JP4358842B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the respective circumferential surfaces, and a plurality of reels corresponding to each of the reels, a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of each reel. Based on an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as a “start operation”) on the condition that a display window for displaying the symbol so that the player can visually recognize and a medal as an example of the game medium are inserted, Based on a start switch that outputs a signal requesting the start of rotation of each reel and an operation by a player (hereinafter referred to as a “stop operation”), a signal that requests the stop of rotation of the reel is determined according to the type of the reel. A stop switch that outputs, and a control unit that controls the operation of the stepping motor based on the signals output from the start switch and the stop switch, and rotates and stops each reel. For example was the gaming machine (so-called Pachi) is known. In such a gaming machine, based on a combination of symbols displayed by a plurality of display windows, a privilege such as a medal payout is given to the player.

  Currently, when a start operation is detected, a mainstream game machine performs an internal lottery, and the result of the lottery (hereinafter, the result of the internal lottery is referred to as an “internal winning combination”) and a stop operation. The reel rotation is stopped based on the detection timing. More specifically, a plurality of internal lottery tables that define a plurality of predetermined numerical ranges are provided, one internal lottery table is selected from the plurality of internal lottery tables, and the extracted random number value belongs. The internal winning combination is determined based on the numerical range.

  And, for example, after the stop operation is detected so that the combination of symbols related to the internal winning combination is displayed when the internal winning combination related to the bonus is determined by the internal lottery described above Even so, the rotation of the reel continues within a predetermined period (for example, 190 ms), and then stops. On the other hand, if the internal winning combination relating to the provision of the privilege is not determined, the reel rotation is stopped so that the combination of symbols related to the internal winning combination is not displayed.

In addition, in the gaming machine as described above, when a predetermined symbol combination is displayed for the purpose of maintaining the soundness of the game, etc., the same number of medals as the medals inserted this time are automatically displayed the next time. The mainstream is the one that operates replays that are thrown into the game. Recently, an internal lottery table having a relatively large numerical value range for determining an internal winning combination (so-called replay) related to the operation of the replay is provided, and this internal lottery table is selected and an internal winning combination is selected. There has been proposed a gaming machine that operates in a determined state (this is referred to as a replay time, hereinafter abbreviated as “RT”) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this gaming machine, since the internal winning combination related to the re-game operation is determined with a relatively high probability, the opportunity for the re-game operation to increase and the medal to be inserted into the game machine Can be reduced.
JP 2005-143931 A

  However, in the above conventional gaming machine, the number of games in which the RT operation continues (hereinafter referred to as “RT game number”) is uniformly defined, and thus there is a problem that the expectation that the player has is lacking in undulations. It was.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a player from having a monotonous expectation regarding a gaming machine that operates an RT.

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

  (1) A plurality of reels (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which will be described later) in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on each peripheral surface, and some of the plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel The symbol display means (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which will be described later), the start operation detection means for detecting the start operation (for example, the start switch 6S, which will be described later), and the start operation detection means Internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on detection of the start operation performed (for example, internal lottery processing of FIG. 19 performed by CPU 31 described later) and reel rotating means for rotating the plurality of reels ( For example, a process for requesting the start of rotation of all the reels in step S11 of FIG. 16 performed by the CPU 31 described later, and a stop operation detecting unit (for example, detecting a stop operation corresponding to each reel) A reel that performs stop control of rotation of the corresponding reel based on a stop switch 7S), which will be described later, and detection of a stop operation performed by the stop operation detecting means and an internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means. When the stop control unit (for example, the reel stop control process of FIG. 20 performed by the CPU 31 described later) and the reel stop control unit perform the rotation stop control of the plurality of reels, the symbol display unit displays the display. Any one of a plurality of symbol combinations (for example, symbol combinations displayed on each of five later-described effective lines 8a to 8e) in a predetermined order (for example, an address order in a symbol storage area described later) Design specified by center line 8c → top line 8b → bottom line 8d → cross down line 8e → cross up line 8a) A combination of symbols specified by a combination specifying unit (for example, the process of updating the address of the symbol storage area in step S171 in FIG. 21 performed by the CPU 31 described later) and the symbol combination specifying unit is a predetermined symbol. Symbol combination determination means for determining whether or not a combination (for example, a symbol combination specified by a symbol combination table described later) (for example, a symbol of the current address in step S163 of FIG. 21 performed by a CPU 31 described later) A process of comparing a combination of symbols stored in the storage area with a combination of symbols stored at the current address of the symbol combination table, a process of determining whether or not both match in step S164), As a result of the determination by the symbol combination determining means, the symbol set specified by the symbol combination specifying means If it is a first symbol combination (for example, a combination of symbols related to replay described later), a re-game operating means (for example, step S20 in FIG. As a result of the determination by the replay operation check process) and the symbol combination determining unit, the symbol combination specified by the symbol combination specifying unit is a second symbol combination (for example, a symbol related to RT1 described later). Combination) or a third symbol combination (for example, a combination of symbols related to RT2 to be described later), an internal symbol combination (for example, a replay to be described later) is determined by the internal symbol combination determining means. ) Is determined by a replay time operating means (for example, a diagram performed by a CPU 31 described later). Step S207 in step S207 and step S208 in which the RT operating flag is turned on) and numerical value information determining means (for example, a CPU 31 described later) that determines numerical information when the replay time is operated by the replay time operating means. 22 is performed by the numerical information determining means based on the detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means and the processing of storing numerical values in the RT game number counter of step S207 and step S208 of FIG. Numerical information updating means for updating numerical information (for example, the RT game number counter updating process in step S8 of FIG. 16 performed by the CPU 31 described later) and the numerical information determined in advance by the numerical information updating means (for example, , Which will be updated to “0” described later) Replay time ending means for ending the operation of the replay time (for example, processing for turning off the RT operating flag when the RT game number counter in step S8 of FIG. The internal symbol combination determining means can determine an internal symbol combination (for example, RT2 + RT1 described later) related to both the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination, and the symbol display In the case where the internal winning combination relating to both the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination is determined by the internal symbol combination determining unit, the reel stop control unit determines the plurality of reels. When the rotation stop control is performed, both the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination can be displayed, and the numerical information determining unit can be displayed. If the symbol combination specified by the symbol combination specifying unit is the second symbol combination as a result of the determination by the symbol combination determining unit, predetermined numerical information (for example, 100 described later) Is determined by the symbol combination determining means, and when the symbol combination specified by the symbol combination specifying means is the third symbol combination, the predetermined numerical information and Is a game machine characterized by determining different numerical information (for example, 60 described later).

  According to the gaming machine of (1), it is possible to determine the internal winning combination relating to both the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination, and when the stop control of the rotation of a plurality of reels is performed, Both the two symbol combinations and the third symbol combination can be displayed. And, when the combination of symbols specified in a predetermined order from among a plurality of symbol combinations displayed by the symbol display means is a second symbol combination, while determining predetermined numerical information, When the combination is the third symbol, numerical information different from the predetermined numerical information is determined. That is, when both the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination are displayed, the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination are identified in advance according to a predetermined order. The numerical information is determined based on the combination of symbols.

