JP5331357B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of informing a player of an internal winning combination by the order of starting the variable display of symbols. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 1 includes a reel rotation order-determining table with information defining the order of starting rotation of subordinate reels 21L, 21C, and 21R and a fourth reel 23, respectively, according to an internal winning symbol combination. The game machine 1 starts rotation of the subordinate reels 21L, 21C and 21R and fourth reel 23 respectively in the order according to the internal winning symbol combination defined in the reel rotation order determining table in an RB (regular bonus) game state when a start lever 6 is operated by the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

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

  Currently, the mainstream model has a plurality of types of winning modes. In particular, when a predetermined winning combination is established, a single medal is not paid out, and the gaming state is better in condition than the normal state for a predetermined period. As such a role, a role that can give a player a relatively large profit 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 (referred to as “regular bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”) in which a game can be played a predetermined number of times.

  In addition, in the current mainstream models, in order to establish a winning combination in which predetermined symbol combinations are arranged along the activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as “active line”) and medals, coins, etc. are paid out, Indicates that the winning combination of the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) is won by the internal lottery process (hereinafter referred to as “internal random determination”) The player is required to perform a stop operation at a timing at which the symbol combination can be stopped on 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.

Such a gaming machine has been proposed that includes a display unit that displays on a display screen a reel in which the same symbols as the reels of the variable display device are arranged, and a display control unit that controls the display unit. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). According to this gaming machine, after the reel of the variable display device is stopped by the display control means, a symbol different from the symbol stopped and displayed on the reel of the variable display device is displayed on the reel of the display means. According to this, an effect can be performed by a combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed along the active line in the display means.
JP 2002-191747 A

  By the way, in the gaming machine as described above, there is a demand for an internal winning combination that can be notified.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can notify an internal winning combination.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in the gaming machine, the second start control means and the third symbol display control means are configured to output a game start command signal when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Accordingly, it is characterized in that the variable display of the symbols on the second display unit and the third display unit is started in a predetermined order according to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

(1) A gaming machine comprising main control means for controlling game operations and sub-control means for receiving signals transmitted from the main control means without transmitting signals to the main control means. , A game value input means (for example, a medal slot 5 described later) through which a player can input a game value (for example, a medal described later), and information on the game value input to the game value input means are stored. Game value information storage means (for example, means for updating the number of BETs described later, a main control circuit 71 described later), and a first display unit (for example, a main reel 3L, described later) for displaying a plurality of types of symbols. 3C, 3R, etc.) each having a plurality of first symbol display means (for example, main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which will be described later, main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, which will be described later) and the plurality of first display sections. Correspondingly provided multiple Display symbol classes, the effective line is only linear second display unit (e.g., below sub reel 21L, 21C, 21R, etc.) The second symbol display means having a plurality of (e.g., below sub reel 21L, 21C, 21R Sub display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R described later) and a third symbol display means (for example, a 4th reel described later) having a third display unit (for example, a 4th reel 23 described later) for displaying a plurality of types of symbols. 23, a 4th display window 24 to be described later), a start operation means (for example, a start lever 6 to be described later) operable by the player, and information on a predetermined game value is stored in the game value information storage means. A game start command signal for instructing the start of a unit game (for example, one game to be described later) is output in response to an operation of the start operation means by the player. A start command means for (e.g., such as a start switch 6S, below), in response to said game start command signal, to determine at least one as a winning combination from a predetermined plurality of winning, are included in the main control unit In accordance with the winning combination determining means (for example, means for performing the processing of FIGS. 25 to 27 described later, a main control circuit 71 described later) and the game start command signal, the variation of the symbols in the plurality of first display units First display control means (for example, motor drive circuit 39 described later, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described later, main control circuit 71 described later) included in the main control means, and the game start In response to the command signal, the variable display of the symbols on the plurality of second display units is started, and second start control means (for example, a motor drive circuit 113 described later) included in the sub-control means . Stepping motors 114L, 114C, 114R, which will be described later, and a sub reel control circuit 110, which will be described later, and a plurality of stop operation means (for example, which can be operated by the player) The stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, etc., which will be described later) and the plurality of stop operation means are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of stop operation means, and in accordance with the operation of the stop operation means by the player, A plurality of stop command means (for example, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS to be described later) for outputting a stop command signal for commanding the stop of the variable display, and a first corresponding to the stop command signal in accordance with the stop command signal A first stop control means (for example, means for performing a process shown in FIG. 28 described later, a main control circuit 71 described later), and the like. In response to the command signal, second stop control means (for example, means for performing the processing of FIG. 41 described later, for example) to stop the change display of the symbol in the second display unit corresponding to the first display unit to stop the change display of the symbol, A game value payout means (for example, a hopper 40 described later) for paying out a predetermined amount of game value in accordance with a combination of symbols stopped by the plurality of first display units and a sub reel control circuit 110 described later. The medal detection unit 40S, which will be described later, the hopper drive circuit 41, which will be described later, the main control circuit 71, which will be described later, and the first condition (for example, the start lever 6 is operated by the player in the RB gaming state described later) ) Is satisfied, the variable display of the symbols on the third symbol display means is started, and the player operates the second condition (for example, any of stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R described later). When the like) is met and the stop variable display of symbols in the third symbol display unit, the third symbol display control means included in the sub-control means (e.g., below the motor drive circuit 123, described later of the stepping motor 124, a 4th reel control circuit 120 to be described later), and a winning combination that prescribes a combination of symbols allowed to stop at the plurality of first display units in accordance with the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means. It is allowed to stop at the plurality of second display units according to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means by the winning combination combination first information storing means for storing the first combination of winning combination information. A winning combination symbol combination second information storing means for storing a winning combination symbol combination second information for prescribing a combination of symbols , wherein the first stop control means includes the winning combination symbol combination second information storage means. Based on the winning symbol combination first information, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means stops at the effective line of the first display unit. The variable display is stopped, and the second stop control means determines that the symbol corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is based on the winning combination symbol combination second information. The change display of the symbols on the second display unit is stopped so as to stop at the line, and the winning combination symbol combination first information is determined by the winning combination determining means so that the winning combination is the first winning combination. In some cases, the combination of symbols allowed to stop at the plurality of first display units is the combination of the first symbols, and the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is the second winning combination. In the case of The combination of symbols allowed to stop in one display unit is defined as a combination of second symbols, and the winning combination symbol combination second information is determined by the winning combination determining means. Regardless of whether the winning combination is the first winning combination or the second winning combination, it is defined that the combination of symbols allowed to stop at the plurality of second display portions is the combination of the third symbol Then, the second start control means and the third symbol display control means, when a predetermined condition (for example, an RB gaming state described later) is satisfied, the winning start is determined according to the game start command signal. The plurality of second display units and the third display unit in a predetermined order according to the winning combination determined by the combination determining means (for example, an order determined in a reel rotation order determination table in FIG. 37 described later). The symbol on the display Start the dynamic display, wherein the predetermined order, the are also included when performing variable display of symbols in the earlier than the plurality of second display unit 3 display unit, said predetermined The order in which the first winning combination is determined by the winning combination determining means and the order in which the second winning combination is determined by the winning combination determining means are different from each other in order. A gaming machine characterized by

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), when a predetermined condition is satisfied by the second start control means and the third symbol display control means, the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is determined according to the game start command signal. The variable display of symbols on the second display unit and the third display unit is started in a predetermined order according to the combination.

  For this reason, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the variable display of the symbols is started in each of the plurality of second display units and the third display unit in the order corresponding to the winning combination. Therefore, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the winning combination can be notified in the order of starting the variable display of the symbols in each of the plurality of second display units and the third display unit.

(2) In the gaming machine described in (1), the second start control unit and the third symbol display control unit may be configured such that when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first start control unit causes the plurality of first displays to be displayed. In the period from the start of the symbol variation display in the section until the variation speed of the symbol variation display in the plurality of first display portions reaches a predetermined value (for example, 80 rotations / minute described later). Starting variable display of symbols on the plurality of second display units and the third display unit at predetermined time intervals in a predetermined order according to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means. A featured gaming machine.

  According to the gaming machine described in (2), when a predetermined condition is satisfied by the second start control means and the third symbol display control means, the first start control means displays the variable display of symbols on the plurality of first display units. In a predetermined order according to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means during the period from the start of the period until the fluctuation speed of the variable display of the symbols on the plurality of first display parts reaches a predetermined value. The symbol variation display on the plurality of second display units and the third display unit is started.

  For this reason, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the timing at which the variable display of the symbols on the plurality of second display units and the third display unit is started after the variable display of the symbols on the plurality of first display units is started. The period until the fluctuation speed of the symbol fluctuation display in the plurality of first display portions reaches a predetermined value can be set.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the variable display of the symbols is started in each of the plurality of second display units and the third display unit in the order corresponding to the winning combination. Therefore, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the winning combination can be notified in the order of starting the variable display of the symbols in each of the plurality of second display units and the third display unit.

  FIG. 1 is a view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The gaming machine 1 has a front door 1a. A substantially horizontal pedestal 2 is formed in the approximate center of the front face of the front door 1a. On the other hand, three main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotatably provided in a horizontal row substantially at the center behind the front door 1a. Each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates at a constant speed (80 rotations / minute in this embodiment). A plurality of types of symbols (special symbols) are drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Three main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R configured so that the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are visible are provided on the upper side of the pedestal portion 2. Each main display window 4L, 4C, 4R is provided corresponding to each of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  On the right side of the pedestal 2, a medal slot 5 is provided as an opening for receiving a medal as a medium embodying value information related to the game inside the housing of the gaming machine 1.

  On the left side of the pedestal 2, a 1-BET button 8 a configured to be selectable by pressing the number of medals (hereinafter referred to as “inserted number”) provided for one game (unit game), A 2-BET button 8b and a maximum BET button 8c are provided. Note that one game is basically started by an operation of a start lever 6 (to be described later) (hereinafter referred to as “start operation”) performed by the player to start rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Then, the process ends when the rotation of all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.

