JP5816156B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  Conventionally, it is detected that a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface, a game medal, a coin, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “medal etc.”) are operated, and a start lever is operated by the player, A start switch for requesting the start of rotation of a plurality of reels and a stop button provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels are detected by the player, and the stop of rotation of the corresponding reels is requested. A stop switch that outputs a signal, a stepping motor that is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels, and that transmits each driving force to each reel, and a stepping motor based on the signals output by the start switch and the stop switch A reel control unit that controls the operation of each reel, and rotates and stops each reel, and detects that the start lever has been operated. And a lottery based on the random number value, and the rotation of the reel is stopped based on the result of the lottery (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and the timing at which the stop button is detected. A game machine called is known.

  As such a gaming machine, on the condition that a specific symbol combination (RT transition symbol) is stopped and displayed, the gaming state transitions to an RT gaming state with a high probability that a replay related to replay will be determined as an internal winning combination. There are known gaming machines to be played. As a gaming machine that shifts to the RT gaming state, Patent Document 1 discloses an RT corresponding to a specific symbol combination having a predetermined high priority when a plurality of specific symbol combinations are simultaneously stopped and displayed in one game. A gaming machine that transitions to a gaming state is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-5956

  In the conventional gaming machine as described above, the transition to the RT gaming state is performed only in the RT gaming state corresponding one-to-one to the specific symbol combination that is stopped and displayed. In today's diversified gameplay, not only players but also developers and amusement store officials are demanding gaming machines capable of shifting to various gaming states in order to improve the fun of gaming.

  Here, in a gaming machine that shifts only to an RT gaming state that corresponds to a specific symbol combination on a one-to-one basis as in the past, in order to enable transition to various gaming states, a number of specific symbol combinations Must be provided. However, when a large number of specific symbol combinations are provided, a restriction is imposed on the development of the game machine of the developer (particularly, the reel symbol arrangement). Specifically, in a gaming machine, it is necessary to appropriately transition the gaming state when the gaming state should be transitioned, while it is required not to transition the gaming state when the gaming state should not be transitioned. It is done. In this regard, by providing a large number of specific symbol combinations, it is easy to shift to various gaming states, but it is possible to prevent specific symbol combinations from being stopped and displayed when the gaming state should not be shifted. A new problem arises. In order to solve such a problem, the reel symbol arrangement is made monotonous (for example, “Replay-Bell-Watermelon-7” group is repeatedly arranged, etc.) and specified in a state where the game state should not be changed. It is conceivable that the symbol combinations of the above are not stopped and displayed, but despite the fact that the transition to various gaming states is made possible in order to diversify the gameability, as a result of the monotonous layout of the reels, The problem that a game becomes monotonous will arise.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of increasing the degree of freedom with respect to the symbol arrangement of the reels while realizing transition to various gaming states.

The present invention includes a plurality of reels (for example, reels 3L, 3C, and 3R described later) each having a plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface, and a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of the plurality of reels. A plurality of effective lines (for example, described later) formed by connecting display windows to be displayed (display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R described later) and unit symbol display areas for displaying one symbol of each reel in the display window. The cross-up line 8a, the top line 8b, the bottom line 8c, and the cross-down line 8d) and the symbols displayed on the display window by rotating the reel based on a predetermined start condition being satisfied. Reel rotating means (for example, a main CPU 31 and a motor drive circuit 39, which will be described later), and a lottery value of a predetermined combination are provided corresponding to a plurality of gaming states. A plurality of internal lottery table defined differently in each of the states, in response to said predetermined start condition, by referring to the internal lottery table corresponding to the current game state, said a predetermined combination, of the predetermined An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of combinations including a plurality of gaming state transition combinations for shifting to a predetermined gaming state in which the winning probability of the combination is relatively higher than a specific gaming state (for example, A main CPU 31 which will be described later, a counter in which the number of games corresponding to the predetermined gaming state is set when the predetermined gaming state is entered, and the set number of games is subtracted for each unit game; reel plurality of stop operation means respectively provided corresponding to accept a player's stop operation (e.g., stop button 7L below, 7C, 7R) and the stop operation by the player Depending on the stage is operated, stop command means for outputting a stop command signal for commanding the stopping of the symbols variably displaying in the reel corresponding to the stop operation means is operated (e.g., stop switch 7S below) when, in response to the stop command signal is output, the stop control means for stopping the reels (e.g., main CPU31 described later) and, when the reel is stopped by the stop control means, a plurality of the For each of the active lines, an active line determining means (for example, a main CPU 31 described later) for determining a symbol combination displayed along the active line, and the gaming state transition along the active line by the effective line determining means. Information on the specific symbol combination is recorded on condition that it is determined that the specific symbol combination corresponding to the combination is displayed. Based on information relating to specific symbol storage means (for example, main RAM 33 described later, RT information storage area described later) and the specific symbol combination stored in the specific symbol storage means, a plurality of game states are transferred. make gaming state transition unit (e.g., main CPU31 below) provided with a said as a specific symbol combination, the first specific symbol combination and the second specific symbol combination is provided, the game state means, the predetermined In the gaming state, when the value of the counter becomes 0, the state is shifted to the specific gaming state, and the first gaming state transition combination is determined as the internal winning combination among the plurality of gaming state transition combinations, when the first specific symbol combination corresponding to the first game state shifts combination along one of the active line is displayed, the winning probabilities of the previous SL predetermined winning combination of the specific It is shifted to the first predetermined game condition to be greater than the skill state (e.g., when a replay 1 is displayed, switched to RT1 game state), the second game state transition combination of the plurality of game status transition Auditor When the second specific symbol combination corresponding to the second game state transition combination is displayed along the one active line determined as the internal winning combination, the winning probability of the predetermined combination is the specified The game state is shifted to a second predetermined game state that is higher than the game state (for example, when replay 2 is displayed, the game state is switched to the RT2 game state), and the first game state transition combination and the second game state transition combination : it is determined in duplicate as the internal winning combination, when a plurality of the valid lines of the said first specific symbol combination second specific along the symbol combination is displayed, the first predetermined game Condition and Serial to shift to the third predetermined game state winning probability is higher of said predetermined combination than a second predetermined gaming state (e.g., when the replay 1 and replay 2 appears, For switching to RT3 gaming state ), The number of games set in the counter when transitioning to the third predetermined gaming state is equal to the number of games set in the counter when transitioning to the first predetermined gaming state and the second This is the total of the number of games set in the counter when the game state is shifted to a predetermined game state .

  According to such an invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can shift to more gaming states than a specific symbol combination (RT transition symbol) provided. That is, it is possible to provide a gaming state that can be shifted by the type of combination of specific symbol combinations. Further, by shifting the gaming state based on the number of specific symbol combinations, it is possible to shift to a plurality of gaming states even when only one type of specific symbol combination is provided. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to shift to more gaming states than the number of specific symbol combinations provided, and as a result, while achieving transition to various gaming states, The degree of freedom can be increased.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the freedom degree with respect to the symbol arrangement | positioning of a reel can be raised, implement | achieving the transition to various game states.

The figure which shows a function flow. The figure which shows the external structure of a pachislot. The figure which shows the internal structure of a pachislot. The figure which shows the structure of a main control circuit. The figure which shows the structure of a subcontrol circuit. The figure which shows a symbol arrangement | positioning table. The figure which shows a symbol combination table. The figure which shows a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. The figure which shows an internal lottery table. The figure which shows an internal lottery table. The figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. The figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. The figure which shows the various area | regions of RAM. The figure which shows the various area | regions of RAM. The figure which shows the various area | regions of RAM. The figure which shows the various area | regions of RAM. The figure which shows RT number count table. The main flowchart which shows the main processes which main CPU performs. The main flowchart which shows medal reception / start check processing. The flowchart which shows an internal lottery process. The flowchart which shows a reel stop control process. The flowchart which shows an effective line check process. The flowchart which shows RT information addition processing. The flowchart which shows a bonus completion | finish check process. The flowchart which shows RT control processing. The flowchart which shows a bonus action check process. The flowchart which shows the interruption process by control of main CPU. The figure which shows the example of a stop of RT transfer symbol. The figure which shows RT game state transfer destination table | surface which concerns on another embodiment. The flowchart which shows the RT information addition process which concerns on another embodiment. The flowchart which shows the effective line check process which concerns on another embodiment. The flowchart which shows RT control processing which concerns on another embodiment.

