JP4614315B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine capable of executing various effects during a game.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are gaming machines that are provided with an effect display device, a speaker, and the like and perform various effects according to a winning combination during a game. Among the effects executed during such a game, each stage of the image effect consisting of a plurality of stages is sequentially switched and output by the player's operation for advancing the game of the gaming machine. There is a multi-stage image effect that has a story characteristic that allows a single story to be established by a series of operations related to the game.

JP 2001-120713 A

  However, in a conventional gaming machine, when a player performs an operation for advancing a game during execution of a multi-stage image effect, the image effect corresponding to the previous operation is not completed. (Even if an image effect corresponding to the previous operation is being output), this non-finished image effect is canceled and immediately switched to an image effect corresponding to the operation (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.). In this way, even if an effect at a certain stage is being output, the effect is skipped more than necessary against the player's intention by switching immediately to the next stage according to the player's operation. (Cancel). For example, in the case of an image production having a story property, the production is skipped, and the story is not established and the value of the production is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and reliably outputs all the effects of each stage in a plurality of image effects without hindering the progress of the image effects corresponding to the player's operation. An object is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

A gaming machine according to the present invention includes effect control means for controlling an effect executed in a game, and effect display means for displaying an image related to the effect based on control by the effect control means, and the effect control. In the case where an operation by the player is performed before the end of the predetermined stage image effect during execution of the effect including a plurality of stages of image effect that sequentially advances the stage according to the operation by the player In addition to the image related to the image effect at the stage corresponding to the operation, the image related to the image effect at the stage not finished is continuously displayed on the effect display means.
According to the above configuration, even if an operation by the player is performed in the middle of outputting an image effect at a certain stage in the above-described multiple image effects, the next corresponding to the operation without stopping the image effect. It is possible to display the image up to the next stage image effect in the image effect at the stage that has not been continued, along with the image related to the next stage image effect.

In one example of the gaming machine according to the present invention, an image display area related to the image effect at the stage not finished is smaller than an image display area related to the image effect at the stage corresponding to the operation. It is characterized by.
Further, in one aspect of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a reduced image display window is provided in a part of the display area in the effect display means, and the reduced image display window is related to the image effect at the stage not finished. The image is reduced and displayed.
In this way, the image related to the image effect at the stage corresponding to the operation can be displayed as the main image, and the image related to the image effect at the non-finished stage can be displayed as the sub-image. It is possible to suppress the influence of the image related to the image effect on the image related to the image effect at the stage corresponding to the operation, and to display these images simultaneously.

  Further, in one aspect of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a plurality of the reduced image display windows can be arranged according to the total number of the stages that are not finished. Thereby, even if there are a plurality of image effects at a stage that is not finished, the image effects at each stage can be displayed.

  Further, in one aspect of the gaming machine according to the present invention, when a plurality of the reduced image display windows are provided, each reduced image display window indicates a stage together with the image related to the image effect at the stage not ended. It is characterized by displaying information. Thereby, even if a plurality of images are displayed on the effect display means, it is possible to recognize how many stages the image is related to the image effect.

  In one example of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the reduced image display window is provided at the edge of the display area in the effect display means. Thereby, the influence which it has on the image which concerns on the image effect of the step corresponding to operation can be suppressed, and the image which concerns on the image effect of the step which is not complete | finished can be displayed.

  Further, in one aspect of the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the image effect at the stage where the image is not finished is finished, the reduced image display window for displaying the image related to the image effect is closed. It is characterized by. As a result, the reduced image display window is closed with the end of the image effect displayed in the reduced image display window, so that the influence on the image related to the image effect at the stage corresponding to the operation can be suppressed.

  Further, in one aspect of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the operation by the player corresponds to the start means operated when starting the rotation of a plurality of reels displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and the respective reels. And an operation for at least one of a stop means that is operated when stopping the rotation of the reel and a throwing means for throwing in the game medium.

  According to the present invention, even when an operation is performed by a player before an image effect at a certain stage is completed during the execution of an effect including a plurality of stages of image effects in which the steps are sequentially advanced according to the operation by the player. The image related to the image effect at the next stage that has not been finished without stopping the image effect at this stage can be displayed together with the image related to the image effect at the next stage corresponding to the operation. It is possible to reliably output all effects at each stage without hindering the progress of the image effects corresponding to.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, each stage of the stage including the entire stage including the image display as an effect element to be executed, or the stage including the image display as the stage element progresses sequentially according to the operation by the player. Is referred to as “image production”. Each image displayed in this image effect is referred to as an “effect image”.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, “game” refers to a series of operations from the insertion of a medal to the next insertion of a medal through a stop switch operation.

(Slot machine 10)
A front panel 20 is provided on the front surface of the housing of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, and a transparent display window 21 is provided on the front panel 20. On the other hand, three reels (rotating drums) 31 are arranged inside the housing and behind the display window 21. A left reel 31L, a middle reel 31C, and a right reel 31R are arranged from the left as viewed from the player. The reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are ring-shaped bodies, and a reel tape on which a plurality of winning symbols (designs constituting a winning combination) are printed is attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof. For example, 21 types of symbols are arranged at regular intervals on one reel. However, the arrangement of symbols differs for each reel. From the inside of the display window 21, three symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R can be seen.