  Therefore, the determined numerical information can be made different depending on the order in which the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination are specified. As a result, for example, the number of games in which the replay time operation is continued (that is, the number of RT games) can be changed depending on the position at which the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination are displayed by the symbol display means. Therefore, it is possible to cause a undulation in the expectation that the player holds, and to improve the interest of the game. In addition, since it is not necessary to perform a dedicated lottery for determining the number of RT games, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the program while causing undulations in the expectation that the player has.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, both the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination relating to the operation of the replay time can be displayed by the symbol display means, and a plurality of symbols displayed by the symbol display means can be displayed. The predetermined numerical information is determined when the combination of symbols specified in a predetermined order from the combination is the combination of the second symbol, while the predetermined numerical information is determined when the combination of the symbols is the combination of the third symbol. The number of games that the replay time operation continues is changed according to the order in which the combination of symbols is specified, so that the player's feeling of expectation is raised and lowered. Is possible.

  The configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with a cabinet 1a that houses reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a main control circuit 71 described later, and the like, and a front door 1b that is attached to the cabinet 1a so as to be openable and closable. Inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided in a horizontal row. A plurality of types of symbols are continuously arranged in the rotation direction of the reels on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled by a main control circuit 71 described later so as to rotate at a constant speed (for example, 80 revolutions / minute), and a plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R It fluctuates with the rotation of the reel.

  At the center of the front door 1b, a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the front side of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 1, that is, on the front side of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. . The liquid crystal display unit 5 a of the liquid crystal display device 5 includes symbol display areas 4 L, 4 C, 4 R and an effect display area 23. The symbol display areas 4L, 4C, 4R are provided in front of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The symbol display areas 4L, 4C, and 4R are configured so that the transmittance in the display area can be changed, and the symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can be transparently displayed. ing. Thereby, the rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and the stop of the rotation can be visually recognized through the symbol display areas 4L, 4C, 4R.

  In addition, the symbol display areas 4L, 4C, and 4R display images within the display area, for example, by displaying a predetermined image superimposed on the symbol displayed in the display area when the rotation of the reel is stopped. It is also possible to do. Then, a predetermined image is displayed in the entire display area of the liquid crystal display unit 5a including the symbol display areas 4L, 4C, 4R and the effect display area 23. Done. Here, in each of the symbol display areas 4L, 4C, 4R, one symbol is displayed in each of the upper, middle, and lower areas in each of the vertically long rectangular symbol display areas 4L, 4C, 4R. Of the symbols arranged on the surface, three symbols are displayed. For this reason, the symbol display areas 4L, 4C, and 4R have a function as a so-called display window (hereinafter, the symbol display area is referred to as a “display window”).

  The display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R are provided with five lines that connect any one of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. Specifically, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, a bottom line 8d, a cross-up line 8a, and a cross-down line 8e are provided. The center line 8c is a line formed by connecting the middle regions of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. The top line 8b is a line formed by connecting the upper regions of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The bottom line 8d is a line formed by connecting the lower regions of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The cross-up line 8a is a line formed by connecting the lower display window 4L, the middle display window 4C, and the right display window 4R. The cross-down line 8e is a line formed by connecting the upper display area of the left display window 4L, the middle display window 4C, and the lower display window 4R.

  A pedestal 10 having a substantially horizontal plane is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5. On the right side of the pedestal portion 10, a medal slot 22 is provided. A 1-bet button 11, a 2-bet button 12, and a maximum bet button 13 are provided on the left side of the pedestal 10. Basically, when the medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 or when a medal is inserted based on the operation of the bet buttons 11, 12, 13, the winning lines 8 a to 8 e are activated. (The activated winning line is hereinafter referred to as the activated line). In the present embodiment, medals are used as game media. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a card or the like storing information such as the number of medals can be applied in addition to coins, game balls or tokens.

  Further, above the bet buttons 11, 12, 13, an operation unit 17 including a cross key, a selection button, and an enter button is provided. Based on the operation of the operation unit 17 by the player, information relating to the game such as a game history is displayed on the display screen 5a. On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5, a 1-bet lamp 9a, a 2-bet lamp 9b, and a maximum bet lamp 9c are provided. These bet lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c are input in a unit game (for example, one game from the start of reel rotation until it is determined whether or not the reel rotation is stopped and a privilege is given). The lighting is performed according to the number of medals (hereinafter referred to as the number of inserted medals).

  An information display unit 18 is provided in the center of the pedestal unit 10. The information display unit 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of medals to be paid out to the player (hereinafter referred to as “paid-out number”). A C / P button 14 for switching between credit (Credit) or payout (Pay) of medals is provided on the left side of the front surface of the pedestal 10. When the payout is performed, medals corresponding to the number of payouts are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower part of the front and stored in the medal receiving unit 16. When credit is given, medals corresponding to the number of payouts are credited. In some cases, the payout and credits of medals are simply referred to as “payout”.

  A stop button 7L provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the information display 18 in correspondence with the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. , 7C, 7R are provided. A start lever 6 for starting the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is provided on the left side of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Hereinafter, the stop operation that is performed first when all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating (that is, the player's pressing operation on the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R) is referred to as “first stop operation”. The stop operation performed after the first stop operation and performed when the two reels are rotating is referred to as a “second stop operation”, and is performed after the second stop operation and the remaining one reel is The stop operation that is performed while rotating is referred to as a “third stop operation”.

  Moreover, LED101 and the lamp | ramp 102 are provided in the upper part of the front door 1b. The LED 101 and the lamp 102 are turned on in a lighting pattern according to the game situation, and an effect relating to the game is performed. Speakers 21L and 21R are provided below the front door 1b. From the speakers 21L and 21R, sound such as sound effects and music corresponding to the game situation is output, and effects relating to the game are performed. Although not shown in the figure, inside the cabinet 1a, there are a power button for turning on the gaming machine 1, a setting change button for starting a change of a set value described later, and a plurality of predetermined numbers. A reset button for determining any one of the set values is provided.

  Next, the configuration of symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described with reference to FIG.

  21 types of symbols are arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. Specifically, a plurality of areas (that is, 21 areas) allocated to one symbol are provided on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and red 7 (symbol 61), Blue 7 (symbol 62), watermelon (symbol 63), bell (symbol 64), replay (symbol 65), cherry (symbol 66) or blank (symbol 67) are arranged. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the circuit configuration of the gaming machine 1 including a main control circuit 71, a sub control circuit 72, a main control circuit 71, and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the sub control circuit 72 will be described. To do.

  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 CPU 31 and ROM 32 and RAM 33 which are storage means. The ROM 32 stores a control program executed by the CPU 31 (for example, see FIGS. 16 to 24 described later), various tables such as a symbol combination table described later (for example, see FIGS. 4 to 12 described later), and the like. Yes. The RAM 33 is provided with various storage areas such as a carryover combination storage area described later (for example, see FIGS. 13 to 15 described later), and stores various data.

  A clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 are connected to the CPU 31. 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, which will be 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 random number value from the random number generated by the random number generator 36.

  In the circuit of FIG. 3, as the main actuators whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 30, the bet lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, the information display unit 18, the hopper 40, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, etc. is there. Each output port of the microcomputer 30 is connected to each circuit for receiving the control signal output from the CPU 31 and controlling the operation of each actuator. Each circuit includes a motor drive circuit 39, a lamp drive circuit 45, a display unit drive circuit 48, and a hopper drive circuit 41.

  The lamp driving circuit 45 controls the turning on and off of the bed lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c. The display unit drive circuit 48 controls display of various types of information (such as the number of payouts and the number of credits) by the information display unit 18. The hopper drive circuit 41 controls the payout of medals by the hopper 40. 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 rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. And stop control thereof.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the number of times pulses are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R after the reel index indicating that the reel has made one rotation is detected by the reel position detection circuit 50 described later is counted. Thus, the rotation angle of the reel is detected with reference to the position where the reel index is detected. Further, gears (not shown) for transmitting the rotations of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with a predetermined reduction ratio are provided, and 16 times with respect to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. By outputting this pulse, the reel for one symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel is rotated.