[Functional flow of pachislot]
Embodiments according to the gaming machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the functional flow of the gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as pachislot) 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a medal is inserted by the player and the start lever 6 is operated, one value (hereinafter referred to as a random value) is extracted from random numbers in a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65535).

  The internal lottery means (main CPU 31 described later) performs lottery based on the extracted random number value and determines an internal winning combination. By determining the internal winning combination, a combination of symbols that permits display along an effective line, which will be described later, is determined. The types of symbol combinations include those related to “winning” in which benefits such as paying out medals, re-games, bonuses, etc. are given to players, and other so-called “loses”. Is provided.

  Subsequently, after the plurality of reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated, when the player presses the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, reel stop control means (a motor drive circuit 39 described later, a stepping described later) The motors 49L, 49C, and 49R perform control to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel based on the internal winning combination and the timing when the stop button is pressed.

  Here, in the pachi-slot 1, basically, control for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel is performed within a specified time (190 msec) from when the stop button is pressed. In the present embodiment, the number of symbols that move with the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R within the specified time is referred to as “the number of sliding symbols”, and the maximum number is defined as four symbols.

  The reel stop control means displays the symbol combination as much as possible along the effective line using the specified time when an internal winning combination permitting display of the symbol combination related to winning is determined. Thus, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. On the other hand, for combinations of symbols that are not permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated so that they are not displayed along the effective line using the specified time. To stop.

  Thus, when all the rotations of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the winning determination means (main CPU 31 described later) determines whether the combination of symbols displayed along the active line is related to winning. Determine whether or not. When it is determined that the prize is related to a prize, a bonus such as a medal payout is given to the player. A series of flows as described above is performed as one game in the pachislot 1.

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

  Further, in the pachislot 1, the video display performed by the liquid crystal display device 5, the light output performed by the lamp 14, the sound output performed by the speakers 9L and 9R, or a combination thereof is used in the above-described series of flows. Various productions are performed.

  When the start lever 6 is operated by the player, an effect random number value (hereinafter referred to as effect random number value) is extracted separately from the random number value used for determining the internal winning combination. When the effect random number is extracted, the effect content determining means (sub-CPU 81 described later) determines, by lottery, what is to be executed this time among a plurality of types of effect contents associated with the internal winning combination.

  When the effect content is determined, the effect execution means (the liquid crystal display device 5 described later, the speakers 9L and 9R described later, and the lamp 14 described later), when the reels 3L, 3C and 3R start to rotate, each reel 3L. , 3C, 3R, the execution of the performance is advanced in conjunction with each opportunity, such as when the determination of the presence or absence of a prize is made. As described above, in the pachislot 1, the player has the opportunity to know or predict the determined internal winning combination (in other words, the combination of symbols to be aimed at) by executing the production contents associated with the internal winning combination. It is provided and the player's interest is improved.

<Transition of gaming state>
Here, in the present embodiment, when the gaming state is different, the internal winning combination determined may be different even if the extracted random number value is the same. In the present embodiment, such a gaming state is a general gaming state, an RT0 gaming state, an RT1 gaming state, an RT2 gaming state, an RT3 gaming state (hereinafter, RT0 to RT3 gaming states are collectively referred to as “RT gaming state”). And a BB gaming state (a gaming state equivalent to the RB gaming state).

  In the general game state and the RT game state, the probabilities that a privilege such as re-game operation is given to the player are different. In other words, “Replay 1”, “Replay 2”, “Replay 3”, and “Replay 4” (hereinafter referred to as “Replay” unless otherwise distinguished), in which a privilege such as re-game activation is given to the player, are internally won. The probabilities of determining roles are different. The RT0 to RT3 gaming state shifts when an RT operating flag (see FIG. 15 to be described later) is updated to “1: ON”. In other words, when the RT operating flag is updated to ON, the replay time (RT) is activated and the probability of determining the replay as an internal winning combination is changed. In this embodiment, when the RT operating flag is updated to ON, the probability that the replay is determined as an internal winning combination is increased, but the probability that the replay is determined as an internal winning combination is decreased. Also good. The change of the internal winning probability of replay accompanying the update of the RT operating flag to ON can be arbitrarily set by the designer.

  The BB (RB) gaming state is a gaming state in which a big bonus is activated and a state where a relatively large number of medals are paid out per game (unit game) continues for a plurality of games. is there. When BB1 or BB2 (hereinafter referred to as “BB” if not distinguished) is determined as an internal winning combination and a prize is won, the big bonus is activated. Note that BB is a carryover combination that is carried over until a prize is awarded when determined as an internal winning combination, and corresponds to a so-called bonus combination. The state where such bonus combination is carried over may be referred to as “between flags” below. In this embodiment, BB1 or BB2 (big bonus) is provided as a bonus combination. However, the type of bonus combination can be set as appropriate, and a regular bonus or a middle bonus may be provided.

Next, the transition condition to the RT gaming state will be described. Transition to the RT gaming state is made on condition that the RT transition symbol stops along an effective line described later. Here, the “RT transition symbol” functions as a “specific symbol combination” and corresponds to “Replay 1” and “Replay 2”.
In the first embodiment, transition to the RT gaming state is made according to the type of combination of RT transition symbols stopped along the active line. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when “Replay 1” stops along the active line, the state shifts to the RT1 gaming state, and when “Replay 2” stops, the state shifts to the RT2 gaming state. Further, when “Replay 1” and “Replay 2” are stopped along the active line, the state shifts to the RT3 gaming state.
Moreover, in another embodiment (2nd Embodiment), it transfers to RT game state according to the number of RT transfer symbols stopped along the active line. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, when the number of RT transition symbols stopped along the active line is “1”, the state shifts to the RT1 gaming state, and when it is “2”, the RT2 gaming state When it is “3”, it shifts to the RT3 gaming state.
That is, “the information related to the specific symbol combination stored in the specific symbol storage means” is the type information of the RT transition symbol combination stopped along the active line, and stopped along the active line Information on the number of RT transition symbols.

  The RT0 gaming state is a gaming state for increasing the probability of determining replay as an internal winning combination between flags, and transitions between flags (a bonus combination is determined as an internal winning combination). To do.

  In this embodiment, “Replay 1” and “Replay 2” are provided as RT transition symbols. However, the RT transition symbol can be arbitrarily set by the designer. (A combination in which medals are paid out), “bonus combination”, “losing eyes”, “reach eyes”, “eyes displayed at the same time as an internal winning combination”, or the like may be used. For example, when “bonus combination” and “eyes displayed at the same time as the bonus combination (combination of symbols displayed on an active line other than the active line where the bonus combination is stopped)” are used as the “RT transition symbol” The subsequent RT gaming state can be diversified by the stop form at the time of bonus winning.

[First Embodiment]
The functional flow of the pachislot 1 has been described above. Next, the pachislo 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Pachislot structure]
With reference to FIG.2 and FIG.3, the structure of the pachislot 1 in this Embodiment is demonstrated.

<External structure of pachislot>
FIG. 2 shows an external structure of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

(Reel and display window)
The pachi-slot 1 includes a cabinet 1a that houses reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a circuit board, and the like, and a front door 2 that is attached to the cabinet 1a so as to be openable and closable. Inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided side by side. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is configured by attaching a belt-like sheet in which a plurality of symbols (for example, 21 pieces) are continuously arranged along the rotation direction to the peripheral surface of a cylindrical frame.