  A stepping motor (not shown) is connected to the center of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, and the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are rotated by driving the stepping motor. Therefore, from the player's standpoint, the symbols of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R appear to move up and down within the display window 21. Further, a back lamp (not shown) is provided inside the reels 31L, 31C and 31R. Three back lamps are arranged for each reel, and are arranged inside the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R so as to correspond to each of the nine symbols in total that can be seen from the display window 21 when the reels are stopped. The reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are made of a light-transmitting material, and the symbols attached to the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are illuminated when the back lamp is turned on. .

  In a portion including the display window 21 of the front panel 20, a symbol combination line group 22 including symbol combination lines 22a, 22b and 22c is set. The symbol combination line group 22 includes a middle symbol combination line 22a in the horizontal direction, two symbol combination lines 22b in the upper and lower horizontal directions, and two symbol combination lines 22c in the diagonally downward and leftward directions. It consists of and. The symbols attached to the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are such that when the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are stopped, all nine symbols visible from the display window 21 are positioned on these symbol combination line groups 22. Arranged at intervals.

  A medal insertion slot 23 is provided on the lower right side of the front panel 20, and when a player inserts a medal from here, one line of symbol combination lines 22a, 22b and 22c according to the number of inserted medals. Through 5 lines are set as effective lines, and the effective line lamp 24 is turned on. When the number of inserted medals is one, one symbol combination line 22a becomes an effective line. When two medals are inserted, three horizontal symbol combination lines 22a and 22b become effective lines. In addition, a total of five symbol combination lines 22a to 22c including two symbol combination lines 22c in the diagonal direction become effective lines. This control is performed by a main CPU 51 (see FIG. 2) described later. For example, when three medals are inserted, when the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, a combination of specific symbols is stopped on at least one symbol combination line 22a to 22c set as an effective line. If so, you have won a combination according to the combination.

  Further, a credit number display unit 25, a game number display unit 26, and a payout number display unit 27 are provided below the display window 21 of the front panel 20. The number of credited medals is displayed on the credit number display unit 25. The number-of-games display section 26 displays the number of remaining predetermined games and the number of games already played in special games and the like. The number-of-payout display unit 27 displays the number of medals when the medals are paid out.

  On the upper side of the display window 21 of the front panel 20, an effect display device 40 such as a liquid crystal display panel for displaying a color image is provided so as to be visible to the player. The effect display device 40 displays various images when performing an effect during the game. In addition, various operation switches that are operated by the player to advance the game are provided on the front surface of the housing. For example, in this embodiment, a start switch 41, a stop switch group 42, and a bet switch group 43 are provided. Furthermore, speakers 71 are provided on the left and right of the effect display device 40 and on the lower part of the front panel 20 (near the medal payout opening).

  The start switch 41 is a switch, for example, a lever, that is operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. The stop switch group 42 includes a left stop switch 42L that is operated when stopping the left reel 31L, a middle stop switch 42C that is operated when stopping the middle reel 31C, and a right stop that is operated when stopping the right reel 31R. Switch 42R. These stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R are juxtaposed as buttons, for example. The bet switch group 43 is a switch group for designating the number of bets (the number of bets) when a player inserts a medal in a credit. The bet switch group 43 includes a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a and a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b. It is configured. These bet switches 43a and 43b are also arranged as buttons, for example. Each time the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a is operated, the bet number is switched between 1 and 2, and when the MAX bet switch 43b is operated, the bet number becomes 3. An inserted number display unit 28 is provided above the bet switches 43a and 43b, and in response to an operation of the bet switches 43a and 43b or insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 23, the inserted number display unit 28 displays a medal. The number of inserted sheets is displayed.

  Although details will be described later, in a normal game (game), when the player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 23 or operates the bet switch group 43, the symbol combination lines 22a to 22c are activated according to the number of bets. Set as Further, when the player operates the start switch 41, the lottery of the combination is performed, and the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R start to rotate. When the player operates the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R, the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R stop rotating according to the operated button, and the symbols arranged on the symbol combination line set as the effective line are displayed. When the combination matches a predetermined combination of symbols of a combination, a prize is awarded, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination.

  Further, during the game, various effects such as lighting of the back lamp, image display using the effect display device 40, and output of sound from the speaker 71 are performed. For example, as an effect by the image display using the effect display device 40, an image effect including a plurality of stages in which the effect contents are switched and sequentially advanced in accordance with an operation by the player may be performed.

Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. Inside the casing of the slot machine 10, a main control board 50, a sub control board 60, a reel board 11, a central display board 12, and a power supply board 13 connected to the main control board 50 are arranged.

(Main control board 50)
The main control board 50 is provided with a main CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 54, which are connected to each other via a bus 55.

  The main CPU 51 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. The main CPU 51 reads out programs, data, and the like stored in the ROM 52, and controls the entire slot machine 10 based on these.

  The ROM 52 stores necessary programs and data for causing the main CPU 51 to perform processing shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 described later and other game controls. The RAM 53 is used when the main CPU 51 performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 54 performs timing control and the like when signals are transmitted and received between the main control board 50, the sub control board 60, the reel board 11, the central display board 12, and the power supply board 13. . However, transmission of signals from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60 is performed between the main control board 50 and the sub control board 60, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50 is not performed. Not done.

(Sub-control board 60)
The sub control board 60 is provided with a sub CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, image control processor 64, image data ROM 65, video RAM 66, tone generator circuit 67, amplifier 68 and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 69. The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, control RAM 63, image control processor 64, sound source circuit 67 and I / F circuit 69 are connected to each other via a bus 70. The image data ROM 65 and the video RAM 66 are connected to the image control processor 64, and the amplifier 68 is connected to the sound source circuit 67.