  Specifically, the number of pulses output to the aforementioned stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted by the pulse counter of the RAM 33, and every time 16 pulse outputs are counted by the pulse counter, the RAM 33 is counted. The symbol counter is incremented by one. The symbol counter is cleared each time a reel index is detected.

  Here, symbol positions “0” to “20” for identifying each of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel in order from the rotation direction of the reel are defined. A reel described later is positioned so that the symbol corresponding to the symbol position “0” is positioned at the center line 8c (more precisely, the center of the middle region in the vertical direction in each of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R). The position detection circuit 50 detects the reel index. That is, when the value of the symbol counter becomes “0” by detecting the reel index, the symbol corresponding to the symbol position “0” is positioned on the center line 8c, and as a result, the symbol counter corresponds to the symbol position. Attached. Therefore, by referring to the symbol counter, it is possible to specify the symbol located on the center line 8c.

  In the present embodiment, the reel index is detected so that the symbol at symbol position “0” is positioned on the center line 8c, and the symbol on the center line 8c is specified by the symbol counter. However, the center line 8c is applied as the predetermined position, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the position where the symbol is specified can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the top line 8b or the bottom line 8d can be applied as the predetermined position. At this time, the top line 8b (more strictly speaking, the center of the upper region in the vertical direction of each display window 4L, 4C, 4R) or the bottom line 8d (more strictly, each display window 4L, 4C, 4R It is possible to apply a configuration in which the reel index is detected so that the symbol at the symbol position “0” is positioned in the center of the lower region in the vertical direction).

  Each input port of the microcomputer 30 is connected to switches and the like, and inputs a predetermined signal that triggers the control of the actuator and the like. Specifically, start switch 6S, stop switch 7S, 1-bet switch 11S, 2-bet switch 12S, maximum bet switch 13S, C / P switch 14S, setting change switch 19S, reset switch 20S, medal sensor 22S, reel A position detection circuit 50 and a payout completion signal circuit 51 are connected. Although not shown, a power switch for supplying and shutting off the power to the gaming machine 1 is also provided based on the operation of the administrator with respect to the power button.

  The start switch 6 </ b> S detects the player's tilting operation (i.e., start operation) with respect to the start lever 6, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30. The stop switch 7S detects a player's pressing operation (ie, a stopping operation) on each of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30. The 1-bet switch 11S, the 2-bet switch 12S, and the maximum bet switch 13S detect the player's pressing operation (that is, the insertion operation) on the 1-bet button 11, the 2-bet button 12, and the maximum bet button 13, respectively. The detected signal is output to the microcomputer 30. The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 by the player's operation, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30.

  The C / P switch 14 </ b> S detects the player's pressing operation on the C / P button 14 and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30. The reel position detection circuit 50 detects, for example, a reel index indicating that the reel has rotated once for each reel 3L, 3C, 3R by an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and sends the detected signal to the microcomputer 30. Output. The payout completion signal circuit 51 detects whether or not the payout number has reached a predetermined number by the operation of the medal detection unit 40S, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30.

  The setting change switch 19 </ b> S detects the operation of the administrator with respect to the setting change button, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30. The reset switch 20 </ b> S detects an administrator's operation on the reset button and outputs a detected signal to the microcomputer 30. The set value is data serving as an index for distinguishing the degree of advantage for the player. That is, it is data relating to the profits of the player and the amusement store in relation to the winning probability of the internal winning combination described later. The higher the probability of winning an internal winning combination related to the provision of a privilege, the more chances that more medals can be obtained, which is advantageous to the player. In the present embodiment, six stages of “1” to “6” are provided as set values, and any one of these is set in the RAM 33 based on the inputs of the start switch 6S, the setting change switch 19S, and the reset switch 20S. Is stored (stored) in the set value storage area.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described. The main control circuit 71 controls the entire game such as the progress of the game, while the sub control circuit 72 controls the effects related to the game by displaying images and outputting sounds and lamps. The main control circuit 71 and the sub-control circuit 72 are electrically connected by a harness or the like, and the sub-control circuit 72 produces effects based on various commands (such as a start command described later) transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Various processes such as determination and execution are performed.

  Although not shown, the sub control circuit 72 includes a sub CPU, a serial port, a sub ROM, a sub RAM, a random number generator, and the like. The sub CPU determines effect data (including image data, light emission pattern data, sound data, etc.) according to the control program stored in the sub ROM based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 via the serial port. And various processes such as output. Further, the sub CPU adjusts the voltage with respect to the liquid crystal display device 5 described above, and adjusts the transmittance of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. The sub control circuit 72 is configured to execute random number sampling as in the main control circuit 71. The sub RAM is configured as a temporary storage unit for work when the sub CPU executes a control program, and stores information acquired from various commands received from the main control circuit 71.

  The main actuators whose operations are controlled by the sub-control circuit 72 include the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21L and 21R, the LED 101, and the lamp 102. The sub-control circuit 72 causes the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an image based on the determined effect data, causes the LED 101 and the lamp 102 to output a lighting pattern, and causes the speakers 21L and 21R to output effect sounds and sound effects. Cause output to occur. In addition, the operation unit 17 and the volume control unit 103 are connected to the sub-control circuit 72, and an image and sound are output based on signals output from them.

  Next, the symbol arrangement table of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol arrangement table represents the configuration (see FIG. 2) of symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as data. In the symbol arrangement table, when the reel index is detected, the symbol located at the middle stage of each display window 4L, 4C, 4R is defined as symbol position “0”, and symbol positions “0” to “0” corresponding to the symbol counter described above. “20” and the symbol type corresponding to each symbol position are defined. The type of each symbol is represented by 1-byte data such as “00000001” for red 7 (symbol 61). Therefore, based on the symbol arrangement table and the symbol counter, the symbol positioned in the middle of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, the symbol adjacent thereto, and the like can be specified.

  Next, the internal lottery table determination table of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the internal lottery table determination table, the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries determined according to the type of gaming state stored in the gaming state storage area are defined. In the general gaming state, the internal lottery table for the general gaming state is determined, and basically the number of lotteries is determined to be 8. In a regular bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”) gaming state, which will be described later, an RB gaming state internal lottery table is determined, and the number of lotteries is determined to be three.

  Next, the internal lottery table of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the internal lottery table, a lower limit value and an upper limit value of random numbers assigned according to each winning number (that is, a range of numerical values that are greater than or equal to the lower limit value and less than or equal to the upper limit value) are defined. The winning number is data for identifying a plurality of numerical ranges defined in the internal lottery table, and is data used when determining an internal winning combination described later.

  In the internal lottery table, it is determined whether or not the random number value extracted from the range of “0 to 65535” and stored in the random value storage area of the RAM 33 belongs to the numerical range of each winning number. The aforementioned number of lotteries indicates the number of times this determination is performed. As a result of the determination for the number of times of lottery, if the random number stored in the random value storage area belongs to any numerical range, the corresponding winning number is determined. The winning number is determined to be 0 if it is stored in the random value storage area but does not belong to any numerical range. In addition, the winning probability of each winning number is “the number obtained by adding 1 to the difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value specified for each winning number (that is, the size of the numerical range,“ width ”in the figure) Equal) / number of all random values generated (ie 65536) ".

  (1) of FIG. 6 shows the internal lottery table for general gaming states. In the general gaming state internal lottery table, a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to the winning number 1 to the winning number 8 are defined for each setting value (that is, 1 or 6) stored in the setting value storage area. When the setting value stored in the setting value storage area is “6”, the winning number relating to the operation of the bonus game described later (that is, the winning number 7 and the winning number 8). ) Is a high probability of winning.

