JP5400312B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine.

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the respective circumferential surfaces, and a plurality of reels corresponding to each of the reels, a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of each reel. Requests to start reel rotation based on player's operation (hereinafter referred to as “start operation”) on condition that a display window for displaying the symbol so that the player can see and a medal is inserted A start switch that outputs a signal to perform, a stop switch that outputs a signal requesting the stop of rotation of the reel according to the type of the reel, based on an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”), and these start A gaming machine (so-called pachislot machine) having a control unit that controls the operation of the motor based on signals output from the switch and the stop switch, and rotates and stops each reel is known. To have. In such a pachislot machine, it is determined whether or not a winning is made based on a combination of symbols displayed by the plurality of display windows, and a medal is paid out when it is determined that a winning is achieved.

  At present, when a start operation by a player is detected, the mainstream pachislot machine performs an internal lottery and stops the rotation of the reel based on the result of the lottery and the timing of the stop operation by the player. . For example, when the result related to winning is determined by the internal lottery described above (hereinafter, the result of the internal lottery is referred to as “internal winning combination”), the player performs a stop operation so that the winning is established. Even after the operation is performed, the rotation of the reel continues within a predetermined period (for example, 190 ms), and then stops. Further, if the internal winning combination relating to winning is not determined, the rotation of the reel is stopped so that winning is not established. In other words, in such a game machine, a stop operation (so-called “eye push”) at an appropriate timing is required in many situations, and what combination of symbols is displayed on the display window when the rotation of the reel is stopped. Is related to the timing of the stop operation, that is, the skill of the player.

  By the way, in the pachislot machine, when the number of games between the bonus game and the next bonus game becomes too large, the player falls into a serious disadvantage and loses interest in the game.

  Therefore, the number of games from a predetermined time point, for example, the time point after the end of the bonus game, is counted, and when the counting result reaches a predetermined value (for example, 1500 games), information on the internal winning combination is notified to the player. A gaming machine that generates a so-called assist time (AT) and gives a privilege advantageous to the player is known (see Patent Document 1).

According to this gaming machine, even when the number of games between bonus games becomes too large, when the number of games from the time after the bonus game ends reaches a predetermined number, In return, the player is given a reward, and the player can be prevented from entering a disadvantageous situation and can keep his interest in the game.
JP 2003-169895 A

  However, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, since the number of games until the assist time is activated is fixed, the number of games until the assist time is activated is likely to be an index for the player to play a game. It will also be an index to avoid playing games. That is, in a situation where a predetermined large number of games are required until the assist time is activated (the number of games up to the ceiling is large), the player has a number of games to be consumed before the assist time is activated. There is a tendency to refrain from playing with a lot of remaining gaming machines, and the act of so-called hyenas that fish around gaming machines where the number of games to reach the ceiling in the game hall has become small, There is a problem that the operation of the machine decreases.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the operation of a gaming machine by changing the number of games until reaching the so-called ceiling without changing.

(1) The present invention provides a symbol display means for displaying a plurality of symbols, an internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination by lottery in response to a predetermined start condition, and a stop operation detecting means for detecting a stop operation. And, when the predetermined start condition is satisfied, the symbols on the symbol display means are variably displayed, and when the stop operation is detected, the symbol display control means for performing control to stop the variation display of the symbols, Any one of a plurality of probability gaming states having different lottery probabilities in which a specific combination is determined as the internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining unit based on the combination of the symbols stopped by the symbol display control unit A probability gaming state determining means for determining the probability gaming state of the game, and a probability game for controlling the gaming state to the probability gaming state determined by the probability gaming state determining means until a predetermined end condition is satisfied State control means, wherein the internal winning combination determination means determines the nth combination with the nth probability in the nth probability game state (n = 1, 2,...), And includes one or more each first n-2 of winning in the probability game state of the n determined at a predetermined probability, the n-s (s is 1 and an integer of 3 or more) without having to determine the role of the N- A special combination is determined in the one probabilistic gaming state (N is the maximum value of n), and in the Nth probabilistic gaming state (N is the maximum value of n), the lottery probability of the specific combination is all other And determining the lottery probability of the specific combination in the nth probability gaming state so as to increase as n increases, and the probability gaming state determining means includes the symbol display means. The combination of the symbols stopped by the symbol display control means When a combination of predetermined symbol determines the first of the probability game state, when it is a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning of the n-2 determines the probability game state of the n-1, the When the symbol combination corresponds to the nth combination, the (n + 1) th probability gaming state is determined. When the symbol combination corresponds to the special combination, the Nth probability gaming state (N is n) When the predetermined winning combination is determined by the internal winning combination determining means and the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detecting means, the symbol display control means A gaming machine, wherein a combination of predetermined symbols corresponding to the predetermined combination is displayed.

(2) In this case, the probability of the n-th, which is determined by the internal winning combination determination means lottery probability setting towards the probability probability game state before the game state SL (n + 1) th of the n-th is set to be higher The apparatus may further include a means.

  (3) The internal winning combination determining means may determine the special combination from any of the probabilistic gaming states.

  (4) When a symbol combination corresponding to the specific combination is displayed on the symbol display means, a re-game operating means for performing a re-game operation may be provided. .

  According to the invention of (1), since the number of unit games until reaching a specific probability game state (so-called ceiling) that is most advantageous to the player is not fixed, the player can play unit games until reaching the ceiling. A game can be performed without being aware of the number, and the operation of the gaming machine can be improved.

  Furthermore, it is possible to gradually shift to a specific probability gaming state (ceiling) step by step, such as the first probability gaming state, the second probability gaming state, and so on, and the player gradually transitions to the ceiling. It can be expected to increase the interest of the game.

  In addition, since the game may return to the previous probability game state, it is possible to increase the interest of the game by making the ceiling activation time wider and unclear.

  According to the invention of (2), since it is possible to shift to a probable gaming state that is more advantageous to the player step by step, the more probable gaming state that is more advantageous, the more certain the gaming state (ceiling) ) Can increase the interest of the game.

  According to the invention of (3), a player who has not shifted to a very probabilistic gaming state because it may suddenly shift to a specific probability gaming state (ceiling) even in the initial stage probability gaming state. Can expect an early transition to the ceiling and enhance the fun of the game.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[External configuration]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine 1 is specifically an example of a pachislot machine. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium such as a card that stores information on gaming value assigned to or given to a player in addition to coins, medals, gaming balls, tokens, and the like. However, in the following description, medals are used as game media.

  Three small main reels 2, 3, 4 are provided inside the cabinet behind the frame provided at the center of the control panel of the gaming machine 1. Hereinafter, the main reel 2 is also referred to as a left reel 2, the main reel 3 is also referred to as a middle reel 3, and the main reel 4 is also referred to as a right reel 4.

  Each of the main reels 2 to 4 is rotated vertically, and a symbol row in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged is drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof. In addition, sub-reels 5, 6 and 7 larger than the main reels 2 to 4 are provided inside the cabinet above the main reels 2 to 4. Each of the sub reels 5 to 7 rotates vertically, and a symbol row in which a plurality of types of symbols for effect display are arranged is drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof.

  A reel display window 39 serving as a display window is provided at the front of the main reels 2 to 4, and a symbol row drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each main reel 2 to 4 is displayed through the reel display window 39. It can be visually recognized in the range of three. A reel display window 50 is provided in front of the sub reels 5 to 7, and the display reels 5A, 6A, and 7A formed in the reel display window 50 pass through the outer peripheral surfaces of the sub reels 5 to 7. The drawn symbol row can be visually recognized within the range of three symbols.

  Each of the main reels 2 to 4 and the sub reels 5 to 7 has a reel band attached to the outer periphery of the reel drum, and the symbol row is drawn on the reel band. In addition, inside the reel drums constituting the main reels 2 to 4 and the sub reels 5 to 7, light is emitted in various colors that illuminate the pattern drawn on the reel band attached to each reel drum from behind. Reel back lamps 47a, 47b, 47c, and reel back lamps 48a, 48b, 48c made of LEDs (light emitting diodes) are provided.

