. It is shown by. In this example, the maximum number of sliding pieces of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the maximum number of sliding pieces of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R are four. The number of lotteries is the maximum number of times that the main CPU 31 subtracts a lottery value described later from one random number value extracted by the sampling circuit 37.

  Next, an internal lottery table used when the main CPU 31 determines a data pointer associated with the internal winning combination will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal lottery table defines lottery value information and data pointer information corresponding to the winning number. The winning number is a number provided for the main CPU 31 to identify each of a plurality of types of results related to lottery performed based on one random number value extracted by the sampling circuit 37. In this example, multiple types of internal winning combinations determined in advance are divided into internal winning combinations related to winning a prize, internal winning combinations related to replays, and internal winning combinations related to bonus games, and each category is supported. Thus, a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer are provided.

  One random number value extracted by the sampling circuit 37 is stored in a predetermined area, and the value stored in this area is sequentially subtracted by a lottery value provided for each winning number. When the result of subtraction becomes a negative value, the winning number corresponding to the lottery value when the negative value is obtained by subtracting is determined as the winning number. The probability of winning each winning number (so-called winning probability) can be calculated by dividing each lottery value by the number of random values (in this example, “65536”).

  In this example, as the internal lottery table, an internal lottery table for general gaming state shown in FIG. 7A and an internal lottery table for RB gaming state shown in FIG. 7B are provided. Thus, the internal lottery table is basically provided corresponding to the gaming state. Note that the internal lottery table may be provided according to a set value or the like that is a value for adjusting the expected value of winning, but illustrations other than the example of the internal lottery table shown in FIG. 7 are omitted.

  Next, an internal winning combination determination table used when the main CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the data pointer will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal winning combination determination table defines a hit request flag (internal winning combination) corresponding to the data pointer. The hit request flag is basically 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. The winning request flag is stored in an internal winning combination storing area described later, which is a predetermined area. In this example, as the internal winning combination determination table, an internal winning combination determination table for small combination / replay shown in FIG. 8A and an internal winning combination determination table for bonus shown in FIG. 8B are provided. .

  In the gaming machine 1 of this example, “Cherry”, “Watermelon”, “Bell”, “Replay”, “Cherry + Watermelon + Bell”, “BB1”, “BB2”, “BB3”, “BB” “BB4”, “BB5”, “BB6”, “BB7”, “BB8”, and “losing” are provided. In this example, “BB1” to “BB8” indicate a specific internal winning combination relating to the operation of the bonus game, and “Replay” indicates an internal winning combination relating to the operation of the regame.

  In this example, the small role / replay data pointer “5” is drawn only in the RB gaming state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the data pointer “5” is also drawn in the general gaming state. It is good.

  Next, a symbol combination table used when the main CPU 31 specifies a display combination and when the main CPU 31 determines a payout number corresponding to the display combination will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol combination table defines data indicating a winning action flag (display combination), addition data, and the number of payouts corresponding to the symbol combinations. In the symbol combination table, the number of payouts is defined according to the number of input. The winning action flag is basically 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. The winning operation flag is provided for the main CPU 31 to identify a combination of symbols displayed along the active lines 8a to 8e (see FIG. 2). The addition data is data indicating a numerical value to be added to a corresponding bit in the carryover combination storage area described later.

  Here, the logical sum of the winning action flags corresponding to the combinations of symbols displayed along the active lines 8a to 8e is hereinafter referred to as “display combination”. Hereinafter, “cherry”, “watermelon”, and “bell” are collectively referred to as “small role”, and the display of “small role” as a display role is referred to as “winning”. The display of “Replay”, “BB1” to “BB8” as a display combination is referred to as “operation” or “establishment”.

  For example, it is assumed that “BB3” which is a specific internal winning combination is determined as an internal winning combination and a combination of symbols “white 7-white 7-white 7” is displayed along the effective line. In this case, “00000100” corresponding to the second internal winning combination determination table is determined as the winning action flag based on the symbol combination table.

  Further, when the symbol combination “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is displayed along the active line, “00000010” corresponding to the first internal winning combination determination table is determined as the winning operation flag based on the symbol combination table. The bell becomes a display role. When the inserted number is 2, 15 medals are paid out, and when the inserted number is 3, 10 medals are paid out.

  As described above, when a predetermined symbol combination is displayed along the active line, a medal is basically paid out. However, when the symbol combination related to any one of “BB1” to “BB8” is displayed along the activated line, the operation of the big bonus game is started without paying out medals. In other words, when the display combination changes from “BB1” to “BB8”, the gaming state changes from the general gaming state to the BB gaming state (equivalent to the RB gaming state). In addition, when the symbol combination related to “Replay” is displayed along the active line, a state in which the start operation can be performed without performing the throwing operation, that is, a so-called replay is brought about.

  From the above, the symbol combination table basically defines information in which medals are paid out, the bonus game is started, and the benefits given to the player such as replay are associated with each other.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a bonus operation time table referred to by the main CPU 31 when starting the operation of the bonus game will be described.

  The bonus operation time table is used when the main CPU 31 initializes various counters related to the start of operation of the bonus game. The bonus operation time table includes information on the game state flag stored in the game state flag storage area, information on the numerical value stored in the bonus end number counter, information on the numerical value stored in the game possible number counter, and winning Information of numerical values stored in the number counter.

  The gaming state flag is information provided for the main CPU 31 to identify the operating gaming state. The bonus end number counter is a counter provided for the main CPU 31 to count the number of medals paid out in one bonus game. The game possible number counter is a counter provided for the main CPU 31 to count the number of remaining games that can be played in one regular bonus game, the so-called game possible number. The winable number counter is a counter provided for the main CPU 31 to count the number of remaining games in which a combination of symbols related to winning can be displayed in one regular bonus game, the so-called winable number. .

  Next, the main reel stop table group determination table used when the main CPU 31 determines the main reel stop table group based on the data pointer will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main reel stop table group determination table defines the main reel stop table group corresponding to the data pointer, the value stored in the carryover combination storage area, and the gaming state. Each main reel stop table group is composed of a plurality of stop tables used when the main CPU 31 determines the sliding piece number determination data in a reel stop control process (see FIG. 28) described later.

  For example, in the general gaming state where the value stored in the carryover combination storage area is “0” (when there is no carryover combination), if the data pointer is “2” (the internal winning combination is “watermelon”), the main CPU 31 Then, “main reel stop table group 3” is determined as the main reel stop table group to be used. The main CPU 31 selects a stop table to be used from the “main reel stop table group 3” based on the pressed stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R.

  Next, an example of an internal winning combination storage area (display combination storage area) will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12A shows a first internal winning combination storing area in which data indicating a winning request flag corresponding to a small combination and “replay” is stored. For example, when “bell” is determined as the internal winning combination in the internal lottery process (see FIGS. 26 and 27), “1” is stored in bit 2 of the first internal winning combination storing area. That is, “00000100” is stored in the first internal winning combination storing area.

  FIG. 12B shows a second internal winning combination storing area in which data indicating hit request flags corresponding to “BB1” to “BB8” is stored. For example, when “BB2” is determined as the internal winning combination in the internal lottery process, “1” is stored in bit 1 of the second internal winning combination storing area. That is, “00000010” is stored in the second internal winning combination storing area. Although the illustration of the display combination storage area in which data related to the display combination is stored is omitted, this display combination storage area has the same structure as the first and second internal winning combination storage areas. .

  Next, examples of the carryover combination storage area and the game state flag storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13A shows a carryover combination storage area in which data relating to a carryover combination is stored. For example, when “BB1” is determined as the internal winning combination in the internal lottery process, “1” is stored in bit 0 of the carryover combination storing area. That is, “00000001” is stored in the carryover combination storage area. Here, when the carryover combination is permitted over one or a plurality of games that a combination of symbols corresponding to the data pointer determined in the internal lottery process described later is allowed to be displayed along one or more games, the data pointer Is provided for the main CPU 31 to identify. The case where there is a carryover combination is hereinafter referred to as “between flags”, and the case where there is no carryover combination is hereinafter referred to as “non-flagging”.

