JP5935145B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a symbol display device capable of displaying symbols relating to a game.

  In a pachinko machine as a gaming machine, a big hit lottery is performed when a game ball (game medium) wins at a starting port provided on the gaming board, and a graphic display is changed on an image display device such as a liquid crystal display unit. To start. When a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the symbol is stopped and displayed according to the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game is started. Here, until the result of the big hit lottery is notified after the game ball is won at the start opening, the image display device performs effects (so-called notice effects and reach effects) for displaying various symbols and characters. To improve gameplay.

  In addition, in slot machines as gaming machines, a lottery of a winning combination is performed and a plurality of rotating reels with various symbols are rotated when a player inserts a medal (game medium) and operates a start switch. To do. Then, the reels are sequentially stopped according to the lottery result of the winning combination and the player's operation of the stop switch, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line which is the line to be paid out. In this case, a game profit corresponding to the winning combination is given to the player, such as a predetermined number of medals being paid out.

  Here, even in recent slot machines, for the purpose of improving game play, it is a mainstream to perform various effects such as displaying various symbols and characters on an image display device such as a liquid crystal display unit.

  Then, as an effect of displaying various symbols and characters in the image display device, in the variation display of the symbol, instead of the normal variation symbol, a special variation symbol that suggests the development of the future effect is variably displayed. A gaming machine that stops and displays special variation symbols is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-188086 A

  However, in the image display device, if special display control such as display control of a special variation design different from the normal variation design is performed instead of the normal variation design, the design control dedicated to the special display control is performed. Data had to be prepared, resulting in increased storage capacity and control processing load.

  In view of such problems, the present invention has an object of providing a gaming machine capable of performing special display control different from normal display control without causing an increase in storage capacity or a load of control processing. It is said.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a symbol display unit capable of performing variable display and stop display of a symbol related to a game, and a stop symbol as the symbol to be displayed on the symbol display unit. Stop symbol determining means for determining, first array information in which the symbol number defining the display order of the symbols and the symbol are associated with each other, and a number of symbols different from the symbol number of the first array information and the symbols And a second symbol including a special symbol associated with a symbol number which is a symbol number different from the symbol number of the first sequence information and has a fixed sequence order with the symbol number of the first sequence information . a sequence information storage means for storing the sequence information, if the special symbol is the stop symbols determined by the symbol determination unit determines the second sequence information as the sequence information, the stop symbol determined If not the the stop symbol is a special symbol that is determined by the means, and the sequence information determination means for determining the first sequence information as the sequence information, and the stop symbols in the sequence information determined by the sequence information determination means Display symbol determining means for determining a display symbol as the symbol to be displayed on the symbol display means based on a relative arrangement relationship ; change information relating to the variation display or stop display of the symbol; the first arrangement information or Change information storage means that is shared and stored with each of the symbols associated with the symbol number of the second sequence information, the display symbols determined by the display symbol determination means, and the change information storage In accordance with the change information stored in the means, the symbol display means causes the symbol display means to variably display or stop display the display symbol. Characterized by comprising a.

Number determination means for determining whether or not the last symbol number corresponding to the symbol number of the last display order is exceeded based on the sequence information determined by the sequence information determination unit, and the display symbol determination means, when it is determined to exceed the final symbol number by the number determining means, the pattern number may be replaced with the number of the remainder of the design of sequence information determined by the sequence information determination unit.

  According to the present invention, even when special display control different from normal display control is performed, the same symbol control data as normal display control is used, and special display control can be handled in the same manner as normal display control. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity and the load of control processing.

It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is an external view in the state which opened the front door for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is a figure which shows notionally the arrangement | sequence of the liquid crystal design image displayed on a liquid crystal display part. It is a figure which shows the high-order table data structure and intermediate | middle table data structure of display control table data. It is a figure which shows the liquid crystal design image matched with the low-order table data structure of display control table data, and low-order table data. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed the command reception process of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of the liquid crystal control board. It is the flowchart which showed the liquid crystal command reception process of a liquid crystal control board. It is the flowchart which showed the design replacement process of a liquid crystal control board. It is an example of the concept of the liquid crystal design image drawn on the image display area of VRAM, and the first half part of the actual liquid crystal design image displayed on a liquid crystal display part. It is an example of the second half part of the concept of the liquid crystal symbol image drawn on the image display area of VRAM, and the actual liquid crystal symbol image displayed on a liquid crystal display part. It is an example of the structure of the low-order table designated when a middle symbol stop liquid crystal command is received.

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

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

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

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

  The medal insertion unit 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation base 122 accepts insertion of medals as game media from the medal insertion slot (insertion slot) 124a. The medal insertion unit 124 includes an insertion medal detection unit 124b. The insertion medal detection unit 124b passes through the medal insertion port 124a, and is within a standard by a medal selector (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front lower door 106. Medals determined to be detected. At this time, the non-standard medal that has passed through the medal insertion slot 124a is discharged from the medal discharge slot 108a to the tray 108 by the medal selector. When a player inserts more medals than the prescribed number, which is the number of inserted medals necessary to start one game, the prescribed number of medals exceeds the prescribed number (for example, 50). The upper limit is electronically stored in the slot machine 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as “credit”). Here, one game refers to a series of games that can be paid out once when a medal is inserted. In the present embodiment, the specified number is set to “3”.

  The bet button 126 is a push-type button switch that inputs (bets) a prescribed number of medals out of credited medals. The start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation unit installation base 122 is formed by a start lever capable of detecting a tilting operation or a button switch capable of detecting a pressing operation, and detects a start operation of one game by a player.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the reel unit 134 located at the approximate center of the lower portion of the front upper door 104 has rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each of the regions equally divided into 21. However, the players can rotate independently, and the player can visually recognize the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c through a colorless and transparent symbol display window 136 made of a glass plate or a transparent resin plate. . The reel unit 134 starts to rotate the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c when the start switch 128 is operated.

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

  A liquid crystal display unit 138 that displays various images associated with the effect is provided at a substantially upper central position of the front upper door 104. In addition, the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 138 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and the inner left and right positions of the saucer portion 108 on the back surface of the front lower door 106 are audible effects (output from sound sources) such as sound effects and musical sounds. There is provided a speaker device 140 for showing all sounds and performing a concept (including BGM such as a pseudo sound of a human voice or music). Furthermore, an effect lamp 142 made up of, for example, a high-intensity light emitting diode (LED) is provided on the upper and left and right of the front upper door 104.

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

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the back side of the reel unit 134, among the symbols applied to the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the symbol corresponding to the symbol display window 136 (the target of the effective line) A reel backlight 144 (see FIG. 4) is provided to irradiate the upper, middle and lower symbols of each rotary reel independently from the back side. In addition, a reel upper light 146 that directly irradiates the front of all of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is also provided on the upper back of the symbol display window 136.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, in the operation unit installation base 122, the main credit display unit 152 and the step unit 122 a that is formed between the rotary reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and the stop switch 130, which are substantially horizontal, A main payout display unit 154 is provided. Further, a sub credit display unit 156 and a sub payout display unit 158 are provided between the symbol display window 136 and the operation unit installation base 122. The main credit display unit 152 and the sub credit display unit 156 display the number of credits, and the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158 display the number of paid out medals.

