JP5117831B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  For example, a slot machine equipped with a stop button, a so-called pachislot machine, has a variable display device configured by arranging a plurality of mechanical rotating reels that display a plurality of symbols in the front display window, or a symbol on the reel on the screen. It has an electrical fluctuation display device for displaying. In response to the player's start operation, the control means drives the variable display device to rotate the reels to display the symbols in a variable manner. After a certain period of time, either automatically or by the player's stop operation, Stop rotation sequentially. At this time, when the symbols of the reels appearing in the display window are in a specific combination (winning symbol), a profit is given to the player by paying out game media such as coins and medals.

  Currently, the mainstream model has a plurality of types of winning modes. In particular, when a winning combination of a predetermined combination is established, the gaming state is not better than the normal state for a predetermined period of time without completing one coin payout. As such a combination, a combination that can play a game that gives a relatively large profit to the player a predetermined number of times (referred to as “Big Bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “BB”) and a relatively small profit to the player There is a role that can play a predetermined number of games (referred to as “regular bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”).

  In addition, in current mainstream models, a combination of predetermined symbols is arranged along an activated formation line (hereinafter referred to as an “effective line”), and a winning in which coins, medals, etc. are paid out is A combination of symbols indicating that the winning combination of the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and the winning combination of the internal winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) is achieved by a standard lottery process (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) The player is required to perform a stop operation at a timing at which the player can stop at the active line. In other words, no matter how much internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation of the player is bad, a winning cannot be established. That is, gaming machines that require skill in the timing of the stop operation (the high importance of technical intervention called “to push”) are currently mainstream.

Among such gaming machines, those that display various effect images on a liquid crystal display device are known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). According to such a gaming machine, the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device can be viewed through the transmissive panel.
JP 2006-15000 A

  However, in the gaming machine as described above, the effect tends to be monotonous because only the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device is viewed through the transmissive panel. Therefore, a non-transparent frame is provided between the transmissive panel and the liquid crystal display device, so that even a single panel can appear to have a plurality of liquid crystal screens. It has been desired to provide a gaming machine that can perform different effects for each region.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can appear as a plurality of liquid crystal screens even if it is a single panel, and can perform different effects for each transmissive area of the panel. is there.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the present invention provides the following.
A plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface;
A symbol display means having a plurality of display units capable of variably displaying and stopping the plurality of types of symbols by rotating and stopping each of the plurality of reels;
Start command means for outputting a game start command signal for commanding start of a unit game in response to the start operation signal;
A winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination from a plurality of predetermined combinations according to the game start command signal;
In response to the game start command signal, start control means for starting the symbol variation display by the symbol display means,
A plurality of stop command means provided corresponding to each of the plurality of display units, and outputting a stop command signal for commanding stop of the variable display of symbols on the corresponding display unit in response to a stop operation signal;
In accordance with the output of the stop command signal, based on the winning combination determined by the winning combination determination unit, stop control means for stopping the variable display of the symbol on the display unit corresponding to the stop command signal, In gaming machines,
Production control means for controlling the production of the game;
A liquid crystal display unit that is provided on the front surface of the plurality of reels and displays an effect image based on the control of the effect control means;
A transparent panel portion provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal display portion;
Illumination means for irradiating the liquid crystal display unit with light;
A frame portion provided on the back surface of the panel portion and on the front surface of the liquid crystal display portion, and formed so as not to transmit the light irradiated by the illumination means,
The panel part is divided into a plurality of transmission regions where the liquid crystal display part can be visually recognized by the frame part,
The effect control means controls a plurality of effects respectively corresponding to the plurality of transmission areas,
The panel unit includes a liquid crystal display region in which the liquid crystal display unit can be visually recognized, a first non-transmissive region adjacent to the liquid crystal display region, and a first adjacent to the liquid crystal display region on the side opposite to the first non-transmissive region. It consists of three areas, two non-transparent areas,
On the back side of the first non-transmissive region and the second non-transmissive region, a non-transmissive member that makes the liquid crystal display portion invisible is disposed,
The frame part is a substantially rectangular frame,
The liquid crystal display area is divided into three areas by two of the four sides constituting the substantially rectangular frame,
Wherein only a predetermined one region of the three regions, the a plurality of regions visible the placed design on the outer peripheral surface of the reel, the liquid crystal display unit, figure pattern even drivable state A gaming machine characterized in that is set to be visible.

  (1) A plurality of reels (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which will be described later) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface, and the plurality of reels are rotated and stopped, whereby the plurality of types Symbol display means (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which will be described later) having a plurality of display units (for example, symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R which will be described later) capable of variably displaying symbols and stopped display. Start of outputting a game start command signal (for example, a signal for instructing the start of a game described later) in response to the start operation signal and the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R described later) And a winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination (for example, an internal winning combination to be described later, a carryover combination to be described later) from a plurality of predetermined combinations in accordance with the command start command signal. For example, a means for performing an internal lottery process to be described later, a main control circuit 71 to be described later, and a start control means (for example, to be described later) for starting the variable display of the symbol by the symbol display means in response to the game start command signal. A motor operation circuit 39, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R (described later), a main control circuit 71 (described later), and the like, and a stop operation signal (for example, a variation of a pattern described later) are provided. A plurality of stop command means (for example, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, which will be described later) that output a stop command signal for commanding the stop of symbol variation display on the corresponding display unit ) And the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means according to the output of the stop instruction signal, in the display unit corresponding to the stop instruction signal In a gaming machine provided with stop control means (for example, means for performing steps S16 and S17 in FIG. 19 to be described later, main control circuit 71 to be described later) and the like for stopping the variable display of symbols. An effect control means (for example, a sub-control circuit 72 described later) to be controlled and a liquid crystal display section (for example, a liquid crystal described later) provided on the front surface of the plurality of reels and displaying an effect image based on the control of the effect control means. Panel 134, etc.), a transparent panel portion (for example, a reel panel 133 described later) provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal display unit, and illumination means for irradiating light to the liquid crystal display unit (for example, Fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b, etc., which will be described later, and a back surface of the panel unit and a front surface of the liquid crystal display unit. A frame portion (for example, a frame 212 described later) formed so as not to transmit, and the panel portion includes a plurality of transmission regions (for example, described later) in which the liquid crystal display portion can be visually recognized by the frame portion. Upper stage display area 251, middle stage display area 252, lower stage display area 253, etc.), and the stage control means controls a plurality of stages corresponding to the plurality of transmission areas, respectively. A gaming machine.

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), the panel unit is divided into a plurality of transmission regions in which the liquid crystal display unit can be visually recognized by the frame unit formed so as not to transmit the light irradiated by the illumination unit. Further, the effect control means controls a plurality of effects respectively corresponding to the plurality of transmission areas, and the liquid crystal display unit displays an effect image based on the control.

  Thereby, even if it is one panel, it can be made to look like there exist several liquid crystal screens, and the game machine which can perform different production | presentation for every transmissive area | region of a panel can be provided.

  (2) In the gaming machine according to claim 1, a non-transmissive region (for example, fixed display regions 2a and 2c described later) in which the liquid crystal display unit cannot be visually recognized is formed in a part of the panel unit. The gaming machine is characterized in that the panel portion is divided into a plurality of transmissive regions in which the liquid crystal display portion can be visually recognized by the non-transmissive region and the frame portion.