  A liquid crystal display device 5 is provided at the center of the front door 2. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a display screen 5a including symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and is provided so as to be positioned on the near side superimposed on the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R when viewed from the front. The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided corresponding to the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively, and have a configuration capable of transmitting through the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind them. I have.

  That is, the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R serve as display windows, and the player can visually recognize the rotation and stop operation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind the display areas. Become. In the present embodiment, video is displayed using the entire display screen 5a including the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and an effect is executed.

  The symbol display areas (hereinafter referred to as display windows) 21L, 21C, 21R have a plurality of types arranged on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided behind them is stopped. Among the symbols, one symbol (three in total) is displayed in each of the upper, middle and lower regions within the frame. In addition, a target for determining whether or not to win a pseudo line that is a combination of any of the three predetermined areas of the upper, middle, and lower stages of each display window 21L, 21C, and 21R. Is defined as a line (effective line).

  In the present embodiment, the top line 8b formed by combining the upper stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, the bottom line 8c formed by combining the lower stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, the upper stage of the left display window 21L, the middle Cross-down line 8d formed by combining the middle stage of display window 21C and the lower stage of right display window 21R, cross-up line 8a formed by combining the lower stage of left display window 21L, the middle stage of middle display window 21C, and the upper stage of right display window 21R Four are provided as effective lines. It should be noted that a plurality of effective lines may be provided, and the number thereof can be designed arbitrarily.

(Operating device)
The front door 2 is provided with various devices to be operated by the player. The medal slot 10 is provided for receiving a medal dropped from the outside by the player. The medals received in the medal slot 10 are inserted into one game with a predetermined number (for example, three) as an upper limit, and the amount exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited in the pachislot 1 ( So-called credit function).

  The bet button 11 is provided to determine the number of coins to be inserted into one game from medals deposited inside the pachislot 1. The checkout button 12 is provided to pull out medals deposited inside the pachislot 1 to the outside.

  The start lever 6 is provided to start the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are associated with the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively, and are provided to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

(Other equipment)
The 7-segment display 13 is made up of 7-segment LEDs. The number of medals inserted in the current game (hereinafter referred to as the number of inserted coins), the number of medals paid out to the player as a privilege (hereinafter referred to as the number of payouts), pachislot 1 Information such as the number of medals deposited in the inside (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits) is digitally displayed to the player.

  The lamp (LED or the like) 14 outputs light in a turn-on / off pattern according to the content of the effect. The speakers 9L and 9R output sound such as sound effects and music according to the contents of the production. The medal payout opening 15 guides medals discharged by driving a medal payout device 40 (see FIG. 3 described later) to the outside. The medals discharged from the medal payout opening 15 are stored in the medal tray 16.

<Internal structure of pachislot>
FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. The state where the front door 2 is opened and the structure on the back surface side of the front door 2 and the structure inside the cabinet 1a appear is shown.

  A substrate (hereinafter referred to as a main substrate 71A) on which a main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 4 described later) is formed is provided above the cabinet 1a. The main control circuit 71 is a circuit that controls the main flow of the game in the pachislot 1 such as determination of an internal winning combination, rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and determination of the presence or absence of winning. A specific configuration of the main control circuit 71 will be described later.

  Three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided in the center of the cabinet 1a. Stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R (see FIG. 4 described later) are connected to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R through gears having a predetermined reduction ratio.

  On the left side of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a substrate (hereinafter referred to as sub-substrate 72A) on which a sub-control circuit 72 (see FIG. 4 described later) is formed is provided. The sub-control circuit 72 is a circuit that controls the execution of effects by displaying images. A specific configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described later.

  Below the inside of the cabinet 1a, a medal payout device (hereinafter referred to as a hopper) 40 having a structure capable of storing a large amount of medals and discharging them one by one is provided. On the left side of the hopper 40, a power supply device 43 for supplying necessary power to each device included in the pachislot 1 is provided.

  A selector 42 is provided at the center of the back side of the front door 2 and below the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. The selector 42 is a device for selecting whether or not a medal is appropriate in material, shape, and the like, and guides an appropriate medal received in the medal insertion slot 10 to the hopper 40. A medal sensor 42S (see FIG. 4 to be described later) is provided on the path through which the medal passes in the selector 42, and detects that an appropriate medal has passed.

[Circuit configuration of pachislot]
This completes the description of the structure of the pachislot 1. Next, with reference to FIG.4 and FIG.5, the structure of the circuit with which the pachislot 1 in this Embodiment is provided is demonstrated. The pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment includes a main control circuit 71, a sub-control circuit 72, and peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected thereto.

<Main control circuit>
FIG. 4 shows a configuration of the main control circuit 71 of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

(Microcomputer)
The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 installed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU (hereinafter, main CPU) 31, a ROM (hereinafter, main ROM) 32, and a RAM (hereinafter, main RAM) 33.

  The main ROM 32 has a data table (refer to FIGS. 6 to 10 described later) such as a control program (see FIGS. 18 to 27 described later) executed by the main CPU 31 and an internal lottery table (refer to FIGS. 9 and 10 described later). 17), data for transmitting various control commands (commands) to the sub control circuit 72 are stored. The main RAM 33 is provided with a storage area (see FIGS. 11 to 16 described later) for storing various data such as an internal winning combination determined by execution of the control program.

(Random number generator etc.)
The main CPU 31 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36, and a sampling circuit 37. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate clock pulses. The main CPU 31 executes a control program based on the generated clock pulse. The random number generator 36 generates a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts one value from the generated random numbers.

(Switch etc.)
A switch or the like is connected to the input port of the microcomputer 30. The main CPU 31 receives input from a switch or the like and controls the operation of peripheral devices such as stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R. The stop switch 7S detects that each of the three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R has been pressed (stop operation) by the player. The start switch 6S detects that the start lever 6 has been operated by the player (start operation).

  The medal sensor 42S detects that the medal received in the medal slot 10 has passed through the selector 42 described above. The bet switch 11S detects that the bet button 11 has been pressed by the player. Further, the settlement switch 12S detects that the settlement button 12 has been pressed by the player.

(Peripheral devices and circuits)
Peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by the microcomputer 30 include stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, a 7-segment display 13 and a hopper 40. A circuit for controlling the operation of each peripheral device is connected to the output port of the microcomputer 30.

  The motor drive circuit 39 controls driving of stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The reel position detection circuit 50 detects a reel index indicating that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have made one rotation by an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion in accordance with each reel 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R have a configuration in which the momentum is proportional to the number of output pulses and the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle. The driving force of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is transmitted to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R via a gear having a predetermined reduction ratio. Each time one pulse is output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant angle.

  The main CPU 31 counts the number of times the pulses are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R after detecting the reel index, thereby rotating the rotation angles of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (mainly the reels 3L, 3C, The number of symbols 3R has rotated) is managed, and the positions of the symbols arranged on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are managed.

  The display unit drive circuit 48 controls the operation of the 7-segment display 13. The hopper drive circuit 41 controls the operation of the hopper 40. The payout completion signal circuit 51 manages the detection of medals performed by the medal detection unit 40S provided in the hopper 40, and checks whether or not the medals discharged from the hopper 40 have reached the payout number.

<Sub control circuit>
FIG. 5 shows a configuration of the sub-control circuit 72 of the pachislot 1 in the present embodiment.

  The sub control circuit 72 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 71 and performs processing such as determination and execution of effect contents based on a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub control circuit 72 basically includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as sub CPU) 81, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as sub ROM) 82, a RAM (hereinafter referred to as sub RAM) 83, a rendering processor 84, a drawing RAM 85, a driver 87, a DSP (DSP). A digital signal processor) 88, an audio RAM 89, an A / D converter 90, and an amplifier 91.

  The sub CPU 81 controls the output of video, sound, and light according to the control program stored in the sub ROM 82 in accordance with the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub-RAM 83 is provided with a storage area for registering the determined contents and effects data, and a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub ROM 82 basically includes a program storage area and a data storage area.

