JP4786370B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the respective circumferential surfaces, and a plurality of reels corresponding to each of the reels, a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of each reel. Based on an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as a “start operation”) on the condition that a display window for displaying the symbol so that the player can visually recognize and a medal as an example of the game medium are inserted, Based on a start switch that outputs a signal requesting the start of rotation of each reel and an operation by a player (hereinafter referred to as a “stop operation”), a signal that requests the stop of rotation of the reel is determined according to the type of the reel. A stop switch that outputs, and a control unit that controls the operation of the stepping motor based on the signals output from the start switch and the stop switch, and rotates and stops each reel. For example was the gaming machine (so-called Pachi) is known. In such a gaming machine, whether or not to win is determined based on a combination of symbols displayed by a plurality of display windows, and a privilege such as paying out medals is given to the player.

  Currently, when a mainstream gaming machine detects a start operation, it performs an internal lottery and stops the reel rotation based on the result of the lottery (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and the timing of the stop operation. Therefore, the player is required to have a skill that is referred to as a push. In addition, when the result related to the winning is determined by the internal lottery described above, the reel rotation is predetermined even after the stop operation is performed so that the combination of symbols related to the winning is displayed. It continues within a period (for example, 190 ms) and then stops. On the other hand, if the internal winning combination (so-called “losing”) related to the non-winning is determined, the reel rotation is stopped so that the combination of symbols related to the non-winning is displayed.

Recently, the number of sliding pieces (for example, a stop operation is performed by the player from a predetermined range of numerical values in accordance with a design in which the rotation of the reel starts to be stopped based on the stop operation by the player. A table (hereinafter referred to as a “search order table”) that defines a search order (hereinafter referred to as “search order”) for determining whether or not the reel rotation is appropriate. (Refer to Patent Document 1). In this gaming machine, for the purpose of diversifying the combinations of symbols displayed by a plurality of display windows, a plurality of types of search order tables are provided according to one internal winning combination, and dedicated lottery is performed. Thus, the number of sliding pieces is determined based on one of the determined values, and the rotation of the reel is stopped.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-15156

  However, in the conventional gaming machine described above, the search order table to be used is determined by performing lottery. Therefore, the player can determine the search order table without knowing the determined search order table. There was a problem that it could not be said that the skill of the player was reflected. Further, in addition to the lottery for determining the internal winning combination, it is necessary to perform lottery for determining the search order table, which places a heavy burden on the control system.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reflecting a player's skill and reducing a burden on a control system when determining any one of a plurality of search orders. .

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

A gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of reels (for example, three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R described later) each having a plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface, and a plurality of reels arranged on the circumferential surface of each reel. Symbol display means (for example, display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, which will be described later) for displaying some of the symbols, and start operation detection means (for example, a start switch 6S, which will be described later) for detecting the start operation. An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means (for example, an internal lottery process of FIG. 19 performed by the CPU 31 described later), and the start operation detection When the start operation is detected by the means, reel rotation means for rotating each reel (for example, processing for requesting rotation start of all reels in step S9 in FIG. A reel control process in step S193 of FIG. 25 performed by the CPU 31 described later, a stop operation detecting means (for example, a stop switch 7S described later) for detecting a stop operation corresponding to each reel, and a predetermined position (for example, A symbol specifying means (for example, a symbol counter updated by a CPU 31 described later, a symbol arrangement table described later) for specifying a symbol in the middle of the display window described later, and a predetermined range (for example, “0” described later). -"4") search parameter that defines the search order according to the number of sliding pieces for each symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel (for example, each symbol of symbol positions "0" to "20" described later). Search parameter table storage means (for example, ROM 32 described later) that stores a plurality of types of tables according to internal winning combinations, and internal winning combinations determined by the internal winning combination determining means Based on the search parameter table determination means for determining any one of a plurality of types of search parameter tables stored in the search parameter table storage means (for example, the winning number in step S7 of FIG. 17 performed by the CPU 31 described later) A process of determining a search parameter table based on the storage area), and when the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detecting means, the symbol specified by the symbol specifying means and the search parameter table determining means are determined. Search order determining means for determining the search order based on the search parameter table (for example, processing for determining search status data based on the search parameter table and symbol counter in step S141 in FIG. 21 performed by the CPU 31 described later); The stop operation detecting means When the stop operation is detected, based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, the symbol specified by the symbol specifying means, and the search order determined by the search order determining means, A sliding piece number determining means for determining the number of sliding pieces (for example, a process of determining the number of sliding pieces by returning the retracted sliding piece number in step S149 of FIG. 21 performed by the CPU 31 described later), Based on the number of sliding pieces determined by the number-of-pieces determining means, reel stop means for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel (for example, processing to shift to the stop control position waiting in step S124 of FIG. The reel control process in step S193 in FIG. 25 performed by the CPU 31 described later) and a plurality of reels rotated by the reel rotating means. When a stop operation (for example, a first stop operation to be described later) is detected by the stop operation detecting means based on the number of sliding pieces determined by the sliding piece number determining means. Search parameter table redetermining means for redetermining any of the plural types of search parameter tables stored in the search parameter table storage means (for example, the control change table in step S163 in FIG. The search parameter table determining means stores the search parameter table determining means based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means. The first search parameter is selected from the plurality of types of search parameter tables. A search table (for example, a bell search parameter table A to be described later), and the search parameter table re-determination means stops according to at least one of the plurality of reels rotated by the reel rotation means. When the operation is detected by the stop operation detecting means, the predetermined number of sliding pieces (for example, any one of “0”, “2” and “4” described later) is determined by the sliding piece number determining means. Then, the first search parameter table is re-determined from the plurality of types of search parameter tables stored in the search parameter table storage means, while the predetermined number of slide pieces is determined by the slide piece number determination means. When a different specific number of sliding pieces (for example, any one of “1” and “3” described later) is determined, the search parameter table storage means records the number. A second search parameter table (for example, a bell search parameter table B described later) different from the first search parameter table is re-determined from a plurality of types of search parameter tables stored, and the search order determining means When a stop operation (for example, a second stop operation and a third stop operation, which will be described later) is detected by the stop operation detecting unit according to other reels excluding the at least one reel among a plurality of reels. The search order is determined based on the symbols specified by the symbol specifying means and the search parameter table redetermined by the search parameter table redetermining means, and a plurality of reels rotated by the reel rotating means are determined . When the stop operation according to at least one of the reels is detected by the stop operation detecting means, Even when the variation stops at a special stop position, which is the same stop position, based on the number of sliding pieces determined by the number of sliding pieces determining means, It is characterized in that the symbols displayed on other reels excluding at least one reel are different .