  According to the gaming machine described in (2), the liquid crystal display unit is divided into a plurality of transmissive areas where the liquid crystal display unit can be visually recognized by the non-transmissive area and the frame part. Variations can be further increased.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can appear as if there are a plurality of liquid crystal screens even on a single panel, and can perform different effects for each transmissive area of the panel. it can.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called pachislot machine. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a game medium such as a card that stores information on game value given to or given to a player in addition to coins, medals, game balls, tokens, and the like. However, in the following description, medals are used.

  A liquid crystal display device 131 is provided in front of the gaming machine 1. In addition, behind the liquid crystal display device 131, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces thereof are provided in a horizontal row so as to be freely rotatable. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute).

  A substantially horizontal plane pedestal 4 is formed below the liquid crystal display device 131. On the right side of the pedestal 4, a medal slot 10 for inserting medals is provided. The inserted medals are detected by a medal sensor 10S described later and credited or bet on a game.

  On the left side of the medal slot 10, various display units 16, 18, and 19 for displaying information related to games are provided. Various display parts 16, 18, and 19 are each comprised by 7 segment LED. The bonus game information display unit 16 displays game information in a bonus (BB game state or RB game state). The payout display unit 18 displays a payout number of medals corresponding to a winning combination when a winning is established. The credit display unit 19 displays the number of medals credited.

  On the left side of the various display units 16, 18, and 19, a 1-BET switch 11 and a maximum BET switch 13 for betting (BET) credited medals by a pressing operation are provided. The 1-BET switch 11 bets one of the credited medals on the game by one pressing operation, and the maximum BET switch 13 has the maximum number of medals that can be bet on one game. Bet.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with a display line serving as a reference for determining whether or not a predetermined combination has been established based on the stopped symbols when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. For example, a symbol (for example, “red 7 (symbol 191)” described later) constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined combination (for example, BB1 described later) is along a position corresponding to any of the display lines 8a to 8e. By being stopped and displayed side by side, a predetermined combination (for example, BB1 described later) is established.

  As the display lines, a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d are provided in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e are provided in the oblique direction. By inserting a medal into the above-described medal insertion slot 10 or pressing down the BET switches 11 and 13, all of these five display lines are activated (the activated display lines are referred to below). Called "active line"). Whether the display line is activated is displayed by an effective line display area 27 described later. The effective lines 8a to 8e are related to the success or failure of the winning. Here, the operation of the BET switches 11 and 13 and the operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 10 (operation of inserting a medal for playing a game) are hereinafter referred to as “BET operation”.

  An operation unit 17 is provided above the BET switches 11 and 13. The operation unit 17 is operated to display information such as a game history on the display unit 2 of the liquid crystal display device 131.

  A C / P switch 14 that switches a credit (Credit) / payout (Pay) of medals acquired by the player in the game by a push button operation is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal unit 4. By switching the C / P switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 5.

  Speakers 9 </ b> L and 9 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 5 for outputting sound effects relating to game effects.

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14, the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated by the player's operation, and a variable display of a plurality of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface is started on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. A start lever 6 is attached so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided on the right side of the start lever 6 at the center of the front surface of the base portion 4. In the embodiment, one game basically starts when the start lever 6 is operated, and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  In this embodiment, the reel stop operation (stop button operation) performed first when all the reels are rotating is the first stop operation, and the stop operation performed after the first stop operation is the first stop operation. The stop operation performed after the second stop operation and the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation.

  Next, the display unit 2 of the liquid crystal display device 131 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The display unit 2 includes a fixed display area 2a, a liquid crystal display area 2b, and a fixed display area 2c. The display unit 2 has a size of about 20 inches, for example.

  The fixed display area 2a is an area in which a predetermined figure, picture, or the like is drawn, and is an impermeable area. In the embodiment, a picture such as the character 261 is drawn in the fixed display area 2a. In addition, although not shown, a plurality of display units composed of, for example, 7-segment LEDs are provided in the fixed display area 2a to display a medal insertion number display, a medal payout number display, and a medal storage number display. May be performed.

  The fixed display area 2c is an area in which a predetermined figure, picture or the like is drawn in the same manner as the fixed display area 2a, and is an impermeable area. In the embodiment, a picture such as the character 262 is drawn in the fixed display area 2c.

  The liquid crystal display area 2b is divided into three areas by a frame 212, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, and includes an upper stage effect display area 251, a middle stage effect display area 252, and a lower stage effect display area 253.

  The middle stage effect display area 252 includes symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R.

  The display contents of the upper stage display area 251, the middle stage display area 252, and the lower stage display area 253 are changed by the operation of the liquid crystal display device 131 controlled by the sub-control circuit 72 described later. For example, based on detection of rotation or stop of reels 3L, 3C, 3R, success / failure of winning, gaming state, various switches described above (BET switch, medal sensor, C / P switch, stop button, start lever, etc.) Control is performed so that the display content changes.

  The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and basically a part of the symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can be visually recognized. Function as a display window. In addition, various effects are displayed on the symbols displayed in the area. The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are at least when the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating and when the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are operable to be pressed, It becomes a transmissive state so that the symbols on 3C and 3R can be visually recognized.

  Here, in each of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, three symbol stop positions (upper, middle, and lower) are provided in the vertical direction (vertical direction). When the symbol variation display (moving display) in each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R is stopped, the symbol is stopped and displayed at each of the symbol stop positions provided in each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R. . Each display line connects a symbol stop position in each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R.

  The window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R are provided so as to surround the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and basically display the window frame of the display window that displays the symbols.

  The upper stage display area 251, the middle stage display area 252, and the lower stage display area 253 display various effects for increasing the interest of the game and information necessary for the player to advance the game advantageously. . The display of these effects and information is not limited to the upper effect display area 251, the middle effect display area 252, and the lower effect display area 253, but the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R, and the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, In some cases, the entire display unit 2 including 22R and the fixed display areas 2a and 2c is used.

  Next, the transmissive liquid crystal display device 131 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device 131. FIG. 4 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 131.

  The liquid crystal display device 131 includes a protective glass 132, a reel panel 133, a frame 212, a liquid crystal panel 134, a light guide plate 135, a reflective film 136, a white light source (for example, a ratio in which a specific color is not conspicuous for human eyes) Fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b, lamp holders 139a to 139h, and a table carrier package on which an IC for driving the liquid crystal panel is mounted, and a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to the terminal portion of the liquid crystal panel 134 ) Etc. The liquid crystal display device 131 is provided on the front side from the display area of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as viewed from the front (that is, on the front side of the display surface). Further, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 131 are provided separately (for example, at a predetermined interval).

  The protective glass 132 and the reel panel 133 are made of a translucent member. The protective glass 132 is provided for the purpose of protecting the liquid crystal panel 134. In the reel panel 133, a figure, a picture, and the like are drawn in areas corresponding to the above-described fixed display area 2a and fixed display area 2c (see FIG. 2). Here, an impermeable film 211a and an impermeable film 211b are disposed on the back side of the area of the reel panel 133 corresponding to the fixed display area 2a and the fixed display area 2c.

  The frame 212 is a substantially rectangular frame and is made of an impermeable member. The frame 212 is disposed between the reel panel 133 and the liquid crystal panel 134. When viewed from the front side, the frame 212 is combined with non-transparent films 211a and 211b disposed on the back side of the reel panel 133 to form a liquid crystal. The display area 2b (see FIG. 2) is arranged so as to be divided into three areas.