  The sub CPU 61 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes) and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 61 reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 62, and controls the sub control board 60 as a whole, particularly controls the effects for the player. Note that there are no restrictions on the processing capability or development language of the sub CPU 61.

  The ROM 62 stores necessary programs and data for causing the sub CPU 61 to perform processing shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 described later and other effects during the game. The RAM 63 is used when the sub CPU 61 performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, and RAM 63 have the same functions as the main CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 provided on the main control board 50, respectively. Note that the ROM 62 and the RAM 63 may be the same as the ROM 52 and the RAM 53, respectively, but those having a capacity larger than these may be used.

  The effect display device 40 described above is connected to an image control processor 64. The image data ROM 65 stores image data such as characters, characters, and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 40. The video RAM 66 is used when the image control processor 64 creates an image to be displayed on the effect display device 40, and image data to be displayed is developed in the video RAM 66 based on data read from the image data ROM 65. .

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a speaker 71, the above-described back lamp, and the like are provided in addition to the effect display device 40 as effect peripheral devices. The speaker 71 is connected to the amplifier 68. These performance peripheral devices are peripheral devices that are not directly related to the game, and output the effects during the game. They are connected only to the sub-control board 60 and connected to the main control board 50. Not.

  The I / F circuit 69 performs timing control and the like when receiving a signal from the main control board 50. As described above, the signal is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60, but the signal is not transmitted from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

(Reel board 11)
A stepping motor (not shown) for driving the left reel 31L, the middle reel 31C, and the right reel 31R is connected to the reel substrate 11. Control of the operations of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R is performed by the main CPU 51 through the reel substrate 11.

(Central display board 12)
The central display substrate 12 is attached to, for example, a central portion on the back side of the front panel 20. The central display board 12 includes a selector 81, a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a, a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b, a start switch (lever) 41, a left stop switch (button) 42L, and a middle stop switch (button) 42C. A right stop switch (button) 42R, a setting display section 82, and a setting change switch 83 are connected.

  The selector 81 identifies whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 is a regular one, and removes an illegal medal. The setting display unit 82 is arranged so as to be visible from the back side of the front panel 20, and displays settings relating to probability and payout (for example, settings 1 to 6). The setting change switch 83 is a switch operated when changing the setting related to the probability and the payout.

(Power supply board 13)
A setting change enabling switch 91, a power switch 92, a hopper device 93, and a power device 94 are connected to the power device board 13. The setting change enable switch 91 is a switch that is operated when a setting change using the setting change switch 83 is enabled. That is, the setting change using the setting change switch 83 can be performed only when the setting change enable switch 91 is in the ON state. The power switch 92 is a switch for switching on / off the power supply device 94. The hopper device 93 is a device for storing and paying out medals, and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the stored medals to the player based on an instruction from the main CPU 51 via the power supply device board 13. .

Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 50 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the main control board 50. In the present embodiment, for example, the following units 101, 102, 105, 106, 107, and 108 are configured from programs of the main CPU 51 and the ROM 52, for example, the RAM 53 includes the following storage unit 103, and the ROM 52 includes, for example, Data of the following lottery table 120 is stored.

(Role drawing part 101)
The role lottery unit 101 draws a role (special role, replay, small role, etc.) in accordance with timing control by the timing control unit 102 described later.
Here, a special role is a game that is different from a normal game and is advantageous to the player (a game that has a larger expected medal number than the normal game and is advantageous to the player). It is a role. In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, BB (Big Bonus) and RB (Regular Bonus) are set as special roles, and in the lottery of the role in the normal game, the special role is won and set as an effective line. When the combination of symbols of the special combination is stopped on the combination line, that is, on the condition that the special combination is won, the game is shifted from the normal game to the special game.
In addition, the replay is a role that gives the player the right to replay while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the previous game (replaying role). Further, the small combination is a combination for paying out a predetermined number of medals to the player, and for example, a plurality of types are provided.

  The role lottery unit 101 obtains one random number after generating a random number internally for each game, and selects and selects an appropriate role lottery table from the role lottery table 120 stored in the ROM 52. The presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination are determined based on an area in the winning lottery table to which the acquired random number belongs. The role lottery table 120 stored in the ROM 52 includes, for example, a normal game lottery table and an internal medium lottery table used inside.

  The role lottery unit 101 generates random numbers in a predetermined area (decimal 0 to 65535), for example, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the start switch 41 is operated, Get the numeric value. In the role lottery table 120, a special role winning area, a small role winning area, a replay winning area, a non-winning area (losing) area, etc. are set at a predetermined ratio with respect to random numbers that can be acquired by the role lottery unit 101. Has been. That is, in the combination lottery table 120, the relationship between the random number value and each combination is determined. For example, the random value (a) to a certain random value (a + α) are selected for the special combination (BB and RB) winning area. From the next random number value (a + α + 1), another random value (a + α + 1 + β) is assigned to the small role winning area, and the random value is similarly assigned to the replay (RP) winning area. Then, the winning combination in the area including the random value acquired by the winning lottery unit 101 becomes the winning winning combination as a result of the winning lottery.

