JP4853702B2 - 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. Start of rotation of each reel based on a player's operation (hereinafter referred to as “start operation”) on the condition that a display is displayed so that the player can visually recognize the symbol and a medal is inserted A start switch that outputs a signal for requesting a stop, a stop switch that outputs a signal for requesting stop of rotation of the reel according to the type of the reel, based on an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”), Based on the signals output from the start switch and stop switch, a game machine including a control unit that controls the operation of the stepping motor and rotates and stops each reel. Chisuro is known. Normally, in such a pachislot, when the rotation of all the reels is stopped, whether or not to win is determined based on the combination of symbols displayed in the plurality of display windows, and based on the determination result The medals are paid out.

  Currently, in a mainstream gaming machine, when a start operation by the player is detected, an internal lottery is performed, and based on the result of the lottery and the timing of the stop operation by the player, the reel rotation is stopped. Is done. That is, even if a result related to winning is obtained by internal lottery (hereinafter, the internal lottery result type is referred to as “internal winning combination”), if the stop operation is not performed at an appropriate timing, The combination of symbols related to winning is not displayed. Therefore, the player is required to have a predetermined technique called “promotion”.

Recently, in the gaming machine as described above, it is determined whether or not there is a symbol combination related to winning in any of the 27 types of symbol combinations displayed by the plurality of display windows. A gaming machine has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-313447 A

  However, in the above conventional gaming machine, it is possible to display various combinations of 27 kinds of symbols, but since it is determined whether or not 27 kinds of combinations of symbols are awarded, The burden of processing related to the determination increases, and there is a risk that processing such as paying out medals based on the determination result will be delayed.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the types of symbol combinations to be determined for winning or not, but simply reducing the number of symbol combinations will attract the player's attention. The combination display becomes monotonous, which may reduce the interest of the player.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that reduces the processing burden associated with determining whether or not a prize is won and prevents the display of symbol combinations from becoming monotonous.

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

(1) A plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface, and a plurality of areas for displaying one symbol are provided for each of the plurality of reels, thereby being arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the plurality of reels. a symbol display means to respectively display a part of a plurality of symbols of the plurality of symbols, a start operation detecting hand stage for detecting a start operation, the inside based on the detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detection means the internal winning combination determination means to determine a winning combination, the detection of the start operation is performed by the start operation detection means, the reel rotating camera stage for performing each rotation of said plurality of reels, the type of the plurality of reels a stop operation detection hand stage to detect the response stop operation, when the detection of the stop operation by the stop operation detection means is performed, the reel stop means to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel, the game medium in the unit game To the number of inputs Regardless, means for setting only one predetermined line among a plurality of lines each connecting a plurality of areas provided for each of the plurality of reels as an effective line, and displayed on the one line A winning combination determining means for determining whether or not to win based on a combination of symbols and a symbol combination table in which the combination of symbols related to winning is defined, and the symbol combination table includes a peripheral surface of a specific reel. The timing of the stop operation in which the first symbol arranged is displayed in the one area, and the specific symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of one reel different from the specific reel is detected by the stop operation detecting means Regardless of which symbol displayed on the one area and arranged on the peripheral surface of the other reel different from the specific reel is displayed on the one area, the winning determination means Winning and winning A combination of the first symbol a predetermined number of game media are paid out is, when the second symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the particular reel is displayed in the one area, the peripheral surface of the other reel also provided any symbols are is displayed in the one area, the even by winning determination means and combining the second symbol is determined to win Ru is paid out a predetermined number of game media is small are defined When the second symbol is arranged one above and one below the first symbol on the peripheral surface of the specific reel, and the combination of the second symbols is displayed on the one line A gaming machine , wherein the first symbol is displayed in an area above or below the second symbol displayed on the specific reel .

  According to this gaming machine, when the rotation of the plurality of reels is stopped, the symbols displayed on one line formed by connecting one predetermined region among the plurality of regions provided for each of the plurality of reels. Whether to win or not is determined based on the combination. In other words, the types of symbol combinations that are the targets for determining whether or not a prize is won are reduced as compared with the prior art. Therefore, compared to a conventional gaming machine that determines whether or not to win based on a combination of a plurality of types of symbols, it is possible to reduce the processing burden related to whether or not to win.

  In addition, when the first symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the specific reel is displayed in another region different from the one region, the second symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the specific reel To be displayed in the area. In addition, when the second symbol is displayed in one area, a winning is determined regardless of which symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the other reel is displayed in the one area. That is, when the first symbol is displayed in another area that is not related to the determination of whether or not a prize is received, the second symbol is displayed in one area related to the determination of whether or not a prize is received. The winning will be decided by. Therefore, even if the first symbol is displayed in another area that is not related to the determination of whether or not a prize is won (that is, regardless of the area where the first symbol is displayed), it is as if the winning is determined. It can be shown to the player. As a result, since the player's attention will be paid to the symbols displayed in other areas regardless of whether or not the winning is determined, the symbol combination display on the symbol display means becomes monotonous. It becomes possible to prevent and to improve the interest of the game.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden of processing related to determination of whether or not a prize is won and to prevent the display of the combination of symbols from becoming monotonous.

  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 (see FIG. 3) 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. In the center of the panel display portion 2, three vertically long rectangular display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided as symbol display areas. Is provided. 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. In addition, each display window 4L, 4C, 4R displays one symbol in each of the upper, middle, or lower display areas in each display window 4L, 4C, 4R, and is arranged on the peripheral surface of the corresponding reel. Three symbols are displayed.

  Further, the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided with five lines that connect any one of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Specifically, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, a bottom line 8d, a cross-up line 8a, and a cross-down line 8e are provided.

