JP7170200B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines by lottery whether or not to give a game profit to a player.

2. Description of the Related Art A slot machine as a game machine is provided with a plurality of game states and performance states in which the player's degree of advantage (game profit) is different during the progress of a game. For example, there is a slot machine that adopts a specification that shifts from a normal game state to a bonus game state in which a player can easily obtain medals by displaying a combination of symbols corresponding to a bonus combination on an activated line.

Further, for example, when a winning combination with a large gaming profit (hereinafter referred to as a selected winning combination) and another winning combination are won in a winning type (hereinafter referred to as a selected winning combination), the winning condition for the selected winning combination is determined. (hereinafter referred to as a correct operation mode) of the stop switch (hereinafter, such an effect of notifying the operation mode as a winning condition for the predetermined winning combination is simply referred to as an auxiliary effect). Some slot machines are provided with an AT effect state in which a so-called AT (assist time) is executed so that the player can easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the selected winning combination on the activated line. Also, an RT (replay time) game state in which the probability of winning a replay combination is set high, or a so-called ART game state in which the AT effect state and the RT game state are progressed at the same time may be used.

In such a slot machine, an image is displayed on the display unit and a sound is output according to the progress of the game, thereby improving the effect of the performance (for example, patent Reference 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-095840

For example, while the AT effect state is being executed, the slot machine performs an auxiliary effect of displaying the correct operation mode on the liquid crystal display unit according to the winning of the selected winning type, and the player can operate according to the correct operation mode. By performing, the selected winning combination can be awarded. Such a correct operation mode is communicated to the player by, for example, displaying an indicator that enables the player to grasp the operation order (first stop, second stop, third stop) on the liquid crystal display. However, if the auxiliary effect is monotonous, the player may not be able to properly operate the stop switch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of appropriately operating a stop switch.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes reels on which symbols are arranged, reel control means for controlling the rotation of the reels, winning type lottery means for determining by lottery whether a winning combination is appropriate, and an effect. The reel control means starts rotating the reel in response to the operation of the start switch, stops rotating the reel in response to the operation of the stop switch, and controls the performance The means may execute an auxiliary effect for informing the player of the order of operation of the stop switches that is advantageous to the player, and can display a navigation image on the liquid crystal display unit based on the execution of the auxiliary effect. includes a first image, a second image, and a third image, wherein the first image is an image showing the stop switch for the first stop operation, and the second image is for the second stop operation. The third image is an image showing the stop switch, the third image is an image showing the stop switch to be operated for a third stop, and the first image is displayed a first time after the start switch is operated. after the first image has started to be displayed and before the display of the first image is completed; after the second image has started to be displayed, the The display of the third image may be started before the display of the second image is completed, and the stop switch is operated after a second time longer than the first time has passed after the display of the third image is completed. You can enable it .

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to operate a stop switch appropriately.

1 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of a slot machine; FIG. FIG. 2 is an external view of the slot machine with the front door opened, for explaining the schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing symbol arrays on reels and activated lines; 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a slot machine; FIG. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning combination. It is a figure which shows a prize type lottery table. It is a figure which shows a prize type lottery table. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the game state in the main control board. It is an explanatory view for explaining the transition of the production state. It is a figure explaining the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining layers in which layer images are arranged; It is an explanatory view for explaining a navigation image. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of layers in which layer images are arranged; It is an explanatory view for explaining a navigation image. It is an explanatory view for explaining a navigation image. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a moving accessory; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display start timing of an index indicating an operation order; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display start timing of an index indicating an operation order; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display start timing of an index indicating an operation order; It is the flowchart which showed the main processing of a main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the sub-processing of a sub-control board. 4 is a flowchart showing command reception processing;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are given the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements that are not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the drawings. do.

(Mechanical Configuration of Slot Machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, a slot machine 100 as a game machine includes a housing 102 with an open front surface and a front surface arranged vertically and rotatably at one end of the front surface of the housing 102. An upper door 104 and a lower front door 106 are provided. A colorless and transparent pattern display window 108 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided at approximately the center of the lower portion of the upper front door 104. At a position corresponding to the pattern display window 108 in the housing 102 , three reels 110 (a left reel 110a, a middle reel 110b, and a right reel 110c) are independently rotatable. The left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are each divided into 20 areas, and a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each region, as shown in the pattern arrangement of FIG. 3(a). , through the symbol display window 108, a total of 9 symbols can be visually recognized for each of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c located in the upper, middle, and lower stages.

An operation unit installation table 112 is formed on the upper part of the front lower door 106, and the operation unit installation table 112 is provided with a medal insertion unit 114, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, a stop switch 120, a production switch 122, and the like. there is The medal insertion unit 114 receives insertion of medals as game media through a medal insertion slot 114a. The bet switch 116 inserts (bets) a prescribed number of medals required for one game among the medals electrically stored (hereinafter simply referred to as credits) inside the slot machine 100 .