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

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

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

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

  The medal payout device 264 is connected to the main control board 200. A detection signal of the payout medal detection unit 264c is input to the main control board 200, and the main CPU 200a counts the number of medals to be paid out according to the detection signal, and receives the medal from the payout control unit 264b. Control emissions.

  In addition, a plurality of error detection sensors 148 that detect various errors are connected to the main control board 200, and the main CPU 200a receives various error detection signals from the error detection sensor 148 and executes various error processes. The error detection sensors 148 are provided at a plurality of locations where an error should be detected, and the error contents of each error detection signal (for example, opening of the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106) can be identified. ing.

(Sub-control board 202)
Similar to the main control board 200, the sub control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 202a that is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 202b that stores programs, a sub RAM 202c that functions as a work area, and the like. Based on the command signal from the control board 200, the effect is controlled. A liquid crystal control board 204 is connected to the sub control board 202.

  The liquid crystal control board 204 includes a liquid crystal CPU 204a that is a central processing unit, a liquid crystal ROM 204b that stores programs, image data, and the like, a liquid crystal RAM 204c that functions as a work area, a VRAM 204d that functions as a work area when performing image control, and the like. The liquid crystal display unit 138 is controlled by two-way communication with the sub-control board 202 having a semiconductor integrated circuit.

  Note that a random number generator 256 is provided on both the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202. The random number generated by the random number generator 256 is used in the main control board 200 to determine the gaming profit to be given to the player (first internal lottery random number), and in the sub-control board 202, the main control board 200 Is used to determine the mode of production (second internal lottery random number).

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

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing related to the production of the sub control board 202 will be described. When the sub CPU 202a receives a game command generated on the main control board 200 based on the insertion of a medal into the medal insertion unit 124 or the operation of the bet button 126, the start switch 128, and the stop switch 130, the game command is received. Accordingly, the liquid crystal command, the voice command, and the illumination command are collectively determined using the effect lottery table.

  Here, the liquid crystal command is a command for displaying an image corresponding to the effect on the liquid crystal display unit 138, the voice command is a command for outputting the sound corresponding to the effect to the speaker device 140, and the illumination command is used for the effect. This is a command for realizing the corresponding illumination mode with the effect lamp 142 or the like.

  When the sub CPU 202a determines the liquid crystal command, the voice command, and the illumination command, first, the sub CPU 202a stores the liquid crystal command in the liquid crystal command buffer in the sub RAM 202c. The liquid crystal commands stored in the liquid crystal command buffer are transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204 in the order in which they are stored (FIFO). Upon receiving a liquid crystal command from the sub control board 202, the liquid crystal CPU 204a of the liquid crystal control board 204 extracts liquid crystal display data from the liquid crystal ROM 204b based on the liquid crystal command, and displays an image based on the liquid crystal display data on the liquid crystal display unit 138. .

  However, regarding the liquid crystal command, the processing time for a predetermined frame (for example, 30 msec) from when the liquid crystal control board 204 receives the liquid crystal command until an image based on the liquid crystal command is displayed (until the display is completed). Necessary. Here, the frame refers to a cycle in which an image is updated in the liquid crystal display unit 138.

  Further, the sub CPU 202a sets the determined voice command in the sound source IC. The sound source IC refers to the sound data from the sound ROM based on the set sound command, and outputs the sound signal to the speaker device 140. Further, the sub CPU 202a sets the determined illumination command in the illumination pattern control IC. The illumination pattern control IC refers to the illumination pattern data from the illumination ROM based on the set illumination command, generates an illumination signal, and independently provides the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, etc. Control.

(Liquid crystal pattern arrangement displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138)
FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing the arrangement of the liquid crystal symbol images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display unit 138 displays three columns of liquid crystal symbol images of left, right, and middle when a specific condition is satisfied. In displaying the liquid crystal symbol image, as shown in FIG. 5, the liquid crystal ROM 204b has a liquid crystal symbol number of 0 to 7 or 0 to 8 indicating the display order of the liquid crystal symbol image and a liquid crystal symbol image (texture of the liquid crystal symbol). Information on the liquid crystal symbol reel associated with the name) is stored. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 138 scrolls from the top to the bottom in order from the liquid crystal symbol image of the liquid crystal symbol number 1, the liquid crystal symbol image of the liquid crystal symbol number 2,... It will be displayed.

  Here, “establishment of a specific condition” for displaying a liquid crystal symbol image means a transition to the BB gaming state, a transition to the RT state in which the winning probability of replay is improved, and the type of winning combination Transition to the AT state, transition to the ART state that combines the RT state and the AT state, winning or winning a specific winning combination, winning a predetermined production lottery, and the like. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal symbol image is displayed when a specific condition is satisfied. However, the liquid crystal symbol image may be displayed every time without setting the specific condition.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, a first liquid crystal symbol reel in which liquid crystal symbol numbers 0 to 7 are associated with eight liquid crystal symbol images, and as shown in FIG. 5B. In addition, a second liquid crystal symbol reel in which liquid crystal symbol numbers 0 to 8 are associated with nine liquid crystal symbol images is stored. The first liquid crystal symbol reel is referred to when displaying the liquid crystal symbol image in the left and right columns, and the two liquid crystal symbol reels of the first liquid crystal symbol reel or the second liquid crystal symbol reel are displayed when the liquid crystal symbol image in the middle column is displayed. One of the liquid crystal symbol reels is referred to.

  Here, when the first liquid crystal symbol reel and the second liquid crystal symbol reel are compared, the number of the liquid crystal symbol images arranged on the first liquid crystal symbol reel and the second liquid crystal symbol reel is different. The number of liquid crystal symbol images arranged on the reel is larger, and the second liquid crystal symbol reel has a special liquid crystal symbol image that is not arranged on the first liquid crystal symbol reel (texture name = tokuyu). It is arranged.

  In the present embodiment, only the liquid crystal symbol reel of the two liquid crystal symbol reels of the first liquid crystal symbol reel or the second liquid crystal symbol reel is referred to only when displaying the liquid crystal symbol image in the middle row. However, when displaying the liquid crystal symbol images in the left and right columns, one of the two liquid crystal symbol reels may be referred to. Further, the number of types of liquid crystal symbol reels is not limited to two, and it is sufficient that there are at least two types.

  Further, the number of liquid crystal symbol images arranged on the liquid crystal symbol reel is not limited to eight or nine, and the design can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, a special liquid crystal symbol image is associated with the last liquid crystal symbol number on the second liquid crystal symbol reel, but the design of the liquid crystal symbol number associated with the special liquid crystal symbol can be changed as appropriate.

(Display control table data structure)
Then, the liquid crystal design image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 is subjected to display control according to display control table data as shown in FIGS. Such display control table data is stored in the liquid crystal ROM 204b.