According to this gaming machine, when the stop operation is detected according to at least one of the plurality of reels being rotated, the number of sliding pieces determined by the number of sliding pieces determining means is set. Based on this, any one of a plurality of types of search parameter tables defining the search order for each symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel is determined again. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a dedicated lottery for re-determining the search parameter table, and the burden on the control system can be reduced. Further, since the search parameter table is re-determined based on the number of sliding symbols determined by the player's stop operation, the search parameter table to be used is re-determined, and further, the symbol displayed by the symbol display means is displayed. It becomes possible to reflect the skill of the player in the change of the combination. Further, when a predetermined number of sliding symbols is determined based on a search parameter table used when a stop operation corresponding to at least one reel is detected and a search order defined therein, the search is performed. While the same table as the parameter table is re-determined, when a specific number of sliding symbols is determined, a table different from this search parameter table is re-determined. That is, different symbol combinations are displayed by the symbol display means when the predetermined number of sliding symbols is determined and when the specific number of sliding symbols is determined. Therefore, it becomes possible for the player to predict the type of the search parameter table to be determined by grasping the design that defines the search order in which the desired number of slide pieces is determined. If the stop operation can be performed so that the number is determined, a desired symbol combination can be displayed by the symbol display means. As a result, it is possible to reflect the skill of the player in the displayed symbol combination, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  Note that the number of sliding pieces is the amount of rotation of the reel from when the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detecting means until the rotation of the reel stops. In other words, this is the number of symbols that pass through a predetermined position from the symbol specified by the symbol specifying unit when the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detecting unit until the reel rotation stops.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the redetermination of the search parameter table that defines the search order for each symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel is performed based on the number of sliding symbols. When deciding any of the above, it is possible to reflect the skill of the player and reduce the burden on the control system.

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

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

  Further, the front door 1b is formed with a panel display portion 2 as a substantially vertical surface, and three vertically long rectangular display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided at the center of the panel display portion 2. Each display window 4L, 4C, 4R is provided so as to be positioned in front of the corresponding reel 3L, 3C, 3R, and rotation and rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R through each display window 4L, 4C, 4R. The stoppage can be observed. Each display window 4L, 4C, 4R displays one symbol in each of the upper, middle and lower display areas, and displays three symbols out of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the corresponding reel. The The display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are formed with a winning line connecting predetermined areas of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R.

  As the types of winning lines, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, a bottom line 8d, a cross-up line 8a, and a cross-down line 8e are provided. The center line 8c is a line connecting the middle stages of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The top line 8b is a line connecting the upper stages of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The bottom line 8d is a line connecting the lower stages of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The cross-up line 8a is a line connecting the lower stage of the left display window 4L, the middle stage of the middle display window 4C, and the upper stage of the right display window 4R. The cross-down line 8e is a line connecting the upper stage of the left display window 4L, the middle stage of the middle display window 4C, and the lower stage of the right display window 4R.

  A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the pedestal 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Information related to the game is displayed on the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5. An information display unit 18 is provided on the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The information display unit 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of medals stored (so-called credits) in the gaming machine, the number of medals paid out to the player (hereinafter referred to as “paid-out number”), and the like. The Further, below the information display unit 18, an operation unit 17 including a cross key, a selection button, and an enter button is provided. Based on the operation of the operation unit 17 by the player, information related to the game such as a game history is displayed on the display screen 5 a of the liquid crystal display device 5.

  On the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5, a medal slot 22 for inserting medals into the gaming machine 1 is provided. On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5, a 1-bet button 11, a 2-bet button 12, and a maximum bet button 13 are provided for determining the number of medals inserted from credited medals. Basically, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 22, or when a medal is inserted based on any one of the 1-bet button 11, the 2-bet button 12, and the maximum bet button 13, The winning lines 8a to 8e are activated (the activated winning line is hereinafter referred to as an activated line). In the present embodiment, medals are used as game media. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a card or the like storing information such as the number of medals can be applied in addition to coins, game balls or tokens.

  On the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a 1-bet lamp 9a, a 2-bet lamp 9b, and a maximum bet lamp 9c are provided. The 1-bet lamp 9a, the 2-bet lamp 9b, and the maximum bet lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals inserted in the unit game (hereinafter referred to as “inserted number”). A C / P button 14 for switching between credit (Credit) or payout (Pay) of medals is provided on the left side of the front surface of the pedestal 10. When the payout is performed, medals corresponding to the number of payouts are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower part of the front and stored in the medal receiving unit 16. Further, when crediting is performed, medals for the number of payouts are credited. Here, the payout and credits of medals may be simply referred to as “payout”.

  On the right side of the C / P button 14, there is provided a start lever 6 for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to start changing the symbols displayed in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. . On the right side of the start lever 6, three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. . Hereinafter, the stop operation that is performed first when all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating (that is, the player's pressing operation on the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R) is referred to as “first stop operation”. The stop operation performed after the first stop operation and performed when the two reels are rotating is referred to as a “second stop operation”, and is performed next to the second stop operation and the remaining one A stop operation performed when the reel is rotating is referred to as a “third stop operation”.

  Moreover, LED101 and the lamp | ramp 102 are provided in the upper part of the front door 1b. The LED 101 and the lamp 102 are turned on in a lighting pattern corresponding to the game situation, and perform an effect relating to the game. Speakers 21L and 21R are provided below the front door 1b. The speakers 21L and 21R output effects such as sound effects and BGM according to the game situation, and perform effects related to the game.

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

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

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

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 and ROM 32 and RAM 33 which are storage means. The ROM 32 stores a control program executed by the CPU 31 (for example, see FIGS. 17 to 25 described later), various tables such as a search parameter table described later (for example, see FIGS. 4 to 14 described later), and the like. Yes. The RAM 33 is provided with various storage areas such as a carryover combination storage area described later (for example, see FIGS. 15 and 16 described later), and stores various data.

  A clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 are connected to the CPU 31. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate a reference clock pulse. Based on the generated reference clock pulse, an interrupt process, which will be described later, is performed. The random number generator 36 generates a certain range of random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts (samples) one random number value from the random number generated by the random number generator 36.

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

  The lamp driving circuit 45 controls the turning on and off of the bed lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c. The display unit drive circuit 48 controls display of various information (such as the number of credits) by the information display unit 18. The hopper drive circuit 41 controls the payout of medals by the hopper 40. The motor drive circuit 39 outputs the pulses from the main control circuit 71 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, thereby controlling the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R and rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. And stop control thereof.

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

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

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

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

  The input unit of the microcomputer 30 is connected to switches and the like, and outputs a predetermined signal that triggers the control of the actuator and the like. Specifically, start switch 6S, stop switch 7S, 1-bet switch 11S, 2-bet switch 12S, maximum bet switch 13S, C / P switch 14S, medal sensor 22S, reel position detection circuit 50, payout completion signal circuit 51 is connected.

