JP5783594B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a predetermined game medium is paid out to a player in accordance with a symbol combination displayed on an active line.

  In a slot machine as a gaming machine, a lottery of a winning combination is performed and a plurality of reels are rotated in accordance with the insertion of a medal (game medium) by a player and the operation of a start switch, and a lottery result and a stop switch by a player In response to the operation, the rotating reels are sequentially stopped. The player will win medals according to the combination of symbols applied to the stopped rotating reel. At this time, for the purpose of improving the effect, the game in which various effects are performed on the liquid crystal display unit or the like. The machine is widely adopted.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine in which a credit number different from an actual credit number is displayed on a liquid crystal display unit when a medal is obtained in order to give a player a surprise or expectation. Yes. Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a gaming machine that adjusts the time required for paying out medals according to the performance time so as not to give the player a sense of incongruity or the like regarding the effect after the rotation of the rotating reel. Yes.

JP 2004-242924 A JP 2007-68764 A

  By the way, it is conceivable to blink the backlight of a rotating reel, for example, as an effect that gives a player a stronger impression when a medal is acquired. When executing such an effect, when a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the active line that is the line to be paid out (winning), the symbol combination is immediately associated with the displayed effective line. It is desirable from the standpoint of production effect that the backlight corresponding to the combination is blinked to appeal to the player that the predetermined symbol combination is displayed, and then the medal is paid out to the player.

  However, an important association that affects the player's gaming profit is made between the stopped state of the rotating reel, that is, the display mode of the symbol combination and the payout of medals. For this reason, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of the gaming machine that the visibility of the rotating reel is affected by blinking the backlight before the medal payout process is completed.

  Therefore, it is conceivable that after the rotating reel is stopped, the medals are paid out, and after all the medals have been paid out, an effect such as blinking the backlight is started. However, in the case of simply doing this, according to the player's psychology, the player is less interested in the effect related to the payout at the time when the payout is received. There was a risk that it would be annoying.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of producing a high effect when a game medium is acquired without giving a player annoyance.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention has a winning combination lottery means for determining either a winning combination or a loss by a winning combination lottery based on an operation of a start switch, and a plurality of types of symbols. The rotation of the plurality of rotating reels is controlled based on the operation of the arranged rotating reels and the start switch, and the rotation corresponding to the operated stop switch is performed based on the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating rotating reel. Reel control means for controlling the stop of each reel, and payout control means for paying out game media based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line Games that are paid out based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination is displayed on the active line. The main payout display unit control means for displaying the payout number of media on the main payout display unit, and the payout number of game media to be paid out based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination is displayed on the active line, Sub-payout display unit control means for displaying on the sub-payout display unit, and light source control means for controlling a light source that changes the appearance of the rotating reel from the player by changing to any of a plurality of states, The main payout display part control means and the sub payout display part control means control so that the time when the display of the payout number on the sub payout display part is completed is later than the time when the display of the payout number on the main payout display part is completed. , the light source control means, bet game media is made, it is determined payout whether game medium by dispensing control means, then bet game media is made During one game up, even after the display of the payout number is completed in the main payout display unit, starting before displaying the payout number in the sub payout display unit is completed, the illumination effect is effect using the light source It is characterized by doing.

In order to solve the above-described problem, another gaming machine of the present invention includes a winning combination lottery means for determining either a winning combination or a loss by a winning combination lottery based on an operation of a start switch, and a plurality of types of symbols. Controls rotation of a plurality of rotating reels based on the operation of a start switch and a plurality of rotating reels that are arranged respectively, and corresponds to the operated stop switch based on the operation of a stop switch corresponding to the rotating rotating reel Reel control means for stopping and controlling each of the rotating reels, payout control means for paying out game media based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line, Is paid out based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination is displayed on the active line. The main payout display unit control means for displaying the number of game media payouts on the main payout display unit, and the number of game media payouts based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination is displayed on the active line. A sub-payout display unit control means for displaying on the sub-payout display unit; a shielding unit control means for controlling the shielding unit for changing the appearance of the rotating reel from the player by changing to any of a plurality of states; The main payout display unit control means and the sub payout display unit control means are arranged such that the time when the display of the payout number on the sub payout display unit is completed is later than the time when the display of the payout number on the main payout display unit is completed. controlling the shielding unit control means, bet game media is made by the payout control means is determined payout whether game medium, then the game media bet In 1 during the game and before being made, even after the display of the payout number is completed in the main payout display unit, before displaying the payout number in the sub payout display unit is completed, is the effect using the shielding portion A shielding effect is started.

  The sub payout display unit control means may start displaying the payout number on the sub payout display unit after the lighting effect or the shielding effect is completed.

  When the gaming machine is in a standard posture, the main payout display unit is arranged so that its display surface is substantially vertically upward on a substantially horizontal plane provided between the rotary reel and the stop switch of the front door constituting the gaming machine. The sub-payout display unit is arranged on the substantially vertical surface provided above the substantially horizontal surface of the front door so that the display surface faces the player side when the gaming machine is in the standard posture. The display area of the sub payout display unit may be larger than the display area of the main payout display unit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, while actually producing an effect related to the rotating reel after the payout process is finished, it is as if the game medium is paid out after the effect is started. Since it can give, a high production effect can be brought about.

It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is an external view in the state which opened the front door for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a rotating reel. It is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of the main control board. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of an illumination effect. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a shielding effect. It is a time chart explaining the timing of each process in case all medals are paid out by credit. It is a time chart explaining the timing of each process in the case of discharging of two or less medals when paying out medals. It is a time chart explaining the timing of each process in the case of paying out three or more medals when paying out medals. It is the flowchart which showed the payout process in the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the timer interruption process of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed the command reception process of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed the payout start command reception processing of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed the command reception process during paying out of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed the payment end command reception processing of the sub control board.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated. To do.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, a mechanical configuration and an electrical configuration of a slot machine (game machine) that can be played by a player will be briefly described. A typical process will be described.

(Mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100)
FIG. 1 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which a front door for explaining the schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100 is opened. FIG. The slot machine 100 includes a housing 102 that is a substantially rectangular box, a front upper door 104 that is attached to be openable and closable by a connecting member that is rotatable with respect to a front opening of the housing 102, and a front upper door. Similar to the front upper door 104 below the front door 104, the front lower door 106 that can be opened and closed with respect to the front opening of the housing 102, and the medal paid out from the medal discharge port 108 a below the front lower door 106. And a tray portion 108 for storing the water.

  An operation unit installation base 122 that protrudes forward is formed on the upper part of the front lower door 106, and a medal insertion unit 124, a bet button 126, a start switch 128, a stop switch 130, and the like are disposed on the operation unit installation base 122. ing.

  The medal insertion unit 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation base 122 accepts insertion of medals as game media. When the player inserts a prescribed number of medals (for example, three) that are necessary for starting one game, the operation of the start switch 128 becomes effective, and the medals exceed the prescribed number. Is inserted, the added medals are electronically stored in the slot machine 100 up to a predetermined number (for example, 50) (hereinafter simply referred to as “credit”). A medal selector (not shown) is provided on the rear surface of the front lower door 106, and a non-standard medal inserted into the medal insertion portion 124 is discharged from the medal discharge port 108a to the tray portion 108 by the medal selector. The bet button 126 is a push-type button switch that puts a specified number of medals out of credited medals. Hereinafter, the expression “inserting a medal” includes not only actually inserting a medal into the medal inserting unit 124 but also inserting (betting) a credited medal through the bet button 126.

