JP6659815B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on each surface, game medals, coins, etc. (hereinafter, referred to as “medals, etc.”) are inserted, and it is detected that a start lever is operated by a player, A start switch for requesting the start of rotation of a plurality of reels and a stop button provided for each of the plurality of reels are detected by a player to be pressed, and a request is made to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel. A stop switch that outputs a signal, a stepping motor that is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels, and that transmits a driving force to each of the reels, and a stepping motor based on signals output by the start switch and the stop switch. A reel control unit for controlling the operation of each reel and rotating and stopping each reel. When it is detected, the lottery is performed 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 operation of the stop button is detected. A gaming machine called a pachislot is known.

  In such a gaming machine, a bonus symbol image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit to perform an effect indicating that it is possible to establish a BB winning in which a game that gives a relatively large profit to the player can be established. A device has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to this gaming machine, it is possible for the player to advantageously play the game by recognizing that BB is determined as the internal winning combination by watching the effect performed on the liquid crystal display unit.

JP 2005-34593 A

  However, in the gaming machine as described above, when an effect indicating that the BB winning is possible is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, the player pays attention to the liquid crystal display unit in addition to the reels. Since it was necessary, it was complicated, and it was not possible to concentrate on the game. In addition, the effect that is performed on the liquid crystal display unit and indicates that the BB winning can be established is uniform, a new effect can be performed, and the gaming machine can enhance the interest of the player in the game. Is required.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can concentrate a game and enhance a player's interest in the game by performing a new effect.

  The present invention provides the following.

  (1) A plurality of reels (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, etc., described later) in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on each peripheral surface, and a part of a plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the plurality of reels And an internal lottery process for determining an internal winning combination in accordance with a player's start operation, and a plurality of rotations of the reels. Control means for performing a start process and performing a stop control process for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel based on the determined internal winning combination in response to a stop operation of the player (for example, a main control circuit 71 described later) And a rotation start effect execution means capable of executing a rotation start effect using a plurality of reels before the stop control process is performed, wherein the rotation start effect execution means comprises: , The rotation open When it is determined that the effect is to be executed, the effect content is determined with reference to a symbol position determination table in which a plurality of predetermined symbol positions are defined, and the symbol display area is provided for each of the reels. In the upper, middle and lower rows, symbols can be displayed, and the symbol position determination table defines a combination of a plurality of symbol positions on the basis of a predetermined line formed by combining the respective middle rows of the symbol display area. A gaming machine characterized by the fact that:

  (2) The game machine further comprises a prize control unit capable of generating a prize according to a combination of symbols stopped in the symbol display area, wherein the prize control unit responds to a combination of symbols stopped on a line different from the predetermined line. The gaming machine according to (1), wherein a prize can be generated.

  Further, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the driving of the plurality of reels is controlled such that the predetermined symbols constituting the predetermined symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined combination rotate in synchronization. Thereby, the player can recognize that the predetermined combination corresponding to the symbol combination constituting each symbol is determined as the internal winning combination by looking at each symbol being rotated. Therefore, in the symbol display area which is always visually recognized when the player plays a game, a notification indicating that the predetermined combination is determined as the internal winning combination is performed, so that the player is limited to the symbol display area only. You can play games with your eyes. As a result, the player can concentrate on the game, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be increased.

  Further, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, notification that the predetermined internal winning combination is determined is made on a plurality of reels whose symbols rotate in synchronization. Therefore, a new effect can be performed in the symbol display area in which the symbol is changed and displayed without using a separate liquid crystal display device or the like, and the interest of the player in the game can be enhanced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a game can be performed in a concentrated manner and a new effect can enhance the interest of the player in the game.

It is a figure showing the functional flow of a pachislot. It is a figure showing the external structure of a pachislot. It is a figure showing the internal structure of a pachislot. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main control circuit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sub control circuit. It is a figure showing a symbol arrangement table. It is a figure showing a symbol combination table. It is a figure showing a table at the time of bonus operation. It is a figure showing an internal lottery table for a general game state. It is a figure showing the internal lottery table for RB operation. It is a figure showing the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table. It is a diagram showing a bonus internal winning combination determination table. It is a figure showing an auxiliary flag decision table. It is a figure showing an auxiliary flag decision table. It is a figure showing a reel symbol position determination table. It is a figure for explaining composition of an internal winning combination storage area. It is a figure for explaining composition of a carryover combination storage area. It is a figure for explaining composition of an under-operation flag storage area. It is a main flowchart by control of a main CPU. It is a flowchart which shows a medal reception / start check process. It is a flowchart which shows an internal lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows an assistance flag determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a middle reel rotation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a right reel rotation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a reel stop control process. It is a flowchart showing a bonus operation check process. It is a flowchart showing a bonus end check process. It is a flowchart which shows an interruption process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a main board communication task performed by a sub CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the effect registration task performed by a sub CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the effect content determination processing performed by a sub CPU. It is a figure showing an example of a display. It is a figure showing an example of a display. It is a figure showing an example of a display. It is a figure showing an example of a display. It is a figure which shows the reel symbol position determination table of another Example.

[Function flow of pachislot]
An embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a functional flow of a gaming machine (hereinafter, pachislo) 1 in the present embodiment 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, random number value) is extracted from random numbers in a predetermined numerical value 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 permitted to be displayed along a winning determination line described later is determined. The types of symbol combinations include those related to "winning" in which benefits such as payout of medals, activation of replays, activation of bonuses, etc. are given to a player, and those relating to other so-called "losing". Is provided.

  Next, on condition that BB is determined as an internal winning combination by the internal lottery means, the reel control means synchronizes predetermined symbols constituting a predetermined symbol combination "7V character" etc. corresponding to BB with each other. The rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled so that the reels 3R, 3C, 3R rotate. Subsequently, after the plurality of reels 3L, 3C, 3R have been rotated, when the player presses the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, the reel stop control means (motor drive circuit 39 described later, stepping described later) The motors 49L, 49C, 49R) control the rotation of the corresponding reel based on the internal winning combination and the timing at which 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 above specified time is called the "number of sliding pieces", and the maximum number is determined for four symbols.