  The control panel on the right side of the reel display window 39 is provided with a slot 9 for a player to insert medals. Prior to the start of the game, when a player inserts a medal from the insertion slot 9, a plurality of winning lines (not shown in FIG. 1) on the reel display window 39 and the display windows 5A to 7A of the reel display window 50 are displayed. A plurality of winning lines not shown in FIG. 1 are activated. When a predetermined combination of symbols is aligned on the activated pay line (valid line), a display combination is established.

  In the reel display window 50 on the left side of the display windows 5A to 7A, from above, the bonus count display unit 10, the medal insertion number display lamps (bet lamps) 13 to 15, the payout number display unit 16, and the stored number display unit 17 are displayed. , And game operation indicators 18 to 22 are provided.

  The bonus count display unit 10 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED and digitally displays the number of remaining winnings that can be made in an RB (regular bonus) gaming state, which will be described later, when the bonus game is activated. The medal insertion number display lamps (bet lamps) 13 to 15 are controlled to be lit according to the number of medals inserted, and inform the player of the number of medals inserted at that time. The number-of-payout display unit 16 is composed of a 2-digit 7-segment LED, and displays the number of medals paid out by winning. The stored number display unit 17 is made up of a three-digit 7-segment LED and displays the number of medals currently credited inside the apparatus. The game operation indicators 18 to 22 are controlled to be turned on according to the game situation, and inform the player of the game situation at that time.

  The reel display window 50 on the right side of the display windows 5A to 7A is provided with a game number display 23, a game state suggestion lamp 24, a start lamp 25, a WIN lamp 26, and an insert lamp 27 from the top. Yes. The number-of-games display unit 23 is made up of a three-digit 7-segment LED and digitally displays a predetermined number of remaining games. The gaming state suggestion lamp 24 includes a gaming state suggestion lamp 24a and a gaming state suggestion lamp 24b, and lighting control is performed according to the gaming state. The start lamp 25 blinks when the main reels 2 to 4 are operable. The WIN lamp 26 is turned on when a winning combination (internal winning combination) relating to the operation of the bonus game is determined. Further, the insert lamp 27 is turned on when the insertion slot 9 can accept insertion of medals.

  The control panel on the left side of the reel display window 39 includes a 1-stored medal insertion button (1-bet button) 30, a 2-stored medal insertion button (2-bet button) 31, and a 3-storage medal insertion button (max bet button) 32. Is provided. Each of these stored medal insertion buttons 30 to 32 displays one to three medals to the insertion slot 9 in one game when the number of medals is displayed on the stored number display unit 17 and is credited. Used when betting instead of insertion.

  From the left side, a start lever 33, stop buttons (stop buttons) 34, 35, and 36, and a stored medal settlement button 37 are provided below the control panel provided with the reel display window 39.

  The start lever 33 is a lever for performing a start operation for starting a unit game (one game), and constitutes a start operation means. That is, the rotation of the main reels 2 to 4 and the sub reels 5 to 7 starts simultaneously by operating the start lever 33. That is, with the start operation as a trigger, the symbols displayed by the main reels 2 to 4 are changed.

  The left, middle, and right stop buttons 34, 35, and 36 are arranged corresponding to the left, middle, and right main main reels 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and also on the sub reels 5, 6, and 7, respectively. The operation is enabled when the rotation of the main reels 2 to 4 reaches a certain speed, and the rotation of the main reels 2 to 4 and the sub reels 5 to 7 is stopped according to the player's operation. Perform a stop operation. Each of the stop buttons 34 to 36 constitute stop operation means for stopping the change of the symbols in the plurality of rows by the main reels 2 to 4. Here, when all the main reels 2 to 4 and the sub reels 5 to 7 are rotating, the first stop operation performed after the first stop operation and the second stop operation performed after the first stop operation are performed. The stop operation performed after the stop operation and the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. The first reel stop is referred to as a first stop, the second reel stop is referred to as a second stop, and the third reel stop is referred to as a third stop.

  The stored medal settlement button 37 is used to switch between playing a game by crediting medals in the apparatus or directly inserting a medal into the slot 9 and playing all medals credited inside the apparatus. Used when paying out and paying.

  A medal tray 52 is provided at the lower front portion of the gaming machine 1. The medal tray 52 stores medals paid out from the medal payout port 53. A speaker 54 is provided to the right of the medal payout opening 53. A pair of speakers 96 and 96 are also provided on the left and right sides of the front upper portion of the gaming machine 1.

  Inside the housing of the gaming machine 1, there are a setting button (not shown) operated when setting a setting value of a payout rate and a reset button (not shown) operated when selecting a setting value of a payout rate. Is provided. The payout rate indicates the ratio of the total number of medals paid out to the total number of medals inserted into the gaming machine 1. In this example, six levels of setting values 1 to 6 are prepared.

  Here, “unit game (1 game)” means that the main reels 2 to 4 rotate in response to the player's operation on the start lever 33 and then the main game in response to the player's operation on the stop buttons 34 to 36. The rotation of the reels 2 to 4 stops, and the start of the next game is permitted until the medals are paid out according to the combination of symbols aligned on the winning line activated at this time (next time Before the game).

[Hardware configuration]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of a main control board (main control board) 61 that controls the game processing operation of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a sub-control that controls the rendering operation of the gaming machine 1. 6 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of a control system centering on a substrate (sub control substrate) 62. FIG.

  The control unit in the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 2 includes a microcomputer 63 as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 63 includes a CPU (main CPU) 64 that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program, a program ROM 65 that stores various programs and fixed data, and a control RAM 66 with a backup function that serves as a work area for the CPU 64. ing.

  The CPU 64 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 67 that generates a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 68 that divides the reference clock pulse, a random number generator 69 that generates a certain range of random numbers, and 1 of the generated random numbers. A sampling circuit 70 that identifies one is connected. Further, the CPU 64 is connected to an I / O port (input / output port) 71 that exchanges signals with various peripheral devices described later.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 63 include a stepping motor 45 that rotationally drives the main reels 2 to 4, various lamps (bet lamps 13 to 15, start lamp 25, WIN lamp 26, insert Lamp 27), various display units (game operation indicators 18 to 22, stored number display unit 17, bonus count display unit 10, game number display unit 23, payout number display unit 16), hopper 72 for storing medals, and the like. . These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, lamp drive circuits 74, display unit drive circuits 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 73 to 76 are connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71.

  As main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal, an operation of the inserted medal sensor 9S for detecting a medal inserted from the insertion slot 9 and the start lever 33 are performed. Detection start switch 33S, storage medal insertion buttons 30, 31, 32 detecting operation of stored medal insertion switches 30S, 31S, 32S, storage medal adjustment switch 37S detecting operation of stored medal adjustment button 37, setting button not shown There are a setting switch 56S for detecting the operation of the reset button and a reset switch 55S for detecting the operation of the reset button.

  The start switch 33S constitutes start operation detecting means for detecting that a unit game start operation has been performed by inserting a medal into the insertion slot 9 and operating the start lever 33. The random number generator 69 constitutes random number generating means for generating a random number.

  Further, as the input signal generating means, a reel position detection circuit 77 for detecting the rotational position of each main reel 2 to 4 in response to an output pulse signal from a photo sensor provided inside each main reel 2 to 4. There is. The photo sensor is included in the driving mechanism of each main reel 2 to 4 and is not shown in FIG.

  The reel position detection circuit 77 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45 after the rotation of the main reels 2 to 4 is started, and this count value is written in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. Therefore, in the control RAM 66, for each of the main reels 2 to 4, a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range is stored as a reel index indicating the rotation position of the main reel. The photosensor generates a reset pulse every time the main reels 2 to 4 make one rotation. The reset pulse is recognized by the CPU 64 via the reel position detection circuit 77, and the count value of the drive pulse counted by the control RAM 66 is cleared to “0”. By this clearing process, the difference between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping smoke 45 is eliminated every rotation.

  Here, symbol positions “0” to “17” for identifying each of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the main reels 2 to 4 are sequentially defined in the rotation direction of the reels. Then, the reel position detection circuit 77 causes the reel index to be positioned so that the symbol corresponding to the symbol position “0” is positioned at the center line (more precisely, the center of the middle area of the reel display window 39 in FIG. 1). Is detected. For example, when the value of the symbol counter stored in the RAM 66 that counts the number of symbols by detecting the reel index becomes “0”, the symbol corresponding to the symbol position “0” is positioned at the center line, As a result, the symbol counter is associated with the symbol position. Therefore, by referring to the symbol counter, it is possible to specify the symbol located on the center line.