  Also, in the internal lottery table for RT operation used when the replay time (hereinafter abbreviated as “RT”) is performed, basically, a winning number related to the replay operation described later (that is, The winning probabilities of the winning numbers 4) are different, and the winning probabilities of the other winning numbers (that is, the winning numbers 1 to 3 and the winning numbers 5 to 8) are equal. Specifically, in the internal lottery table for the general gaming state, the width of the winning number 4 (replay described later) is defined as “8980”, whereas in the internal lottery table for RT operation, the width of the winning number 4 is It is defined as “51812” which is larger than this, and the winning probability is high (see “*” in the figure).

  Here, in the internal lottery table for the general gaming state, there are those in which a common numerical value is defined for a plurality of winning numbers, and when the extracted random number value corresponds to this common numerical value, the plurality of winning numbers are both The configuration is determined. For example, referring to the internal gaming state internal lottery table, when the extracted random number value is in the range of “13052-13151”, the winning number 5 (RT2 described later) and the winning number 6 (RT1 described later) are both (Ie, when one of these is determined, the other is always determined).

  (2) of FIG. 6 shows the internal lottery table for RB gaming state. In the RB gaming state internal lottery table, a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to the winning numbers 1 to 3 are defined. Further, the internal lottery table for RB gaming state has a configuration in which the winning probability of the winning number 1 (bell described later) is extremely high as compared with the internal lottery table for general gaming state.

  Next, the internal winning combination determination table of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the internal winning combination determination table, an internal winning combination corresponding to the aforementioned winning number is defined. Specifically, each of bell, watermelon, cherry, replay, RT2, RT1, BB2, and BB1 is defined according to each of the winning numbers 1-8. When the winning number is determined by the internal lottery table described above, the internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number is determined. Therefore, it can be said that the determination of the winning number and the determination of the internal winning combination are equivalent.

  Next, the symbol combination table of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the symbol combination table, a symbol combination relating to the provision of a privilege, a display combination corresponding to this, and a payout number are defined. The display combination is data for identifying the type of combination of symbols displayed by the symbol display means.

  When three bells of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined to be a bell. The number of payouts corresponding to the bell is 15. Further, when three watermelons of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined to be watermelon. The number of payouts corresponding to a watermelon is 10. When the cherry of the left reel 3L is displayed in any one of the upper, middle, and lower stages in the left display window 4L, the display combination is displayed regardless of the types of symbols displayed in the remaining display windows 4C and 4R. Decided to be cherry. The number of payouts corresponding to cherry is six.

  When three replays of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined to be replay. When the replay of the left reel 3L, the replay of the middle reel 3C, and the watermelon of the right reel 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined as RT2. When the watermelon of the left reel 3L, the replay of the middle reel 3C, and the replay of the right reel 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined as RT1.

  When replay is determined, replay is performed in the next unit game. That is, the same number of medals as the number inserted in the unit game determined as the display combination are automatically inserted in the next unit game without being based on the player's insertion operation. Thereby, the player can perform the next unit game without consuming medals. When RT2 or RT1 is determined, RT operation is started.

  Here, when the RT operation is started, the above-described internal lottery table for RT operation is used during a predetermined number of unit games. Accordingly, the internal winning combination related to the re-game operation is determined with a high probability, and as a result, the chances for the re-game increase are increased, so that the same number of unit games are performed while the RT is not operating. Compared to the case, consumption of medals can be suppressed. Also, as described above, during the operation of each RT, the winning probability of the internal winning combination related to the payout and the internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus game is defined as in the case of the non-operating RT. While suppressing the number of medals to be consumed as much as possible, the player can be expected to pay out medals and activate bonus games.

  When three reds 7 of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined as BB2. When BB2 is determined, the operation of BB2 is started. Further, when three blues 7 of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined as BB1. When BB1 is determined, the operation of BB1 is started.

  If the symbol combination displayed on the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R does not correspond to any of the symbol combinations defined in the symbol combination table, the display combination is determined to be lost. Here, the bell, watermelon, and cherry relate to payout of game media (that is, medals). Replay is related to the operation of replay. RT2 and RT1 relate to the operation of RT. BB2 and BB1 relate to the operation of a bonus game that is advantageous to the player.

  Next, the bonus operation time table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the bonus operation time table, data stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 at the start of operation of the bonus game is defined. When the RB is activated, the RB operating flag in the RAM 33 is turned on, 12 is stored in the possible game number counter, and 8 is stored in the possible winning number counter. The game possible number counter is data for counting the number of unit games performed during the RB operation. The winning possible number counter is data for counting the number of times that a winning is determined during the RB operation (for example, a display combination related to a medal payout is determined). When BB2 or BB1 operates, the BB operating flag in the RAM 33 is turned on, and 346 is stored in the bonus end number counter. The bonus end number counter is data for counting the total number of payouts during the operation of BB2 or BB1.

  Next, the stop table determination table of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The stop table determination table defines the type of stop table corresponding to the internal winning combination (more specifically, data stored in the internal winning combination storing area).

  For example, for the bell (that is, when the bit 0 of the internal winning combination storing area is 1), the stop table for the bell is defined, and RT2 + RT1 (that is, the bits 4 and 5 of the internal winning combination storing area are set). 1)), a stop table for RT2 + RT1 is defined. In addition, when the internal winning combination specified in the stop table determination table does not correspond (that is, when each internal winning combination storing area is “0”, only bit 6 and bit 7 of the internal winning combination storing area are 1), a stop table for losing is determined.

  Next, the stop table will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

  In the stop table, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter of the corresponding reel when the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S (that is, the symbol position at which the rotation of the reel starts to be stopped is indicated by “stop start position”. The number of sliding pieces according to “)” is specified. The number of sliding pieces is the amount of rotation of the reel from when the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S until the rotation of the corresponding reel stops. In other words, the number of symbols passing through the middle of the corresponding display window in the period from when the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S until the rotation of the corresponding reel stops. This is grasped by the value of the symbol counter updated after the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, basically, after the signal is output by the stop switch 7S, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled within 190 msec, and the numerical range “0” to Any one of “4” is determined as the number of sliding pieces. For example, if the stop start position is “0” and the determined number of sliding symbols is “4”, rotation of the corresponding reel so that the symbol at the symbol position “4” is displayed in the middle of the corresponding display window. Can be stopped. In this manner, the reel rotation stop control that allows the symbols within the range of the number of sliding pieces from the stop start position to be displayed on the center line 8c is referred to as so-called “retraction”. In addition, the symbol position where the number of sliding pieces is drawn from the stop start position and stopped is referred to as a “stop control position”. For example, if the stop start position is “0” and the number of sliding pieces is “1”, the stop control position is “1”.

  Here, assuming that the maximum value of the number of sliding pieces is X (X is a natural number and “4” in the present embodiment), the watermelon (symbol 63) and replay (symbol 65) are each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. Are arranged at intervals where X + 1 other symbols are not continuous (in other words, for example, the number of other symbols arranged between replays is 0 or more and X or less). Therefore, basically, a combination of symbols composed of such symbols (that is, a combination of symbols related to the above-mentioned watermelon, replay, RT1, and RT2) is stopped by the player. Regardless of the timing, the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are displayed.

  FIG. 11 shows the stop table A for RT2 + RT1. When RT2 and RT1 are determined as the internal winning combination, this RT2 + RT1 stop table A is basically determined.