  The start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation unit installation base 122 is formed by a start lever capable of detecting a tilting operation or a button switch capable of detecting a pressing operation, and detects a start operation by a player.

  In the reel unit 134 located at the lower center of the front upper door 104, for example, a plurality of rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each of the regions equally divided into 21, respectively, are independent. Thus, the player can visually recognize the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c through a colorless and transparent symbol display window 136 made of a glass plate or a transparent resin plate. The reel unit 134 starts to rotate the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c when the start switch 128 is operated.

  A stop switch 130 located in the center of the operation unit installation base 122 is a button switch (corresponding to the stop switch 130) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of rotary reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and capable of detecting a player's pressing operation. The button switches are particularly referred to as stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c.), Which detects a player's stop operation to stop the plurality of rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c.

  A liquid crystal display unit 138 that displays various images associated with effects is provided at a substantially upper central position of the front upper door 104. As shown in FIG. 2, a speaker 140 is provided on the back surface of the front upper door 104 to produce an auditory effect such as sound effects or musical sounds. Further, an effect lamp 142 made up of, for example, a high-intensity light emitting diode (LED) is provided on the upper and left and right sides of the front upper door 104 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a medal payout device 264 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 108 a is provided below the reel unit 134 in the housing 102. The medal payout device 264 includes a medal storage unit 264a for storing medals, a payout control unit 264b for discharging medals stored in the medal storage unit 264a from the medal discharge port 108a, and medals discharged from the medal discharge port 108a. And a medal detection unit 264c. Specifically, the payout control unit 264b is rotatably supported by the payout control unit 264b, and includes a plurality of medal insertion holes in the circumferential direction in which medals dropped from the medal storage unit 264a are inserted one by one from above. A disk (not shown) and a disk motor (not shown) for rotating the disk are provided. The disk is rotated, and the medals inserted in the medal insertion holes are discharged to the outside one by one through the pushing mechanism. At the same time, by sequentially inserting the next medals into the medal insertion holes vacated by the discharge, the medals are continuously discharged one by one.

  Further, as shown in the longitudinal sectional view of the rotating reel 134a in FIG. 3, the box unit 148 having three light shielding regions fixed to the housing 102 side independently of the rotating reel 134a on the rear side of the reel unit 134. And a reel backlight 144 comprising three light sources 150 arranged in the respective light shielding regions, and the reel backlight 144 corresponds to the symbol display window 136 among the symbols applied to the rotating reel 134a ( The three patterns of the upper, middle, and lower stages (which can be the target of the effective line) are irradiated independently from the back side. Since such a reel backlight 144 is also provided on the rotary reels 134b and 134c, a total of nine symbols are individually irradiated from the back side. Further, a reel upper light 146 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) for directly irradiating the front of all the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is also provided above the rear surface of the symbol display window 136. These lights 144 and 146 change the appearance of the rotary reels 134a, 134b, and 134c from the player by changing the lighting mode to various states (a plurality of states). Used for control (illumination effects described later).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the operation unit installation table 122, the horizontal plane 122 a provided between the rotary reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and the stop switch 130 is positioned slightly to the left from the center in the left-right direction. Are provided with a main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit 154. These display units 152 and 154 are for displaying the number of credits and the number of paid-out medals, respectively, and their display surfaces are arranged so as to be substantially vertically upward when the slot machine 100 is in the standard posture. Yes.

  Further, above the operation unit installation table 122 and between the symbol display window 136 and the operation unit installation table 122, that is, in the center in the left-right direction on the substantially vertical surface 104 a immediately below the symbol display window 136, the slot machine 100. Is provided with a sub-credit display unit 156 and a sub-payout display unit 158 which are arranged so that the display surface faces the player when the player is in the standard posture. Therefore, the sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 are the line of sight of the player looking at the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c and the liquid crystal display unit 138 above the main credit display unit 152 and the main pay-out display unit 154. It will be provided in the position near the tip of. The sub-credit display unit 156 is for displaying the number of credits in the same manner as the main credit display unit 152, and the sub-payout display unit 158 is for displaying the number of paid-out medals similarly to the main pay-out display unit 154. Is. In addition, the sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 can display various numerical values associated with effects. The display area of the sub credit display unit 156 is larger than the display area of the main credit display unit 152, and the display area of the sub payout display unit 158 is formed to be larger than the display area of the main payout display unit 154. Yes. The sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 may be configured by a display device such as a 7-segment display, or may be configured as a part of an effect by the liquid crystal display unit 138, and the number of the display is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 It may be done. For example, in this embodiment, the sub-credit display unit 156, the main credit display unit 152, the sub-payout display unit 158, and the main pay-out display unit 154 are all formed of 7 segments, and the sub credit display is related to the size of the 7 segments. The unit 156 is larger than the main credit display unit 152, and the sub-payout display unit 158 is larger than the main payout display unit 154.

  Further, the filter means 160 is provided so as to be superimposed on the symbol display window 136 formed of a colorless and transparent transmissive member. Similar to the liquid crystal display unit 138, the filter unit 160 has a function of adjusting the light transmittance in units of a plurality of divided areas. Normally, a player facing the slot machine 100 has a rotating reel 134a, 134b, 134c, etc. can be visually recognized, the transparency is increased, and an arbitrary image is displayed so as to be superimposed on the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c, etc. when a predetermined effect control (shielding effect described later) is performed. is there. Here, only one of the lighting effect and the shielding effect may be executed. For example, when only the lighting effect is executed, the filter means 160 related to the shielding effect may not be provided.

(Electrical configuration of the slot machine 100)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 is mainly controlled by a main control board 200 and a sub control board 202. Here, among the programs and data relating to the progress of the game, a particularly important process is executed by the main control board 200, and other processes such as effects are executed by the sub control board 202. Further, by restricting the command signal in one direction from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202, unauthorized processing on the main control board 200 is prevented.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs, a main RAM 200c that functions as a work area, and the like, and comprehensively controls the entire slot machine 100. To do.

  In the main control board 200, various detection signals are received from the medal insertion unit 124, the bet button 126, the start switch 128, and the stop switch 130, and the main CPU 200a executes various processes based on the received detection signals. . Further, a main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit 154 are connected to the main control board 200, and the main CPU 200a controls the display of the number of credits and the number of payouts of medals on both the display units 152 and 154. .

  In addition, a reel drive control unit 258 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive controller 258 drives the stepping motor 262 based on the rotation start signals of the rotating reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c transmitted from the main control board 200 based on the operation signal of the start switch 128, and the stop switch 130. The driving of the stepping motor 262 is stopped based on the stop signal of the rotating reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and the detection signal of the rotational position detection circuit 260 transmitted from the main control board 200 based on the operation signal.

  The medal payout device 264 is connected to the main control board 200. A detection signal from the medal detection unit 264c is input to the main control board 200, and the main CPU 200a discharges medals from the payout control unit 264b while counting the number of payout medals according to the detection signal. To control.

(Sub-control board 202)
Similar to the main control board 200, the sub control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 202a that is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 202b that stores programs, a sub RAM 202c that functions as a work area, and the like. Based on the command signal from the control board 200, the effect is controlled. A liquid crystal control board 204 is connected to the sub control board 202. The liquid crystal display substrate 204 includes a liquid crystal CPU 204a that is a central processing unit, a liquid crystal ROM 204b that stores programs and image data, a liquid crystal RAM 204c that functions as a work area, a VRAM 204d that functions as a work area when performing image control, and the like. The liquid crystal display unit 138 is controlled by two-way communication with the sub-control board 202 having a semiconductor integrated circuit.