  A reel stop signal circuit 78 that generates a signal for stopping the corresponding main reels 2 to 4 when the stop buttons 34 to 36 are pressed, a medal detection unit 72S that counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 72, and a payout completion (not shown) The signal generation circuit serves as input signal generation means. These are also connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71. The payout completion signal generation circuit pays out medals when the actually paid out medal count value input from the medal detection unit 72S reaches the payout number data represented by the count signal input from each display unit drive circuit 75. Generates a signal to detect completion of

  The reel stop signal circuit 78 constitutes a stop operation detecting means for detecting a stop operation of a changing symbol. Further, the stepping motor 45, the motor drive circuit 73, the reel position detection circuit 77, and the microcomputer 63 are based on the symbols displayed by the main reels 2 to 4 based on the detection of the symbol stop operation performed by the reel stop signal circuit 78. The stop control means is configured to display the symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination determined from among the symbols within a predetermined symbol variation range and to stop the variation of the symbols displayed by the main reels 2 to 4. Further, the hopper 72, the medal detection unit 72S, the hopper driving circuit 76, the payout completion signal generation circuit, and the microcomputer 63 give the player a medal based on the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the main reels 2 to 4 by the stop control means. A game medium payout means for paying out the game.

  A sub-control unit communication port 79 is connected to the I / O port 71, and the microcomputer 63 sends a signal to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79. The sub control board 62 shown in FIG. 3 is provided with a main control unit communication port 88 that receives this signal via the main sub relay board 97 and the sub relay board 98. Communication between the sub control unit communication port 79 and the main control unit communication port 88 is performed only in one direction from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88 (from the main control unit communication port 88 to the sub control unit communication port 88). The control signal is not transmitted to the control unit communication port 79). In the present embodiment, the control signal (command) sent from the sub-control unit communication boat 79 to the main control unit communication port 88 is a 7-bit command type indicating the control type and a maximum 24-bit length. It consists of parameters that describe the contents of the command.

  The sub control board 62 performs a predetermined effect based on a command transmitted from the main control board 61. The control unit in the sub-control board 62 is configured with the microcomputer 81 as a main component. Similarly to the microcomputer 63 on the main control board 61, the microcomputer 81 also has a CPU (sub CPU) 82 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM 83 that stores various control programs and fixed data, and a work area of the CPU 82. And a control RAM 84 with a backup function. Also connected to the CPU 82 are a clock pulse generation circuit 85 that generates a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 86 that divides the reference clock pulse, and an I / O port 87 that exchanges signals with each actuator. ing.

  The CPU 82 performs overall control processing of game effects according to a predetermined processing procedure. This processing procedure is stored in the ROM 83 as a sequence program. The CPU 82 is connected to the ROM 83 via the address bus disconnection circuit 89 and the data bus via the data bus disconnection circuit 90. The CPU 82 first reads the information stored in the ROM 83 when the chip select terminal S of the ROM 83 is read. Then, an L level signal is output via the I / O port 87, and subsequently, an L level signal is also output via the I / O port 87 to the output enable terminals E of the disconnecting circuits 89 and 90.

  In each of the separation circuits 89 and 90, when the H level signal is input to the output enable terminal E, the data output terminal is in a high impedance state, and the CPU 82 and the ROM 83 are electrically insulated. Thus, the address bus data and data bus data input from the CPU 82 to the data input terminals of the disconnect circuits 89 and 90 are not output from the data output terminals of the disconnect circuits 89 and 90. However, when the L level signal is input to the respective output enable terminals E, the disconnecting circuits 89 and 90 receive the address bus data and data bus data input from the CPU 82 to the respective data input terminals as they are from the data output terminals. Output. By this data output, the CPU 82 can access to read out information from the ROM 83 via the address bus and the data bus.

  A sub reel control unit 62 a is connected to the sub relay board 98. As an actuator whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 81, a stepping motor 101 that rotates and drives the sub reels 5 to 7 in the sub reel control unit 62a, reel back lamps 47a to 47c built in the main reels 2 to 4, respectively. There are reel back lamps 48a to 48c built in the sub reels 5 to 7 and the game state suggestion lamp 24 described above. Each stepping motor 101 is driven by a motor drive circuit 103. Further, lighting of the reel back lamps 47 a to 47 c and the gaming state suggestion lamp 24 is controlled by a drive signal from a lamp drive circuit 89 connected to the I / O port 87. The reel back lamps 48 a to 48 c are controlled by a drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 107. The lamp driving circuit 107 is connected to the sub relay board 98 and operates based on a command from the CPU 82.

  As an input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 81 to generate a control signal, the rotational position of the sub reels 5 to 7 is received in response to an output pulse signal from a photosensor provided on the sub reels 5 to 7. There is a reel position detection circuit 105 for detecting the above. This photosensor is included in the drive mechanism of each of the sub reels 5 to 7 and is not shown in FIG.

  A ROM 83 is connected to the sound source IC 91 via an address bus and a data bus. The ROM 83 stores audio data in addition to the sequence program of the CPU 82, and the chip select terminal S is connected to the I / O port 87. The sound source IC 91 transmits the output of the power amplifier 92 to the speakers 54, 96, and 96 through the I / O port 87, the main control unit communication port 88, and the sub relay board 98 under the control of the microcomputer 81 to output sound. . The microcomputer 81 controls the sound source IC 91 and the power amplifier 92 in accordance with instructions inputted from the main control board 61 via the main sub-relay board 97, the sub-relay board 98, and the main control unit communication port 88, and the medal insertion sound, start Sound effects such as lever operation sound, stop button operation sound, and game sound during a bonus game are output from the speakers 54, 96, and 96. In addition, sound is output from the speakers 54, 96, and 96 with a sound output pattern based on the presentation mode selected based on the game state and the internal winning combination information fetched from the main control board 61.

  The sound source IC 91 includes a control terminal C connected to the I / O port 87, a bus opening control terminal Z, and a reset terminal R, and outputs sound from the speakers 54, 96, and 96 according to signals input to the control terminal C. To control. When the signal input to the bus opening control terminal Z is at the L level, the tone generator IC 91 validates the address bus and the data bus, and enables read information access to the ROM 83 using each bus. However, when the signal input to the bus opening control terminal Z is at the H level, the address bus and the data bus are set to the high impedance state, and the electrical connection between the sound source IC 91 and the ROM 83 is cut off to perform the information read access to the ROM 83. To lose. When the sound source IC 91 detects that a high level signal is input to the reset terminal R, the sound source IC 91 starts its operation.

  The address bus disconnection circuit 89, the data bus disconnection circuit 90, and the CPU 82 described above control signals input to the output enable terminal K of each of the disconnection circuits 89, 90 and the bus opening control terminal Z of the sound source IC 91. The information read access to the ROM 83 is restricted to either the CPU 82 or the sound source IC 91, and access adjustment is performed so as not to allow simultaneous access. That is, when the CPU 82 is to perform information read access to the ROM 83, an L level signal is input to the output enable terminal E of each disconnection circuit 89, 90 by this access arbitration, and the address bus between the CPU 82 and the ROM 83. And the data bus are electrically connected, and an H level signal is input to the bus opening control terminal Z of the sound source IC 91, so that the electrical connection by the address bus and data bus between the sound source IC 91 and the ROM 83 is established. Refused. On the other hand, when the sound source IC 91 is to perform information reading access to the ROM 83, an H level signal is input to the output enable terminal E of each of the disconnecting circuits 89 and 90 by the access arbitration, and the address bus between the CPU 82 and the ROM 83. In addition, the electrical connection by the data bus is cut off, the L level signal is input to the bus opening control terminal Z of the sound source IC 91, and the address bus and the data bus between the sound source IC 91 and the ROM 83 are electrically connected. To be.