  A control program executed by the sub CPU 81 is stored in the program storage area. For example, in the control program, a main board communication task for controlling communication with the main control circuit 71 and an effect registration task for extracting effect random numbers and determining and registering effect contents (effect data) , A drawing control task for controlling the display of the video by the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined production content, a lamp control task for controlling the light output by the lamp 14, and a voice control task for controlling the sound output by the speakers 9L and 9R Etc. are included.

  The data storage area stores a storage area for storing various data tables, a storage area for storing effect data constituting each effect content, a storage area for storing animation data related to creation of video, and a sound data related to BGM and sound effects. A storage area, a storage area for storing lamp data related to the light on / off pattern, and the like are included.

  The sub-control circuit 72 is connected to the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 9L and 9R, and the lamp 14 as peripheral devices whose operation is controlled.

  The sub CPU 81, the rendering processor 84, the drawing RAM 85 (including the frame buffer 86), and the driver 87 create a video according to the animation data designated by the contents of the presentation, and display the created video on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  Further, the sub CPU 81, DSP 88, audio RAM 89, A / D converter 90, and amplifier 91 output sounds such as BGM from the speakers 9L and 9R according to the sound data specified by the production contents. Further, the sub CPU 81 turns on and off the lamp 14 in accordance with the lamp data designated by the contents of the effect.

[Configuration of data table stored in main ROM]
This completes the description of the circuit configuration of the pachislot machine 1. Next, the configuration of various data tables stored in the main ROM 32 will be described.

[Design arrangement table]
The symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG. The symbol arrangement table defines the position of each symbol in the rotation direction of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and data (hereinafter, symbol code) specifying the type of symbol arranged at each position.

  In the symbol arrangement table, when the reel index is detected, the symbol positions existing in the middle stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are set to “0”, and the symbols are arranged in the order of advance in the rotation direction of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. “0” to “20” are respectively assigned to the positions. Therefore, by managing how many symbols have been rotated since the reel index was detected, by referring to the symbol arrangement table, the positions of symbols existing mainly in the middle stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R and It is possible to always manage the type of the symbol.

[Design combination table]
The symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, when the symbol combination displayed by the reels 3L, 3C, 3R along the effective line matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table, it is determined that the winning combination is won. Benefits such as paying out a game, re-game operation, and bonus game operation are given to the player.

  The symbol combination table defines a symbol combination, a display combination, and a payout number that are predetermined according to the type of privilege. The display combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the active line.

  The display combination is 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit (data 1 is used for management of display combinations other than bonus combinations, and data 2 is used for management of bonus combinations. ). For example, when the symbol “bell” of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is displayed along the active line, “bell (00000010)” is determined as the display combination.

  Further, when a numerical value of 1 or more is determined as the payout number, medals are paid out. In the present embodiment, when a cherry, bell, or watermelon is determined as a display combination, medals are paid out. The number of payouts is defined according to the number of inserted sheets. Basically, a larger number of paid-out sheets is determined when the number of inserted sheets is small.

  In addition, when replay is determined as the display combination, replaying is performed. When BB is determined as the display combination, the big bonus is activated. In addition, when the combination of symbols displayed along the active line does not match any of the symbol combinations defined by the symbol combination table, it is a so-called “lost”.

[Bonus operating table]
With reference to FIG. 8, the bonus operation time table will be described. The bonus operation time table defines data to be stored in various storage areas provided in the main RAM 33 when the bonus operation is performed.

  The in-operation flag is data for identifying the type of bonus that is activated. In the present embodiment, BB (a combination continuous action device related to a first type special combination) and RB (a first type special combination) are provided as bonus types. The operation of RB is continuously performed while the operation of BB is performed.

  The operation of BB is ended when the medals are paid out to reach the prescribed number (346 in the present embodiment). The RB is activated when a game that reaches the specified number of times (12 times in the present embodiment) is performed, when there is a winning that reaches the specified number of times (8 times in the present embodiment), or BB The operation ends when either of the operations ends. The bonus end number counter, the possible game number counter, and the possible winning number counter are data for managing whether or not the specified number of times or the specified number of times as a trigger end timing of the bonus has been reached.

  More specifically, numerical values defined by the bonus operation time table are stored in the respective counters, and the subtraction is performed through the operation of the bonus. As a result, the operation of the corresponding bonus is completed on condition that the value of each counter is updated to “0”.

[Internal lottery table]
The internal lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS. The internal lottery table defines a data pointer and a lottery value according to the winning number. The data pointer is data acquired as a result of lottery performed with reference to the internal lottery table, and designates an internal winning combination defined by an internal winning combination determination table (see FIGS. 11 and 12 described later). It is data to do. The data pointer is provided with a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer.

  In the present embodiment, random numbers extracted from a predetermined numerical range “0 to 65535” are sequentially subtracted by lottery values corresponding to each winning number, and whether or not the result of the subtraction is negative ( An internal lottery is performed by determining whether or not a so-called “digit” has occurred.

  Therefore, the larger the numerical value defined as the lottery value, the higher the probability that the data (that is, the data pointer) to which it is assigned will be determined. The winning probability of each winning number can be represented by “the lottery value corresponding to each winning number / the number of all random numbers that may be extracted (65536)”.

  9 (1) shows an internal lottery table for general gaming state referred to in the general gaming state, and FIG. 9 (2) shows an internal lottery table for RT1 operation referred to in the RT1 gaming state. (3) shows the RT2 operating internal lottery table referred to in the RT2 gaming state. FIG. 10 (1) shows an RT3 operating internal lottery table referred to in the RT3 gaming state, and FIG. 10 (2) shows an RT0 operating internal lottery table referred to in the RT0 gaming state. FIG. 10 (3) shows an internal lottery table for RB operation that is referred to in the BB (RB) gaming state. In the present embodiment, depending on the situation such as whether or not RT or bonus is being operated, by using different types of internal lottery table, the type of internal winning combination determined and the winning probability are varied, The expectation that the player holds is undulating.

[Internal winning combination determination table]
The internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIGS. The internal winning combination determination table defines an internal winning combination in accordance with the data pointer. When the data pointer is determined, the internal winning combination is uniquely acquired.

  The internal winning combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols of each reel 3L, 3C, 3L that is permitted to be displayed along the active line. Like the display combination, the internal winning combination is represented as 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. When the data pointer is “0”, the content of the internal winning combination is “losing”, which indicates that display of any combination of symbols defined by the above-described symbol combination table is not permitted.

  FIG. 11 shows an internal winning combination determination table for a small combination / replay. The small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table defines an internal winning combination relating to the payout of medals or an internal winning combination relating to the operation of replay. FIG. 12 shows a bonus internal winning combination determination table. The bonus internal winning combination determination table defines internal winning combinations related to the operation of the bonus.

[Configuration of storage area provided in main RAM]
Next, the configuration of various storage areas provided in the main RAM 33 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Internal winning combination storage area]
The configuration of the internal winning combination storing area will be described with reference to FIG. The internal winning combination storing area stores the internal winning combination represented by the above-mentioned 1-byte data. When the bit is set to “1”, display of the corresponding symbol combination is permitted. When all bits are “0”, the content is lost.

  The main RAM 33 is provided with a display combination storage area in which the display combination described above is stored. The configuration of the display combination storing area is the same as the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area. When “1” is set in the bit, the corresponding symbol combination is displayed along the active line.

[Coverage storage area]
The configuration of the carryover combination storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  As a result of the aforementioned lottery, when an internal winning combination relating to the operation of the bonus is determined, this is stored in the carryover combination storage area. The internal winning combination (carry-over combination) related to the operation of the bonus stored in the carryover combination storage area is held without being cleared until the corresponding symbol combination is displayed on the active line. Yes. Then, while the carryover combination is stored in the carryover combination storage area, this is stored in the internal winning combination storage area regardless of the result of the lottery described above.

