JP4515011B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine that controls display of effects according to the final stop operation based on an internal winning mode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there is a slot machine as such a gaming machine, for example. In a conventional general slot machine, three reels are arranged in three rows behind the front panel. Various symbols are drawn on the outer periphery of each reel, and three symbols in each row are observed through each window formed on the front panel. This window has a total of five pay lines, three horizontally and two diagonally, and slot machine games are performed by aligning predetermined symbol combinations on any of these pay lines.
[0003]
One game is started when a player inserts a medal into the medal slot. Each reel starts to rotate in response to the player's operation of the start lever, and the symbols are rotated and displayed in the rows in each window. When each reel reaches a certain speed, the operation of each of the three stop buttons provided corresponding to each reel becomes effective. The player operates the first, second, and third stop buttons while observing the moving symbols, stops the rotation of each reel, and tries to stop and display the desired symbols on any winning line. To do. Each reel stops rotating according to the operation timing of each stop button. When a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on any of the winning lines at the time of the last stop operation of the third stop button, a winning corresponding to the symbol combination is obtained. There are various types of winnings given to players, roughly divided into small wins, medium wins, and big wins. The winning mode is determined by extracting a random number immediately after operating the start lever and comparing the extracted random number value with data in a predetermined probability lottery table.
[0004]
Further, in the conventional slot machine, a liquid crystal display device for displaying various game information, effects and the like is provided on the front surface of the device. As an effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device, for example, there is a notification effect for notifying that a big win winning mode or the like is won internally. The notification effect of the internal winning of the big win winning mode is that the third stop button for stopping the last reel being rotated is pressed and the stop operation is performed, or the hand is pressed from the third stop button that has been pressed. It starts from the moment when it is released and the stop operation ends, and a series of effects is displayed and ends. When this notification effect is performed, the player pays attention to the liquid crystal display device in the hope that the jackpot winning mode is internally won.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional slot machine, the notification effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device is terminated after a single effect is displayed unilaterally. For this reason, the player received an unilateral effect and finally only found out the internal lottery result, and the conventional notification effect was somewhat monotonous.
[0006]
  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. Variable display means for variably displaying various symbols in a plurality of columns, start operation means for starting variable display of the variable display means, and variable display means The winning display is maintained until a combination of a plurality of stop means for stopping the variable display for each column according to the stop operation, an effect display means for displaying the effect as a liquid crystal image, and a corresponding symbol combination is displayed by the variable display means. A winning mode determining means for determining one winning mode from a plurality of winning modes including a bonus winning mode to be determined by lottery, and a final stopping unit among a plurality of stopping operations performed for each stopping unitThe start of the last stop operationLast stop operation start detection means for detecting, and last stop means among a plurality of stop operations performed for each stop meansThe end of the last stop operationBased on the final winning operation end detecting means to be detected and the internal winning mode determined by the winning mode determining unit,On the condition that the start operation by the start operation means has been performedThe secondOne liquid crystal image is displayed on the effect display means, and the first liquid crystal image displayed on the effect display means on condition that the final stop operation start detection means detects the start of the last stop operation.TheThe second liquid crystal image displayed on the effect display means on condition that the final liquid crystal image is changed to the second liquid crystal image related to the first liquid crystal image and the final stop operation end detection means detects the end of the last stop operation. imageTheChange to the third liquid crystal image related to the second liquid crystal imageDisplay control of a specific productionOn the condition that the bonus winning mode is determined by the winning mode determining means, the third liquid crystal image displayed on the effect display means is changed to the fourth liquid crystal image that announces the internal establishment of the bonus winning mode.Effect display control means for performing display control, wherein the effect display control means detects the end of the last stop operation by the last stop operation end detection means from the detection of the start of the last stop operation by the last stop operation start detection means. Until the detection, the second liquid crystal image is continuously displayed on the effect display means to perform display control of the specific effect, and the time from the start of the last stop operation to the end of the last stop operation by the player By adjusting, you can change the time from the second liquid crystal image to the third liquid crystal image.It is characterized by that.
[0007]
According to such a configuration, the effect displayed on the effect display means changes depending on the start and end of the last stop operation of the player's stop means. Therefore, the player can intentionally change the effect displayed on the effect display means by appropriately adjusting the start and end of the last stop operation of the stop means.
[0009]
  AlsoThe player can intentionally change the time during which a specific effect is continuously displayed by appropriately adjusting the length from the start to the end of the last stop operation of the stop means.
  In addition, when the bonus winning mode is determined by the winning mode determining means, a fourth liquid crystal image that informs the internal establishment of the bonus winning mode when the last stop operation is completed, that is, when the display of the specific effect is completed, It is displayed on the effect display means.
[0010]
In addition, the present invention is characterized by comprising sound emitting means for emitting a specific sound while a specific effect is displayed by the effect display control means.
[0011]
According to such a configuration, a specific sound is emitted in addition to the display of the specific effect, and the effect by the display of the effect display means is further interesting.
[0012]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the effect display control means displays a specific effect with a predetermined probability.
[0013]
According to such a structure, even if a player performs the last stop operation, a specific effect may be displayed or not.
[0014]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the effect display control means changes the predetermined probability in accordance with the type of the internal winning mode determined by the winning mode determining unit.
[0015]
According to such a configuration, a certain degree of tendency is created such that a specific effect is not easily displayed depending on the type of the internal winning mode. Therefore, depending on whether or not a specific effect is displayed, the player can estimate the internal winning mode to some extent when the last stop operation is started.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.