  The liquid crystal panel 134 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 134 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed when the liquid crystal is not driven (that is, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal panel 134). That is, light goes to the display surface side, and thus the transmitted light is visually recognized from the outside. Therefore, by adopting the normally white liquid crystal panel 134, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R pass through the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R even when the liquid crystal cannot be driven. The symbols arranged above can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when a situation in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, it is possible to play a game centering on the rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The light guide plate 135 is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 134 in order to introduce light from the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b into the liquid crystal panel 134 (illuminate the liquid crystal panel 134), and has an acrylic resin thickness of, for example, about 2 cm. Or the like (i.e., a member having a light guiding function).

  The reflective film 136 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects the light introduced into the light guide plate 135 toward the front side. Thereby, the liquid crystal panel 134 is illuminated. The reflective film 136 includes a reflective region 136A and a non-reflective region (that is, a transmissive region) 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR. The non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are formed as a light transmissive portion that is formed of a transparent material and transmits incident light without being reflected.

  Further, the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are provided at positions in front of the symbols to be displayed when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped. The sizes and positions of the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are formed so as to coincide with the above-described symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R (see FIG. 2). In addition, in the reflective film 136, a region other than the non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR is set as a reflective region 136A, and the light introduced into the light guide plate 135 by the reflective region 136A is reflected toward the front side.

  The fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b are disposed along the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate 135, and both ends are supported by lamp holders 139a, 139b, 139c, and 139d. The fluorescent lamps 137 a and 137 b generate light to be introduced into the light guide plate 135.

  The fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b are disposed at an upper position and a lower position on the back side of the reflection film 136. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is reflected by the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and enters the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR. The incident light passes through the non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR to illuminate the liquid crystal panel 134.

  FIG. 5 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is given a code number of “00” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a main ROM 32 (FIG. 6) described later as a data table. On each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, “red 7 (design 191)”, “blue 7 (design 192)”, “cherry (design 193)”, “bell (design 194)”, “watermelon (design 195) ) ”,“ Replay (symbol 196) ”, and“ Blank (symbol 197) ”. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  Here, BB1 (Big Bonus 1), BB2 (Big Bonus 2), Cherry, Bell, Watermelon, and Replay are provided in the role of the embodiment. BB1 and BB2 are accessory continuous action devices according to the first type special accessory.

  “Type 1 special character” is a character that increases the number of symbol combinations related to winnings per prescribed number, or increases the probability that the conditional device related to winnings per prescribed number operates. It means that it can be operated until it has been played and the game result is not exceeded 12 times.

  The “special feature continuous operating device related to the first type special feature” is a device capable of continuously operating the first type special feature, which is activated when a specific symbol combination is displayed in advance. This means that the operation is terminated when specified.

  In the following, BB1 and BB2 are collectively referred to as “BB”, and cherry, bell, and watermelon are collectively referred to as “small role”.

  The combination (combination data) is basically control information in which a profit given to a player is associated with a symbol combination, stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, switching (transition) of the game state, It is used for giving game value.

  In addition, the gaming state of the embodiment includes a general gaming state and an RB gaming state. The gaming state can be basically distinguished by the type of the internal lottery table used for determining the internal winning combination. Specifically, the gaming state can be distinguished by the type of a role that may be won internally, the probability of internal winning, and the like.

  The general gaming state is a gaming state in which an expected value of a so-called “play rate” (the number of medals to be paid out to the player with respect to the number of medals inserted to play a game) is smaller than one. This general gaming state is composed of a flag between BB and a non-flag that does not carry over. The “carryover combination” means a combination in which a corresponding symbol combination is allowed along one or more games along the active line, and between the flags, a symbol combination corresponding to BB is aligned along the active line. Is allowed across one or more games. In addition, there is no internal winning for BB between flags, and internal winning for BB may occur between non-flags, so even in the same general gaming state, different games are different between flags and non-flags. State.

  The RB gaming state is a gaming state constituted by a game in which the first type special character is operating.

  The RB gaming state can be identified by turning on or off the RB operating flag. The RB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the gaming state is the RB gaming state. The condition for updating the RB operating flag to ON is that either a BB1 operating flag or a BB2 operating flag, which will be described later, is ON.

  The condition that the RB operating flag is updated to OFF is that the number of possible games is 0, the number of possible winnings is 0, or either the BB1 operating flag or the BB2 operating flag is updated to OFF. It is to be done. “Number of possible games” refers to the number of unit games that can be played in the RB gaming state, and is defined as 12 in the embodiment. The “number of wins possible” refers to the number of times that a prize can be won in the RB gaming state, and is defined as eight in the embodiment.

  The BB1 operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the BB1 operating flag is an advantageous state generated by establishment of BB1, and the same applies to the BB2 operating flag. These BB1 operating flag and BB2 operating flag are collectively referred to as “BB operating flag” hereinafter. The condition for updating the BB operating flag to ON is that BB is satisfied. The condition for updating the BB operating flag to OFF is that the number of medals paid out exceeds the payable number. “Payable number” refers to the number of medals that can be paid out in a game (game) from when the BB operating flag is updated to on until the BB operating flag is updated to off. Then, it is 350 sheets.

  Here, the relationship between the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag from when the BB operating flag is updated to on until it is updated to off will be described. When BB is established, the BB operating flag is updated to ON. When this BB operating flag is updated to ON, the RB operating flag is updated to ON. Then, when either the number of possible games or the number of possible winnings becomes 0, the RB operating flag is updated to OFF. If the BB operating flag is ON, the RB operating flag is updated to ON again.

  When the condition that the BB operating flag is updated to OFF is satisfied, the BB operating flag is updated to OFF. However, when the BB operating flag is updated to OFF, the RB operating flag is OFF. Updated to Therefore, when the BB operating flag is on, the RB operating flag is updated to on. That is, after BB is established, the RB gaming state is maintained until the BB operating flag is updated to OFF.

  6 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls game processing operations in the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and control commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display device 131, speakers 9L and 9R, LEDs 101 and a sub-control circuit 72 for controlling the lamps 102 is shown. Note that the states of the liquid crystal display device 131, the LEDs 101, and the lamps 102 can be adjusted by operating the operation unit 17, and the volumes of the speakers 9L and 9R can also be adjusted by operating the operation unit 17.

  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 main CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program (FIGS. 18 to 24 described later), and a main ROM 32 and a main RAM 33 that are storage means.

  Connected to the main CPU 31 are a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the main CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The main ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 has an internal lottery table (FIG. 8 to be described later) used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and the reel stop according to the operation of the stop button. A stop table group for determining the mode is stored. In addition, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 are stored. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands and information to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. Various information is stored in the main RAM 33, and a storage area shown in FIG. In the main RAM 33, for example, information such as an internal winning combination and a carryover combination is stored.