[Operation flag storage area]
The configuration of the operating flag storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operating flag storage area stores an operating flag consisting of 1 byte. The operating flag has a unique bonus assigned to each bit. When “1” is set in the bit, the corresponding bonus is activated. The state when all bits are “0” is defined as a general gaming state.

[RT information storage area]
The configuration of the RT information storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  The RT information storage area stores information (RT information) related to the RT transition symbol consisting of 1 byte, that is, the RT transition symbol displayed on the active line. Based on the information stored in the RT information storage area, the RT is activated (transition to the RT gaming state).

[RT count table]
The operation of RT will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an RT number count table provided in the main ROM 32.

  In the RT count table, the RT game number counter value and the RT game state of the transfer destination are assigned to the RT transition symbols displayed on the active line. The RT game number counter value indicates the number of continued games in the RT gaming state, and is counted by an RT game number counter provided in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33. For example, when Replay 1 is displayed on the active line, the game shifts to the RT1 gaming state, and a game is played in the RT1 gaming state for 100 games. Here, the determination of the RT transition symbol displayed on the active line is performed based on the information stored in the RT information storage area of FIG. For example, when “1” is set in bit 7 of the RT information storage area, it is determined that Replay 1 is displayed on the active line, and “0” is set in bits 0 and 5 of the RT information storage area. "Is standing, it is determined that replay 1 and replay 2 are displayed on the active line.

[Program flow executed in pachislot]
The contents of the program executed by the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main flowchart by control of main CPU of main control circuit]
First, with reference to FIG. 18, the main flowchart by control of the main CPU31 is demonstrated. When power is turned on to the pachi-slot 1, first, the main CPU 31 performs an initialization process (S1). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the designated storage area in the main RAM 33 (S2). In this process, for example, data stored in a storage area that needs to be erased for each game, such as an internal winning combination storage area or a display combination storage area, is cleared.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a medal acceptance / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 (S3). In this processing, input checks of the medal sensor 42S and the start switch 6S are performed.

  Next, the main CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in a random value storage area provided in the main RAM 33 (S4). Next, the main CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 20 (S5). In this process, the internal winning combination is determined by lottery based on a random value. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S6). The start command includes a parameter for specifying an internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (S7). When the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R are driven by an interrupt process (see FIG. 27 described later) executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec). Is controlled, and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 (S8). In this process, the input of the stop switch 7S is checked, and the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped based on the timing when the stop button is pressed and the internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs an effective line check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 (S9). In this process, a combination of symbols displayed along the active line as the reel rotation is stopped is searched, and the number of payouts is determined based on the result. As a result of the search, if the combination of symbols displayed along the active line matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table (see FIG. 7), the corresponding display combination and the number of payouts are determined. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a display command to the sub control circuit 72 (S10). The display command includes parameters that specify the display combination, the number of payouts, and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a medal payout process (S11). In this process, the hopper 40 is driven and the number of credits is updated based on the determined payout number. Next, the main CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (S12). In this process, the numerical value determined as the payout number is subtracted from the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus operating flag is on (S13). When determining that the bonus operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 24 (S14). In this process, it is checked whether or not to end the operation of the bonus with reference to various counters for managing the end timing of the bonus.

  The main CPU 31 performs RT control processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 25 after S14 or when it is determined in S13 that the bonus operating flag is not on (S15). In this process, the RT game number counter for counting the number of games in the RT gaming state is updated. Next, the main CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 26 (S16). In this process, it is checked whether or not the bonus operation is started. When this process ends, the process proceeds to S2.

[Medal reception / start check processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the medal acceptance / start check process will be described. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the automatic insertion number counter is 0 (S31). When it is determined that the automatic insertion number counter is 0, the medal passage permission is performed (S32). In this process, the solenoid of the selector 42 is driven, and the passage of medals in the selector 42 is prompted.

  When determining that the automatic insertion number counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 copies the automatic insertion number counter to the insertion number counter (S33). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the automatic insertion number counter (S34). S33 and S34 are processes for replaying.

  After S32 or S34, the main CPU 31 sets 3 as the maximum value of the insertion number counter (S35). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus operating flag is on (S36). When determining that the bonus operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 changes the maximum value of the insertion number counter (S37). In this process, for example, the maximum value is changed to 2.

  The main CPU 31 determines whether or not the passage of medals has been detected after S37 or when it is determined in S36 that the bonus operating flag is not on (S38). When determining that the passage of medals has been detected, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the inserted number counter has reached the maximum value (S39). When determining that the inserted number counter has not reached the maximum value, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the inserted number counter (S40). Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a medal insertion command to the sub control circuit 72 (S41). The medal insertion command includes a parameter for specifying the number of inserted coins.

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S39 that the inserted number counter is the maximum value, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the credit counter (S42). The main CPU 31 checks the bet switch 11S after S42, after S41, or when it is determined that the passage of medals is not detected in S38 (S43). In this process, a numerical value corresponding to the bet button 11 is added to the inserted number counter while being subtracted from the credit counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter has reached the maximum value (S44). When it is determined that the insertion number counter has not reached the maximum value, the process proceeds to S38, whereas when it is determined that the insertion number counter has reached the maximum value, it is determined whether or not the start switch 6S is on (S45). ).

  When determining that the start switch 6S is not on, the main CPU 31 proceeds to S38, whereas when determining that the start switch 6S is on, the main CPU 31 prohibits medal passage (S46). In this process, the solenoid of the selector 42 is not driven, and medals are expelled. When this process ends, the medal acceptance / start check process ends.

[Internal lottery processing]
Next, an internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines an internal lottery table (see FIGS. 9 and 10) and the number of lotteries (S61). In this process, the operating flag storage area (see FIG. 15) is referred to, and the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries are determined according to the presence / absence of RT and bonus operations. The number of lotteries indicates the number of times of lottery value subtraction and determination of whether or not a digit has occurred for each winning number defined by the internal lottery table.

  Next, the main CPU 31 obtains a random value stored in the random value storage area and sets it as a determination random value (S62). Next, the main CPU 31 sets 1 as the initial value of the winning number (S63).

  Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the internal lottery table and acquires a lottery value corresponding to the winning number (S64). Next, the main CPU 31 subtracts the lottery value from the determination random number value (S65). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a digit has been made (S66). When the main CPU 31 determines that the digit is not performed, the main CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the number of lotteries and adds 1 to the winning number (S67).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (S68). When the main CPU 31 determines that the number of lotteries is not 0, the process proceeds to S64. On the other hand, when the number of lotteries is determined to be 0, the main CPU 31 sets 0 as the small role / replay data pointer and serves as the bonus data pointer. 0 is set (S69).

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S66 that a digit has been made, the main CPU 31 obtains a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer according to the current winning number (S70). After S70 or S69, the main CPU 31 refers to the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 11), and acquires the internal winning combination based on the small winning combination / replay data pointer (S71).

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores the acquired internal winning combination in the internal winning combination storing area (see FIG. 13) (S72). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the data stored in the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 14) is 0 (S73). When the main CPU 31 determines that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 12), and determines the internal winning combination based on the bonus data pointer. Is acquired (S74). Next, the main CPU 31 stores the acquired internal winning combination in the carryover combination storing area (S75).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the data stored in the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 14) is 0 (S76). When determining that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is not 0, the main CPU 31 clears the RT operating flag and the RT game number counter if any of the RT1 to RT3 operating flags is on. . Next, the main CPU 31 updates the bit 5 corresponding to the RT0 operating flag in the operating flag storage area (see FIG. 15) to “ON: 1” (S78). That is, based on the determination that the bonus combination is an internal winning combination, the game proceeds to the RT0 gaming state.

  After S78, the main CPU 31 determines that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0 in S76 or that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is not 0 in S73. Sometimes, the logical OR of the carryover combination storage area and the internal winning combination storage area (see FIG. 13) is taken, and the result is stored in the internal winning combination storage area (S79). That is, the internal winning combination relating to the bonus operation is carried over. When this process ends, the internal lottery process ends.