[0020]
Three reels 2, 3, 4 are rotatably provided at the center of the main body of the slot machine 1. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 2, 3, and 4, a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbols) is drawn. Three of these symbols are observed through the display windows 5, 6 and 7 in front of the slot machine 1, respectively. The display windows 5, 6, and 7 are provided with a total of five winning lines, three horizontally and two diagonally. Further, on the lower right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a medal slot 8 for a player to insert medals is provided.
[0021]
Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one medal from the medal insertion slot 8, the central one winning line L1 is activated. In addition, when two cards are inserted, two upper and lower horizontal winning lines L2A and L2B are added to the three horizontal winning lines L1, L2A and L2B. When three cards are inserted, all five pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B are activated.
[0022]
In addition, on the left side of the display windows 5 to 7, four chance LEDs (light emitting diodes) 9 to 12, three game operation display lamps 13 to 15, a stored number display section 16, and a start lamp 17 are displayed from the top. Is provided. The chance LEDs 9 to 12 and the game operation display lamps 13 to 15 are controlled to be turned on according to the game state, and the player is notified of the game state at that time. The stored number display unit 16 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED, and displays the number of medals currently credited inside the machine. The start lamp 17 blinks when the reels 2 to 4 are operable.
[0023]
Further, on the right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a bonus count display section 18, a WIN lamp 19, a payout number display section 20, and an insert lamp 21 are provided from the top. The bonus count display section 18 is made up of three-digit 7-segment LEDs, and digitally displays the remaining number of possible winnings of the RB game and the jack game when winning the bonus game. The WIN lamp 19 is turned on when the winning combination symbols are aligned on the activated winning line. The number-of-payout display unit 20 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED and displays the number of medals to be paid out by winning. The insert lamp 21 is lit when a medal can be accepted at the medal slot 8.
[0024]
Further, immediately below the display windows 5 to 7, a liquid crystal display device 22 constituting an effect display means for displaying the effect is provided. The liquid crystal display device 22 displays various information related to the game and various effect images. On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 22, a cross key 23, an A button 24, a B button 25, a 1 stored medal insertion switch 26, a 2 stored medal insertion switch 27, and a 3 stored medal insertion switch 28 are provided. The cross key 23 is operated in the four directions of up, down, left and right, and is used together with the A button 24 and the B button 25 to select information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. The stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28 display 1 to 3 per game instead of inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 8 when the number of medals is displayed on the stored number display unit 16 and credited. Used when betting medals.
[0025]
Also, below the liquid crystal display device 22, a stored medal settlement switch 29, a start lever 30, and stop buttons 31, 32, and 33 are provided from the left side. The stored medal settlement switch 29 is used when a medal credited in the machine is settled. Further, the operation of the start lever 30 starts the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 all at once. The stop buttons 31 to 33 are arranged corresponding to the respective reels 2 to 4, and the operation is activated when the rotation of each of the reels 2 to 4 reaches a constant speed, and according to the player's operation. The rotation of each reel 2 to 4 is stopped.
[0026]
A medal tray 34 is provided at the lower front of the slot machine 1. The medal tray 34 stores medals paid out from the medal payout opening 35. In addition, a payout display section 36 indicating how many medals are paid out for winning is provided at the upper front of the slot machine 1, and a pair of speakers 96, 96 are provided on the left and right sides of the payout display section 36. Is provided.
[0027]
Next, an outline of (1) general game, (2) R · B game, and (3) B · B game performed in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0028]
(1) General game
During regular games, if the combination of the three symbols “Watermelon” and “Plum” is arranged on the winning line, a small win will be awarded, and 12 or 8 dividends will be paid out to the player, respectively. It becomes. Also, if one symbol “Cherry” stops at the center of the first reel or at the top and bottom winning lines, “Small Cherry” or “Square Cherry” wins a small win, and each player receives 2 or 4 dividends. One game is completed when paid out. When three combinations of replay symbols are aligned on the winning line, the game can be played again without inserting medals. In addition, if the symbol combination arranged on the winning line does not correspond to any of the payout tables, it becomes “out of” (no payout). In addition, if three symbol combinations consisting of a specific character pattern are aligned on the winning line, a big win will be awarded, and after 15 medals have been paid out, a general game and a bonus game can be performed multiple times as a set. Transition to B game. In addition, when three symbol combinations of the symbol “Seven” consisting of the number 7 are aligned on the winning line, a win is made in the middle, and after 15 medals are paid out, the following R · Transition to B game.
[0029]
(2) R / B game
The R / B game occurs when the above symbol combinations are arranged on the winning line during a general game. In the R / B game, a single-medal game called a jack game can be performed a plurality of times. In this jack game, when three combinations of replay symbols are arranged on the winning line L1, a jack game winning occurs and eight medals are paid out. The jack game also causes “out of game”, but the jack game prize is generated with a high probability of about 9/10. This R / B game ends when, for example, a jack game winning is generated eight times, or when the total number of jack games executed during the R / B game reaches, for example, twelve.
[0030]
(3) B / B game
(1) The B / B game is composed of a plurality of sets of the above R / B game and a general game. When the B / B game occurs, first, a general game is executed. In the general game in this B / B game, “out of game” also occurs, but the small winning prize by the symbols “watermelon”, “plum”, “medium cherry”, “corner cherry” is B. It occurs with a higher probability than in general games other than during the B game.
[0031]
{Circle around (2)} When three combinations of replay symbols are arranged during the general game in the B / B game, eight coins are paid out.
[0032]
(3) After that, the game shifts to a bonus game which is an R / B game in which a plurality of jack games can be played. The bonus game in the B / B game is also terminated when, for example, a jack game win is generated eight times, or the total number of jack games executed during the bonus game reaches, for example, twelve.