  The bus opening control terminal Z of the sound source IC 91 and the chip select terminal S of the ROM 83 are connected to the dividing circuit 93. When the signal input to the bus release control terminal Z is at the L level and the signal input to the chip select terminal S is also at the L level, the dividing circuit 93 falls into a state where the CPU 82 cannot perform control processing and is in a runaway state. H level signals are output to the output enable terminals E of the address bus disconnection circuit 89 and the data bus disconnection circuit 90, and the address bus and data bus between the CPU 82 and the ROM 83 are electrically connected. To be insulated. The dividing circuit 93 divides an electrical connection path through which the CPU 82 accesses the ROM 83 when the CPU 82 falls into a state where control processing cannot be performed.

[Main tables and storage areas]
Next, various main tables and various storage areas used in the main control board 61 will be described. These tables are stored in the program ROM 65 or the like, and a storage area or the like is prepared in the control RAM 66 or the like.

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

  The symbol arrangement table represents the configuration of symbols arranged around each reel as data. FIG. 4 is a symbol arrangement table for the main reels 2, 3 and 4. In the symbol arrangement table, when the reel index is detected, the symbol located in the middle of each symbol display area is set as symbol position “0”, and symbol positions “0” to “17” corresponding to the symbol counter described above are displayed. The symbol type corresponding to each symbol position is defined. Each symbol type is represented by 1-byte data. Therefore, based on the symbol arrangement table and the symbol counter, a symbol located in the middle of the symbol display area of each reel, a symbol adjacent to the symbol, and the like can be specified. The symbols displayed on the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are referred to as special symbols.

  Next, the internal lottery table determination table of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal lottery table determination table is a table for determining an internal lottery table, which will be described later, according to the gaming state. That is, the internal lottery table for the general gaming state is determined in the general gaming state, and the internal lottery table for the RT1 to RT4 gaming state is determined in the RT (replay time) 1 to RT4 gaming state, respectively. When the RB gaming state internal lottery table is determined. Further, in the general gaming state and the RT1 gaming state, when the value of the carryover combination storage area described later is 1 and there is a carryover combination, the number of lotteries described later is determined to be 20, and the value of the carryover combination storage area is 0. When there is no combination, the number of lotteries is determined to be 17. In the RT2 gaming state and the RT3 gaming state, if the value of the carryover combination storage area described later is 1 and there is a carryover combination, the number of lotteries described later is determined as 21, the value of the carryover combination storage area is 0 and the carryover combination is If not, the number of lotteries is determined to be 18. In the RT4 gaming state, if the value of the carryover combination storage area described later is 1 and there is a carryover combination, the number of lotteries described later is set to 19, and if the value of the carryover combination storage area is 0 and there is no carryover combination, the lottery is performed. The number of times is determined to be 16. Further, in the RB gaming state, the number of lotteries is determined to be 3 regardless of whether there is a carryover combination.

  Next, the internal lottery table of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the internal lottery table, lottery values and data pointers assigned for each winning number are defined. Two types of data pointers are defined: a small role / replay type and a bonus type.

  In the internal lottery table, the same number as the number of lotteries determined based on the internal lottery table determination table is selected first. Then, the lottery value corresponding to the current winning number is subtracted from the random number value extracted from the numerical range of “0 to 65535” (the denominator 65536). Select the data pointer for the small role / replay and the bonus. If there is no digit, “1” is added to the current winning number, and the lottery value corresponding to the winning number after the addition is further subtracted from the subtracted value. For example, the data pointer for the small role / replay and bonus corresponding to the winning number is selected. If no digit is set, “1” is added to the current winning number. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated until a digit is performed or a subtraction for the number of lotteries described later is performed. If there is no digit even if the winning number is lost, it will be lost. Thus, the internal lottery table is a table for performing lottery for determining the data pointers for the small role / replay and the bonus. The data pointers for the small combination / replay and bonus are data for specifying the winning request flag by the internal winning combination determination table described later, and the winning request flag is data for specifying the internal winning combination. .

  FIG. 6 shows a general gaming state internal lottery table used in the general gaming state. FIG. 7 is an internal lottery table in the case where the set value is 1, and the number of inserted medals is 3 in the general gaming state. In the general gaming state internal lottery table, in addition to the small role, replay (normal replay), BB (big bonus) 1, BB2, MB (middle bonus), lottery for replay 0 is also performed. That is, the replay 0 is a replay related to the transition from the general gaming state to RT1 described later.

  FIG. 7 shows an internal lottery table for the RB gaming state used in the RB (regular bonus) gaming state. FIG. 7 is an internal lottery table common to all setting values for the above-described setting values, and the number of inserted medals is 2 in the RB gaming state. In the internal lottery table for the RB gaming state, as shown in a small combination / replay internal winning combination determination table described later, the small combination of the small combination / replay data pointers 1 to 3 is won. Then, as is apparent from the lottery value of FIG. 7, in the RB gaming state, in most cases, the bell is internally won.

8 and 9 show the internal lottery table for operating RT1 to RT4. This is an internal lottery table used during the operation of RT1 to RT4 (RT1 gaming state to RT4 gaming state). In this embodiment, the probability of internal winning relatively replay from the normal gaming state is high RT a (replay time) by four prepared of R T1~RT4. In FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the winning numbers 1 to 12 are not shown because they are the same as the internal lottery table for the general gaming state described above. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are internal lottery tables common to all setting values for the aforementioned setting values, and the number of inserted medals is 3.

  In the internal lottery table for RT1 operation, the replay 1 can be won internally. Replay 1 is a role that triggers the transition from RT1 to RT2. In the internal lottery table for operating RT2, the replay 2 can be won internally. Replay 2 is a role that triggers the transition from RT2 to RT3. In the internal lottery table for operating RT3, internal winning can be performed for a specific replay. The specific replay is a role that triggers the transition to RT4. The winning probabilities gradually increase in the order of replay 1 of RT1, replay 2 of RT2, and specific replay of RT3. Further, the internal lottery table for operating RT2 can be internally won for replay 0. Thus, not only the transition from the general gaming state to RT2, but also the transition from RT2 to RT1. Similarly, the internal lottery table for operating RT3 can be internally won for replay 1. Thus, not only the transition from RT1 to RT2, but also the transition from RT3 to RT2.

  In addition, the winning probability of normal replay, which is normal replay that does not trigger the transition to another gaming state, also increases in the order of general gaming state, RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4 (winning number 13 in each internal lottery table). See). In particular, the winning probability of RT4 normal replay is more than twice as much as the general gaming state, RT1, RT2, RT3, and RT4 is the so-called ceiling among all RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4. In other words, during RT4 operation, the replay winning probability for re-game operation is very high, so that the consumption of medals is compared to the case where the same number of games are played in the general gaming state, RT1, RT2, RT3. Can be suppressed.

  Next, the internal winning combination determination table of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As the internal winning combination determination table, a small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 10 and a bonus internal winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 11 are prepared. In these internal winning combination determination tables, the above-described data pointers for small roles / replays and bonuses are associated with the data of the hit request flag. The winning request flag is an identifier for specifying an internal winning combination.

  In the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table, for example, when the small winning combination / replay data pointer is “1”, the cherry becomes the internal winning combination, and when the small winning combination / replay data pointer is “5”. Replay 0 is an internal winning combination. When the small combination / replay data pointer is “0”, it is “lost” without any internal winning of any combination.

  In the bonus internal winning combination determination table, two types of BBs “BB1” and “BB2” corresponding to the bonus data pointers “1” and “2”, respectively, and the bonus data pointer “3”. Correspondingly, MBs are respectively defined. The bonus data pointer “0” is “losing”, and no bonus is won internally.

  Next, the symbol combination table of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the symbol combination table, a symbol combination relating to the provision of a privilege, a display combination corresponding to the combination, a storage area type and the number of medals to be paid out, and storage area data for specifying an internal winning combination storage area described later are stored. It is prescribed. The display combination is data for identifying the type of combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area where the symbols of the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are displayed.