  The center line 8c is a line formed by connecting the middle regions of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. The top line 8b is a line formed by connecting the upper regions of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The bottom line 8d is a line formed by connecting the lower regions of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The cross-up line 8a is a line formed by connecting the lower display window 4L, the middle display window 4C, and the upper display area 4R. The cross-down line 8e is a line that connects the upper display area of the left display window 4L, the intermediate display window 4C, and the lower display window 4R. The middle stage of each display window 4L, 4C, 4R is an example of a predetermined area among a plurality of areas provided for each of the plurality of reels. The upper or lower stage of each display window 4L, 4C, 4R is an example of another area that is different from the predetermined one area. The center line 8c is an example of one line formed by connecting the predetermined areas. The top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross-up line 8a, or the cross-down line 8e is an example of a line formed by connecting other areas different from the predetermined area.

  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.

  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. When a medal is inserted from the medal slot 22, the center line 8c is activated among the above-mentioned five lines (the activated line is generally referred to as an “effective line”). Further, when more than three medals are continuously inserted from the medal insertion slot 22, they are stored in the gaming machine 1 (so-called “credit”). In the gaming machine 1, medals are used as gaming media, but the gaming media used in the gaming machine 1 are not limited to this, and a card storing information such as the number of medals in addition to coins, gaming balls or tokens. Etc. are also applicable.

  On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5, a unit game from a credited medal (for example, the minimum unit from the start of reel rotation until the reel rotation stops and whether or not a prize is determined is 1). A 1-bet button 11, a 2-bet button 12, and a maximum bet button 13 are provided for determining the number of medals to be inserted in one game. From the credited medal, one is inserted by operating the 1-bet button 11, two are inserted by operating the 2-bet button 12, and three are inserted by operating the maximum bet button 13.

  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”). The 1-bet lamp 9a is turned on when the inserted number is 1, the 2-bet lamp 9b is turned on when the inserted number is 2, and the maximum bet lamp 9c is turned on when the inserted number is 3.

  An information display section 18 is provided below the BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c. The information display unit 18 is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays the number of medals stored in the gaming machine 1, the number of medals to be paid out to the player (hereinafter referred to as “paid-out number”), and the like.

  Further, above the bet buttons 11, 12, and 13, an operation unit 17 including a cross key, a selection button, and a determination 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.

  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 by a start operation to start changing the symbols displayed in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. ing.

  A stop button 7L provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 5 in correspondence with the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. , 7C, 7R are provided.

  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 emit light with a light emission pattern according to the game situation, and an effect related to the game is performed.

  Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 16. Sounds such as sound effects and music corresponding to the game situation are output from the speakers 21L and 21R, and effects related to the game are performed.

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

  Twenty-one 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), white is assigned to each area. 7 (symbol 62), BAR (symbol 63), watermelon (symbol 64), bell (symbol 65), pavilion (symbol 66), replay (symbol 67), red cherry (symbol 68), white cherry (symbol 69), Or each symbol of the star (symbol 70) is arranged. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

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

  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. By using the extracted random number value, an internal lottery process described later is performed, and predetermined information (for example, a winning number described later) is determined.

  The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 has programs related to the processing of the CPU 31 (for example, see FIGS. 14 to 22 to be described later), various tables such as an internal lottery table to be described later (for example, see FIGS. Various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the control circuit 72 are stored.

  Various data obtained by the processing of the CPU 31 are stored in the RAM 33. For example, a storage area for storing an internal winning combination described later (for example, see FIGS. 11 to 13 described later) is provided. These data are transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 by the above-described command.

  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 driving of the bed lamps 9a, 9b, 9c. As a result, the bet lamps 9a, 9b, 9c are turned on and off.

  The display unit driving circuit 48 drives and controls the information display unit 18. As a result, various information (such as the number of credits) is displayed on the information display unit 18.

  The hopper drive circuit 41 drives and controls the hopper 40. Thereby, the medal accommodated in the hopper 40 is paid out.

  The motor drive circuit 39 outputs pulses from the main control circuit 71 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, and controls driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. As a result, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated and stopped.

  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, by outputting 16 pulses to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, 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 position counter is incremented by one. The symbol position 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. The center line 8c is an example of a predetermined position.

  That is, when the value of the symbol position counter becomes “0” by detecting the reel index, the symbol corresponding to the symbol position “0” is in the center line 8c. As a result, the symbol position counter and the symbol position are It is associated. Therefore, by referring to the symbol position counter, the symbol on the center line 8c can be specified.

  In the present embodiment, the symbol on the center line 8c is specified by the symbol position counter, but the predetermined position where the symbol is specified by the symbol position counter can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the reel index may be detected such that the symbol at the symbol position “0” is positioned on the top line 8b or the bottom line 8d. In this case, the symbol on the top line 8b (or the bottom line 8d) is specified by the symbol position counter.

  The input unit of the microcomputer 30 is connected to switches and the like, and outputs a predetermined signal that triggers 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 a player's pressing operation (that is, an 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 (that is, insertion 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 a reel index indicating that the reel has made one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 30.

  The payout completion signal circuit 51 detects that the number of medals (that is, the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) has reached the designated payout number by the medal detection unit 40S, and sends the detected signal to the microcomputer 30. Output.

  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 information, light emission pattern information, sound information, 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 the 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 determines and displays an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined effect data, determines and outputs a lighting pattern such as the LED lamp 101, and the effect sound and effect output from the speakers 21L and 21R. Determine and output sound.

  In addition, the operation unit 17 and the volume control unit 103 are connected to the sub-control circuit 72, and an image and sound are output based on signals output from them.