  When the 1-BET button 8a is pressed, “1” is selected as the inserted number, and when the 2-BET button 8b is pressed, “2” is selected as the inserted number. When the maximum BET button 8c is pressed, “3” is selected as the number of inserted sheets. Then, the 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, or the maximum BET lamp 9c provided on the left side of the front face of the front door 1a is turned on according to the number of inserted sheets. Specifically, the 1-BET lamp 9a is lit when the number of inserted sheets is 1, and the 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the number of inserted sheets is 2. The maximum BET lamp 9c is lit when the number of inserted sheets is three. The operation of pressing the BET buttons 8a, 8b, and 8c and the operation of inserting a medal provided for one game into the medal insertion slot 5 are hereinafter referred to as “insertion operation”.

  A start lever 6 is attached to the left side of the front surface of the pedestal 2 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range. When the player operates the start lever 6, the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate simultaneously. In other words, the change of the symbols in the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R starts when the player operates the start lever 6.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are provided on the right side of the start lever 6 at the center of the front surface portion of the base portion 2. Each of the three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is provided corresponding to each of the three main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. When the player presses the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, the rotation of the corresponding main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. These are basically the same for the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R described later.

  Here, the operation of pushing the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R performed by the player in order to stop the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R (or sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R, which will be described later) is hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”. That's it.

  In this embodiment, the stop operation performed when all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating is referred to as a first stop operation. A stop operation performed after the first stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation. A stop operation performed after the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Note that stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS, which will be described later, are disposed behind the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. Each of these stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS detects a stop operation of the corresponding stop button 7L, 7C, 7R.

  Credit / payout of medals to be paid out by displaying a combination of symbols related to the internal winning combination along the activated line (hereinafter referred to as “active line”) on the right side of the front part of the pedestal 2 A C / P button 13 for switching by pressing is provided. By switching the C / P button 13, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 14 at the lower front. The medals that have been paid out are stored in the medal receiving unit 15.

  On the left side of the front face of the front door 1a, a bonus game information display unit 16 and a credit display unit 17 are provided below the maximum BET lamp 9c. The bonus game information display unit 16 includes a 7-segment LED. For example, the bonus game information display unit 16 displays the number of games allowed in the bonus game in the bonus game. The credit display unit 17 includes a 7-segment LED, and displays the number of medals that are credited.

  Above the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided behind the front door 1a, three sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R are rotatably provided in a horizontal row. The sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R are large reels and are larger than the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. A plurality of types of symbols (decorative symbols) are drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R.

  As with the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R start rotating simultaneously when the start lever 6 is operated. Thereafter, the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R rotate at a constant speed (in this embodiment, 80 revolutions / minute, similarly to the speed at which the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R rotate). The sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R stop rotating when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are pressed. Thus, in this embodiment, the gaming machine 1 synchronizes the rotation of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  However, in the RB gaming state described later, when the start lever 6 is operated, the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R start rotating at different timings. Then, when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are pressed, the rotation is stopped.

  Further, the 4th reel 23 described later starts rotating at a timing different from that of each of the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R when the start lever 6 is operated in the RB gaming state described later. Then, when any of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is operated, the rotation is stopped.

  Three sub display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R are provided corresponding to the three sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R. The sub display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R are configured such that the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R are visible.

  A 4th reel 23 is rotatably provided above the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R provided behind the front door 1a. The main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R rotate in the vertical direction, that is, the vertical direction, while the 4th reel 23 rotates in the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction. A 4th display window 24 is provided corresponding to the 4th reel 23. The 4th display window 24 is configured such that the 4th reel 23 is visible.

  Speakers 25L and 25R for producing sound effects relating to game effects are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the front door 1a. Furthermore, on the right side of the lower part of the front door 1a, a speaker 26 for outputting sound effects relating to game effects is provided.

  FIG. 2 shows a symbol array in which 18 types of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. On the left side of each symbol row, for convenience of explanation, code numbers “0” to “17” are given corresponding to the symbols.

  Each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R has “red 7 (design 201)”, “blue 7 (design 202)”, “cherry (design 203)”, “bell (design 204)”, “red watermelon (design) 205 ”,“ Yellow watermelon (design 206) ”,“ Red plum (design 207) ”,“ White plum (design 208) ”, and“ Blank (design 209) ”. The configured symbol sequence is shown. Each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  (1) of FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R.

  As shown in (1) of FIG. 3, symbols arranged on the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed on the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. More specifically, when the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the upper stage of the left main display window 4L, the middle stage of the left main display window 4L, the lower stage of the left main display window 4L, and the upper stage of the middle main display window 4C. Each main reel 3L is positioned at each position of the middle stage of the middle main display window 4C, the lower stage of the middle main display window 4C, the upper stage of the right main display window 4R, the middle stage of the right main display window 4R, and the lower stage of the right main display window 4R. , 3C, 3R, three consecutive symbols are displayed. That is, when the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, a total of nine symbols are displayed in the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R.

  (2) of FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R and the effective lines of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R.

  In this embodiment, effective lines 1 to 8 are provided as effective lines of the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. For example, the effective line 1 is a line connecting the positions of the upper stage of the left main display window 4L, the upper stage of the middle main display window 4C, and the upper stage of the right main display window 4R. In addition, although each effective line is validated on condition that input operation | movement is performed, an effective line may be comprised so that it may be visually recognized and may be comprised so that it may not be visually recognized.

  With reference to FIGS. 4 to 31, the circuit configuration of the main control circuit 71 provided in the gaming machine 1, the table group stored in the main control circuit 71, and the game processing operation by the main control circuit 71 will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows a main control circuit 71 that controls the operation of the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices that are actuators electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and various signals based on signals transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A sub-control circuit 72 that controls devices (for example, speakers 25L, 25R, and 26 and effect reels (sub-reels 21L, 21C, 21R, and 4th reel 23)), and a signal transmitted from the main control circuit 71 to the sub-control circuit 72 A circuit configuration including a main relay circuit 71a that relays and a sub-relay circuit 72a that relays signals communicated between the sub-control circuit 72 and various devices is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 is mainly composed of the microcomputer 30 arranged on the substrate. Further, the main control circuit 71 includes a circuit that extracts a random number value. The microcomputer 30 includes a main CPU 31, a main ROM 32, and a main RAM 33.

  The main CPU 31 executes a program stored in the main ROM 32 to control the operation of each actuator directly or indirectly. The main CPU 31 extracts a random value from the generated random number, a clock pulse generating circuit 34 that generates a pulse to indicate time or measure time, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36 that generates a random number, and And a sampling circuit 37 to be connected. The main CPU 31 may be configured to execute generation of random numbers and extraction of random number values.

  The main ROM 32 stores fixed data such as a program for the main CPU 31 to execute the contents of flowcharts shown in FIGS. 20 to 31 described later, and various tables shown in FIGS. 5 to 12 described later. The main ROM 32 stores information about various signals transmitted from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. Note that commands and information are not transmitted from the sub control circuit 72 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.

  The main RAM 33 is used for temporarily storing data when the main CPU 31 executes a program. For example, the main RAM 33 is provided with various areas shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 and FIGS. That is, the main RAM 33 is information storage means for storing various information.

  In the circuit of FIG. 4, the main actuators whose operations are controlled by signals from the microcomputer 30 include a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, a maximum BET lamp 9c, a bonus game information display unit 16, and a credit display. There are a hopper 40 for paying out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper driving circuit 41, and stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R for rotating the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Furthermore, a motor drive circuit 39 that controls the rotation of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R by outputting a predetermined pulse (hereinafter referred to as “drive pulse”), and a hopper drive circuit 41 that controls the operation of the hopper 40. A lamp driving circuit 45 that manages lighting and extinguishing of the BET lamp 9a and the like, and a display unit driving circuit 48 that manages display by the bonus game information display unit 16 and the like are connected to the main CPU 31. Each of these circuits receives a signal output from the main CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  As means for generating a signal to be transmitted to the microcomputer 30 in order for the microcomputer 30 to generate a signal, a start switch 6S, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, 1-BET switch 8aS, 2-BET switch 8bS, There are a maximum BET switch 8cS, a C / P switch 13S, a setting switch 61S, a reset switch 62S, 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 predetermined signal. Based on this signal, the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate. That is, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R starts based on the detection of the operation of the start lever 6 performed by the start switch 6S. The medal sensor 10 </ b> S detects a medal received from the medal slot 5.

  The stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS generate predetermined signals according to the stop operation of the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. Based on this signal, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. That is, the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped based on the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS. In other words, based on the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS, control for stopping the variation of the symbol is performed.

  The setting switch 61S is an operation for turning on the power of the gaming machine 1 in a state where the setting key managed by the game store side is inserted into the keyhole for setting and rotated in the right direction, that is, the “ON” direction (hereinafter referred to as “the setting key”). (Referred to as “setting value change operation”). When the setting switch 61S detects the setting value change operation, the reset switch 62S is a reset button (see FIG. 5) provided for determining a setting value that is an index for distinguishing the degree of advantage for the player. (Not shown) is detected. When this operation is detected by the reset switch 62S, the set value displayed on the bonus game information display unit 16 shifts in four stages of “1”, “4”, “6”, and “H”.

  In the present embodiment, the start lever 6 is operated when the set value changing operation and the reset button operation are performed and the set value displayed on the bonus game information display unit 16 becomes a desired set value. A desired set value can be set. That is, by these operations, any one of the four stages of set values “1”, “4”, “6”, and “H” can be determined as the set value. In other words, the main CPU 31 stores one set value among a plurality of set values indicating the degree of advantage for the player in the main RAM 33. Thereafter, when an operation of pulling out the setting key is performed in a state of being rotated in the left direction, that is, in the “OFF” direction, the player can perform an operation with the set setting value. By performing these operations, the probability that the main winning combination is determined by the main CPU 31 is adjusted, and the total number of medals paid out to the player and the total number of medals thrown into the gaming machine 1 are adjusted. Values such as so-called payout rate and machine discount calculated from a certain total number of inserted sheets are adjusted.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 receives a pulse from a sensor provided on the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R and supplies a signal to the main CPU 31. Based on this signal, the main CPU 31 manages the positions of symbols when the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal indicating that the payout of medals has been completed when the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40 counted by the medal detection unit 40S reaches a specified number.