  The display control table data is composed of the upper table data shown in FIG. 6 (a), the middle table data shown in FIG. 6 (b), and the lower table data shown in FIG. 7 (a). Also, the middle table data shown in FIG. 6B is designated from the upper table data shown in FIG. 6A, and the middle table data shown in FIG. 6B is designated in FIG. 7A. Subdivided and configured to specify lower table data.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the upper table data structure has a plurality (1 to n) of liquid crystal commands transmitted from the sub control board 202 and the types of images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 in association with each other. ) Medium table group.

  When the liquid crystal command is received from the sub control board 202, the middle table data is designated for each of the middle table groups based on the received liquid crystal command by the upper table data shown in FIG. To do.

  For example, when the left symbol stop liquid crystal command related to the stop of the left column symbol shown in FIG. 6A is received, the middle table data 10 corresponding to the background image (background layer) is designated from the middle table group 1, The middle table data 21 corresponding to the left column symbol (start of the left column symbol stop) is designated from the middle table group 2, and the middle table data corresponding to the right column symbol (right column symbol variation) is designated from the middle table group 3. 30 is specified, the middle table data 40 corresponding to the middle row symbol (middle row symbol variation) is designated from the middle table group 4, and the character image (character layer) is designated from the middle table group n. The middle table data n2 to be specified is designated.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the intermediate table data structure is configured by associating the address values of the lower table data. The address value of the lower-order table data can be specified by this middle-level table data. It should be noted that the number of address values of the lower table data associated with each middle table data is not necessarily the same, and one or more (a plurality of address values (depending on the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138) ( 1 to s).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (c-1), when the middle table data 21 corresponds to the left column symbol, the address value 1 of the lower table data 20 corresponding to the fifth symbol in the left column, Address value 2 of lower table data 21 corresponding to the fourth symbol, address value 3 of lower table data 22 corresponding to the third symbol in the left column, address value 4 of lower table data 23 corresponding to the second symbol in the left column A total of five address values are designated as the address value 5 of the lower table data 24 corresponding to the first symbol in the left column. Similarly, in the middle table data 31 corresponding to the right column symbol, the five address values of the lower table data 30 to 34 corresponding to the fifth to first symbols in the right column, the middle column corresponding to the middle column symbol. In the case of the position table data 41, five address values of the lower table data 40 to 44 corresponding to the fifth to first symbols in the middle row are designated (FIGS. 6C-2 and 6C-3). reference).

  Here, with respect to the lower table data for the liquid crystal symbol image, as shown in FIG. 7B, the first to fifth symbols in the left column, the first to fifth symbols in the right column, and the first in the middle column. A total of 15 liquid crystal symbol images corresponding to the fifth symbol are associated. The liquid crystal CPU 204a draws each liquid crystal design image in the virtual display area 204e of the VRAM 204d, and displays the image drawn in the image display area 204f in the virtual display area 204e on the liquid crystal display unit 138.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the lower table data structure includes, as an example, the texture name (image) to be drawn, the horizontal and vertical widths of the drawn image, the X and Y coordinates of the drawn image, stop The difference value from the liquid crystal symbol image to be displayed, the stop flag for determining the stop start related to the transition to the stop change, the call function name for calling the function, the wait timer value indicating the drawing standby time, the movement of the image to be drawn Value (X movement value indicating a difference value from the previous X coordinate, Y movement value indicating a difference value from the previous Y coordinate), and the like.

  Note that not all the lower-level table data is configured as shown in FIG. 7A, and is configured with data of items as necessary.

  For example, the liquid crystal CPU 204a reads an image corresponding to the texture name from the liquid crystal ROM 204b according to the lower table data, and reads the read image with the set horizontal and vertical widths at the set X and Y coordinates. The image is drawn in the virtual display area 204e. If it is a wait timer value, it waits until the wait timer, and if there is a movement value, the image is moved and drawn by the movement value. If there is a call function name, the function is called.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, an outline of one game will be described along the main process of the main control board 200.

(Step S100)
First, the main CPU 200a clears the main RAM 200c (RAM clear) and sets set values (e.g., six levels of 1 to 6) indicating expected values of the ratio of the payout number with respect to the input number as necessary in preparation for the start of the game. Execute initialization processing such as setting processing. This initialization process is performed only when the power is turned on, when the set value is changed, when the RAM is cleared, and the connection status and operating status of various devices including the reel unit 134 are confirmed. Further, the main CPU 200a generates backup data while the power is turned on, holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c, and in the event that an unexpected power failure occurs, the stored backup data is retained in this initialization process. The process to return to the state before power-off is executed using.

(Step S200)
Next, the main CPU 200a places a bet on the medal by operating the bet button 126 in a situation where a specified number of medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 124 or a credit exceeding the specified number is stored. Then, the operation of the start switch 128 is awaited. Further, in response to the bet operation for medals, the main CPU 200a transmits a throw command indicating that the operation has been performed to the sub-control board 202. When the operation of the start switch 128 is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S300.

(Step S300)
Next, the main CPU 200a performs an internal lottery to determine one of a plurality of winning combinations and losers based on the first internal lottery random number generated by the random number generator 256 according to the operation of the start switch 128. Do. Further, in response to the operation of the start switch 128, the main CPU 200a transmits a start command indicating that the operation has been performed to the sub-control board 202.

  In the slot machine 100, a plurality of game states are provided when the game progresses, and a plurality of lottery tables corresponding to these game states and set values are stored in the main ROM 200b. The main CPU 200a selects a corresponding lottery table according to the current gaming state and setting value stored in the main RAM 200c, and the random number corresponds to any winning combination in the lottery table based on the selected lottery table. Judge whether to do.

  Here, the winning combination extracted from each lottery table includes a replay combination, a small combination, and a bonus combination. The state in which the symbol combinations corresponding to such winning combinations are aligned on the active line is called display (winning), and the state until winning the winning combination and displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed internally. It is called winning. Of the winning combinations, the replay combination is a combination in which a medal bet is not required for the next game when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line. The symbol combination corresponding to is displayed on the active line, so that a predetermined number of medals can be paid out. The bonus combination is a winning combination that can shift the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the BB (big bonus) gaming state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the active line. . Here, the normal game state is a game state using a lottery table (normal game state lottery table) in which the winning probability of the small role is set so that the medal decreases as the game progresses in determining the winning combination. is there. On the other hand, the BB gaming state is a gaming state that uses a lottery table (BB gaming state lottery table) in which the winning probabilities of small combinations are set so that medals increase in determining the winning combination.

  The above-mentioned start command includes not only the operation of the start switch 128 but also the internal lottery result (winning combination), information on the gaming state, and the like.

(Step S400)
When the lottery process is completed as described above, the main CPU 200a then drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. In this reel rotation process, if a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has passed since the rotation start time of the rotary reels 134a, 134b, 134c in the previous one game, the predetermined time has passed. Otherwise, after a predetermined time elapses, the rotation reels 134a, 134b, 134c in the game are started to rotate, and when all of the rotation reels 134a, 134b, 134c are rotated at a constant speed, a stop button switch The operation of 130a, 130b, 130c is validated.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, when the main CPU 200a receives an operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c by the player while the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c are activated, the main CPU 200a rotates the reels 134a, Each of 134b and 134c is stopped according to a predetermined stop control. Further, the main CPU 200a transmits a stop command indicating that the operation has been performed to the sub-control board 202 in response to the operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c.