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

  The symbol arrangement table represents the configuration of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R as data. That is, in the symbol arrangement table, red 7, white 7, BAR, watermelon, bell, hall, replay, red cherry, white cherry, and stars are defined in the same arrangement as in FIG. Each symbol type is represented by 1-byte data as shown. For example, data indicating red 7 is “00000001” and data indicating a star is “00001010”.

  In the symbol arrangement table, the symbol position “0” corresponding to the symbol position counter described above is defined as the symbol position “0” when the reel index is detected. A symbol type corresponding to each symbol position is defined. Accordingly, the symbols on the center line 8c of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and their types can be specified based on the symbol arrangement table and the symbol position counter. For example, if the symbol position counter of the right reel 3R is “16”, it is specified that red 7 (symbol 61) of the symbol position “16” of the right reel 3R is on the center line 8c. Further, by referring to the symbol position counter and the symbol arrangement table, not only the symbol on the center line 8c but also the symbol adjacent to the symbol and its type 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 20 times. In the regular bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”) gaming state, the internal lottery table for the RB gaming state is determined, and the number of lotteries is determined to be eight.

  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 (that is, a range of random values) of random numbers assigned according to each winning number are defined. The winning number is data used when determining an internal winning combination based on an internal winning combination determining table described later.

  In the internal lottery table, a search is made as to whether or not the random number value extracted from the range of “0 to 65535” is included in the range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value of the random number value assigned to each of the aforementioned winning numbers (ie, , Which random number value range belongs to) is performed in descending order of the winning number. When the extracted random number value is included in the range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value, the corresponding winning number is determined. The aforementioned number of lotteries indicates the number of times this search is performed. In addition, as a result of the search for the number of lotteries, if the winning number does not correspond to any winning number, the winning number 0 (that is, lost) is determined.

  (1) of FIG. 6 shows the internal lottery table for general gaming states. In the internal lottery table for a general gaming state, a lower limit value and an upper limit value of random numbers assigned to the winning numbers 1 to 20 are defined according to the number of inserted games 1 to 3. Here, the winning probability of each winning number is calculated by “the number obtained by adding 1 to the difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value specified for each winning number / the number of all random numbers generated (that is, 65536)”. be able to. In the internal lottery table, basically, as the number of inserted sheets increases, the winning probability tends to increase stepwise.

  (2) of FIG. 6 shows the internal lottery table for RB gaming state. In the RB gaming state, the maximum inserted number is determined to be 1. Therefore, in the RB gaming state internal lottery table, only the inserted number 1 has a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to each of the winning numbers 1 to 9. It is prescribed. In the RB gaming state internal lottery table, the winning probability of winning number 5 (that is, bell 1 described later), winning number 6 (that is, bell 2 described later), and winning number 7 (that is, bell 3 described later) is won. 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, red cherry 1, red cherry 2, white cherry 1, white cherry 2, bell 1, bell 2, bell 3, watermelon 1, watermelon 2, special 1, Special 2, special 3, special 4, special 5, replay 1, replay 2, BB1, BB2, BB3, and RB are defined. Each internal winning combination type is represented by 3 bytes of data as shown in the figure, and a bit corresponding to the internal winning combination type is turned on. For example, data indicating red cherry 1 is represented by bit 0 being turned on, and RB is represented by bit 19 being turned on.

  If the winning number is determined by the internal lottery table described above, the internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number is determined. Therefore, the determination of the winning number and the determination of the internal winning combination are equivalent. I can say that.

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

  In the gaming machine 1, basically, after the signal is output from the stop switch 7S, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled within 190 msec, and the so-called number of sliding frames is set to a maximum of 4 frames. Has been.

  The number of sliding symbols is the number of symbols that pass through the center line 8c 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 position counter updated after the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S.

  For example, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol position counter of the corresponding reel when the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S (that is, the symbol position at which the rotation of the reel starts to be stopped, this is referred to as “stop start position”. ) Is “0” and the determined number of sliding symbols is “4”, it is possible to stop the rotation of the reel so that the symbol at the symbol position “4” is displayed on the center line 8c. In this way, the reel rotation stop control that allows the symbols within the predetermined range from the stop start position (that is, within the range of the maximum number of sliding frames) 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 frames is drawn from the stop start position and stopped is referred to as “scheduled stop position”.

  In the priority order table, a priority order in which pull-in is preferentially performed between types of internal winning combinations (or between types of symbols) is defined. Specifically, priority orders 1 to 3 are defined according to the type of the internal winning combination, and “Replay 1, Replay 2,” “BB1, BB2, BB3, RB”, "Red Cherry 1, Red Cherry 2, White Cherry 1, White Cherry 2, Bell 1, Bell 2, Bell 3, Watermelon 1, Watermelon 2, Special 1, Special 2, Special 3, Special 4, Special 5" are specified respectively. Has been. In each priority order, predetermined internal winning combinations such as replay 1 and replay 2 are grouped, and one priority order is defined. Priorities among grouped internal winning combinations are equal.

  By referring to the priority order table, when two or more types of internal winning combinations are determined, it is determined which type of internal winning combination is prioritized. For example, when BB1 and bell 1 are stored in an internal winning combination storing area, which will be described later, drawing of symbols related to BB1 is performed with priority.

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

  The symbol combination table defines a symbol combination related to winning, a display combination corresponding to the winning combination, and a payout number. The display combination is represented by 3-byte data, similar to the data indicating the internal winning combination described above. For example, RB is represented by bit 19 being turned on.