  Here, as the game progresses, the liquid crystal display unit 138, speaker 140, effect lamp 142, reel backlight 144, reel upper light 146, sub-credit display unit 156, sub-payout display unit 158, filter means 160 is a visual and auditory expression means provided through 160 or the like, and can give a story to the game or suggest a lottery result of the winning combination with a more dynamic image. In addition, even if none of the winning roles has been won, it is possible to make the player have a high dividend expectation through the production as if the player has been won, so that the player will not get bored. It becomes.

  A random number generator 256 is connected to both the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202. The random number generated by the random number generator 256 is used in the main control board 200 to determine the game profit to be given to the player, and the sub control board 202 mainly determines the effect mode. Used.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board 200. Here, an outline of one game (a series of games that can receive one payout when a medal is inserted) will be described along the main process of the main control board 200.

(Step S1)
First, the main CPU 200a executes initialization processing such as clearing of the main RAM 200c (RAM clear), machine discount setting processing, and the like as necessary in preparation for the start of the game. This initialization process is performed only when the power is turned on, when the set value is changed, when the RAM is cleared, and the connection status and operating status of various devices including the reel unit 134 are confirmed. Further, the main CPU 200a generates backup data while the power is turned on, holds it in the main RAM 200c, and in the event of an unexpected power failure, the main CPU 200a uses the stored backup data before the power is turned off. The process to return to the state of is executed.

(Step S2)
Next, the main CPU 200a inserts a predetermined number (for example, three) of medals from the medal insertion unit 124 or operates the bet button 126 in a situation where a predetermined number of credits or more are stored. A medal bet is placed and the start switch 128 is waited for.

(Step S3)
Next, the main CPU 200a is provided with a plurality of numbers based on the random number generated by the random number generator 256 when the start switch 128 is operated when the start switch 128 is awaiting operation in step S2. An internal lottery is performed to determine one of the winning combinations and losers.

  Specifically, in the slot machine 100, a plurality of gaming states are provided when the game progresses, and a winning combination lottery table for each gaming state is stored in the main ROM 200b. The main CPU 200a selects one of the winning combination lottery tables according to the current gaming state stored in the main RAM 200c, and determines a random number based on the selected winning combination lottery table. Note that the gaming state includes a normal gaming state that is set when a normal game is played, and a bonus gaming state in which the player can advance the game more advantageously than the normal gaming state.

  Here, the winning combination extracted in the winning combination lottery table includes winning combinations such as a replay combination, a small combination, and a bonus combination, and the winning combination is extracted as a winning area of the winning combination in each lottery table. A single winning area and an overlapping winning area where a plurality of winning combinations are extracted in duplicate. In such a situation that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is displayed (winning) when the combination is on the active line, and the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set. The state until the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line is called internal winning. Of the winning combinations, the replay role is a role that eliminates the need to insert a medal for the next game when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay role is displayed on the active line. The symbol combination corresponding to is displayed on the active line, so that a predetermined number of medals can be paid out.

  Further, the bonus combination is a winning combination that can shift the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the bonus gaming state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the active line. A winning combination of a small role is much higher than that in the normal gaming state, or a number of small roles that can be displayed is larger than that in the normal gaming state. It is a gaming state in which can be acquired. Further, the bonus game state ends when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the total number of medals paid out through the bonus game state exceeds a predetermined number. In the bonus game state, the number of possessed medals increases, and in the normal game state, the number of possessed medals decreases.

  Thus, in the winning combination lottery table, any winning combination or loser is associated with each random number, and the main CPU 200a determines the acquired random number based on the winning combination lottery table.

(Step S4)
Next, the main CPU 200a performs an internal lottery in the above step S3, determines any winning combination or loss, and drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c. In this reel rotation process, the reel drive control unit 258 has an inter-game wait time (for example, 4.1 seconds) set as an inter-game weight from the start of rotation of the rotary reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in the previous one game. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed, and if it has not elapsed, the inter-game weight that does not rotate the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is executed until the inter-game wait time elapses. Start. Then, the reel drive control unit 258 validates the operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c when all of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c that have started rotating become constant speed rotation.

(Step S5)
Subsequently, when the main CPU 200a receives an operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c by the player while the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c are activated, the main CPU 200a rotates the reels 134a, 134b and 134c are stopped. At this time, the main CPU 200a stops each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in accordance with preset stop control based on the internal lottery result in step S3. That is, when the predetermined small combination is won internally in step S3, the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination is configured so that the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination can be displayed on the active line. Control is performed so that each symbol can be stopped on the active line, and if the internal lottery result in the step S3 is lost, the symbol combination corresponding to any winning combination does not stop on the active line. To control.

(Step S6)
Next, when the main CPU 200a determines in step S5 that all of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped, the main CPU 200a determines the display mode of the symbol combination displayed on the active line.

(Step S7)
Next, the main CPU 200a pays out medals to the player based on the display mode of the symbol combination determined in step S6. In addition, when the symbol combination displayed on the active line is a symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination or replay combination, various processes required for changing the game state and replaying are executed, respectively. If the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed above, the medal is not paid out. Details of the payout process will be described later.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when a symbol combination corresponding to a small role for which medals are paid out is displayed on the active line, an illumination effect or a shielding effect is provided according to the number of medals paid out or the number of credits. It is characterized in that it is executed. In the following, after briefly explaining the outline of the lighting effects and the shielding effects, the processing of the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 for executing these effects will be described.

  In the present embodiment, there are two methods for paying out medals: “credit” and “medal discharge”. When a medal is paid out by winning a small role, first, credit is given preferentially with an upper limit of 50, and when the number of credits exceeds 50, the medal is discharged from the medal discharge port 108a.

  For example, when the number of credits is 15 and a symbol combination corresponding to a small combination for paying out 7 medals is displayed on the active line, the number of credits becomes 22 and the medals are discharged from the medal discharge port 108a. Is not done. On the other hand, when the number of credits is 47 and a symbol combination corresponding to a small combination for paying out 10 medals is displayed on the active line, only three of them are credited, and the maximum number of credits is limited. The remaining seven cards are discharged from the medal discharge port 108a.

  In the present embodiment, when the medal payout associated with the display mode of the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination is performed only by credit, it depends on the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination displayed on the active line. Therefore, either or both of the lighting effect and the shielding effect are always executed.

  In addition, when the medals are discharged when the medals are paid out in accordance with the display mode of the symbol combination corresponding to the small role, whether or not the lighting effect or the shielding effect is executed is set according to the number of medals to be discharged. Yes. Specifically, when the number of medals to be discharged is two or less, either the lighting effect or the shielding effect is executed according to the symbol combination corresponding to the small role displayed on the active line, and the medals are discharged. When the number is three or more, neither illumination effect nor shielding effect is executed.

  The main control board 200 controls the display of the number of credits and the number of payout medals on the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display part 154 in accordance with the payout of medals, and the sub control board 202 follows the payout of medals. The display of the number of credits and the number of medals paid out in the sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 is controlled.

  At this time, the display timing in the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154 and the display timing in the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display unit 158 are different depending on whether or not the lighting effect or the shielding effect is executed. It is controlled. The relationship between each display timing, illumination effect, and shielding effect will be described below.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an illumination effect when all medals are paid out by credit. As shown in FIG. 6A, if the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are rotating and the number of credits at this time is 25, the main credit display unit 152 and the sub credit display unit 156 “25” is displayed on both sides, and “-” is displayed on both the main payout display portion 154 and the sub payout display portion 158.