  When the internal winning combination that permits the display of the symbol combination related to the winning is determined, the reel stop control means displays the symbol combination as much as possible along the winning determination line using the above specified time. The rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. On the other hand, for combinations of symbols whose display is not permitted by the internal winning combination, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are not displayed along the winning determination line by using the specified time. Stop rotation.

  When the rotations of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are all stopped in this way, the winning determination unit (main CPU 31 described later) determines that the combination of the symbols displayed along the winning determination line relates to the winning. Is determined. When it is determined that the game is related to a winning, a privilege such as payout of a medal is given to the player. The above-described series of flows is performed as one game in the pachislot 1.

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

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

  When the effect contents are 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) start to rotate the reels 3L, 3C and 3R when the reels 3L, 3C and 3R start rotating. , 3C, and 3R are stopped, and the execution of the effect is advanced in conjunction with each opportunity, such as when a win is determined. In this way, in the pachislot 1, by executing the effect contents associated with the internal winning combination, the player has an opportunity to know or predict the determined internal winning combination (in other words, the combination of the symbols to be aimed). Provided to improve the interest of the player.

[Pachislot structure]
This concludes the description of the functional flow of the pachislot 1. Next, the structure of the pachislot 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

(Reel and display window)
The pachislot 1 includes a cabinet 1a that accommodates the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a circuit board, and the like, and a front door 2 that is openably and closably attached to the cabinet 1a. Inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided side by side. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is configured by attaching a belt-shaped sheet on which a plurality of symbols (for example, 21 symbols) are continuously arranged along a rotation direction on a peripheral surface of a cylindrical frame.

  In the center of the front door 2, a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided. 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 located on the near side to be superimposed on the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R when viewed from the front. The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R are provided corresponding to the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively, and have a configuration capable of transmitting through the reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided behind them. Have.

  That is, the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R function as display windows, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind them and the operation of stopping the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can be viewed from the player side. Become. In the present embodiment, a video is displayed using the entire display screen 5a including the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and an effect is performed.

  When the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided behind them is stopped, a plurality of types of symbol display areas (hereinafter, display windows) 21L, 21C, 21R are arranged on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. , One symbol (a total of three symbols) is displayed in each of the upper, middle, and lower areas in the frame. Further, a pseudo line formed by combining any one of predetermined three of the three regions of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, which are the upper, middle, and lower stages, is a target for determining whether or not a winning is achieved. (A prize determination line).

  In the present embodiment, a top line 8b formed by combining the upper stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R, a center line 8c formed by combining the middle stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R, and the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. , A bottom line 8d formed by combining lower rows, an upper row of the left display window 21L, a cross down line 8e formed by combining a middle row of the middle display window 21C and a lower row of the right display window 21R, a lower row of the left display window 21L, and a middle display window 21C. The five cross-up lines 8a formed by combining the middle stage and the upper stage of the right display window 21R are provided as winning determination lines.

(Operation device)
The front door 2 is provided with various devices to be operated by the player. The medal insertion slot 10 is provided for receiving a medal dropped from outside by a player. The medals accepted by the medal insertion 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 for determining the number of coins to be inserted into one game from medals stored in the pachislot 1. The settlement button 12 is provided to pull out medals deposited inside the pachislot 1 to the outside.

  The start lever 6 is provided for starting 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 for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

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

  The lamp (LED or the like) 14 outputs light in a light-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 effect contents. The medal payout exit 15 guides medals discharged by driving a medal payout device 40 (to be described later, see FIG. 3) to the outside. The medals discharged from the medal payout exit 15 are stored in a medal receiving tray 16.

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

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

At the center inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided.
Stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R (see FIG. 4 described later) are connected to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R via gears having a predetermined reduction ratio.

  On the left side of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a substrate (hereinafter, 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 execution of an effect by displaying an image or the like. The specific configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described later.

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

  A selector 42 is provided at the center on 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 the medal has a proper material, shape, or the like, and guides the proper medal accepted by the medal insertion slot 10 to the hopper 40. A medal sensor 42S described later (see FIG. 4 described later) is provided on a path through which the medals pass in the selector 42, and detects that an appropriate medal has passed.

[Configuration of circuit provided in pachislot]
The structure of the pachislot 1 has been described above. Next, a configuration of a circuit included in the pachislo 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The pachislo 1 in the present embodiment includes a main control circuit 71, a sub-control circuit 72, and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to these.

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

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

  In the main ROM 32, a control program (see FIGS. 19 to 28 described later) executed by the main CPU 31 and a data table (see FIGS. 6 to 12 described later) such as an internal lottery table (see FIGS. 9 and 10 described later). ), Data and the like 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. 16 to 18 described later) for storing various data such as an internal winning combination determined by executing 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 a clock pulse. The main CPU 31 executes a control program based on the generated clock pulse. The random number generator 36 generates random numbers in a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts one value from the generated random numbers.

(Switches, etc.)
A switch or the like is connected to the input port of the microcomputer 30. The main CPU 31 controls the operation of peripheral devices such as the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R upon receiving inputs from switches and the like. The stop switch 7S detects that each of the three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R has been pressed by the player (stop operation). 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 accepted by the medal insertion slot 10 has passed through the above-described selector 42. The bet switch 11S detects that the bet button 11 has been pressed by the player. The settlement switch 12S detects that the settlement button 12 has been pressed by the player.

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

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

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R have a configuration in which the momentum is proportional to the number of pulse outputs, 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 gears 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 fixed angle.

  After detecting the reel index, the main CPU 31 counts the number of times a pulse has been output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, thereby determining the rotation angles of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (mainly, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R). The number of symbols rotated by 3R) is managed, and the position of each symbol arranged on the surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is managed.

  The display drive circuit 48 controls the operation of the 7-segment display 13. Further, the hopper drive circuit 41 controls the operation of the hopper 40. The payout completion signal circuit 51 manages the medal detection 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 number of payouts.

<Sub-control circuit>
FIG. 5 shows a configuration of the sub control circuit 72 of the pachislo 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, sub CPU) 81, a ROM (hereinafter, sub ROM) 82, a RAM (hereinafter, sub RAM) 83, a rendering processor 84, a drawing RAM 85, a driver 87, a DSP ( (Digital signal processor) 88, audio RAM 89, A / D converter 90, and amplifier 91.