  When the symbol combination “red cherry-ANY (representing any symbol type) -bell” related to the red cherry 1 is displayed on the center line 8c, that is, the red cherry on the left reel 3L is displayed on the left display window 4L. If the bell of the right reel 3R is displayed in the middle of the right display window 4R, the display combination is determined to be red cherry 1 regardless of the type of symbol displayed in the middle of the middle display window 4C. Is done. Further, the payout number is determined to be 15.

  Further, the bell of the right reel 3R is arranged so as to be drawn into the center line 8c at any stop start position on the peripheral surface of the right reel 3R. Therefore, if the player performs a stop operation so that the red cherry on the left reel 3L is at the stop start position displayed on the center line 8c, the combination of symbols related to the red cherry 1 is displayed.

  When the symbol combination “star-ANY-ANY” relating to the red cherry 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, that is, when the star of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L, the middle display window 4C The display combination is determined to be red cherry 2 regardless of the type of symbols displayed in the middle and the middle of the right display window 4R. Further, the payout number is determined to be 15.

  Here, a red cherry is arranged on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L one above or one below the star. For this reason, when the star of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle stage of the left display window 4L, the red cherry is displayed in either the upper stage or the lower stage.

  The symbol combination “red cherry-ANY-bell” relating to red cherry 1 is an example of a first symbol combination. The red cherry on the left reel 3L is an example of a first symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of a specific reel. The symbol combination “star-ANY-ANY” related to the red cherry 2 is an example of a second symbol combination. The star on the left reel 3L is an example of a second symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the specific reel.

  When the symbol combination “white cherry-ANY-bell” relating to the white cherry 1 is displayed on the center line 8c, that is, the white cherry of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L and the right reel 3R When the bell is displayed in the middle of the right display window 4R, the display combination is determined to be the white cherry 1 regardless of the type of symbol displayed in the middle of the middle display window 4C. Further, the payout number is determined to be 15.

  When the symbol combination “white 7-bell-bell” relating to the white cherry 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the white 7 of the left reel 3L, the bell of the middle reel 3C, and the bell of the right reel 3R are displayed. When displayed in the middle of the windows 4L, 4C, 4R, the display combination is determined as the white cherry 2. Further, the payout number is determined to be 15.

  Here, a white cherry is arranged under the white 7 on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L. For this reason, when the white 7 of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle stage of the left display window 4L, the white cherry is displayed in the lower stage.

  When the symbol combination “bell-bell-bell” relating to bell 1 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be bell 1. When the symbol combination “Replay-Bell-Replay” relating to Bell 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be Bell 2. When the symbol combination “Replay-Replay-Watermelon” relating to the bell 3 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be the bell 3. In both cases, the payout number is determined to be 15.

  Here, from the configuration of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, when the symbol combination related to the bell 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the bell-bell-bell is displayed on the cross-down line 8e. Will be displayed. When the symbol combination related to the bell 3 is displayed on the center line 8c, "bell-bell-bell" is displayed on the top line 8b.

  When the symbol combination “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” relating to the watermelon 1 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be the watermelon 1. When the symbol combination “kan-watermelon-bell” relating to the watermelon 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be the watermelon 2. In both cases, the payout number is determined to be 15.

  Here, from the configuration of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, when the symbol combination related to the watermelon 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is displayed on the cross-down line 8e. Will be displayed.

  When the symbol combination “red 7-bell-bell” relating to special 1 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be special 1. When the symbol combination “kan-bell-bell” related to special 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be special 2. When the symbol combination “Bell-Bell-Replay” relating to special 3 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be special 3. When the symbol combination “Bell-Bell-Watermelon” relating to Special 4 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be Special 4. When the symbol combination “Replay-Replay-Bell” relating to Special 5 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be Special 5. In both cases, the payout number is determined to be 15.

  When the symbol combination “Replay-Replay-Replay” relating to Replay 1 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be Replay 1. When the symbol combination “bell-Replay-bell” related to the replay 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be the replay 2. When replay is determined, replay is performed in the next unit game. That is, the same number of medals as the number of coins inserted in the unit game in which replay is established 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.

  Here, from the configuration of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, when the symbol combination related to the replay 2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the “Replay-Replay-Replay” is displayed on the cross-up line 8a. Will be displayed.

  When the symbol combination “red 7-red 7-red 7” relating to BB1 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be BB1. When the symbol combination “white 7-white 7-white 7” relating to BB2 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be BB2. When the symbol combination “white cherry-white 7-white cherry” relating to BB3 is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be BB3. In addition, when BB1, BB2, or BB3 is determined, a BB operating flag, which will be described later, is updated to ON, and the operation of BB is started.

  Here, from the configuration of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, when the symbol combination related to BB3 is displayed on the center line 8c, the white line 7-white 7-white is displayed on the cross-down line 8e. 7 "is displayed.

  When the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” relating to RB is displayed on the center line 8c, the display combination is determined to be RB. When RB is determined, an RB operating flag, which will be described later, is updated to ON, and the operation of RB is started.

  Further, when a combination of symbols other than the combination of symbols related to the above-described winning is displayed, the display combination is determined to be lost. Note that red cherry, white cherry, bell, watermelon, or special relates to payout of game media (for example, medals). In addition, replay relates to the operation of replay. Further, BB or RB relates to operation in a state advantageous to the player.

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

  In the bonus operation time table, data stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 is defined. When the BB is operated, the BB operating flag in the RAM 33 is turned on, and 450 is stored in the bonus end number counter. The bonus end number counter is data for counting the total number of payouts during the BB operation, and the payout number determined in the unit game is subtracted. When the bonus end number counter is updated to 0, the operation of BB ends.