  FIG. 13B shows a game state flag storage area in which data indicating the game state flag is stored. The contents column shown in FIG. 13B shows the contents of the game state flag corresponding to each bit in the game state flag storage area. For example, when the value stored in the gaming state flag storage area is “00000001”, it indicates that the BB1 gaming state flag is on. Note that the BB1 gaming state flag being ON indicates that the BB1 gaming state is operating. On the other hand, when “0” is stored in all of the bit 0 to bit 7 of the game state flag storage area, it indicates that the game state is the general game state.

  Next, an example of the effective stop button storage area and the operation stop button storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14A shows an effective stop button storage area in which data indicating stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that are effective to be pressed, that is, so-called effective stop buttons are stored. For example, if the left stop button 7L is not yet pressed, that is, an effective stop button, “1” is stored in bit 0 of the effective stop button storage area. The main CPU 31 identifies stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that have not yet been pressed based on the data stored in the effective stop button storage area.

  FIG. 14B shows an operation stop button storage area in which data indicating stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that have been pressed this time, that is, so-called operation stop buttons, are stored. For example, when the left stop button 7L is a stop button pressed this time, that is, an operation stop button, “1” is stored in bit 0 of the operation stop button storage area. Based on the data stored in the operation stop button storage area, the main CPU 31 identifies the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that have been pressed this time.

  Next, the sub reel symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sub reel symbol arrangement table is stored in the control ROM 82 of the sub control circuit 72. This sub-reel symbol arrangement table is a correspondence relationship between symbols arranged on the surface (outer peripheral surface) of each sub-reel 23L, 23C, 23R and symbol positions "0" to "20" of each sub-reel 23L, 23C, 23R. Is stipulated. This symbol position is information for identifying the symbol position on the surface of each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R.

  On the surface of each sub reel 23L, 23C, 23R, any of the symbols "White 7", "BAR", "Cherry", "Bell", "Watermelon", "Replay", "Blank" is arranged. A symbol row composed of 21 symbols is provided. Each sub reel 23L, 23C, 23R rotates so that the symbol row moves in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

  In the sub reel symbol arrangement table, the symbol position “0” is a position where a symbol displayed in the middle stage in each of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, 24R when the reel index is detected. The symbol positions “0” to “20” are assigned to the positions of the symbols in the order of arrangement in the rotation direction of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. Therefore, by referring to the sub-reel symbol counter and the sub-reel symbol arrangement table, it is possible to specify the symbol type displayed in the middle of each of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, 24R.

  Next, the symbol combination correspondence table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol combination correspondence table is stored in the control ROM 82 of the sub control circuit 72. This symbol combination correspondence table defines the correspondence between the symbol combinations displayed by the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the symbol combinations displayed by the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, and the display combination.

  In this example, “white 7-white 7-white 7” is set as the first symbol combination displayed by the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R. The first symbol combination “white 7-white 7-white 7” corresponds to all of the specific internal winning combinations “BB1” to “BB8”. For example, when “BB1” is determined as the internal winning combination, the combination of symbols that can be displayed on the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is “red 7-red 7-red 7”, and the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R The combination of symbols that can be displayed is “white 7-white 7-white 7”.

  Next, a sub reel stop table group determination table used when the sub CPU 81 determines a sub stop table group based on the data pointer will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sub reel stop table group determination table is used in a sub reel stop table group determination process (see FIG. 36) described later. The sub-reel stop table group determination table defines sub-reel stop table groups corresponding to the data pointer, the value stored in the carryover combination storage area, and the gaming state. Each sub-reel stop table group is composed of a plurality of stop tables used when determining the number of sliding pieces for determining the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R.

  Next, the effect determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The effect determination table defines the effect data and the probability that the effect data is determined corresponding to the internal winning combination. For example, when “Cherry” is determined as the internal winning combination, the probability that “Production B” is determined as the effect data is 64/128 (50%). When any of “BB1” to “BB8” is determined as the internal winning combination, “effect G” is always determined as the effect data.

  Next, the light emission pattern determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The light emission pattern determination table defines a light emission pattern corresponding to the value of the carryover combination storage area and the type of effect line. This light emission pattern is data determined as special effect data in a reel stop command reception process (see FIG. 38) described later. The sub CPU 81 controls lighting and extinguishing of the back lamps provided on the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R based on the determined light emission pattern (special effect data).

  For example, “1” is stored in bit 3 of the carryover combination storage area, that is, “BB4” is determined as the internal winning combination, and the combination of symbols corresponding to “BB4” is displayed along the center effect line 28c. If so, the light emission pattern “4-S” is determined.

  Next, an example of a light emission pattern will be described with reference to FIG.

  The light emission pattern is stored in the control ROM 82 of the sub control circuit 72. FIG. 20 shows the light emission pattern “4-S”. In the light emission pattern “4-S”, the design of the left sub reel 23L displayed in the middle stage of the sub display window 24L and the design of the middle sub reel 23C displayed in the middle stage of the sub display window 24C are illuminated by a red back lamp. Further, the design of the right sub reel 23R displayed in the middle stage of the sub display window 24R is illuminated by a blue back lamp.

  When the light emission pattern “4-S” is determined, a symbol “white 7-white 7-white 7” is displayed along the center effect line 28c. Then, by turning on and off the back lamp based on the light emission pattern “4-S”, the symbol “white 7-white 7-white 7” displayed along the center effect line 28c becomes “red 7”. -"Red 7-Blue 7". That is, in this example, the display state of the symbol “white 7-white 7-white 7” is changed by the back lamps of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, and is displayed as “red 7-red 7-blue 7”.

  Next, the 4th reel symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The 4th reel symbol arrangement table is stored in the control ROM 82 of the sub-control circuit 72. This 4th reel symbol arrangement table defines the correspondence between symbols arranged on the surface (outer peripheral surface) of the 4th reel 110 and these symbol positions “0” to “5”. This symbol position is information for identifying the symbol position on the surface of the 4th reel 110.

  On the surface of the 4th reel 110, “blank”, “?”, “Star”, “x”, “7” and “chance” are arranged for the symbol positions “0” to “5”, respectively. Any one of these six symbols is displayed on the 4th display window 112 (see FIG. 1). In the 4th reel symbol arrangement table, the symbol position “0” is the position where the symbol displayed in the 4th display window 112 when the reel index is detected. Thereby, the type of the symbol displayed on the 4th display window 112 can be specified by referring to the symbol counter for the 4th reel and the symbol arrangement table for the 4th reel.

<Description of main control circuit operation>
Next, the operation of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, a main flowchart showing main processing executed by the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the main CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1). As an initialization process, the main CPU 31 checks whether the RAM 33 is normal, initializes an input / output port, and the like. When the initialization process ends, the main CPU 31 performs a bonus operation monitoring process (see FIG. 24) described later (step S2). The main CPU 31 deletes the information in the designated storage area before performing the bonus operation monitoring process. For example, the main CPU 31 clears data stored in the internal winning combination storing area, the operation stop button storing area, and the effective stop button storing area.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs medal reception / start check processing (see FIG. 25), which will be described later (step S3). After the medal acceptance / start check process, the main CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores the extracted random value in the random value storage area of the RAM 33 (step S4). Specifically, the main CPU 31 extracts a random value from the range of “0” to “65535” by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37, and stores the extracted random value in the random value storage area of the RAM 33. The random number value extracted by the main CPU 31 is used in an internal lottery process (see FIGS. 26 and 27) described later.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process (see FIGS. 26 and 27) (step S5). In the internal lottery process, the main CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination with reference to an internal lottery table determination table (see FIG. 6), an internal lottery table (see FIG. 7), and an internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 8).

  Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the main reel stop table group determination table (see FIG. 11), and determines the main reel stop table group based on the gaming state and the internal winning combination determined in step S7. (Step S6).