[0033]
(4) When the bonus game is over, the general game in the B / B game described in (1) above is performed again, and the symbol combination described in (2) above occurs during this general game. Thereafter, the bonus game described in (3) above is further performed. The B / B game is a repetition of a set of general games and bonus games shown in (1) to (3) above. When this set is performed a predetermined number of times, for example, twice, the B / B game is End. However, during this B / B game, the total number of games in the general game (1) and (2) above, in other words, the total number of games excluding the number of jack games in the bonus game (3) above is a predetermined number. For example, the B / B game ends when the number of times exceeds 30.
[0034]
FIGS. 2 and 3 show circuit configurations configured on the main control board 61 and the sub control board 62 that control the game processing operation of the slot machine 1 described above.
[0035]
The control unit in the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 2 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 63 as a main component, and a circuit for random number sampling is added thereto. The microcomputer 63 includes a main CPU (central processing unit) 64 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM (read only memory) 65 that is a program storage means, and a control RAM (random access) with a backup function. -Memory) 66.
[0036]
The main CPU 64 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 67 and a frequency divider 68 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 69 for generating a certain range of random numbers, and a random number sampling circuit 70 for specifying one of the generated random numbers. It is connected. Further, an I / O port (input / output port) 71 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a peripheral device (actuator) described later is connected. The microcomputer 63, the random number generator 69, and the random number sampling circuit 70 constitute a winning mode determining means for determining a winning mode by lottery. The program ROM 65 has a storage section that stores a probability lottery table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, a sequence program, and the like.
[0037]
FIG. 4 conceptually shows a probability lottery table used in the general game stored in the program ROM 65. This probability lottery table is used to divide the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 70 during the general game into each winning mode, and data for dividing a predetermined range of random numbers generated by the random number generator 69 into each winning mode. I remember it. In the figure, a1 to a3, b1 to b3, c1 to c3, d1 to d3, e1 to e3, f1 to f3, g1 to g3 are preset numerical data, and the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 70 are represented by each. Used when partitioning into a winning mode. This data uses a combination of numerical values “a1 to g1” when the number of inserted medals is one, “a2 to g2” when two, and “a3 to g3” when three. It is done.
[0038]
These numerical values are normally set to a magnitude relationship of “a <b <c <d <e <f <g”, and if the extracted random number value is less than d, a small win prize (small hit) is obtained. If it is less than “between cherry”, a request flag is set, if “a” is less than b, “medium cherry” is requested flag, if “b” is less than c, “plum” is requested flag, c is less than d In this case, a request flag for “watermelon” is set. Further, if the extracted random number value is not less than d and less than e, a request flag for “re-game” is set. Further, if the extracted random number value is e or more and less than f, it becomes a medium hit prize (medium hit) and a request flag per “RB” is set, and if the extracted random number value is less than f and less than g, a big win prize ( A big hit) and a request flag per “BB” is set. Further, if it is g or more, it becomes “out of” without winning. In other words, the winning mode is determined by which numerical value range one sampled random number value belongs to, and is represented by a winning request flag.
[0039]
The bonus request flag “BB” or “RB” is carried over to the game after the flag is set, and the symbol combination “BB” or “RB” is stopped and displayed on the activated pay line, and the bonus winning is actually performed. If this happens, the bonus requirement flag is cleared. Flags other than the bonus requirement flag are valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and are cleared at the end of the game and are not carried over after the next game.
[0040]
The symbol table (not shown) stored in the program ROM 65 associates the rotation positions of the reels 2 to 4 with the symbols, and represents the symbol sequence with symbols. In this symbol table, a code number sequentially assigned for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel with reference to a rotation position where a reset pulse is generated, and a symbol code indicating a symbol provided corresponding to each code number Is stored.
[0041]
The program ROM 65 stores a winning symbol combination table (not shown). This winning symbol combination table stores a symbol code of each winning symbol combination shown in the payout table, a symbol code of a symbol combination constituting a “reach eye”, a winning determination code representing each winning, a winning medal payout number, etc. Has been. Here, the reach eye is a symbol combination that suggests that the occurrence of the B / B game is close to the player when the B / B per-request flag is set. This winning symbol combination table is referred to when the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4 are stopped and when winning confirmation after all reels are stopped. Further, in the program ROM 65, a sequence program for executing a game on the slot machine 1 is stored.
[0042]
As main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 63, a stepping motor 45 for rotating the reels 2, 3 and 4 shown in FIG. 2, various lamps (game operation display lamps 13 to 15, start) There are a lamp 17, a WIN lamp 19, an insert lamp 21), various display units (chance LEDs 9 to 12, a stored number display unit 16, a bonus count display unit 18, a winning dividend display unit 20), and a hopper 72 for storing medals. . These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, each lamp drive circuit 74, each display unit drive circuit 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 73 to 76 are connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71 of the microcomputer 63. Each reel 2, 3, 4, stepping motor 45, motor drive circuit 73, and microcomputer 63 constitute variable display means for variably displaying various symbols in a plurality of columns.
[0043]
As main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal, the inserted medal sensor 8S for detecting a medal inserted from the medal slot 8 and the operation of the start lever 30 are used. There are a start switch 30S for detecting the stored medal, the aforementioned stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28, and a stored medal settlement switch 29. Furthermore, there is a reel position detection circuit 77 that receives the output pulse signal from the photosensor and detects the rotational position of each reel 2, 3 and 4. The photo sensor is included in the drive mechanism of each reel 2 to 4 and is not shown in the figure.