The start switch 118 is composed of, for example, a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a game start operation by the player. The stop switches 120 (stop switch 120a, stop switch 120b, stop switch 120c) are provided corresponding to the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively, and detect a player's stop operation. In addition, when the stop switch 120 can be stopped, the player first stops any one of the stop switch 120a, the stop switch 120b, and the stop switch 120c, which is called a first stop. After that, stopping one of the two stop switches 120 that have not been stopped is called a second stop, and stopping the last remaining stop switch 120 after the second stop is called a third stop. . The effect switch 122 is composed of, for example, a press switch and a jog dial switch rotatably arranged around it, and detects a player's press operation or rotation operation.

A liquid crystal display section 124 for displaying various images associated with the performance is provided at approximately the center of the upper portion of the front upper door 104 . In addition, on the upper part and on the left and right of the front upper door 104, there are provided lamps 126 for effect, which are composed of, for example, high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Speakers 128 are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display section 124 on the rear surface of the front upper door 104 and at the left and right positions on the rear surface of the front lower door 106 to produce auditory effects such as sound effects and musical tones.

A main credit display section 130 and a main payout display section 132 are provided on the operating section installation table 112 . A sub-credit display section 134 and a sub-payout display section 136 are provided between the symbol display window 108 and the operation section installation table 112 . The main credit display portion 130 and the sub-credit display portion 134 display the number of credited medals (the number of credits), and the main payout display portion 132 and the sub-payout display portion 136 display the number of payout medals. .

Below the reel 110 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 142 for paying out medals from the medal outlet 140a is provided. In addition, a receiving tray portion 140 for storing medals dispensed from the medal discharge port 140a is provided at the lower front portion of the lower front door 106. As shown in FIG. A power switch 144 is also provided in the housing 102 . The power switch 144 is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100, and is used to switch between two states, a power-off state and a power-on state.

In the slot machine 100, when a game can be started and a specified number of medals are bet, the activated line A is activated and the operation of the start switch 118 is activated. Here, bets are made by inserting credited medals through operation of the bet switch 116, inserting medals through the medal inserting unit 114, and replay combinations, which will be described later in detail, are displayed on the activated line A. This includes any case where medals are automatically inserted based on Also, the active line A is a line for judging the winning of a winning combination, and there is one in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the activated line A has nine symbols (three reels×three rows of upper, middle, and lower) facing the symbol display window 108, the middle row of the left reel 110a, the middle row of the middle reel 110b, and the middle row of the middle reel 110b. The line is set to connect the positions corresponding to the symbols stopped in the middle row of the right reel 110c. The invalid line is used to determine the winning combination by displaying other symbol combinations that make it easier to grasp the winning combination when it is difficult to grasp the winning combination only from the combination of symbols displayed on the valid line A. In this embodiment, four invalid lines B1, B2, C1, and C2 shown in FIG. 3B are assumed.

Then, when the player operates the start switch 118, the game is started, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are rotated, and the winning type lottery and the like are executed. After that, according to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b and right reel 110c are stopped respectively. Then, when a winning combination that can receive medals wins according to the combination of the lottery results of the winning type lottery and the symbols displayed on the activated line A, the medals are paid out, and the winning type that can receive the medals is paid out. , or if the player wins but does not win, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are all stopped, and the game ends.

In the present embodiment, in the above-mentioned one game, a medal is inserted through the medal insertion section 114, a credited medal is inserted through operation of the bet switch 116, or a replay combination is displayed on the activated line A. After one of the medals is automatically inserted based on the above, the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c is controlled according to the player's operation of the start switch 118, and the winning type lottery is executed. The left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel corresponding to the operated stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c according to the lottery result of the lottery type lottery and the operation of the plurality of stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c by the player. 110c are respectively controlled to be stopped, and when a winning combination capable of receiving medals is won, the game is played until the medals are paid out. In addition, when the winning type for which medals can be paid out is not won, or when the player wins but does not win, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c all stop, and one game ends. However, the start of one game may be read as the operation of the start switch 118 by the player instead of the insertion of medals or the winning of a replay combination. Also, the number of times such one game is repeated is the number of games.

(Electrical Configuration of Slot Machine 100)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 is provided with a control board including a main control board 200 for controlling the progress of the game, and a sub-control board 202 for controlling the effect according to the progress of the game. In addition, electrical signal transmission between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is limited to one direction only from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has a semiconductor integrated circuit including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs and the like, a main RAM 200c that functions as a work area, and the like, and controls the entire slot machine 100. . The data in the main RAM 200c is retained without being erased, even when the power is turned off, unless the setting is changed and the RAM is cleared.