  The start switch 6 </ b> S detects the player's tilting operation (i.e., start operation) with respect to the start lever 6, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30. The stop switch 7S detects a player's pressing operation (ie, a stopping operation) on each of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30.

  The 1-bet switch 11S, the 2-bet switch 12S, and the maximum bet switch 13S detect the player's pressing operation (that is, the insertion operation) on the 1-bet button 11, the 2-bet button 12, and the maximum bet button 13, respectively. The detected signal is output to the microcomputer 30. The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 by the player's operation, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30.

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

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

  Although not shown, the sub control circuit 72 includes a sub CPU, a serial port, a sub ROM, a sub RAM, a random number generator, and the like. The sub CPU determines the production data (image data, light emission pattern data, sound data, etc.) according to the control program stored in the sub ROM based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 via the serial port, Various processes such as output are performed. The sub RAM is configured as a temporary storage unit for work when the sub CPU executes a control program, and stores information acquired from various commands received from the main control circuit 71.

  The main actuators whose operations are controlled by the sub-control circuit 72 include the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21L and 21R, the LED 101, and the lamp 102. The sub-control circuit 72 controls display of an image by the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined effect data, controls output of light by the LED 101 and the lamp 102, and outputs effect sound and sound effect by the speakers 21L and 21R. To control. For example, you may make it alert | report the classification of the internal winning combination determined by control of these actuators.

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

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

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

  In the internal lottery table determination table, the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries determined in accordance with the gaming state are defined. In the general gaming state, the internal lottery table for the general gaming state is determined, and basically the number of lotteries is determined to be 5. In a regular bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”) gaming state, which will be described later, an RB gaming state internal lottery table is determined, and the number of lotteries is determined to be three.

  Next, the internal lottery table will be described with reference to FIG.

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

  In the internal lottery table, it is determined whether or not the random number value extracted from the range of “0 to 65535” belongs to the numerical range of each winning number. The aforementioned number of lotteries indicates the number of times this determination is performed. As a result of the determination for the number of times of lottery, if the extracted random number value belongs to any numerical range, the corresponding winning number is determined. If the extracted random number value does not belong to any numerical value range, the winning number is determined to be 0. Also, the winning probability of each winning number is calculated by “the difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value specified for each winning number plus 1 / the number of all random numbers generated (ie 65536)”. Can do.

  (1) of FIG. 6 shows the internal lottery table for general gaming states. In the general game state internal lottery table, a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to the winning numbers 1 to 5 are defined for each inserted number. Basically, the winning probability of each winning number is different according to the number of inserted sheets.

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

  Next, the internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the internal winning combination determination table, an internal winning combination corresponding to the aforementioned winning number is defined. Specifically, cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, and RB are defined according to the winning numbers 1 to 5, respectively. When the winning number is determined by the internal lottery table described above, the internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number is determined. Therefore, it can be said that the determination of the winning number and the determination of the internal winning combination are equivalent. The internal winning combination is represented by 1-byte data, and each of the 8 bits corresponds to the type of each internal winning combination.

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

  In the symbol combination table, a symbol combination related to the provision of a privilege, a display combination corresponding to this, and a payout number are defined. The display combination is represented by 1-byte data, and the data structure is the same as that of the internal winning combination described above. The display combination is data for identifying the type of combination of symbols displayed by the symbol display means.

  When the cherry on the left reel 3L is displayed in any of the upper, middle, or lower stages in the left display window 4R, the display combination is cherry regardless of the type of symbols displayed in the remaining display windows 4C and 4R. It is determined. The number of payouts corresponding to cherry is four. When three bells of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined to be a bell. The number of payouts corresponding to the bell is 15. Further, when three watermelons of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined to be watermelon. The number of payouts corresponding to a watermelon is 6.

  When three replays of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined to be replay. When replay is determined, replay is performed in the next unit game. That is, the same number of medals as the number of coins to be inserted in the unit game for which replay is determined are automatically inserted in the next unit game without being based on the player's insertion operation. Thereby, the player can perform the next unit game without consuming medals. When three reds 7 of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed side by side along one effective line, the display combination is determined to be RB. When the RB is determined, the operation of the RB is started.

  If the symbol combination displayed on the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R does not correspond to any of the symbol combinations defined in the symbol combination table, the display combination is determined to be lost. Here, cherry, bell or watermelon relates to payout of game media (for example, medals). In addition, replay relates to the operation of replay. Further, RB relates to the operation of a bonus game that is advantageous to the player.

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

  The bonus operation time table defines data stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 when the RB is operated. When the RB operation is started, the RB operating flag in the RAM 33 is turned on, 12 is stored in the possible game number counter, and 8 is stored in the possible winning number counter. The game possible number counter is data for counting the number of unit games performed during the RB operation. The winning possible number counter is data for counting the number of times the winning is determined during the RB operation.

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

  The search parameter table determination table defines the type of search parameter table corresponding to the winning number stored in the winning number storage area. Specifically, the search parameter table A for losing, the search parameter table A for cherry, the search parameter table A for bell, the search parameter table A for watermelon, and the search parameter table A for replay according to each of the winning numbers 0 to 5 Each of the RB search parameter tables A is defined.

  Next, the search parameter table will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the search parameter table, search status data is defined according to the symbols of symbol positions “0” to “20” arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. That is, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter of the reel when the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S (that is, the symbol position at which the rotation of the reel starts to be stopped, this is referred to as “stop start position”). In response to this, the search status data is determined. The search status data is data indicating the type of a search order table described later, and values “1” to “5” are defined according to the types of the search order tables 1 to 5.

  The search order table defines the order in which it is searched whether or not it is applicable as the number of sliding frames from a predetermined numerical range 0 to 4, and the search order indicates the order. is there. The most appropriate number of sliding symbols is determined based on the search order table and the internal winning combination stored in the internal winning combination storing area.

  The number of sliding pieces is the amount of rotation of the reel from when the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S until the rotation of the corresponding reel stops. In other words, the number of symbols passing through the middle of the corresponding display window in the period from when the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S until the rotation of the corresponding reel stops. This is grasped by the value of the symbol counter updated after the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, basically, after the signal is output by the stop switch 7S, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled within 190 msec, and the numerical range “0” to Any one of “4” is determined as the so-called number of sliding pieces.

  For example, if the stop start position is “0” and the determined number of sliding symbols is “4”, rotation of the corresponding reel so that the symbol at the symbol position “4” is displayed in the middle of the corresponding display window. Can be stopped. At this time, the symbol at the symbol position “5” is displayed in the upper part of the corresponding display window, and the symbol at the symbol position “3” is displayed in the lower part of the corresponding display window. In this manner, the reel rotation stop control that allows the symbols within the range of the number of sliding pieces from the stop start position to be displayed on the center line 8c is referred to as so-called “retraction”. In addition, the symbol position where the number of sliding pieces is drawn from the stop start position and stopped is referred to as a “stop control position”.