  When the left reel 2 is displayed as cherry, the middle reel 3 is displayed as ANY (“ANY” indicates that any symbol is allowed. The same applies hereinafter), and the right reel 4 is displayed as ANY, the display combination is determined as cherry. The payout number of medals corresponding to cherries is 15 when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 1 when the number is 3. When a bell is displayed on the left reel 2, a bell is displayed on the middle reel 3, and a bell is displayed on the right reel 4, the display combination is determined to be a bell. The payout number of medals corresponding to the bell is 15 when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 5 when the number is 3. When a replay is displayed on the left reel 2, a replay is displayed on the middle reel 3, and a bell is displayed on the right reel 4, the display combination is determined to be replay 0. Since Replay 0 is a replay, the number of medals to be paid out is zero. Replay 0 is a role that triggers the transition to the RT1 gaming state. Similarly, in the symbol combination table, a symbol combination related to the provision of a privilege, a display combination corresponding to this, a storage area addition data, and a payout number are defined.

  In addition, five types of replays, that is, a replay, a replay 1, a replay 2, a specific replay, and a replay 0, are prepared as replays that are involved in the replay operation. Normal replay is a combination of “Replay-Replay-Replay” symbols, Replay 1 is a combination of “Replay-Bell-Replay” symbols, and Replay 2 is a combination of “Replay-Bell-Bell” symbols The specific replay is a combination of symbols of “bell-replay-replay”, and replay 0 is a combination of symbols of “replay-replay-bell”.

  As described above, Replay 1, Replay 2, and Specific Replay are roles that trigger the transition to the RT2 gaming state, the RT3 gaming state, and the RT4 gaming state, respectively. However, the normal replay is a trigger for transitioning to another gaming state. It is a normal replay that must not be done.

  When normal replay, replay 1, replay 2, specific replay, and replay 0 are displayed, replay is performed in the next game. In other words, the same number of medals as the number inserted in the game determined as the display combination are automatically inserted in the next game without being based on the player's insertion operation. Thereby, the player can play the next game without consuming medals, and can save medals.

  In Replay 0, “Replay-Replay-Bell” is a combination of symbols, but the main reels 2, 3, and 4 can draw the symbols within the range of four frames from the stop operation position. With the special symbol arrangement shown in FIG. 4, even if the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are appropriately stopped, it is possible to align the combinations of the “replay-replay-bell” symbols of Replay 0. Therefore, there is no need to go for it.

  When “red 7-red 7-red 7” is sequentially displayed along the effective line in the symbol display area where the symbols of the main reels 2, 3, 4 are displayed, the display combination is determined as BB1. When BB1 is determined, the operation of the bonus game of BB1 is started. Similarly, when “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is sequentially displayed along the effective line in the symbol display area where the symbols of the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are displayed, the display combination is determined as BB2. . When BB2 is determined, the operation of the bonus game of BB2 is started. Similarly, when “BAR-BAR-BAR” is sequentially displayed along the effective line in the symbol display area where the symbols of the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are displayed, the display combination is determined to be MB. When the MB is determined, the operation of the MB bonus game is started.

  If the symbol combination displayed in the symbol display area of the main reels 2, 3, and 4 does not correspond to any of the symbol combinations defined in the symbol combination table, the display combination is determined to be lost. The

  The storage area data is data for determining whether to select the internal winning combination storing area 1 or the internal winning combination storing area 2 in the internal winning combination storing area described later. That is, if the storage area data is 0, the internal winning combination storage area 1 is determined, and if the storage area data is 1, the internal winning combination storage area 2 is determined.

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

  In the bonus operation time table, data stored in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66 at the start of operation of the bonus game is defined. When the RB is operated, an RB operating flag in an operating flag storage area of the control RAM 66 described later is turned on, 12 is stored in the game possible number counter, and 8 is stored in the winning possible number counter. The game possible number counter is data for counting the number of unit games performed during the RB operation. The winning possible number counter is data for counting the number of times that a winning is determined during the RB operation (for example, a display combination related to a medal payout is determined). Further, when BB1 or BB2 (both are simply referred to as “BB”, the same applies hereinafter), a BB operating flag in an operating flag storage area of the control RAM 66, which will be described later, is turned on, and 345 is displayed in the bonus end number counter. Stored. The bonus end number counter is a counter for managing the total number of medals paid out during the operation of the BB.

  Next, the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area of the control RAM 66 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal winning combination storing area is divided into an internal winning combination storing area 1 and an internal winning combination storing area 2 shown in FIG. 14, and the internal winning combination storing area 1 and the internal winning combination storing area 2 are stored in the internal winning combination determining table described above. Respectively corresponding to the storage area addition data 0 and 1. When the internal winning combination is determined, data indicating the internal winning combination is stored in the internal winning combination storing area.

  The control RAM 66 of the main control board 61 also stores a display combination storage area for storing display combination data. The structure of the display combination storage area is the same as the internal winning combination storage area shown in FIG. 14, and is similarly divided into a display combination storage area 1 and a display combination storage area 2 (therefore, illustration is omitted).

  Next, the structure of the carryover combination storage area of the control RAM 66 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the internal winning combination relating to the operation of the bonus game is determined by the internal winning combination determining table, an identifier (that is, a flag) indicating the internal winning combination is stored in the carryover combination storing area. Specifically, MB, BB1, and BB2 correspond to bit 2, bit 1, and bit 0, respectively. The identifier stored in the carryover combination storage area is cleared when the bonus game is started. In other words, when an internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus game is determined, the identifier is stored until the operation of the bonus game is started (so-called “carryover”). The stored identifier is called “carryover combination”). While the identifier is stored in the carryover combination storage area, the stored identifier is determined as the internal winning combination regardless of the extracted random value. In addition, since the carryover combination is determined based on the internal winning combination, it can be said to be a subordinate concept of the internal winning combination.

  Next, the configuration of the operating flag storage area of the control RAM 66 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the in-operation flag storage area, an identifier indicating the type is stored depending on whether the current operation is BB, RB, CB, MB, or the like. Specifically, each of bits 0 to 7 includes an RT1 operating flag, an RT2 operating flag, an RT3 operating flag, an RT4 operating flag, an MB operating flag, a CB (challenge bonus) operating flag, and an RB operating flag. , Corresponding to the BB operating flag.

[Control operation of main control board]
Next, the control performed by the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, a main process performed by the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. The main CPU 64 turns on the power and applies a voltage to the reset terminal to generate a reset interrupt, and sequentially performs the reset interrupt processing stored in the program ROM 65 based on the occurrence of the reset interrupt. It is configured as follows.

  When the power is turned on, first, the main CPU 64 performs an initialization process (step S1). In this process, a process of restoring the register data and execution address stored in the control RAM 66 when the power is shut off is performed. In this initialization process, the input of the setting switch 56S is checked, and if it is determined that the setting switch 56S is on, the setting value is changed. Specifically, any one of the set values “1” to “6” is stored in the set value storage area of the control RAM 66 based on the human power of the reset switch 55S and the start switch 33S.

  Next, the main CPU 64 clears the designated storage area in the control RAM 66 (step S2). In this process, data stored in various storage areas of the control RAM 66 is cleared. Next, the main CPU 64 performs a bonus operation monitoring process described later (step S3). In this process, a process for starting the operation of a necessary bonus game is performed. Next, the main CPU 64 performs medal acceptance / start check processing (step S4). In this process, the insertion number counter and the like are updated based on the input check of the insertion medal sensor 9S and the input of the start switch 33S is checked. Next, the main CPU 64 extracts a random number value and stores it in the random value storage area (step S5). In this process, random number values are extracted by the random number generator 69 and the sampling circuit 70 and stored in the random number storage area of the control RAM 66.

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs an internal lottery process described later (step S6). In this process, an internal winning combination is determined by lottery. Next, the main CPU 64 sets a start command in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 (step S7). The start command includes data such as an internal winning combination and a gaming state.

  Next, the main CPU 64 sets a reel rotation start command for notifying the start of rotation of the main reels 2, 3 and 4 (step S8), and requests the rotation start of all reels (step S9). When the start of rotation of all reels is requested, processing for starting rotation of the main reels 2, 3 and 4 is performed in an interrupt process described later. Next, the main CPU 64 performs a reel stop control process described later (step S10). In this process, a process for stopping the rotation of all the main reels 2, 3, 4 is performed.