The part lottery unit 101 selects a part lottery table and compares the acquired random number value with the selected part lottery table to determine the region to which the random number value belongs, and corresponds to the region to which the random number value belongs. Determine the role. For example, when the extracted random number value belongs to the special combination winning area, it is determined that the special combination is won, and when it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be lost. If any combination is won, the flag for the combination is turned on.
Further, the combination lottery unit 101 transmits information indicating the result of the combination lottery, for example, winning combination information indicating which combination has been won, to the sub-control board 60.

(Timing control unit 102)
The timing control unit 102 controls the operation timing of the combination lottery unit 101, a reel control unit 105 and a winning determination unit 106, which will be described later. For example, the timing control unit 102 makes the combination lottery unit 101 perform lottery on the condition that the start switch 41 is operated, and causes the reel control unit 105 to start rotating the reel group 31. Further, for example, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 105 to perform the stop control of the reel group 31 on the condition that the stop switch group 42 is operated, and further on the condition that the reel group 31 stops. The winning determination unit 106 makes a winning determination. Note that the operation of the timing control unit 102 is not limited to these.

(Flag information storage unit 103)
The flag information storage unit 103 stores the type of the winning combination and the fact that the flag is turned on when a flag for any combination is turned on by the combination lottery unit 101.
Of the information stored in the flag information storage unit 103, the flags of the roles other than the special roles (BB and RB) are erased (turned off) at the end of the game regardless of whether or not the winning combination is made, and the next There is no carry-over until the game. On the other hand, the special combination flag is erased (turned off) only when a special combination is won as a result of determination by the winning determination unit 106 described later.

(Reel control unit 105)
The reel control unit 105 controls the start and stop of rotation of the reel group 31 (reels 31L, 31C, and 31R) according to the timing control by the timing control unit 102. More specifically, the reel control unit 105 includes a gaming state (for example, a normal gaming state, a special gaming state, etc.), a result of a role lottery by the role lottery unit 101, and a stop switch group 42 (stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R). ) Is operated, the stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are determined, and the driving of the stepping motor is controlled to stop the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R at the determined positions. .

For example, if any of the winning combinations is not won as a result of the winning lottery unit 101, the reel control unit 105 selects which combination of symbols on the symbol combination lines 22a to 22c set as effective lines. Also, the stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are determined so as not to stop. On the other hand, if any winning combination is won, the reel control unit 105 causes each reel 31L to stop the combination of winning symbols on the symbol combination lines 22a to 22c set as effective lines. , 31C and 31R are determined.
The control for stopping the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R as described above may be performed using a plurality of reel control tables (for example, provided for each lottery result).

(Winning determination unit 106)
In accordance with the timing control by the timing control unit 102, the winning determination unit 106 arranges the combinations of symbols in the symbol combination line group 22 on any of the symbol combination lines 22a to 22c set as effective lines. It is determined whether or not there is anything in line, and it is determined that the winning combination has been won in the game. At this time, the winning determination unit 106 determines, for example, a symbol positioned on the effective line by detecting an angle, the number of steps, or the like when the stepping motor is stopped, and based on this, determines whether or not a winning combination has been won. . Then, the winning determination unit 106 transmits winning combination information related to the winning combination to the sub-control board 60.

  When the reel control table is used for the control when stopping the reels 31L, 31C and 31R, the winning determination unit 106 selects the combination of symbols after the reels 31L, 31C and 31R actually stop. Instead of determining, when the reel control unit 105 uses the table to determine the stop position of the reel group 31, the combination of symbols to be stopped on the symbol combination lines 22a to 22c set as effective lines is determined. Anyway.

(Special game control unit 107)
As a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 106, the special game control unit 107 controls the special game from the next game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. For example, the reel control unit 105 performs reel control for special games, or causes the sub-control board 60 to perform effects according to special games. In the special game, a special game role lottery table different from the normal game lottery table and the internal medium lottery table is used, and the role lottery table is changed based on an instruction from the special game control unit 107. .

(Payout control unit 108)
The payout control unit 108 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 106.

Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 60 will be described.
FIG. 4A is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sub control board 60. In the present embodiment, for example, the following units 202 and 203 are configured from programs of the sub CPU 61 and the ROM 62, and the following lottery information receiving unit 201 is configured by the interface circuit (I / F circuit) 69.

(Lottery information receiving unit 201)
The lottery information receiving unit 201 receives information transmitted from the main control board 50 (operation information, combination lottery table information, winning combination information, winning combination information, etc.).

(Production pattern selection unit 202)
The effect pattern selection unit 202 selects an effect pattern to be executed in the game. The effect pattern is stored in the ROM 62, for example, and the effect pattern selection unit 202 selects any one of the effect patterns stored in the ROM 62 by lottery, for example. The selection of the production pattern by the production pattern selection unit 202 is performed with reference to the information received by the lottery information reception unit 201. For example, the production pattern selection unit 202 sequentially steps for each operation by the player according to the information received by the lottery information reception unit 201. If a winning combination information indicating the winning of a small role is received, an effect pattern suitable for winning the small role is selected.

(Production control unit 203)
The effect control unit 203 controls the effect based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 202. Then, based on control by the effect control unit 203, the image control processor 64 creates image data to be displayed on the effect display device 40, and after the sound signal generated by the sound source circuit 67 is amplified by the amplifier 68, Output from the speaker 71.
The functional configurations of the main control board 50 and the sub control board 60 described above are examples, and functions other than these functions may be provided.