  FIG. 11 shows the search parameter table A for bell. When the winning number 2 is stored in the winning number storage area, the bell search parameter table A is basically used. FIG. 12 shows the bell search parameter table B. In the bell search parameter table B, the stop operation for the left stop button 7L is detected first. As a result, the number of sliding pieces of the left reel 3L is determined in advance based on the bell search parameter table A and the search order table. Used when determined as a fixed number. Since the bell search parameter table B is a search parameter table used after the rotation of the left reel 3L is stopped, data relating to the left reel 3L is not used. In the bell search parameter table A and the bell search parameter table B, the search status data defined for the symbol positions “0” to “20” are different for the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R. Yes.

  Next, the control change table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the control change table, the type of bell search parameter table corresponding to the number of sliding symbols is defined. Specifically, the bell search parameter table A is defined for the number of sliding pieces “0”, “2”, and “4”, while the bell for the number of sliding pieces “1” and “3”. Search parameter table B is defined. The control change table is referred to when the internal winning combination is a bell and the first stop operation is a pressing operation on the left stop button 7L, and based on the number of sliding pieces of the left reel 3L, the second stop operation and the third The type of the bell search parameter table used for the stop operation is determined again.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, basically, when the winning number 2 is stored in the winning number storage area, the bell search parameter table A is used. That is, when the stop operation for the left stop button 7L is detected for the first time, the number of sliding pieces of the left reel 3L is set to a predetermined numerical value (that is, “0”, “2”, or “4”). When the determination is made, based on the bell search parameter table A as it is, the reel stop control according to the second stop operation and the third stop operation is performed. On the other hand, when the stop operation for the left stop button 7L is first detected, the number of sliding pieces of the left reel 3L is different from a predetermined value (that is, “1” and “3”). If any one of them is determined, the bell search parameter table A is changed to the bell search parameter table B. Then, based on the bell search parameter table B, the reel rotation stop control according to the second stop operation and the third stop operation is performed.

  Next, the search order table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The search order table defines search orders 1 to 5 for searching whether or not the number of sliding frames is applicable from a predetermined numerical range 0 to 4. The search order table is provided with five types of search order tables 1 to 5, and the contents of the search order are different. For example, in the search order table 1, the number of sliding frames “0” in the search order 1, the number of sliding frames “2” in the search order 2, the number of sliding frames “4” in the search order 3, and the number of sliding frames “1” in the search order 4 ”And the search order 5 define the number of sliding frames“ 3 ”.

  In the search order table, when there are a plurality of sliding symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination, the search order is preferentially determined as the number of upper sliding symbols. Further, for example, the search order table 1 defines the number of sliding frames “0” as the search order 1, and the search order table 2 defines the number of sliding frames “1” as the search order 1. Each of the order tables 1 to 5 is different in the type of the number of sliding frames having the highest priority.

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

  When an internal winning combination is determined by the internal winning combination determination table, it is stored (stored) in this internal winning combination storing area. Specifically, each of bits 0 to 5 corresponds to each of cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, and RB. The structure of the display combination storage area for storing the display combination determined by the above-described symbol combination table has the same contents as the internal winning combination storage area.

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

  When the RB is determined as the internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determination table, it is stored in the carryover combination storing area. The structure of the carryover combination storage area is the same as the internal winning combination described above. The data stored in the carryover combination storage area is cleared when the RB operation is started. That is, when the RB is determined, the data is stored until the operation of the RB is started (so-called carry-over). Then, while data is stored in the carryover combination storage area, the stored data is determined as an internal winning combination regardless of the extracted random number value. In addition, since the carryover combination is determined based on the internal winning combination, it can be said to be a subordinate concept of the internal winning combination.

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

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

  When the power is turned on, first, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1). In this initialization process, a process of restoring the register data and execution address stored in the RAM 33 when the power is shut off is performed. Next, the CPU 31 initializes the designated storage area in the RAM 33 (step S2). As a result, data stored in the internal winning combination storing area or the like of the RAM 33 is initialized.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a medal acceptance / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 (step S3). In this process, the insertion number counter and the like are updated based on input checks of the insertion medal sensor 22S and the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S, and input of the start switch 6S is checked.

  Next, the CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in the random value storage area (step S4). Next, the CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process (step S5). Specifically, if the RB operating flag is ON, an identifier (flag) indicating the RB gaming state is stored in the RAM 33, and if the RB operating flag is OFF, the identifier indicating the general gaming state is stored in the RAM 33. Is done.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 (step S6). In this process, it is determined whether the extracted random number value belongs to which numerical range specified in the internal lottery table, and the internal winning combination is determined based on the determination result. Next, the CPU 31 determines a search parameter table based on the winning number storage area (step S7). In this process, the search parameter table is determined based on the search parameter table determination table and the winning number stored in the winning number storage area.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S8). The start command includes data such as an internal winning combination and a gaming state. Next, the CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all reels (step S9). When the start of rotation of all reels is requested, processing for starting rotation of the reels is performed in an interrupt process (see FIG. 25) described later. When the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R reaches a constant speed, an identifier indicating that the pressing operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is effective is stored in the RAM 33, and the pressing operation is validated. Done.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 20 (step S10). In this process, the number of sliding pieces is determined based on the search parameter table and the search order table, and the process of stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed based on the determined number of sliding pieces.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs processing for determining a display combination and a payout number based on the symbol combination table (step S11). Specifically, a combination of symbols specified in the symbol combination table and a combination of symbols displayed by the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R (more precisely, a combination of three symbols arranged along each effective line) ) Is compared with each other to determine whether or not they match. When they match, the corresponding display combination and the payout number are determined, and the display combination storage area and the payout number counter are updated. When replay is determined, the insertion number counter is copied to the automatic insertion counter. If they do not match, the display combination is lost. In this way, when all the reels are stopped by the reel stop means, it is determined whether or not a prize is won based on the combination of symbols displayed by the symbol display means.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a display command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S12). The display command includes data such as the determined display combination. Next, the CPU 31 performs medal payout processing (step S13). Specifically, the hopper 40 is controlled and the credit counter is updated based on the payout number counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S14). When determining that the RB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 24 (step S15). In this process, the game possible number counter and the winning possible number counter stored in the RAM 33 are updated when the RB is activated, and the bonus operation is terminated based on these updated counters.

  After determining that the RB operating flag is not on after step S15 or at step S14, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. 23 (step S16). In this process, a process for starting the operation of the bonus is performed based on the determination as to whether or not the display combination is RB.