  The sub CPU 81 controls output of video, sound, and light according to a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 and according to a control program (see FIGS. 29 to 31 described later) stored in the sub ROM 82. The sub-RAM 83 is provided with a storage area for registering the determined effect contents and effect 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 (see FIG. 29 described later) for controlling communication with the main control circuit 71, and a random number for effect are extracted, and determination and registration of effect contents (effect data) (See FIG. 30 to be described later), a drawing control task for controlling the display of an image by the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined effect content, a lamp control task for controlling the light output by the lamp 14, A voice control task for controlling the output of sound from the speakers 9L and 9R is included.

  The data storage area is 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 relating to video creation, and sound data relating to BGM and sound effects. The storage area includes a storage area, a storage area for storing lamp data relating to a light on / off pattern, and the like.

  In addition, the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 9L and 9R, and the lamp 14 are connected to the sub-control circuit 72 as peripheral devices whose operations are 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 specified by the effect contents, and display the created video on the liquid crystal display device 5.

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

[Configuration of Data Table Stored in Main ROM]
The configuration of the circuit included in the pachislo 1 has been described above. Next, the configuration of various data tables stored in the main ROM 32 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Symbol 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 of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and data (hereinafter, symbol code) for specifying the type of the symbol arranged at each position.

  When the reel index is detected, the symbol arrangement table sets the position of the symbol present in the middle of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R to "0" and proceeds in the rotation direction of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the order in which the symbols move. "0" to "20" are assigned to the positions of. Therefore, by referring to the symbol arrangement table while managing how many symbols have been rotated since the detection of the reel index, the position and the position of the symbols present mainly in the middle of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R can be determined. It is possible to always manage the type of the symbol.

[Symbol combination table]
The symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, when the combination of the symbols displayed by the reels 3L, 3C, 3R along the winning determination line matches the combination of the symbols defined by the symbol combination table, it is determined to be a winning, Benefits such as payout of medals, activation of replays, and activation of bonus games are given to the player.

  The symbol combination table defines a symbol combination, a display combination, and the number of payouts that are determined in advance according to the type of the privilege. The display combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line.

  The display combination is represented as 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. For example, when the symbol "bell" on each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is displayed along the winning determination line, "bell (00000010)" is determined as the display combination.

Further, when a value of 1 or more is determined as the number of payouts, payout of medals is performed.
In the present embodiment, payout of medals is performed when cherry, bell, or watermelon is determined as a display combination. Further, the payout number is defined according to the input number. Basically, a larger payout number is determined when the input number is small.

  Further, when the replay is determined as the display combination, the operation of the replay is performed. When BB is determined as the display combination, a bonus operation is performed. If the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line does not match any of the symbol combinations defined by the symbol combination table, a so-called "losing" occurs.

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

  The operating flag is data for identifying the type of bonus for which the operation is performed. In the present embodiment, as the types of bonuses, BB (a continuous actuating device for a first-class special occasion) and RB (a first-class special occasion) are provided. The operation of the RB is performed continuously while the operation of the BB is performed.

  The operation of BB is completed when the payout of medals reaching the specified number (346 in the present embodiment) is performed. The RB is activated when a game reaches a specified number of times (8 times in the present embodiment), when a prize reaches a specified number of times (8 times in the present embodiment), or BB. Is terminated by any of the cases where the operation of is terminated. The bonus end number counter, the playable number counter, and the prize possible number counter are data for managing whether or not the specified number of sheets or the specified number of times has reached the trigger for ending the bonus.

  More specifically, the values specified 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 bonus is terminated 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 a winning number. The data pointer is data obtained as a result of the lottery performed with reference to the internal lottery table, and is data for specifying an internal winning combination defined by an internal winning combination determination table described later. The data pointer is provided with a small combination / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer.

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

  Therefore, the larger the value specified as the lottery value, the higher the probability that the data (that is, the data pointer) to which the value is assigned is 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)”.

  FIG. 9 shows an internal lottery table for a general gaming state. FIG. 10 shows an internal lottery table for RB operation. In the present embodiment, the type of the internal winning combination determined and the winning probability are varied by appropriately using a plurality of types of internal lottery tables depending on whether the bonus operation is performed or not. , So that the expectations of the player are undulating.

[Internal winning combination determination table]
The internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. The internal winning combination determination table defines an internal winning combination according to the data pointer. When the data pointer is determined, the internal winning combination is uniquely obtained.

  The internal winning combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols on each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3L that are permitted to be displayed along the winning determination line. The internal winning combination, like the display 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 of the symbol combinations defined by the above-described symbol combination table is not permitted.

  FIG. 11 shows a small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table. 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 the replay. FIG. 12 shows a bonus internal winning combination determination table. The bonus internal winning combination determination table defines the internal winning combinations related to the operation of the bonus.

[Auxiliary flag determination table]
The auxiliary flag determination table will be described with reference to FIGS. The auxiliary flag determination table includes information on auxiliary flags according to the lottery value. The auxiliary flag determination table is referred to when an auxiliary flag is determined in an auxiliary flag determination process (see FIG. 22) described later.

  The auxiliary flag determination table 1 (see FIG. 13) is referred to when BB is determined as an internal winning combination in an auxiliary flag determination process (see FIG. 22) described later. The auxiliary flag determination table 2 (see FIG. 14) is referred to when BB is not determined as an internal winning combination in an auxiliary flag determination process (see FIG. 22) described later.

  The auxiliary flag determination table 1 of FIG. 13 and the auxiliary flag determination table 2 of FIG. 14 are defined so that the probability that the auxiliary flag will be on or off is different. In the middle reel rotation start processing (see FIG. 23) and the right reel rotation start processing (see FIG. 24) described below, the auxiliary flag rotates the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R in accordance with the on / off state of the auxiliary flag. It is referred to when controlling the start timing.

  In the present embodiment, a random number value extracted from a predetermined numerical value range “0 to 1023” is sequentially subtracted by a lottery value according to ON and OFF of an auxiliary flag, and whether a result of the subtraction is negative The lottery is performed by determining whether or not the lottery is performed.