[Reel stop control process]
Next, the reel stop control process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (S91). When the main CPU 31 determines that a valid stop button has not been pressed, it waits until it is pressed.

  When determining that a valid stop button has been pressed, the main CPU 31 invalidates the operation of the corresponding stop button (S92). The valid and invalid states of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are managed in a predetermined storage area provided in the main RAM 33.

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets 5 as the number of checks (S93). In the present embodiment, since the maximum number of sliding symbols is “4”, when the stop button is pressed, including the symbol position in the middle of the corresponding display window, Up to the position is subject to check. That is, any of the five numerical values “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” is determined as the number of sliding frames.

  Next, based on the internal winning combination, the main CPU 31 includes each position within the range of the number of checks including the position of the symbol in the middle of the corresponding display window (hereinafter referred to as the stop start position) when the stop button is pressed. Among the symbol positions, the symbol position with the highest priority is searched (S94). In this process, the position of the symbol that can display the combination of symbols permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination along the effective line is determined as the position of the symbol having the highest priority.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the search result (S95). The number of symbols from the stop start position to the symbol position with the highest priority is determined as the number of sliding symbols. Next, the main CPU 31 shifts to waiting for a scheduled stop position (S96). When waiting for the planned stop position, the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is controlled by an interrupt process (described later with reference to FIG. 27), and the position of the symbol with the highest priority reaches the middle stage of the corresponding display window. The reels are stopped from rotating after waiting.

  Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S97). The reel stop command includes a parameter for specifying the type of the stopped reel.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a stop button whose operation is valid (S98). That is, it is determined whether there is a reel that is still rotating. When the main CPU 31 determines that there is a stop button with an effective operation, the main CPU 31 proceeds to S91, whereas when it determines with no stop button with an effective operation, the main CPU 31 ends the reel stop control process.

[Valid line check processing]
Next, the valid line check process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 acquires “4” as the initial value of the valid line counter (S111). In the present embodiment, four effective lines are provided as effective lines, ie, a cross-up line 8a, a top line 8b, a bottom line 8c, and a cross-down line 8d. The valid line counter “4” corresponds to the cross-up line 8a, the valid line counter “3” corresponds to the top line 8b, the valid line counter “2” corresponds to the bottom line 8c, and the valid line counter “ “1” corresponds to the cross-down line 8d.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the valid line counter is 0 (S112). When determining that the effective line counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 determines a display combination from the combination of symbols stopped on the effective line corresponding to the effective line counter based on the symbol combination table (see FIG. 7) (S113). ).

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the display combination and the display combination storage area in the display combination storage area (S114), and then updates the payout number based on the display combination and the inserted number (S115). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT0 operating flag is on with reference to the operating flag storage area (FIG. 15) (S116). When determining that the RT0 operating flag is not 0, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not an RT transition symbol is displayed on the target effective line corresponding to the active line counter being checked (S117). When the main CPU 31 determines that the RT transition symbol is displayed on the target effective line, the main CPU 31 stores the RT information in the RT information storage area (FIG. 16) based on the target effective line and the type of the displayed RT transition symbol. To do. For example, when the replay 1 is displayed on the cross-down line 8d and the replay 2 is displayed on the cross-up line 8a, the main CPU 31 updates bit 5 and bit 0 of the RT information storage area to ON (“ 1 ”).

  After S118, when the main CPU 31 determines that the RT transition symbol is not displayed on the target effective line in S117, or determines that the RT0 operating flag is on in S116, the main CPU 31 decrements the effective line counter by 1. (S119), and then the process returns to S112.

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S112 that the valid line counter is 0, it performs RT information addition processing described later with reference to FIG. 23 (S120), and ends the valid line check processing.

[RT information addition processing]
Next, the RT information addition process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 acquires RT information in the RT information storage area (FIG. 16) (S141). Next, the main CPU 31 acquires the RT game number counter value in the RT number count table (FIG. 17) based on the acquired RT information, and sets the acquired game number in the RT game number counter (S142). Next, the main CPU 31 acquires migration destination information in the RT count table based on the acquired RT information, and updates the corresponding operating flag in the operating flag storage area (FIG. 15) to ON (S143). Then, the RT information addition process is terminated. Specifically, when bit 5 and bit 0 of the RT information storage area are on (when replay 1 and replay 2 are displayed), the main CPU 31 sets 300 in the RT game number counter. The RT3 operating flag is updated to ON.

[Bonus end check process]
Next, the bonus end check process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (S161). When the main CPU 31 determines that the bonus end number counter is 0, the main CPU 31 performs BB end time processing (S162). In this process, the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are turned off, and various counters for managing the end timing of the bonus are cleared. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a bonus end command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S163). When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends.

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S161 that the bonus end number counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 updates the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter (S164). In this process, the possible game number counter is decremented by one, and if there is a win, the possible pay number counter is decremented by one. Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter is 0 (S165).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus end check process, while determining that the possible winning number counter or the possible game number counter is 0, Processing at the end of RB is performed (S166). In this process, the RB operating flag is turned off, and the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter are cleared. When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends.

[RT control processing]
Next, the RT control process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on (S181). When determining that the RT operating flag is not on, the main CPU 31 terminates the RT control process. On the other hand, when determining that the RT operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 determines whether the RT0 operating flag is on. It discriminate | determines (S182).

  At this time, when the main CPU 31 determines that the RT0 operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 ends the RT control process, whereas when it determines that the RT0 operating flag is not on, the main CPU 31 decrements the RT game number counter by 1 ( S183). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT game number counter is 0 (S184). When determining that the RT game number counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 terminates the RT control process. On the other hand, when determining that the RT game number counter is 0, the main CPU 31 determines that the RT operating flag (RT1 to RT3 operating flag is set). Any) is updated to OFF (S185), and the RT control process is terminated.

[Bonus activation check process]
Next, the bonus operation check process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB (S201). When the main CPU 31 determines that the display combination is BB, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus operation time table (see FIG. 8) and performs the BB operation processing (S202). In this process, the BB operating flag is turned on, and a predetermined value is set in the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 clears the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 14) (S203). Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a bonus start command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S204). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S201 that the display combination is not BB, it determines whether or not the display combination is replay (S205). When determining that the display combination is replay, the main CPU 31 copies the value of the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion number counter (S206).

  When determining that the display combination is not replay in S205, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is ON (S207). When determining that the BB operating flag is not on, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation check process, whereas when determining that the BB operating flag is on, whether or not the RB operating flag is on. Is determined (S208).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the RB operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation check process. On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 determines that the RB operating flag is not on, the main CPU 31 reads the bonus operating table (see FIG. 8). Referring to FIG. 4, the RB operation process is performed (S209). In this process, the RB operating flag is turned on, and predetermined values are set in the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter. When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

[Interrupt processing under the control of the main CPU (1.1173 msec)]
Next, an interrupt process (1.1173 msec) controlled by the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 saves a register (S221). Next, the main CPU 31 performs input port check processing (S222). In this process, signals input from various switches such as the stop switch 7S are checked.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel control process (S223). In this process, when the start of rotation of all reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, and then the stepping motors 49L, 49C, The drive of 49R is controlled. Further, when the number of sliding pieces is determined, the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is controlled so that the rotation of the corresponding reel is continued for the number of sliding pieces and the rotation is decelerated and stopped. .

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a lamp and 7-segment driving process (S224). Next, the main CPU 31 restores the register (S225). When this process ends, the interrupt process ends.

[Effect of pachislot 1]
As described above, in the pachislot machine 1, a transition is made to a different RT gaming state based on the RT transition symbol displayed on the active line. Specifically, in the pachislot 1, when the replay 1 is displayed along the active line, the pachislot 1 shifts to the RT1 gaming state, and when the replay 2 is displayed, the pachislot 1 shifts to the RT2 gaming state. Here, in the pachislot 1, when a plurality of RT transition symbols are displayed on the active line at the same time, a transition is made to a gaming state different from the case where each RT transition symbol is displayed alone. That is, in the pachislot 1, when the replay 1 and the replay 2 are displayed simultaneously, the pachislot 1 shifts to the RT3 gaming state different from the RT1 gaming state and the RT2 gaming state.