  As described above, the CPU 31 executes steps S2 to S16 as processing in the unit game, and when step S16 ends, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S2 to execute processing in the next unit game.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not it is a charging process (step S51). Specifically, when the inserted medal sensor 22S or the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are on, it is determined that the insertion process is being performed. At this time, if the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are on, the type is specified, and based on the inserted number counter for counting the inserted number and the credit counter for counting the number of credited medals. Then, a value to be added to the insertion number counter for counting the number of insertions is calculated.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S51 that it is the insertion process, it updates the insertion number counter or the credit counter (step S52). In this process, when addition of the insertion number counter is prohibited, the credit counter is updated instead of the insertion number counter.

  Although not shown, in the medal acceptance / start check process, before step S51, it is determined whether the automatic insertion counter is 0, and when it is determined that the counter is not 0, The process of copying the counter to the inserted number counter is performed, and subsequent addition of the inserted number counter is prohibited. The automatic insertion counter is data for identifying whether or not a combination of symbols related to replay has been displayed in the previous unit game, and for specifying the number of insertions in the previous unit game.

  Next, the CPU 31 stores 5 in the effective line counter (step S53). The valid line counter is data for specifying the number of valid lines. In the present embodiment, 5 is stored in the effective line counter regardless of the value of the insertion number counter. Next, the CPU 31 transmits a bet command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S54). The bet command includes data on the number of inserted sheets.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S55). When determining that the RB operating flag is not on, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter is 3 (step S56). When the CPU 31 determines that the insertion number counter is 3 or when it is determined in step S55 that the RB operating flag is on, the addition of the insertion number counter is prohibited (step S57).

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S51 that it is not the insertion process after step S57 or when it is determined in step S56 that the insertion number counter is not 3, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter is 1 or more ( Step S58). When the CPU 31 determines that the insertion number counter is not 1 or more, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S51.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S58 that the inserted number counter is 1 or more, the CPU 31 prohibits addition of the inserted number counter and determines whether the start switch 6S is on (step S59). When the CPU 31 determines that the start switch 6S is not on, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S51. If the CPU 31 determines that the start switch 6S is on, it ends the medal acceptance / start check process and proceeds to step S4 in FIG.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries based on the gaming state and the internal lottery table determination table (step S91). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB identifier is stored in the carryover combination storage area (step S92). When determining that the RB identifier is stored in the carryover combination storage area, the CPU 31 changes the number of lotteries to 4 (step S93). As a result, when there is a carryover combination, the RB is not determined redundantly.

  After determining that the RB identifier is not stored in the carryover combination storage area after step S93 or in step S92, the CPU 31 sets the same value as the number of lotteries as the winning number (step S94). Next, the CPU 31 compares the random number value stored in the random number value storage area with the lower limit value and the upper limit value according to the number of inserted sheets (step S95). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value (step S96).

  When determining that the random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value in step S96, the CPU 31 refers to the internal winning combination determination table and determines the internal winning combination based on the winning number (step S97). Next, the CPU 31 stores the set winning number in the winning number storage area of the RAM 33 (step S98). That is, in this process, the winning number storage area (initial value is 0) is updated.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the internal winning combination is RB (step S99). When determining that the internal winning combination is RB, the CPU 31 sets the identifier in the carryover combination storing area based on the internal winning combination (step S100).

  After determining that the internal symbol combination is not RB after step S100 or in step S99, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the internal symbol combination and the carryover combination storage area in the internal symbol combination storage area (step S101). For example, if the RB is carried over and the bell is determined, the data in the internal winning combination storing area is “00010010”.

  After determining that the random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value after step S101 or in step S96, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the number of lotteries (step S102). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (step S103). When the CPU 31 determines that the number of lotteries is not 0, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S94.

  When determining that the number of lotteries is 0 in step S103, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination storing area and the carryover combination storing area in the internal winning combination storing area (step S104). As a result of this processing, if the data in the internal winning combination storing area is “00000000”, a so-called loss occurs. When this process ends, the internal lottery process ends, and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop switch is turned on (step S121). When determining that the effective stop switch is not turned on, the CPU 31 repeats the process of step S121. When so-called automatic stop is performed, it may be determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start switch 6S was turned on.

  When determining that the valid stop switch is turned on in step S121, the CPU 31 specifies the type of the stop button and invalidates the corresponding stop switch (step S122). That is, an identifier indicating that the pressing operation of the corresponding stop button is invalid is stored in the RAM 33.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a priority pull-in control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 (step S123). In this priority pull-in control process, the stop start position of the corresponding reel is determined based on the stop start position of the corresponding reel, the internal winning combination stored in the internal winning combination storing area, and the search order specified in the search order table. Among symbols from a symbol to a symbol within a predetermined range (that is, the maximum number of sliding pieces 4), a symbol that matches the internal winning combination and that has the highest search order is determined. A process for determining the number of sliding pieces up to the symbol is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 shifts to a stop control position wait (step S124). For example, if the determined number of sliding pieces is “2” and the stop start position is “20”, the stop control position is determined to be “1”. When the stop control position is determined, a process for stopping the rotation of the reel is performed based on the stop control position in an interrupt process (see FIG. 25) described later. It should be noted that the number of sliding pieces and the stop control position are in an equivalent relationship because when one is determined, the other is also determined.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S125). The reel stop command includes data such as the type of the stopped reel. Next, the CPU 31 performs a control change process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 (step S126). In this process, when a stop operation is detected for the left stop button 7L for the first time, a process for redetermining the search parameter table based on the determined number of sliding pieces of the left reel 3L and the control change table is performed. Is called.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid (step S127). When the CPU 31 determines that there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is effective, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S121. On the other hand, when the CPU 31 determines that there is no stop button for which the pressing operation is valid, the CPU 31 ends the reel stop control process and proceeds to step S11 in FIG.

  Next, the priority pull-in control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines search status data based on the search parameter table and the symbol counter (step S141). Next, the CPU 31 sets 5 as the number of checks (step S142).

  Next, the CPU 31 extracts the number of sliding pieces corresponding to the search order equivalent to the number of checks based on the search order table (step S143). Next, the CPU 31 acquires a symbol position based on the extracted number of sliding symbols and the symbol counter (step S144). For example, if the symbol counter of the corresponding reel is “0” and the number of sliding symbols is “1”, “1” is acquired as the symbol position.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the symbol position matches the internal winning combination (step S145). For example, based on the acquired symbol position, it is determined whether or not there is a symbol combination that can be displayed for the internal symbol combination among the symbols displayed in the upper, middle, and lower rows of the corresponding display window. Is done.