In addition, the main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b. 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, game state control means 312, effect state control means 314, command transmission means 316 and other functional units.

The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from an inserted medal detection section 114b for detecting insertion of medals into the medal slot 114a, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, and stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Based on the received detection signal, the main CPU 200a executes various processes.

The initialization means 300 executes initialization processing in the main control board 200 . The betting means 302 bets medals to be used for games. Based on the operation of the start switch 118, the winning type lottery means 304 performs a winning type lottery for determining whether a winning combination is appropriate, more specifically, whether a winning combination includes a winning combination.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c according to the operation of the start switch 118, and corresponds to the rotating left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c. Depending on the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are controlled to stop.

A reel drive control section 150 is also connected to the main control board 200 . The reel drive control unit 150 drives a stepping motor 152 based on a rotation start signal for the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, which is transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118. do. In addition, the reel drive control unit 150 detects the respective stop signals of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, which are transmitted from the reel control means 306, and the rotation position detection circuit 154 in response to the operation signal of the stop switch 120. Drive of the stepping motor 152 is stopped based on the signal.

The determining means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the activated line A. Here, the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the activated line A may simply be called winning. The payout control means 310 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination based on the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination being displayed on the activated line A (winning). A medal payout device 142 is connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 discharges medals while counting the number of payout medals.

The game state control means 312 refers to the result of the winning type lottery and the determination result of the determination means 308, and shifts the game state to one of a plurality of types of game states. In addition, the effect state control means 314 refers to the result of the winning type lottery, the determination result of the determination means 308, and the transition information of the game state, and shifts the effect state to one of a plurality of types of effect states.

The command transmission means 316 is a game-related command associated with the operation of the betting means 302, the winning type lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the game state control means 312, the effect state control means 314, and the like. are sequentially determined, and the determined commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub control board 202 .

Also, the main control board 200 is provided with a random number generator 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops within a predetermined numerical range, and extracts the count value at a predetermined point in time to obtain a random number. A random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as a winning type lottery random number) is used for the game profit given to the player, for example, for the winning type lottery means 304 to determine the winning type. .

(Sub control board 202)
The sub-control board 202, like the main control board 200, has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub-CPU 202a as a central processing unit, a sub-ROM 202b storing programs and the like, and a sub-RAM 202c functioning as a work area. , based on the command from the main control board 200, especially controls the performance. A backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the sub-RAM 202c as well as the main RAM 200c, so that data is retained without being erased even when the power is turned off. The sub control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator 202d like the main control board 200, and the random numbers generated by the random number generator 202d are mainly used to determine the mode of presentation.

Also, in the sub-control board 202, the sub-CPU 202a functions by cooperating with the sub-RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub-ROM 202b. It has a functional part.

The initialization determination means 330 executes initialization processing in the sub control board 202 . The command receiving means 332 receives commands from other control boards such as the main control board 200 and processes the commands. The effect control means 334 receives the detection signal from the effect switch 122, and determines the effect of the game performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 124, the speaker 128, and the effect lamp 126 based on the received command. Specifically, the effect control means 334 controls the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124, the effect lamp 126, the sub-credit display unit 134, the sub-payout display unit 136, and other illumination equipment for effects. Along with determining the decoration data, the audio data constituting the audio to be output from the speaker 128 is also determined. And the production|presentation control means 334 performs the production|presentation of the determined game. The effect also includes an auxiliary effect of notifying the operation mode of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c in an ART game state (AT effect state), which will be described later, and assisting the winning of a predetermined winning combination with a large game profit.

In the following, information managed by a board other than the main control board 200, including the sub control board 202, such as the liquid crystal display section 124, the effect lamp 126, the speaker 128, the sub credit display section 134, and the sub payout display section 136 The means may be called other notification means. On the other hand, the notification means managed by the main control board 200, such as the main credit display section 130 and the main payout display section 132, may be referred to as main notification means.

(Table used in main control board 200)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining winning combinations, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a winning type lottery table.

As will be described later in detail, the slot machine 100 is provided with a plurality of types of game states and effect states, and the game states and effect states are changed in accordance with the progress of the game. In the main control board 200, the main ROM 200b stores a plurality of winning type lottery tables corresponding to the game states managed and controlled by the game state control means 312. FIG. The winning type lottery means 304 stores the corresponding winning type lottery table in the main ROM 200b according to the current set value (indicating the easiness of obtaining a game profit in stages) stored in the main RAM 200c and the current gaming state. Based on the extracted winning type lottery table, it is determined which winning type in the winning type lottery table the winning type lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118 corresponds to.