(Step S600)
Next, the main CPU 200a determines the symbol combination displayed on the active line, and executes various processes required for turning on / off each flag, changing the gaming state, and replaying based on the determination result. And we will prepare for the next game. When the main CPU 200a determines that the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination is displayed on the active line, the main CPU 200a executes a payout process for paying out medals corresponding to the small combination. Further, the main CPU 200a transmits a winning command indicating that the medal payout process has been performed to the sub-control board 202.

(Processing of sub-control board 202)
Hereinafter, processing of the sub-control board 202 will be described, but here, processing related to the features of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and description of configurations irrelevant to the features of the present embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main process of the sub control board 202.

(Step S1000)
First, when the power is turned on, the sub CPU 202a initializes the sub RAM 202c and the like, and executes an initialization process for permitting an interrupt.

(Step S1001)
Next, the sub CPU 202a monitors the input of commands from the main control board 200.

(Step S1002)
Next, the sub CPU 202a analyzes a command received from the main control board 200 and executes various processes based on the received command. Hereinafter, the command reception process S1002 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the command reception process of step S1002. In the command reception process, for example, an effect based on the winning combination determined in the lottery process S300 is executed.

(Step S1101)
In FIG. 10, first, the sub CPU 202a determines whether a command is received. As a result, if a command has not been received, the command reception process is terminated. If a command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1102.

(Step S1102)
If it is determined in step S1101 that a command has been received, the sub CPU 202a determines whether the received command is a start command. As a result, if it is a start command, the process proceeds to step S1103, and if it is not a start command, the process proceeds to step S1106.

(Step S1103)
If it is determined in step S1102 that the command is a start command, the sub CPU 202a refers to an effect lottery table (not shown) and determines an effect mode performed in the game.

(Step S1104)
Based on the effect mode determined in step S1103, the sub CPU 202a determines a symbol rotation liquid crystal command, a symbol rotation voice command, and a symbol rotation illumination command for starting the variable display of the liquid crystal symbol image, and determines the determined symbol. A rotation liquid crystal command or the like is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204 or the like.

(Step S1105)
Based on the effect mode determined in step S1103, the sub CPU 202a determines a registered symbol liquid crystal command for designating a liquid crystal symbol number (liquid crystal symbol image) to be stopped and displays the determined registered symbol liquid crystal command on the liquid crystal control board 204. Send to. In particular, in the registered symbol liquid crystal command of this embodiment, three liquid crystal symbol numbers (liquid crystal symbol images) in the left, middle, and right columns are designated. The number of liquid crystal symbol numbers (liquid crystal symbol images) specified by the registered symbol liquid crystal command is not limited to three.

(Step S1106)
If it is determined in step S1102 that a start command has not been received, the sub CPU 202a determines whether the received command is a stop command. As a result, if it is a stop command, the process proceeds to step S1107, and if it is not a stop command, the process proceeds to step S1114.

(Step S1107)
If it is determined in step S1106 that the command is a stop command, the sub CPU 202a adds 1 to the stop counter in the sub RAM 202c and updates it. Here, the “stop counter” is for counting the number of times the stop switch 130 is pressed for one game, and the sub CPU 202a indicates the number of times the stop switch 130 is pressed by the stop counter. I can grasp it.

(Step S1108)
When the stop counter is updated by adding 1 in step S1107, the sub CPU 202a determines whether or not the stop counter is 1.

(Step S1109)
If it is determined in step S1108 that the stop counter is 1, the sub CPU 202a determines that the first pressing operation of the stop switch 130 has been performed, and the left symbol stop liquid crystal command, the left symbol stop voice command, and the left symbol stop The illumination command is determined, and the determined liquid crystal command or the like is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204.

(Step S1110)
If it is determined in step S1108 that the stop counter is not 1, the sub CPU 202a determines whether or not the stop counter is 2.

(Step S1111)
If it is determined in step S1110 that the stop counter is 2, the sub CPU 202a determines that the second press operation of the stop switch 130 has been performed, and the right symbol stop liquid crystal command, the right symbol stop voice command, and the right symbol stop The illumination command is determined, and the determined liquid crystal command or the like is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204.

(Step S1112)
If it is determined in step S1110 that the stop counter is not 2, the sub CPU 202a determines that the third pressing operation of the stop switch 130 has been performed, and the middle symbol stop liquid crystal command, the middle symbol stop voice command, and the middle symbol stop illumination. The command is determined, and the determined liquid crystal command or the like is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204.

(Step S1113)
When the middle symbol stop liquid crystal command or the like is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204 in step S1112, the sub CPU 202a clears the stop counter to zero.

(Step S1114)
If it is determined in step S1106 that a stop command has not been received, the sub CPU 202a executes processing corresponding to a command other than the start command and the stop command. For example, if it is an insertion command, a liquid crystal command for displaying the number of insertions and outputting an insertion sound is determined, and if it is a winning command, a liquid crystal command for displaying a winning combination and a medal payout number, etc. And various determined commands are transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204 and the like.

(Processing of liquid crystal control board 204)
Hereinafter, processing of the liquid crystal control board 204 will be described, but here, processing related to the features of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and description of configurations irrelevant to the features of the present embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main process of the liquid crystal control board 204.

(Step S2100)
The liquid crystal CPU 204a monitors the input of a liquid crystal command from the sub-control board 202, and when a new liquid crystal command is received, performs a liquid crystal command reception process for preparing to perform image display control. The liquid crystal command reception process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

(Step S2200)
Then, the liquid crystal CPU 204a performs a structure analysis process on the display control table data. In the structure analysis process of the display control table data, image display control is performed based on the designated lower table data. Specifically, an image corresponding to the texture name is read from the liquid crystal ROM 204b in accordance with the lower table data designated in step S2105 or step S2109 described later, and the read image is set to the set X and Y coordinates. The image is drawn in the virtual display area 204e with the horizontal width and vertical width. If it is a wait timer value, it waits until the wait timer, and if there is a movement value, the image is moved and drawn by the movement value. If there is a call function name, the function is called.

(Step S2300)
The liquid crystal CPU 204a performs a symbol replacement process in order to update the liquid crystal symbol number. The details of this symbol replacement process will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Step S2400)
The liquid crystal CPU 204a performs a VSYNC interrupt wait process in order to update (synchronize) an image frame on the liquid crystal display unit 138. In this VSYNC interrupt wait process, the process waits until a VSYNC signal (vertical synchronization signal) is input from an oscillator (not shown) provided in the liquid crystal control board 204. When the VSYNC signal (vertical synchronization signal) is input, the wait timer value is updated.

  In the present embodiment, assuming that the generation period of the VSYNC signal is set to 30 ms, the wait timer value is updated every 30 ms. The generation period of the VSYNC signal is not limited to 30 ms, and may be configured with 1/60 s (about 16.6 ms) or 1/30 s (about 33.3 ms). Furthermore, it is not limited to waiting until the VSYNC signal is input once, but may be configured to wait until the VSYNC signal is input a predetermined number of times.