[0044]
The reel position detection circuit 77 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45 after the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is started, and writes this count value in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. Accordingly, the control RAM 66 stores a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range for each of the reels 2 to 4. The photo sensor generates a reset pulse every time the reels 2 to 4 make one rotation. This reset pulse is given to the main CPU 64 via the reel position detection circuit 77, and the count value of the drive pulse counted by the control RAM 66 is cleared to "0". By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 45 is eliminated every rotation.
[0045]
The input signal generating means includes a reel stop signal circuit 78 that generates a signal for stopping the corresponding reel when the stop buttons 31, 32, 33 are pressed. The reel stop signal circuit 78 is also connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71. The stop buttons 31, 32, 33, the reel stop signal circuit 78, and the microcomputer 63 constitute stop means for stopping the variable display by the variable display means for each column according to the stop operation.
[0046]
Further, as the input signal generating means, there are a medal detection unit 72S for counting the number of medals paid out from the hopper 72, and a payout completion signal generating circuit (not shown). This payout completion signal generating circuit pays out medals when the actually paid out medal count value input from the medal detection unit 72S reaches the payout number data represented by the count signal input from the display unit drive circuit 75. Generates a signal to detect completion of This payout completion signal generation circuit is also connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71.
[0047]
The I / O port 71 is connected to a sub-control unit communication port 79, and the microcomputer 63 sends a signal to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79. The sub control board 62 shown in FIG. 3 is provided with a main control unit communication port 88 for receiving this signal. Communication between the sub control unit communication port 79 and the main control unit communication port 88 is performed only in one direction from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88. In the present embodiment, the signal sent from the sub-control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88 is a 7-bit command type indicating the control type and a maximum 24-bit length command content. It is composed of the parameters represented.
[0048]
The control unit in the sub-control board 62 is configured with the microcomputer 81 as a main component. Similarly to the microcomputer 63 on the main control board 61, the microcomputer 81 includes a sub CPU 82 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM 83 that is a program storage unit, and a control RAM 84 with a backup function. A clock pulse generation circuit 85 for generating a reference clock pulse and a frequency divider 86 are also connected to the sub CPU 82. Further, the sub CPU 82 further transmits / receives signals to / from the main control unit communication port 88 and an actuator described later. / O port 87 is connected. The sub CPU 82 calculates data necessary for displaying the gaming machine data on the liquid crystal display device 22 for each game based on a command transmitted from the main control board 61, and stores the data stored in the control RAM 84 for each game. Updated to calculated data.
[0049]
As an actuator whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 81, there are reel back lamps 47a, 47b, 47c built in each reel 2-4. Lighting of these back lamps 47 a to 47 c is controlled by a drive signal from a lamp drive circuit 89 connected to the I / O port 87. Further, as the input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 81 to generate the control signal, there are the cross key 23, the A button 24 and the B button 25 described above.
[0050]
In addition, an image control IC (highly integrated circuit) 90 and a sound source IC 91 are connected to the I / O port 87. A character ROM 92 storing character data and a video RAM 93 which is a color display display memory are connected to the image control IC 90. The image control IC 90 displays an image on the liquid crystal display device 22 under the control of the microcomputer 81. I do. The microcomputer 81 fetches information such as the gaming state at that time and the type of winning flag from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88, and selects an effect image to be displayed based on the fetched gaming state and winning flag. Then, the effect image selected by controlling the image control IC 90 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0051]
The image control IC 90, the character ROM 92, the video RAM 93, and the microcomputer 81 display a liquid crystal display according to the final stop operation of the stop buttons 31, 32, 33 based on the internal winning mode determined by the winning mode determining means of the main control board 61. The effect display control means which controls the display of the apparatus 22 is comprised. The effect display control means changes the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 when the start of the last stop operation is detected, and changes the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 when the end of the last stop operation is detected. . In the present embodiment, the effect display control means displays a specific effect with a predetermined probability different between the bonus winning mode and the other winning modes, as described later, from the start to the end of the last stop operation. It is displayed on the display device 22. In the present embodiment, the effect display control means, when detecting the end of the last stop operation when the bonus winning mode is internal winning, as described later, causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to perform internal winning of the bonus winning mode. The effect to tell is displayed.
[0052]
In addition, a sound ROM 94 storing sound data is connected to the sound source IC 91, and the sound source IC 91 emits sound from the speakers 96 and 96 through the power amplifier 95 under the control of the microcomputer 81. The microcomputer 81 controls the sound source IC 91 and the power amplifier 95 in accordance with instructions input from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88, and controls the medal insertion sound, start lever operation sound, stop button operation sound, bonus Sound effects such as game sounds during the game are output from the speakers 96 and 96. In addition, sound is output from the speakers 96, 96 in a sound output pattern based on the game state fetched from the main control board 61 and an effect mode selected based on the winning flag. The sound source IC 91, the sound ROM 94, the power amplifier 95, the speakers 96 and 96, and the microcomputer 81 constitute sound emission means that emits a specific sound while the specific effect described above is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0053]
Next, the operation of the slot machine 1 controlled by the control circuit described above will be described.
[0054]
5 to 7 are flowcharts showing an outline of the game process controlled by the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61.
[0055]
First, an initialization process at the start of the game is performed (see step 101 in FIG. 5). Next, a RAM clear process at the end of the game is performed by the main CPU 64 to erase the data stored in the control RAM 66 at the end of the previous game (step 102). Subsequently, a replay (replay) occurs as a result of the previous game, and the main CPU 64 determines whether or not there is an automatic insertion request for medals (step 103). If there is an automatic insertion request, next, game medals corresponding to the insertion request are automatically inserted (step 104). On the other hand, if there is no automatic insertion request, the player then inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 8 and inputs a detection signal from the medal sensor 8S, or inserts by operating the stored medal insertion switches 26-28. Wait for a signal to be input (step 105). Up to three medals can be inserted during a general game, and one medal can be inserted in a bonus game during a BB game or an RB game.