  FIG. 4B is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sub-control board 60 for executing the progress effect output process (details will be described later). In the present embodiment, the following units 210, 213, and 214 are configured by the effect control unit 203 and the image control processor 64 shown in FIG. Here, although the details will be described later, the progress effect output process is a process of sequentially advancing and outputting a plurality of stages of image effects by switching the stage of the image effects for each operation by the player in the game.

(Image effect data storage unit 210)
The image effect data storage unit 210 stores image data related to the image effect. In the image effect data storage unit 210, together with the current stage image effect data 211, which is image data related to the image effect at the stage corresponding to the operation by the player, the image effect at the stage that has not ended when the operation is performed. The unfinished image effect data 212 that is image data related to is stored.

(Reduction processing unit 213)
The reduction processing unit 213 performs a reduction process related to the image size on the unfinished image effect data 212 supplied from the image effect data storage unit 210.
(Image composition unit 214)
The image composition unit 214 synthesizes the current stage image effect data 211 supplied from the image effect data storage unit 210 and the unfinished image effect data 212 that has been subjected to the reduction process by the reduction processing unit 213, and produces an effect display. Image data to be displayed on the device 40 is generated.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 4B, the reduction processing unit 213 is provided to reduce the unfinished image effect data 212. However, the enlargement processing unit is provided to enlarge the current stage image effect data 211. Processing may be performed so that the unfinished image effect data 212 is not subjected to any processing. That is, it is only necessary that the image related to the unfinished image effect data 212 is smaller than the image related to the current stage image effect data 211, and the enlargement / reduction process at an arbitrary magnification can be applied. Of course, the enlargement process may be performed on the current stage image effect data 211 and the reduction process may be performed on the unfinished image effect data 212.

  Next, the operation of the slot machine in the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. 5 to 9 are flowcharts showing an example of control by the main control board 50, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing control by the sub control board.

(Control by main control board 50)
Control by the main control board 50 will be described.
In step S1 in FIG. 5, the timing control unit 102 monitors the insertion of medals, and the bet switches 43a and 43b are operated when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 or there is a credit. Then, it is determined that medals have been inserted, and the number of medals inserted is obtained in step S2.

In step S3, the timing control unit 102 determines whether or not the number of inserted medals is less than one (0), and if the number of inserted medals is less than one, Again, in step S1, it is determined whether or not a medal has been inserted.
When the number of inserted medals is not less than one, that is, when one or more medals are inserted, in step S4, the timing control unit 102 turns on the start switch 41 by the player. It is determined whether or not. As a result of this determination, if the start switch 41 is not turned on, the processes of steps S1 to S4 are repeated until the start switch 41 is turned on.

On the other hand, when the start switch 41 is turned on, the process advances to step S5, and the combination lottery unit 101 acquires a random number.
Next, in step S <b> 6, the combination lottery unit 101 refers to the flag stored in the flag information storage unit 103 and determines whether the special combination (BB, RB) flag is on.

As a result of the determination, if the special combination flag is on, the process proceeds to step S7, and the combination lottery unit 101 selects an internal medium lottery table as a combination lottery table used for the lottery of the game. On the other hand, if the special combination flag is not turned on, it is determined that the game is a normal game, and the process proceeds to step S8, where the combination lottery unit 101 is normally used as a combination lottery table used for the lottery of the game. Select the in-game lottery table.
After selecting one type of lottery table as described above, the process proceeds to step S9 shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S9 of FIG. 6, the combination lottery unit 101 performs a combination lottery process by comparing the acquired random number with the selected combination lottery table. In step S 10, if there is a winning combination as a result of the lottery in step S 9, the combination lottery unit 101 turns on the flag of the combination and stores it in the flag information storage unit 103.

Subsequently, in step S11, the combination lottery unit 101 transmits information of the combination lottery table used in the lottery of the game, winning combination information indicating the winning combination, and the like to the sub-control board 60.
Next, in step S12, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 105 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R.

  Next, in step S13, the reel control unit 105 determines whether the special combination (BB, RB) flag is on based on a signal from the timing control unit 102 or the like. As a result of the determination, if the special combination (BB, RB) flag is on, the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the special combination (BB, RB) flag is off, step S20 shown in FIG. Proceed to

  In step S14, the reel control unit 105 determines whether or not preferential control for the special combination is performed in the game, that is, whether or not the special combination can be preferentially won in the game. judge. As a result of the determination, if the special combination preferential pull-in control is performed, the process proceeds to step S26 shown in FIG. 8, and if the special combination preferential pull-in control is not performed, the process proceeds to step S20 shown in FIG.

  When the special combination (BB, RB) flag is OFF or when the special combination preferential pull-in control is not performed, as shown in FIG. 7, the reel control unit 105 sets a stop switch in step S20. The system waits until any one of the groups 42 (first stop switch) is operated. In step S21, the reel control is performed so that the winning combination can be won, and the operated stop switch. The rotation of the reel corresponding to is stopped.

  Next, in step S22, the reel control unit 105 stands by until the other one (second stop switch) of the stop switch group 42 is operated, and when it is operated, the winning combination is won in step S23. The reel control is performed so as to enable the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch.

Further, in step S24, the reel control unit 105 stands by until the remaining one (third stop switch) of the stop switch group 42 is operated, and when it is operated, the winning combination is won in step S25. Such reel control is performed to stop the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch.
When the reel control unit 105 stops the rotation of all the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R as described above, the process proceeds to step S32 shown in FIG.