  When all of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped in this state and a symbol combination corresponding to a small part (bell) accompanied by payout of 10 medals is displayed on the active line, FIG. 6 (b). As shown, “10” (the number of payouts) is displayed on the main payout display unit 154 and “35” is displayed on the main credit display unit 152. At this time, the display of both display sections 152 and 154 is immediately updated. In this state, however, the sub credit display section 156 is still displayed as “25”, and the sub payout display section “-” Is also displayed on the 158.

  When the display of the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154 is updated, the reel backlight 144 and the reel upper light 146 blink, and as shown in FIG. Lighting effects are performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to (bell) stands out. Here, both the reel backlight 144 and the reel upper light 146 blink, but only one of the reel backlight 144 and the reel upper light 146 may blink. Through such lighting effects, the player can impressively understand that a medal has been paid out by winning a symbol combination corresponding to the small role (bell). Even in this state, the sub-credit display unit 156 still displays “25”, and the sub-payout display unit 158 also displays “-”. .

  Then, when the reel backlight 144 and the reel upper light 146 stop blinking and return to the original state, as shown in FIG. 6D, “10” (the number of payouts) is displayed on the sub payout display unit 158. In addition, “35” is displayed on the sub-credit display unit 156. At this time, the display units 156 and 158 are updated over time so that a predetermined value is finally displayed while incrementing the numerical value by “1”. That is, the numerical value update speed in the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display unit 158 is controlled to be slower than the numerical value update speed in the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a shielding effect when all medals are paid out by credit. As shown in FIG. 7A, if the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are rotating and the number of credits at this time is 25, as in the case described with reference to FIG. “25” is displayed on both the display unit 152 and the sub-credit display unit 156, and “-” is displayed on both the main payout display unit 154 and the sub-payout display unit 158. As shown in the figure, in this state, the filter means 160 is in the transmissive state, and the player can visually recognize the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c as usual.

  In this state, when all of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c are stopped and a symbol combination corresponding to a small role (bell) accompanied by paying out 10 medals is displayed, as shown in FIG. 7B. In addition, “10” (the number of payouts) is displayed on the main payout display unit 154 and “35” is displayed on the main credit display unit 152. At this time, the display of both display sections 152 and 154 is immediately updated. In this state, however, the sub credit display section 156 is still displayed as “25”, and the sub payout display section “-” Is also displayed on the 158. Even in this state, the filter means 160 is in a transmissive state, and the player can visually recognize the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c as usual.

  Then, when the display of the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154 is updated, as shown in FIG. 7C, “bell” on the front surface of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c in the filter unit 160. The area other than the part where the symbol is located is controlled so as to shield the symbol of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, which is the background, and the text “BELL GET!” Is displayed large (shielding effect). In this way, the player sees only the “Bell” symbol for the winning in the rotary reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, and is more impressed that the medal has been paid out by winning the small role (Bell). Can be grasped.

  Even in this state, the sub-credit display unit 156 still displays “25”, and the sub-payout display unit 158 also displays “-”. .

  Then, after the shielding effect shown in FIG. 7C continues for a predetermined time, when the display control of the filter means 160 ends, as shown in FIG. 7D, the player again turns the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c. Visible. At substantially the same time, “10” (number of payouts) is displayed on the sub-payout display unit 158 and “35” is displayed on the sub-credit display unit 156. At this time, the display units 156 and 158 are updated over time so that a predetermined value is finally displayed while increasing the numerical value by “1”.

  FIG. 8 is a time chart for explaining each control timing when all medals are paid out by credit. As described above, in the main control board 200, if the symbol combination displayed on the active line is a symbol combination corresponding to a small role after the symbol combination is displayed, the main CPU 200a and the main credit display unit 152 and the main control board 200 Control is performed so that the display of the payout display unit 154 is immediately updated. When the payout process is completed in the main control board 200, the sub CPU 202a starts the lighting effect or the shielding effect in the sub control board 202, and at the same time as the end of each effect, the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display unit. The display of 158 is controlled to be updated. Here, an example is given in which the display of the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display unit 158 is updated simultaneously with the end of each production, but the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display are displayed at an arbitrary timing after the start of each production. The display of the unit 158 may be updated. Moreover, although the example which updates the display of the sub credit display part 156 and the display of the sub payout display part 158 simultaneously is given in FIG. 8, it is not restricted to such a case, for example, the display of the sub payout display part 158 was updated. It is also possible to update with a time difference such as updating the display of the sub credit display unit 156 later.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, when paying out medals associated with winning a small role, the lighting effect or shielding effect is executed even when the number of medals discharged is two or less.

  FIG. 9 is a time chart for explaining each control timing when the number of medals discharged is 2 or less. Here, as an example, each control timing when 10 credits are paid out when the number of credits is “42” will be described. As shown in the figure, on the main control board 200, the main CPU 200a immediately displays “8” which is the initial value of the payout number on the main payout display unit 154 after displaying the symbol combination, and the main credit display unit 152 It is immediately updated to “50” which is the upper limit of the number of credits. Then, the main CPU 200a instructs the payout control unit 264b to pay out medals immediately after the update of the number of credits, and each time the medal detection unit 264c detects a medal (twice), the main CPU 200a displays the display number of the main payout display unit 154. It increments by “1” and finally displays “10”. Although the medal payout instruction to the payout control unit 264b is immediately after the update of the number of credits, it may be made almost simultaneously.

  When the payout process is completed on the main control board 200, the sub CPU 202a starts the lighting effect or the shielding effect on the sub control board 202. At the same time as the end of each effect, the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display are displayed. The display of the unit 158 is controlled to be updated.

  As described above, when the number of medals discharged is two or less, the main payout display unit 154 has only the time during which the payout control unit 264b executes payout as compared with the case where the payout of all medals is made by credit. The display time becomes longer. However, if the number of medals discharged is two or less, the medals are discharged in a relatively short time, so that the lighting effect or the shielding effect can be executed without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

  FIG. 10 is a time chart for explaining each control timing when the number of medals discharged is 3 or more. In the present embodiment, when the number of medals discharged is 3 or more, neither the lighting effect nor the shielding effect is executed, so that each control is performed at the timing shown in the drawing.

  Here, as an example, each control timing when 10 credits are paid out when the number of credits is “47” will be described. As shown in the figure, on the main control board 200, the main CPU 200a immediately displays “3”, which is the initial value of the number of payouts, on the main payout display unit 154 after displaying the symbol combination, and the corresponding main credit display unit. 152 is immediately updated to “50” which is the upper limit of the number of credits. Then, the main CPU 200a instructs the payout control unit 264b to pay out medals immediately after updating the number of credits, and displays the number of displayed on the main payout display unit 154 every time the medal detection unit 264c detects a medal (seven times). It increments by “1” and finally displays “10”. In the above description, the initial value of the payout number is updated in the main payout display unit 154 and the upper limit value of credit in the main credit display unit 152 is immediately updated until the upper limit of the credit number is reached. As in the prior art, credits may be counted up one by one with the main credit display unit 152 and main payout display unit 154 synchronized with the sub credit display unit 156 and sub payout display unit 158.

  When the number of medals discharged is 3 or more, the payout process is started on the main control board 200 (display of the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display part 154) and at the same time on the sub control board 202. In addition, the display of the sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 is updated. That is, when the number of medals discharged is three or more, display control of the number of medals paid out and the number of credits is performed in synchronization between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202.