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets a start command in a communication data storage area provided in the RAM 33 (step S7). The start command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination. Thereby, the sub-control circuit 72 can produce an effect according to the start operation.

  The subsequent processing is shown in FIG. Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the main reel lock flag is on (step S8). The main reel lock flag is a flag provided for temporarily prohibiting rotation and stop control of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The main reel lock flag is turned on in the internal lottery process (see FIGS. 26 and 27).

  When the main reel lock flag is determined to be on in the determination step S8, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process in step S13. When the main reel lock flag is on, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is not started.

  On the other hand, when determining that the main reel lock flag is not on, the main CPU 31 determines whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation (step S9). If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the main CPU 31 stops the operation to digest 4.1 seconds as the waiting time (step S10). If 4.1 seconds have elapsed, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S11.

  When 4.1 seconds have elapsed from the start of the previous reel rotation, or when the main reel lock flag is turned off in the processing of step S16 described later, the main CPU 31 requests the rotation start of all reels (step S11). . When the start lever 6 is operated, the main CPU 31 rotates the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R via the motor drive circuit 39.

  Next, the main CPU 31 waits for a constant speed of rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R (step S12). When the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R reaches a constant speed (a preset rotation speed), the main CPU 31 controls the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R via the motor drive circuit 39, and the main reels The rotation speed of 3L, 3C, 3R is maintained at a constant speed.

  When the rotation speed of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R becomes a constant speed, or when it is determined in the process of step S8 that the main reel lock flag is on, the main CPU 31 selects all the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Is validated (step S13). In this process, the main CPU 31 stores “1” in bits 0 to 2 of the effective stop button storage area corresponding to each of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. By storing “1” in bits 0 to 2 of the effective stop button storage area, the pressing operation of the three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R becomes effective.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process (see FIG. 28) described later (step S14). In the reel stop control process, the main CPU 31 stops the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on a stop signal output from the stop switch 7S by the stop operation of the player.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the main reel lock flag is on (step S15). When determining that the main reel lock flag is on, the main CPU 31 turns off the main reel lock flag (step S16), and proceeds to the processing of step S11.

  When determining that the main reel lock flag is not on in the processing of the determination step S15, the main CPU 31 refers to the symbol combination table (see FIG. 9), and the symbol combinations displayed along the active lines 8a to 8e. The display combination and the number of medals to be paid out are determined based on (Step S17). In this process, the main CPU 31 determines the display combination based on the code number of the symbols displayed along the effective lines 8a to 8e and the symbol combination table. Further, the main CPU 31 updates the display combination storing area and updates the information on the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination.

  Specifically, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a 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. 25), the main CPU 31 displays a display combination for each of the five valid lines 8a to 8e (see FIG. 2). Determine the number of medals to be paid out.

  When “replay” is determined as the display combination, the main CPU 31 stores the number of medals that can be replayed (“3” in the general gaming state) in the automatic insertion counter. When “Replay” is the 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 medals to be paid out are determined, the main CPU 31 sets the display combination command in a communication data storage area provided in the RAM 33 (step S18). The display combination command includes information on the determined display combination and the number of medals to be paid out.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a medal payout process of paying out medals based on the medal payout number determined in the process of step S17 (step S19). In the medal payout process, the main CPU 31 updates the credit counter set in the RAM 33 based on the payout number in the credit mode. When the credit counter is updated, the value of the credit counter is displayed on the credit display unit 18b.

  In the payout mode, the main CPU 31 controls the hopper 40 by the hopper drive circuit 41 to pay out medals. Further, when the bonus end number counter is “1” or more, the main CPU 31 subtracts the medal payout number determined in the process of step S17 from the value of the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus game is in operation (step S20). That is, the main CPU 31 determines whether any of the BB1 to BB8 gaming state flags is on. When determining that the bonus game is in operation, the main CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process (see FIG. 29) (step S21), and proceeds to the process of step S22.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the bonus game is not in operation, or when the bonus end check process ends, the main CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process (see FIG. 28) (step S22). When the bonus operation check process ends, the main CPU 31 returns the process to step S2 again.

  In this way, the main CPU 31 executes the processes from steps S2 to S22 as processes in one unit game. When the process up to step S18 is completed, the process proceeds to step S2 in order to execute the process in the next unit game.

  Next, a bonus operation monitoring process performed under the control of the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The bonus operation monitoring process is a process for continuing the RB gaming state during the BB gaming state.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB gaming state flag (see FIG. 13B) is on (step S31). That is, the main CPU 31 determines whether any of the BB1 to BB8 gaming state flags is on. When determining that the BB gaming state flag is not on, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation monitoring process and moves the process to the main flow (see FIGS. 22 and 23).

  On the other hand, when determining that the BB gaming state flag is on, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB gaming state flag is on (step S32). Data indicating the RB gaming status flag is stored in an RB gaming status flag storage area (not shown). When the main CPU 31 determines that the RB gaming state flag is on, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation monitoring process and shifts the process to the main flow.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 determines that the RB gaming state flag is not ON, the main CPU 31 performs RB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (see FIG. 10) (step S33). Specifically, the main CPU 31 sets “8” in the possible game number counter and the possible winning number counter, respectively, and turns on the RB gaming state flag. Thereafter, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation monitoring process and shifts the process to the main flow.

  Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 25, a medal acceptance / start check process performed under the control of the main CPU 31 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 31 determines whether or not the value of the automatic insertion counter is “0” (step S41). When determining that the value of the automatic insertion counter is not “0”, the main CPU 31 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 31 determines that the value of the automatic insertion counter is “0”, the main CPU 31 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 31 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).

  When the passage of medals is permitted in the process of step S42, or when the automatic insertion counter is cleared in the process of step S44, the main CPU 31 sets “3” as the maximum value of the medal insertion number counter (step S45). .

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB gaming state flag is on (step S46). When the main CPU 31 determines that the RB gaming state flag is not on, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the processing of step S48.

  On the other hand, when determining that the RB gaming state flag is on, the main CPU 31 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 31 sets the maximum value of the number of medals inserted according to the gaming state by the processes of steps S45 and S47.

  When it is determined in step S46 that the RB gaming state flag is not on, or when the maximum value of the inserted number counter is changed to “2” in step S47, the value of the inserted number counter is determined in step S55 described later. When it is determined that it is not the maximum value, or when it is determined that the start switch 6S is not turned on in the process of step S56 described later, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a medal has passed (step S48).

  When determining that the medal has not passed, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S54. On the other hand, when determining that the medal has passed, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the inserted number counter is the maximum value (step S49).

  In the process of step S49, when determining that the inserted number counter is the maximum value, the main CPU 31 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 31 adds “1” to the value of the insertion number counter (step S50).

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores “5” in the valid 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 31 sets a medal insertion command in the communication data storage area provided in the RAM 33 (step S52), and proceeds to the processing of step S54. The medal insertion command includes information on the number of inserted medals.

  When it is determined that the medal has not passed in the process of step S48, when the medal insertion command is set in the process of step S52, or when the credit counter is incremented by "1" in the process of step S53, the main CPU 31 Is checked (step S54). Specifically, the main CPU 31 identifies the bet switch that is turned on among the bet switches 11 and 13. Then, based on the inserted number counter and the maximum values of the credit counter and the inserted number counter, a value to be added to the inserted number counter is calculated to update the inserted number counter.

  Note that the main CPU 31 sets “5” to the active line counter when it is determined that the medal has not passed in the process of step S48 and any of the bet switches 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 set in a communication data storage area provided in the RAM 33. .

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the insertion number counter is the maximum value (step S55). When the main CPU 31 determines that the value of the insertion number counter is not the maximum value, the main CPU 31 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 31 determines whether or not the start switch 6S is on (step S56).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the start switch 6S is not turned on, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S48. On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 determines that the start switch 6S is on, the main CPU 31 prohibits the passage of any more medals (step S57), ends the medal acceptance / start check process, and the process proceeds to the main flow (FIG. 22). And FIG. 23).