(Step S2500)
The liquid crystal CPU 204a performs character display processing in order to display an image on the liquid crystal display unit 138. In this character display process, image data (for example, RGB signals) of an image drawn in the image display area 204f of the VRAM 204d is generated, and the generated image data is output to the liquid crystal display unit 138.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the liquid crystal command reception process in step S2100.

(Step S2101)
In FIG. 12, first, the liquid crystal CPU 204a determines whether a liquid crystal command has been received. As a result, if a liquid crystal command has not been received, the liquid crystal command reception process is terminated. If a liquid crystal command has been received, the process proceeds to step S2102.

(Step S2102)
If it is determined in step S2101 that a liquid crystal command is received, the liquid crystal CPU 204a determines whether the received liquid crystal command is a registered symbol liquid crystal command. As a result, if it is a registered symbol liquid crystal command, the process proceeds to step S2103, and if it is not a registered symbol liquid crystal command, the process proceeds to step S2104.

(Step S2103)
If it is determined in step S2102 that the command is a registered symbol liquid crystal command, the liquid crystal CPU 204a uses the liquid crystal symbol numbers of the left, middle, and right columns specified by the received registered symbol liquid crystal command as the first registered symbol. And stored in the first storage area in the liquid crystal RAM 204c.

(Step S2104)
If it is determined in step S2102 that it is not a registered symbol liquid crystal command, the liquid crystal CPU 204a determines whether the received liquid crystal command is a symbol rotation liquid crystal command. As a result, if it is a symbol rotation liquid crystal command, the process proceeds to step S2105, and if it is not a symbol rotation liquid crystal command, the process proceeds to step S2106.

(Step S2105)
If it is determined in step S2104 that the command is a symbol rotation liquid crystal command, the liquid crystal CPU 204a designates display control table data (lower table data). Specifically, first, from the upper table data as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the intermediate table data shown in FIG. 6 (b) for each of the intermediate table groups based on the received liquid crystal command. Is specified. Next, lower table data as shown in FIG. 7A is specified from the specified middle table data.

(Step S2106)
If it is determined in step S2104 that the command is not a symbol rotation liquid crystal command, the liquid crystal CPU 204a determines that the received liquid crystal command is one of the left symbol stop liquid crystal command, the right symbol stop liquid crystal command, and the middle symbol stop liquid crystal command. It is determined whether it is. As a result, if it is a symbol stop liquid crystal command, the process proceeds to step S2107, and if it is not a symbol stop liquid crystal command, the process proceeds to step S2110.

(Step S2107)
If it is determined in step S2106 that the command is a symbol stop liquid crystal command, the liquid crystal CPU 204a further determines whether or not the received liquid crystal command is a middle symbol stop liquid crystal command. As a result, if it is a middle symbol stop liquid crystal command, the process proceeds to step S2108, and if it is not a middle symbol stop liquid crystal command, the process proceeds to step S2109.

(Step S2108)
When it is determined in step S2107 that the command is a middle symbol stop liquid crystal command, the liquid crystal CPU 204a secondly registers the liquid crystal symbol numbers of the left, middle, and right columns stored in the first storage area in the liquid crystal RAM 204c. The liquid crystal symbol number indicating the symbol is also stored in the second storage area in the liquid crystal RAM 204c. That is, when the middle symbol stop liquid crystal command is received, the second registered symbol is updated to the first registered symbol designated by the registered symbol liquid crystal command.

  In this way, the same registered symbol is stored in different storage areas in the first storage area and the second storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c, as will be described later, when starting the variable display of the liquid crystal pattern image. When the liquid crystal symbol number (second registered symbol) stored in the second storage area is referred to, the liquid crystal symbol image related to the previous stop is displayed, and when the stop display of the liquid crystal symbol image is started, the first storage area This is because the liquid crystal symbol number (first registered symbol) stored in is referred to and the liquid crystal symbol image related to the current variation display is displayed. As a result, the first liquid crystal symbol reel shown in FIG. 5A and the second liquid crystal symbol reel shown in FIG. It is possible to eliminate inconsistencies that suddenly change to different liquid crystal design images.

  For example, in the previous game, it is assumed that the second liquid crystal symbol reel shown in FIG. 5B is determined and the liquid crystal symbol image that has been stopped is an image corresponding to the liquid crystal symbol number 8. If the first liquid crystal symbol reel shown in FIG. 5A is determined in this game, the liquid crystal symbol number 8 is toggled at the start of the variation of the liquid crystal symbol image to correspond to the liquid crystal symbol number 0. After the liquid crystal design image is replaced, the variable display is started. That is, when a variable display is started when the liquid crystal symbol image imitating “sealing” corresponding to the liquid crystal symbol number 8 is stopped and displayed, “sealing” corresponding to the liquid crystal symbol number 8 is displayed as the liquid crystal symbol number 0. Instead of the liquid crystal symbol image imitating “one” corresponding to, the variable display is started. However, in the present embodiment, when the same liquid crystal symbol number is stored in a different storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c and the liquid crystal symbol image starts to be displayed in a variable manner, the liquid crystal symbol number stored in the second storage area (second Since the registered symbols are referred to, the display of variation can be started by taking over the previous liquid crystal symbol reel. For this reason, it is possible to eliminate the inconsistency that the liquid crystal symbol image that has been stopped and displayed is suddenly replaced with a different liquid crystal symbol image at the start of the variation of the liquid crystal symbol image.

  In this embodiment, the second registered symbol is updated to the first registered symbol when the middle symbol stopped liquid crystal command is received in step S2108. However, the left symbol stopped liquid crystal command or the right symbol stopped liquid crystal command is configured. When the command is received, the second registered symbol may be updated to the first registered symbol, and if it is after the high-speed liquid crystal symbol image display that is difficult for the player to see, the update is performed. The timing is not limited.

(Step S2109)
Next, the liquid crystal CPU 204a designates display control table data (lower table data) as in step S2105.

(Step S2110)
If it is determined in step S2106 that the symbol stop liquid crystal command has not been received, the liquid crystal CPU 204a executes processing corresponding to a liquid crystal command other than the registered symbol liquid crystal command, the symbol rotation liquid crystal command, and the symbol stop liquid crystal command. . For example, display control table data corresponding to various liquid crystal commands is designated, and data corresponding to various liquid crystal commands is generated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the symbol replacement process in step S2300, and is a process when the symbol replacement process function is called as the call function name from the lower table data shown in FIG. 7A. Although there are various functions other than the symbol replacement function in the calling function name of the lower table data shown in FIG. 7A, in this embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding, Processing is omitted.

(Step S2301)
First, the liquid crystal CPU 204a refers to the lower table data designated in step S2105 or step S2109, and determines whether or not the symbol replacement function has been called. As a result, if it is determined that the symbol replacement processing function has been called, the process proceeds to step S2302, and if it is determined that the symbol replacement processing function has not been called, the symbol replacement processing ends.