  In the circuit of FIG. 6, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are BET lamps 9 a, 9 b, 9 c and medals, and a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41. And a stepping motor 49L, 49C, 49R that rotationally drives the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Further, a motor driving circuit 39 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, a hopper driving circuit 41 for driving and controlling the hopper 40, and a lamp driving circuit 45 for driving and controlling the BET lamps 9a, 9b and 9c are output from the main CPU 31. Connected to the department. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the main CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, a stop switch 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, a 1-BET switch 11, and a 2-BET. There are a switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 10S, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6 and outputs a game start command signal (a signal for instructing the start of the game). The medal sensor 10S detects a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 10. The stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS generate a stop command signal (a signal for instructing to stop the change of the symbol) in accordance with the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the main CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  In the circuit of FIG. 6, the random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range (random number range), and the sampling circuit 37 generates one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. Sampling. By using the random numbers sampled in this way, an internal winning combination is determined based on an internal lottery table stored in the main ROM 32, for example. The internal symbol combination (internal symbol combination data) is indirectly associated with the corresponding symbol combination and the profit given to the player through the stop control mode or display combination corresponding to the internal symbol combination. It can be said that.

  After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the main CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the main RAM 33 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the main RAM 33 stores a count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the main ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, the code number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated as described above is provided corresponding to each code number. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Further, a symbol combination table (FIG. 10) is stored in the main ROM 32. In this symbol combination table, a symbol combination that is a winning combination (winning or the like) is associated with the number of medals to be paid out when winning this symbol combination. The above symbol combination table is used when the left reel 3L, the central reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are controlled to stop, and when the winning is confirmed after the all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped (display combination confirmation). Referenced. The display combination (display combination data) is basically a combination (established combination) corresponding to the symbol combination arranged along the effective line. The player is given a profit corresponding to the display combination.

  When an internal winning combination or a stop winning combination is determined by lottery processing (such as internal lottery processing) based on the random number sampling, the main CPU 31 stops the switch at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Based on the stop command signal sent from the 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS and the determined stop table, a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 39.

  When the stop mode (that is, the winning mode) indicating the winning combination is won, the main CPU 31 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 40. At this time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and inputs a medal payout completion signal to the main CPU 31 when the counted value reaches a designated number. As a result, the main CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 41 and ends the medal payout process.

  The internal lottery table determination table will be described with reference to FIG. The internal lottery table determination table includes information on the type of the internal lottery table corresponding to the gaming state and information on the number of lotteries.

  Here, when the gaming state is the general gaming state, an internal lottery table ((1) in FIG. 8 described later) for the general gaming state is selected, and 6 is determined as the number of lotteries (described later in FIG. 21). Step S41). The number of lotteries is the number of times required for determining the internal winning combination. However, even if the gaming state is the general gaming state, if it is between the flags, the number of lotteries determined to be 6 is updated to 4 (step S43 in FIG. 21 described later). When the gaming state is the RB gaming state, an internal lottery table for RB gaming state ((2) in FIG. 8 to be described later) is selected and 3 is determined as the number of lotteries (to be described later in FIG. 21). Step S41).

  The internal lottery table will be described with reference to (1) and (2) of FIG.

  The internal lottery table is basically provided for each gaming state, and includes information on the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the numerical value range corresponding to the winning number. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, since the winning number corresponds to the winning combination, the internal lottery table indicates the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the numerical range corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined winning combinations. Have information.

  (1) in FIG. 8 shows an internal lottery table for a general gaming state, and is referred to when the player is in the general gaming state. (2) in FIG. 8 shows an internal lottery table for RB gaming state that has a higher probability of determining a small combination as a winning combination than when referring to the internal lottery table for general gaming state. Referenced.

  In the determination of the winning number (lottery) based on the internal lottery table, the random number is a lower limit value corresponding to the winning number until the winning number becomes 0 in descending order from the same winning number as the number of lotteries determined for each gaming state. It is determined whether it is within the range indicated by the upper limit value. If the random number value is within the range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value, the corresponding winning number is won. In addition, the number of times of determining whether or not it is within the range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number is the same as the number of lotteries determined in the internal lottery table determination table of FIG.

  If the random number is not within the range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value until the winning number becomes 0, the winning number is 0 (lost). The internal winning combination lose indicates that the internal lottery did not win the combination associated with the player's profit. Further, the loss in the embodiment is not a combination associated with the game value. In addition, the symbol combination corresponding to the loss as the internal winning combination can be considered as an arbitrary symbol combination different from the symbol combination corresponding to the plurality of predetermined combinations. The corresponding symbol combination is not provided.

  The internal winning combination is determined based on the winning number won, the gaming state, the number of inserted games, and the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 9 described later).

  For example, a case where the number of inserted coins is 3 when referring to the internal lottery table for general gaming state shown in FIG. When the random value R extracted from the range 0 to 65535 is 12000, the numerical value range information corresponding to the winning number 6 is the numerical value range in which the lower limit value L is “17080” and the upper limit value U is “17179”. Since it is information, first, a random number value R (12000) −lower limit value L (17080) is calculated for the winning number 6. The result of this calculation is negative. Therefore, since the random value is not in the numerical range corresponding to the winning number (L ≦ R ≦ U), if the random value extracted in the general gaming state is 12000, the winning number 6 is unfair.

  As described above, when the calculation of the random number value R (12000) −the lower limit value L and the calculation of the random number value R (12000) −the upper limit value U are repeated until the winning number becomes 0, the winning number 4 is won, The winning number is illegal. Therefore, when the random number value extracted in the general gaming state is 12000, winning is made with the winning number 4 and referring to the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 9) described later, the replay becomes the internal winning combination.

  In addition, in the case of between flags, the number of lotteries is changed to 4. Thereby, there is no case where the winning numbers 5 and 6 are won between the flags. Therefore, according to the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 9) described later, BB1 and BB2 are not determined as internal winning combinations between the flags.

  Further, referring to the RB gaming state internal lottery table shown in (2) of FIG. 8, this table is configured so that the numerical range corresponding to the winning numbers 1 to 3 is wider than other internal lottery tables. ing. In other words, the RB gaming state internal lottery table is configured such that cherries, bells, and watermelons are determined as winning combinations with higher probability than other internal lottery tables. In the internal lottery table for the RB gaming state, the winning numbers corresponding to the winning numbers 4 to 6 in the internal lottery table for the general gaming state are not provided. Therefore, in the RB gaming state, replay, BB1, and BB2 are not determined as winning combinations.

  The internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal winning combination determination table includes information (data) of an internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number. The internal winning combination data is represented in binary. The data of the internal winning combination shown corresponding to the winning number is information for identifying the internal winning combination and is 1-byte data.

  For example, when the winning number is “0”, “00000000” (internal winning combination) is determined as the data of the internal winning combination. The internal winning combination corresponding to this data is losing. When the winning number is “1”, “00000001” is determined as the data of the internal winning combination. The internal winning combination corresponding to this data is cherry. Similarly, for the winning numbers “2” to “6”, data corresponding to the winning number is determined, and the internal winning combination is determined.

  The symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol combination table includes a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols stopped and displayed at each of the three symbol stop positions connected by one effective line, and information on the number of payouts for each inserted number corresponding to the display combination. ing. This symbol combination table is referred to when the payout number is determined according to the symbol combination displayed along the active line after all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  When the aforementioned winning number is 1 (cherry), the display combination may be cherry. In the case where the display combination is cherry, among the five active lines, the middle cherry in which “cherry (medium) -ANY-ANY” is arranged along the center line 8c, and along the effective lines excluding the center line “ There is a corner cherry with “cherry (corner) -ANY-ANY” lined up. “Cherry (Middle)” indicates “Cherry” stopped and displayed in the middle of the left display window 4L, and “Cherry (Corner)” indicates “Cherry” stopped and displayed in the upper or lower stage of the left display window 4L. ". “ANY” indicates an arbitrary symbol. When the display combination is medium cherry, according to the symbol combination table, when the number of inserted coins is 1 or 2, 15 medals are paid out, and when the number of inserted coins is 3, four medals are displayed. Paid out. On the other hand, when the display combination is a square cherry and the inserted number is 1 or 2, 15 medals are paid out according to the symbol combination table, but when the inserted number is 3 for the square cherry. Is a symbol combination of “cherry (corner) -ANY-ANY” on two effective lines (top line 8b and cross-down line 8e, or bottom line 8d and cross-up line 8a). Medals are paid out.