  In the circuit of FIG. 4, the random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range. The sampling circuit 37 extracts one random number value from the random number generated by the random number generator 36 at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. The random number value thus extracted is stored in a predetermined area (hereinafter referred to as “random number storage area”) provided in the main RAM 33.

  The main reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate once by applying some drive pulses to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. The number of drive pulses given to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is written in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33 as a drive pulse count value. On the other hand, a configuration is employed in which a signal for resetting the predetermined area (hereinafter referred to as “reset pulse”) is obtained each time the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R make one rotation. When the reset pulse is input to the main CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50, the count value of the drive pulse stored in the main RAM 33 is updated to “0”.

  In this embodiment, the drive pulses are given to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R a predetermined number of times, so that only one symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Rotates. In this embodiment, a counter (hereinafter referred to as “symbol counter”) is provided for the main CPU 31 to count the number of times the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R have rotated by one symbol.

  In the reel position detection circuit 50, the symbol with the code number “0” is a line connecting the positions of the middle stage of the left main display window 4L, the middle stage of the middle main display window 4C, and the middle stage of the right main display window 4R. A reset pulse is obtained at a position (hereinafter referred to as symbol position “0”) displayed along (hereinafter referred to as “center line”). In other words, it is configured such that a reset pulse is obtained at a timing when a symbol with a code number “0” is displayed along the center line. Here, the symbol position is position information used when the main CPU 31 specifies the symbol position drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Therefore, since the value of the symbol counter is incremented by “1” corresponding to the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R for one symbol, for example, when the value of the symbol counter is “1”, The main CPU 31 can specify that the symbol corresponding to the code number “1” is displayed along the center line. That is, the main CPU 31 can specify a symbol displayed along the center line based on the value of the symbol counter. The main CPU 31 can specify the symbols displayed along the effective lines 1 to 8 by specifying the symbols displayed along the center line.

  When the internal winning combination is determined by the internal lottery process (see FIGS. 25 to 27 described later) based on the extraction of the random number described above, the main CPU 31 stops the switch at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Based on signals sent from the 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS, a signal for instructing to stop the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 39.

  When a winning is established, the main CPU 31 supplies a signal instructing to start paying out medals to the hopper driving circuit 41 and a predetermined number of medals are paid out from the hopper 40. At that time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches the designated number, a signal instructing to end the payout of medals is sent to the main CPU 31. Entered. Thereby, the drive of the hopper 40 is stopped via the hopper drive circuit 41, and the medal payout is completed.

  The main reel symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol arrangement table includes symbol information drawn on the reel outer peripheral surface corresponding to the symbol positions (code numbers) of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Based on a main reel symbol arrangement table and a main reel symbol combination table to be described later, combinations of symbols (special symbols) arranged along each effective line can be grasped.

  With reference to FIG. 6, an internal lottery table determination table used when the main CPU 31 determines the type and number of lotteries to be described later will be described.

  The internal lottery table determination table defines information on the type of the internal lottery table and information on the number of lotteries corresponding to the gaming state. In this embodiment, a general gaming state and an RB gaming state are provided as the gaming state.

  The gaming state is the type of internal winning combination that may be determined in the internal lottery process (see FIGS. 25 to 27 described later), the probability that the internal winning combination is determined in the internal lottery process, the maximum number of sliding symbols, And a state in which the bonus game is activated or not. The number of sliding frames is the amount by which the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate after the pressing operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R until the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the pressing operation stops ( In other words, the amount by which the symbol fluctuates) is indicated by the number of symbols. In this embodiment, in the general gaming state, three medals are required for one unit game, and in the RB gaming state, two medals are required for one unit game. Further, the maximum number of sliding symbols is 3 for any of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R regardless of the gaming state.

  The number of lotteries is the maximum number of times that the main CPU 31 subtracts a lottery value to be described later from one random value extracted by the sampling circuit 37 (so-called determination random value). Referring to FIG. 6, the number of lotteries is “11” when the value of the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 14 to be described later) is 0 in the general gaming state, and If the value is not 0, it is “10”. In the RB gaming state, the number of lotteries is “5”.

  The RB gaming state is a gaming state configured by a game in which the first type special object operates, and is a gaming state that is more advantageous than the general gaming state. “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. When the game is played, it means that the operation can be continued until a game result not exceeding 12 times is obtained. The RB gaming state can be identified by turning on or off the RB operating flag provided to identify whether or not the gaming state is the RB gaming state. When the RB operating flag is on, When the state is the RB gaming state and is off, the gaming state is a gaming state different from the RB gaming state.

  The condition for updating the RB operating flag to ON is that a BB operating flag described later is ON (YES is determined in step S31 in FIG. 22 described later). In this case, processing at the time of RB operation is performed (see step S33 of FIG. 22 described later), “12” is set in the possible game number counter, and “8” is set in the possible winning number counter. The game possible number counter is a counter provided in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33 for the purpose of counting the number of remaining games that can be played in the RB gaming state. The winable number counter is a counter provided in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33 for the purpose of counting the number of remaining games in which a combination of symbols related to winning can be displayed in the RB gaming state.

  The condition that the RB operating flag is updated to OFF is basically that the value of the possible game counter is set to “12” after 12 unit games are performed after the RB operating flag is updated to ON. Is set to “0” (determined as YES in step S110 of FIG. 29 described later), or the combination of symbols related to winning is displayed in 8 unit games after the RB operating flag is updated to ON. In other words, the value of the possible winning number counter set to “8” becomes “0” (YES is determined in step S108 of FIG. 29 described later). Also, when the BB operating flag is updated to OFF, it is updated to OFF.

  The BB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the big bonus (BB) is operating. BB is an accessory continuous operation apparatus according to the first type special accessory. The “special feature continuous operation 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, This means that the operation is terminated when specified. In the state where the big bonus is activated, the expected value of the game value given to the player with respect to the unit game value (number of medals inserted in one game) used for playing the game is included in all the game states. The highest.

  The condition that the BB operating flag is updated to ON is that BB is established as a display combination (YES is determined in step S121 in FIG. 30 described later). In this case, processing at the time of BB operation is performed (see step S122 in FIG. 30 described later), and “345” is set in the bonus end number counter. The bonus end number counter is a counter provided in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33 for the purpose of counting the number of medals paid out to the player during the bonus operation.

  The condition that the BB operating flag is updated to OFF is that the BB operating flag is updated to ON, 345 medals are paid out after the BB operation is performed, and the bonus end number counter set to “345” The value of “0” becomes “0” (YES is determined in step S104 in FIG. 29 described later).

  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. When the possible game number counter becomes “0” or the possible winning number counter 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 set until the BB operating flag is updated to OFF.

  The general gaming state is composed of a flag with a bonus as a carryover combination and a non-flag between a bonus carryover combination. A “carryover combination” is a combination in which a combination of symbols corresponding to a bonus is allowed along one or more games along a valid line. Between flags, a combination of symbols corresponding to a bonus is along a valid line. Are allowed across one or more games. In addition, bonuses are not internally won for bonuses, and bonuses may be internally won for non-flags, so even between the same general gaming states, different flags are different from non-flags. A gaming state.

  As described above, when the operation of the bonus is completed, the general gaming state is entered. When a bonus is established as a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols stopped and displayed at each of the three symbol stop positions connected by one active line, the bonus is activated and switched to the RB gaming state. When the bonus operation is completed, the game state is switched to the general game state again.

  Note that, even when the power main switch of the gaming machine 1 is turned on and initialization at the start of the game is performed, the general gaming state in which the RT is not in operation is entered.

  The internal lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS. This internal lottery table is used when the main CPU 31 determines a data pointer associated with the internal winning combination.

  The internal lottery table defines lottery value information and data pointer information corresponding to the winning number. The “winning number” refers to a number for the main CPU 31 to identify the result when the lottery is performed based on one random number value extracted by the sampling circuit 37. The “lottery value” refers to a value to be subtracted from the extracted random number value, and the probability of winning each winning number by dividing by the number of random values that can take each lottery value (“65536” in this embodiment). (So-called winning probability) can be calculated.

  In the present embodiment, the lottery value is subtracted from the random value, and when the subtracted value is negative, a numerical value corresponding to the lottery value is determined as the winning number. For example, when the random value extracted in the general gaming state is “663”, first, the lottery value “660” corresponding to the winning number “1” is subtracted from this “663”. The subtracted value is “3” (a positive value). Next, the lottery value “5” corresponding to the winning number “2” is subtracted from this “3”. The subtracted value is negative. Therefore, “2” corresponding to the lottery value is determined as the winning number.

  The “data pointer” is a number for the main CPU 31 to identify which combination is the combination corresponding to the winning number. In this embodiment, a plurality of predetermined types of roles are classified into a winning combination, a replaying role, and a bonus game winning role, and small role / replay data corresponding to each category. A pointer and a bonus data pointer are provided.

  In the role of the present embodiment, BB, square cherries 1 to 4, medium cherries 1 to 2, bells 1 to 4, watermelons 1 to 2, and replay 1 are provided. BB is hereinafter referred to as “bonus”, and the horn cherries 1 to 4, the middle cherries 1 to 2, the bells 1 to 4, and the watermelons 1 to 2 are collectively referred to as “small roles” hereinafter.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the internal lottery table shown in FIG. 7 and the RB gaming state internal lottery table shown in FIG. 8 are provided as internal lottery tables. The general gaming state internal lottery table is referred to in the general gaming state, and the RB gaming state internal lottery table is referred to in the RB gaming state.

  The internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIGS. This internal winning combination determination table is used when the main CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the data pointer corresponding to the winning number determined with reference to the internal lottery tables shown in FIGS.