  Next, an internal lottery process performed under the control of the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 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 31 obtains a gaming state flag, and determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries according to the gaming state based on the internal lottery table determination table (see FIG. 6) (step S61). That is, the number of lotteries is set to “12” in the general gaming state, and the number of lotteries is set to “1” in the RB gaming state.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 13A) is “00000000” (step S62). That is, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the BB carryover state (BB1 to BB8 carryover state). Normally, in the general gaming state, the probability that “BB” (BB1 to BB8) wins internally is low, and the probability that “BB” is established is also low. For this reason, in order to prevent the internally won “BB” from being expired in one game, a carryover combination storage area is provided in which “BB” can be carried over as a carryover for a plurality of games. The carryover combination stored in the carryover combination storage area is not cleared when “BB” is established, that is, until the operation of the big bonus game is started.

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the carryover combination storage area is “00000000”, that is, determines that the carryover combination storage area is not in the BB carryover state, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S64.

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the carryover combination storage area is not “00000000”, that is, the BB carryover state, the main CPU 31 subtracts “7” from the number of lotteries in the internal lottery table for the general gaming state (step S63). Here, “7” is subtracted from the number of lotteries in the internal lottery table for the general gaming state when the identifiers BB1 to BB8 are stored in the carryover combination storage area, the lottery of “BB1” to “BB8” is again performed. Because it does not. In this example, “BB2” to “BB8” are not lottery, but “BB1” is set so as to overlap with “Replay”, and therefore lottery is substantially performed. That is, in the BB carryover state, the number of lotteries in the general gaming state internal lottery table is five from the winning numbers 1 to 5.

  After subtracting “7” from the number of lotteries in the internal lottery table for general gaming state in the process of step S63, or when determining in the process of step S62 that the carryover combination storage area is “00000000”, the main CPU 31 Then, the random value stored in the random value storage area is acquired and set as random number data (step S64).

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets the same value as the number of lotteries as a winning number, and acquires a lottery value corresponding to the winning number with reference to the internal lottery table (step S65). Subsequently, the main CPU 31 subtracts the lottery value from the random number data (step S66).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a digit has been obtained as a result of subtracting the lottery value from the random number data (step S67). In other words, it is determined whether or not the result of the calculation in step S66 is negative. When it is determined that a digit has been made, the main CPU 31 obtains the small role / replay data pointer and the bonus data pointer (step S71), and proceeds to the processing of step S72.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the determination step S67 that no digit has been made, the main CPU 31 subtracts “1” from the number of lotteries (step S68). At this time, the result of subtracting the lottery value from the random number data in the process of step S66 is set as new random number data. Subsequently, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is “0” (step S69).

  When determining in the determination step S69 that the number of lotteries is not “0”, the main CPU 31 shifts the process to step S65 again. That is, the main CPU 31 sets the same value as the number of lotteries as the winning number, and acquires the lottery value corresponding to the winning number with reference to the internal lottery table.

  On the other hand, when determining that the number of lotteries is “0” in the determination step S69, the main CPU 31 sets “0” as the small role / replay data pointer and the bonus data pointer (step S70).

  When “0” is set as the data pointer in the process of step S70, or when the data pointer is acquired in the process of step S71, the main CPU 31 determines the internal winning combination determination table for small role / replay (FIG. 8A). The internal winning combination (winning request flag) is acquired based on the small combination / replay data pointer (step S72). Subsequently, the main CPU 31 stores the acquired internal winning combination (winning request flag) in the corresponding internal winning combination storing area (step S73).

  The subsequent processing is shown in FIG. Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the carryover combination storage area is “00000000” (step S74). When determining that the carryover combination storage area is not “00000000”, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S79.

  On the other hand, when determining that the carryover combination storing area is “00000000”, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 8B) and determines the internal winning combination based on the bonus data pointer. A combination (winning request flag) is acquired (step S75). Subsequently, the main CPU 31 stores the acquired internal winning combination (winning request flag) in the carryover combination storage area (step S76).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the carryover combination storage area is “00000000” (step S77). That is, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not “1” is stored in any of bits 0 to 7 of the carryover combination storage area in the process of the previous step S76. When determining that the carryover combination storage area is “00000000”, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S79.

  When determining that the carryover combination storage area is not “00000000” in the determination step S77, the main CPU 31 turns on the main reel lock flag (step S78). Thereby, in this game, when any of “BB1” to “BB8” is determined as the internal winning combination, the main reel lock flag is turned on.

  When it is determined that the carryover combination storage area is not “00000000” in the process of the determination step S74, when the carryover combination storage area is determined to be “00000000” in the process of the determination step S77, or in the process of step S78 When the reel lock flag is turned on, the main CPU 31 acquires the data stored in the carryover combination storing area and stores the logical sum of this data and the data stored in the internal winning combination storage area. Store in the area (step S79). Thereafter, the main CPU 31 ends the internal lottery process and shifts the process to the main flow (see FIGS. 22 and 23).

  Next, the reel stop control process performed under the control of the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The reel stop control process is a process for stopping the rotation of the main 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 31 determines whether or not the effective stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are pressed (step S81). When the main CPU 31 determines that the valid stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are not pressed, the main CPU 31 shifts the process to step S81 again and waits for a stop button pressing operation.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 determines that the valid stop button stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R have been pressed, the main CPU 31 invalidates the pressing operation of the operation stop button that is the stop button that has been pressed (step S82). . That is, the main CPU 31 sets the value of the effective stop button storage area (see FIG. 14A) corresponding to the stop button for which the pressing operation has been performed to “0”, and the operation corresponding to the stop button for which the pressing operation has been performed. The value of the stop button storage area (see FIG. 14B) is set to “1”.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the main reel lock flag is on (step S83). When determining that the main reel lock flag is on, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S89. Here, when the main reel lock flag is on, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the stop control thereof are temporarily prohibited, so that the subsequent reel stop control is not performed. A reel stop command is set.

  When the main reel lock flag is determined not to be on in the determination step S83, the main CPU 31 stops based on the operation stop button from the determined main reel stop table group (see step S6 in FIG. 22). A table is selected, and sliding piece number determination data corresponding to the main reel symbol counter is stored (step S84). The sliding piece number determination data is stored in the RAM 33.

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets “5” as the number of checks (step S85). This is because the maximum number of sliding pieces of each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R is set to “4”. That is, by setting “5” as the number of checks, the number of sliding pieces “0” to “4” is checked.

  Next, the main CPU 31 searches for a symbol position having a higher priority within the range of the number of checks from the symbol position corresponding to the main reel symbol counter (step S86). For example, “BB1” is determined as the internal winning combination in the general gaming state, and as a result of the rotation of the left main reel 3L and the middle main reel 3C being stopped, the “red 7” along the bottom effective line 8d (see FIG. 2) ”Is displayed. Assume that the stop start position of the rotating right main reel 3R is the symbol position “1” (see FIG. 5). At this time, in the range of symbol positions “1” to “5” of the right main reel 3R (in this example, the maximum number of sliding symbols is set to “4”), the symbol of “red 7” is selected. The symbol position “3” that can be displayed along the bottom effective line 8d is determined as the symbol position with the highest priority.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the stored number of sliding symbol determination data and the result of the searched symbol position having the higher priority (step S87). Thereby, each main reel 3L, the symbol at the symbol position corresponding to the value obtained by adding the value determined as the number of sliding symbols to the stop start position is displayed in the middle of each main display window 4L, 4C, 4R. The rotation of 3C and 3R is stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a stop control position waiting process (step S88). Specifically, the main CPU 31 stops the reel stop control process until a reel control process of an interrupt process (see FIG. 31) described later is performed based on the stop control position determined by the determined number of sliding symbols. The main CPU 31 resumes the reel stop control process when the corresponding reel is stopped by the reel control process of the interrupt process.