  When “Bell-Bell-Bell” is arranged along the effective line, the display combination becomes a bell. When the number of inserted coins is 1 or 2, 15 medals are paid out. When the number of inserted coins is 3, Ten medals are paid out. When “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” are arranged along the active line, the display combination becomes a watermelon, and eight medals are paid out regardless of the number of inserted coins. When “Replay-Replay-Replay” is arranged along the active line, the display combination is replayed and medals are automatically inserted.

  When “red 7-red 7-red 7” are arranged along the active line, the display combination is BB1, and the big bonus is activated by turning on the BB1 operating flag. At this time, the gaming state shifts from the general gaming state to the RB gaming state. When “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is arranged along the active line, the display combination is BB2, and the big bonus is activated by turning on the BB2 operating flag. At this time, the gaming state shifts to the RB gaming state.

  With reference to FIG. 11, the bonus operation time table will be described.

  The bonus operating time table includes information on an operating flag, which will be described later, a bonus end number counter, which will be described later, a possible number of games, and a possible number of winnings, for each display combination. This bonus operating time table is referred to in the processing in step S33 in FIG. 20 described later and the processing in step S82 in FIG. 23 described later.

  The “in-operation flag” refers to information for identifying an operating game state (current game state). In the working flag of the embodiment, a BB working flag for identifying whether or not a BB (actual accessory continuous actuating device) is working and an RB gaming state for working or not are identified. There are a plurality of operating flags including an RB operating flag. The BB operating flag identifies the BB1 operating flag for identifying that BB has been activated when BB1 is established as a display combination, and identifies that the BB has been activated by establishing BB2 as a display combination. It is a general term for the BB2 operating flag for the purpose.

  The “bonus end number counter” is provided to count the number of medals paid out in the game from when the BB operating flag is updated to on until the BB operating flag is updated to off. It is provided in a predetermined area. In the embodiment, the counter is set to “350” on condition that the BB operating flag is updated to ON, and is subtracted according to the number of medals paid out during the operation of BB. When the value of the bonus end number counter becomes “0” or less, the BB operating flag is updated to OFF. As described above, in the embodiment, the number of medals to be paid out is counted by the count-down method of subtracting from the initial value, but this is not substantially different from the case of counting by the count-up method of integrating from 0.

  With reference to (1) to (4) of FIG. 12, the storage area (storage area) of the internal winning combination, carryover combination, gaming state and operating flag will be described. These storage areas are provided in both the main control circuit 71 and the sub-control circuit 72.

  (1) of FIG. 12 shows an internal winning combination storing area. Bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to cherry. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the bell. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to a watermelon. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to replay. Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to BB1. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to BB2. Bits 6 and 7 are unused storage areas.

  Although the illustration of the display combination storage area where the display combination data is stored is omitted, it has the same data structure as the internal winning combination storage area (internal winning combination 1 storage area, internal winning combination 2 storage area). ing.

  (2) of FIG. 12 shows a carryover combination storage area. Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to BB1. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to BB2. Bit 0 to bit 3, bit 6, and bit 7 are unused storage areas. In the embodiment, when there is a carryover combination (between flags), “1” is stored in the storage area corresponding to the carryover combination. For example, when the carryover combination is BB1, “1” is stored in bit 4 of the carryover combination storage area.

  (3) of FIG. 12 shows a game state storage area. Bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to the general gaming state. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the RB gaming state. Bits 2 to 7 are unused storage areas.

  (4) of FIG. 12 shows the operating flag storage area. Bit 0 is a storage area corresponding to the BB1 operating flag. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the BB2 operating flag. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to the RB operating flag. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to the AT operating flag. Bits 4 to 7 are unused storage areas.

  The configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the block diagram of the sub control circuit 72 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit 72. The sub-control circuit 72 controls effects related to video, sound, light, or a combination of these, and a main control circuit 71 that controls the progress of a series of games such as determination of an internal winning combination and reel control. Are configured on separate circuit boards.

  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 is 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 of production contents are performed. As described above, communication between the main control circuit 71 and the sub control circuit 72 is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72, and the sub control circuit 72 sends commands and information to the main control circuit 71. And so on.

  The sub control circuit 72 includes a sub CPU 81, a sub ROM 82, a sub RAM 83, a rendering processor 84, a drawing RAM 85 (including a frame buffer 86), a driver 87, a DSP 88, an audio RAM 89, a D / A converter 90, and an amplifier 91. Consists of.

  Based on the various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71, the sub CPU 81 controls the output of video, sound, and light in accordance with a control program stored in the sub ROM 82. The sub control circuit 72 does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the control program of the sub CPU 81.

  The sub ROM 82 basically includes a program storage area and a data storage area.

  The program storage area stores a sub CPU control program shown in FIGS. Specifically, a main board communication task for controlling communication with the operating system, device driver, main control circuit 71, a lamp control task for controlling light output by the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102, and the speaker 9L. , 9R, a sound control task for controlling output of sound, a drawing task for controlling display of video on the liquid crystal display device 131, and the like.

  The data storage area includes a table storage area for storing various tables such as an effect determination table (FIGS. 14 to 17 described later), a drawing control data storage area for storing animation data such as character object data, and animation data. The sound control data storage area stores sound data such as video sound based on the sound and the operation sound of the start lever 6 and the like, and the LED / lamp control data storage area stores the lighting pattern of light.

  The sub RAM 83 is configured as a temporary storage unit for work when the sub CPU 81 executes a control program. The sub RAM 83 stores various types of information such as an effect state transition number and an effect number, which will be described later. A storage area similar to that shown in FIG. 12 is also provided. Therefore, the sub-control circuit 72 can also determine the internal winning combination, display combination, carryover combination, operating flag, and set value.

  The rendering processor 84 is connected to the sub CPU 81 and generates an image corresponding to the content of the effect determined by the sub CPU 81 based on a command output from the sub CPU 81. Data necessary for a task performed by the rendering processor 84 is expanded in the drawing RAM 85 at the time of activation. The generated video is displayed by the liquid crystal display device 131 via the driver 87.

  The DSP 88 is connected to the sub CPU 81, and determines sound data for outputting sound from the speakers 9L and 9R based on a command output from the sub CPU 81. The sound data determined here is stored in a sound storage area provided in the audio RAM 89.

  The D / A converter 90 is connected to the DSP 88 and converts the sound data stored in the sound storage area as digital data into analog sound. The amplifier 91 is an amplifier that amplifies the sound converted into analog by the D / A converter 90 and outputs the amplified sound from the speakers 9L and 9R.

  The sub CPU 81 is connected to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 and outputs light based on an output signal transmitted from the sub CPU 81.

  In addition, the operation unit 17 is connected to the sub CPU 81. In the embodiment, information such as a game history is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 131 in response to the operation unit 17 being operated.