[0056]
Next, it is determined whether or not a start signal is input from the start switch 30S by operating the start lever 30 (step 106). If this determination is “YES”, it is then determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game (step 107). If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, a wait time command is transmitted to the sub-control board 62 side via the sub-control unit communication port 79 (step 108), and the wait function is activated for 4.1 seconds. The game start waiting time until the elapsed time is consumed (step 109). If the operation of the start lever 30 is performed before the elapse of 4.1 seconds, a non-reelable sound is emitted from the speakers 96, 96, and the player is notified that the weight function has been activated.
[0057]
When 4.1 seconds have passed since the previous game, next, a random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 69 is extracted by the sampling circuit 70 (step 110), and then for counting the above 4.1 seconds. One game monitoring timer is set (step 111). Next, a probability lottery process is performed based on the random numbers extracted in step 110 (see FIG. 6, step 112). This probability lottery process is performed by determining to which winning group the one random value specified by the sampling circuit 70 belongs to the probability lottery table (see FIG. 4). At this time, the probability lottery data a1 to g1, a2 to g2, or a3 to g3 shown in each stage of the probability lottery table of FIG. 4 are used according to the number of medals inserted into the machine.
[0058]
When the probability lottery process ends, a reel rotation process is performed (step 113), and then a start command transmission process is performed (step 114). In the reel rotation process, first, a predetermined area of the control RAM 66 in which the respective rotation positions of the reels 2 to 4 are written is initialized by the main CPU 64 at the start of the reel rotation, and each reel 2 to 4 is subsequently rotated by the stepping motor 45. Driven. In the start command transmission process, a start command is transmitted to the sub control board 62 side via the sub control unit communication port 79 based on the start signal input from the start switch 30S to the main CPU 64.
[0059]
This start command includes 16-bit parameters representing the internal winning combination and the gaming state shown in FIG.
[0060]
The parameter is composed of 16 bits from the least significant bit 1 to the most significant bit 16, the internal winning combination is represented in the lower bits 1 to 8, and the gaming state is represented in the upper bits 9 to 13. For example, when a bit is set at bit 1, the internal winning combination is BB, and when a bit is set at bit 2, the internal winning combination is RB. Similarly, bits 3, 4, 5 , 6, 7, and 8 indicate that the internal winning combination is replay, watermelon, plum, medium cherry, horn cherry, and lose. In addition, when the bit is set in the bit 9, the gaming state is in a general game, and when the bit is set in the bit 10, the gaming state is BB internal winning. When bits 12 and 13 are set, the game state indicates that the RB is selected, the BB is operating, and the RB is operating.
[0061]
There are five types of gaming statuses: “general gaming”, “BB internal winning”, “RB internal winning”, “BB active”, and “RB active”. “RB in operation” represents a gaming state during an RB game. “BB in operation” represents a gaming state during the BB game. “In general game” represents a gaming state in which neither BB nor RB winning has occurred. “BB internal winning” indicates a general gaming state in which a request flag per BB is set but a predetermined winning symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each reel 2 to 4 and BB has not yet occurred. . “RB internal winning” indicates a general gaming state in which a request flag per RB is set but a predetermined winning symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each reel 2 to 4 and RB has not yet occurred. .
[0062]
Next, whether or not any of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is turned on is determined by the main CPU 64 based on a signal from the reel stop signal circuit 78 (see step 115 in FIG. 6). If it is not turned on, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop timer has become zero (step 116). The automatic stop timer is for automatically stopping the reels 2 to 4 after a predetermined time has elapsed when the stop buttons 31 to 33 are not operated for a predetermined time. When the automatic stop timer reaches 0, the process proceeds to step 122 described later.
[0063]
When any one of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is turned on, it is subsequently determined whether or not it is the last third stop operation (step 117). If it is not the third stop operation, a reel stop command indicating that the first stop or second stop button has been turned on is transmitted to the sub-control board 62 (step 118).
[0064]
The reel stop command includes an 8-bit parameter representing reel stop information shown in FIG. The parameter is composed of 8 bits from the least significant bit 1 to the most significant bit 8, and information indicating the type of one of the stopped left, middle and right reels 2, 3 and 4 is contained in the lower bits 1 to 3. In the upper bits 4 to 7, information indicating the stop order of any of the operated stop buttons 31 to 33 is shown. For example, if a bit is set at bit 1, it indicates that the left reel 31 has been stopped. If a bit is set at bit 2, the middle reel 32 is set. If a bit is set at bit 3, the bit is set. This shows that the right reel 33 is stopped. Further, when a bit is set in bit 4, any of the operated stop buttons 31 to 33 is a first stop operation, and when bit is set in bit 5, any of the operated stop buttons 31 to 33 is selected. The stop buttons 31 to 33 indicate that the operation is the second stop operation. When bit 6 is set, it means that the reel stop signal circuit 78 has detected the on edge of one of the stop buttons 31 to 33 that has been operated for the third stop, and the last stop operation has started. When a bit is set in bit 7, the off edge is detected by the reel stop signal circuit 78, indicating that the last stop operation has been completed.
[0065]
If the third stop operation is determined in step 117, a third stop on-edge command indicating that one of the stop buttons 31 to 33 has been turned on is transmitted to the sub-control board 62 (step 119). ). Next, the third stop stop button is awaited to be turned off (step 120). When the third stop stop button is turned off, a third stop off-edge command is subsequently transmitted to the sub-control board 62 (step 121).