  Here, among the lottery values specified in the auxiliary flag determination table 1 (see FIG. 13), the lottery value corresponding to the auxiliary flag “ON” is “1020”, and the lottery value corresponding to the auxiliary flag “OFF”. Is "4". Therefore, when BB is determined as the internal winning combination, the auxiliary flag is set to ON with a probability of 255/256. Among the lottery values specified in the auxiliary flag determination table 2 (see FIG. 14), the lottery value corresponding to the auxiliary flag “ON” is “4”, and the lottery value corresponding to the auxiliary flag “OFF” is “1020”. Therefore, when BB is not determined as an internal winning combination, the auxiliary flag is set to ON with a probability of 1/256.

  Therefore, when the auxiliary flag is determined by lot referring to the auxiliary flag determination table 1 (see FIG. 13) which is referred to when BB is determined as the internal winning combination, BB is determined as the internal winning combination. It is stipulated that the probability that the ON of the auxiliary flag is determined by lottery is higher than in the case where the auxiliary flag is determined by lottery with reference to the auxiliary flag determination table 2 (see FIG. 14) which is referred to when not. are doing. Therefore, when BB is determined as the internal winning combination, a rotation start effect described later is performed with a probability of 99% or more.

[Reel symbol position determination table]
The reel symbol position determination table will be described with reference to FIG. This reel symbol position determination table is used in a later-described middle reel rotation start process (see FIG. 23) and a later-described right reel rotation start process (see FIG. 24), which is performed when the auxiliary flag is turned on. This is referred to at the time of "start effect", and is referred to when determining the rotation start position of the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R. The reel symbol position determination table includes information on a lottery value for determining the symbol symbol position numbers of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the effect contents. In the present embodiment, random number values extracted from a predetermined numerical value range “0 to 32767” are sequentially subtracted by a lottery value corresponding to each reel symbol position number, and whether or not the subtraction result is negative (Ie, whether or not a so-called “digit” has occurred), an internal lottery is performed.

  The “symbol position number” refers to the symbol position of each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R on the center line 8c. The reel symbol position determination table is provided in order to set the display mode of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R to the effect content corresponding to each effect content.

  The symbol position of the rotating left reel 3L on the center line 8c is “19”, the symbol position of the rotating middle reel 3C on the center line 8c is “0”, and the rotating reel 3C is rotating on the center line 8c. When the symbol position of the right reel 3R is “19”, the display mode of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R is a 7V character. The effect content in this case is “7V character”.

  Similarly, the symbol position of the rotating left reel 3L on the center line 8c is “0”, the symbol position of the rotating middle reel 3C on the center line 8c is “19”, and the symbol position on the center line 8c is “19”. When the symbol position of the rotating right reel 3R is "0", the display mode of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R is a 7-reverse V-shape. The effect content in this case is "7 inverted V-shape".

[Configuration of Storage Area Provided in Main RAM]
This concludes the description of the contents of the data table stored in the main ROM 32. Next, configurations 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 storage area will be described with reference to FIG. The internal winning combination storage area stores the internal winning combination represented by the one-byte data described above. When "1" is set in the bit, the display of the corresponding symbol combination is permitted. When all the bits are “0”, the content is lost.

  It should be noted that the main RAM 33 is provided with a display combination storage area in which the above-mentioned display combination is stored. The configuration of the display combination storage area is the same as the configuration of the internal winning combination storage area. When "1" is set in the bit, the corresponding symbol combination is displayed along the winning determination line.

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

  When the internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus is determined as a result of the lottery, the internal winning combination is stored in the carryover combination storing area. The internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus stored in the carryover combination storage area (hereinafter, carryover combination) is retained without clearing its contents until the corresponding symbol combination is displayed on the winning determination line. It has become. 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.

[Operation flag storage area]
With reference to FIG. 18, the configuration of the active flag storage area will be described.

  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 the bit is set to "1", the operation of the corresponding bonus is being performed. Note that a state in which all bits are “0” is defined as a general game state.

[Program flow executed in pachislot]
The configuration of the various storage areas provided in the main RAM 33 has been described above. Next, contents of a 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, a main flowchart under the control of the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on to the pachislot 1, the main CPU 31 first 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 (see FIG. 16) and a display combination storage area (see FIG. 16), is cleared. .

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a medal acceptance / start check process described later with reference to FIG. 20 (S3). In this process, the input of the medal sensor 42S and the start switch 6S is checked.

  Next, the main CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in the random value storage area provided in the main RAM 33 (S4). Next, the main CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process described later with reference to FIG. 21 (S5). In this process, the internal winning combination is determined by lottery based on the random number value. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub control circuit 72 (S6). The start command is configured to include parameters for specifying an internal winning combination and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs an auxiliary flag determination process described later with reference to FIG. 22 (S7). In this process, a process of determining an auxiliary flag with different lottery probabilities depending on whether BB is determined as an internal winning combination or the like is performed.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a middle reel rotation start process described later with reference to FIG. 23 (S8). In this process, the process of determining the rotation start timing of the middle reel 3C and the like are performed when the auxiliary flag is turned on. Next, the main CPU 31 performs a right reel rotation start process described later with reference to FIG. 24 (S9). In this process, a process of determining the rotation start timing of the right reel 3R and the like are performed when the auxiliary flag is turned on.

  When the start of rotation of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R are driven by an interruption process (see FIG. 28 described later) executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec). Is controlled, and rotation of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process described later with reference to FIG. 25 (S10). 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 searches for a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line, and determines the number of payouts and the like based on the search result (S11). As a result of the search, when the combination of the symbols displayed along the winning determination line matches the combination of the symbols 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 (S12). The display command includes parameters for specifying the display combination, the number of payouts, and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a medal payout process (S13). In this process, driving of the hopper 40 and updating of the number of credits are performed based on the determined number of payouts. Next, the main CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (S14). In this process, the 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 operation flag is on (S15). When the main CPU 31 determines that the bonus operation flag is on, it performs a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 27 (S16). In this process, it is checked whether or not the operation of the bonus is to be terminated by referring to various counters for managing the end timing of the bonus.

The main CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. 26 after S16 or when it is determined in S15 that the bonus operation flag is not on (S17). In this process, it is checked whether or not to start the operation of the bonus.
When this process ends, the process moves to S2.

[Medal acceptance / start check processing]
Next, the medal acceptance / start check process will be described with reference to FIG. 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 token passing is permitted (S32). In this process, the solenoid of the selector 42 is driven, and the passing of the 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 processing for performing a replay.