  The jump table of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The jump table includes information on processing to be performed according to the type of the received command when the command (information or command) transmitted from the main control circuit 71 is received. Specifically, information on a plurality of types of processing to be executed corresponding to the “identifier” of the command transmitted by the main control circuit 71 is stored. The main control circuit 71 transmits data (information) composed of “4 bytes” to “8 bytes” to the sub control circuit 72 as one command, but the “first data” is the “first byte”. Data is shown.

  For example, when a medal insertion command is received, the sub CPU 81 performs medal insertion command processing. The medal insertion command process is a process performed when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 10. When the game start command is received, the sub CPU 81 performs a game start command process. The game start command processing is processing that is triggered by the internal lottery processing or the like being performed according to the operation of the start lever 6. When the reel stop command is received, the sub CPU 81 performs a reel stop command process. The reel stop command process is a process performed when any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is operated.

  When the all-reel stop command is received, the sub CPU 81 performs all-reel stop command processing. The all reel stop command process is a process that is performed when the third stop operation is performed. When the display combination establishment command is received, the sub CPU 81 performs display combination establishment command processing. The display combination establishment command process is a process performed based on the success or failure of the display combination.

  When receiving the bonus start command, the sub CPU 81 performs bonus start command processing. The bonus start command process is a process for executing notification of the timing at which the BB operates. When receiving the bonus end command, the sub CPU 81 performs bonus end command processing. The bonus end command process is a process for performing notification of the timing when the BB ends.

  The effect determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  This table is referred to when a cherry or watermelon is determined as an internal winning combination when the AT operating flag is on.

  When the internal winning combination is a cherry, data for notifying that the cherry is an internal winning combination is selected. In this case, an effect in which a red shooting star is displayed in the upper stage effect display area 251 of the liquid crystal display device 131 is performed (see FIG. 30 described later). Therefore, the player can stop the left stop button 7L so that “cherry” is stopped and displayed on the active line.

  Referring to FIG. 7 described above, the symbol combination corresponding to cherry is “cherry-ANY-ANY”. Here, in the embodiment, it is possible to move in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R after the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are operated and before the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop. The number of symbols (the maximum number of sliding symbols) is defined as “4”. Referring to FIG. 5 described above, in the left reel 3L, “cherry” which is a symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the cherry is arranged at an interval exceeding the maximum number of sliding symbols. Therefore, in order to establish cherry as a display combination, it is required to operate the left stop button 7L at an appropriate timing. On the other hand, since ANY may have any symbol, it is not required to operate the central stop button 7C and the right stop button 7R at an appropriate timing. Therefore, if an effect that a red shooting star is displayed in the upper stage display area 251 of the liquid crystal display device 131 is performed, if the left stop button 7L is operated at an appropriate timing, the center stop button 7C and the right stop button are displayed. Cherry can be established as a display combination regardless of the timing of operating 7R.

  Further, when the internal winning combination is a watermelon, data for notifying that the watermelon is an internal winning combination is selected, and an effect in which a green shooting star is displayed in the upper stage display area 251 of the liquid crystal display device 131 is displayed. Is performed (not shown).

  Referring to FIG. 7 described above, the symbol combination corresponding to the watermelon is “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon”. Here, in the embodiment, as described above, the maximum number of sliding pieces is defined as “4”. Referring to FIG. 5 described above, in the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R, “watermelon” that is a symbol constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a watermelon is arranged at an interval exceeding the maximum number of sliding pieces. . Therefore, in order to establish a watermelon as a display combination, it is required to operate the left stop button 7L, the center stop button 7C, and the right stop button 7R at appropriate timing. Therefore, when an effect in which a green shooting star is displayed in the upper effect display area 251 of the liquid crystal display device 131 is performed, the left stop button 7L and the center stop button 7C are displayed so that “watermelon” is stopped on the active line. And the watermelon can be established as a display combination by operating the right stop button 7R at an appropriate timing.

  The AT lottery table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The AT lottery table includes lottery value information corresponding to “activate” AT or “do not activate” AT. This AT lottery table is referred to when determining whether or not to generate an AT in FIG. 27 described later.

  Here, the lottery value is a value to be subtracted from the extracted random number value. When the lottery value is subtracted from the random number value and the subtracted value is negative, information corresponding to the lottery value is selected. For example, if the extracted random number value is “18800”, first, the lottery value “800” corresponding to “activate” is subtracted from this “18800”. The subtracted value is “18000” (a positive value). Next, the lottery value “31968” corresponding to “do not operate” is subtracted from this “18000”. The subtracted value is negative. Therefore, it is determined that the AT is not activated.

  The AT game number lottery table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The AT game number lottery table includes information on the lottery value corresponding to the sub-set value and the number of notifications, and is referred to when determining the AT game number in FIG. 27 described later. The number of AT games is the number of times that it is possible to notify that a cherry or watermelon has been established as an internal winning combination.

  The control operation of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the main CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (step S1). In this step S1, the contents stored in the main RAM 33 are initialized, the communication data is initialized, and the like. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the main RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased (step S2), and the process proceeds to step S3. In this step S2, the data in the writable area of the main RAM 33 used in the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the main RAM 33, and the start address of the sequence program of the next game is set. Designation is performed.

  In step S3, a bonus operation monitoring process described with reference to FIG. 20 described later is performed, and the process proceeds to step S4. In this process, when the BB operating flag is on, processing is performed to update the RB operating flag to on so that the RB gaming state continues even after the RB gaming state ends. In step S4, medal insertion / start check processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S5. In this processing, processing such as updating the number of BETs is performed based on inputs from the start switch 6S, medal sensor 10S, or BET switches 11 to 13, and a medal insertion command is also transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. To do.

  In step S5, a random number for lottery is extracted, and the process proceeds to step S6. The random numbers extracted in this process are used in an internal lottery process described later. In step S6, a game state monitoring process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S7. In this process, it is determined whether or not the gaming state transition condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the gaming state transition condition is satisfied, the gaming state is shifted and the gaming state transition condition is satisfied. If it is not discriminated, processing for maintaining the current gaming state is performed.

  In step S7, an internal lottery process described later with reference to FIG. 21 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, a game start command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S9. This game start command includes information such as a game state, an internal winning combination, and the number of credits.

  In step S9, it is determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game started. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S11, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, a game start waiting time digest process (wait process) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S11. In this process, a process of invalidating an input based on an operation for starting a game by the player is performed until 4.1 seconds elapse from the start of the previous game.

  In step S11, a game monitoring timer is set, and the process proceeds to step S12. This game monitoring timer includes an automatic stop timer for automatically stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R regardless of the stop operation of the player's stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. In step S12, the start of rotation of all reels is requested, and the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG.

  In step S13 of FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not the stop switch (stop switch) is “ON”, that is, whether any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R has been operated. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S15, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, it is determined whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S15, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S15, the number of sliding symbols is determined, and the process proceeds to step S16. In this process, the number of sliding pieces is determined and set from the stop control position corresponding to the stop start position with reference to a stop table (not shown) corresponding to the internal winning combination. In step S16, the process waits for the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, which have been stopped, to rotate by the number of sliding pieces determined in step S15, and then proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the rotation stop of the reel is requested, and the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, a reel stop command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S19. The reel stop command includes information on the stop start positions of the stopped reels 3L, 3C, 3R and information on stop control positions corresponding to the stop start positions. In step S19, it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S20, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S20, an all reel stop command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, a display combination search process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S22. In the display combination search process, a process for setting a flag for identifying a display combination (a winning combination) based on a symbol stop mode in the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R is performed.