  Below, the process of the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 for performing an illumination effect and a shielding effect as mentioned above is demonstrated concretely. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the payout process (subroutine) in step S7 of FIG.

(Step S7-1)
The main CPU 200a confirms the determination result of the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination performed in the winning determination process in step S6. Here, when the symbol combination displayed on the effective line is a symbol combination corresponding to the small role, the number of payouts is determined according to the display mode of the symbol combination corresponding to the small role, and the symbol combination is displayed on the effective line. If the displayed symbol combination is a symbol combination corresponding to the replay role, a process for replaying is executed, and the symbol combination displayed on the active line is a symbol combination corresponding to the bonus role. In this case, processing for shifting the gaming state to the bonus gaming state is performed.

(Step S7-2)
Next, the main CPU 200a sets the payout number (P) (= payout remaining number) corresponding to the winning combination confirmed in step S7-1 in the payout counter of the main RAM 200c. For example, when a small role (bell) is won, “P = 10” is set in the payout counter, and when a replay role or bonus role is won or when the game is lost, the payout counter is set to “ P = 0 ”. In the present embodiment, the payout counter “P = 0” is set and the payout counter value is determined to determine whether or not the payout number and the credit number are displayed. The payout counter may not be set in the case of being lost or lost, and accordingly the display of the payout number or credit number may not be performed.

(Step S7-3)
Next, the main CPU 200a determines whether the payout number (P) set in the payout counter is 1 or more, that is, whether to pay out medals. As a result, if the payout number (P) ≧ 1, the process proceeds to step S7-4. If the payout number (P) <1, the payout process is terminated and the main process in FIG. Return to. Accordingly, when “P = 0” is set in the payout counter, the payout number (P) and the number of credits are not displayed.

(Step S7-4)
If it is determined in step S7-3 that the number of payouts (P) ≧ 1, the main CPU 200a checks the credit counter in the main RAM 200c. The credit counter is a storage area for storing the number of credits (C).

(Step S7-5)
Next, the main CPU 200a calculates a total value (C ₁ ) obtained by adding the payout number (P) to the credit number (C). For example, when the number of credits (C) is “47” and the number of payouts (P) is “10”, the total value (C ₁ ) is “57” and the number of credits (C) is “ If the payout number (P) is “10”, the total value (C ₁ ) is “35”.

(Step S7-6)
Next, the main CPU 200 a performs processing for transmitting a payout start command to the sub control board 202 in order to transmit the start of payout to the sub control board 202. The payout start command has information on the payout number (P), the credit number (C), and the total value (C ₁ ).

(Step S7-7)
Next, the main CPU200a judges whether the total value _{C 1} calculated in step S7-5 is less than "50". That is, here, it is determined whether the medals are paid out only by credits or whether the medals are discharged by rotating the disk of the payout control unit 264b. As a result, when it is determined that the total value C ₁ ≦ 50, the process proceeds to step S7-8, and when it is determined that the total value C ₁ > 50, the process proceeds to step S7-13.

(Step S7-8)
When determining in step S7-7 that the total value C ₁ ≦ 50, the main CPU 200a updates the current number of credits (C) stored in the credit counter to the total value C ₁ .

(Step S7-9)
Next, the main CPU 200a displays the number of payouts (P) on the main payout display unit 154. At this time, the main CPU 200a may display the payout number (P) suddenly, and if it is a short time of two or three, the original credit number is set to 1 to the payout number (P). It may be displayed in increments.

(Step S7-10)
Next, the main CPU200a is the main credit display 152 displays the total value _{C 1} which is a new credit number. At this time, the main CPU200a may be suddenly displays the total value C ₁ is a new credit number, for short periods of about 2 sheets or 3 sheets, the sum of the numerical values of the original number of credits C ₁ may be incremented by one.

(Step S7-11)
Next, the main CPU 200a clears the payout number (P) stored in the payout counter.

(Step S7-12)
Next, the main CPU 200a performs a process for transmitting a payout end command B to the sub control board 202 in order to transmit the end of the payout process in the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202, and ends the payout process. The process returns to the main process in FIG.

(Step S7-13)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7-7 that the total value C ₁ > 50, that is, when the medals are paid out and the medals are discharged by the payout control unit 264b, the payout counter is set in step S7-2. The payout counter is updated by subtracting the number (X) of medals to be paid out by credit from the payout number (P).

  The number (X) of medals to be paid out by credit is calculated by subtracting the current credit number (C) from “50” which is the upper limit number of credits. For example, if a small role (bell) wins and there are 10 payouts, and the current number of credits (C) is 47, the number of medals to be paid out by credit (X) is 50−47 = 3 Therefore, if the payout number (P) set in step S7-2 is “10”, “payout number (P) = 10” − “number of medals to be paid out by credit (X) = 3” "= 7 and" 7 "is stored as the number of payouts (P). In this case, the payout number (P) indicates how many medals are to be paid out, that is, the payout remaining number.

(Step S7-14)
Next, the main CPU 200a displays on the main payout display unit 154 the number (X) of medals paid out by credit.

(Step S7-15)
Next, the main CPU 200a stores “50” which is a new credit number in the credit counter.

(Step S7-16)
Next, the main CPU 200 a displays “50”, which is the new credit number, on the main credit display unit 152.

(Step S7-17)
Next, the main CPU 200a starts the rotation of the disk of the payout control unit 264b.

(Step S7-18)
Next, the main CPU 200a waits for the medal detection unit 264c to detect the medal discharge (one sheet) from the medal discharge port 108a.

(Step S7-19)
When the medal discharge is detected by the medal detection unit 264c, the main CPU 200a newly sets a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the payout number P stored in the payout counter in the payout counter.

(Step S7-20)
Next, the main CPU 200a displays a value obtained by adding “1” to the payout number currently displayed on the main payout display unit 154 on the main payout display unit 154 as a new payout number.

(Step S7-21)
Next, the main CPU 200 a transmits a payout command to the sub-control board 202 in order to notify the sub-control board 202 that one medal has been ejected.

(Step S7-22)
Next, the main CPU 200a determines whether or not the number of payouts stored in the payout counter = the number of payout remaining (P) has become “0”. As a result, if it is determined that the number of payouts (P) = 0, the process proceeds to step S7-23, and if it is determined that the number of payouts (P) is not “0”, from step S7-18 onward. The process of step S7-22 is repeated.

(Step S7-23)
If it is determined in step S7-22 that the payout number (P) = 0, the main CPU 200a stops the rotation of the disk of the payout control unit 264b.

(Step S7-24)
Next, the main CPU 200a performs a process for transmitting a payout end command A to the sub control board 202 in order to transmit the end of the payout process in the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202, and ends the payout process. The process returns to the main process in FIG.

  Next, processing when the sub control board 202 receives a command transmitted from the main control board 200 will be described. Here, the process for executing the lighting effect and the shielding effect in the sub control board 202 and the process related to the display control of the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display unit 158 will be described. Description of other processing in 202 is omitted. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing reset interrupt processing of the sub control board 202.

(Step S100)
First, when the power is turned on, the set value is changed, or the RAM is cleared, the sub CPU 202a initializes the sub RAM 202c and the like, and executes an initialization process for permitting an interrupt.

(Step S110)
Next, the sub CPU 202a monitors the input of commands from the main control board 200.

(Step S120)
Next, the sub CPU 202a analyzes the command transmitted from the main control board 200 and executes various processes based on the received command.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the command reception process (subroutine) in step S120. Here, only commands related to medal payout will be described.