  Thereby, in the pachislot 1, the gaming state can be changed in various ways with a small number of RT transition symbols, that is, the state can be shifted to more states than the provided RT transition symbols, so that the interest of the game can be enhanced.

  In addition, since the types of RT transition symbols can be reduced during the transition of various gaming states, the degree of freedom with respect to the reel symbol layout can be increased, and development is facilitated. This point will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 28 (1), symbols at symbol positions “19, 18, 17” stop in order from the upper stage of the left reel 3L, and symbols at symbol positions “20, 19, 18” in order from the upper stage of the center reel 3C. It is a figure which shows the example 1 of a stop when it stops and the symbol of symbol position "19,18,17" stops in order from the upper stage of the right reel 3R. In FIG. 28 (2), the symbols at symbol positions “13, 12, 11” stop in order from the top of the left reel 3L, and the symbols at positions “20, 19, 18” in order from the top of the central reel 3C. It is a figure which shows stop example 2 when a symbol stops and the symbol of symbol position "19,18,17" stops in order from the upper stage of the right reel 3R. In stop example 1 and stop example 2, since replay 1 and replay 2 are displayed along cross-up line 8a and cross-down line 8d, both stop example 1 and stop example 2 shift to the RT3 gaming state.

  By the way, in the stop example 1, for example, the “bell-replay-bell” stopped in the middle stage of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is used as a trigger (that is, as a new RT transition symbol), and transitions to the RT3 gaming state. Can also be seen. However, when “Bell-Replay-Bell” is a new RT transition symbol, this new RT transition symbol must be displayed in order to shift to the RT3 gaming state. With respect to this point, in the second embodiment, the transition to the RT3 gaming state is realized without displaying “Bell-Replay-Bell” in the stop example 2 in which the transition is similarly made to the RT3 gaming state. For this reason, in order to shift to the RT3 gaming state, the symbol layout that a new RT transition symbol must be displayed is not forced, and the degree of freedom with respect to the symbol layout of the reels can be increased.

  In addition to “Bell-Replay-Bell”, the combination of “BAR-Replay-Bell” and other symbols stopped in the middle of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R of Stop Example 2 is transferred to the RT3 gaming state. Therefore, it seems that it is possible to secure a degree of freedom with respect to the symbol arrangement of the reel by grasping it as a new RT transition symbol. However, in such a case, it is necessary to perform processing for checking a plurality of newly provided RT transition symbols, and the control load increases. In addition, when an RT transition symbol for transitioning to the RT3 gaming state is newly provided, it is necessary to prevent a new RT transition symbol from being displayed in a situation where the transition to the RT3 gaming state should not be performed. The restriction on the symbol arrangement of the reel is imposed separately, and as a result, the degree of freedom for the symbol arrangement of the reel cannot be increased.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the RT gaming state to be transferred is changed depending on the combination of the provided RT transition symbols, and the state is shifted to more states than the provided RT transition symbols. It is possible to increase the degree of freedom with respect to the symbol arrangement of the reels while realizing a transition to a gaming state.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a pachislot machine 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG. In the pachislot 1 of the first embodiment, the transition to the RT gaming state is made based on the type of the displayed RT transition symbol, but in the pachislot 1A of the second embodiment, based on the number of the displayed RT transition symbols. To the RT gaming state.

[RT gaming state transition destination table]
FIG. 29 is an RT gaming state transition destination table provided in the main ROM 32 of the pachislot 1A of the second embodiment, instead of the RT number count table of the pachislot 1 of the first embodiment (FIG. 17).

  In the RT gaming state transition destination table, the RT game number counter value and the transition destination RT gaming state are assigned to the number of RT transition symbols displayed on the active line. For example, when one RT transition symbol is displayed on the active line, the transition is made to the RT1 gaming state, and the game is played in the RT1 gaming state for 100 games. For ease of explanation, the replay 1 and the replay 2 are RT transition symbols. However, in the second embodiment, only one RT transition symbol may be used.

[RT information addition processing A]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing RT information addition processing A performed by the pachislot 1A of the second embodiment, instead of the RT information addition processing (FIG. 23) of the pachislot 1 of the first embodiment. About the same process as the RT information addition process of 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol is made the same and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the RT information addition processing A, the main CPU 31 acquires the RT game number counter value in the RT gaming state transition destination table based on the RT information acquired in S141, sets the number of RT games (S142A), and RT games. The migration destination information in the status migration destination table is acquired, and the corresponding operating flag is updated to ON (S143A). Specifically, based on the number of bits in which “1” is stored in the RT information storage area (FIG. 16), the migration destination RT gaming state and the number of RT games are set.

  With the pachislot 1A of the second embodiment as described above, it is possible to shift to more states than the provided RT transition symbols, and to achieve a transition to various gaming states, freedom for reel symbol arrangement The degree can be increased.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the pachislo 1B of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the pachi-slot 1 of the first embodiment, when a plurality of RT transition symbols are displayed, a transition is made to an RT gaming state different from that when a single RT transition symbol is displayed. In the pachislot 1B, when a plurality of RT transition symbols are displayed, the gaming state is sequentially shifted based on the search order of the effective lines.

[Valid line check processing B]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an effective line check process B performed by the pachislot 1B of the third embodiment, instead of the effective line check process (FIG. 22) of the pachislot 1 of the first embodiment. About the same process as the RT information addition process of 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol is made the same and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the effective line counter is set (S111) and it is determined that the RT transition symbol is displayed on the target effective line (YES in S117), the main CPU 31 displays the type of RT transition symbol and the RT count table. Based on (FIG. 17), a transition is made to the corresponding gaming state (setting the number of RT games, updating the RT operating flag) (S118B). Subsequently, the effective line counter is decremented by 1 (S119), and the processes of S112 to S118B are performed again.

  As described above, in the effective line check processing B of the third embodiment, the transition to the RT gaming state is performed every time the RT transition symbol is displayed on the effective line to be checked. Therefore, for example, when Replay 1 is displayed on the cross-up line 8a and Replay 2 is displayed on the cross-down line 8d, the state transits to the RT1 gaming state when the cross-up line 8a is checked, and then the cross-down line Transition to the RT2 gaming state when checking 8d.

  In this case, the check order of the effective lines is not limited to a predetermined order, and it is preferable to determine the check order by lottery. As a result, even in the same stop mode, if the check order is different, the RT gaming state to be finally shifted will also be different, and it will be difficult to determine which RT gaming state to shift to. Can be achieved.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a pachislot machine 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the pachi-slot 1 of the first embodiment, the transition to the RT gaming state is performed in the RT information addition process (S120 in FIG. 22, FIG. 23) in the active line check process (S9 in FIG. 18). In the pachislot machine 1C of the fourth embodiment, the RT control process (S15 in FIG. 18) is performed.

[RT control process C]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an RT control process C performed by the pachislot 1C of the fourth embodiment, instead of the RT control process (FIG. 25) of the pachislot 1 of the first embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT0 operating flag is on (S181C). When the RT0 operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 terminates the RT control process. On the other hand, when the RT0 operating flag is not on, whether or not any of the RT1 operating flag to RT3 operating flag is on. Is determined (S182C).

  At this time, when any of the RT1 operating flag to RT3 operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 decrements the RT game number counter by 1 (S183C). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT game number counter is 0 (S184C). When the RT game number counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 terminates the RT control process, while when the RT game number counter is 0, the main CPU 31 updates the on-operation RT operating flag to off (S185C), and performs RT control. End the process.