  As a result of the determination in step S14 in FIG. 6, if it is determined that the special role preferential pull-in control is performed, the reel control unit 105 in step S26, as shown in FIG. It waits until any one of 42 (first stop switch) is operated, and when it is operated, in step S27, reel control is performed so that the winning combination can be won, and the operated stop switch is set. Stop the rotation of the corresponding reel. However, in this reel control, if the result of the lottery by the part lottery unit 101 is lost, the drawing reel that does not perform the kicking control of the symbol that causes a loss but wins a special role. Take control.

  Next, in step S28, the reel control unit 105 stands by until another one (second stop switch) of the stop switch group 42 is operated, and when it is operated, the winning combination is won in step S29. The reel control is performed so as to enable the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch. However, even in this reel control, if the result of the role lottery by the role lottery unit 101 is lost, reel control is performed so that a special role is won.

Further, in step S30, the reel control unit 105 stands by until the remaining one (third stop switch) of the stop switch group 42 is operated, and when it is operated, the winning combination is won in step S31. Such reel control is performed to stop the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch. However, even in this reel control, if the result of the role lottery by the role lottery unit 101 is lost, reel control is performed so that a special role is won.
When the reel control unit 105 stops the rotation of all the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R in this way, the process proceeds to step S32 shown in FIG.

  In step S32 of FIG. 9 that proceeds after the reel control unit 105 stops the rotation of all the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, the winning determination unit 106 receives a winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the active line. The presence or absence of is determined. As a result of this determination, if there is any winning combination, the winning determination unit 106 transmits winning combination information indicating the winning combination to the sub-control board 60 in step S33.

  Next, in step S34, the winning determination unit 106 determines whether or not the winning combination is a special combination. If the result of this determination is that the winning combination is a special combination, in step S35, the special game control unit 107 performs a transition process for executing a special game from the next game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. . At this time, the winning determination unit 106 deletes (turns off) the flag stored in the flag information storage unit 103 corresponding to the winning special combination.

Next, in step S36, special game processing corresponding to the special combination (BB or RB) won by the special game control unit 107 or the like is performed. In this special game, processing for executing a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game is performed.
When the special game is completed when the predetermined end condition is satisfied, in step S37, the special game control unit 107 performs a normal game transition process and ends (returns) the process. Note that the special game process in step S36 and the normal game transition process in step S37 are not processes performed during one game in which a special role is won, but are illustrated in FIG. 9 in order to clarify the overall flow. .

  As a result of the determination in step S34, if it is determined that the winning combination is not a special combination, in step S38, the winning determination unit 106 determines whether or not the winning combination is replay. If the result of this determination is that the winning combination is replay, in step S39, the winning determination unit 106 instructs the timing control unit 102 to carry over the bet number (the number of bets) in the game to the next game. I do. On the other hand, if the winning combination is neither a special combination nor a replay, the payout control unit 108 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the winning combination in step S40. As described above, the bet number (the number of bets) is carried over to the next game and medals are paid out, and the process is ended (returns).

  If there is no winning of any combination as a result of the determination in step S32, the winning determination unit 106 transmits information indicating that to the sub-control board 60 in step S41, and ends the processing ( To return).

Next, control of the sub control board 60 will be described.
In step S101 of FIG. 10, the lottery information receiving unit 201 waits until information (operation information, combination lottery table information, winning combination information, winning combination information, etc.) is received from the main control board 50. When the lottery information receiving unit 201 receives information from the main control board 50, in step S102, the effect pattern selecting unit 202 selects an effect pattern to be executed by lottery based on the information received by the lottery information receiving unit 201. To do.

  Next, in step S103, the effect control unit 203 performs a plurality of stages of image effects in which the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 202 progresses in stages in accordance with an operation by the player to advance the game. It is determined whether or not the production pattern has

  As a result of the determination, if the image effect of the effect pattern is composed of a plurality of stages, the effect control unit 203 executes a progress effect output process related to the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 202 in step S104. The production according to the production pattern is output.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S103 is not an effect pattern having a plurality of stages of image effects, the effect control unit 203 in accordance with the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 202 in step S105. Is executed using the effect display device 40, the speaker 71, the back lamp, and the like.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the progress effect output process in step S104 shown in FIG. In addition, when executing the progress effect output process, the start switch 41 is already turned on, but in FIG. 11, the flow of the progress effect output process is illustrated. Further, in FIG. 11, only the image effect will be described as an example in which the image effect of the effect pattern to be executed is composed of five stages. In the following description, the operations for the start switch 41 and the stop switch group 42 and the medal insertion operation are determined based on information from the main control board 50 received by the lottery information receiving unit 201.

  In step S111 of FIG. 11, the effect control unit 203 waits until the start switch 41 is operated, and when operated, in step S112, the effect image that is the first stage in the multi-stage image effect is generated. It is displayed on the display device 40.

  Next, in step S113, the production control unit 203 stands by until any one (first stop switch) of the stop switch group 42 is operated, and when operated, in step S114, the first stage. It is determined whether the image effect has ended (whether it is being output).

If the result of this determination is that the first stage image effect has not ended, in step S115, the effect control unit 203 causes the effect display device 40 to display the second effect image that is the second stage, and The first effect image is reduced and subsequently displayed on the effect display device 40. That is, the effect control unit 203 displays the second effect image in the entire display area of the effect display device 40, and displays a reduced first effect image by providing a small display window in a part of the display area.
On the other hand, if the first stage image effect has been completed, the effect control unit 203 causes the effect display device 40 to display the second effect image in step S116.