[0066]
Next, the number of symbols to be drawn on the activated pay line, that is, the number of sliding symbols is determined (step 122). The number of sliding symbols is determined from the gaming state, winning request, number of control symbols, symbol position, etc. If the number of frames from the activated winning line to the winning symbol is within the range of control symbols, it is determined as the number of sliding symbols. The Next, the number of sliding frames is stored in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. Thereafter, a stop request flag for the first stop reel is set, and in response to the stop request flag being set, reel pull-in control is performed in which the first stop reel is rotated by the determined number of sliding frames. The rotation of the individual reels is stopped (step 123). Next, it is determined whether or not all the reels 2 to 4 are stopped (step 124). If the second stop reel and the third stop reel have not stopped yet, the process returns to step 115 and the above processes are repeated.
[0067]
When all the reels 2 to 4 are stopped, the main CPU 64 performs a winning search process (see step 125 in FIG. 7). In this winning search process, the type of the winning flag indicating the combination of symbols actually arranged on the activated winning line is matched with the type of the internal winning combination determined by the probability lottery process. Next, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step 126). If this determination result is not normal, for example, if the combination of plum symbols is aligned on the activated pay line, but the winning request flag corresponding to the internal winning combination is the medium cherry flag, the number of payouts is displayed. An illegal error is displayed on the unit 20 and the liquid crystal display device 22 (step 127).
[0068]
If the winning flag is normal, then a winning command is transmitted to the sub control board 62 side via the sub control unit communication port 79. The parameter of this winning command includes information on the type of winning flag indicating the combination of symbols actually arranged on the activated winning line. Next, the game medal is stored or paid out according to the state at that time (step 128). That is, if the game is played with credits, the number of stored coins displayed on the stored coin number display unit 16 is increased by the number of medals acquired by winning, and the game is performed by inserting medals into the medal slot 8. If it is in a state in which the medals are performed, the number of medals won by winning is paid out to the medal tray 34. When the medal is stored or paid out, the WIN lamp 19 is turned on, and the player is notified of the winning (step 129).
[0069]
Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is operating the BB game or the RB game (step 130). If the BB game or the RB game is not in operation, the game processing by the main CPU 64 returns to step 102, and the next new game is started. If the BB game or RB game is in operation, the number of games of the BB game or RB game is checked by the main CPU 64 (step 131).
[0070]
Subsequently, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is at the end of the BB game (step 132). When the BB game ends, a RAM clear process at the end of the BB game is performed on the control RAM 66 (step 133), and then the game process returns to step 102 to start the next new game. If it is not at the end of the BB game in step 132, the game process returns to step 102 and the next new game is started.
[0071]
Next, game processing controlled by the sub CPU 82 of the sub control board 62 will be described.
[0072]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the game process controlled by the sub CPU 82. In the sub control board 62, various commands received from the main control board 61 side are always analyzed by the sub CPU 82, and various game processes based on the commands are appropriately performed (see step 201 in FIG. 9).
[0073]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of reception processing when the command received from the main control board 61 side is a start command. In this start command reception process, first, it is determined whether or not a start command has been received (see step 301 in FIG. 10). This determination is performed by determining whether or not a start command is transmitted from the main control board 61 side in the above-described start command transmission processing (see FIG. 6, step 114). When the start command is received, the effect image in which the lantern B is hung in front of the door A shown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 by the sub CPU 82. Next, the effect image is displayed. A door effect selection process is performed (step 302). In this door effect selection process, whether or not to perform a door effect in which the internal winning of the bonus winning mode is notified by opening and closing the door A is selected.
[0074]
The door effect selection process is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the door effect selection process, first, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not the internal winning type included in the received start command is BB or RB and the current gaming state is in the bonus internal winning. (See FIG. 12, step 311). If the current gaming state is a bonus internal winning, whether or not to perform a door effect based on the bonus internal winning selection table shown in FIG. 312). In this lottery, as shown in the selection table, the execution of the door effect is won with a probability of 24/128, and the winner is won with a probability of 104/128. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 311 that the current game state is a general game that is not in the bonus internal winning, the door is based on the general game selection table shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not to produce an effect (step 313). In this lottery, as shown in the selection table, execution of the door effect is won with a probability of 1/128, and won with a probability of 127/128.
[0075]
Next, it is determined whether or not the execution of the door effect lottery based on the bonus internal winning selection table or the general game selection table has been won (step 314). If the execution of the door effect is won, the door effect flag is turned on in a predetermined area of the control RAM 84 (step 315), and the door effect selection process is terminated. On the other hand, when the execution of the door effect is unfair, the door effect selection process is terminated as it is.
[0076]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of reception processing when the command received from the main control board 61 side is a reel stop command, and the reel stop command includes the above-described third stop on-edge command as a parameter. It is. In this third stop on-edge command reception process, first, was the third stop on-edge command indicating that the stop operation of the above-mentioned third stop button shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not (see step 401 in FIG. 14). This determination is performed by determining whether or not the third stop on-edge command is transmitted from the main control board 61 side in the third stop on-edge command transmission process (see step 119 in FIG. 6). .