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets a reel stop command in a communication data storage area provided in the RAM 33 (step S89). The reel stop command includes data indicating the type of the stopped reel, information on a stop control position corresponding to the value of the symbol counter, and the like. If it is determined in the process of the determination step S83 that the main reel lock flag is on, a reel stop command in which information on the type of stop button operated and information on the stop order is updated is set in the communication data storage area. The

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid (step S90). That is, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not any of bits 0 to 2 of the effective stop button storage area is “1”. When determining that there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid, the main CPU 31 shifts the process to step S81 again and repeats the reel stop control process. On the other hand, when the rotation of all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped and it is determined that there is no stop button for which the pressing operation is effective, the main CPU 31 ends the reel stop control process, and the process proceeds to the main flow (FIG. 22). And FIG. 23).

  Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 29, a bonus end check process performed under the control of the main CPU 31 will be described. 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 31 determines whether or not the value of the bonus end number counter is “0” (step S101). In this example, at the start of bonus operation, the bonus operation check process (see FIG. 30) sets the value of the bonus end number counter to “400 (BB1 and BB2)”, “300 (BB3 and BB4)”, “200 (BB5 and Either “BB6)” or “100 (BB7 and BB8)” is set. 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.

  When determining that the value of the bonus end number counter is not “0” in the determination step S101, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S104. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the bonus end number counter is “0” in the process of determination step S101, the main CPU 31 performs a BB end time process (step S102). Specifically, the main CPU 31 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 31 sets a bonus end command in the communication data storage area provided in the RAM 33 (step S103), and shifts the processing to the main flow (see FIGS. 22 and 23). The bonus end command includes information indicating that the bonus game has ended.

  When determining that the value of the bonus end number counter is not “0” in the determination step S101, the main CPU 31 subtracts “1” from the values of the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter (step S104). . Subsequently, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the subtracted winning count counter and the possible gaming count counter are “0” (step S105).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the values of the winable number counter and the possible game number counter are not “0”, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus end check process and shifts the process to the main flow. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the winning possible number counter and the possible number of games counter is “0”, the main CPU 31 performs RB end processing (step S106). Specifically, the main CPU 31 performs processing such as turning off the RB operating flag. When the main CPU 31 performs the RB end process, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus end check process, and moves the process to the main flow.

  Next, a bonus operation check process performed under the control of the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in 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 31 determines whether or not the display combination is any one of “BB1” to “BB8” (step S121). That is, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to any one of “BB1” to “BB8” is displayed along the active line. When it is determined that the display combination is not any of “BB1” to “BB8”, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S124.

  When determining that the display combination is any one of “BB1” to “BB8” in the determination step S121, the main CPU 31 responds to the displayed bonus based on the bonus operation time table (see FIG. 10). A bonus activation process is performed (step S122). Specifically, the main CPU 31 sets “400 (BB1 and BB2)”, “300 (BB3 and BB4)”, “200 (BB5 and BB6)”, “200” based on the bonus operation time table. 100 (BB7 and BB8) "is set, and the BB operating flag in the gaming state flag storage area (see FIG. 13B) is turned on.

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets a bonus start command in the communication data storage area provided in the RAM 33 (step S123), and shifts the processing to the main flow (see FIGS. 22 and 23). The bonus start command includes information indicating that the bonus game has started.

  When determining that the display combination is not “BB1” to “BB8” in the determination step S121, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is “replay” (step S124). When determining that the display combination is not “replay”, the main CPU 31 shifts the processing to the main flow. On the other hand, 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 (step S125), and shifts the processing to the main flow. As a result, the same number of medals as the inserted number are awarded and automatically inserted.

  Next, an interrupt process performed under the control of the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The interrupt process under the control of the main CPU 31 is a process that occurs every predetermined period (for example, 1.1173 milliseconds).

  First, the main CPU 31 saves the register (step S131). Next, the main CPU 31 performs an input port check process (step S132). Specifically, the main CPU 31 checks input of signals from each switch and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs an input state command setting process (step S133). The input state command is a command for notifying the sub control circuit 72 of the input state of the start lever 6 and the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. That is, the main CPU 31 checks the input of the start lever 6 and the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, and sets the input state command in the communication data storage area of the control RAM 33.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs communication data transmission processing (step S134). Specifically, the main CPU 31 transmits various commands set in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 to the sub-control circuit 72.

  The sub control circuit 72 can specify that the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R has been pressed and its type based on the command transmitted in step S134. Therefore, the sub control circuit 72 can stop the rotation of the corresponding sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R based on the transmitted command. That is, in this example, the rotation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R managed by the sub control circuit 72 can be stopped based on the timing when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are pressed.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel control process (step S135). Specifically, if the start of rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, and thereafter, rotation at a constant speed is performed. If the stop control position is determined, the main reel symbol counter of the corresponding main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is updated to the same value as the stop control position, and the rotation is decelerated. And stop.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a lamp / 7 SEG drive process (step S136). Specifically, the main CPU 31 performs processing such as displaying the number of payouts on the payout display unit 18a and displaying the number of credits on the credit display unit 18b. Next, the main CPU 31 performs a timer management process (step S137). In this process, various timers are updated. The main CPU 31 then restores the register (step S138) and ends the interrupt process.

<Description of operation of sub-control circuit>
Next, the operation of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, an interrupt control process performed by the sub CPU 81 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the sub CPU 81 performs an initialization process (step S201). Specifically, initialization processing of a predetermined area in the SDRAM 83 is performed. Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a command input process (see FIG. 33) described later (step 202). In the command input process, an unprocessed command execution process is performed.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 performs an effect content determination process (see FIG. 34) described later (step S203). In the effect content determination process, effect data corresponding to various commands is set, and the execution process of the effect data is performed. Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a command output process (step S204), and moves the process to step S202. In the command output process, a production sound is output from the speakers 21L and 21R, and the lamps 101L and 101R are caused to emit light.

  Next, command input processing performed under the control of the sub CPU 81 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether there is an unprocessed command (step S211). When determining that there is no unprocessed command, the sub CPU 81 ends the command input process and moves the process to an interrupt control process (see FIG. 32).

  When determining in step S211 that there is an unprocessed command, the sub CPU 81 performs an execution process according to the type of the unprocessed command (step S212), and sets the command for which the execution process has been processed. (Step S213). Thereafter, the sub CPU 81 ends the command input process and shifts the process to an interrupt control process.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 34, the effect content determination process performed under the control of the sub CPU 81 will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the sub reel lock flag is off (step S221). The sub reel lock flag is a flag provided for temporarily prohibiting rotation and stop control of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. The sub reel lock flag is turned on in a reel stop command reception process (see FIG. 38) described later.

  In the process of determination step S221, when it is determined that the sub reel lock flag is not OFF, that is, it is ON, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S231. On the other hand, when determining that the sub reel lock flag is OFF, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not a start command has been received (step S222).

  When determining in step S222 that the start command has not been received, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to step S226. On the other hand, when determining that the start command has been received, the sub CPU 81 performs an effect lottery process (see FIG. 35) described later (step S223). In the effect lottery process, effect data corresponding to the gaming state is set.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a sub reel stop table group determination process (see FIG. 36) described later (step S224). In the sub reel stop table group determination process, a stop table group corresponding to the gaming state is selected. Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a sub reel rotation start process (see FIG. 37) described later (step S225), and proceeds to the process of step S236.

  When determining in step S222 that the start command has not been received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether a reel stop command has been received (step S226). When determining that the reel stop command has not been received, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S229.

  On the other hand, when determining that the reel stop command has been received, the sub CPU 81 performs a reel stop command reception process (see FIG. 38) described later (step S227). In the reel stop command reception processing, stop control of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is performed based on the operation stop button. Thereafter, the sub CPU 81 sets effect data according to the type of the operation stop button or the like (step S228), and proceeds to the process of step S236.

  When determining in step S226 that the reel stop command has not been received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether a display command has been received (step S229). When determining that the display command has not been received, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S231.

  On the other hand, when determining that the display command has been received, the sub CPU 81 sets effect data according to the type of display combination or the like (step S230). Thereafter, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S236.

  Whether or not the sub-reel lock flag is ON in the process of determination step S221, or when it is determined that the display combination command has not been received in the process of determination step S229, the sub CPU 81 has received a bonus start command or not Is determined (step S231). When determining that the bonus start command has not been received, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S233.