  In the RT2 + RT1 stop table A, stop control positions determined based on the number of sliding symbols defined at each stop start position of the left reel 3L are “1”, “6”, “7”, “9”, “ 10 ”,“ 14 ”,“ 15 ”,“ 17 ”and“ 18 ”. Among these stop control positions, when the rotation of the left reel 3L is stopped based on any one of “7”, “9”, “14” or “18”, a watermelon is displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L. The replay is displayed on the upper (or lower) level.

  On the other hand, when the rotation of the left reel 3L is stopped based on any one of “1”, “6”, “10”, “15” and “17” among the stop control positions, the left display Replay is displayed in the middle of the window 4L, and watermelon is displayed in the upper (or lower) window. Here, when any one of these stop control positions “1”, “6”, “10”, “15” or “17” is determined for the left reel 3L, a stop table B for RT2 + RT1 described later is determined. Is done.

  Further, the stop control position determined based on the number of sliding pieces defined at each stop start position of the middle reel 3C is any one of “0”, “5”, “9”, “13”, and “17”. It is. When the rotation of the middle reel 3C is stopped based on these stop control positions, a replay is displayed in the middle stage of the middle display window 4C.

  Further, the stop control position determined based on the number of sliding pieces defined at each stop start position of the right reel 3R is any one of “2”, “6”, “10”, “15”, and “19”. It is. When the rotation of the right reel 3R is stopped based on these stop control positions, a replay is displayed in the middle stage of the right display window 4R, and a watermelon is displayed in the upper stage.

  Accordingly, when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped based on the RT2 + RT1 stop table A, the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R basically have a left side as shown in FIG. Three watermelons on the reel 3L, a replay on the middle reel 3C, and a replay on the right reel 3R are displayed side by side along the center line 8c, and a combination of symbols relating to RT1 is displayed. Further, three replays of the left reel 3L, middle reel 3C and watermelon of the right reel 3R are displayed side by side along the cross-up line 8a, and a combination of symbols relating to RT2 is displayed.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the symbols constituting the symbol combination related to RT1 and the symbols constituting the symbol combination related to RT2 are displayed on the symbol combination RT1 and RT2 by the display windows 4L, 4C and 4R. When any one of the symbol combinations is displayed, the other is also arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R so that the other can be displayed.

  FIG. 12 shows the stop table B for RT2 + RT1. In the RT2 + RT1 stop table B, the stop operation for the left stop button 7L is first detected, and as a result, the stop control position of the left reel 3L is determined in advance based on the RT2 + RT1 stop table A described above. (Ie, any one of the aforementioned stop control positions “1”, “6”, “10”, “15” and “17”). More specifically, as a result of the rotation of the left reel 3L being stopped, the replay is displayed in the middle stage of the left display window 4L, and the watermelon is displayed in the upper stage (or lower stage). Further, since the RT2 + RT1 stop table B is a stop table used after the rotation of the left reel 3L is stopped, the data of the number of sliding pieces related to the left reel 3L is not used.

  The stop control position that is determined based on the number of sliding symbols defined at each stop start position of the middle reel 3C is any one of “0”, “5”, “9”, “13”, and “17”. . When the rotation of the middle reel 3C is stopped based on these stop control positions, a replay is displayed in the middle stage of the middle display window 4C.

  Further, the stop control position determined based on the number of sliding pieces defined at each stop start position of the right reel 3R is any one of “3”, “7”, “11”, “16”, and “20”. It is. When the rotation of the right reel 3R is stopped based on these stop control positions, a watermelon is displayed in the middle stage of the right display window 4R, and a replay is displayed in the lower stage.

  Accordingly, when the rotation of the left reel 3L is stopped based on the RT2 + RT1 stop table A and the rotation of the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R is stopped based on the RT2 + RT1 stop table B, (2) in FIG. As described above, the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R basically include the replay of the left reel 3L, the replay of the middle reel 3C, and the watermelon of the right reel 3R along the center line 8c in the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. Are displayed side by side, and a combination of symbols related to RT2 is displayed. In addition, three watermelons on the left reel 3L, a replay on the middle reel 3C, and a replay on the right reel 3R are displayed side by side along the cross-down line 8e, and a combination of symbols relating to RT1 is displayed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when RT2 and RT1 are determined as internal winning combinations, the RT2 + RT1 stop table A is basically used. That is, when the stop operation for the left stop button 7L is detected for the first time, the stop control position of the left reel 3L is a predetermined stop control position (ie, “7”, “9”, “14” and “18”). ”), The stop control of the rotation of the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R according to the second stop operation and the third stop operation is performed based on the RT2 + RT1 stop table A as it is. On the other hand, when the stop operation for the left stop button 7L is first detected, a specific stop control position (that is, “1”) in which the stop control position of the left reel 3L is different from the predetermined stop control position. , “6”, “10”, “15”, and “17”), the change from the RT2 + RT1 stop table A to the RT2 + RT1 stop table B is performed. Then, based on the RT2 + RT1 stop table B, stop control of rotation of the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R according to the second stop operation and the third stop operation is performed.

  Next, the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When an internal winning combination is determined based on the internal winning combination determination table, an identifier (that is, a flag) indicating the internal winning combination is stored in the internal winning combination storing area. Bits 0 to 7 of the internal winning combination storing area correspond to bell, watermelon, cherry, replay, RT2, RT1, BB2, and BB1, respectively. The configuration of the display combination storage area is the same as the configuration of the internal winning combination storage area.

  Next, the configuration of the carryover combination storage area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the internal winning combination relating to the operation of the bonus game is determined by the internal winning combination determination table, an identifier indicating the internal winning combination is stored in the carryover combination storing area. Specifically, each of bit 6 and bit 7 corresponds to each of BB2 and BB1. The identifier stored in the carryover combination storage area is cleared when the bonus game is started. In other words, when an internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus game is determined, the identifier is stored until the operation of the bonus game is started (so-called “carryover”). The stored identifier is called “carryover combination”). While the identifier is stored in the carryover combination storage area, the stored identifier is determined as the internal winning combination regardless of the extracted random value. In addition, since the carryover combination is determined based on the internal winning combination, it can be said to be a subordinate concept of the internal winning combination.

  Next, the configuration of the symbol storage area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the symbol storage area, data indicating the symbol type of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R displayed by the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is stored. Strictly speaking, in the present embodiment, five types of effective lines, a cross-up line 8a, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, a bottom line 8d, and a cross-down line 8e, are provided. Stores data indicating the type of symbol displayed on the screen. For example, in the case of the center line 8c, the symbol type corresponding to the middle stage in each of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is stored in the symbol storage area. Then, a display combination or the like is determined based on the data stored in the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table described above. In addition, an address is assigned to each of the symbol storage areas corresponding to the effective lines 8a to 8e, and the combination of symbols displayed on each of the effective lines 8a to 8e is specified according to the order in which the addresses are updated. Then, a determination is made as to whether or not the combination of symbols relating to the provision of a privilege matches (that is, the display combination is searched). Specifically, the display combination is searched in the order of the center line 8c, the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross-down line 8e, and the cross-up line 8a.

  Next, control performed by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, a reset interrupt process performed by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 31 turns on the power and applies a voltage to the reset terminal to generate a reset interrupt, and sequentially performs the reset interrupt processing stored in the ROM 32 based on the occurrence of the reset interrupt. It is configured.