  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 operation flag is on (S36). When determining that the bonus operation 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.

After S37 or when it is determined in S36 that the bonus operation flag is not ON, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not passing of a medal is detected (S38).
When determining that the passing 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 insertion number counter has not reached the maximum value, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the insertion 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 parameters for specifying the number of inserted medals and the like.

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S39 that the number-of-inserted-sheets counter is the maximum value, it increments the credit counter by one (S42). The main CPU 31 checks the bet switch 11S after S42, after S41, or when it is determined that the passage of a medal has not been detected in S38 (S43). In this process, the 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 inserted number counter has reached the maximum value (S44). When it is determined that the inserted number counter has not reached the maximum value, the process proceeds to S38. On the other hand, when it is determined that the inserted number counter has reached the maximum value, it is determined whether or not the start switch 6S is ON (S45). ).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the start switch 6S is not on, the process proceeds to S38. On the other hand, when the main switch 31 determines that the start switch 6S is on, the medal passage is prohibited (S46). In this process, the solenoid of the selector 42 is not driven, and the ejection of medals is prompted. When this process ends, the medal acceptance / start check process ends.

[Internal lottery processing]
Next, the 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). The in-operation flag storage area (see FIG. 18) is referred to, and the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries are determined according to whether or not the bonus is activated. Note that the number of lotteries indicates the number of times that the lottery value is subtracted and whether or not a digit occurs is determined for each winning number defined by the internal lottery table.

  Next, the main CPU 31 acquires the random number value stored in the random number value storage area and sets it as a random number value for determination (S62). Next, the main CPU 31 sets 1 as an 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 random number for determination (S65). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the digit is shifted (S66).
When the main CPU 31 determines that the digit is not carried out, it 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 main CPU 31 determines that the number of lotteries is 0, the main CPU 31 sets 0 as a data pointer for small combination / replay and sets a data pointer for bonus. 0 is set (S69).

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S66 that a digit has been found, it acquires a small combination / 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 storage area (see FIG. 16) (S72). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the data stored in the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 17) 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 internal bonus combination determination table for bonus (see FIG. 12) and determines the internal combination based on the data pointer for bonus. Is acquired (S74). Next, the main CPU 31 stores the acquired internal winning combination in the carryover combination storing area (S75).

  After S75 or when determining in S73 that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 17) is not 0, the main CPU 31 and the internal winning combination storage area (see FIG. 16) ), And stores the result in the internal winning combination storing area (S76). That is, the internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus is carried over. When this process ends, the internal lottery process ends.

[Auxiliary flag determination processing]
Next, the auxiliary flag determination processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not BB has been determined as an internal winning combination (S81). When determining that BB has been determined as the internal winning combination, the main CPU 31 determines an auxiliary flag by lottery based on the auxiliary flag determination table 1 (see FIG. 13) (S82). When determining that BB has not been determined as the internal winning combination, the main CPU 31 determines the auxiliary flag by lottery based on the auxiliary flag determination table 2 (see FIG. 14) (S83).

  After S83 or after S82, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the auxiliary flag is on (S84). When determining that the auxiliary flag is not on, the main CPU 31 terminates the auxiliary flag determination process. On the other hand, when determining that the auxiliary flag is on, based on the reel symbol position determination table (see FIG. 15), The symbol position number is determined by lottery (S85). When this process ends, the auxiliary flag determination process ends.

[Medium reel rotation start processing]
Next, the middle reel rotation start process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the auxiliary flag is on (S91). When determining that the auxiliary flag is not on, the main CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (S92). When this process ends, the middle reel rotation start process ends.

  When determining in S91 that the auxiliary flag is ON, the main CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of the left reel 3C (S93). Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the reel symbol position determination table (see FIG. 15) to determine the symbol position number LX of the left reel and the symbol position number CX of the middle reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number. (S94). Next, the main CPU 31 determines a symbol position number CY on the center line 8c on the stopped middle reel 3C (S95).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the symbol position number CX of the middle reel is equal to or greater than the value of the symbol position number CY on the center line 8c of the stopped middle reel 3C (S96). When the main CPU 31 determines that the value of the symbol position number CX of the middle reel is equal to or greater than the value of the symbol position number CY on the center line 8c in the stopped middle reel 3C, the value of the symbol position number CX of the middle reel is determined. Then, a value obtained by subtracting the value of the symbol position number CY on the center line 8c on the stopped middle reel 3C from the stop is stored in the difference counter as the difference D1. (S97).

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S96 that the value of the symbol position number CX of the middle reel is not equal to or greater than the value of the symbol position number CY on the center line 8c of the stopped middle reel 3C, the symbol position number of the middle reel is determined. The value obtained by subtracting the value of the symbol position number CY on the center line 8c on the stopped middle reel 3C from the value of CX and adding 21 is stored as a difference D1 in the difference counter. (S98).

  After S98 or after S97, the main CPU 31 subtracts the value of the difference D1 stored in the difference counter from the value of the left reel symbol position number LX corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number. It is determined whether it is smaller than 0 (S99).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the value obtained by subtracting the value of the difference D1 stored in the difference counter from the value of the symbol position number LX of the left reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number is 0 or more, the determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting the value of the difference D1 stored in the difference counter from the value of the symbol position number LX of the left reel corresponding to the reel symbol position number of the left reel is stored in the rotation start symbol position number counter as the middle reel rotation start symbol position number M1. (S100).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the value obtained by subtracting the value of the difference D1 stored in the difference counter from the value of the symbol position number LX of the left reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number is smaller than 0, the determination is made. A value obtained by subtracting the value of the difference D1 stored in the difference counter from the value of the symbol position number LX of the left reel corresponding to the reel symbol position number and adding 21 is a medium reel rotation start symbol position number M1 as a rotation start symbol. It is stored in a position number counter (S101).

  After S101 or after S100, the main CPU 31 determines a symbol position number LZ on the center line 8c on the rotating left reel 3L (S102). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the middle reel rotation start symbol position number M1 is the same as the value of the symbol position number LZ on the center line 8c in the rotating left reel 3L (S103). .