  On the other hand, when determining that a bonus start command has been received, the sub CPU 81 performs a bonus start command receiving process (see FIG. 39) described later (step S232). In the bonus start command reception process, a process for setting bonus start effect data and turning off the sub reel lock flag is performed.

  When determining in step S231 that the bonus start command has not been received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not a bonus end command has been received (step S233). When determining that the bonus end command has not been received, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S236. On the other hand, when determining that the bonus end command has been received, the sub CPU 81 sets bonus end effect data (step S234).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 sets the general game state (sub) in the game / operation state information (sub) held by the sub control circuit 72 (step S235). The general game state (sub) is a game state managed by the sub CPU 81 and is the same state as the general game state managed by the main CPU 31.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 performs an effect execution process based on the effect data set in the processes of steps S223, S228, S230, S232, and S234 and the special effect data stored in the process of step S227 (step S236). . The effect execution process is a process of reading LED / sound data corresponding to the effect identifier from the control ROM 82. When the effect execution process ends, the sub CPU 81 ends the effect content determination process and returns the process to the interrupt control process (see FIG. 32).

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 35, an effect lottery process performed under the control of the sub CPU 81 will be described.

First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not it is in the RB gaming state (sub) (step S251). When determining that the state is the RB gaming state (sub), the sub CPU 81 refers to the RB gaming state effect determination table and determines and sets the RB operating effect data based on the internal winning combination (step S252). . The RB game state effect determination table defines effect data used in the RB game state corresponding to the internal winning combination. This RB gaming state effect determination table is stored in the control ROM 82.
Thereafter, the sub CPU 81 ends the effect lottery process and returns the process to the effect content determination process (see FIG. 34).

When it is determined in the determination step S251 that the game state is not the RB gaming state (sub), the sub CPU 81 refers to the general gaming state effect determination table, determines the general gaming state effect data based on the internal winning combination, and sets it. (Step S253). The general game state effect determination table defines effect data used in the general game state corresponding to the internal winning combination. This general gaming state effect determination table is stored in the control ROM 82.
Thereafter, the sub CPU 81 ends the effect lottery process and returns the process to the effect content determination process.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 36, the sub reel stop table group determination process performed under the control of the sub CPU 81 will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the main reel lock flag is on (step S261). When determining that the main reel lock flag is not on, that is, off, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S263.

  When determining in step S261 that the main reel lock flag is ON, the sub CPU 81 selects a sub reel special stop table group (step S262). The sub-reel special stop table group defines the slip piece number determination data so that the probability of displaying the combination of “white 7-white 7-white 7” along any one of the production lines 28a to 28e is increased. It consists of a number of special stop tables.

  When the sub reel special stop table group is selected, the sub CPU 81 ends the sub reel stop table group determination process and returns the process to the effect content determination process (see FIG. 34).

  When determining that the main reel lock flag is not on in the process of the determination step S261, the sub CPU81 determines whether or not it is in the RB gaming state (sub) (step S263). When determining that the state is the RB gaming state (sub), the sub CPU 81 refers to the sub reel stop table group determination table and determines the sub reel stop table group based on the internal winning combination (step S264). In this example, in the RB gaming state (sub), the sub reel stop table group 11 is determined (see FIG. 17). Thereafter, the sub CPU 81 ends the sub reel stop table group determination process, and returns the process to the effect content determination process.

  When determining in the determination step S263 that the RB gaming state is not (sub), the sub CPU 81 refers to the sub reel stop table group determination table and determines the sub reel stop table group based on the internal winning combination (step S265). ). In the case of the RB gaming state (sub), in this example, one of the sub reel stop table groups 1 to 10 is determined (see FIG. 17). Thereafter, the sub CPU 81 ends the sub reel stop table group determination process, and returns the process to the effect content determination process.

  Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 37, a sub reel rotation start process performed under the control of the sub CPU 81 will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation (step S271). If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the operation is stopped to digest 4.1 seconds as the waiting time (step S272). If 4.1 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S273.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 requests rotation start of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R (step S273). Thereafter, the sub CPU 81 ends the sub reel rotation start process and returns the process to the effect content determination process (see FIG. 34). When the rotation start of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is requested, the rotation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is started by the effect execution process performed in step S236 of the effect content determination process.

  Next, a reel stop command reception process performed under the control of the sub CPU 81 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 holds the type and order of the operation stop buttons (step S281). That is, the sub CPU 81 stores the type and order of the operation stop buttons in the SDRAM 83.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the sub reel corresponding to the operation stop button is rotating (step S282). When it is determined that the sub reel corresponding to the operation stop button is not rotating, the sub CPU 81 ends the reel stop command reception process, and returns the process to the effect content determination process (see FIG. 34).

  In the determination step S281, when it is determined that the sub reel corresponding to the operation stop button is rotating, the sub CPU 81 determines the sub reel stop table group determined in the sub reel stop table group determination process (see FIG. 34). The stop table is determined by referring to the operation stop button (step S283).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the main reel lock flag is on (step S284). When determining that the main reel lock flag is ON, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S287. On the other hand, when it is determined that the main reel lock flag is not on, that is, is off, the sub CPU 81 stops at a position where the main reel to be stopped this time is the third stop and a winning is impossible. Whether or not (step S285).

  When it is determined in the process of the determination step S285 that the main reel that is stopped this time is not the third stop, or the main reel that is stopped this time is the third stop but is stopped at a position where a winning can be made, The CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S287.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the main reel to be stopped this time is the third stop and is stopped at a position where winning is impossible, the sub CPU 81 determines that the sub reel does not win / actuate based on the current symbol position. And the corresponding sub-reel stop control is executed (step S286). That is, the sub CPU 81 executes sub reel stop control corresponding to the third stop so that the symbol combinations of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R corresponding to winning or operating are not displayed on the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R. . Thereafter, the sub CPU 81 ends the reel stop command reception process and returns the process to the effect content determination process.

  When it is determined that the main reel lock flag is ON in the process of determination step S284, or in the process of determination step S285, the main reel that is stopped this time is not the third stop, or the main reel that is stopped this time is When it is determined that the stop is at the position where the third stop is possible but the winning is possible, the sub CPU 81 refers to the selected stop table and executes stop control of the corresponding sub reel based on the current symbol position. (Step S287).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not all the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are stopped (step S288). When determining that all the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are not stopped, the sub CPU 81 ends the reel stop command reception process and returns the process to the effect content determination process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that all the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are stopped, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the symbol combinations corresponding to “BB1” to “BB8” are aligned on the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. A determination is made (step S289). That is, the sub CPU 81 determines whether a combination of symbols “white 7-white 7-white 7” is displayed along any of the effect lines 28a to 28e.

  In the process of the determination step S289, when it is determined that the symbol combinations corresponding to “BB1” to “BB8” are not prepared on the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, the sub CPU 81 ends the reel stop command reception process. The process is returned to the effect content determination process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol combinations corresponding to “BB1” to “BB8” are aligned on the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, the sub CPU 81 turns on the sub reel lock flag (step S290).

  When the sub reel lock flag is turned on, in the effect content determination process (see FIG. 34), the process proceeds from the process of step S221 to the process of step S231, so that the rotation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R and the stop control thereof are prohibited. . Therefore, while the sub reel lock flag is on, the game is advanced based on the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the stop control thereof.

  After turning on the sub reel lock flag, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the main reel lock flag is on (step S291). When it is determined that the main reel lock flag is not on, that is, it is off, the sub CPU 81 ends the reel stop command reception process and returns the process to the effect content determination process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the main reel lock flag is on, the sub CPU 81 refers to the light emission pattern determination table (see FIG. 19) and finds the combination of the bonus type and the symbols corresponding to “BB1” to “BB8”. A light emission pattern is determined on the basis of the types of the produced effect lines, and is stored in the SDRAM 83 as special effect data (step S292). Thereafter, the sub CPU 81 ends the reel stop command reception process and returns the process to the effect content determination process.