  When the power is turned on, first, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1). In this process, a process of restoring the register data and execution address stored in the RAM 33 when the power is shut off is performed. In this initialization process, the input of the setting switch 19S is checked, and if it is determined that the setting switch 19S is on, the setting value is changed. Specifically, one of the set values “1” and “6” is stored in the set value storage area of the RAM 33 based on the inputs of the reset switch 20S and the start switch 6S. Next, the CPU 31 clears the designated storage area in the RAM 33 (step S2). In this process, data stored in various storage areas of the RAM 33 is cleared.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation monitoring process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 17 (step S3). In this process, when the operation of the BB is performed, it is checked whether or not the operation of the RB is performed. Next, the CPU 31 performs a medal acceptance / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 (step S4). In this process, the insertion number counter and the like are updated based on input checks of the insertion medal sensor 22S and the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S, and input of the start switch 6S is checked. Next, the CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in the random value storage area (step S5). In this process, random number values are extracted by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 and stored in the random value storage area of the RAM 33.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process (step S6). In this process, if the RB operating flag is on, an identifier (so-called flag) indicating the RB gaming state is stored in the gaming state storage area of the RAM 33, and if the RB operating flag is off, the identifier indicating the general gaming state is stored. It is stored in the game state storage area. Next, the CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 (step S7). In this process, it is determined which random number value stored in the random value storage area belongs to a plurality of numerical ranges defined in the internal lottery table, and the internal winning combination is determined based on the determination result. It is determined.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs RT game number counter update processing (step S8). The RT game number counter is data for counting the number of unit games performed during the RT operation. In this process, it is determined whether or not the RT game number counter is 0. When it is determined that the RT game number counter is not 0, the RT game number counter is decremented by 1. Then, as a result of this subtraction, it is determined whether or not the RT game number counter has become 0. If it is determined that the RT game number counter has become 0, the RT operating flag is cleared. Next, the CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S9). The start command includes data such as an internal winning combination and a gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a rotating cylinder stop initial setting process (step S10). In this process, the stop table determination table is referred to, and the stop table is determined based on the internal winning combination storing area. Next, the CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all reels (step S11). When the start of rotation of all reels is requested, processing for starting rotation of the reels is performed in an interrupt process (see FIG. 24) described later. When the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R reaches a constant speed, an identifier indicating that the pressing operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is effective is stored in the RAM 33, and the pressing operation is validated. Done. Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 20 (step S12). In this process, a process for stopping the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a display combination search process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 (step S13). In this display combination search process, the symbol combinations and symbol combination tables displayed on each of the effective lines 8a to 8e are defined in accordance with a predetermined effective line search order based on the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table. A search is performed as to whether or not the combination of symbols matches, and processing for determining the type of display combination and the number of payouts is performed based on the search result.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a display command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S14). The display command includes data such as the determined display combination. Next, the CPU 31 performs medal payout processing (step S15). In this process, the hopper 40 is controlled and the credit counter is updated based on the payout number counter. Next, the CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (step S16). In this process, on the condition that the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, a value corresponding to the payout number is subtracted from the counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is on (step S17). When determining that the BB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 23 (step S18). In this process, a process for terminating the operation of the bonus game is performed on the basis of whether or not various counters stored in the RAM 33 are updated to 0 when the bonus game is operated. After step S18 or when it is determined in step S17 that the BB operating flag is not on, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. 22 (step S19). In this process, based on the determined type of display combination, a process for starting the operation of the bonus is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a replay operation check process (step S20). In this process, it is determined whether or not the display combination is replay, and when it is determined that the display combination is replay, a process of copying the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion counter is performed. The inserted number counter is data for counting the inserted number. The automatic insertion counter is data for identifying whether or not a combination of symbols related to replay has been displayed in the previous unit game, and for specifying the number of insertions in the previous unit game. As described above, the CPU 31 executes steps S2 to S20 as processing in the unit game, and when step S20 ends, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S2 to execute processing in the next unit game.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is on (step S31). When the CPU 31 determines that the BB operating flag is not on, the CPU 31 ends the bonus operation monitoring process. When determining that the BB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 determines whether the RB operating flag is on (step S32). When the CPU 31 determines that the RB operating flag is on, it ends the bonus operation monitoring process.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S32 that the RB operating flag is not ON, the CPU 31 performs RB operating processing based on the bonus operating table (step S33). Thus, in the present embodiment, if the BB operating flag is on, the RB operation is immediately started in the next unit game even if the RB operation ends, and if the BB is operating, the RB operation is started. Is configured to be performed continuously. When this process ends, the bonus operation monitoring process ends.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the automatic insertion counter is 0 (step S51). In this process, it is determined whether or not a symbol combination related to replay is displayed in the previous unit game. When the CPU 31 determines that the automatic insertion counter is not 0, it performs an automatic insertion process (step S52). Specifically, a process of copying the automatic insertion counter to the insertion number counter is performed. Further, 5 is stored in the valid line counter and a medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. The valid line counter is data for specifying the number of valid lines. Further, in order to prevent the inserted number counter from being added even if medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 22, the selector () is selected so that the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 are discharged from the medal payout opening 15. The solenoid (not shown) is driven.

  The CPU 31 determines whether or not a medal has passed after step S52 or when it is determined in step S51 that the automatic insertion counter is 0 (step S53). Specifically, when the inserted medal sensor 22S is on, it is determined that a medal has passed. When determining that the medal has passed, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter is the maximum value (“3” in the present embodiment) (step S54). When determining that the insertion number counter is not the maximum value, the CPU 31 adds 1 to the insertion number counter (step S55). Next, the CPU 31 stores 5 in the effective line counter (step S56). Next, the CPU 31 transmits a medal insertion command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S57). The medal insertion command includes data on the number of inserted coins.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S54 that the inserted number counter is the maximum value, the CPU 31 adds 1 to the credit counter (step S58). The credit counter is data for counting the number of medals to be credited. Next, after determining in step S53 that no medals have passed after step S58, or after step S57, the CPU 31 checks the bet switch (step S59). Specifically, when the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are on, the type is specified, and based on the maximum value of the inserted number counter, the credit counter, and the inserted number counter (set according to the gaming state). Thus, a value to be added to the insertion number counter is calculated, and the insertion number counter is updated.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter is 3 (step S60). When the CPU 31 determines that the insertion number counter is not 3, the process proceeds to step S53. When determining that the insertion number counter is 3, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the start switch 6S is on (step S61). When the CPU 31 determines that the start switch 6S is not on, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S53. When determining that the start switch 6S is on, the CPU 31 ends the medal acceptance / start check process.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries based on the gaming state and the internal lottery table determination table (step S91). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an identifier indicating BB1 or BB2 is stored in the carryover combination storage area (step S92). When the CPU 31 determines that either one of the identifiers indicating BB1 or BB2 is stored in the carryover combination storage area, the CPU 31 changes the number of lotteries to 6 (step S93). Thus, when there is a carryover combination, BB1 or BB2 is not determined redundantly.

  The CPU 31 sets the same value as the number of lotteries as the winning number after step S93 or when it is determined in step S92 that neither identifier indicating BB1 or BB2 is stored in the carryover combination storage area (step S94). ). Next, the CPU 31 stores the random number value stored in the random value storage area, the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the setting value stored in the setting value storage area and the winning number defined in the internal lottery table. Are compared (step S95). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value (step S96).

  When determining that the random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value in step S96, the CPU 31 refers to the internal winning combination determination table and determines the internal winning combination based on the winning number (step S97). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the internal winning combination is BB1 or BB2 (step S98). When the CPU 31 determines that the internal winning combination is BB1 or BB2, the CPU 31 stores an identifier indicating BB1 or BB2 in the carryover combination storing area (step S99).