(Step S121)
The sub CPU 202a determines whether a payout start command has been received. As a result, if it is determined that a payout start command has been received, the process proceeds to step S122. If it is determined that a payout start command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S123.

(Step S122)
If it is determined in step S121 that a payout start command has been received, the sub CPU 202a executes a payout start command reception process and returns to the process of FIG.

(Step S123)
If it is determined in step S121 that a payout start command has not been received, the sub CPU 202a determines whether a payout command has been received. As a result, if it is determined that the paying command has been received, the process proceeds to step S124. If it is determined that the paying command is not received, the process proceeds to step S125.

(Step S124)
If it is determined in step S123 that the paying command has been received, the sub CPU 202a executes the paying command reception process and returns to the process of FIG.

(Step S125)
If it is determined in step S123 that a payout command has not been received, the sub CPU 202a determines whether a payout end command has been received. As a result, if it is determined that a payout end command has been received, the process proceeds to step S126. If it is determined that a payout end command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S127.

(Step S126)
If it is determined in step S125 that a payout end command has been received, the sub CPU 202a executes a payout end command reception process and returns to the process of FIG.

(Step S127)
When it is determined in step S125 that the payout end command has not been received, the sub CPU 202a determines reception of other commands and executes processing corresponding to each received command to execute the processing in FIG. Return to.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout start command reception process (subroutine) in step S122 in FIG.

(Step S122-1)
Upon receiving the payout initiation command, the sub CPU202a, first, on the basis of the information contained in dispensing start command, the total sum value C ₁ is the current number of credits (C) and payout number (P) is "50" or less That is, whether all payouts are made by credit. As a result, if it is determined that the total value C ₁ ≦ 50, the payout start command receiving process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the process of FIG. 13. If it is determined that the total value C ₁ > 50, step S122— The process is moved to 2.

(Step S122-2)
If it is determined in step S122-1 that the total value C ₁ > 50, the sub CPU 202a determines whether or not “remaining payout number (total value C ₁ −50) ≦ 2”. That is, here, when the medals are paid out, it is determined whether the number of medals discharged is 2 or less. As a result, if it is determined that the number of medals discharged is 2 or less, the process proceeds to step S122-3. If it is determined that the number of medals discharged is 3 or more, the process proceeds to step S122-4. Move.

(Step S122-3)
If it is determined in step S122-2 that the number of medals discharged is two or less, the sub CPU 202a turns on a payout effect flag indicating execution of an illumination effect or a shield effect, and receives the payout start command. The process ends and returns to the process of FIG.

(Step S122-4)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S122-2 that the number of medals discharged is 3 or more, the payout number (X) that has already been paid out by credit on the main control board 200 is stored in the sub-RAM 202c. .

(Step S122-5)
Next, the sub CPU 202a executes processing for normally displaying the payout number (X) on the sub payout display unit 158. The normal display here means that the payout number (X) is immediately displayed on the sub-payout display unit 158. As a result, the same numerical value is displayed on both the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158 almost simultaneously with the start of the payout process on the main control board 202.

(Step S122-6)
Next, the sub CPU 202a executes processing for normally displaying the number of credits = 50 on the sub credit display unit 156, and returns to the processing of FIG. The normal display here also means that the number of credits is immediately displayed on the sub-credit display unit 156 as described above. As a result, when three or more medals are discharged when the medals are paid out, both the main credit display unit 152 and the sub-credit display unit 156 display the payout process on the main control board 202 almost simultaneously. The same numerical value will be displayed.

  On the other hand, when the payout of medals is performed only by credit, or when two or less medals are discharged at the time of paying out medals, the sub CPU 202a displays the sub credit display unit 156 even if a payout start command is received. The display control for the sub-payout display unit 158 is not performed at all.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout command reception process (subroutine) in step S124 in FIG. As already described, this paying-in command is transmitted every time a medal is discharged from the medal discharge port 108a by the payout control unit 264b.

(Step S124-1)
When receiving the paying-in command, the sub CPU 202a determines whether or not the paying effect flag is ON in the sub RAM 202c, that is, whether the lighting effect or the shielding effect is on standby. As a result, when it is determined that the payout effect flag is ON, the payout command reception process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the process of FIG. 13, and it is determined that the payout effect flag is not ON. In step S124-2, the process proceeds.

(Step S124-2)
When it is determined in step S124-1 that the payout effect flag is not ON, the sub CPU 202a newly adds a value obtained by adding “1” to the payout number (X) currently stored in the sub RAM 202c. As the number of payouts (X).

(Step S124-3)
Next, the sub CPU 202a executes processing for normally displaying the payout number (X) updated in step S124-2 on the sub payout display unit 158, and returns to the processing in FIG. The normal display here also means that the payout number (X) is immediately displayed on the sub-payout display unit 158 in the same manner as described above.

  As a result, when three or more medals are discharged when the medals are paid out, each time the medals are discharged from the medal discharge port 108a, both the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158 simultaneously. The payout number is displayed so as to increase one by one.

  On the other hand, when the medals are paid out, the sub CPU 202a performs display control on the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display unit 158 even when a paying out command is received. There is no. In the present embodiment, when all medals are paid out by credit, the paying out command is not transmitted to the sub control board 202, and thus the processing is not executed.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout end command reception process (subroutine) in step S126 in FIG. As already described, in this embodiment, two types of payout end command A and payout end command B are provided as payout end commands. When the medals are paid out, when the medals are discharged from the medal discharge port 108a, the payout end command A is transmitted. When the medals are paid out only by credit, the payout end command B is transmitted.

(Step S126-1)
When receiving the payout end command, the sub CPU 202a determines whether or not the received command is the payout end command A. As a result, if it is determined that the payout end command A has been received, the process proceeds to step S126-2. If it is determined that the received command is not the payout end command A, that is, the payout end command B has been received. The process moves to step S126-3.

(Step S126-2)
If it is determined in step S126-1 that the payout end command A has been received, the sub CPU 202a determines whether or not the payout effect flag is ON. That is, it is determined whether or not the lighting effect or the shielding effect is executed after the payout process on the main control board 200 is completed. As a result, if it is determined that the payout effect flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S126-3. If it is determined that the payout effect flag is not ON, the payout end command reception process is performed as it is. To return to the process of FIG.

(Step S126-3)
When the payout end command B is received (NO in step S126-1), or when the payout end command A is received and the payout effect flag is ON, the sub CPU 202a displays on the active line. The symbol combination that is being used is determined. In the winning determination process (step S6) in FIG. 5, a process for transmitting a command indicating the display mode of the symbol combination to the sub-control board 202 is performed. Information indicating the symbol combination being stored is stored.

(Step S126-4)
Next, the sub CPU 202a determines which of the lighting effect and the shielding effect is to be executed based on the determination result of step S126-3. Here, depending on the display mode of the symbol combination and which winning combination corresponds to the symbol combination, which of the lighting effect and the shielding effect is executed is set in advance. However, it is good also as determining which production is performed by lottery. In addition, both effects may be executed simultaneously. Moreover, when the symbol combination corresponding to the small role is displayed on the active line, a predetermined effect may be performed among the lighting effect and the shielding effect regardless of the type.

(Step S126-5)
If it is determined in step S126-4 that an illumination effect is to be executed, the sub CPU 202a executes a reel light blinking process so that the reel backlight 144 and the reel upper light 146 blink in a predetermined manner. Thereby, as shown in FIG.6 (c), the displayed symbol combination will blink-display.