  Next, in step S117, the effect control unit 203 waits until the other one (second stop switch) of the stop switch group 42 is operated, and if operated, the process is not ended in step S118. It is determined whether there is a staged image effect (whether there is an image effect being output).

  If there is an unfinished image effect as a result of this determination, in step S119, the effect control unit 203 causes the effect display device 40 to display the third effect image that is the third stage and has not ended. The effect image at the stage (first stage and / or second stage) is reduced and continuously displayed on the effect display device 40. At this time, the third effect image is displayed in the entire display area of the effect display device 40, and the same number as the total number of stages in which the small display window has not ended is provided in a part of the display area. The effect image at the stage not finished is reduced and displayed.

  On the other hand, if all the image effects in the past stages (first and second stages) have been completed, the effect control unit 203 causes the effect display device 40 to display the third effect image in step S120.

  Furthermore, in step S121, the production control unit 203 waits until the remaining one (third stop switch) of the stop switch group 42 is operated, and when it is operated, the step is not completed in step S122. It is determined whether there is an image effect.

  If there is an unfinished image effect as a result of this determination, in step S123, the effect control unit 203 causes the effect display device 40 to display the fourth effect image, which is the fourth stage, and has not ended. The effect image at the stage is reduced and continuously displayed on the effect display device 40. On the other hand, when all the image effects in the past stage have been completed, the effect control unit 203 causes the effect display device 40 to display the fourth effect image in step S124.

  Subsequently, in step S125, the effect control unit 203 determines that a medal has been inserted by operating the bet switches 43a and 43b when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 or when there is a credit. Until it is determined that a medal has been inserted, it is determined in step S126 whether or not there is an image effect at an unfinished stage.

  If there is an unfinished image effect as a result of this determination, in step S127, the effect control unit 203 causes the effect display device 40 to display the fifth effect image, which is the fifth stage, and has not ended. The effect image at the stage is reduced and continuously displayed on the effect display device 40. On the other hand, when all the image effects in the past stage have been completed, the effect control unit 203 causes the effect display device 40 to display the fifth effect image in step S128.

In addition, in the case where the effect image related to the unfinished image effect is reduced and displayed on the effect display device 40 together with the effect image at the stage corresponding to the operation, The small display window for displaying the effect image is closed at any time.
As described above, the progress effect output process related to the effect pattern having a plurality of stages of image effects is completed.

  Next, specific display examples on the effect display device 40 in the above-described progress effect output process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the display form of the effect image at each stage in the progress effect output process. In FIG. 12, the horizontal direction indicates time. Further, the vertical direction schematically shows the display size of the image on the effect display device 40 for each image effect, and corresponds to the case where a long length in the vertical direction is displayed in the entire display area. This corresponds to the case where the object is displayed in a small window (reduced image display window) provided in a part of the display area.

Further, the case where the image effect of the effect pattern to be executed is composed of five stages showing the contents of the effect will be described as an example.
First stage: The ostrich goes up, and when the ostrich looks left and right, an elephant appears.
Second stage: The elephant is up and the elephant starts running.
Stage 3: The elephant follows the ostrich and pushes the ostrich away.
Fourth stage: An ostrich struck by an elephant soars high in the sky and reaches above the clouds.
Fifth stage: A substantially still image displaying “A” at the top of the cloud on the platform and ostriches at the bottom.

  First, at time T1, when the player turns on the start switch 41 to start the rotation of the reel 31, the first effect image as the first stage is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 40 as shown in FIG. 301 is displayed throughout. Thereafter, until one of the stop switch groups 42 (first stop switch) is operated by the player at time T2, the first effect image is displayed on the effect display device 40 as shown in FIG. .

  At time T2, when any one of the stop switch groups 42 (first stop switch) is operated, the second effect image that is the next second stage is switched. However, at time T2, the image effect according to the first stage has not ended. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14, the second effect image is displayed in the display area 301 of the effect display device 40, and a reduced image display window 302 is provided at the edge of the display area 301 to display the first effect image. Is done.

  At time T3, the player operates the other one (second stop switch) of the stop switch group 42. At this time, since the image effects related to the first stage and the second stage are not completed, the third effect image as the next third stage is displayed in the display area 301 of the effect display device 40 as shown in FIG. In addition, reduced image display windows 302 and 303 are provided at the edge of the display area 301 to display the first effect image and the second effect image.

  After that, when the image effect according to the first stage is completed at time T4, the reduced image display window 302 for displaying the first effect image is closed, and the third effect image is displayed in the display area in the same display manner as in FIG. In addition, the second effect image is displayed in the reduced image display window 303.

  Further, when the image effect according to the second stage is completed at time T5, the reduced image display window 303 for displaying the second effect image is closed. Therefore, the effect image displayed by the effect display device 40 is only the third effect image, and only the third effect image is displayed in the display area 301 in the same display manner as in FIG.

  When the player operates the remaining one (third stop switch) of the stop switch group 42 at time T6 during the output of the image effect according to the third stage, the fourth effect, which is the next fourth stage. Although the image is switched, the image effect according to the third stage is not finished. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16, the fourth effect image is displayed in the display area 301 of the effect display device 40, and the reduced image display window 304 is provided at the edge of the display area 301 to display the third effect image. Is done.