  After step S99 or when it is determined in step S98 that the internal winning combination is not BB1 or BB2, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storing area in the internal winning combination storing area (step S100). ). After step S100 or when it is determined in step S96 that the random number value is not lower than the lower limit value and not lower than the upper limit value, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the number of lotteries (step S101). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (step S102). When the CPU 31 determines that the number of lotteries is not 0, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S94. When it is determined that the number of lotteries is 0, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination storing area and the carryover winning combination storing area in the internal winning combination storing area (step S103). When this process ends, the internal lottery process ends.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (step S121). When determining that the effective stop button is not pressed, the CPU 31 repeats the process of step S121. When so-called automatic stop is performed, it may be determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start switch 6S was turned on. When the CPU 31 determines that a valid stop button has been pressed in step S121, the CPU 31 identifies the type of the stop button that has been pressed, and invalidates the corresponding stop button (step S122). That is, an identifier indicating that the pressing operation of the corresponding stop button is invalid is stored in the RAM 33.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the symbol counter, the type of stop button, and the stop table (step S123). Next, the CPU 31 shifts to a stop control position wait (step S124). For example, if the determined number of sliding pieces is “2” and the stop start position is “20”, the stop control position is determined to be “1”. When the stop control position is determined, a process for stopping the rotation of the reel is performed based on the stop control position in an interrupt process (see FIG. 24) described later. It should be noted that the number of sliding pieces and the stop control position are in an equivalent relationship because when one is determined, the other is also determined.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S125). The reel stop command includes data such as the type of the stopped reel. Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid (step S126). When the CPU 31 determines that there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is effective, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S121. If the CPU 31 determines that there is no stop button for which the pressing operation is valid, the reel stop control process ends.

  When the number of sliding symbols is determined in the process of step S123, within the range of the number of checks (ie, “5”) from the stop start position, including the symbol position corresponding to the number of sliding symbols extracted from the stop table. The symbol position having the highest priority among the symbol positions may be searched, and the number of sliding symbols may be determined based on the search result.

  At this time, each symbol position within the range of the number of checks from the stop start position (for example, if the number of checks is 5 and the stop start position is “0”, the symbol positions “0” to “4”). It is searched whether or not there is a symbol satisfying the internal winning combination, and further, a priority order (for example, predetermined) according to the type of symbol combination (or the type of internal winning combination) related to the grant of the privilege (for example, The symbol position with the highest priority is determined on the basis of replay as priority 1, BB2 and BB1 as priority 2, RT2 and RT1 as priority 3, and bell, watermelon and cherry as priority 4. Based on the stop start position, the determined symbol position movement (in other words, the difference between the stop start position and the determined symbol position) is determined as the number of sliding symbols.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of symbol positions with the highest priority, any one of the number of slidable frames that can be determined may be determined with a predetermined priority. At this time, for example, if the number of sliding symbols extracted from the stop table based on the stop start position is “0”, the search order with the highest priority of the number of sliding symbols (for example, “0” → “1”). It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the number of sliding symbols defined in the stop table is preferentially determined, such as using “2” → “3” → “4”).

  Next, the display combination search process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 sets the top address of the symbol storage area and acquires an effective line counter (step S161). Specifically, an address corresponding to the center line 8c whose search order is defined at the top is set, and 5 is acquired as the effective line counter. As a result, the combination of symbols first displayed on the center line 8c among the five effective lines 8a to 8e is specified. Next, the CPU 31 sets the top address of the symbol combination table (step S162). Specifically, an address corresponding to the bell is set.

  Next, the CPU 31 compares the symbol combination stored in the symbol storage area of the current address (step S163). That is, the combination of symbols stored in the symbol storage area corresponding to the effective line of the current address is compared with the combination of symbols corresponding to the current address in the symbol combination table. Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not they match (step S164). When CPU 31 determines that they match, CPU 31 determines the display combination and stores the logical sum with the display combination storage area in the display combination storage area (step S165).

  Next, the CPU 31 refers to the symbol combination table, determines the payout number based on the determined display combination, and updates the payout number counter (step S166). The CPU 31 updates the address of the symbol combination table after step S166 or when it is determined that they do not match in step S164 (step S167). The address is updated to an end code when all symbol combinations have been checked.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether it is an end code (step S168). If the CPU 31 determines that it is not an end code, it proceeds to step S163. When the CPU 31 determines that it is an end code, it determines whether the display combination is RT1 or RT2 (step S169). When the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is RT1 or RT2, the CPU 31 ends the display combination search process. As a result, for example, even if a combination of symbols related to the other RT is displayed on an active line having a lower search order, the combination of symbols can be prevented from being searched. That is, when two types of symbol combinations related to the operation of RT are displayed, it is possible to determine the operation of RT and the number of RT games based on only one of them.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the display combination is RT1 or RT2, the search for the subsequent display combination is terminated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display combination relates to the provision of a privilege. When it is determined that it is a thing (that is, bell, watermelon, cherry, replay, RT2, RT1, BB2, and BB1), the subsequent display combination search may be terminated. In this case, the program can be omitted and the program efficiency can be improved.

  When CPU 31 determines in step S169 that the display combination is not RT1 or RT2, CPU 31 determines whether or not the effective line counter is 0 (step S170). When the CPU 31 determines that the effective line counter is 0, the display combination search process is terminated. When determining that the effective line counter is not 0, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the effective line counter and updates the address of the symbol storage area (step S171). That is, the address is updated in the order of the center line 8c, the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross down line 8e, and the cross up line 8a. In this way, a combination of symbols displayed on each active line is specified in a predetermined order, and a determination is made as to whether or not it matches the symbol combination related to the provision of a privilege. When this process ends, the display combination search process ends.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB1 or BB2 (step S201). When the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is BB1 or BB2, the CPU 31 performs BB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (step S202). Next, the CPU 31 clears the carryover combination storage area (step S203). Further, the RT operating flag and the RT game number counter are cleared. Next, the CPU 31 transmits a bonus start command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S204). The bonus start command includes the type of bonus game to be activated and the like. When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

  When determining that the display combination is not BB1 or BB2 in step S201, the CPU 31 determines whether the display combination is RT1 or RT2 (step S205). When the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is neither RT1 nor RT2, the bonus operation check process ends. When determining that the display combination is RT1 or RT2, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is RT1 (step S206).

  When the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is RT1 in step S206, the CPU 31 turns on the RT operating flag and stores 100 in the RT game number counter (step S207). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends. When determining that the display combination is not RT1 in step S206, the CPU 31 turns on the RT operating flag and stores 60 in the RT game number counter (step S208). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a winning has been established (step S231). When determining that a winning has been established, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (step S232). When determining that the bonus end number counter is 0, the CPU 31 performs a BB end time process (step S233). Specifically, the BB operating flag and the bonus end number counter are cleared. Next, the CPU 31 performs RB end processing (step S234). Specifically, the RB operating flag, the winning possible number counter, and the possible gaming number counter are cleared.

  If the CPU 31 determines that the bonus end number counter is not 0 in step S232, the CPU 31 decrements the winning possible number counter by 1 (step S235). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning possible number counter is 0 (step S236). When the CPU 31 determines that the winning number counter is not 0, or when it is determined in step S231 that no winning has been established, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the possible gaming number counter (step S237). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the game possible number counter is 0 (step S238). When the CPU 31 determines that the possible game number counter is not 0, the bonus end check process ends.