  The internal winning combination determination table defines information on the hit request flag corresponding to the internal winning combination corresponding to the data pointer. The “hit request flag” refers to 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. In the present embodiment, as the internal winning combination determination table, the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table of FIG. 9 and the bonus internal winning combination determination table of FIG. 10 are provided. The small winning combination / replay winning combination determination table is a table for determining whether or not the winning combination or replay winning combination is an internal winning combination based on the small winning combination / replay data pointer. The bonus internal winning combination determination table is a table for determining whether or not the combination related to the bonus game is an internal winning combination based on the bonus data pointer.

  For example, when the winning number determined with reference to the above-mentioned general gaming state internal lottery table (see FIG. 7) is “6”, the small role / replay data pointer corresponding to the winning number “6” is “ 6 ”and the bonus data pointer is“ 1 ”. Referring to the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determining table shown in FIG. 9, the winning request flag corresponding to the small winning combination / replay data pointer “6” is “00001111” (bells 1 to 4). Further, referring to the bonus internal winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 10, the winning request flag corresponding to the bonus data pointer “1” is “10000000” (BB). Therefore, when the winning number determined with reference to the internal lottery table for the general gaming state (see FIG. 7) is “6”, the bells 1 to 4 and BB are determined as the internal winning combination.

  According to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 described above, when the small role / replay data pointer corresponding to the winning number is “1”, “2”, “6” to “8”, the value of the bonus data pointer is “ 1 ". The hit request flags corresponding to these small role / replay data pointers are corner cherry 1-4, medium cherry 1-2, bell 1-4, watermelon 1-2, and replay, and correspond to the bonus data pointer. The hit request flag is BB. Therefore, when the corner cherry 1-4, the middle cherry 1-2, the bell 1-4, the watermelon 1-2, or the replay is determined as the internal winning combination, the BB may be determined as the internal winning combination at the same time.

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

  The symbol combination table includes display combination data (information) corresponding to the symbol combination stopped and displayed at each of the three symbol stop positions connected by one effective line, and a display combination storage in which the display combination data is stored. Storage area addition data information for determining which display combination storage area to set in areas 1 to 3 and payout number information corresponding to display combination data are provided.

  In the present embodiment, there are three types of values “0” to “2” that the storage area addition data can take. When the storage area addition data is “0”, the display combination data is set in the display combination storage area 1 among the display combination storage areas 1 to 3, and when the storage area addition data is “1”, the display combination is displayed. Is set in the display combination storage area 2. When the storage area addition data is “2”, the display combination data is set in the display combination storage area 3.

  For example, when the symbol combination “cherry-red watermelon-ANY” is displayed along the effective line, “00000001” is determined as the display combination data with reference to the symbol combination table. The display combination corresponding to this data is the corner cherry 1. Since the storage area addition data corresponding to the display combination data “00000001” is “0”, the display combination data is set in the display combination storage area 1 among the display combination storage areas 1 to 3. The payout number corresponding to the display combination data “00000001” is “1” when the gaming state is the general gaming state and the inserted number is 3 (3 BET), and the gaming state is the RB gaming state. If the number of inserted sheets is 2 (2 BET), it is “1”. “ANY” indicates an arbitrary symbol.

  As described above, when a predetermined symbol combination is displayed along the active line, a medal is basically paid out. However, when the combination of symbols related to BB is displayed along the active line, the medal is not paid out, and the BB operating flag is turned on by turning on the BB operating flag. From the general gaming state to the RB gaming state. In addition, when a combination of symbols related to replay is displayed along the active line, the same number of medals as the medals inserted in the current unit game are automatically inserted.

  For the above reasons, the symbol combination table basically defines information associated with the profits given to the player (for example, payout of medals, start of bonus game operation, automatic insertion of medals). ing.

  With reference to FIG. 12, the bonus operation time table will be described. This bonus operation time table is used when the main CPU 31 sets various counters related to the operation of the bonus game.

  The bonus operating time table includes information on the operating flag stored in the operating flag storage area provided for the main CPU 31 to identify the operating gaming state and information on the value stored in the bonus end number counter. And information on values stored in the possible number-of-games counter and information on values stored in the possible-number-of-games counter.

  The in-operation flag is information provided for the main CPU 31 to identify an active bonus game. In other words, the main CPU 31 can identify whether any one of the bonus games among the plurality of types of bonus games is operating based on the operating flag. The bonus end number counter is a counter by which the main CPU 31 counts the number of medals paid out in the game from when the BB operating flag or MB operating flag is updated to on until it is updated to off.

  The game possible number counter is a counter provided for the main CPU 31 to count the number of remaining games that can be played in the RB gaming state (that is, the number of possible games). The winning possible number counter is a counter provided for the main CPU 31 to count the number of remaining games (that is, the possible number of winnings) in which a combination of symbols related to winning can be displayed in the RB gaming state. .

  Various storage areas will be described with reference to FIGS. These various storage areas are provided in the main RAM 33 in the main control circuit 71 and in a later-described sub RAM 83 in the sub control circuit 72.

  FIG. 13 shows an internal winning combination storing area. The internal winning combination storing area is composed of an internal winning combination storing area 1, an internal winning combination storing area 2, and an internal winning combination storing area 3. The internal winning combination storing area 1 and the internal winning combination storing area 2 , Data corresponding to the small combination is stored. The internal winning combination storage area 3 stores data corresponding to replays and bonuses.

  Bit 0 of the internal winning combination 1 storage area is a storage area corresponding to the corner cherry 1. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the corner cherry 2. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to the corner cherry 3. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to the corner cherry 4. Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to the middle cherry 1. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to the middle cherry 2. Bit 6 and bit 7 are unused storage areas.

  Bit 0 of the internal winning combination 2 storage area is a storage area corresponding to bell 1. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to Bell 2. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to Bell 3. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to bell 4. Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to the watermelon 1. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to the watermelon 2. Bit 6 and bit 7 are unused storage areas.

  Bit 0 of the internal winning combination 3 storage area is a storage area corresponding to replay. Bits 1 to 6 are unused storage areas. Bit 7 is a storage area corresponding to BB.

  For example, referring to FIG. 7 described above, when the winning number “4” is determined in the internal lottery process (see FIGS. 25 to 27 described later), the small combination / replay data corresponding to the winning number “4” is determined. The pointer is “2” and the bonus data pointer is “1”. Referring to FIG. 9 described above, the winning request flag corresponding to the small role / replay data pointer “2” is “00110000” (medium cherry 1 to 2), and referring to FIG. 10 described above, the bonus data pointer The hit request flag corresponding to “1” is “10000000” (BB). Therefore, among the internal winning combination storing areas 1 to 3, the internal winning combination storing area 1 stores “1” in bits 4 and 5 corresponding to the middle cherries 1 and 2, and the internal winning combination storing area 3 Stores “1” in bit 7 corresponding to BB.

  Although not shown, the main RAM 33 is also provided with a display combination storing area. The display combination storage area includes a display combination storage area 1, a display combination storage area 2, and a display combination storage area 3. The display combination storage area 1 has the same structure as the internal winning combination storage area 1, The combination storage area 2 has the same structure as the internal winning combination storage area 2, and the display combination storage area 3 has the same structure as the internal winning combination storage area 3.

  FIG. 14 shows a carryover combination storage area in which data relating to a carryover combination is stored. Bits 0 to 6 are unused storage areas. Bit 7 is a storage area corresponding to BB. In this embodiment, when there is a carryover combination, “1” is stored in bit 7 of the carryover combination storage area.

  FIG. 15 shows the operating flag storage area. Bits 0 to 5 are unused storage areas. Bit 6 is a storage area corresponding to the RB operating flag. Bit 7 is a storage area corresponding to the BB operating flag.

  With reference to FIG. 16, various commands transmitted from the main CPU 31 to the sub CPU 81 will be described.

  The command when the command type is “01H” is an initialization command. This initialization command is a command for instructing from the main control circuit 71 side to the sub control circuit 72 side to initialize the sub RAM 83 and the like, and is transmitted when the set value is changed.

  The command when the command type is “02H” is a demonstration display command. This demonstration display command is a command for instructing from the main control circuit 71 side to the sub control circuit 72 side to notify that the gaming machine is waiting for a customer, and is 10 seconds after the unit game ends. Sent when no medals are inserted even after elapse.

  The command when the command type is “03H” is a medal insertion command. This medal insertion command is a command for instructing from the main control circuit 71 side to the sub control circuit 72 side to store information on the number of inserted medal in a predetermined area of the sub RAM 83. Sent when done.

  The command when the command type is “04H” is a start command. This start command is a command for instructing from the main control circuit 71 side to the sub control circuit 72 side to store information on the internal winning combination, information on the gaming state, and the like in a predetermined area of the sub RAM 83. Is transmitted after an internal lottery is performed.

  The command when the command type is “05H” is a reel rotation start command. The reel rotation start command is a command for instructing the sub control circuit 72 from the main control circuit 71 side to start the rotation of the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R and to start the operation of other devices. Sent when rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R starts.

  The command when the command type is “06H” is a reel stop command. This reel stop start command is a command for instructing from the main control circuit 71 side to the sub control circuit 72 side to stop the rotation of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R corresponding to the stopped main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Yes, transmitted when the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.

  The command when the command type is “07H” is a display combination command. This display combination command is a command for instructing from the main control circuit 71 side to the sub-control circuit 72 side to operate various devices based on the display combination, and is transmitted when the display combination is determined. .

  The command when the command type is “08H” is a payout end command. This payout end command is a command for instructing from the main control circuit 71 side to the sub control circuit 72 side to perform various device operations in accordance with the end of the medal payout. Sent.

  The command when the command type is “09H” is a bonus end command. This bonus end command is a command for commanding from the main control circuit 71 side to the sub control circuit 72 side to perform various device operations in response to the bonus end, and is transmitted when the bonus operation is finished. The

  The command when the command type is “0AH” is a bonus start command. This bonus start command is a command for commanding from the main control circuit 71 side to the sub control circuit 72 side to perform various device operations in response to the bonus start, and is transmitted when the bonus operation starts. The

  The command when the command type is “0BH” is an input state command. This input state command is a command for instructing from the main control circuit 71 side to the sub control circuit 72 side to operate various devices according to the input state of the start lever 6 and the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Yes, sent when the start lever 6 or the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are operated.