  More specifically, in the case of an internal winning combination relating to the granting of a privilege (more strictly, an internal winning combination relating to a combination of symbols specified in the symbol combination table, for example, a bell), a combination of symbols related thereto When it is possible to display (for example, a combination of symbols related to a bell), it is impossible to display a combination of symbols related to an internal winning combination (for example, a bell) related to the provision of a privilege. If it is one of the cases where the display of the combination of symbols related to the grant of a privilege can be avoided when the winning combination is an internal winning combination, it is determined that the symbol position matches the internal winning combination. Is done. On the other hand, for example, when the third stop operation is performed, if the player is a predetermined internal winning combination (for example, bell) related to the provision of a privilege, a combination of other symbols related to the provision of a privilege different from that (for example, a bell) When it is impossible to avoid the display of the combination of symbols relating to watermelon), and when it is impossible to avoid the display of the combination of symbols relating to the granting of benefits when the internal winning combination is lost It is determined that the symbol position does not match the internal winning combination.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S145 that the symbol position matches the internal winning combination, it saves the number of extracted sliding symbols (step S146). The number of sliding pieces evacuated is temporarily determined. When the CPU 31 determines that the symbol position does not match the internal winning combination after step S146 or in step S145, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the number of checks (step S147). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of checks is 0 (step S148). When the CPU 31 determines that the number of checks is not 0, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S143.

  When determining that the number of checks is 0 in step S148, the CPU 31 restores the number of sliding pieces that have been evacuated and determines the number of sliding pieces (step S149). Next, the CPU 31 determines a stop control position based on the symbol counter and the determined number of sliding symbols (step S150). When this process ends, the priority pull-in control process ends, and the process proceeds to step S124 in FIG.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the effective stop switch is 2 (step S161). That is, it is determined whether or not there are two stop buttons for which the pressing operation is effective, and it is determined whether or not the first stopping operation has been performed. When the CPU 31 determines that the effective stop switch is not 2, the control change process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S127 in FIG.

  When determining that the effective stop switch is 2 in step S161, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the left stop button 7L has been pressed (step S162). When the CPU 31 determines that the left stop button 7L is not pressed, the CPU 31 ends the control change process and proceeds to step S127 in FIG.

  When determining that the left stop button 7L has been pressed in step S162, the CPU 31 re-determines the search parameter table based on the control change table (step S163). Specifically, the search parameter table is re-determined based on the number of sliding pieces of the left reel 3L and the control change table determined when the left stop button 7L is pressed as the first stop operation. When this process ends, the control change process ends, and the process proceeds to step S127 in FIG.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is RB (step S171). If the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is not RB, it ends the bonus operation check process and proceeds to step S2 in FIG. When determining that the display combination is RB, the CPU 31 performs a bonus activation process based on the bonus activation table (step S172). Next, the CPU 31 clears the carryover combination storage area (step S173). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a winning is achieved (step S181). When determining that a winning has been established, the CPU 31 decrements the winning possible number counter by 1 (step S182). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning possible number counter is 0 (step S183).

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S183 that the winable number counter is not 0, or in step S181, it is determined that no win has been established, the gameable number counter is decremented by 1 (step S184). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the possible game number counter is 0 (step S185). When the CPU 31 determines that the possible game number counter is not 0, it ends the bonus end check process and proceeds to step S16 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines that the possible game number counter is 0 in step S185 or determines that the possible game number counter is 0 in step S183, the CPU 31 performs an RB end time process (step S186). Specifically, the RB operating flag, the winning possible number counter, and the possible gaming number counter are cleared. When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S16 in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 25, a description will be given of an interrupt process with a period of 1.1173 ms, which is performed under the control of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71. FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 saves the register (step S191). Next, the CPU 31 performs an input port check process (step S192). Specifically, the CPU 31 checks the input of signals from each switch.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process (step S193). Specifically, if a reel rotation start request is made, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate and rotate at a constant speed. If the stop control position is determined, the rotation is decelerated and stopped after the symbol counter of the reel is updated to the same value as the stop control position. For example, if the symbol counter is “0” and the stop control position is “4”, the reel rotation is stopped when the symbol counter is updated to “4”.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a lamp / 7SEG drive process (step S194). Specifically, the CPU 31 performs processing such as lighting of the bet lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c based on the insertion number counter and displaying the number of payouts on the information display unit 18. Next, the CPU 31 restores the register (step S195). When this process ends, the interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms ends.

  Hereinafter, the operations of the reel stop control process (FIG. 20), the priority pull-in control process (FIG. 21), and the control change process (FIG. 22) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 shows a display example of combinations of symbols displayed by the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R based on the search parameter table and the search order table. In the following, the case where the winning search parameter table B is redetermined when the winning number 2 (that is, the bell) is stored in the winning number storage area will be described as “pattern 1”. The case where A is determined again will be described as “pattern 2”.

[Pattern 1]
In the following, for pattern 1, the stop start position of the left reel 3L corresponding to the first stop operation, the middle reel 3C corresponding to the second stop operation, and the right reel 3R corresponding to the third stop operation is “0”. Will be described as an example.

  First, since 2 (that is, bell) is stored in the winning number storage area, the bell search parameter table A is determined based on the search parameter table determination table.

(First stop operation)
In the priority pull-in control process, since the left stop button 7L is pressed when the symbol counter is “0”, the search order table “2” corresponding to the stop start position “0” is based on the bell search parameter table A. Is determined. Next, “5”, which is the total number of numerical values (0 to 4) that can be taken as the number of sliding pieces, is set as the number of checks.

  Next, based on the search order table “2”, the number of sliding pieces “4” corresponding to the search order “5” having the same value as the current number of checks “5” is extracted. Then, the symbol position “4” obtained by adding the number of sliding symbols “4” extracted to the stop start position “0” is acquired. Based on the symbol position “4” of the left reel 3L, the symbols displayed in the corresponding left display window 4L are the watermelon at symbol position “5” at the upper level, the cherry at symbol position “4” at the middle level, and the symbol position at the lower level. “3” watermelons are identified. Each of these symbols does not include “bell”, which is a symbol related to the internal winning combination, and it is impossible to display a combination of symbols related to the bell. However, as described above, the symbol matches the internal winning combination. Since the position is determined, the number of sliding pieces “4” is saved and the number of checks is decremented by 1.

  Similarly, the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the search order equivalent to the number of checks to be subtracted one by one is extracted, and the symbol position acquired based on this is a symbol position that matches the internal symbol combination. Is determined. Here, the symbol positions “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3” can display a combination of symbols related to the bell, and are symbol positions that match the internal winning combination. Among these, the number of sliding symbols “1” at the symbol position “1” having the highest search order (that is, corresponding to the search order “1”) is determined as the most appropriate number of sliding symbols, and the stop control position “ 1 "is determined. When the rotation of the left reel 3L is stopped based on the stop control position “1”, as shown in (1) of FIG. 26, the left display window 4L has a bell at the upper stage, a replay at the middle stage, and a lower stage. The watermelon is displayed on the screen.