  Next, the main CPU 64 refers to the symbol combination table (FIG. 12) and performs a process of determining a display combination and the like based on a symbol combination displayed along a predetermined effective line (step S11). In this process, a combination of symbols specified in the symbol combination table and a symbol combination displayed in the symbol display area of the main reels 2, 3 and 4 (a combination of three symbols arranged along one of the effective lines) ) Is compared with each other to determine whether or not they match. When they match, the corresponding display combination and medal payout number are determined, and each display combination storage area and the payout number counter are updated. If they do not match, the data stored in each display combination storage area is “0”, and the display combination is lost. In this way, when the rotation of all the reels is stopped by the stop control, whether or not a winning is determined is determined based on the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area of the main reels 2, 3 and 4. A privilege is given to the person.

  Next, the main CPU 64 sets a display command in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 (step S12). The display command includes data such as the determined display combination that is transmitted when all the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs medal payout processing (step S13). In this process, the hopper 72 is controlled and the credit counter is updated based on the payout number counter. Next, the main CPU 64 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (step S14). In this process, on the condition that the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, a value corresponding to the payout number is subtracted from the counter.

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the BB or MB operating flag is on (step S15). When determining that the BB or MB operating flag is on, the main CPU 64 performs a bonus end check process described later (step S16). In this process, a process for ending the operation of the bonus game is performed based on determination of whether or not various counters stored in the control RAM 66 are updated to 0 when the bonus game is operated. When the BB and MB operating flag is off, the main CPU 64 performs RT game number control processing described later (step S17). In this process, the number of RT games is managed. Then, after step S16 or S17, a bonus operation check process described later is performed (step S18). In this process, a process for starting the operation of the bonus is performed based on the determined type of display combination. And after the above process, it returns to step S2.

  Next, the bonus operation monitoring process (step S3) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is ON and the BB is operating (step S41). When the BB operating flag is ON, the RB operating flag is ON and the RB operating flag is ON. Whether or not is operating is determined (step S42). When the RB operating flag is off and the RB is not operating, the RB operating process is performed based on the bonus operating table (FIG. 13) (step S43). In the RB operation processing, processing such as turning on the RB operation flag is performed.

  If the BB operating flag is off and the BB is not operating (N in step S41), it is determined whether the MB operating flag is on and the MB is operating (step S44). If the MB operating flag is on and the MB is operating, the CB operating flag is turned on (step S45). Thus, CB operates during MB.

  Next, an internal lottery process (step S6) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines the type of the lottery table and the number of lotteries based on the current gaming state based on the aforementioned internal lottery table determination table (FIG. 5) (step S61). And the process which changes the internal lottery table to be used into the internal lottery table determined at step S61 is performed (step S62). Next, the main CPU 64 sets the extracted random number value (stored in step S6) stored in the random value storage area as a determination random number value, and sets 1 as the initial value of the winning number (step S63). .

  Then, with reference to the internal lottery table (FIGS. 6 to 9), a lottery value based on the winning number is acquired (step S64). Then, the lottery value is subtracted from the determination random number value, and it is determined whether or not a digit is obtained by this subtraction (step S65). If a digit has been entered, the winning number for which the digit has been obtained is acquired as a winning number, and the process proceeds to step S69.

  If no digit is entered, “1” is added to the above-described winning number, and “1” is subtracted from the number of lotteries described above (step S66), thereby determining whether or not the number of lotteries has become zero. (Step S67). If the number of lotteries is not 0, the process returns to step S64, and the lottery value is again subtracted from the determination random number value, and it is determined whether or not a digit has been obtained by this subtraction (step S65). When it becomes 0, 0 is acquired as the winning number.

  These processes are repeated until a digit is performed (Y in Step S65) or until the number of lotteries becomes 0 (Y in Step S67). In this case, in the second and subsequent processes, the lottery value is subtracted from the random number data by further subtracting the lottery value from the remainder of the previous lottery value subtraction result. Therefore, the original random number data becomes smaller each time the subtraction is repeated. Further, each time the above process is repeated, the number of lotteries decreases by one.

  When the winning number is acquired as described above, the data pointers for the small role / replay and bonus corresponding to the acquired winning number are acquired (steps S69 and S68). Then, the winning request flag is acquired based on the acquired small pointer / replay data pointer with reference to the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 10) (step S70). Next, the winning request flag is stored in the internal winning combination storing area 1 (FIG. 14) (step S71).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the carryover combination storage area (FIG. 15) is 0, that is, whether or not there is no carryover combination (step S72). If the value of the carryover combination storage area is 0 and there is no carryover combination, it is determined whether or not the bonus data pointer acquired in step S64 is 0 (step S73). When the bonus data pointer is 1 or more and BB or MB is internally won (N in step S73), refer to the bonus internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 11) and hit based on the bonus data pointer A request flag is acquired, and the acquired hit request flag is stored in the carryover combination storage area (step S74). That is, the address of the carryover combination storage area is set and stored. After the above processing, the logical sum of the carryover combination storing area and the internal winning combination storing area 2 is stored in the internal winning combination storing area 2 (step S75).

  Next, it is determined whether the CB operating flag is on and the CB is operating (step S76). When the CB operating flag is ON and CB is operating, bits 1 to 3 of the internal winning combination storing area 1 are set ON (step S79). As a result, when the CB is in operation, the small cherries, bells and watermelons can be awarded at any time.

  In other words, CB is a bonus game that is executed only for one game, and only the left reel 2 of the three main reels is controlled to stop within the range of 0 to 1 frame from the stop start position, almost as the player is aiming for. Stop control can be performed. In the CB, the internal winning combination storage area 1 described below is turned on for each of the cherry, bell, and watermelon small combinations, so that each of the small combinations of cherry, bell, and watermelon is internally won. Therefore, the player can easily win these small roles by pushing the left reel 2.

  Next, the reel stop control process (step S10) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (step S81). When a valid stop button is pressed, the pressing operation of the corresponding stop button 2, 3 or 4 is invalidated (step S82). Then, 4 is set as the number of checks (step S83). Thereafter, the symbol position having the highest priority is searched for within the range of the number of checks from the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter (step S84). Then, the number of sliding frames is determined based on the search result (step S85).

  Next, the main CPU 64 shifts to a stop control position wait (step S86). For example, if the determined number of sliding symbols is “2” and the stop start position is “18”, the stop control position is determined to be “1”. When the stop control position is determined, a process for stopping the rotation of the reel is performed based on the stop control position in an interrupt process described later. It should be noted that the number of sliding symbols and the stop control position are in an equivalent relationship because when one is determined, the other is also determined. Then, a reel stop command for notifying that the reel has been stopped is set (step S87), and it is determined whether or not there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is effective (step S88). If there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is valid, the process returns to step S81.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the bonus end check process (step S16) will be described.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on and the RB is operating (step S101). If the RB operating flag is off, it is determined whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (step S102). When the bonus end number counter is 0, it means that the maximum number of acquired medals as a BB end condition has been reached, and therefore processing for BB / MB end to end BB is performed (step S105). Specifically, the BB operating flag in the aforementioned operating flag storage area of the control RAM 66 is turned off, and the bonus end number counter is cleared.

  Also, when the RB operating flag is on and the RB is operating, or when the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, the BB is operating or the MB is operating but the MB end condition This is a case where the maximum number of acquired medals has not been reached. In this case, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not a winning is achieved (step S103). When determining that a winning is achieved, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (step S104). If the bonus end number counter is 0, BB / MB end processing is performed to end BB or MB (step S105). Specifically, the BB operating flag or the like in the aforementioned operating flag storage area of the control RAM 66 is turned off, and the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter are cleared.

  Then, all RT operating flags are set to OFF (step S106). That is, when transitioning to the RT1 to RT4 gaming state, the RT1 to RT4 operating flag is turned on to indicate that the RT1 to RT4 gaming state is transitioning, respectively, but these RT operating flags are turned off. set. Since the processing at the end of BB / MB (step S105) is performed, a bonus end command for notifying the end of the bonus game is set in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 (step S107).

  On the other hand, if the bonus end number counter is not 0 (N in step S104), the winning possible number counter is decremented by 1 (step S108). Then, it is determined whether or not the winning possible number counter is 0 (step S109). When the winning possible number counter is 0, processing at the end of RB is performed (step S112), and RB is ended.