(Step S126-6)
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S126-4 that the lighting effect is not executed, that is, the shielding effect is executed, the sub CPU 202a controls display of a predetermined image through the filter unit 160. Thereby, as shown in FIG.7 (c), the player can grasp | ascertain the symbol combination displayed on the effective line more impressively.

(Step S126-7)
Next, the sub CPU 202a executes processing for delay display of the payout number on the sub payout display unit 158. Here, the delay display means that the numerical value displayed as the payout number is incremented by one up to a predetermined numerical value. For example, when the payout number is 10, the numerical value is incremented by 1 over a predetermined time (2 to 3 seconds), such as 1, 2, 3,... Thus, after the payout process is completed on the main control board 202, an illumination effect or a shielding effect is performed on the sub control board 202, and then the display on the sub payout display unit 158 is updated.

(Step S126-8)
Next, the sub CPU 202a executes a process for delay display of the number of credits on the sub credit display unit 156, and returns to the process of FIG. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 6D and 7D, the number of credits and the number of payouts are displayed, and the effect process relating to payout on the sub-control board 202 ends. When displaying the number of payouts and the number of credits on the sub-payout display unit 158 and the sub-credit display unit 156, the payout sound may be output from the speaker 140 at the same time as the sub CPU 202a updates the display.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the medals are paid out as if the effects are started, while the effects related to the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are actually started after the payout process is finished. The impression that it is present can be given, and a high production effect can be brought about. In addition, since the lighting effect and the shielding effect are executed only when the payout process is immediately finished on the main control board 200, there is almost no time lag from when the symbol combination is displayed until the lighting effect and the shielding effect are executed. And a very high production effect can be achieved. Further, when it takes time to discharge medals when paying out medals, the display of the main payout display unit 154 and the sub-payout display unit 158 is synchronized without executing the lighting effect or the shielding effect, Even when the shielding effect is not executed, the player does not feel uncomfortable with respect to paying out medals.

  In addition, as described above, for example, by performing an illumination effect that shines a symbol combination corresponding to a small role or a shielding effect that shields other regions, the symbol combination corresponding to the small role can be achieved with a high effect. It is possible to notify the player, and the player can grasp impressively and easily that the symbol combination corresponding to the small role has been won. Therefore, at first glance, the active line is an irregular line such as a V-shape, or the symbol combination corresponding to the small role is an irregular combination such as “bell”, “replay”, and “bell”. Even if it is difficult to grasp that the symbol combination corresponding to the small role is displayed, the player must display the symbol combination corresponding to the small role by the lighting effect or shielding effect. Can be easily grasped, and has a particularly high effect.

  The upper line connecting the upper stages, the middle line connecting the middle stages, the lower stage line connecting the lower stages, the upper stage of the rotating reel 134a, the middle stage of the rotating reel 134b, the V-line connecting the upper stage of the rotating reel 134c, and the rotating reel 134a. The lower line, the middle part of the rotating reel 134b, and the reverse V-shaped line connecting the lower part of the rotating reel 134c are effective lines, and the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination "watermelon" are "watermelon" "watermelon" " In the case of “replay”, the “watermelon” symbol is displayed on the upper part of the rotating reel 134a, the “watermelon” symbol is displayed on the middle part of the rotating reel 134b, the “replay” symbol is displayed on the upper part of the rotating reel 134c, and the “watermelon” symbol is displayed on the lower part. The “watermelon” symbol on the upper part of the rotating reel 134a, which is not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination, 134b the middle of the "watermelon" pattern, as if the "watermelon" symbols on the reels 134c lower was winning, may be subjected to illumination effects and shielding performance. Players can visually recognize the “watermelon” symbol displayed on a straight line through lighting effects and shielding effects, so that they can sensuously win a small role even without recognizing the actual winning small role. It becomes possible to grasp.

  Moreover, in the above-described example, an example in which an illumination effect or a shielding effect is performed on a symbol combination corresponding to the displayed small role regardless of the winning mode of the small role is given. Usually, the symbol combination corresponding to the small role does not have lighting effect or shielding effect, and the overlapping winning area by the small role and bonus role is configured, and the overlapping winning area is won and corresponds to the small role. Only when a symbol combination is displayed, or when a symbol combination corresponding to a small role is displayed while the bonus combination is won internally, for a symbol combination corresponding to that small role Various effects can be adopted such as lighting effects and shielding effects. Any of the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination, in which the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination is displayed, winning in the overlapping winning area of such a small combination and bonus combination, is displayed. When one or more symbols are displayed in the symbol display window 136, an illumination effect or a shielding effect may be performed on the symbol. With such a configuration, the player can be confident that the bonus combination is won only by generating the lighting effect and the shielding effect, and can be immersed in the superiority of winning the bonus combination.

  Further, when a winning combination in which the operation order or operation timing of the stop switch 130 of the player matches the operation order or operation timing associated in advance is set as a winning condition is provided, and the winning combination is won internally The shift to the assist time, which is a game in which an auxiliary effect for informing the operation order or operation timing of the stop switch is executed, is the winning combination “Cherry (rare small role whose winning probability is about 1/50, for example)”. When the symbol combination is confirmed with the winning, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Cherry” is displayed in the game, an illumination effect or a shielding effect may be performed on the symbol combination.

  In the present embodiment, the front of the slot machine 100 (the surface on which the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c face), that is, the surface facing the player, is between the symbol display window 136 and the operation unit installation base 122 (the symbol display). A sub-credit display unit 156 and a sub-payout display unit 158 are arranged at the center in the left-right direction on the substantially vertical surface 104a (just below the window 136) so that the display surface faces the player, and the sub-credit display unit 156 and The main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154 are arranged with the display surface facing upward in a horizontal direction on a substantially horizontal plane 122a below the sub-payout display unit 158 and slightly to the left of the center. Moreover, the display area of the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display unit 158 is the main credit. Larger than the display area of the radical 113 152 and the main payout display unit 154. A player usually sits in a chair provided in front of the slot machine 100 and plays, and the player's line of sight when the player is sitting in this chair and looking straight ahead is roughly abbreviated. It is between the liquid crystal display unit 138 and the symbol display window 136 on the vertical surface 104a. Therefore, the line of sight of the player who is looking at the rotating reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and the liquid crystal display unit 138 in the symbol display window 136 is less than the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154. It is natural to go to the payout display unit 158, and by directing the player's line of sight to the sub credit display unit 152 and the sub payout display unit 158, it is possible to further improve the lighting effect and the effect of the shielding effect. it can. Further, by making the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154 less visible than the sub credit display unit 152 and the sub payout display unit 158, the player can use the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154 in the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154. First, it is possible to make it difficult to notice that the lighting effect and the shielding effect are performed after the payout is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the display of the number of the sub payout display unit 158 is started after the lighting effect or the shielding effect is ended. For example, before the lighting effect or the shielding effect is ended, the sub payout display unit is displayed. 158 number display may be started. That is, the start timing of the number display of the sub-payout display unit 158 is not particularly limited, and there is a relationship that the lighting effect or the shielding effect starts at least before the number display of the sub-payout display unit 158 is completed. It only has to be.

  In the present embodiment, the lighting effect or the shielding effect is executed even when two or less medals are discharged when the medals are paid out, but only when the medals are paid out only by credit. It is also possible to execute an illumination effect or a shielding effect.