[0077]
If the third stop on-edge command has not been received, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the third stop on-edge command has been received, it is next determined whether or not the door effect flag is turned on (step 402). This determination is “Yes” when the door effect flag is turned on in a predetermined area of the control RAM 84 in step 315 of the door effect selection process described above, and then the lantern lifting effect process is performed (step 403). In this lantern lifting effect process, the lantern B of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 as shown in FIG. 11A when the start command is received is lifted as shown in FIG. ), The door A is exposed and enlarged. While the door A is displayed in an enlarged manner, a specific effect sound corresponding to this display is continuously emitted from the speakers 96, 96, and the expectation of the next development of the effect display is enhanced. When the lantern lifting effect process ends, the third stop on-edge command reception process ends.
[0078]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an outline of reception processing when the command received from the main control board 61 side is a reel stop command, and the reel stop command includes the aforementioned third stop off-edge command as a parameter. It is. In this third stop off-edge command reception process, first, was the third stop off-edge command shown in FIG. 8B indicating that the stop operation of the above-mentioned third stop button was completed was received? It is determined whether or not (see step 501 in FIG. 15). This determination is performed by determining whether or not the third stop off-edge command is transmitted from the main control board 61 side in the above-described third stop off-edge command transmission process (see FIG. 6, step 121). .
[0079]
If the third stop off-edge command has not been received, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the third stop off-edge command has been received, it is then determined whether or not the door effect flag is turned on (step 502), and the door effect flag is turned on in a predetermined area of the control RAM 84. If yes, a door half-opening effect process is performed (step 503). In this door half-opening effect process, the door A enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 as shown in FIG. 11C by the above-mentioned lantern lifting effect process (see FIG. 14, step 403) is shown in FIG. As shown, it is displayed half open.
[0080]
Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the bonus internal winning (see step 503 in FIG. 15). If the bonus internal winning is in effect, then a bonus finalizing effect process is performed (step 505). In this bonus finalizing effect process, the door A displayed in the half-opened state as shown in FIG. 11D in the door half-opening effect in step 503 is completely opened as shown in FIG. The message “Confirm” appears. Thereafter, the door effect flag turned on in the predetermined area of the control RAM 84 is turned off (see step 506 in FIG. 15), and the third stop off-edge command reception process is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 504 that the bonus internal winning is not being performed, the bonus effect is not performed and the door effect flag is turned off in step 506, and the third stop off-edge command reception process ends.
[0081]
According to such a slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 is changed by the start and end of the last stop operation of the stop buttons 31 to 33 of the player. In other words, as shown in FIG. 11A, the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 is subjected to the lantern lifting effect in step 403 of the third stop on-edge command reception process at the start of the last stop button operation. The lantern B is lifted from the front of the door A as shown in FIG. Until the end of the last stop button operation is detected, the door A continues to be displayed in an enlarged manner as shown in FIG. 5C, and a specific effect sound continues to be emitted from the speakers 96, 96. When the end of the last stop button operation is detected, a door half-opening effect is performed in step 503 of the third stop off-edge command reception process, and the door A is in a half-open state as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
[0082]
Therefore, the player can intentionally change the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 by appropriately adjusting the timing of pressing the last stop buttons 31 to 33 and the timing of releasing the pressed hand. For this reason, in the past, the presentation was performed unilaterally at the timing of pressing the last stop button or releasing the pressed hand, but in the present embodiment, the presentation displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 is a game It is no longer unilaterally performed for the player, and the player can enjoy it as if he / she is participating. In addition, the player appropriately adjusts the length from the operation start to the operation end of the final third stop button operation, so that the door A is displayed in an enlarged manner as shown in FIG. Can be intentionally lengthened or shortened. Therefore, the player can enjoy the specific performance for a long time by adjusting his / her third stop operation to enhance the expectation or cut it off early. For this reason, the interestingness of the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 is increased.
[0083]
In addition, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11C, a specific effect sound is emitted from the speakers 96 and 96 while the door A is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. The effect by the display device 22 is more interesting. Moreover, since this specific effect is performed with the predetermined probability shown in FIG. 13, even if the player performs the third stop button operation, the specific effect may or may not be performed. Therefore, unexpected effects are produced in the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 and the fun is increased. In addition, the probability of the above-mentioned specific performance is more likely to be the winning probability 24/128 during the bonus internal winning shown in FIG. 13 (a) than the winning probability 1/128 in the general game shown in FIG. 13 (b). It is set high. For this reason, the tendency for a specific performance to appear varies depending on the type of internal winning mode, and the probability of appearing during bonus internal winning is high. Therefore, depending on whether or not a specific effect appears, the player can guess the internal winning mode to some extent at the time of starting the third stop button operation. You can expect a high degree of confidence that you are winning internally. This increases the fun of slot machine games.
[0084]
Further, according to the present embodiment, when the end of the third stop button operation is detected when the bonus winning mode of BB or RB is determined in the probability lottery process (see step 112 in FIG. 6), the liquid crystal display device 22 After the door half-opening effect shown in FIG. 11 (d) is displayed, the bonus confirmation effect shown in FIG. 11 (e) is displayed. Therefore, the player adjusts the time until the operation of the third stop button operation is completed until the player shifts from the enlarged display of the door A shown in FIG. 11C to the door half-opening effect shown in FIG. By changing the time, it is possible to give a sense of expectation that the bonus finalizing effect shown in FIG. That is, the third stop button operation is performed for a long time so that the specific effect shown in FIG. 10C is displayed for a long time, and the bonus confirmation mode shown in FIG. You can enjoy the feeling of expectation that you want to win. As a result, the fun of the slot machine game is further increased.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the effect displayed on the effect display means changes depending on the start and end of the last stop operation of the player's stop means. Therefore, the player can intentionally change the effect displayed on the effect display means by appropriately adjusting the start and end of the last stop operation of the stop means. For this reason, the effect displayed on the effect display means is not unilaterally performed on the player, and the player can enjoy it as if he / she is participating.