  When the RB is activated, the RB operating flag in the RAM 33 is turned on, 12 is stored in the possible game number counter, and 8 is stored in the possible winning number counter. The game possible number counter is data for counting the number of unit games performed during the RB operation, and a value of 1 is subtracted every time a unit game is performed. The winning possible number counter is data for counting the number of times a winning is achieved during RB operation, and a value of 1 is subtracted when the display combination is related to the payout of medals. When the game possible number counter or the winning possible number counter is updated to 0, the operation of the RB ends.

  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. The internal winning combination storing area is composed of 3 bytes and corresponds to the data structure of the internal winning combination described above. That is, the bit corresponding to the determined internal winning combination type is turned on. In case of loss, all bits are 0. When two or more types of internal winning combinations are determined, the corresponding bits are turned on together. For example, if BB1 and bell 1 are determined, bit 16 and bit 4 of the internal winning combination storing area are turned on.

  When the display combination is determined based on the above-described symbol combination table, it is stored in the display combination storage area of the RAM 33. The display combination storage area has the same data structure as the internal winning combination storage area. Yes.

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

  When any one of BB1, BB2, BB3, or RB (that is, a bonus) is determined as an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determination table, it is stored in this carryover combination storing area. The carryover combination storage area is composed of 3 bytes and corresponds to the data structure of the internal winning combination described above. That is, the bit corresponding to the determined bonus type is turned on. When there is no carryover combination, all bits are 0.

  When the bonus operation is started, the data in the carryover combination storage area is cleared. That is, in the gaming machine 1, when a bonus is determined as an internal winning combination, a combination of symbols related to the bonus is displayed and the data is stored until the bonus operation is started. Yes (called so-called carry-over). Since the carryover combination is determined based on the internal winning combination, it can be said to be a subordinate concept of the internal winning combination.

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

  In the symbol storage area, data indicating the type of symbol displayed in the middle stage of each display window 4L, 4C, 4R (that is, the center line 8c) is stored. Specifically, the symbol type in the middle of the left display window 4L, the symbol type in the middle of the middle display window 4C, and the symbol type in the middle of the right display window 4R are stored. . The type of symbol stored in the symbol storage area is specified based on the symbol position counter and the symbol arrangement table. For example, if the symbol position counter of the stopped reel is “0”, the symbol type of the symbol position “0” is specified based on the symbol arrangement table and stored in the symbol storage area. In the gaming machine 1, a winning decision is made based on the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table described above.

  The data stored in each symbol storage area consists of 1 byte, and corresponds to data representing the symbol type defined in the symbol arrangement table. When the reel is rotating, “01111111” indicating “rotating” is stored.

  The symbol storage area is not limited to data indicating the type of symbol displayed on the center line 8c, but is displayed on each of the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross-up line 8a, and the cross-down line 8e. It may be configured to store data indicating the type.

  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 clears the designated storage area (step S2). As a result, the data stored in the internal winning combination storing area of the RAM 33 is cleared.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation monitoring process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15 (step S3). In this bonus operation monitoring process, a process of turning on the RB operating flag when the BB is operating is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a medal acceptance / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16 (step S4). In the medal acceptance / start check process, the insertion number counter is updated by checking the medal sensor 22S and the bet switches 11S, 12S, 13S, and the input of the start switch 6S is checked.

  Next, the CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in the random value storage area (step S5). Specifically, the CPU 31 extracts a random number value for lottery used in an internal lottery process, which will be described later, by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 and stores it in a random value storage area of the RAM 33.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process (step S6). Specifically, the CPU 31 stores an identifier (so-called flag) indicating an RB gaming state in the RAM 33 if the RB operating flag is on, and an identifier indicating the general gaming state if the RB operating flag is off. Is stored in the RAM 33.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 17 (step S7). In the internal lottery process, processing such as determination of an internal winning combination is performed.

  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 determines whether or not 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation (step S9). When it is determined that 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the CPU 31 digests the waiting time (step S10). Specifically, until 4.1 seconds elapse, the subsequent processing is not performed and the process waits.

  When it is determined in step S9 that 4.1 seconds have elapsed, or after the process of step S10, the CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all reels (step S11). When the start of rotation of all reels is requested, processing for starting rotation of the reels is performed in an interrupt process (see FIG. 22) described later.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 (step S12). In this reel stop control process, the number of sliding symbols and the planned stop position are determined, and the rotation of the reel is stopped based on the planned stop position.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a display combination search process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 (step S13). In this display combination search process, the display combination and the number of payouts are determined based on the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a display combination command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S14). The display combination command includes data such as the determined display combination.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs medal payout processing (step S15). Specifically, the CPU 31 controls the hopper 40 and updates the credit counter based on the payout number determined in the process of step S13.

  Next, the CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (step S16). Specifically, when the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, a value corresponding to the payout number is subtracted from the counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is on (step S17). When determining that the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 (step S18). In this bonus end check process, a process of ending the operation of the BB or the operation of the RB is performed based on the update result of the bonus end number counter, the possible game number counter and the like.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S17 that the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is not on, or after the process of step S18, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. Step S19). In this bonus operation check processing, when the display combination is BB or RB, processing for starting the operation is performed.

  As described above, the CPU 31 executes the process from step S2 to step S19 as the process in the unit game, and when the process in step S19 ends, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process in step S2 to execute the process in the next unit game.

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

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is on (step S41). When the CPU 31 determines that the BB operating flag is not on, it ends the bonus operation monitoring process and proceeds to step S4 in FIG.