  On the contrary, if the discharge of medals can be completed within a range where the time lag from when the symbol combination is displayed until the lighting effect or shielding effect is started is not anxious, it is accompanied by the discharge of 3 or more medals. In addition, there is no problem even if the lighting effect or the shielding effect is executed. In this case, it is desirable that the medals are discharged at once or in a very short time.

  Note that when the payout number is different, the time from when the lighting effect or the shielding effect is ended to when the display of the payout number on the sub payout display unit 158 is also different. Therefore, the display time of the lighting effect or the shielding effect and the display speed of the payout number are set to be different depending on the payout number, and after the symbol combination is displayed, the display of the payout number is finished in the sub payout display unit 158. It is desirable to equalize the times.

  Further, at the time when the lighting effect or the shielding effect is started, the payout process in the main control board 200 has already been completed. Therefore, the player can operate the bet button 126 and the start switch 128 even during the execution of the lighting effect or the shielding effect or during the subsequent display of the number of pieces in the sub-payout display unit 158. That is, there is a possibility that the next game may be started before the lighting effect or the shielding effect is finished or before the number display on the sub payout display unit 158 is completed. Therefore, when the lighting effect or the shielding effect is executed, it is preferable to execute a freeze process in the main control board 200 for restricting the insertion of a medal into the medal insertion unit 124 or the bet by the bet button 126 for a predetermined time. The time for the freeze processing at this time may be determined by the time required for the lighting effect or the shielding effect and the time required for displaying the number of sheets in the sub payout display unit 158.

  Moreover, the illumination effect and the shielding effect in this embodiment are only examples, and the effect aspect is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in the present embodiment, either the lighting effect or the shielding effect is executed, but the effects of both may be executed in an appropriate combination. Further, when the lighting effect and the shielding effect are not executed, the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154, the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display unit 158 are synchronized with each other as in the conventional case. You may count up credits one by one. By doing so, it is possible to avoid a sense of incongruity due to the presence or absence of lighting effects and shielding effects.

  Further, in this embodiment, the shielding effect is such that the player cannot see only a part of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c, but the entire rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c are not visible. An arbitrary image may be displayed on the entire surface of the filter unit 160.

  In any case, the lighting effect and the shielding effect of the present invention change to any of a plurality of states (a state when a normal game is being played and a state when the lighting effect or the shielding effect is being performed). This includes a wide range of things that change the way the player sees the rotating reel.

  In the present embodiment, the main CPU 200a that executes the lottery process (step S3) shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the winning combination lottery means of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, the main CPU 200a that executes the reel rotation process (step S4) and the reel stop process (step S5) shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the reel control means of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the main CPU 200a that executes the payout process shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the payout control means of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the main CPU 200a that executes the processes of steps S7-10, S7-14, and S7-20 shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the main payout display unit control means of the present invention.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the sub CPU 202a that executes the processing of step S122-5 (FIG. 14), step S124-3 (FIG. 15), and step S126-7 (FIG. 16) is the sub payout display unit control means of the present invention. It corresponds to. In the present embodiment, the sub-payout display unit 158 is configured by a dedicated display. However, the sub-payout display unit 158 is configured by a part of another rendering device such as a partial display area of the liquid crystal display unit. Also good.

  Further, the reel backlight 144 and the reel upper light 146 in the present embodiment correspond to the light source of the present invention, and the sub CPU 202a that executes the reel light blinking process (step S126-5) shown in FIG. 16 is the light source control means of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  Further, the filter unit 160 in the present embodiment corresponds to the shielding unit of the present invention, and the sub CPU 202a that executes the reel shielding process (step S126-6) illustrated in FIG. 16 corresponds to the shielding unit control unit of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the visibility of the rotary reels 134a, 134b, 134c is changed by the filter means 160. For example, for the effect that is movably provided on the front surface of the rotary reels 134a, 134b, 134c. You may make it comprise the shielding part of this invention with this apparatus.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Is done.

  Note that the processes performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above do not necessarily have to be performed in time series in the order described in the flowchart, and may include processes in parallel or by a subroutine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Slot machine 104 ... Front door 128 ... Start switch 130 ... Stop switch 130a, 130b, 130c ... Stop button switch 134 ... Reel unit 134a, 134b, 134c ... Rotating reel 144 ... Reel backlight 146 ... Reel upper light 154 ... Main payout display section 158... Sub payout display section 160... Filter means 200... Main control board 200a.
200b ... main ROM
200c ... main RAM
202 ... Sub control board 202a ... Sub CPU
202b Sub ROM
202c ... Sub RAM

Claims (4)

Based on the operation of the start switch, a winning combination lottery means for determining either a winning combination or a loser by a winning combination lottery;
A plurality of rotating reels each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged thereon;
Based on the operation of the start switch, the rotation reels are controlled to rotate, and based on the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating rotation reel, the rotation reels corresponding to the operated stop switch are respectively controlled to stop. Reel control means;
Payout control means for paying out game media based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line;
A gaming machine equipped with
Main payout display unit control means for displaying on the main payout display portion the number of game media payouts based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination is displayed on the active line;
Sub payout display unit control means for displaying the payout number of game media to be paid out based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination is displayed on the active line;
Light source control means for controlling a light source that changes the appearance of the rotating reel from a player by changing to any of a plurality of states;
With
In the main payout display unit control means and the sub payout display unit control means, the time at which the display of the payout number on the sub payout display unit is completed is later than the time at which the display of the payout number on the main payout display unit is completed. Control and
The light source control means makes a bet on a game medium, determines whether or not the game medium is paid out by the payout control means, and in the main payout display section during one game before the next game medium is bet . A gaming machine characterized by starting an illumination effect, which is an effect using the light source, after the display of the payout number is completed and before the display of the payout number in the sub payout display unit is completed. Based on the operation of the start switch, a winning combination lottery means for determining either a winning combination or a loser by a winning combination lottery;
A plurality of rotating reels each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged thereon;
Based on the operation of the start switch, the rotation reels are controlled to rotate, and based on the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating rotation reel, the rotation reels corresponding to the operated stop switch are respectively controlled to stop. Reel control means;
Payout control means for paying out game media based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line;
A gaming machine equipped with
Main payout display unit control means for displaying on the main payout display portion the number of game media payouts based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination is displayed on the active line;
Sub payout display unit control means for displaying the payout number of game media to be paid out based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination is displayed on the active line;
Shielding unit control means for controlling a shielding unit that changes the appearance of the rotating reel from the player by changing to any of a plurality of states;
With
In the main payout display unit control means and the sub payout display unit control means, the time at which the display of the payout number on the sub payout display unit is completed is later than the time at which the display of the payout number on the main payout display unit is completed. Control and
The shielding unit control means is configured to bet the game medium, determine whether or not the game medium has been paid out by the payout control means, and then play the main payout display unit during one game before the next game medium is bet. After the display of the number of payouts is completed, and before the display of the number of payouts is completed on the sub-payout display unit, a shielding effect that is an effect using the shielding unit is started. .   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sub-payout display unit control means starts displaying the number of payouts on the sub-payout display unit after the lighting effect or the shielding effect is completed. When the gaming machine is in a standard posture, the main payout display unit has a vertical display surface on a substantially horizontal plane provided between the rotary reel and the stop switch of the front door constituting the gaming machine. It is arranged so that it is almost upward,
The sub-payout display unit is arranged on the substantially vertical surface provided above the substantially horizontal surface of the front door so that the display surface faces the player when the gaming machine is in a standard posture. And
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a display area of the sub-payout display unit is larger than a display area of the main payout display unit.

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