  If the winning count counter is not 0 (N in step S109), or if no winning is established (N in step S103), the game possible count counter is decremented by 1 (step S110), and the possible winning count is determined. If the counter is 0 (Y in step S111), RB end time processing is performed (step S112), and RB is ended.

  Next, the RT game number control process (step S17) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the display combination is replay 0 (step S131). When the display combination is Replay 0, the RT1 operating flag is set to ON (step S132), and the RT1 gaming state is operated.

  When the display combination is Replay 1 (Y in step S133), the RT2 operating flag is set to on (step S134), and the RT2 gaming state is activated. When the display combination is Replay 2 (Y in Step S135), the RT3 operating flag is set on (Step S136), and the RT3 gaming state is activated. When the display combination is the specific replay (Y in step S137), the RT4 operating flag is set to on (step S138), and the RT4 gaming state is activated.

  Next, the bonus operation check process (step S18) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the display combination is MB (step S151). When determining that the display combination is MB, the main CPU 64 performs MB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (FIG. 13) (step S152).

  When the display combination is not MB, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the display combination is BB (step S153). When the main CPU 64 determines that the display combination is BB, the main CPU 64 performs BB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (FIG. 13) (step S154). Further, since the BB operates, the value of the carryover combination storage area is cleared (step S155). Further, all RT operating flags are set to OFF (step S156). That is, winning of BB is an end condition for RT1 to RT4. In addition, a bonus start command for notifying the start of the bonus game is set in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 (step S157).

  On the other hand, if the display combination is not BB, it is determined whether or not the display combination is replay (step S158). If the display combination is replay, the value of the inserted number counter is copied to the automatic insertion counter (step S158). S159). The insertion number counter is a counter that manages the number of medals inserted, and the automatic insertion counter is a counter that manages the number of medals automatically inserted. Thereby, in the next game, it is possible to play a game without inserting medals.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 25, a description will be given of an interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms, which is performed under the control of the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61. FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 saves the register (step S191). Next, the main CPU 64 performs an input port check process (step S192). Specifically, the main CPU 64 checks the input of signals from each switch. Next, the main CPU 64 performs an input state command setting process (step S193). The input state command is a command for notifying the sub control board 62 of the input state of the start lever 33 and the stop buttons 34, 35, and 36. Here, the input of the start lever 33 and the stop buttons 34, 35, and 36 is checked. Line and set the input status command. Next, the main CPU 64 performs communication data transmission processing (step S194). Specifically, as described above, various commands set in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 are transmitted to the sub-control board 62 by this processing.

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs a reel control process (step S195). Specifically, if a reel rotation start request is made, the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are started to rotate at a constant speed. If the stop control position is determined, the rotation is decelerated and stopped after the symbol counter of the reel is updated to the same value as the stop control position. For example, if the symbol counter is “0” and the stop control position is “4”, the reel rotation is stopped when the symbol counter is updated to “4”.

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs lamp / 7 SEG drive processing (step S196). Specifically, the main CPU 64 performs processing such as lighting of the bet lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c based on the insertion number counter and displaying the number of payouts on the information display unit 18. Next, the main CPU 64 performs timer management processing (step S197) and restores the register (step S198). When this process ends, the interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms ends.

[Tables used on the sub control board]
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of the symbol arrangement table of the sub reels 5, 6, and 7.

  The symbol arrangement table is stored in the ROM 83. In the symbol arrangement table, when the reel index is detected, the symbol located in the middle stage of each symbol display area is set as symbol position “0”, and the sub reels 5, 6, 4 are used as in the case of the main reels 2, 3, 4. 7 (left reel 5, middle reel 6, right reel 7) The symbol positions “0” to “20” corresponding to the symbol counter and the symbol type corresponding to each symbol position are defined. Each symbol type is represented by 1-byte data. Therefore, based on the symbol arrangement table and the symbol counter, a symbol located in the middle of the symbol display area of each reel, a symbol adjacent to the symbol, and the like can be specified. The symbols on the sub reels 5, 6, and 7 are referred to as decorative symbols.

  Although not shown, the sub control board 62 also uses a comparison table of special symbols of the main reels 2, 3, 4 and decorative symbols of the sub reels 5, 6, 7, and the data is stored in the ROM 83. That is, information on what symbol position the sub reels 5, 6 and 7 are stopped at when the variable display is controlled to stop is transmitted from the main control board 61 to the sub control board 62 by the reel stop command. The stop symbol positions of the sub reels 5, 6, and 7 are determined by the stop symbol positions of the main reels 2, 3, and 4. The comparison table shows the correspondence between the two symbols, and the combination of the symbols on the main reels 2, 3, 4 and the combination of the symbols on the sub reels 5, 6, 7 correspond one-to-one. Thus, the stop symbol positions of the sub reels 5, 6, and 7 are determined from the stop symbol positions of the main reels 2, 3, and 4.

[Control operation of sub-control circuit]
Next, the control performed by the sub control board 62 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the processing described below, a multi-thread, multi-task operating system is adopted as an OS (operating system) that executes processing. That is, a certain task group and another task group execute processing while preemption (preemption) of the execution right.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the sub CPU 82 performs an initialization process (step S301). Specifically, an error check of the control RAM 84, a task system initialization, and the like are performed. Next, the sub CPU 82 performs ramp control task activation (step S302) described later, sound control task activation (step S303) described later, and sub reel control task activation (step S304) described later. These are groups of tasks that perform interrupt processing every time a certain time elapses due to a timer. Next, the sub CPU 82 activates a main board communication task described later (step S305). This is a group of tasks that perform interrupt processing when a command is received from the main control board 61.

  The lamp control task activated in step S302 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 82 performs predetermined initialization processing on lamp-related data such as the reel back lamps 47a to 47c and the reel lamps 48a to 48c (step S321). Next, the sub CPU 82 waits for an event of 2 ms (step S322). That is, other tasks are executed until a 2 ms interrupt event message is received. Then, after waiting for an event of 2 ms, the sound control task is executed (step S323). That is, jump from the lamp control task to the sound control task. Next, when returning to the lamp control task after executing the sound control task, the lamp control task is restarted from the process of extracting and analyzing the lamp data from the lamp storage area (step S324). The lamp data is effect data for lighting and driving lamps such as the reel back lamps 47 a to 47 c and the reel lamp groups 48 a to 48 c, and the lamp storage area exists in the ROM 83. Then, a lamp lighting control process for lighting each lamp for production is performed (step S325). In this lamp lighting control processing, processing such as switching the illumination to be lit in the reel lamp groups 48 a to 48 c from the cathode tube 403 to the black light 404 is also performed.

  The sound control task activated in step S303 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 82 performs predetermined initialization processing on sound-related data output from the speakers 54, 96, and 96 (step S351). Next, the sub CPU 82 executes a sub reel control task described later (step S352). That is, the process jumps from step S352 to the sub reel control task. Next, when returning to the sound control task after executing the sub-reel control task, the sound control task is restarted from the process of retrieving the sound data from the lamp storage area (step S353). The sound data is effect data for outputting sound from the speakers 54, 96, and 96, and a sound storage area exists in the ROM 83 (actual sound data exists in the sound source IC 91). Then, the extracted sound data is analyzed (step S354), and sound output control processing for outputting sound from the speakers 54, 96, 96 is performed (step S355).

  The sub reel control task activated in step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 82 performs a predetermined initialization process on data related to the sub reels 5 to 7 (step S371). Next, the sub CPU 82 executes the lamp control task described above (step S372). That is, the process jumps from step S372 to the lamp control task. Next, when returning to the sub-reel control task after executing the ramp control task, the sub-reel control task is restarted from the process of retrieving the effect data of the sub-reel from the effect reel storage area (step S373). The effect data for the sub reels is effect data for controlling the rotation and stop of the sub reels 5 to 7, and the effect reel storage area exists in the ROM 83. Then, the effect data of the extracted sub reels is analyzed (step S374), and a sub reel control process for rotating the sub reels 5 to 7 for the effect is performed (step S375).