  When determining that the BB operating flag is on in step S41, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S42). If the CPU 31 determines that the RB operating flag is on, it ends the bonus operation monitoring process and proceeds to step S4 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S42 that the RB operating flag is not ON, the CPU 31 performs RB operating processing based on the bonus operating table (step S43). Specifically, the CPU 31 turns on the RB operating flag, and stores 12 in the possible game number counter and 8 in the possible winning number counter. When this process ends, the bonus operation monitoring process ends, and the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG. As described above, the gaming machine 1 is configured such that the operation of the RB is continuously performed while the operation of the BB is performed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the medal acceptance / start check process will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the automatic insertion counter is 0 (step S51). When determining that the automatic insertion counter is 0, the CPU 31 permits the reception of medals (step S52). The automatic insertion counter is data for identifying whether or not replay has been established in the previous unit game, and for specifying the number of insertions in the previous unit game.

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S51 that the automatic insertion counter is not 0, it copies the automatic insertion counter to the insertion number counter (step S53). The inserted number counter is data for counting the inserted number.

  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.

  The CPU 31 determines whether or not the acceptance of medals is permitted after the process of step S54 or after the process of step S52 (step S55). When determining that the acceptance of medals is permitted, the CPU 31 determines whether or not it is the insertion process (step S56). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines that it is the insertion process when the medal sensor 22S or the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are on. In addition, when the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are on, the CPU 31 calculates a value to be added to the inserted number counter based on the type of the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S, the inserted number counter, and the credit counter. To do. The credit counter is data for counting the number of credited medals.

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S56 that it is the insertion process, it updates the insertion number counter (step S57). In this process, when addition of the inserted number counter is prohibited, the credit counter is updated instead of the inserted number counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a bet command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S58). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operation flag is on (step S59). When determining that the RB operation flag is not on, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter is 3 (step S60).

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S60 that the insertion number counter is 3, or in step S59, determines that the RB operation flag is on, the addition of the insertion number counter is prohibited (step S61).

  After the process of step S61, the CPU 31 determines that the medal acceptance is not permitted in step S55, the CPU 31 determines that it is not the insertion process in step S56, or the insertion number counter is not 3 in step S60. When it is determined, it is determined whether or not the insertion number counter is 1 or more (step S62). If the CPU 31 determines that the insertion number counter is 0, it proceeds to step S55.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S62 that the insertion number counter is 1 or more, it determines whether or not the start switch 6S is on (step S63). When the CPU 31 determines that the start switch 6S is not on, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S55.

  When CPU 31 determines in step S63 that start switch 6S is on, it prohibits acceptance of medals (step S64). When this process ends, the medal acceptance / start check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S5 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 any flag of BB (that is, BB1, BB2, BB3) or RB is stored in the carryover combination storage area (step S92). When the CPU 31 determines that either the flag BB or RB is stored in the carryover combination storage area, the CPU 31 changes the number of lotteries to 16 (step S93). Thereby, when there is a carryover combination in the general gaming state, the number of lotteries determined to be 20 is changed to 16, and BB or RB is not determined redundantly.

  Next, 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 stored in the random number storage area with the lower limit value corresponding to the winning number and the inserted number counter (step S95). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the random number value is greater than or equal to the lower limit value (step S96).

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S96 that the random number value is greater than or equal to the lower limit value, the CPU 31 compares the random number stored in the random value storage area with the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number and the inserted number counter (step S97). . Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the random number value is less than or equal to the upper limit value (step S98).

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S98 that the random number value is less than or equal to the upper limit value, the CPU 31 stores the winning number in the winning number storage area (step S99). Next, the CPU 31 refers to the internal winning combination determination table and determines an internal winning combination based on the gaming state and the winning number (step S100).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether the determined internal winning combination is BB (that is, BB1, BB2, BB3) or RB (step S101). If the CPU 31 determines that it is either BB or RB, it stores a flag in the carryover combination storage area based on the internal winning combination (step S102).

  After the process of step S102 or when the CPU 31 determines that the internal winning combination determined in step S101 is neither BB nor RB, the CPU 31 calculates the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storing area. Store in the combination storage area (step S103). For example, if Bell 1 is determined when BB1 is carried over, bit 16 and bit 4 of the internal winning combination storing area are turned on.

  After the process of step S103, the CPU 31 decrements the number of lotteries by 1 when it is determined in step S96 that the random number value is not greater than or equal to the lower limit value or when it is determined in step S98 that the random number value is not less than or equal to the upper limit value. (Step S104).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (step S105). When the CPU 31 determines that the number of lotteries is not 0, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S94 described above.

  When determining that the number of lotteries is 0 in step S105, 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 S106). In this process, if no internal winning combination is stored in the internal winning combination storing area and the carryover winning combination storing area, the internal winning combination storing area is 0 (ie, lost). When this process ends, the internal lottery process ends, and the process proceeds to step S8 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 button has been pressed (step S121). When determining that the effective stop button is not pressed, the CPU 31 repeats the process of step S121. In this process, it is determined whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed, and whether or not the automatic stop timer of the RAM 33 is 0, that is, a predetermined time (for example, after the start switch 6S is turned on) , 40 seconds) has elapsed (to perform a so-called automatic stop).

  If the CPU 31 determines that a valid stop button has been pressed in step S121, the CPU 31 invalidates the stop button and determines the number of sliding symbols based on the internal winning combination and the priority table (step S122). ).