  With reference to FIGS. 17 to 19, parameters included in the medal insertion command, the start command, and the input state command among the various commands described in FIG. 16 will be described.

  FIG. 17 shows parameters of the medal insertion command. The medal insertion command is composed of parameter 1 and parameter 2. Parameter 1 stores data corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and parameter 2 stores data corresponding to the set value.

  Bit 0 to bit 5 of parameter 1 is a storage area corresponding to the credit counter. In this storage area, the value of the credit counter is stored in binary. For example, when the value of the credit counter is “25”, this “25” is expressed as “011001” in binary. Therefore, “1” is stored in bit 0 of parameter 1, and “0” is stored in bit 1. Further, “0” is stored in bit 2, “1” is stored in bit 3, “1” is stored in bit 4, and “0” is stored in bit 5.

  Bit 6 and bit 7 of parameter 1 are storage areas corresponding to the number of inserted medals. In this storage area, the number of medals inserted is stored in binary. For example, when the number of inserted medals is “3”, “3” is expressed as “11” in binary. Therefore, “1” is stored in bit 6 of parameter 1, and “1” is stored in bit 7.

  FIG. 18 shows parameters of the start command. The start command includes parameters 1 to 5, data corresponding to the gaming state is stored in parameter 1, and data corresponding to the internal winning combination is stored in parameters 3 to 5. Note that bit 0 to bit 7 of parameter 2 are unused storage areas.

  Specifically, bit 0 to bit 6 of parameter 1 are unused storage areas. Bit 7 is a storage area indicating that BB is a carryover combination.

  Bit 0 to bit 7 of parameter 2 are unused storage areas as described above.

  Bit 0 of parameter 3 is a storage area corresponding to replay. Bits 1 to 6 are unused storage areas. Bit 7 is a storage area corresponding to BB.

  Bit 0 of parameter 4 is a storage area corresponding to bell 1. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to Bell 2. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to Bell 3. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to bell 4. Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to the watermelon 1. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to the watermelon 2. Bit 6 and bit 7 are unused storage areas.

  Bit 0 of parameter 5 is a storage area corresponding to corner cherry 1. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the corner cherry 2. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to the corner cherry 3. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to the corner cherry 4. Bit 4 is a storage area corresponding to the middle cherry 1. Bit 5 is a storage area corresponding to the middle cherry 2. Bit 6 and bit 7 are unused storage areas.

  FIG. 19 shows parameters included in the input state command. The input state command is composed of parameter 1, and stores data corresponding to the actually operated device among the start lever 6, the left stop button 7L, the center stop button 7C, and the right stop button 7R. .

  Bit 0 of parameter 1 is a storage area corresponding to the input operation of the left stop button 7L. Bit 1 is a storage area corresponding to the input operation of the center stop button 7C. Bit 2 is a storage area corresponding to an input operation of the right stop button 7R. Bit 3 is a storage area corresponding to the input operation of the start lever 6. Bits 4 to 7 are unused storage areas.

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

  A main flowchart showing main processing executed by the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the power is turned on, the main CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1), and proceeds to step S2. In this process, the main CPU 31 initializes the storage contents of the main RAM 33, initializes the input / output port, and the like.

  In step S2, the main CPU 31 clears the storage area below the designated address, and proceeds to step S3. Specifically, the main CPU 31 erases / moves data in the writable area of the main RAM 33 used for the previous game, writes parameters necessary for the next game to the write area of the main RAM 33, Specify the start address of the sequence program.

  In step S3, a bonus operation monitoring process described later with reference to FIG. 22 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S4. In this process, when the BB operating flag is ON, the main CPU 31 performs a process of updating the RB operating flag to ON so that the RB gaming state continues even when the RB gaming state ends.

  In step S4, a medal acceptance / start check process described later with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S5. In this process, the main CPU 31 performs processes such as updating the number of BETs based on inputs from the start switch 6S, the medal sensor 10S, or the BET switches 8aS, 8bS, and 8cS. Further, the main CPU 31 performs processing for determining whether or not a start operation is possible based on the updated number of BETs.

  In step S5, a random number is extracted, stored in a random value storage area provided in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33, and the process proceeds to step S6. The random number value extracted in step S5 is used in internal lottery processing (see FIGS. 25 to 27 described later). In step S6, an internal lottery process described later with reference to FIGS. 25 to 27 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, a start command is set in the register, and the process proceeds to step S8. The start command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination.

  In step S8, it is determined whether or not 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous unit game by determining whether or not the game time management timer is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S10, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, a process for digesting the wait time is performed, and the process proceeds to step S10. In this process, the process of invalidating the input of the start switch 6S based on the operation of the start lever 6 by the player is performed until 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous game. In step S10, 4.1 seconds is set in the game time management timer, and the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG.

  In step S11 of FIG. 21, a reel rotation start command is set in the register, and the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are requested to start rotation, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, a main reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 28 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S14. In this process, the main CPU 31 executes a command related to stopping the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. In step S14, the symbol combination table (see FIG. 11) is referred to, and the display combination, the number of medals to be paid out, etc. are determined based on the symbol combination displayed along the active line, and the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, a display combination establishment command is set in the register, and the process proceeds to step S16. The display combination command includes data of the display combination determined in step S14. In step S16, a medal payout process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S17. In this process, the main CPU 31 stores (credits) or pays out medals based on the payout number of medals determined in the process of step S14.

  In step S17, the bonus end number counter is updated based on the medal payout number determined in step S14, and the process proceeds to step S18. In this process, when the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, the main CPU 31 performs a process of subtracting the counter according to the number of medals paid out. In step S18, it is determined whether or not the BB operating flag is on. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S19, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S19, a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 29 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. 30 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2.

  With reference to FIG. 22, the bonus operation monitoring process will be described.

  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. 20, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, RB operation processing is performed based on the bonus operation time table, and the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG. In the RB operation time process, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus operation time table (see FIG. 12), updates the RB operation flag to ON, stores “12” in the possible game number counter, “8” is stored in the counter.

  By performing the processing of these steps S31 to 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 some cases, the RB operating flag can be updated to ON again, and the RB gaming state can be operated continuously.

  The medal acceptance / start check processing will be described with reference to FIGS. In this process, the main CPU 31 determines whether a start operation is possible based on the number of inserted sheets.

  First, the main CPU 31 sets 10 seconds as a waiting time in the demonstration display timer (step S41), and proceeds to step S42. In step S42, it is determined whether or not the value of the automatic insertion counter is “0”. The “automatic insertion counter” is a counter provided for the main CPU 31 to count the number of medals to be automatically inserted. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S43, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S44.

  In step S43, a medal passage permission process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S45. In step S44, the value of the automatic insertion counter is copied to the insertion number counter, and then the automatic insertion counter is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S45. The “inserted number counter” is a counter provided for the main CPU 31 to count the number of inserted medals.

  In step S45, it is determined whether or not a medal passage is detected. In this process, for example, input from the medal sensor 10S is checked, and it is determined whether or not there is an input from the medal sensor 10S. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S46, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S52 in FIG.

  In step S46, the maximum input value is set according to the data stored in the operating flag storage area, and the process proceeds to step S47. In this process, the gaming state is determined based on the data stored in the operating flag storage area, and when the determination result is the general gaming state, “3” is set as the maximum insertion value. If the determination result is the RB gaming state, “2” is set as the maximum input value.

  In step S47, it is determined whether or not the value of the insertion number counter is the maximum insertion value. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S51, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, "1" is added to the value of the insertion number counter, and the process proceeds to step S49. In step S49, "8" is stored in the effective line counter, and the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, a medal insertion command is set in the register, and the process proceeds to step S51. In step S51, “1” is added to the value of the credit counter, and the process proceeds to step S52 in FIG.

  In step S52 of FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not the value of the insertion number counter is the maximum insertion value. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S55, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, it is determined whether or not the demonstration display timer is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S54, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S45 in FIG.

  In step S54, a demonstration display command is set in the register, and the process proceeds to step S45 in FIG.

  In step S55, it is determined whether or not the start switch 6S is on. Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S based on the operation of the start lever 6. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S56, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S45 in FIG. In step S56, a medal passage prohibition process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG.

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

  First, the main CPU 31 determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries based on the internal lottery table determination table (step S61), and proceeds to step S62.

  In step S62, the random number stored in the random value storage area is set in the register as a random number for determination, “1” is set as the initial value of the winning number, and the process proceeds to step S63. In step S63, the lottery value corresponding to the winning number is acquired by referring to the internal lottery table corresponding to the gaming state among the plurality of types of internal lottery tables (see FIGS. 7 and 8), and the process proceeds to step S64. .

  In step S64, it is determined whether or not a digit has been obtained. In this process, the main CPU 31 subtracts the lottery value from the determination random number value set in the register, and determines whether or not the result is negative. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S69, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S65.

  In step S65, the value subtracted in the process of step S64 is set in the register as a new random number value for determination, and the process proceeds to step S66. In step S66, the winning number is incremented by "1", the number of lotteries is decremented by "1", and the process proceeds to step S67. In step S67, it is determined whether or not the number of lotteries is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S68, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S63. In step S68, “0” is set as the small role / replay data pointer, and “0” is set as the bonus data pointer, and the flow proceeds to step S70 in FIG. In step S69, the small combination / replay data pointer and bonus data pointer corresponding to the winning number of the internal lottery table being referred to are acquired, and the flow proceeds to step S70 in FIG.

  In step S70 of FIG. 26, it is determined whether or not the value of the small role / replay data pointer is less than “6”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S71, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S72. In step S71, the internal winning combination storing area 1 is designated as the internal winning combination storing area for storing the winning request flag among the internal winning combination storing areas 1 to 3, and the process proceeds to step S75.

  In step S72, it is determined whether or not the value of the small role / replay data pointer is less than "8". When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S73, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S74. In step S73, the internal winning combination storing area 2 is designated as the internal winning combination storing area for storing the winning request flag among the internal winning combination storing areas 1 to 3, and the process proceeds to step S75. In step S74, among the internal winning combination storing areas 1 to 3, the internal winning combination storing area 3 is designated as the internal winning combination storing area for storing the winning request flag, and the process proceeds to step S75.