(Step S2302)
The liquid crystal CPU 204a refers to the lower table data specified in step S2105 or step S2109, and determines whether or not a stop flag set in advance in the lower table is ON. As a result, if it is determined that the stop flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S2303. If it is determined that the stop flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S2306. This stop flag is set to ON / OFF in the specified lower table data. When the stop flag is ON, the liquid crystal symbol image is stopped after the high-speed fluctuation display and the low-speed fluctuation display. Display is performed.

(Step S2303)
If it is determined in step S2302 that the stop flag is ON, the liquid crystal CPU 204a stores the liquid crystal symbol number (first registered symbol) of the column that is stored in the first storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c and is about to be stopped. Referring to, information on the liquid crystal symbol reel used in the stop display of the liquid crystal symbol image is determined.

  Specifically, whether or not the liquid crystal symbol number (first registered symbol) of the column that is stored in the first storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c and is intended to be stopped is the liquid crystal symbol number 8 of the special symbol ( First registration symbol = liquid crystal symbol number 8?), And if the first registration symbol = liquid crystal symbol number 8 is not determined, information on the first liquid crystal symbol reel is determined on the assumption that the first liquid crystal symbol reel is used. If the first registered symbol = liquid crystal symbol number 8, information on the second liquid crystal symbol reel is determined on the assumption that the second liquid crystal symbol reel is used. Then, as the liquid crystal symbol reel information, the maximum number of liquid crystal symbol images associated with each liquid crystal symbol reel is determined as mod. That is, in the present embodiment, mod = 8 is determined unless the first registered symbol = liquid crystal symbol number 8, and mod = 9 is determined if the first registered symbol = liquid crystal symbol number 8.

(Step S2304)
Next, the liquid crystal CPU 204a adds the difference value set in the lower table data designated in step S2105 or step S2109 to the liquid crystal symbol number (first registered symbol) stored in the first storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c. Then, a new liquid crystal symbol number is calculated.

(Step S2305)
The liquid crystal CPU 204a corrects the liquid crystal symbol number calculated in step S2304 so as to be within the range of the liquid crystal symbol number of the liquid crystal symbol reel determined in step S2303, and displays the corrected liquid crystal symbol number as the liquid crystal symbol of the display symbol. The number is stored in the display symbol storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c. As a result, when the liquid crystal symbol image is stopped from the high-speed variation variation display to the low-speed variation variation display, the liquid crystal symbol image can be replaced in accordance with the first registered symbol.

  Here, correcting the liquid crystal symbol number means dividing the liquid crystal symbol number calculated in step S2304 by the maximum number (mod) of the liquid crystal symbol images determined in step S2303, and calculating a remainder value resulting from the division. The calculation means that the calculated remainder value is corrected and stored in the display symbol storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c.

  For example, when the first registered symbol = 7 and the difference value = + 1, the liquid crystal symbol number = 8 is calculated as a new liquid crystal symbol number in step S2304. Here, if mod = 8 is determined in step S2303 to use the first liquid crystal symbol reel, the remainder value is 0, and the liquid crystal symbol number = 0 is determined. Further, if mod = 9 is determined to use the second liquid crystal symbol reel, the remainder value is 8, and the liquid crystal symbol number = 8 is determined. Thus, if the first liquid crystal symbol reel is determined, the symbols can be changed by toggling with the eight liquid crystal symbol numbers, and if the second liquid crystal symbol reel is determined, nine liquid crystal symbol reels can be replaced. Toggle with the number to replace the symbol.

(Step S2306)
Then, the liquid crystal CPU 204a stores in the second storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c and determines whether or not the liquid crystal symbol number (second registered symbol) of the column to be updated is the liquid crystal symbol number 8 of the special symbol (second registration). Design = liquid crystal design number 8?). As a result, if it is determined that the second registered symbol is a special symbol, the process proceeds to step S2307. If it is determined that the second registered symbol is not a special symbol, the process proceeds to step S2308.

(Step S2307)
If it is determined in step S2306 that the second registered symbol is a special symbol, the liquid crystal CPU 204a assumes that the second liquid crystal symbol reel has been determined and toggles with the MAX value +1 of the liquid crystal symbol number of the first liquid crystal symbol reel. The liquid crystal symbol number stored in the display symbol storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c is updated.

  Specifically, as described in steps S2303 to S2305 above, a predetermined update value is added to the liquid crystal symbol number stored in the display symbol storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c, and the added liquid crystal symbol number is set to the second liquid crystal symbol number. Dividing by mod = 9 corresponding to the liquid crystal symbol reel, the remainder value resulting from the division is stored in the display symbol storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c.

(Step S2308)
If it is determined in step S2306 that the second registered symbol is not a special symbol, the liquid crystal CPU 204a assumes that the first liquid crystal symbol reel has been determined, and toggles with the MAX value of the liquid crystal symbol number of the first liquid crystal symbol reel. The liquid crystal symbol number stored in the display symbol storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c is updated. This process is the same as that in step S2307 except that mod = 8 corresponding to the first liquid crystal symbol reel is set.

  Here, as shown in step S2108, the second registered symbol referenced in step S2306 is updated to the first registered symbol in the current game upon reception of the middle symbol stop liquid crystal command. . Therefore, the second registered symbol before receiving the middle symbol stop liquid crystal command remains the first registered symbol in the previous game, and the second registered symbol after receiving the middle symbol stopped liquid crystal command is the current registered symbol. This is the first registered symbol in the game.

  Therefore, the previous liquid crystal symbol reel can be taken over and toggled before the start of the stop display of the liquid crystal symbol image in the middle row. On the other hand, after the start of the stop display of the liquid crystal symbol image in the middle row (at the time of the change display when the stop display is performed after the change display of the high speed change through the change display of the low speed change), the second registered symbol has already been updated. Therefore, it can be toggled corresponding to the liquid crystal symbol reel of this time.

(An example of a liquid crystal design image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138)
Next, an example of a liquid crystal symbol image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  14 and 15 show the concept of a liquid crystal symbol image drawn in the image display region 204f in the virtual display region 204e of the VRAM 204d and the actual liquid crystal symbol image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138. FIG.

  Here, (a-1), (b-1),..., (G-1) in FIGS. 14 and 15 show the concept of the liquid crystal design image drawn in the virtual display area 204e. (A-2), (b-2),..., (G-2) of FIG. 15 show actual liquid crystal design images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138. In addition, the liquid crystal design image drawn in the virtual display area 204e of FIG. 14A-1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 as shown in FIG. 14A-2. 14 (a-1) and FIG. 14 (a-2) correspond to each other. The same applies to (b-1) and (b-2),..., (G-1) and (g-2) in FIGS.

  14A-1 and 14A-2 show a state in which the liquid crystal symbol image from the previous game is stopped and displayed.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 14 (a-1), the liquid crystal symbol images corresponding to the first symbol and the second symbol in each column are drawn below the image display region 204f in the virtual display region 204e. In the center of the display area 204f, a liquid crystal symbol image corresponding to the fourth symbol of each column is drawn.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 14A-2, a liquid crystal symbol image corresponding to the fourth symbol of each column is displayed at the center of the liquid crystal display unit 138. Here, the liquid crystal symbol numbers of the fourth symbol in each column are “0, 2, 4” in order from the left, and therefore, the numbers “1, 3, 5” are imitated in the center of the liquid crystal display unit 138. The displayed liquid crystal design image is displayed.