  In the process of step S122, two or more types of internal winning combination are determined, and the internal winning combination (more specifically, stored in the internal winning combination storing area within the range of 4 frames from the stop start position). In the case where there are a plurality of symbol positions that can draw the symbol related to the data), the difference to the symbol position having a higher priority is determined as the number of sliding symbols. For example, when BB1 and bell 1 are stored in the internal winning combination storing area, the presence of a symbol position where red 7 can be drawn and a symbol position where bell can be drawn within the range of 4 frames from the stop start position is searched. Then, the difference to the symbol position where red 7 having higher priority can be drawn is determined as the number of sliding frames.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines the planned stop position based on the determined number of sliding symbols and the current symbol position (step S123). For example, if the determined number of sliding symbols is “2” and the current symbol position (ie, stop start position) is “19”, the planned stop position is determined to be “0”. When the planned stop position is stored, a process for stopping the rotation of the reel is performed based on the planned stop position in an interrupt process (see FIG. 22) described later. It should be noted that the number of sliding symbols and the scheduled stop position are in an equivalent relationship because one is determined and the other is also determined.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S124). The reel stop command includes data such as the type of the stopped reel.

  Next, the CPU 31 stores the symbol identifier of the center line 8c, which is an active line, in the symbol storage area (step S125). For example, if the symbol position counter of the stopped reel is “0”, the symbol arrangement table is referred to, and the symbol type of the symbol position “0” is stored in the symbol storage area.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid (step S126). When the CPU 31 determines that there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is effective, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S121. When the CPU 31 determines that there is no stop button for which the pressing operation is effective, the reel stop control process is terminated and the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG. Move.

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

  First, the CPU 31 sets the top address of the symbol storage area (step S131). Next, the CPU 31 determines a display combination based on the combination of symbols stored in the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table (step S132). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed on the center line 8c stored in the symbol storage area matches all the combinations of symbols specified in the symbol combination table. To determine the display combination.

  Next, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the display combination and the display combination storage area in the display combination storage area (step S133). Next, the CPU 31 refers to the symbol combination table, determines the number of payouts based on the determined display combination, and updates the payout number counter (step S134). When this process ends, the display combination search process ends, and the process proceeds to step S14 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 BB (that is, BB1, BB2, BB3) (step S141). When determining that the display combination is BB, the CPU 31 performs a BB operation process based on the bonus operation table (step S142).

  When determining that the display combination is not BB in step S141, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is RB (step S143). When it is determined that the display combination is RB, the CPU 31 performs RB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (step S144).

  The CPU 31 clears the carryover combination storage area after the process of step S144 or after the process of step S142 (step S145). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S143 that the display combination is not RB, it determines whether or not the display combination is replay (step S146). If the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is not replay, it ends the bonus operation check process and proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S146 that the display combination is replay, the CPU 31 copies the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion counter (step S147). 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 S151). When determining that a winning has been established, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is on (step S152). When determining that the BB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (step S153).

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S153 that the bonus end number counter is 0, it performs RB end time processing (step S154). Specifically, the RB operating flag is turned off, and the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter are cleared.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs processing at the end of BB (step S155). Specifically, the BB operating flag is turned off, and the bonus end number counter is cleared. When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG.

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S152 that the BB operating flag is not on, or if it is determined in step S153 that the bonus end number counter is not 0, the winning possible number counter is decremented by 1 (step S156). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning possible number counter is 0 (step S157).

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S157 that the winable number counter is not 0, or when it is determined in step S151 that no win has been established, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the possible game number counter (step S158). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the game possible number counter is 0 (step S159).

  If the CPU 31 determines that the possible game number counter is not 0 in step S159, it ends the bonus end check process and proceeds to step S19 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines that the possible game number counter is 0 in step S159 or when it is determined in step S157 that the possible game number counter is 0, the CPU 31 performs the RB end process in the same manner as the process in step S154. This is performed (step S160). When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, an interrupt process with a period of 1.1173 msec performed under the control of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 saves the register (step S171). Next, the CPU 31 performs input port check processing (step S172). Specifically, the CPU 31 checks the input of signals from each switch.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process (step S173). Specifically, if a request for starting the rotation of the reel is made, the CPU 31 starts the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and performs the rotation at a constant speed. If the planned stop position is determined, the symbol position counter of the relevant reel is updated to the same value as the planned stop position, and then the rotation of the relevant reel is decelerated and stopped. For example, if the symbol position counter is “19” and the scheduled stop position is “0”, the reel rotation is stopped when the symbol position counter is updated to “0”.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a lamp / 7SEG drive process (step S174). 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 on the information display unit 18 the number of payouts when winning is established based on the number of payouts.

  Next, the CPU 31 restores the register (step S175). In the 1.1173 msec cycle interrupt process, a process of subtracting 1 from the automatic stop timer may be performed. When this process ends, the interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 msec ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 23, a display example of a combination of symbols related to the red cherry 1, the red cherry 2, the white cherry 1, and the white cherry 2 in the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R will be described.

  (1) of FIG. 23 shows a display example when a combination of symbols related to the red cherry 1 (that is, “red cherry-ANY-bell”) is displayed on the center line 8c. The left display window 4L shows a state in which red cherries are displayed in the middle stage constituting the effective line.

  (2) of FIG. 23 and (3) of FIG. 23 show a display example when the combination of symbols related to the red cherry 2 (that is, “star-ANY-ANY”) is displayed on the center line 8c. Here, on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L, red cherries are arranged at a symbol position one above or below a symbol position where a star is arranged. For this reason, in the left display window 4L, the star of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle stage, so that the red cherry is displayed in the upper or lower stage. Therefore, even if the red cherry of the left reel 3L is displayed in the upper or lower part that does not constitute an active line, it can be shown to the player as if the winning is determined.