  When the CPU 31 determines that the possible game number counter is 0 in step S238, or when it is determined that the possible game number counter is 0 in step S236, the CPU 31 performs an RB end process (step S239). In this process, the same process as in step S234 described above is performed. After step S239 or after step S234, the CPU 31 transmits a bonus end command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S240). The bonus end command includes the type of bonus game whose operation is to be ended. When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 24, an interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms, which is performed under the control of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 saves the register (step S291). Next, the CPU 31 performs an input port check process (step S292). Specifically, the CPU 31 checks the input of signals from each switch. Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process (step S293). Specifically, if a reel rotation start request is made, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate and rotate at a constant speed. If the stop control position is determined, the rotation is decelerated and stopped after the symbol counter of the reel is updated to the same value as the stop control position. For example, if the symbol counter is “0” and the stop control position is “4”, the reel rotation is stopped when the symbol counter is updated to “4”.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a lamp / 7SEG drive process (step S294). Specifically, the CPU 31 performs processing such as lighting of the bet lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c based on the insertion number counter and displaying the number of payouts on the information display unit 18. Next, the CPU 31 restores the register (step S295). When this process ends, the interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms ends.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, by determining the internal winning combination based on the internal lottery table for the general gaming state that defines the range of values for which both RT1 and RT2 are determined. As an internal winning combination, both RT1 and RT2 can be determined, and when stop control of rotation of all reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed, both the combination of symbols related to RT1 and the combination of symbols related to RT2 Can be displayed by the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Then, the display combination relating to the combination of symbols displayed on the five effective lines 8a to 8e is searched according to a predetermined order, and when either RT1 or RT2 is determined as the display combination, the remaining effective lines are determined. The search for the display combination concerning is ended.

  Therefore, the RT can be operated based on one of the symbol combinations related to RT1 and the symbol combinations related to RT2 determined in accordance with the above-mentioned predetermined order, and the RT game number counter The numerical value to be stored can be determined. In other words, depending on the type of line in which the symbol combination related to RT1 and the symbol combination related to RT2 are displayed, it can be shown to the player so that the number of RT games changes. This makes it possible to improve the fun of the game. In addition, since it is not necessary to perform a dedicated lottery for determining the number of RT games, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the program while causing undulations in the expectation that the player has.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this.

  The reels, symbol display means, start operation detection means, internal winning combination determination means, reel rotation means, stop operation detection means, reel stop control means, symbol combination identification means, symbol combination determination means, which constitute the gaming machine, Specific configurations of the replay operation means, the replay time operation means, the numerical information determination means, the numerical information update means, the replay time end means, etc. are not limited to the elements of the present embodiment described above, and can be arbitrarily changed.

  In the present embodiment, the order of “center line 8c → top line 8b → bottom line 8d → cross down line 8e → cross up line 8a” is applied as the predetermined order specified by the symbol combination specifying means. Not limited to this, the specific configuration can be arbitrarily changed.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although 2 types were applied as the symbol combination which concerns on the action | operation of RT, you may make it provide not only this but 2 or more types. As a result, the number of RT games can be determined in a variety of ways, which is suitable for causing the player to have a sense of expectation.

  In addition, in this embodiment, after the numerical value information (that is, the RT game number counter) is updated by the numerical information update unit, the start operation is detected and the internal lottery process is performed in this embodiment. Although applied, it is not restricted to this, The timing at which numerical information is updated can be arbitrarily changed. For example, it may be performed based on detection of a stop operation, when the rotation of all reels is stopped, when the display combination and the number of payouts are determined, after the display combination and the number of payouts are determined. For example, when the designated storage area of the RAM 33 is cleared (for example, before the next start operation is detected) (step S2 in FIG. 16) may be applied.

  Also, the device configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3 and its peripheral devices, the table configuration shown in FIGS. 4 to 12, and the RAM shown in FIGS. The configuration of the storage area and the configuration of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 16 to 24 can be arbitrarily changed or modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  In addition to the pachislot machine as in the present embodiment, the present invention can be applied to gaming machines such as slot machines and video slots. Furthermore, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program in which the above-described operation in the slot machine is simulated for a home game machine. In that case, a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

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

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the symbol arranged on reel 3L, 3C, 3R. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of the gaming machine 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the symbol arrangement | positioning table of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal lottery table determination table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the internal lottery table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the internal winning combination determination table of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol combination table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the bonus operation time table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the stop table determination table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the stop table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the stop table of the gaming machine 1. 7 is a diagram showing an internal winning combination storing area of a RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71. FIG. It is a figure which shows the carryover combination storage area of RAM33 of the main control circuit 71. FIG. It is a figure which shows the symbol storage area of RAM33 of the main control circuit 71. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the reset interruption process performed by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the bonus action | operation monitoring process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the medal reception and start check processing by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the internal lottery process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the reel stop control process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the display combination search process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the bonus action check process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the bonus completion | finish check process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the interruption process of the 1.1173 msec period by the main control circuit 71. FIG. It is a display example of a combination of symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R of the gaming machine 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 4L, 4C, 4R Display window 5 Liquid crystal display device 6 Start lever 6S Start switch 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 7S Stop switch 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit

Claims (1)

A plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on each circumferential surface;
A plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel, each displaying a plurality of symbols, and a symbol display means in which a plurality of winning lines are defined;
Start operation detecting means for detecting the start operation;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on detection of a start operation performed by the start operation detecting means;
Reel rotating means for rotating the plurality of reels;
Stop operation detecting means for detecting stop operation according to each reel;
Reel stop control means for performing stop control of rotation of the corresponding reel based on detection of stop operation performed by the stop operation detection means and internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determination means;
When the reel stop control means performs stop control of rotation of the plurality of reels, the symbol combination specifying means for specifying a combination of symbols displayed on the winning line in a predetermined order for the plurality of winning lines. When,
A symbol combination determination unit that determines whether the symbol combination specified by the symbol combination specifying unit is a predetermined symbol combination for each of the plurality of winning lines according to the predetermined order;
As a result of the determination by the symbol combination determining means, when the symbol combination specified by the symbol combination specifying means is the first symbol combination, a re-game operating means for performing re-game operation;
As a result of the determination by the symbol combination determining means, when the symbol combination specified by the symbol combination specifying means is the second symbol combination or the third symbol combination, the replay time is activated. The probability that the internal symbol combination related to the combination of the first symbols is determined by the internal symbol combination determining means during the replay time operation is the first symbol in the general gaming state where the replay time is not operating. Replay time actuating means having a relatively high probability as compared to the probability when the internal winning combination relating to the combination is determined ;
When the replay time is actuated by the replay time actuating means, numerical information determining means for determining numerical information;
Numerical information updating means for updating numerical information determined by the numerical information determining means based on detection of the starting operation performed by the starting operation detecting means;
Replay time end means for ending the replay time operation performed by the replay time operation means when the numerical information is updated to a predetermined numerical value by the numerical information update means,
The internal winning combination determining means is:
An internal winning combination relating to both the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination can be determined;
The stop control means includes
When the internal symbol combination determining unit determines the internal symbol combination related to both the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination, the symbol display unit displays the second symbol combination and Both of the third symbol combinations can be displayed at the same time , and the second symbol combination and the third symbol combination according to the stop operation timing of at least one of the plurality of reels. The winning line is displayed differently,
The symbol combination determining means
When it is determined that the symbol combination specified by the symbol combination specifying means is the second symbol combination or the third symbol combination, the other winning line is specified by the symbol combination specifying means. Without judging the combination of symbols
The numerical information determining means includes
As a result of the determination by the symbol combination determining means, when the symbol combination specified by the symbol combination specifying means is the second symbol combination, predetermined numerical information is determined,
As a result of the determination by the symbol combination determining means, when the symbol combination specified by the symbol combination specifying means is the combination of the third symbol, numerical information different from the predetermined numerical information is determined. A gaming machine characterized by that.

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