[0086]
  Also, a specific effect is continuously displayed on the effect display means from the time when the last stop operation is detected by the last stop operation start detecting means to the time when the last stop operation is detected by the final stop operation end detecting means. ConfiguredBecauseThe player can intentionally change the time during which a specific effect is continuously displayed by appropriately adjusting the length from the start to the end of the last stop operation of the stop means. Therefore, the player can enjoy a specific effect by stopping his / her own operation, or can enjoy it by cutting it off early, and the effect of the effect continuously displayed on the effect display means increases.
  In addition, when the bonus winning mode is determined by the winning mode determining means, a fourth liquid crystal image that informs the internal establishment of the bonus winning mode when the last stop operation is completed, that is, when the display of the specific effect is completed, It is displayed on the effect display means. Therefore, the player can change the display time of a specific effect by adjusting the time of the stop operation, and can give himself a sense of expectation that the bonus winning mode is internally established. Interesting increases with the content.
[0087]
In addition, when a sound emitting unit that emits a specific sound while the specific effect is displayed by the effect display control unit is provided, a specific sound is emitted in addition to the display of the specific effect. The effects produced by displaying the means are even more interesting.
[0088]
Moreover, when it is set as the structure which displays a specific production | present with a predetermined probability, even if a player performs the last stop operation, it may be the case where a specific production | presentation is not displayed. Therefore, the production displayed on the production display means is surprising and interesting.
[0089]
In addition, when the predetermined probability is changed according to the type of the internal winning mode determined by the winning mode determining means, a certain degree of tendency is likely to occur in which a specific effect is not easily displayed depending on the type of the internal winning mode. Is born. Therefore, depending on whether or not a specific effect is displayed, the player can estimate the internal winning mode to some extent when the last stop operation is started. This increases the fun of the game.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration configured on a main control board of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration configured on a sub-control board of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a probability lottery table used in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a first flowchart showing an outline of game processing by the main CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a second flowchart showing an outline of game processing by the main CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a third flowchart showing an outline of game processing by the main CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention;
8A is a table showing the contents of parameters included in the start command of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a table showing the contents of parameters included in the reel stop command. It is.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of game processing by the sub CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart showing start command reception processing performed in accordance with command analysis in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a door effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a flowchart showing details of door effect selection processing in the flowchart shown in FIG.
13 is a table showing specific lottery values used for the lottery performed in the door effect selection process shown in FIG. 12. FIG.
14 is a flowchart showing an outline of third stop on-edge command reception processing performed in accordance with command analysis in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9;
15 is a flowchart showing an outline of third stop off-edge command reception processing performed in accordance with command analysis in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Slot machine
2, 3, 4 ... reel
22 ... Liquid crystal display device
30 ... Start lever
31, 32, 33 ... Stop button
61 ... Main control board
62 ... Sub-control board
63, 81 ... microcomputer (microcomputer)
64 ... main CPU (central processing unit)
78. Reel stop signal circuit
82 ... Sub CPU
65, 83 ... Program ROM (read-only memory)
66, 84 ... Control RAM (Random Access Memory)
90 ... Image control IC
92 ... Character ROM
93 ... Video RAM
91 ... Sound source IC
94 ... Sound ROM
95 ... Power amplifier
96, 96 ... Speaker

Claims (4)

Variable display means for variably displaying various symbols in a plurality of rows;
Start operation means for starting variable display of the variable display means;
A plurality of stop means for stopping the variable display by the variable display means for each column according to the stop operation;
Effect display means for displaying the effect as a liquid crystal image;
A winning mode determining means for determining one winning mode by lottery from a plurality of winning modes including a bonus winning mode in which winning is maintained until a corresponding symbol combination is displayed by the variable display unit;
A final stop operation start detection means for detecting, as a start of the last stop operation, that the last stop means of the plurality of stop operations performed for each of the stop means is pressed ;
A final stop operation end detection means for detecting, as the end of the last stop operation , that the hand has been released from the last stop means among the plurality of stop operations performed for each of the stop means;
Based on the internal winning mode determined by the prize mode determining means, said starting operation by pre Symbol starting operation means is performed in conditions, to display the first liquid crystal image to the effect display unit, said final stop the operation start detecting means conditions that will detect the start of the last of the stop operation, the second liquid crystal associated with the first liquid crystal image being displayed on the effect display means prior Symbol first liquid crystal image is changed to the image, the final stop operation termination detection means conditions that will detect the end of the last of the stop operation, the effect display means the being displayed on the second liquid crystal image pre Symbol second LCD perform a third display control of a specific effect that Ru is changed to the liquid crystal image associated with the image, said have bonus prize mode is determined on condition by the prize mode determining means, to display on the effect display means Have And effect display control means for performing a fourth display control Ru is changed to the liquid crystal image to the serial third liquid crystal image tells internal establishment of the bonus winning
With
The effect display control means includes the effect display from the detection of the last stop operation start by the final stop operation start detection means to the detection of the end of the last stop operation by the final stop operation end detection means. Means for continuously displaying the second liquid crystal image and performing display control of the specific effect, and the player adjusts the time from the start of the last stop operation to the end of the last stop operation. it allows the gaming machine, wherein Rukoto can change the time to transition to the third liquid crystal image from said second liquid crystal image.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising sound emitting means for emitting a specific sound while the specific effect is displayed by the effect display control means.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the effect display control means displays the specific effect with a predetermined probability.   4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the effect display control means changes the predetermined probability in accordance with the type of internal winning mode determined by the winning mode determining unit.

Images