  (4) of FIG. 23 shows a display example when the combination of symbols related to the white cherry 1 (that is, “white cherry-ANY-bell”) is displayed on the center line 8c. The left display window 4L shows a state in which white cherries are displayed in the middle stage constituting the effective line.

  (5) of FIG. 23 shows a display example when a combination of symbols related to the white cherry 2 (that is, “white 7-bell-bell”) is displayed on the center line 8c. Here, on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L, a white cherry is arranged at a symbol position one lower than the symbol position where the white 7 is arranged. For this reason, in the left display window 4L, the white 7 of the left reel 3L is displayed in the middle stage, so that the white cherry is displayed in the lower stage. Therefore, even if the white cherry of the left reel 3L is displayed in the lower stage that does not constitute the active line, it can be shown to the player as if the winning is determined.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, among the plurality of lines 8a-8e provided in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, Based on only the combination of symbols displayed on the center line 8c, it is determined whether or not a prize is won. Therefore, it is not necessary to determine whether or not to win for other lines as compared to a conventional gaming machine having a plurality of active lines, and the processing burden required to determine whether or not to win can be reduced. . Therefore, it is possible to speed up the processing related to the determination of whether or not a prize is won, as compared with the conventional gaming machine.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, by setting one active line in both the general gaming state and the CB gaming state (or RB gaming state), the processing related to determining whether or not a prize is won is made common Therefore, unlike the conventional gaming machine having a plurality of active lines, it is not necessary to change the active lines according to the gaming state, and the increase in program capacity can be suppressed as much as possible.

  Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the red cherries arranged on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L are displayed on the upper or lower stage of the left display window 4, they are arranged on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L. A star is displayed in the middle of the left display window 4. Then, when stars arranged on the peripheral surface of the left reel 3L are displayed in the middle stage of the left display window 4, any symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R are displayed in the middle stage of the middle display window 4C. The winning is determined even if displayed in the middle of the right display window 4R. In other words, if the red cherry is displayed in the upper or lower part regardless of whether or not the prize is won, it is displayed in the middle part relating to the decision of whether or not the star is won, thereby determining the prize. become.

  Therefore, even if the red cherry is displayed in the upper or lower row, it can be shown to the player as if the winning is determined. As a result, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the symbols displayed in the area that is not related to the determination of winning or not, and thus it is possible to prevent the display of the symbols in the display window from becoming monotonous, It is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  In addition, a player who is used to a conventional gaming machine having a plurality of active lines has a sense of incongruity that a medal is not paid out even though the red cherry is displayed in the left display window 4L. However, the above-described configuration can prevent this.

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

  Note that the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a reel, a symbol display means, a start operation detection means, an internal winning combination determination means, a reel rotation means, a stop operation detection means, a reel stop means, a winning determination means, a specific reel, Specific books such as one predetermined area, another area different from the one area, first symbol combination, second symbol combination, first symbol, second symbol, etc. Not limited to each element of the embodiment, it can be arbitrarily changed.

  In the present embodiment, the middle area of each of the symbol display areas 4L, 4C, 4R is applied as one predetermined area, and the center line 8c is applied as one line connecting the one area. Not limited to the above, any one of the upper, middle, and lower stages of each of the symbol display areas 4L, 4C, 4R is applied as one predetermined area, and the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, Either the cross-up line 8a or the cross-down line 8e can be applied.

  In the present embodiment, the left reel 3L is applied as the specific reel. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the middle reel 3C or the right reel 3R may be applied.

  In the present embodiment, the three display windows 4L, 4C, 4R corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided. One display window may be applied to each of the above. In other words, the number of display windows is not limited to the number, and a part of a plurality of (for example, three) symbols among the plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R can be displayed. If it is good.

  Also, the device configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3 and its peripheral devices, the table configuration shown in FIGS. 4 to 10, and the RAM shown in FIGS. The configuration of the storage area and the configuration of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 to 22 can be arbitrarily changed or modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

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

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

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

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 3L, 3C, 3R reel 4L, 4C, 4R display window 5 liquid crystal display 6S start switch 7L, 7C, 7R stop button 7S stop switch 8a cross up line 8b top line 8c center line 8d bottom line 8e cross down line 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit

Claims (1)

A plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface;
Design display means for displaying a part of a plurality of symbols respectively arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the plurality of reels by providing a plurality of areas for displaying one symbol for each of the plurality of reels; ,
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 unit, a reel rotation unit that rotates each of the plurality of reels,
Stop operation detecting means for detecting stop operation according to the type of the plurality of reels;
When the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detecting means, the reel stop means for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel;
Regardless of the number of game media inserted in a unit game, means for making only one predetermined line as an effective line out of a plurality of lines respectively connecting a plurality of areas provided for each of the plurality of reels When,
A winning determination means for determining whether or not to win based on a combination of symbols displayed on the one line and a symbol combination table in which a combination of symbols related to winning is defined;
In the symbol combination table,
The first symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the specific reel is displayed in the one area, and the specific symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of one reel different from the specific reel is displayed by the stop operation detecting means. Regardless of the timing of the detected stop operation, any symbol placed on the peripheral surface of the other reel different from the specific reel is displayed in the one region. And a first symbol combination in which a predetermined number of game media are paid out by the winning determination means.
When the second symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of the specific reel is displayed in the one area, any symbol arranged on the peripheral surface of another reel is displayed in the one area, the winning determination is small and the combination of the second symbol is determined to win Ru is paid out a predetermined number of game media by means have also been defined,
On the peripheral surface of the specific reel, a second symbol is arranged one above and one below the first symbol,
When the combination of the second symbols is displayed on the one line, the first symbols are displayed in an area above or below the second symbol displayed on the specific reel. To play.

Images