  The special effect data stored in the SDRAM 83 is used in the effect execution process of the effect content determination process (see step S236 in FIG. 34). In this effect execution process, a plurality of back lamps provided on the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are turned on and off based on the special effect data. As a result, the color of the symbol combination “white 7-white 7-white 7” displayed along any of the production lines 28a to 28e changes, and the symbol combination is determined as an internal winning combination. It is displayed as a combination of symbols corresponding to any of “BB1” to “BB8”.

  That is, in this example, when the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are locked in rotation, when the symbol combinations corresponding to “BB1” to “BB8” are aligned on the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, the internal winning combination is achieved. The type of a specific internal winning combination determined as a combination is notified.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, even when the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is not locked, the symbols corresponding to “BB1” to “BB8” on the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R. When the combinations are complete, the determined type of the internal winning combination may be notified. In such a gaming machine, when a combination of symbols “white 7-white 7-white 7” is arranged on the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R in a game in any of the BB1 carry-over state to the BB8 carry-over state, The type of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination is notified.

  Next, a bonus start command reception process performed under the control of the sub CPU 81 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 sets bonus start effect data (step S311). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets the RB game state (sub) in the game / operation state information (sub) held by the sub control circuit 72 (step S312). The game / operation state information (sub) is an area for storing information on the game state and the operating flag referred to by the sub CPU 81. The RB gaming state (sub) is a gaming state managed by the sub CPU 81 and is the same state as the RB gaming state managed by the main CPU 31.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 starts rotation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R (step S313), and the symbol positions of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that are stopped and displayed in the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R at that time are displayed. Based on the above, stop control of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R is performed (step S314). Thereby, the symbol positions of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R displayed on the sub display windows 24L, 24C, 24R are the same as the symbol positions of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R displayed on the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. become.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 turns off the sub reel lock flag (step S315), and clears the special effect data stored in the SDRAM 83 (step S316). Thereafter, the bonus start command reception process is terminated, and the process returns to the effect content determination process.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 40 to 43, main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and sub-reels 23L, when any of the specific internal winning combinations “BB1” to “BB8” is determined as the internal winning combination, The operation of 23C and 23R will be described.

  FIG. 40 shows main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, sub-reels 23L, 23C, 23R when a specific internal winning combination is determined as an internal winning combination when the start lever 6 is operated (during start operation). It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of the 4th reel 110. FIG.

  When the start lever 6 is operated, an internal winning combination is determined by an internal lottery process (see FIGS. 26 and 27). At this time, it is assumed that specific internal winning combinations (“BB1” to “BB8”) are determined as internal winning combinations. In this case, the main reel lock flag is turned on in the internal lottery process. As a result, as shown in FIG. 40, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is not started, and the rotation of only the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R is started. In other words, an effect of notifying the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination by the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R (hereinafter referred to as “special effect by the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R”) is started.

  As described above, in a special effect by the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, only the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R start to rotate. Therefore, the rotation of only the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R can indicate to the player that any of the specific internal winning combinations has been determined as the internal winning combination. Further, by starting the rotation of only the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, the player can surely enjoy a special effect by the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R.

  Further, in this example, when a specific internal winning combination (“BB1” to “BB8”) is determined as the internal winning combination, an effect by the 4th reel 110 is performed. Specifically, the 4th reel 110 is controlled to rotate and stop, and the symbol “7” is displayed in the 4th display window 112. This makes it possible for the player to reliably recognize that one of the specific internal winning combinations is determined as the internal winning combination by the two types of reels of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R and the 4th reel 110.

  In a special effect by the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, stop control of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R is performed based on a specific internal winning combination determined as an internal winning combination and an operation stop button (detection of a stop operation). Is called.

  FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a stop operation has been performed on the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R from the state shown in FIG.

  A stop operation is performed on each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, and a combination of symbols of “white 7-white 7-white 7” corresponding to a specific internal winning combination (“BB1” to “BB8”) is produced. Suppose that it was not able to align along any of -28e. In that case, the player cannot confirm which of “BB1” to “BB8” is determined as the internal winning combination.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 41, the player holds a symbol combination of “white 7-white 7-white 7” corresponding to a specific internal winning combination (“BB1” to “BB8”). Suppose that it was able to arrange along the center production line 28c.

  In the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, the combinations of symbols corresponding to “BB1” to “BB8” are all “white 7-white 7-white 7” (see FIG. 16). Therefore, when the combination of symbols “White 7-White 7-White 7” is aligned along the center effect line 28c, which of “BB1” to “BB8” is still determined as the internal winning combination Cannot be judged.

  FIG. 42 shows the type of a specific internal winning combination determined as an internal winning combination by changing the color of each symbol constituting the combination of symbols “white 7-white 7-white 7” from the state shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which alert | reported BB4).

  When the combination of symbols “white 7-white 7-white 7” is aligned along the center effect line 28c, the plurality of back lamps provided on the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R are turned on and off based on the special effect data. Executed. The special effect data is data indicating light emission patterns of a plurality of back lamps.

  For example, it is assumed that the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination is “BB4”. When the combination of symbols corresponding to “BB4” is displayed along the center effect line 28c, the light emission pattern “4-S” is determined (see FIG. 19). When the light emission pattern “4-S” is determined, the symbol “white 7” of the left sub reel 23L displayed in the middle stage of the sub display window 24L and the “white 7” symbol of the middle sub reel 23C displayed in the middle stage of the sub display window 24C. The symbol “White 7” is illuminated by a red back lamp. The “white 7” symbol displayed in the middle of the sub display window 24R is illuminated by the blue back lamp.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 42, the combination of symbols “white 7-white 7-white 7” displayed along the center effect line 28c is “red 7-red 7-blue” corresponding to “BB4”. 7 ”is displayed as a combination of symbols. Thereby, it is possible to notify the player that the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination is “BB4”.
As a result, the player can recognize that the game to be resumed is in the BB4 carryover state, and can perform the stop operation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R so that “BB4” is established.

  In this example, in a special effect by the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, when the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R are stopped, the main reel lock flag is turned off. Thereby, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is permitted, and the normal game based on the rotation and stop control of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is resumed.

  FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which the normal game is resumed from the state shown in FIG.

  In this example, when the combination of symbols “white 7-white 7-white 7” is aligned along any of the effect lines 28a to 28e, the sub reel lock flag is set in the reel stop command reception process (see FIG. 38). Turned on. Thereby, in the game (game) to be resumed, the rotation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R is prohibited.

  Therefore, when the normal game is resumed from the state shown in FIG. 42, the rotation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R is prohibited and only the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated as shown in FIG. In this state, lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of back lamps based on the special effect data are continued. Therefore, the player can confirm that the BB4 carryover state is continued.

  Since the player recognizes that the resumed game is in the BB4 carryover state, the player performs a stop operation of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R so that “BB4” is established. Thereafter, when “BB4” is established, that is, when the symbol combination “red 7-red 7-blue 7” is displayed along any one of the effective lines 8a to 8e, the rotation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is performed. Is allowed. Then, the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are rotated, and stop control is performed based on the symbol positions of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R displayed on the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R at that time.

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, an internal winning combination in one game is determined from a plurality of internal winning combinations including specific internal winning combinations “BB1” to “BB8”. In addition, the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are “white 7-white 7-white 7” symbol combinations corresponding to all of the specific internal winning combinations “BB1” to “BB8” (first symbol combination). Has a displayable symbol sequence. For example, in one game, any of the specific internal winning combinations “BB1” to “BB8” is determined as the internal winning combination, and “ Assume that a combination of symbols “white 7-white 7-white 7” is displayed. In that case, the display state of the displayed symbol combination changes, and the type of the specific internal winning combination determined as an internal winning combination (any one of “BB1” to “BB8”) is notified.
Therefore, it is possible to cause the player to reliably recognize the type of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination. Thus, after the player is notified of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination, the combination of symbols corresponding to the specific internal winning combination is stopped on the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The stop operation can be performed so as to be displayed. That is, since the player recognizes the type of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination, the number of medals consumed before the bonus game is activated can be suppressed. Therefore, the player tries to confirm the type of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination. Therefore, when an effect is produced by the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, the player can pay attention to the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R.