  Next, in the control change process, the bell search parameter table B is redetermined based on the determined number of sliding pieces “1” and the control change table. As a result, the search parameter table is changed from the bell search parameter table A to the bell search parameter table B.

(Second stop operation)
In the priority pull-in control process, since the stop start position of the middle reel 3C is “0”, the search order table “1” is determined based on the bell search parameter table B.

  Next, based on the search order table “1”, the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the search order equivalent to the number of checks from “5” to “1” is extracted, and the symbol position acquired based on this is the internal symbol position. It is determined whether or not the symbol position matches the winning combination. Here, the symbol positions “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” are symbol positions that match the internal winning combination. In addition, based on the symbol positions “0”, “3”, and “4”, a bell is displayed on either the upper or middle stage of the middle display window 4C, and a bell is displayed on either the top line 8b or the cross-down line 8e. Since two symbols are arranged, it is possible to display a combination of symbols related to bells at these symbol positions. Among these, the number of sliding pieces “0” having the highest search order (that is, corresponding to the search order “1”) is determined as the most appropriate number of sliding pieces, and the stop control position “0” is determined. . When the rotation of the middle reel 3C is stopped based on the stop control position “0”, as shown in FIG. 26 (2), the middle display window 4C has a replay on the upper stage, a bell on the middle stage, and a lower stage. The watermelon is displayed on the screen.

(Third stop operation)
In the priority pull-in control process, since the stop start position of the right reel 3R is “0”, the search order table “4” is determined based on the bell search parameter table B.

  Next, based on the search order table “4”, the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the search order equivalent to the number of checks from “5” to “1” is extracted, and the symbol position acquired based on this is the internal symbol position. It is determined whether or not the symbol position matches the winning combination. Here, symbol positions “0”, “1”, “3” and “4” except for symbol position “2” where display of the combination of symbols relating to watermelon is unavoidable match the internal winning combination. It becomes. Based on the symbol position “3”, a bell is displayed in the lower part of the middle display window 4C, and three bells are arranged on the cross-down line 8e, so that the symbol position can display a combination of symbols related to the bell. Become. Among these, the number of sliding pieces “3” having the highest search order (that is, corresponding to the search order “1”) is determined as the most appropriate number of sliding pieces, and the stop control position “3” is determined. . When the rotation of the right reel 3R is stopped based on the stop control position “3”, the right display window 4R is replayed in the upper stage, blue 7 and A bell is displayed at the bottom. As a result, in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, three bells of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged along the cross-down line 8e, and a combination of symbols related to the bell is displayed.

[Pattern 2]
In pattern 1, the stop start position of the left reel 3L corresponding to the first stop operation is “0”, but in pattern 2, the stop start position of the left reel 3L corresponding to the first stop operation is “1”. ”Will be described as an example.

  First, since 2 (that is, bell) is stored in the winning number storage area, the bell search parameter table A is determined based on the search parameter table determination table.

(First stop operation)
In the priority pull-in control process, since the stop start position of the left reel 3L is “1”, the search order table “1” is determined based on the bell search parameter table A.

  Next, based on the search order table “1”, the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the search order equivalent to the number of checks from “5” to “1” is extracted, and the symbol position acquired based on this is the internal symbol position. It is determined whether or not the symbol position matches the winning combination. Here, the symbol positions “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, and “5” are symbol positions that match the internal winning combination, and the search order is the highest (that is, the search order “1”). The number of sliding pieces “0” (corresponding to) is determined as the most appropriate number of sliding pieces, and the stop control position “1” is determined. When the rotation of the left reel 3L is stopped based on the stop control position “1”, as shown in (4) of FIG. 26, the left display window 4L has a bell at the upper stage, a replay at the middle stage, and a lower stage. The watermelon is displayed on the screen.

  Next, in the control change process, the bell search parameter table A is redetermined based on the determined number of sliding pieces “0” and the control change table.

(Second stop operation)
In the priority pull-in control process, since the stop start position of the middle reel 3C is “0”, the search order table “4” is determined based on the bell search parameter table A.

  Next, based on the search order table “4”, the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the search order equivalent to the number of checks from “5” to “1” is extracted, and the symbol position acquired based on this is the internal symbol position. Whether or not the symbol position matches the winning combination is sequentially determined. Here, the symbol positions “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” are symbol positions that match the internal winning combination, and the search order is the highest (that is, the search order “1”). Is determined as the most appropriate number of sliding pieces, and the stop control position “3” is determined. When the rotation of the middle reel 3C is stopped based on the stop control position “3”, as shown in FIG. 26 (5), the middle display window 4C has a bell at the upper stage, a watermelon at the middle stage, and a lower stage. A cherry appears on the screen.

(Third stop operation)
In the priority pull-in control process, since the stop start position of the right reel 3R is “0”, the search order table “2” is determined based on the bell search parameter table A.

  Next, based on the search order table “2”, the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the search order equivalent to the number of checks from “5” to “1” is extracted, and the symbol position acquired based on this is the internal symbol position. It is determined whether or not the symbol position matches the winning combination. Here, the symbol positions “1”, “2”, and “3” are symbol positions that match the internal winning combination, and the number of sliding symbols “that corresponds to the search order“ 1 ”” is the highest in the search order. 1 ”is determined as the most appropriate number of sliding pieces, and the stop control position“ 1 ”is determined. When the rotation of the right reel 3R is stopped based on the stop control position “1”, as shown in (6) of FIG. 26, the right display window 4R has a bell at the upper stage, a watermelon at the middle stage, and a lower stage. Replay is displayed. As a result, in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, three bells of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged along the top line 8b, and a combination of symbols related to the bell is displayed. As described above, as a result of the rotation of the left reel 3L being stopped, the search parameter table is re-determined to be different based on the number of sliding symbols determined at this time, so that the display windows 4L, 4C and 4R are displayed. Various combinations of symbols can be made. As described above, even if the combination of symbols displayed in the left display window 4L is the same, the combination of symbols displayed in the other display windows 4C and 4R is determined depending on the determined number of sliding frames. Can be different.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the first stop operation is a pressing operation on the left stop button 7L, based on the number of sliding pieces determined according to the search order corresponding to the stop start position. The search parameter table used when the second stop operation and the third stop operation are performed is determined again. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a dedicated lottery process to redetermine the search parameter table, and it is possible to minimize the increase in data capacity of programs and tables required when this lottery process is performed. It is possible to reduce the burden on the system.