  In step S75, the winning combination flag corresponding to the data pointer for small combination / replay acquired in the process of step S69 is acquired with reference to the internal winning combination determination table for small combination / replay (see FIG. 9). Move. In step S76, the winning request flag acquired in the process in step S75 is stored in the internal winning combination storing area designated through the processes in steps S70 to S74, and the process proceeds to step S77 in FIG.

  In step S77 of FIG. 27, it is determined whether or not the value of the carryover combination storage area is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S78, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S80. In step S78, it is determined whether or not the value of the bonus data pointer is “0”. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S80, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S79.

  In step S79, with reference to the bonus internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 10), a winning request flag corresponding to the bonus data pointer acquired in the process of step S69 is acquired, and the acquired winning request flag is transferred to the carryover combination. The data is stored in the storage area, and the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S80, the logical sum of the value stored in the carryover combination storage area and the value stored in the internal winning combination storage area 3 is stored in the internal winning combination storage area 3, and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG. As a result of the processing in step S80, once BB is determined as an internal winning combination, the determined combination is always carried over as an internal winning combination until the determined combination is established as a display combination.

  The main reel stop control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the valid stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, in other words, the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R that are not invalidated are pressed (step S91). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S92, and when NO, step S91 is repeated. In step S92, it is invalidated that the pressed stop button is pressed again, and the process proceeds to step S93. In step S93, “5” is set as the number of checks to be described later, and the flow proceeds to step S94.

  In step S94, a symbol position having the highest priority is searched from symbol positions that can be moved from the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter, and the process proceeds to step S95. The “symbol counter” is a counter for specifying the symbol position of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R to be rotated when the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating. This corresponds to the code number of the symbol positioned at the symbol stop position in the middle of the windows 4L, 4C, 4R.

  The search for the symbol position with the highest priority is performed as follows. First, when “5” is set as the number of checks, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter value +0, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter value + 1, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter value +2, and the symbol counter. The symbol that can be stopped along the active line is the symbol that constitutes the symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning combination with respect to five symbol positions corresponding to symbol value +3 and symbol symbol value +4. Search for a position. When there is one symbol position that can be stopped along the active line, the symbol position that can be stopped is determined as the symbol position with the highest priority.

  When there are a plurality of symbol positions that can be stopped along the active line, ranking is performed as follows. The highest priority is defined for replay, the next highest priority for BB, and the lowest priority for other combinations. The reason why the priority order is defined in this way is to preferentially stop the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus, while avoiding the player's gambling. Therefore, among the plurality of symbol positions that can be stopped along the effective line, the symbol symbol that can be stopped along the effective line is the symbol symbol that has the highest symbol combination corresponding to the symbol combination with the highest priority. The symbol position is determined.

  Further, when there is no symbol position that can be stopped along the active line, the symbol position where no combination is established is determined as the symbol position with the highest priority.

  In step S95, the number of sliding frames is determined based on the result of the search in step S94, and the process proceeds to step S96. In this process, the main CPU 31 performs a process of determining the number of sliding symbols such that the rotating main reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop at the symbol position determined in the process of step S94. In step S96, the process shifts to the stop control position waiting mode, and the process proceeds to step S97. In this process, the main CPU 31 performs a process of waiting for the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R to stop until the symbol positions of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R become the symbol positions determined in the process of step S94.

  In step S97, a reel stop command is set in the register, and the process proceeds to step S98. This reel stop command includes information such as the type of the stopped reel and the position of the stopped symbol. In step S98, it is determined whether or not there is a stop button that can be pressed among the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S91, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 29, the bonus end check process will be described.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S101). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S103, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, it is determined whether or not the value of the bonus end number counter is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S105, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, it is determined whether or not a winning is achieved. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S104, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S104, it is determined whether or not the value of the bonus end number counter is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S105, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S105, processing at the end of BB is performed, and the process proceeds to step S106. In the BB end process, first, the main CPU 31 performs a process of setting the BB operating flag to OFF. In this process, bit 7 in the operating flag storage area is updated to “0”. Further, the main CPU 31 performs processing for setting the bonus end number counter to “0”.

  In step S106, a bonus end command is set in the register, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG. In step S107, “1” is subtracted from the value of the winning possibility counter, and the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning possible number counter is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S111, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, “1” is subtracted from the value of the possible game number counter, and the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, it is determined whether or not the value of the possible game number counter is “0”. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S111, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG. In step S111, RB end time processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG. In the RB end process, first, the main CPU 31 performs a process of setting the RB operating flag to OFF. In this process, bit 6 in the operating flag storage area is updated to “0”. Further, the main CPU 31 performs a process of setting the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter to “0”. By performing this process, the operation of the regular bonus game (RB gaming state) is completed.

  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 BB (step S121). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S122, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S125. In step S122, BB operation processing is performed based on the bonus operation table (see FIG. 12), and the process proceeds to step S123. In the BB operation process, the bit 7 in the operating flag storage area is updated to “1” to update the BB operating flag to ON, and “345” is set to the bonus end number counter.

  In step S123, the carryover combination storage area is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S124. In this process, the main CPU 31 sets the carryover combination storage area to “00000000”. In step S124, a bonus start command is set in the register, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  In step S125, it is determined whether or not the display combination is replay. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S126, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In step S126, the value of the insertion number counter is copied to the value of the automatic insertion counter, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 31, the periodic interruption process by the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described. The periodic interrupt process is performed every 1.1173 ms.

  First, the main CPU 31 saves the register (step S131), and proceeds to step S132. In step S132, an input port check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S133. In step S133, an input state command setting process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S134. In step S133, the input state of the start lever 6 and the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R is checked, and an input state command corresponding to the input state is set in the register.

  In step S134, communication data transmission processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S135. By this processing, various commands set in the register are transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. In step S135, a main reel control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S136. By this processing, the main CPU 31 performs control to start the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R in response to the request for starting the rotation of all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R performed in step S12 of FIG. In addition, the main CPU 31 performs main reel stop control processing (see FIG. 3) for the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R in response to pressing operations of the effective stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. 28), control is performed to stop at the stop control position determined in (28).

  In step S136, a lamp and 7SEG driving process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S137. In step S137, a timer management process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S138. In step S138, the register is restored and the periodic interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 32 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R are arranged. On the left side of each symbol row, for convenience of explanation, code numbers “00” to “20” are assigned corresponding to the symbols.

  Each sub reel 21L, 21C, 21R has "octopus (symbol 211)", "white 7 (symbol 212)", "BAR (symbol 213)", "cherry (symbol 214)", "plum (symbol 215)". , “Watermelon (symbol 216)” and “Salmon (symbol 217)” are represented by a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols (decorative symbols). Each sub reel 21L, 21C, 21R basically rotates so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  (1) of FIG. 33 shows the relationship between the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and the sub display windows 22L, 22C, 22R.

  As shown in (1) of FIG. 33, symbols arranged on the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R are displayed on the sub display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R. More specifically, when the rotation of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R is stopped, the upper stage of the left sub display window 22L, the middle stage of the left sub display window 22L, the lower stage of the left sub display window 22L, the upper stage of the middle sub display window 22C, Each of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 22C is located at each position of the middle stage of the middle sub display window 22C, the lower stage of the middle sub display window 22C, the upper stage of the right sub display window 22R, the middle stage of the right sub display window 22R and the lower stage of the right sub display window 22R. Three consecutive symbols arranged at 21R are displayed. That is, when the rotation of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R is stopped, a total of nine symbols are displayed on the sub display windows 22L, 22C, 22R.

  (2) of FIG. 33 shows the relationship between the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R, the sub display windows 22L, 22C, 22R and the effective lines of the sub display windows 22L, 22C, 22R.

  In this embodiment, effective lines 1 to 5 are provided as effective lines of the sub display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R. For example, the effective line 1 is a line connecting positions of the upper stage of the left sub display window 22L, the upper stage of the middle sub display window 22C, and the upper stage of the right sub display window 22R. In addition, although each effective line is validated on condition that input operation | movement is performed, an effective line may be comprised so that it may be visually recognized and may be comprised so that it may not be visually recognized.

  As described above, in the sub display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R, unlike the effective lines in the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, all the effective lines are configured by straight lines. From the viewpoint of the player, the combination of symbols displayed along the effective line is more visible when the symbols are viewed through the sub display windows 22L, 22C, 22R than when the symbols are viewed through the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. It is easy to determine whether or not to support an internal winning combination. Therefore, the player proceeds with the unit game while viewing the symbols displayed in the sub display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R.

  Further, the number of effective lines in the sub display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R is set to five, which is less than the number of effective lines in the main display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. When visually recognizing a symbol through 22L, 22C, and 22R, it becomes easier to determine whether or not the symbol combination displayed along the active line corresponds to the internal winning combination.

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

  According to this table, when the symbol combinations corresponding to the internal winning combination are arranged on the effective lines of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, the symbol combinations arranged on the effective lines of the sub display windows 22L, 22C, 22R are: It is defined for each generic name of internal winning roles.

  For example, when the internal winning combination is any one of the corner cherries 1 to 4 and the middle cherries 1 and 2, these generic names are cherries. “CHERRY-ANY-ANY” is defined as the symbol combination arranged in a row. Therefore, if the internal winning combination is one of the corner cherries 1 to 4 and the middle cherries 1 and 2 and the symbol combinations corresponding to the internal winning combination are arranged on the effective lines of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, “Cherry-ANY-ANY” is arranged on the effective lines of the sub display windows 22L, 22C, 22R.

  Further, for example, when the internal winning combination is any one of the bells 1 to 4, these generic names are bells, and as symbol combinations arranged on the effective lines of the sub display windows 22L, 22C, 22R corresponding to the bells. "Plum-Plum-Plum" is defined. Therefore, if the internal winning combination is any one of the bells 1 to 4 and the symbol combinations corresponding to the internal winning combination are arranged on the effective lines of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, the sub display windows 22L, 22C, “Plum-Plum-Plum” is arranged on the effective line of 22R.