According to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the symbols constituting the combination of symbols “white 7-white 7-white 7” stopped and displayed on the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, that is, each “white 7” The pattern is irradiated with light from a lamp such as red or blue, and the color of each “white 7” pattern is changed to notify the type of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination. For example, when “BB4” is determined as the internal winning combination, red light is applied to the “white 7” symbol of the left sub reel 23L and the middle sub reel 23C, and the “white 7” symbol of the right sub reel 23R is irradiated. Is irradiated with blue light. As a result, the combination of symbols “white 7-white 7-white 7” stopped and displayed on the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R becomes “red 7-red 7-blue 7”, and “BB4” serves as an internal winning combination. Notify that it has been decided.
In this manner, since the color of each “white 7” symbol is changed by irradiating light with the lamp, the display state of the symbol combination “white 7-white 7-white 7” can be changed very easily. It is possible to promptly notify the type of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination.

  According to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, “white 7-white 7-white 7” that is stopped and displayed on the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R by the back lamps arranged inside the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R. Irradiate light such as red and blue to the symbols constituting the combination of symbols. Therefore, when visually recognizing the symbols attached to the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, the lamp does not get in the way and a comfortable gaming environment can be provided.

  According to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, on the condition that any one of “BB1” to “BB8” is determined as an internal winning combination, the progress of the game in the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is made to wait. . That is, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is prohibited. Therefore, when any one of “BB1” to “BB8” is determined as the internal winning combination, only the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are rotated. As a result, it is possible to indicate to the player that any one of “BB1” to “BB8” has been determined as the internal winning combination. In addition, by starting the rotation of only the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, the player can surely enjoy the effects by the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R that notify information advantageous to the player.

  According to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the effect of performing the rotation and stop control of only the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is completed, the progress of the game on the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is restored. That is, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is permitted. Thus, after the effect of performing the rotation and stop control of only the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is completed, the normal game based on the rotation and stop control of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can be resumed.

  According to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the symbol combination of “white 7-white 7-white 7” is displayed by the effect of performing the rotation and stop control of only the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, The rotation of 23L, 23C, and 23R is prohibited. When the normal game is resumed, only the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are controlled to rotate and stop. Thereby, the player can confirm that any one of the BB1 carryover state to the BB8 carryover state is continued.

  According to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when any one of “BB1” to “BB8” is established in a normal game in which only the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are controlled to rotate and stop, the sub reels 23L, 23C and 23R are rotated. Then, the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are set based on the symbol positions of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R displayed on the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R in a state where any one of “BB1” to “BB8” is established. Stop control. Thereby, the symbol positions of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R displayed on the sub display windows 24L, 24C, 24R coincide with the symbol positions of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R displayed on the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Can be made.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, “white 7-white 7-white 7” is set as the first symbol combination displayed by the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R. The specific design is not limited to this. For example, the first symbol combination according to the present invention may be constituted by other symbols such as characters and marks. In that case, each symbol constituting the first symbol combination is formed so as to change to that color when irradiated with colored light.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the first symbol combination displayed by the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is one type. However, as the first symbol combination according to the present invention, Two or more types can be used.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, in the effect of performing the rotation and stop control of only the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, the first symbol combination “white 7-white 7-white 7” is stopped and displayed. Then, the rotation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is prohibited. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention may be configured not to prohibit the rotation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R even if “white 7-white 7-white 7” that is the first symbol combination is stopped and displayed. Good. In that case, after changing the color of each symbol constituting the symbol combination of “white 7-white 7-white 7” and notifying the type of the specific internal winning combination determined as the internal winning combination, the main reel 3L , 3C, 3R and the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R rotate, and the game is resumed.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, when any of “BB1” to “BB8” is determined as the internal winning combination, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is prohibited. However, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, any one of “BB1” to “BB8” is determined as the internal winning combination, and the stop control of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R is finished. The main reels 3L, 3C, 3R may be prohibited from rotating. In this case, when the stop control of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R is finished, an effect of performing the rotation and stop control of only the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R is executed.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention may be configured not to prohibit the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R even if any one of “BB1” to “BB8” is determined as the internal winning combination. In that case, for example, the rotation and stop control of the 4th reel 110 is performed, and the symbol “7” is displayed in the 4th display window 112. This suggests that any one of “BB1” to “BB8” has been determined as an internal winning combination. As a result, the player can display “white 7-white 7-white 7”, which is the first symbol combination, along any of the effect lines 28a to 28e on the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. Stop operation can be performed. When the symbol combination “white 7-white 7-white 7” is displayed along any of the effect lines 28a to 28e, the symbol combination “white 7-white 7-white 7” is configured. The color of each symbol changes, and a specific internal winning combination determined as an internal winning combination is notified.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, “BB1” to “BB8” are applied as specific internal winning combinations related to the start of the bonus game, but the specific internal winning combination according to the present invention is “BB1”. -It is not limited to "BB8". The specific internal winning combination according to the present invention may be two to seven types, or may be nine or more types.

  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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 3L, 3C, 3R ... Main reel, 4R, 4C, 4R ... Main display window, 7L, 7C, 7R ... Stop button, 23L, 23C, 23R ... Sub reel, 24L, 24C, 24R ... Sub display window 31 ... Main CPU, 71 ... Main control circuit, 72 ... Sub control circuit, 81 ... Sub CPU, 110 ... 4th reel, 112 ... 4th display window

Claims (2)

A main reel with a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of internal winning combinations including at least two types of specific internal winning combinations when a predetermined start condition is satisfied;
When the internal winning combination determining means wins one of the two or more types of specific internal winning combinations, the internal winning combination is carried over as an internal winning combination until the specific internal winning combination is stopped and displayed on the main reel. Carry-over means,
A main reel design changing means for rotating the main reel and changing a plurality of designs of the main reel based on satisfying the predetermined start condition;
Game operation detecting means for detecting an operation by a player;
Based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means and the detection of the operation by the player performed by the gaming operation detection means, stop control of the symbol variation performed by the main reel symbol varying means is performed. Main reel stop control means;
A game medium giving means for giving a game medium based on a symbol displayed stopped on the main reel;
A plurality of symbols on the outer peripheral surface, a sub reel capable of displaying a first symbol corresponding to all of the two or more specific internal winning combinations;
Sub-reel symbol variation means for rotating the sub-reel and varying a plurality of symbols on the sub-reel based on satisfying the predetermined start condition;
Based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means and the detection of the operation by the player performed by the gaming operation detecting means, the stop control of the symbol variation performed by the sub reel symbol varying means is performed. Sub reel stop control means;
When the first symbol is stopped and displayed on the sub-reel while waiting for the progress of the game on the main reel, the internal symbol winning combination is determined by the internal symbol combination determining means by changing the display state of the first symbol. Informing means for informing the determined type of the internal winning combination,
Main reel waiting means for waiting for the progress of the game in the main reel when any specific internal winning combination is determined as an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means,
The sub-reel stop control means is based on an internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means and detection of an operation by the player performed by the game operation detecting means while waiting for the progress of the game on the main reel. The stop control of the variation of the symbol performed by the sub reel symbol variation means,
When the first symbol is stopped and displayed on the sub-reel except when waiting for the game progress on the main reel, the notifying unit is configured to receive a specific internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining unit. A gaming machine characterized in that the type of winning combination is not notified. Main reel standby release for canceling the waiting for the progress of the game on the main reel on condition that the stop control of the change of the symbol performed by the sub-reel symbol changing means is completed while waiting for the progress of the game on the main reel Means,
Sub reel standby means for waiting for the change of the sub reel on condition that the stop control of the change of the symbol performed by the sub reel design changing means is completed while waiting for the progress of the game in the main reel. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is characterized.