  Further, since the search parameter table is re-determined based on the number of sliding symbols determined as a result of the player's stop operation, the search parameter table to be used is re-determined, and hence the display window 4L. , 4C, 4R, the player's skill can be reflected in the change in the combination of symbols displayed. Furthermore, it becomes possible for the player to predict the type of the search parameter table to be determined by grasping the symbol position in which the search order in which the desired number of sliding symbols is determined is defined, particularly for the skilled player If so, it is possible to detect the internal winning combination determined by looking at the pull-in situation. Further, if the stop operation can be performed so that the desired number of sliding pieces is determined, a desired combination of symbols can be displayed on the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. As a result, it is possible to make it appear that the player is not acting on the determination of the search parameter table, and the player's interest in the game can be improved.

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

  Reel, symbol display means, start operation detection means, internal winning combination determination means, reel rotation means, stop operation detection means, symbol identification means, search parameter table storage means, search parameter table determination means, constituting the gaming machine The specific configurations of the search order determination unit, the number of sliding pieces determination unit, the reel stop unit, the search parameter table re-determination unit, etc. are not limited to the above-described elements of the present embodiment, and can be arbitrarily changed.

  In this embodiment, a bell is applied as an internal winning combination in which a plurality of types of search parameter tables are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an internal winning combination relating to the provision of other benefits may be applied. For example, replay can be applied, a replay search parameter table A and a replay search parameter table B can be provided, and each can be determined again according to the number of sliding symbols. In addition, although the internal winning combination having a plurality of types of search parameter tables is only one type of the bell, a plurality of internal winning combinations may be provided. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the combinations of symbols displayed by the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R more diverse.

  In the present embodiment, the bell search parameter table A is determined when the number of sliding pieces is “0”, “2”, and “4” in the control change table, and the number of sliding pieces is “1” and “ 3 ”, the bell search parameter table B is determined. However, the specific configuration of the number of sliding pieces related to the re-determination of the search parameter table can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the search parameter table A for the bell is determined when the value ranges “0” to “4” that can be taken as the number of sliding pieces are relatively large “2”, “3”, and “4”. The bell search parameter table B may be determined when the values are relatively small “0” and “1”. In this way, if the timing of the stop operation is more appropriate, different symbol combinations are displayed, so that it is possible to improve the player's technical intervention.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, two types of search parameter tables A and B search parameter table B are provided as a plurality of types of search parameter tables. Two or more types may be provided depending on the numerical value provided as a number. It becomes possible to make the combinations of symbols displayed by the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R more diverse.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the control change process is performed when the first stop operation is a pressing operation on the left stop button 7L. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first stop operation is a middle stop. The control change process may be performed when the pressing operation on the button 7C or the first stop operation is a pressing operation on the right stop button 7R. In this case, the configuration of the search parameter table can be arbitrarily changed according to the type of reel employed. Even if it does in this way, there exists an effect similar to this Embodiment.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the control change process is performed when the first stop operation is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control change process is performed when the second stop operation is performed. May be performed. In this case, for example, a configuration such as a symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel may be adopted so that two bells are arranged in two effective lines as a result of the second stop operation.

  In the present embodiment, when the start operation is detected as in the bell search parameter table A that defines the search order for all three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the first stop operation and the second stop operation are performed. The search parameter table used in the operation and the third stop operation is determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the start operation is detected, for example, any one of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is detected. A search parameter table that is used only for the first stop operation, such as a search parameter table that defines the search order for only one of them, is determined, and after one reel stops rotating based on the first stop operation, it corresponds to one reel Used for the second stop operation and the third stop operation based on the number of sliding pieces at least before the rotation of the other reels stops. It may be determined search parameters table.

  Also, the device configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3 and its peripheral devices, the table configurations shown in FIGS. 4 to 14, and the RAMs shown in FIGS. 15 to 16 applied in this embodiment. The configuration of the storage area, the configuration of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 17 to 25, and the like can be arbitrarily changed or modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

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

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

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

Explanation of symbols

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

Claims (2)

A plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface;
A symbol display means for displaying each of a plurality of symbols out of a plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel;
Start operation detecting means for detecting the start operation;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on detection of a start operation performed by the start operation detecting means;
When the start operation is detected by the start operation detection means, reel rotation means for rotating each reel,
Stop operation detecting means for detecting stop operation according to each reel;
A symbol specifying means for specifying a symbol at a predetermined position;
Search parameter table storage means for storing a plurality of types of search parameter tables that define a search order corresponding to the number of sliding pieces in a predetermined range for each symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel according to an internal winning combination; ,
Search parameter table determining means for determining one of a plurality of types of search parameter tables stored by the search parameter table storage means based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means;
When the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detecting means, a search order for determining a search order based on the symbol specified by the symbol specifying means and the search parameter table determined by the search parameter table determining means A determination means;
When the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detecting means, the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, the symbol specified by the symbol specifying means, and the search order determined by the search order determining means Based on the above, the number of sliding pieces determining means for determining the number of sliding pieces,
Reel stop means for stopping rotation of the corresponding reel based on the number of slide pieces determined by the number of slide pieces determining means;
The sliding piece determined by the sliding piece number determining means when the stopping operation detecting means according to at least one of the plurality of reels rotated by the reel rotating means is detected by the stopping operation detecting means. Search parameter table redetermining means for redetermining any one of a plurality of types of search parameter tables stored by the search parameter table storage means based on the number,
The search parameter table determination means includes
Based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, a first search parameter table is determined from among a plurality of types of search parameter tables stored by the search parameter table storage means,
The search parameter table redetermining means is:
When the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detecting unit according to at least one of the plurality of reels rotated by the reel rotating unit,
When the predetermined number of sliding symbols is determined by the number of sliding symbols determining unit, the first search parameter table is re-determined from the plurality of types of search parameter tables stored by the search parameter table storage unit,
When the specific number of sliding symbols different from the predetermined number of sliding symbols is determined by the number of sliding symbols determining means, the first parameter among the plurality of types of search parameter tables stored by the search parameter table storage means is determined. Re-determine a second search parameter table different from the search parameter table;
The search order determining means includes
When the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detecting unit according to the other reels excluding the at least one reel of the plurality of reels, the symbol specified by the symbol specifying unit and the search parameter table re- The search order is determined based on the search parameter table re-determined by the determining means ,
When the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detecting unit according to at least one of the plurality of reels rotated by the reel rotating unit, the position where the variation of the symbols stops is the same stop. Even when stopping at a special stop position that is a position, based on the number of sliding pieces determined by the number of sliding pieces determining means, other than the at least one reel of the plurality of reels is excluded. A gaming machine characterized in that the symbols displayed on the reels are different . The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of sliding pieces is set to a value smaller than the specific number of sliding pieces .

Images