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the value of the middle reel rotation start symbol position number M1 is not the same as the value of the symbol position number LZ on the center line 8c in the rotating left reel 3L, the process proceeds to S102. When it is determined that the value of the middle reel rotation start symbol position number M1 is the same as the value of the symbol position number LZ on the center line 8c of the rotating left reel 3L, a request to start rotation of the middle reel 3C is made ( S104). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the difference counter (S105). When this process ends, the middle reel rotation start process ends. The difference counter and the rotation start symbol position number counter are provided in predetermined areas of the main RAM of the main control circuit 71.

[Right reel rotation start processing]
Next, the right reel rotation start processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the auxiliary flag is on (S111). When the main CPU 31 determines that the auxiliary flag is not on, the main CPU 31 ends the right reel rotation start process. On the other hand, when determining that the auxiliary flag is on, the main CPU 31 refers to the reel symbol position determination table (see FIG. 15). Then, the symbol position number CX of the middle reel and the symbol position number RX of the right reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number are determined (S112). Next, the main CPU 31 determines a symbol position number RY on the center line 8c on the stopped right reel 3R (S113).

Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the symbol position number RX of the right reel is equal to or greater than the value of the symbol position number RY on the center line 8c in the stopped right reel 3R (S114). When the main CPU 31 determines that the value of the symbol position number RX of the right reel is equal to or greater than the value of the symbol position number RY on the center line 8c in the stopped right reel 3R, the value of the symbol position number RX of the right reel is determined. Then, the value obtained by subtracting the value of the symbol position number RY on the center line 8c in the stopped right reel 3R is stored in the difference counter as the difference D2.
(S115).

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S114 that the value of the symbol position number RX of the right reel is not equal to or greater than the value of the symbol position number RY on the center line 8c of the stopped right reel 3R, the symbol position number of the right reel is determined. A value obtained by subtracting the value of the symbol position number RY on the center line 8c on the stopped right reel 3R from the value of RX and adding 21 is stored in the difference counter as a difference D2. (S116).

  The main CPU 31 subtracts the value of the difference D2 stored in the difference counter from the value of the symbol position number CX of the middle reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number after S116 or S115. It is determined whether it is smaller than 0 (S117).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the value obtained by subtracting the value of the difference D2 stored in the difference counter from the value of the symbol position number CX of the middle reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number is 0 or more, the determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting the value of the difference D2 stored in the difference counter from the value of the symbol position number CX of the middle reel corresponding to the reel symbol position number that has been stored in the rotation start symbol position number counter as the right reel rotation start symbol position number M2. (S118).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the value obtained by subtracting the value of the difference D2 stored in the difference counter from the value of the symbol position number CX of the middle reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number is smaller than 0, the determination is made. A value obtained by adding 21 to a value obtained by subtracting the value of the difference D2 stored in the difference counter from the value of the symbol position number CX of the middle reel corresponding to the reel symbol position number is set as a right reel rotation start symbol position number M2. It is stored in the position number counter (S119).

  After S119 or S118, the main CPU 31 determines a symbol position number CZ on the center line 8c on the rotating middle reel 3C (S120). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the right reel rotation start symbol position number M2 is the same as the value of the symbol position number CZ on the center line 8c in the rotating middle reel 3C (S121). .

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the value of the right reel rotation start symbol position number M2 is not the same as the value of the symbol position number CZ on the center line 8c in the rotating middle reel 3C, the process proceeds to S120. When it is determined that the value of the right reel rotation start symbol position number M2 is the same as the value of the symbol position number CZ on the center line 8c of the rotating middle reel 3C, the start of rotation of the right reel 3R is requested ( S122). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the difference counter (S123). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the auxiliary flag (S124). When this process ends, the right reel rotation start process ends.

[Reel stop control processing]
Next, a reel stop control process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether a valid stop button has been pressed (S131). When the main CPU 31 determines that the valid stop button has not been pressed, the main CPU 31 waits until this button is pressed.

  When determining that the valid stop button has been pressed, the main CPU 31 invalidates the operation of the corresponding stop button (S132). The valid and invalid states of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 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 (S133). In the present embodiment, since the maximum number of sliding pieces is set to “4”, when the stop button is pressed, the position of the symbol in the middle of the corresponding display window and the position of the symbol four places ahead of the symbol are displayed. Up to the position will be checked. That is, one of the five numerical values “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” is determined as the number of sliding pieces.

Next, based on the internal winning combination, the main CPU 31 determines, when the stop button is pressed, the number of checks within the range of the number of checks including the position of the symbol in the middle of the corresponding display window (hereinafter, the stop start position). Among the symbol positions, the position of the symbol with the highest priority is searched (S134).
In this process, the position of the symbol that allows the combination of symbols permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination to be displayed along the winning determination line is determined as the position of the symbol with the highest priority.

Next, the main CPU 31 determines the number of sliding pieces based on the search result (S135).
The number of symbols from the stop start position to the position of the symbol 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 (S136). When the process shifts to waiting for the scheduled stop position, the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is controlled by an interrupt process described later (see FIG. 28 described later), and the position of the symbol with the highest priority reaches the middle of the corresponding display window. After that, the rotation of the reel is stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 72 (S137). The reel stop command includes parameters for specifying the type of the stopped reel and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a stop button whose operation is valid (S138). That is, it is determined whether or not there is a reel that is still rotating. When the main CPU 31 determines that there is a valid stop button, the process proceeds to step S131. On the other hand, when determining that there is no valid stop button, the main CPU 31 ends the reel stop control process.

[Bonus operation check process]
Next, the bonus operation check processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB (S141). When determining that the display combination is BB, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus operation table (see FIG. 8) and performs BB operation processing (S142). In this process, the BB operation 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. 17) (S143). Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a bonus start command to the sub control circuit 72 (S144). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

  When determining that the display combination is not BB in S141, the main CPU 31 determines whether the display combination is replay (S145). 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 (S146).

  When determining that the display combination is not the replay in S145, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operation flag is on (S147). When the main CPU 31 determines that the BB operation flag is not on, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation check process. On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 determines that the BB operation flag is on, it determines whether the RB operation flag is on. Is determined (S148).