  Then, as the current game, when the player operates the start lever, the liquid crystal CPU 204a receives the registered symbol liquid crystal command and the symbol rotation liquid crystal command from the sub-control board 202, and displays control table data (lower table data). Based on the above, the fluctuation display of the liquid crystal design image is performed. That is, based on the received registered symbol liquid crystal command, the first registered symbol in the current game is determined, the lower table data is specified based on the received symbol rotation liquid crystal command, and based on the specified lower table data, Variation display of the liquid crystal design image is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (b-1), as an example of the present embodiment, the lower table data corresponding to the symbol of each column specified based on the symbol rotation liquid crystal command is the first table of each column at the start of fluctuation. The liquid crystal symbol images corresponding to the 4 symbols and the 5 symbols are set to be drawn on the upper part of the image display region 204f in the virtual display region 204e.

  Further, since the stop flag is turned off in the lower table data of the symbol rotation liquid crystal command, the liquid crystal symbol image is replaced by the registered symbol liquid crystal command (first registered symbol) received in the current game at this time. It is configured so that there is nothing.

  That is, when shifting from the state in which the liquid crystal symbol image is stopped to the state in which the variable display is started, regardless of the registered symbol liquid crystal command (first registered symbol) received in the current game, With reference to the liquid crystal symbol reel corresponding to the received registered symbol liquid crystal command (second registered symbol) and the liquid crystal symbol number set as the current display symbol, the liquid crystal is displayed so that the same liquid crystal symbol image is displayed. The symbol number is determined (see steps S2306 to S2308 in FIG. 13). For example, the liquid crystal symbol number of the second symbol in each column in the current game is determined to be the same number as the liquid crystal symbol number of the fourth symbol in each column in the previous game.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 14 (b-2), in the liquid crystal display unit 138, even when the liquid crystal symbol image is shifted from the stopped display state to the state in which the variable display is started, the same. A liquid crystal design image is displayed. In particular, the liquid crystal symbol number is determined so that the same liquid crystal symbol image is displayed by taking over the liquid crystal symbol reel corresponding to the registered symbol liquid crystal command (second registered symbol) received in the previous game. It is possible to eliminate the inconsistency that the liquid crystal symbol image that has been stopped and displayed is suddenly replaced with a different liquid crystal symbol image at the start of the change.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 14C-1 and 14D-1, every time there is a predetermined wait timer (predetermined frame), the liquid crystal symbol image corresponding to each symbol in each column is displayed in the virtual display area. Drawing is performed so as to move to the lower part of the image display area 204f in 204e.

  As a result, as shown in FIGS. 14 (c-2) and (d-2), on the liquid crystal display unit 138, the liquid crystal symbol image is variably displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom.

  After FIG. 14 (d-1), the liquid crystal symbol image is replaced (the liquid crystal symbol number is updated), and the process returns to FIG. 14 (b-1) until the stop switch 130 is operated by the player. 14 (b-1) to (d-1) are repeated to display the liquid crystal symbol image in a variable manner (see steps S2306 to S2308 in FIG. 13).

  When the stop switch 130 is operated by the player, the liquid crystal CPU 204a receives the symbol stop liquid crystal command from the sub control board 202, and stops displaying the liquid crystal symbol image based on the display control table data (lower table data). I do. That is, the lower table data is designated based on the received symbol rotation liquid crystal command, and the liquid crystal design image is stopped and displayed based on the designated lower table data.

  FIG. 16 is an example of the structure of the lower table of each symbol in the middle column specified when the middle symbol stop liquid crystal command is received.

  The middle row lower table shown in FIG. 16 has a total of five lower tables of the first to fifth symbols in the middle row. The lower table 40 shown in FIG. 16A shows the lower table of the fifth symbol in the middle column, the lower table 41 shown in FIG. 16B shows the lower table of the fourth symbol in the middle column, and FIG. The lower table 42 shown in FIG. 16 shows the lower table of the third symbol in the middle column, the lower table 43 shown in FIG. 16D shows the lower table of the second symbol in the middle column, and the lower table shown in FIG. The table 44 shows the lower table of the first symbol in the middle row.

  In addition, the lower table in the middle column shown in FIG. 16 includes, as an example, the name of the texture to be drawn (liquid crystal design image), the horizontal and vertical sizes of the liquid crystal design image to be drawn, the X coordinate and Y It is composed of coordinates, a difference value from the first registered symbol, a stop flag, a call function name, a wait timer value indicating a drawing standby time, and a movement value of an image to be drawn.

  Here, regarding the lower table of each symbol in the middle row shown in FIG. 16, the X coordinate is the same as that of each symbol in the middle row (X coordinate = 256), whereas the Y coordinate is the middle row. The coordinates are different for each symbol. Regarding the movement value, the X movement value is set to 0 for each symbol in the middle row, whereas the Y movement value is set to a negative value (−32). As a result, the liquid crystal symbol image corresponding to each symbol in the middle row does not move to the left and right (X coordinate) as shown in FIGS. The image is drawn in the virtual display area 204e.

  Also, regarding the lower table of each symbol in the middle column shown in FIG. 16, the call function name “z-sasaikae” is a call function name for calling the symbol replacement function shown in FIG. Each symbol in the middle row is ON (stop flag = 01).

  15 (e-1) and 15 (e-2), after the left symbol stop liquid crystal command and the right symbol stop liquid crystal command have been received and the liquid crystal symbol images in the left and right columns are stopped and displayed, a new middle symbol stop liquid crystal is newly displayed. This shows a state when a command is received and an attempt is made to start the stop display of the liquid crystal symbol image in the middle row. Then, based on the lower table of each symbol in the middle row shown in FIG. 16 corresponding to the middle symbol stop liquid crystal command, the middle row liquid crystal symbol image is stopped and displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (e-1), drawing of the symbols in the left and right columns is completed, and the liquid crystal symbol images corresponding to the first symbol and the second symbol are drawn in the lower part of the image display area 204f. Further, each symbol in the middle row receives a new symbol stop liquid crystal command, so that the display symbol of each symbol is replaced based on the first registered symbol corresponding to the current registered symbol liquid crystal command (FIG. 13 above). Steps S2301 to S2305).

  Specifically, if the liquid crystal symbol number “6, 8, 6” is designated in the order of left, middle, and right column as the liquid crystal symbol number of the first registered symbol by the registered symbol liquid crystal command, each symbol in the middle column Is added after adding the “difference value” in the lower table of the middle row shown in FIG. 16 with the liquid crystal symbol number “8” of the first registered symbol in the middle row as a reference and replacing the added design symbol number. .