  The main board communication task activated in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The sub CPU 82 first initializes a transmission message queue that receives a command transmitted from the main control board 61 (step S391). Then, it is checked whether there is a command received in the transmission message queue (step S392), and it is determined whether a command different from the previous command is received (step S393). If a command different from the previous command is received, game information is created from the command (step S394). Specifically, game information is created from the parameters of the command. Then, the game information is stored in the game data storage area of the control RAM 84 (step S395), a received command analysis process is performed (step S396), and the process returns to step S392. The received command analysis process is a process for analyzing the received command.

  According to the gaming machine 1 described above, the number of games from the general gaming state to the RT4 gaming state (so-called ceiling) that is most advantageous for the player in terms of the probability of re-gaming is not fixed. That is, the transition is sequentially made in the order of RT1, RT2, and RT3, and finally the transition is made from RT3 to RT4. This transition is conditional on replay 1, replay 2, and specific replay serving as a display role, respectively (FIG. 23). Since the internal winnings of Replay 1, Replay 2, and specific replay are lottery, it may reach RT4 with a small number of games or may require a long number of games. Therefore, the player can play the game without being aware of the number of games until reaching the ceiling, and therefore, in the game hall as in the case where the number of games until reaching the ceiling is fixed. Actions called so-called hyenas that fish around a gaming machine with a small number of games until reaching the ceiling can be reduced, and the operation of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

  Further, if the symbol related to replay 0 becomes a display combination in the general gaming state, the game proceeds to the first probability gaming state without requiring any special attention (step S131), and from here to each RT4 gaming state. Step-up to the RT gaming state starts. Then, according to the symbol arrangement shown in the symbol arrangement table of FIG. 4, Replay 0 stops each symbol of “Replay-Replay-Bell” (FIG. 12) with the left reel 2, the middle reel 3, and the right reel 4. Even if it is not, it is a role that is easily displayed by drawing the symbol. Therefore, even if the player makes a proper stop operation even if the player has won the replay 0, the replay 0 becomes a display role, and even a beginner who is not good at pushing can benefit from the activation of the RT4 gaming state (ceiling). It is possible to improve the operation of gaming machines among beginners, and the transition to each RT gaming state leading to the RT4 gaming state has started by the combination of symbols relating to Replay 0 becoming a display role Can be recognized.

  Furthermore, it is possible to shift to RT4 step by step in the order of RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, and it is possible to make the player gradually expect to move to the ceiling and to enhance the interest of the game.

  In this case, the winning probability of replay gradually increases in the order of RT1, RT2, and RT3 (FIG. 9), so that the more advantageous the RT is, the more the player is expected to move to RT4 and the interest of the game. Can be increased.

  Also, in the RT2 gaming state, the replay 0 may become a display combination and return to the RT1 gaming state, or in the RT3 gaming state, the replay 1 may return to the RT2 gaming state and return to the RT2 gaming state. Furthermore, it is possible to increase the interest of the game by making it wider and unclear.

  The transition between the general gaming state, the RT1 gaming state, the RT2 gaming state, the RT3 gaming state, and the RT4 gaming state described above is shown as a state transition diagram in FIG.

  If a special role is lost in RT2, RT3, RT4, it falls to RT1 (steps S131, S132). In this way, even if it rises to RT2, RT3, RT4, there is a possibility of falling to RT1, so the game becomes thrilling, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

  As a modification, the RT1 gaming state internal lottery table and the RT2 gaming state internal lottery table shown in FIG. 8 may be configured as shown in FIG. That is, the internal lottery table for RT1 gaming state and the internal lottery table for RT2 gaming state in FIG. 32 are configured to be able to internally win a specific replay that triggers the transition to RT4 with a predetermined lottery probability.

  That is, in the above example, RT1 is shifted to RT4 step by step in the order of RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4. However, with the configuration shown in FIG. 32, the specific replay that triggers the transition to RT4 is RT1, Since RT2 can also serve as a display, in that case, it is possible to move from RT1 and RT2 to RT4, which is the ceiling.

  Therefore, in this case, even if the RT1 or RT2 gaming state, which is the initial stage RT, may suddenly shift to the ceiling, a player who is still in the RT1 or RT2 gaming state is expected to make an early transition to the ceiling. Yes, you can enhance the fun of the game.

  In RT4, although the probability of internally winning a replay is high, the probability of internally winning a BB or MB is low. Therefore, when a predetermined combination becomes a display combination, an internal winning is further applied to BB or MB from RT4. You may make it transfer to the gaming state with the high probability of doing.

It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the game machine which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection of the sub control board of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing of the symbol arrangement | positioning table of a special symbol. It is explanatory drawing of an internal lottery table determination table. It is explanatory drawing of the internal lottery table for general game states. It is explanatory drawing of the internal lottery table for RB game states. It is explanatory drawing of the internal lottery table for RT game states. It is explanatory drawing of the internal lottery table for RT game states. It is explanatory drawing of the internal winning combination determination table for a small combination and replay. It is explanatory drawing of the internal winning combination determination table for bonuses. It is explanatory drawing of a symbol combination table. It is explanatory drawing of the table at the time of a bonus action | operation. It is explanatory drawing of an internal winning combination storing area. It is explanatory drawing of the carryover combination storage area. It is explanatory drawing of the operating flag storage area. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU. It is a flowchart of a bonus operation | movement monitoring process. It is a flowchart of an internal lottery process. It is a flowchart of a reel stop control process. It is a flowchart of a bonus end check process. It is a flowchart of RT game number control processing. It is a flowchart of a bonus operation check process. It is a flowchart of the interruption process by control of main CPU. It is a symbol arrangement | positioning table of a decoration symbol. It is a flowchart of the process performed at the time of power activation. It is a flowchart of a lamp control task. It is a flowchart of a sound control task. It is a flowchart of a sub reel control task. It is a flowchart of the main board | substrate communication task. It is a state transition diagram of each game state. It is explanatory drawing of the modification of the internal lottery table for RT game states.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 2 main reel 3 main reel 4 main reel 33 start lever 34 stop button 35 stop button 36 stop button

Claims (4)

A symbol display means for displaying a plurality of symbols;
Internal winning combination determination means for determining an internal winning combination by lottery with a predetermined start condition,
Stop operation detecting means for detecting the stop operation;
When the predetermined start condition is satisfied, the symbols on the symbol display means are variably displayed, and when the stop operation is detected, the symbol display control means for controlling to stop the variation display of the symbols;
Any one of a plurality of probability gaming states having different lottery probabilities in which a specific combination is determined as the internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining unit based on the combination of the symbols stopped by the symbol display control unit Probabilistic gaming state determination means for determining the probability gaming state of
Stochastic gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state to the probability gaming state determined by the probability gaming state determination means until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied;
With
The internal winning combination determining means is:
The probability game state of the n (n = 1, 2, ...) the role of the n determined by the probability of the n in one or more of the respective first n-2 of winning in the probability game state of the n Without determining a role of n-s (s is an integer of 1 and 3 or more), with a predetermined probability ,
A special role is determined in the N-1th probability gaming state (N is the maximum value of n);
In the Nth probability gaming state (N is the maximum value of n), the lottery probability of the specific combination is determined to be higher than all other probability gaming states;
Determining the lottery probability of the specific combination in the n-th probability gaming state so as to increase as n increases,
The probability gaming state determining means is
About the combination of the symbols stopped by the symbol display control means in the symbol display means,
When it is a combination of predetermined symbols, the first probability gaming state is determined,
When it is a combination of symbols corresponding to the n-2 role, the n-1st probability gaming state is determined,
When it is a combination of symbols corresponding to the nth combination, determine the (n + 1) th probability gaming state,
When it is a combination of symbols corresponding to the special combination, the Nth probability game state (N is the maximum value of n) is determined,
The symbol display control means corresponds to the symbol display means when the predetermined combination is determined by the internal winning combination determination means and the stop operation is detected by the stop operation detection means. Display a combination of predetermined symbols,
A gaming machine characterized by that. The probability of the n-th, which is determined by the internal winning combination determination means further comprising a random determination probability setting means towards the probability probability game state before the game state SL (n + 1) th of the n-th is set to be higher The gaming machine according to claim 1.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal winning combination determining means can determine the special combination from any of the probabilistic gaming states.   4. A re-game actuating means for actuating a re-game when the symbol combination corresponding to the specific combination is displayed on the symbol display means. The gaming machine according to one item.

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