  FIG. 35 shows a pattern row in which six patterns of a plurality of types drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the 4th reel 23 are arranged. For convenience of explanation, code numbers “00” to “05” are assigned to the upper side of each pattern row corresponding to each pattern.

  On the 4th reel 23, “END” of “losing (symbol 221)”, “chance (symbol 222)”, “navigation (symbol 223)”, “bonus (symbol 224)”, “chance zone (symbol 225)” A symbol row composed of the symbol “symbol 226” is shown. The 4th reel 23 rotates so that the pattern row moves in either direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  FIG. 36 shows the configuration of the sub control circuit 72, peripheral devices that are actuators electrically connected to the sub control circuit 72, the main control circuit 71, the main relay circuit 71a, the sub relay circuit 72a, and the sub reel control circuit. A circuit configuration including 110 and a 4th reel control circuit 120 is shown. The sub control circuit 72 is configured on a substrate different from the substrate constituting the main control circuit 71. The 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 via the main relay circuit 71a and the sub relay circuit 72a. No commands, information, etc. are transmitted from 72 to the main control circuit 71.

  The sub-control circuit 72 mainly includes a microcomputer 80 disposed on the substrate. The microcomputer 80 includes a sub CPU 81, a sub ROM 82, and a sub RAM 83.

  The sub CPU 81 executes a program stored in the sub ROM 82 based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 to directly or indirectly control the operation of each actuator. The sub CPU 81 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 84 and a frequency divider 85 for generating a pulse for indicating time or measuring time. Note that a configuration in which a random number generator that generates a random number and a sampling circuit that extracts a random number value from the generated random number may be connected to the sub CPU 81, or the sub CPU 81 may generate a random number and extract a random value. An executed configuration may be adopted.

  The sub ROM 82 stores fixed data such as programs and various tables for the sub CPU 81 to execute the contents of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The sub ROM 82 is connected to the sub CPU 81 via the data bus disconnect circuit 95 and the address bus disconnect circuit 96. When reading data stored in the sub ROM 82, the sub CPU 81 outputs a signal to the select terminal S of the sub ROM 82, and also outputs the output enable terminal E of the data bus disconnect circuit 95 and the address bus disconnect circuit 96. A signal is output to the output enable terminal E. When a high level signal is input to the output enable terminal E of the data bus disconnection circuit 95 or the output enable terminal E of the address bus disconnection circuit 96, the sub CPU 81 and the sub ROM 82 are electrically insulated. Thus, the sub CPU 81 cannot read the data stored in the sub ROM 82.

  On the other hand, a sound source IC 92 is connected to the sub ROM 82. The sound source IC 92 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the microcomputer 80 and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 93. The power amplifier 93 is an amplifier, and speakers 25L, 25R, and 26 are connected to the power amplifier 93. The power amplifier 93 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 92 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 25L, 25R, and 26. The sub ROM 82 stores sound data for generating sound sources. Although not shown, a volume control unit is connected to the microcomputer 80. The microcomputer 80 performs control to adjust the volume of the sound output from the speakers 25L and 25R based on the signal transmitted by the volume control unit.

  More specifically, the sound source IC 92 includes a control terminal C, a bus control terminal Z, and a reset terminal R. The sound source IC 92 performs control to output sound from the speakers 25L, 25R, and 26 based on a signal input via the control terminal C. When the signal input to the bus control terminal Z is a low level signal, the sound source IC 92 enables the connection between the sound source IC 92 and the sub ROM 82 to read data stored in the sub ROM 82. On the other hand, in the sound source IC 92, when the signal input to the bus control terminal Z is a high level signal, the connection between the sound source IC 92 and the sub ROM 82 is electrically insulated and stored in the sub ROM 82. Cannot read the data. The sound source IC 92 starts operating when a high-level signal is input to the reset terminal R.

  That is, when the sub CPU 81 is allowed to read data stored in the sub ROM 82, the output enable terminal E of the data bus disconnection circuit 95 and the output enable terminal E of the address bus disconnection circuit 96 are set to low level. The signal is input, the sub CPU 81 and the sub ROM 82 are electrically connected, a high level signal is input to the bus control terminal Z of the sound source IC 92, and the sound source IC 92 and the sub ROM 82 are electrically connected. Be cut off. On the other hand, when the sound source IC 92 is allowed to read the data stored in the sub ROM 82, the output enable terminal E of the data bus disconnect circuit 95 and the output enable terminal E of the address bus disconnect circuit 96 are set to the high level. The sub CPU 81 and the sub ROM 82 are disconnected from each other electrically, the low level signal is input to the bus control terminal Z of the sound source IC 92, and the sound source IC 92 and the sub ROM 82 are electrically connected. Connected. That is, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which both the sub CPU 81 and the sound source IC 92 cannot read data stored in the sub ROM 82 at the same time.

  The select terminal S and the bus control terminal Z are connected to the dividing circuit 94. The dividing circuit 94 determines that the sub CPU 81 is disabled if the signal input to the select terminal S is a low level signal and the signal input to the bus control terminal Z is also a low level signal. A high level signal is output to the data bus disconnection circuit 95 and the address bus disconnection circuit 96. As a result, the sub CPU 81 and the sub ROM 82 are electrically insulated. That is, the dividing circuit 94 has a function of preventing the sub CPU 81 from reading data stored in the sub ROM 82.

  The sub RAM 83 is provided as a means for temporarily storing information when the sub CPU 81 executes a program. The sub RAM 83 stores various information such as effect data described later.

  In this embodiment, as the peripheral devices, main reel back lamps 102L, 102C, and 102R provided corresponding to the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided. For example, lighting and extinguishing of the main reel back lamps 102L, 102C, and 102R are managed by the lamp driving circuit 101. The lamp driving circuit 101 is connected to the sub CPU 81 via the sub relay circuit 72a.

  In the sub reel control circuit 110, as main actuators whose operation is controlled by a signal from the microcomputer 80, sub reel back lamps 112L, 112C, and 112R provided corresponding to the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R, and sub reels, respectively. Stepping motors 114L, 114C, and 114R that rotate 21L, 21C, and 21R are available.

  Further, the sub reel control circuit 110 has predetermined operations for rotating the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R by the lamp driving circuit 111 that manages lighting and extinguishing of the sub reel back lamps 112L, 112C, and 112R and the stepping motors 114L, 114C, and 114R. The motor drive circuit 113 that is controlled by outputting the pulse is connected to the sub CPU 81 via the sub relay circuit 72a. A reel position detection circuit 115 is a means for generating a signal transmitted to the microcomputer 80 in order for the microcomputer 80 to generate a signal.

  In the 4th reel control circuit 120, as main actuators whose operation is controlled by a signal from the microcomputer 80, a 4th reel back lamp 122 provided corresponding to the 4th reel 23 and a stepping motor for rotating the 4th reel 23 are provided. 124.

  Further, the 4th reel control circuit 120 controls the rotation operation of the 4th reel 23 by the lamp driving circuit 121 that manages turning on and off of the 4th reel back lamp 122 and the stepping motor 124 by outputting a predetermined pulse. The motor drive circuit 123 is connected to the sub CPU 81 via the sub relay circuit 72a. A reel position detection circuit 125 is a means for generating a signal transmitted to the microcomputer 80 in order for the microcomputer 80 to generate a signal.

  The reel rotation order determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The reel rotation order determination table includes information that defines the order of starting rotation of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and the 4th reel 23 in accordance with the internal winning combination.

  For example, when any of the corner cherries 1 to 4 is determined as the internal winning combination, first, the left sub reel 21L starts rotating. Next, the middle sub reel 21C starts rotating, then the right sub reel 21R starts rotating, and then the 4th reel 23 starts rotating. That is, when any of the corner cherries 1 to 4 is an internal winning combination, the rotation is started in the order of the left sub reel 21L, the middle sub reel 21C, the right sub reel 21R, and the 4th reel 23.

  On the other hand, when any of the bells 1 to 4 is an internal winning combination, the rotation is started in the order of the middle sub reel 21C, the right sub reel 21R, the left sub reel 21L, and the 4th reel 23.

  The main board communication task will be described with reference to FIG. This main board communication task is a process performed by the sub CPU 81 of the sub control circuit 72 based on various commands transmitted from the main CPU 31 provided in the main control circuit 71.

  First, the sub CPU 81 initializes the transmission messenger queue (step S201), and proceeds to step S202. In step S202, command reception is checked, and the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, it is determined whether a command different from the previous one is received. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S204, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S204, game information such as an internal winning combination, gaming state, setting value, and RT game number counter value is created from the received command parameters, and the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, the created game information is stored in the message queue, and the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, a received command analysis process described later with reference to FIG. 39 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S202.

  The received command analysis process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not it is time to receive a reel rotation start command from the main CPU 31 (step S211). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S212, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S213. In step S212, a reel rotation start command reception process described later with reference to FIG. 40 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S202 in FIG.

  In step S213, it is determined whether or not it is time to receive a reel stop command from the main CPU31. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S214, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S215. In step S214, a reel stop command reception process described later with reference to FIG. 41 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S202 in FIG.

  In step S215, a process corresponding to the received command is executed, and the process proceeds to step S202 in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 40, the reel rotation start command reception process will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the RB operation flag is on (step S221). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S222, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S230.

  In step S222, referring to the reel rotation order determination table (see FIG. 37), the order of starting the rotation of each of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and the 4th reel 23 is determined according to the internal winning combination, and step S223 is performed. Move on.

  In step S223, the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and the 4th reel 23 having the first rotation order are started to rotate, and the process proceeds to step S224. In step S224, a 0.5 second wait process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S225.

  In step S225, the rotation of the second reel of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and 4th reel 23 is started, and the process proceeds to step S226. In step S226, a 0.5 second wait process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S227.

  In step S227, the rotation of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and 4th reel 23 having the third rotation order is started, and the process proceeds to step S228. In step S228, a wait process for 0.5 seconds is performed, and the process proceeds to step S229.