  In step S22, a display combination establishment command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S23. The display combination establishment command includes information on the established display combination. In step S23, a medal payout process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S24. In this process, based on the flag set in the display combination search process, referring to the symbol combination table (FIG. 10), the corresponding payout number of medals is stored (credit) or paid out.

  In step S24, the bonus end number counter is updated based on the payout number, and the process proceeds to step S25. In this process, when the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, the counter is subtracted according to the number of medals paid out.

  In step S25, it is determined whether or not the RB operating flag or the BB operating flag is on. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S26, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S26, a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 22 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. 23 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  The bonus operation monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is on (step S31). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S32, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG. In step S32, it is determined whether or not the RB operating flag is ON. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG. 18, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, RB operation processing is performed based on the bonus operation table (FIG. 11), and the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG. In this process, a process for updating the RB operating flag to ON is performed. Then, a process for setting the possible number of games to 12 and setting the possible number of winnings to 8 is performed.

  By performing the processing of step S31 to step S33, even if the condition for updating the RB operation flag to OFF is satisfied and the RB operation flag is updated to OFF, the BB operation flag is ON. In this case, the RB operating flag can be updated to ON again, and the RB gaming state can be operated continuously.

  The internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 refers to the internal lottery table determination table (FIG. 7), determines the type and number of lotteries in the internal lottery table (FIG. 8) according to the gaming state (step S41), and proceeds to step S42. In step S42, it is determined whether or not the data (information) stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0 (presence of carryover combination). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S44, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the number of lotteries is changed (updated) to 4, and the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the same value as the number of lotteries is set as the winning number, and the process proceeds to step S45. As a result, “6” is set as the winning number in the general gaming state (between non-flags), “4” in the general gaming state (between flags), and “3” in the RB gaming state.

  In step S45, referring to the internal lottery table determined in step S41, the stored random number value is compared with the winning number and the lower limit value (L) and upper limit value (U) corresponding to the stored setting. The process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, it is determined whether or not the stored random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S47, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S49.

  In step S47, with reference to the internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 9), the internal winning combination and storage area type are determined based on the winning number, and the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, the address of the internal winning combination storage area is set based on the storage area type, the set address is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33, and the process proceeds to step S49.

  In step S49, the number of lotteries is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S50. In step S50, it is determined whether the number of lotteries is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S51, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S44.

  In step S51, the logical sum of the internal winning combination storage area and the carryover combination storage area is stored in the carryover combination storage area, and the process proceeds to step S52. With this process, the carryover combination can be stored in the carryover combination storage area. In step S52, the logical sum of the internal winning combination storage area and the carryover combination storing area is stored in the internal winning combination storage area, and the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 22, the bonus end check process will be described.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a winning is achieved (step S61). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S62, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S69. In step S62, it is determined whether or not the BB operating flag is ON. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the data of bit 0 or bit 1 in the operating flag storage area ((4) in FIG. 12) is “1”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S63, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S67.

  In step S63, it is determined whether or not the bonus end number counter is “0” or less. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S64, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S67.

  In step S64, processing at the end of RB is performed, and the process proceeds to step S65. In this RB end time process, an RB operating flag is updated to OFF, and a process of updating the number of possible winnings and the number of possible games to “0” is performed. In step S65, processing at the end of BB is performed, and the process proceeds to step S66. In this BB end time process, the BB operating flag (BB1 operating flag and BB2 operating flag) is updated to OFF, and the bonus end number counter is updated to “0”. In step S66, a bonus end command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG.

  In step S67, "1" is subtracted from the number of possible winnings, and the process proceeds to step S68. In step S68, it is determined whether or not the possible number of winnings is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S71, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S69. In step S69, “1” is subtracted from the possible number of games, and the process proceeds to step S70. In step S70, it is determined whether or not the possible number of games is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S71, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG. In step S71, processing at the end of RB is performed, and the process proceeds to step S27 in FIG.

  The bonus operation check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB1 or BB2 (step S81). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S82, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S85. In step S82, bonus operation time processing is performed based on the bonus operation time table (FIG. 11), and the process proceeds to step S83. In this bonus activation process, the BB activation flag is updated to ON, and the bonus end number counter is set to “350”.

  In step S83, a process of clearing the carryover combination storage area, that is, a process of updating the data stored in the carryover combination storage area to “00000000” is performed, and the process proceeds to step S84. In step S84, a bonus start command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  In step S85, it is determined whether or not the display combination is replay. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S86, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In step S86, a process of copying the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion counter, that is, a process of setting the same value as the number of insertions inserted for the current game in the automatic insertion counter is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. .

  With reference to FIG. 24, the interrupt process by the control of the main CPU 31 will be described. This interrupt process is performed every 1.1173 ms.

  First, the main CPU 31 performs input port check processing (step S91), and proceeds to step S92. In this process, whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S by operating the start lever 6 is confirmed. In step S92, communication data transmission processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S93.

  In step S93, a reel control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S94. In this processing, information indicating the reel to be controlled is set as a reel identifier, and processing for controlling the driving of this reel is performed. In step S94, 7SEG drive processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S95. In step S95, a lamp driving process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S96. In step S96, a timer management process is performed and the interrupt process is terminated.

  The control operation of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  The sub control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the power is turned on and a voltage is applied to the reset terminal, the sub CPU 81 generates a reset interrupt, and sequentially performs the sub control processing stored in the sub ROM 82 based on the generation of the interrupt. Has been.

  First, the sub CPU 81 performs input monitoring processing (step S101), and proceeds to step S102. In this process, it is determined whether or not a command has been received by determining whether or not there is data in the command buffer (storage area for storing the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71). In step S102, command input processing described later with reference to FIG. 26 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, command output processing for outputting a command to the rendering processor 84 and the DSP 111 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, an image drawing process described later with reference to FIG. 29 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, it is determined whether or not the VDP counter is 2 or more. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S106, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S106, 0 is set in the VDP counter, and the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, a bank switching command is transmitted to the rendering processor 84 to cause the rendering processor 84 to replace the image data area, and the process proceeds to step S101.

  The command input process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not there is data in the command buffer, that is, whether or not a command has been received (step S111). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S112, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S103 in FIG.

  In step S112, it is determined whether or not the received command is a bonus end command. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S113, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114. In step S113, bonus end command processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 27 is performed, and the flow proceeds to step S117.

  In step S114, it is determined whether or not the received command is a game start command. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S115, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S116. In step S115, a game start command process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 28 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S117.

  In step S116, a process corresponding to the received command is performed, and the process proceeds to step S117. In step S117, the data stored in the command buffer is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S103 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 27, the bonus end command processing will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 refers to the AT lottery table (FIG. 14), determines whether or not to operate the AT based on the random number value (step S121), and proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, it is determined whether or not it is determined to operate the AT. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S123, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S117 in FIG.

  In step S123, referring to the AT game number lottery table (FIG. 15), the AT game number is determined based on the random number value, and the process proceeds to step S124. In step S124, the AT operating flag is updated to ON, and the flow proceeds to step S117 in FIG. Specifically, “1” is set to the value of bit 3 in the operating flag storage area of FIG. 9 (4) described above.