When the main CPU 31 determines that the RB operation flag is ON, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation check processing. On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 determines that the RB operation flag is not ON, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus operation table (see FIG. 8). The RB operation-time process is performed with reference to (S149).
In this process, the RB operation flag is turned on, and a predetermined value is set in the winning possible number counter and the game possible number counter. When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

[Bonus end check process]
Next, the bonus end check processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (S151). When determining that the bonus end number counter is 0, the main CPU 31 performs BB end processing (S152). In this process, the BB operation flag and the RB operation flag are turned off, and various counters for managing the bonus end trigger are cleared. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a bonus end command to the sub control circuit 72 (S153). When this processing ends, the bonus end check processing ends.

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the bonus end number counter is not 0 in S151, the main CPU 31 updates the possible winning number counter or the available game number counter (S154). In this process, the number of possible games counter is decremented by one, and if there is a prize, the number of possible prizes counter is decremented by one. Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning number counter or the game number counter is 0 (S155).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the prize possible number counter or the game possible number counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus end check process, while when the main CPU 31 determines that the prize possible number counter or the game possible number counter is 0, The RB termination processing is performed (S156). In this process, the RB operation flag is turned off, and the winning number counter and the game number counter are cleared. When this processing ends, the bonus end check processing ends.

[Interrupt processing under control of main CPU (1.1173 msec)]
Next, an interrupt process (1.1173 msec) under the control of the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 saves the register (S161). Next, the main CPU 31 performs an input port check process (S162). 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 (S163). In this process, when the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, and thereafter, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, The drive of 49R is controlled. Further, when the number of sliding pieces is determined, the drive of the stepping motor is controlled so that the rotation of the reel is decelerated and stopped after the rotation of the corresponding reel continues for the number of sliding pieces.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a lamp / 7-seg driving process (S164). Next, the main CPU 31 restores the register (S165). When this processing ends, the interruption processing ends.

[Program flow executed by sub CPU of sub control circuit]
The description of the content of the program executed by the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 has been described above. Next, the contents of a program executed by the sub CPU 81 of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main board communication task]
Referring to FIG. 29, a main board communication task performed by sub CPU 81 will be described. First, the sub CPU 81 checks the reception of the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 (S301). Next, when receiving the command, the sub CPU 81 extracts the type of the command (S302).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether a command different from the previous command has been received (S303). When the sub CPU 81 determines that a command different from the last time has not been received, the process proceeds to S301. On the other hand, when the sub CPU 81 determines that a command different from the last time has been received, the sub CPU 81 stores the command in the message queue (S304) and proceeds to S301.

[Direction registration task]
Next, an effect registration task performed by the sub CPU 81 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sub CPU 81 extracts a message from the message queue (S311). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not there is a message (S312). When determining that there is a message, the sub CPU 81 copies the game information from the message (S313). For example, various data, such as an internal winning combination, a type of reel whose rotation has been stopped, a display combination, an operating flag, and the like, specified by parameters are copied to a storage area provided in the sub RAM 83.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 performs an effect content determination process described later with reference to FIG. 31 (S314). In this process, the effect contents are determined, the effect data is registered, and the like in accordance with the type of the received command.

  The sub CPU 81 registers the animation data after S314 or when it is determined that there is no message in S312 (S315). Next, the sub CPU 81 registers sound data (S316). Next, the sub CPU 81 registers the lamp data (S317). The registration of the animation data, the registration of the sound data, and the registration of the ramp data are performed based on the effect data registered in the effect content determination processing (see FIG. 31 described later). When this process ends, the process moves to S311.

[Direction content decision processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 31, a flowchart of the effect content determination processing executed by the sub CPU 81 will be described. First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not a start command has been received (S321). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the start command has been received, it extracts a random number for effect, determines the effect number by lottery based on the internal winning combination, and registers it (S322). The effect number is data that specifies the effect content to be executed this time.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 registers the effect data at the start based on the registered effect number (S323). The effect data is data that specifies animation data, sound data, and lamp data. When the effect data is registered, the corresponding animation data and the like are determined, and effects such as display of a video are executed. When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when the sub CPU 81 determines that it is not at the time of receiving the start command, it determines whether it is at the time of receiving the reel stop command (S324). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the reel stop command has been received, the sub CPU 81 registers the effect data at the time of stop based on the registered effect number and the type of the operation stop button (S325). The operation stop button is one of the effective stop buttons that has been pressed. When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when the sub CPU 81 determines that it is not the time to receive the reel stop command, it determines whether it is the time to receive the display command (S326). When determining that the display command has been received, the sub CPU 81 registers the effect data at the time of display based on the registered effect number (S327). When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when the sub CPU 81 determines that it is not at the time of receiving the display command, it determines whether it is at the time of receiving the bonus start command (S328). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the bonus start command has been received, the bonus data for bonus start is registered (S329). When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when the sub CPU 81 determines that it is not the time of receiving the bonus start command, it determines whether it is the time of receiving the bonus end command (S330). When determining that the bonus end command has not been received, the sub CPU 81 ends the effect content determination processing, and when determining that the bonus end command has been received, registers the effect data for ending the bonus (S331). . When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, with reference to display examples of FIG. 32 to FIG. 35, a description will be given of the content of the “rotation start effect” performed by the main CPU 31.

  FIGS. 32 to 35 show the “rotation start effect” in the case where “1” is determined as the reel symbol position number and the “7V character” is determined as the effect content by the ON determination of the auxiliary flag by the random determination. Is displayed.

  FIG. 32 shows a display example when the ON of the auxiliary flag is determined by lottery and the rotation of the left reel 3L has started. In this case, the rotation of the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R has not yet started.

  FIG. 33 shows a display example when the rotation of the middle reel 3C starts after the rotation of the left reel 3L starts. In the embodiment, “Cherry” corresponding to the symbol position number “7” is stopped and displayed on the center line 8c on the stopped middle reel 3C. First, referring to the reel symbol position determination table (see FIG. 15), the symbol position number LX “19” of the left reel 3L corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number “1” and the symbol position number of the middle reel 3C Determine CX “0”. Next, the symbol position number CY “7” on the center line 8c in the stopped middle reel 3C is determined.

  The symbol position number CX “0” of the middle reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number “1” is equal to or smaller than the symbol position number CY “7” on the center line 8c of the stopped middle reel. The value obtained by subtracting the symbol position number CY “7” on the center line 8c of the stopped middle reel from the symbol position number CX “0” of the middle reel corresponding to the reel symbol position number “1”, is “21”. Is stored in the difference counter as the difference D1.