  In step S229, the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and the 4th reel 23 having the fourth rotation order are started to rotate, and the process proceeds to step S202 in FIG.

  In step S230, all the rotations of the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R are started simultaneously, and the process proceeds to step S202 in FIG.

  According to the above reel rotation start command processing, for example, in the RB gaming state and the internal winning combination is the watermelon 1, the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and the 4th reel 23 start their respective rotations as follows. . First, in step S223, the 4th reel 23 starts to rotate. Next, after a lapse of 0.5 seconds from the start of rotation of the 4th reel 23, the left sub reel 21L starts to rotate in step S225. Next, after a lapse of 0.5 seconds from the start of rotation of the left sub reel 21L, the middle sub reel 21C starts to rotate in step S227. Next, after 0.5 second has elapsed since the middle sub reel 21C started rotating, the right sub reel 21R starts rotating in step S229. According to the above, in the RB gaming state, the internal winning combination is either watermelon 1 or watermelon 2 that starts rotating in the order of the 4th reel 23, the left sub reel 21L, the middle sub reel 21C, and the right sub reel 21R. it can.

  With reference to FIG. 41, the reel stop command reception process will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether there is a rotating one of the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R (step S241). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S242, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S202 in FIG. In step S242, it is determined whether or not the reel stop command is received because the first stop operation has been performed. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S243, and when it is NO, the process proceeds to step S244. In step S243, the rotation of the 4th reel 23 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S244. In step S244, the rotation of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S241. As described above, in this embodiment, the gaming machine 1 synchronizes the rotation of the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R with the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Therefore, the rotation of each of the sub reels 21L, 21C, and 21R is stopped in synchronization with the rotation of each of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 1, when the start lever 6 is operated by the player in the RB gaming state, the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R, and the 4th reel 23 rotate in the order corresponding to the internal winning combination. Start. Therefore, in the RB gaming state, the internal winning combination can be notified by the order in which the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and the 4th reel 23 start rotating.

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

  In the above-described embodiment, the condition that the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R, and the 4th reel 23 are rotated at different timings is the RB gaming state, but is not limited thereto. For example, a unit from the time when the BB operating flag is updated to off until a predetermined number of unit games are completed, or from the time when the BB operating flag is updated to off and updated to on It may be a period from when the number of games reaches a predetermined number of times until the predetermined number of unit games is completed. Further, a predetermined number of unit games have been made after the difference between the total number of medals inserted into the medal slot 5 by the player and the total number of medals paid out from the medal payout opening 14 reaches a predetermined number. You may employ | adopt that it is a period until it complete | finishes.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the RB gaming state, the timing at which each of the sub reels 21L, 21C, 21R and the 4th reel 23 starts rotating is determined by the player operating the start lever 6 to operate the main reels 3L, 3C. , 3R is preferably a period from when the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant speed after the rotation starts at the same time.

  Specifically, in the RB gaming state, after 1.5 seconds have elapsed since the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R started to rotate simultaneously, the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant speed. Is preferred. According to this, in the RB gaming state, the sub reels 21L, 21C are in a period from when the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate at the same time until the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant speed. , 21R and 4th reel 23 can be started to rotate.

  In addition, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program in which the above-described operation on the gaming machine 1 is simulated for a home game machine. In that case, a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a gaming machine. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the main reel. The figure which shows the relationship between a main reel, a main display window, and an effective line. The figure which shows the structure of an electric circuit. The figure which shows the symbol arrangement | positioning table of a main reel. The figure which shows an internal lottery table determination table. The figure which shows the internal lottery table for general gaming states. The figure which shows the internal lottery table for RB game states. The figure which shows the internal winning combination determination table for a small part and replay. The figure which shows the internal winning combination determination table for bonuses. The figure which shows the symbol combination table of a main reel. The figure which shows a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. The figure which shows an internal winning combination storing area. The figure which shows the carryover combination storage area. The figure which shows the operating flag storage area. The figure which shows various commands. The figure which shows the various parameters of a medal insertion command. The figure which shows the various parameters of a start command. The figure which shows the various parameters of an input state command. 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 medal reception / start check processing. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart which shows an internal lottery process. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart which shows a main reel stop control 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 in a main control circuit. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the sub reel. The figure which shows the relationship between a sub reel, a sub display window, and an effective line. The figure which shows the symbol combination table of a sub reel. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the 4th reel. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of a subcontrol circuit. The figure which shows a reel rotation order determination table. The flowchart which shows the main board | substrate communication task of a subcontrol circuit. The flowchart which shows the received command analysis process of a sub control circuit. The flowchart which shows the reel rotation start command reception process of a sub control circuit. The flowchart which shows the process at the time of the reel stop command reception of a sub control circuit.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 3L, 3C, 3R main reel 6 start lever 7L, 7C, 7R stop button 21L, 21C, 21R sub reel 23 4th reel 31 main CPU
32 Main ROM
33 Main RAM
71 Main control circuit

Claims (4)

A gaming machine comprising main control means for controlling the operation of a game, and sub-control means for receiving a signal transmitted from the main control means without transmitting a signal to the main control means,
A game value input means by which a player can input game value;
Game value information storage means for storing information of game value input to the game value input means;
A first symbol display means having a plurality of first display portions for displaying a plurality of types of symbols;
A second symbol display means provided corresponding to each of the plurality of first display portions, displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and having a plurality of second display portions whose effective line is only a straight line ;
A third symbol display means having a third display for displaying a plurality of types of symbols;
A start operation means operable by the player;
A game start command signal for instructing the start of a unit game is output in response to an operation of the start operation means by the player, on condition that predetermined game value information is stored in the game value information storage means. Start command means;
In response to the game start command signal, at least one of a plurality of predetermined combinations is determined as a winning combination, and a winning combination determining means included in the main control means ;
In response to the game start command signal, the variable display of the symbols on the first display units is started, and first start control means included in the main control means ;
In response to the game start command signal, the variable display of the symbols on the second display units is started, and second start control means included in the sub-control means ;
A plurality of stop operation means provided corresponding to each of the plurality of first display units and operable by the player;
A stop command signal is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of stop operation means, and outputs a stop command signal instructing stop of the symbol variable display on the corresponding first display unit in response to an operation of the stop operation means by the player. A plurality of stop command means;
In response to the stop command signal, a first stop control means for stopping the variable display of symbols in the first display unit corresponding to the stop command signal;
In response to the stop command signal, second stop control means for stopping the variable display of the symbol in the second display unit corresponding to the first display unit that stops the variable display of the symbol;
Game value payout means for paying out a predetermined amount of game value in accordance with a combination of symbols stopped at the plurality of first display units;
When the first condition is satisfied, the variable display of the symbol on the third symbol display means is started, and when the second condition is satisfied, the variable display of the symbol on the third symbol display means is stopped , A third symbol display control means included in the control means;
The winning combination symbol combination information that defines the combination of symbols allowed to stop at the plurality of first display units according to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is stored. Combination first information storage means;
The winning combination symbol combination second information that prescribes the combination of symbols allowed to be stopped by the plurality of second display units according to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is stored. Combination second information storage means ,
The first stop control means is configured to stop the symbol corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means based on the winning combination symbol combination first information on the effective line of the first display unit. , Stop the variable display of the symbol in the first display unit,
The second stop control means is configured to stop the symbol corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means based on the winning combination symbol combination second information on the effective line of the second display unit. , Stop displaying the symbols on the second display unit,
The winning symbol combination first information includes symbols that are allowed to be stopped by the plurality of first display units when the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is the first winning combination. The combination is a combination of first symbols, and when the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is a second winning combination, the symbols allowed to stop at the plurality of first display units. Specifies that the combination of is a combination of the second symbol,
The winning combination symbol combination second information is displayed on the plurality of second display units regardless of whether the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is the first winning combination or the second winning combination. Specify that the combination of symbols allowed to stop is the third symbol combination,
The second start control means and the third symbol display control means are predetermined according to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means according to the game start command signal when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this order, the variable display of the symbols on the plurality of second display units and the third display unit is started ,
The predetermined order includes a case where the display of the symbols on the third display unit is performed before the plurality of second display units.
In the predetermined order, there are an order in which the first winning combination is determined by the winning combination determining means and an order in which the second winning combination is determined by the winning combination determining means. A gaming machine characterized by being different from each other . In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
When the combination of symbols stopped by the plurality of first display units is a combination of symbols related to a special winning combination, further comprising special game state operating means for operating a special game state advantageous to the player,
The winning combination determining means is capable of simultaneously determining the special winning combination and the first winning combination as the winning combination, and simultaneously selecting the special winning combination and the second winning combination. It can be determined as a winning role,
When the second winning combination is determined as the winning combination, the probability that the special winning combination is determined as the winning combination at the same time is the probability that the first winning combination is determined as the winning combination. At the same time, the gaming machine is characterized in that the special winning combination is lower than the probability of being determined as the winning combination. The gaming machine according to claim 2,
The plurality of second display units is larger than the plurality of first display units,
The plurality of first display units and the plurality of second display units rotate in a first direction,
The third display unit rotates in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
The number of effective lines of the second display unit is less than the number of effective lines of the first display unit,
The combination of the first symbols has a combination of two symbols with different amounts of game value paid out from the game value payout means when stopped on the active line of the plurality of first display portions. ,
The amount of game value paid out from the game value payout means in any one of the two symbol combinations is determined when the combination of the second symbols is stopped on the activated lines of the plurality of first display units. The gaming machine is characterized in that it is equal to the amount of gaming value paid out from the gaming value payout means. The gaming machine according to claim 3 ,
When the second start control means and the third symbol display control means satisfy the predetermined condition, the first start control means starts the variable display of the symbols on the plurality of first display units, A predetermined time in a predetermined order according to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means during a period until the fluctuation speed of the variable display of the symbols on the plurality of first display portions reaches a predetermined value. A gaming machine characterized by starting a variable display of symbols on the plurality of second display units and the third display unit at every interval .

Images