  The value of the AT game number determined in step S123 is set in the AT game number counter stored in a predetermined area of the sub RAM 83.

  The game start command process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether the internal winning combination is cherry or watermelon (step S131). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S132, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S117 in FIG. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of bit 0 or bit 2 of the internal winning combination storing area in FIG.

  In step S132, it is determined whether or not the AT operating flag is ON. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of bit 3 in the operating flag storage area of FIG. 12 (4) described above is “1”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S133, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S117 in FIG.

  In step S133, the effect data is determined based on the internal winning combination with reference to the effect determination table (FIG. 15), the determined effect data is set, and the process proceeds to step S134. In step S134, 1 is subtracted from the value of the AT game number counter, and the process proceeds to step S135.

  In step S135, it is determined whether or not the value of the AT game number counter is zero. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S136, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S117 in FIG. In step S136, the AT operating flag is updated to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S117 in FIG. Specifically, “0” is set to the value of bit 3 in the operating flag storage area of FIG.

  The image drawing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 acquires various effect data determined according to the above-described command (step S141), and proceeds to step S142. In step S142, the acquired various effect data is transmitted to the VDP, a game effect screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 131, and the process proceeds to step S105 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 30, a display example on the liquid crystal display device 131 when the cherry is internally hit during the AT operation will be described.

  In this display example, during the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, an effect is displayed in which a red shooting star is displayed in the upper stage effect display area 251 of the liquid crystal display device 131. The player can know that the cherry was won by watching this production.

  Furthermore, in the lower stage effect display area 253, characters “AT remaining 5 times!” Are displayed, and the player can know the remaining number of AT games.

  Therefore, the player can play a game while viewing the effects controlled differently for each of the plurality of effect display areas divided by the fixed display areas 2a and 2c, which are non-transparent areas, and the frame 212.

  Furthermore, even if one reel panel 133 is present, the player can be made to recognize that there are a plurality of liquid crystal screens (upper stage effect display area 251, middle stage effect display area 252 and lower stage effect display area 253). it can.

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described, this invention is not limited to this.

  In the embodiment, the fixed display areas 2a and 2c and the frame 212 are combined to divide the reel panel 133. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display unit 2 is not provided with the fixed display areas 2a and 2c, and only the frame 212 is provided. The reel panel 133 may be divided using

  In the embodiment, the notification during the AT operation has been described. However, the notification is not limited to this. For example, an effect image during BB operation may be displayed in the upper effect display area 251, and the number of acquired medals during BB operation may be displayed in the lower effect display area 253.

  In the embodiment, the internal winning combination to be notified during the AT operation is cherry or watermelon, but is not limited thereto, and other internal winning combinations such as bell, BB1 may be notified.

  In the embodiment, an internal lottery table is provided in which the numerical range corresponding to the winning combination is a continuous value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may make it provide the internal lottery table which shall contain the several value which does not continue the numerical value range corresponding to a combination.

  Further, in the embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is set with the first type special accessory (RB) and the accessory continuous operation device for continuously operating the first type special accessory. It is also possible to provide a special accessory and a special accessory continuous actuating device for continuously operating the second type special accessory. “Type 2 special character” is a character that activates the condition device related to winning regardless of the result of the internal lottery. It operates when determined in advance, and the result of one game is obtained. The one that ends the operation when it is The so-called challenge game (CG) and / or single challenge game (SCG) can be mentioned as the second type special combination. Moreover, what is called a challenge bonus (CB) can be mentioned in the accessory continuous operation apparatus which operates a 2nd type special accessory continuously.

  In addition to the gaming machine 1 as in the present embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines such as pachilot. Furthermore, the present invention is also applied to a game program in which the above-described operation on the gaming machine 1 is executed in a simulated manner for a home game machine or a portable terminal (for a mobile phone, a portable game machine, etc.). Can run the game. In that case, a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a gaming machine. The figure which shows the fixed display area and liquid crystal display area of a liquid crystal display device. The perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid crystal display device. FIG. 3 is a development view of a part of the configuration of a liquid crystal display device. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the reel. The block diagram which shows the structure of an electric circuit. The figure which shows an internal lottery table determination table. The figure which shows an internal lottery table. The figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. The figure which shows a symbol combination table. The figure which shows a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. The figure which shows various storage areas. The figure which shows the structure of a subcontrol circuit. The figure which shows a jump table. The figure which shows an effect determination table. The figure which shows AT lottery table. The figure which shows AT game frequency lottery table. The main flowchart of a main control circuit. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart which shows a bonus operation | movement monitoring process. The flowchart which shows an internal lottery process. The flowchart which shows a bonus completion | finish check process. The flowchart which shows a bonus action check process. The flowchart which shows the interruption process of a main control circuit. The flowchart which shows a sub control process. The flowchart which shows the command input process of a subcontrol circuit. The flowchart which shows the bonus end command process of a subcontrol circuit. The flowchart which shows the game start command process of a subcontrol circuit. The flowchart which shows the image drawing process of a subcontrol circuit. FIG. 11 shows a display example on a liquid crystal display device.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 3L, 3C, 3R reel 6 start lever 7L, 7C, 7R stop button 30 microcomputer 31 main CPU
32 Main ROM
33 Main RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit

Claims (1)

A plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface;
A symbol display means having a plurality of display units capable of variably displaying and stopping the plurality of types of symbols by rotating and stopping each of the plurality of reels;
Start command means for outputting a game start command signal for commanding start of a unit game in response to the start operation signal;
A winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination from a plurality of predetermined combinations according to the game start command signal;
In response to the game start command signal, start control means for starting the symbol variation display by the symbol display means,
A plurality of stop command means provided corresponding to each of the plurality of display units, and outputting a stop command signal for commanding stop of the variable display of symbols on the corresponding display unit in response to a stop operation signal;
In accordance with the output of the stop command signal, based on the winning combination determined by the winning combination determination unit, stop control means for stopping the variable display of the symbol on the display unit corresponding to the stop command signal, In gaming machines,
Production control means for controlling the production of the game;
A liquid crystal display unit that is provided on the front surface of the plurality of reels and displays an effect image based on the control of the effect control means;
A transparent panel portion provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal display portion;
Illumination means for irradiating the liquid crystal display unit with light;
A frame portion provided on the back surface of the panel portion and on the front surface of the liquid crystal display portion, and formed so as not to transmit the light irradiated by the illumination means,
The panel part is divided into a plurality of transmission regions where the liquid crystal display part can be visually recognized by the frame part,
The effect control means controls a plurality of effects respectively corresponding to the plurality of transmission areas,
The panel unit includes a liquid crystal display region in which the liquid crystal display unit can be visually recognized, a first non-transmissive region adjacent to the liquid crystal display region, and a first adjacent to the liquid crystal display region on the side opposite to the first non-transmissive region. It consists of three areas, two non-transparent areas,
On the back side of the first non-transmissive region and the second non-transmissive region, a non-transmissive member that makes the liquid crystal display portion invisible is disposed,
The frame part is a substantially rectangular frame,
The liquid crystal display area is divided into three areas by two of the four sides constituting the substantially rectangular frame,
Wherein only a predetermined one region of the three regions, the a plurality of regions visible the placed design on the outer peripheral surface of the reel, the liquid crystal display unit, figure pattern even drivable state A gaming machine characterized in that is set to be visible.

Images