  For example, according to the middle table fifth symbol lower table 40 shown in FIG. 16A, the middle row fifth symbol is the difference value “+1” to the liquid crystal symbol number “8” of the first registered symbol in the middle row. ”And the added liquid crystal symbol number“ 9 ”is replaced with the corrected (toggled) liquid crystal symbol number“ 0 ”. In addition, according to the fourth symbol lower table 41 in the middle row shown in FIG. 16B, the fourth symbol in the middle row is the difference value “0” to the liquid crystal symbol number “8” of the first registered symbol in the middle row. ”And the added liquid crystal symbol number“ 8 ”is replaced. According to the lower table 42 of the third symbol in the middle column shown in FIG. 16C, the third symbol in the middle column is the second symbol in the middle column. The difference value “−1” is added to the liquid crystal symbol number “8” of one registered symbol, and the added liquid crystal symbol number “7” is replaced. The same applies to the middle symbol second symbol lower table 43 shown in FIG. 16D and the middle symbol first symbol lower table 44 shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, as shown in FIGS. 15 (e-1), (f-1), and (g-1), the “wait timer value” and “movement value” of the lower table in the middle column shown in FIG. 16 are referred to. Thus, the liquid crystal design image is drawn in the virtual display area 204e of the VRAM 204d from the top to the bottom (see step S2200 in FIG. 11).

  At this time, the “wait timer value” and the “movement value” in the lower table in the middle row shown in FIG. 16 are slower than the high-speed fluctuation display as shown in FIGS. 14 (b-1) to (d-1). It is set so as to be a variable display. That is, the “wait timer value” in the lower table in the middle row shown in FIG. 16 is set to a longer time than the “wait timer value” in the lower table corresponding to FIGS. 14 (b-1) to (d-1). Has been.

  As a result, as shown in FIGS. 15 (e-2), (f-2), and (g-2), on the liquid crystal display unit 138, the liquid crystal symbol image is scroll-displayed at a low speed from top to bottom. Then, as shown in FIG. 15 (g-2), stop display is performed.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 (g-1), at the time of stop display, the liquid crystal symbol image corresponding to the fourth symbol in each column is finally drawn in the center of the image display area 204f. Will be. As a result, a liquid crystal symbol image corresponding to the fourth symbol is displayed at the center of the liquid crystal display unit 138 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, in the lower table 41 of the fourth symbol in the middle row shown in FIG. 16B, “difference value = 0”, and the fourth symbol is the first registered symbol in the middle row corresponding to the current registered symbol liquid crystal command. Is supposed to show.

  As described above, according to the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, the second liquid crystal symbol reel in which a special liquid crystal symbol image imitating “an imprint” enters the normal first liquid crystal symbol reel and the variable display and Even when special display control such as stop display is performed, the same display control table data as normal display control such as normal display control that causes variable display and stop display on the normal first liquid crystal symbol reel is used. Since control can be handled in the same way as normal display control, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity and the load of control processing.

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

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

  In the present embodiment, the image of the liquid crystal display unit 138 in the slot machine 100 has been described as a gaming machine, but it may be used for the image of the liquid crystal display unit in a pachinko game. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display unit (liquid crystal display device) has been described as the symbol display device for displaying symbols relating to games, but a plasma display, an organic EL display may be used, a projector, A display device such as a so-called 7-segment LED or dot matrix may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal symbol image corresponds to a game-related symbol, and the liquid crystal display unit 138 corresponds to the symbol display means of the present invention. Further, the stop symbol corresponds to the first registered symbol, and the sub CPU 202a that performs the process of step S1105 for determining the registered symbol liquid crystal command shown in FIG. 10 and the process of step S2103 for storing the first registered symbol shown in FIG. The liquid crystal CPU 204a corresponds to the stop symbol determining means. Further, the first liquid crystal symbol reel shown in FIG. 5A corresponds to the first arrangement information, the second liquid crystal symbol reel shown in FIG. 5B corresponds to the second arrangement information, and the first liquid crystal symbol reel and The liquid crystal ROM 204b for storing the second liquid crystal symbol reel corresponds to the arrangement information storage means. In addition, the liquid crystal CPU 204a that performs processing such as step S2303 or step S2306 for determining information on the liquid crystal symbol reel with reference to the registered symbol corresponds to the arrangement information determining means. In addition, the liquid crystal CPU 204a that performs the processes of steps S2305, S2307, and S2308 for storing the display symbols in the display symbol storage area of the liquid crystal RAM 204c by replacing the liquid crystal symbol numbers or by updating the display symbol determination means. Equivalent to. Further, the display control table data (lower table data) corresponds to change information, and the liquid crystal ROM 204b for storing the display control table data corresponds to change information storage means. Further, the liquid crystal CPU 204a that performs processing such as steps S2200, S2400, and S2500 for performing image display control based on the display control table data (lower table data) corresponds to the symbol control means. The liquid crystal CPU 204a that performs processing such as step S2305, step S2307, and S2308 that calculates the remainder value by dividing by the maximum number (mod) of liquid crystal symbol images associated with each liquid crystal symbol reel corresponds to the number determination means. .

100 ... slot machine (game machine)
128 ... Start switch 130 ... Stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c ... Stop button switch 138 ... Liquid crystal display unit 200 ... Main control board 200a ... Main CPU
200b ... main ROM
200c ... main RAM
202 ... Sub control board 202a ... Sub CPU
202b Sub ROM
202c ... sub-RAM
204 ... Liquid crystal control board 204a ... Liquid crystal CPU
204b ... Liquid crystal ROM
204c ... Liquid crystal RAM
204d VRAM
204e ... Virtual display area 204f ... Image display area

Claims (2)

A symbol display means capable of performing a change display and a stop display of symbols relating to the game;
Stop symbol determining means for determining a stop symbol as the symbol to be stopped and displayed on the symbol display means;
The first sequence information that associates the symbol with the symbol number that defines the display order of the symbols, the symbol number of the number different from the symbol number of the first sequence information and the symbol are associated with each other , the first Sequence information for storing second sequence information including a special symbol associated with a symbol number which is a symbol number different from the symbol number of the sequence information and the sequence order of the symbol number of the first sequence information is fixed Storage means;
If the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determining means is the special symbol, the second sequence information is determined as sequence information, and the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determining means must be the special symbol. For example, sequence information determining means for determining the first sequence information as sequence information;
Display symbol determining means for determining a display symbol as the symbol to be displayed on the symbol display means, based on a relative sequence relationship with the stop symbol in the sequence information determined by the sequence information determining means;
Change information storage means for storing change information relating to the change display or stop display of the symbol in common with each of the symbols associated with the symbol number of the first sequence information or the second sequence information; ,
In accordance with the display symbol determined by the display symbol determining means and the change information stored in the change information storage means, the symbol display means is variably displayed or stopped display. A gaming machine characterized by that. Based on the sequence information determined by the sequence information determination means, further comprising number determination means for determining whether or not the last symbol number corresponding to the symbol number of the last display order is exceeded,
The display symbol determining means, when it is determined to exceed the final symbol number by the number determining means replacing the symbol number, the number of the remainder of the design of sequence information determined by the sequence information determination means The gaming machine according to claim 1 .