  When the image effect according to the third stage ends at time T7, the reduced image display window 304 for displaying the third effect image is closed, and only the fourth effect image is displayed in the display area 301 in the same display manner as in FIG. Is displayed.

  Thereafter, when a player performs a medal insertion operation at time T8, as shown in FIG. 17, a fourth effect image that is the next fourth stage is displayed in the display area 301 of the effect display device 40, and A reduced image display window 305 is provided at the edge of the display area 301 and a third effect image that has not ended is displayed. Thereafter, when the image effect according to the fourth stage is completed, the reduced image display window 305 for displaying the fourth effect image is closed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, as described above, in the case of executing an image effect composed of a plurality of stages in which the stages of the image effect are sequentially switched in accordance with an operation by the player to advance the game, Even if an operation by the player is performed before the end of the image effect at any stage (while the image effect is being output), it ends together with the effect image related to the image effect at the next stage corresponding to the operation. The reduced effect image related to the image effect at the stage where the image is not displayed is displayed. As a result, the image production at the non-finished stage until the next stage image production is achieved without stopping the image production at the non-finished stage while proceeding to the image production at the next stage corresponding to the operation. The effect image according to the player can be continuously displayed, and the effect is prevented from flying (cancelled) against the player's intention without disturbing the progress of the image effect corresponding to the player's operation. In addition, it is possible to reliably display all effect images at each stage in a plurality of stages of image effects.

  In the above description, the case where the image effect in the effect pattern to be executed is appropriately composed of five stages has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of image effect stages is arbitrary. . In the above description, the image effects in which the steps are sequentially advanced in accordance with the operation of each switch of the start switch 41 and the stop switch group 42 and the medal insertion operation are shown as an example, but a plurality of steps to which the present invention can be applied. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to any multi-stage image production in which the stages are sequentially advanced by using at least one of the operations for the start switch 41 and the stop switch group 42 and the medal insertion operation. It is.

  In the above description, the effect image of the image effect at the stage corresponding to the player's operation is displayed in a size that matches the display area of the effect display device 40, and a small window is provided in a part of the display area. The effect image of the stage that has not been finished is simply displayed, but the information indicating the stage of the stage is displayed together with the stage image of the stage that has not been finished in the small window. You may do it. In this way, it is possible to make the player recognize how many stages of image effects the image displayed in the window is. The information indicating the stage of the production may be, for example, a numeral or alphabet, and may be arbitrary as long as the order can be recognized.

  Further, not only the effect image of the image effect that is not finished displayed on the small window, but also the operation of the player who displays the effect image in a size that matches the display area of the effect display device 40. Information indicating the stage of the effect may be displayed on the effect image of the stage image effect.

  The embodiment of the present invention can be realized by a computer executing a program. Examples of means for supplying the program to the computer include a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded, or a transmission medium such as the Internet that transmits the program. The above program can also be applied as an embodiment of the present invention.

It is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the slot machine by this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of a main control board. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of a sub control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control by the main control board in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control by the main control board following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control by the main control board following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control by the main control board following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control by the main control board following FIG.7 and FIG.8. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control by the sub control board | substrate in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a progress effect output process operation. It is a figure for demonstrating the display form of the effect image in a progress effect output process. It is a figure which shows the display image in the time T1-time T2 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display image in the time T2-time T3 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display image in the time T3-time T4 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display image in the time T6-time T7 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display image after the time T8 shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Slot machine 23 Medal slot 31 Reel 40 Production display device 41 Start switch 42 Stop switch group 43 Bet switch group 50 Main control board 60 Sub control board 101 Role lottery part 102 Timing control part 103 Flag information storage part 105 Reel control part 106 Winning determination unit 107 Special game control unit 108 Payout control unit 120 Lottery table 201 Lottery information reception unit 202 Production pattern selection unit 203 Production control unit 210 Image production data storage unit 211 Current stage image production data 212 Unfinished image production data 213 Reduction processing Part 214 Image composition part

Claims (8)

Production control means for controlling the production executed in the game;
Based on the control by the effect control means, provided with an effect display means for displaying an image related to the effect,
The production control means is operated by the player before the end of the image production at the predetermined stage during the production of the production including the image production of a plurality of stages in which the stages are sequentially advanced according to the operation by the player. In this case, the game machine is characterized in that an image related to the image effect at a stage not finished is continuously displayed on the effect display means together with an image related to the image effect at a stage corresponding to the operation.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an image display area related to the image effect at the stage not finished is smaller than an image display area related to the image effect at the stage corresponding to the operation.   2. The reduced image display window is provided in a part of the display area in the effect display means, and the image related to the image effect at the stage not finished is reduced and displayed in the reduced image display window. Gaming machine.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the reduced image display windows can be arranged according to the total number of the stages that are not finished.   5. The game according to claim 4, wherein when a plurality of the reduced image display windows are provided, information indicating a stage is displayed together with an image related to the image effect at the stage not ended in each reduced image display window. Machine.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the reduced image display window is provided at an edge of a display area in the effect display means.   7. The reduced image display window for displaying an image related to the image effect is closed when the image effect at the stage where the image is not ended is ended. The gaming machine described.   For the operation by the player, a start means that is operated when starting the rotation of a plurality of reels displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and a stop that is provided corresponding to each of the reels and that is operated when stopping the rotation of the reels. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an operation for at least one of the means and a loading means for loading a game medium.

Images