  Since the value “5” obtained by subtracting the difference D1 “14” from the symbol position number LX “19” of the left reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number “1” is larger than “0”, this value is determined. The value "5" obtained by subtracting the difference D1 "14" from the symbol position number LX "19" of the left reel corresponding to the reel symbol position number "1" is a rotation start symbol position number counter as the middle reel rotation start symbol position number M1. To be stored.

  Next, the symbol position number LZ on the center line 8c in the rotating left reel 3L is determined. Then, when the left reel 3L rotates, as a result, the middle reel rotation start symbol position number M1 “5” and the symbol position number LZ on the center line 8c in the rotating left reel 3L become the same value, The rotation of the middle reel 3C is started in synchronization with the reel 3L.

  That is, the rotation of the middle reel 3C is started in synchronization with the left reel 3L at the timing when "Replay" corresponding to the symbol position number "5" on the left reel 3L is variably displayed on the center line 8c.

  FIG. 34 shows a display example when the rotation of the right reel 3R starts after the rotation of the middle reel 3C starts. In the embodiment, “replay” corresponding to the symbol position number “2” is stopped and displayed on the center line 8c of the stopped right reel 3R. First, referring to the reel symbol position determination table (see FIG. 15), the symbol position number CX “0” of the middle reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number “1”, and the symbol position number RX “ 19 "is determined. Next, the symbol position number RY “2” on the center line 8c in the stopped right reel 3R is determined.

  The symbol position number RX “19” of the right reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number “1” is equal to or larger than the symbol position number RY “2” on the center line 8c of the stopped right reel 3R. The value "17" obtained by subtracting the symbol position number RY "2" on the center line 8c of the stopped right reel 3R from the symbol position number RX "19" of the right reel corresponding to the displayed reel symbol position number "1". The difference D2 is stored in the difference counter.

  Then, the value “−17” obtained by subtracting the difference D2 “17” from the symbol position number CX “0” of the middle reel corresponding to the determined reel symbol position number “1” is smaller than “0”. The value "4" obtained by adding "21" to the value "-17" obtained by subtracting the difference D2 "17" from the symbol position number CX "0" of the middle reel corresponding to the displayed reel symbol position number "1" is the right reel. It is stored in the rotation start symbol position number counter as the rotation start symbol position number M2.

  Next, the symbol position number CZ on the center line 8c on the rotating middle reel 3C is determined. When the right reel rotation start symbol position number M2 “4” becomes the same value as the symbol position number CZ on the center line 8c of the rotating middle reel 3C as a result of rotation of the middle reel 3C, The rotation of the reel 3R is started.

  That is, the rotation of the right reel 3R is started in synchronization with the middle reel 3C at the timing when the “watermelon” corresponding to the symbol position number “4” on the middle reel 3C is variably displayed on the center line 8c.

  FIG. 35 shows that the center reel 3C and the right reel 3R start rotating at the determined timing, and start rotating in synchronization with the left reel 3L at the same speed, and all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R have the same speed. 9 shows a display example in the case where an effect is produced by the effect content “7V character” corresponding to the reel symbol position number “1” as a result of the rotation in synchronization with “1”. In the embodiment, the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated synchronously so that the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R have a V-shape of "red 7".

  Therefore, the player has a sense of expectation that BB is determined as the internal winning combination by displaying “7V character” on the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R by the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Can have.

  For this reason, when BB is determined as the internal winning combination, the auxiliary flag is turned on, and each symbol indicating “red 7-red 7-red 7” which is the symbol combination corresponding to BB is “7V character”. The driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled so as to be synchronized.

  Thereby, the player can recognize that the BB corresponding to each symbol is determined as the internal winning combination by looking at the symbols on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Therefore, a notification indicating that BB has been determined as an internal winning combination is given in the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R that are always visually recognized when the player plays a game, and the player can use the display window 21L. , 21C, and 21R, the player can pay attention to the game. As a result, the player can concentrate on the game, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be increased.

  Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the left reel 3L rotates, as a result, the middle reel rotation start symbol position number M1 and the symbol position number LZ on the center line 8c of the rotating left reel 3L have the same value. Although the rotation of the middle reel 3C is started, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotation may be started earlier by a value corresponding to 1 to 5 frames in consideration of the time until the rotation of the middle reel 3C becomes constant. Similarly, the rotation of the right reel 3R may be started earlier by a value corresponding to 1 to 5 frames in consideration of the time until the rotation of the right reel 3R becomes constant.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the ON of the auxiliary flag is determined by referring to the auxiliary flag determination table 1 (see FIG. 13) having a high probability that the auxiliary flag is turned ON only when BB is determined as the internal winning combination. But it is not limited to this. For example, when cherry, bell, watermelon, or replay is determined as the internal winning combination, the auxiliary flag is turned on, and the reel symbol position determination table (see FIG. 36) is determined according to each internal winning combination, and the reel symbol is determined. The position number may be determined, and the rotation start timing of the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R may be determined in accordance with the determined reel symbol position number.

1 Pachislot 2 Front door 3L, 3C, 3R reel 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 30 Microcomputer 31 Main CPU
32 Main ROM
33 Main RAM
71 main control circuit 72 sub-control circuit 83 sub-RAM

Claims (2)

A plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are arranged on each peripheral surface,
A symbol display area for displaying a part of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the reels;
In accordance with the start operation of the player, an internal lottery process for determining an internal winning combination is performed, a rotation start process of the plurality of reels is performed, and based on the determined internal winning combination in response to a stop operation of the player. A control means for performing a stop control process for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel,
Before the stop control process is performed, a rotation start effect performing means capable of executing a rotation start effect using a plurality of the reels,
The rotation start effect performing means, when determining to execute the rotation start effect, determines the effect content with reference to a symbol position determination table in which a plurality of predetermined symbol position combinations are defined,
The symbol display area, for each of the plurality of reels, upper, middle and lower can display a symbol,
A gaming machine, wherein the symbol position determination table defines a plurality of combinations of the symbol positions with reference to a predetermined line formed by combining the respective middle stages of the symbol display area. It further comprises winning control means capable of generating a winning according to a combination of symbols stopped in the symbol display area,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the winning control means can generate a winning according to a combination of symbols stopped on a line different from the predetermined line.

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