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S182C that any one of the RT1 operating flag to the RT3 operating flag is not ON, it determines whether or not the replay 1 is displayed along the active line (S186C). At this time, when the replay 1 is displayed along the active line, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the replay 2 is displayed along the active line (S187C). When the replay 2 is displayed along the active line, the main CPU 31 sets the RT game number counter to 300, updates the RT3 operating flag to ON (S188C), and ends the RT control process. On the other hand, when Replay 2 is not displayed along the active line in S187C, the main CPU 31 sets the RT game number counter to 100, updates the RT1 operating flag to ON (S189C), and ends the RT control process. To do.

  In S186C, when the replay 1 is not displayed along the active line, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the replay 2 is displayed along the active line (S189C). At this time, when the replay 2 is not displayed along the active line, the main CPU 31 ends the RT control process, while when the replay 2 is displayed along the active line, the main CPU 31 sets the RT game number counter to 200. Is set, the RT2 operating flag is updated to ON (S190C), and the RT control process is terminated.

  As described above, the timing of transition to the RT gaming state is not limited to the valid line check process (S9 in FIG. 18) as in the first embodiment, but any subsequent timing (as an example, shown in the fourth embodiment). RT control processing (S15 in FIG. 18)) can be performed.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to embodiment mentioned above.
For example, in the above embodiment, lottery values for Replay 3 and Replay 4 (winning numbers “4” and “5”) in the RT3 operating internal lottery table (FIG. 10 (1)) referred to in the RT3 gaming state are stored in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be determined using information regarding the RT transition symbol displayed when it is determined that the gaming state is switched to the RT3 gaming state. Specifically, a value obtained by adding the lottery values of the displayed RT transition symbols may be used as the replay 3 and the replay 4 in the RT3 gaming state. For example, when Replay 1 has “8000” as the lottery value and “20000” as the Replay 2 lottery value, when Replay 1 and Replay 2 are displayed along the active line, the lottery of Replay 3 and Replay 4 Each value may be “28000 (= 8000 + 20000)”, and when replay 1 and replay 1 are displayed along the active line, each lottery value for replay 3 and replay 4 may be “16000 (= 8000 + 8000)” (note that In order to facilitate understanding, it is premised that the transition to the RT3 gaming state is made when two replays 1 are displayed along the active line).
When applied to the second embodiment, not only the RT3 operating internal lottery table, but also the RT1 operating internal lottery table and the RT2 operating internal lottery table, the replay 3 and replay 4 lottery values. It is good also as not setting. For example, when one replay 1 is displayed along the active line, the game shifts to the RT1 gaming state in which 100 games continue, and the lottery value is “8000”, but one replay 2 is displayed along the active line. When the game is over, the game moves to the RT2 gaming state in which 200 games are continued, and the lottery value becomes “20000”. Similarly, when two replays 1 are displayed along the active line, the game proceeds to the RT2 gaming state in which 200 games are continued, the lottery value becomes “16000”, and replay 1 and replay 2 follow the two active lines. When displayed, the game proceeds to the RT2 gaming state in which 200 games are continued, and the lottery value is “28000”.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the RT gaming state is terminated on condition that the bonus combination is determined as the internal winning combination (when NO in S76 of FIG. 20, the RT operating flag is cleared). ) Is not limited to this, but the RT gaming state may be a bonus penetrating RT gaming state that operates in parallel with the BB (RB) gaming state. Specifically, the BB (RB) gaming state may be performed in a state where both the BB operating flag and the RT operating flag are on.

  In the above embodiment, the number of games in the RT gaming state is managed by the main control circuit 71 (the RT game number counter provided in the main RAM 33), but may be managed by the sub control circuit 72. Specifically, a stop form in which the RT gaming state ends is provided (for example, the RT gaming state ends when a cherry is displayed), and a notification (navigation) is provided to avoid the display of this stopping form. It may be performed by the sub control circuit 72. As an example, during a predetermined number of games (for example, 50 games), the sub-control circuit 72 is in the RT gaming state by giving a notification to avoid displaying a stop form in which the RT gaming state ends. You can manage the number of games.

  Also, the RT gaming state transition is performed based on the RT number count table shown in FIG. 17 and the RT gaming state transition destination table shown in FIG. 28. The RT game number counter value and the transition destination described in the table are as follows. It is an example and is not limited to this. For example, in the RT count table shown in FIG. 17, when Replay 1 is displayed along the active line, the RT gaming state is not shifted, and Replay 2 is displayed along the active line. When the game is shifted to the RT1 gaming state and the replay 1 and the replay 2 are displayed along the active line, it can be arbitrarily set such as shifting to the RT2 gaming state. In other words, the present invention includes not changing the gaming state when the RT transition symbol is displayed alone.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although stop control is performed only according to an internal winning combination, it is not restricted to this. For example, stop control may be performed based on the timing of the player's stop operation and the order of the stop operations. Further, stop control may be performed by combining any (all) of the internal winning combination, the timing of the stop operation, and the order of the stop operation.

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

1 Pachislot 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 71 Main control circuit 31 Main CPU
32 Main ROM
33 Main RAM

Claims (1)

A plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface;
A display window for displaying a part of a plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the plurality of reels;
A plurality of effective lines formed by connecting unit symbol display areas for displaying one symbol of each reel in the display window;
Reel rotating means for changing the symbol displayed on the display window by rotating the reel based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
A plurality of internal lottery tables which are provided corresponding to a plurality of gaming states, and are defined such that a lottery value of a predetermined combination is different for each of the plurality of gaming states;
Triggered by the predetermined start condition, the internal lottery table corresponding to the current gaming state is referred to and the predetermined winning combination and a predetermined probability that the winning probability of the predetermined winning combination is relatively higher than a specific gaming state. An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of combinations including a plurality of gaming state transition combinations to be shifted to the gaming state ;
A counter in which the number of games corresponding to the predetermined gaming state is set when transitioning to the predetermined gaming state, and the set number of games is subtracted for each unit game;
A plurality of stop operation means provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels and receiving a player's stop operation;
A stop command means for outputting a stop command signal for instructing a stop of a symbol to be variably displayed on the reel corresponding to the operated stop operation means in response to an operation of the stop operation means by a player;
Stop control means for stopping the reel in response to the stop command signal being output;
When the reel is stopped by the stop control means, for each of the plurality of effective lines, effective line determination means for determining a symbol combination displayed along the effective line;
A specific symbol that stores information on the specific symbol combination on condition that the specific symbol combination corresponding to the gaming state transition combination is displayed along the effective line by the effective line determination unit Storage means;
Based on information on the specific symbol combination stored in the specific symbol storage means, a gaming state transition means for shifting a plurality of the gaming states,
With
As the specific symbol combination , a first specific symbol combination and a second specific symbol combination are provided,
The gaming state transition means includes
In the predetermined gaming state, when the value of the counter becomes 0, the state is shifted to the specific gaming state,
A first game state transition combination among the plurality of game state transition combinations is determined as the internal winning combination, and the first specific symbol combination corresponding to the first game state transition combination along one active line is when it is displayed, it is shifted to a first predetermined gaming state in which the winning probability is higher than the specific game state before Symbol predetermined combination,
Of the plurality of gaming state transition combinations, a second gaming state transition combination is determined as the internal winning combination, and the second specific symbol combination corresponding to the second gaming state transition combination along one active line is When displayed, the winning probability of the predetermined combination is shifted to a second predetermined gaming state that is higher than the specific gaming state,
The first game state transition combination and the second game state transition combination are determined as the internal winning combination, and the first specific symbol combination and the second specific symbol along a plurality of the effective lines. When a combination is displayed, a transition is made to a third predetermined gaming state in which the winning probability of the predetermined combination is higher than the first predetermined gaming state and the second predetermined gaming state ,
The number of games set in the counter when transitioning to the third predetermined gaming state is the number of games set in the counter when transitioning to the first predetermined gaming state and the second predetermined gaming state. A gaming machine characterized by being a total of the number of games set in the counter when the game state is entered .

Images