Here, the winning combination constituting the winning type extracted from the winning type lottery table includes a replay combination, a minor combination, and a bonus combination. The replay combination is a combination in which, when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A, the game can be played again without the player betting new medals. A small combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the symbol combination by displaying a symbol combination corresponding to the minor combination on the activated line A. A bonus combination is a combination that can shift the game state managed by the game state control means 312 to a bonus game state by displaying a symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the activated line A. .

As shown in FIG. 5, the winning hands in this embodiment are the winning hands "transition replay 1" to "transition replay 4", "normal replay 1" to "normal replay 3", and "cherry replay 1" as replay hands. , “Cherry Replay 2”, “BAR Stimulating Replay”, “BAR Matching Replay”, and “Chance Replay” (hereinafter, these 12 replay roles may be simply referred to as winning roles “Replay”). .

In addition, as the small winning combination, the winning combination "1 combination 1" to "1 combination 16" (hereinafter, these 16 small combinations may be abbreviated as the winning combination "1 combination"), the winning combination "Bell 1" to "Bell 5" (hereinafter, these five small hands may be abbreviated as the winning hand "Bell"), the winning hand "Cherry", and the winning hand "Watermelon 1" to "Watermelon 4" (hereinafter referred to as These four small wins may be simply abbreviated as the winning role “watermelon”), and the winning roles “Reach 1” to “Reach 3” (hereinafter, these three small wins are simply called “Reach 3”). may be abbreviated) is provided.

As bonus hands, winning hands "RBB1", "RBB2", "CBB1", and "CBB2" (these four bonus hands may be abbreviated as winning hands "BB" hereinafter) are provided. . In FIG. 5, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are associated with one or a plurality of symbols forming each winning combination. "ANY" in FIG. 5 indicates that any symbol may stop on the corresponding activated line A. In addition, the winning roles “Cherry Replay 1”, “Cherry Replay 2”, “Chance Replay”, “Cherry”, and “Watermelon” are benefits (gaming profits) that can be obtained from other winning roles other than the winning role “BB”. It is a so-called rare hand that is set so that the value is high.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the stop switch 120 is operated by the player, if the symbols forming the symbol combination corresponding to the possible winning combination are on the effective line A, the reel control means By 306, stop control is performed so that the symbol is stopped on the activated line A. Further, when the stop switch 120 is operated, there are 4 symbols in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reel 110, although the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination that can be won are not on the activated line A. If it exists within the range corresponding to the minute (pull-in range), the reel control means 306 controls the number of symbols away from each other to be the number of sliding symbols, and the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are valid. Stop control is performed so as to stop after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to draw onto the line A. In addition, when there are a plurality of symbols corresponding to winning combinations that can be won on the reel 110, and all of them exist within the pull-in range of the reel 110, which symbol is placed on the effective line A according to a predetermined priority. It is determined whether to pull it upward, and stop control is performed so as to stop after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to pull the prioritized symbol onto the effective line A. - 特許庁Incidentally, when the stop switch 120 is pressed, if a symbol constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination other than a winable winning combination is on the effective line A, the reel control means 306 controls the symbol is not stopped on the effective line A, so-called kicking processing is also executed in parallel. In addition, as will be described later, when an operation mode (operation order or operation timing) is set as a winning condition for a winning combination included in the winning type, the reel control means 306 controls the winning combination according to the player's operation mode. The symbol combination corresponding to is controlled to be displayed on the activated line A.

Then, for example, the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning hands "Transition Replay 1" to "Transition Replay 4", the winning hands "Normal Replay 1" to "Normal Replay 3", and the winning hands "Bell 1" to "Bell 5" are formed. The symbols to be played are arranged so that they can always be displayed on the effective line A by the above-described stop control on each reel 110 . Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB=1. On the other hand, for example, the symbols forming the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Cherry", the winning combination "Watermelon", and the winning combination "BB" are necessarily displayed on the effective line A in each reel 110 by the above-described stop control. Since they are not arranged in a way that is possible, so-called dropouts may occur. Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB≠1.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the winning type lottery table, a plurality of winning areas are divided, and the winning type to be the target of the lottery differs depending on each game state, and the presence or absence of losing (not winning) differs. or 6 and 7, each game state (RT0 game state (RT0), RT1 game state (RT1), RT2 game state (RT2), RT3 game state (RT3), RT4 game state (RT4), internal medium game state (internal middle), bonus game state (BB1) in which winning combination "RBB1" wins, bonus game state (BB2) in which winning combination "RBB2" wins, bonus game state (CBB1) in which winning combination "CBB" wins, The winning area (winning type) assigned to each bonus game state (CBB2) in which the winning combination “CBB2” wins is indicated by “○”, but actually, the winning type corresponds to each of a plurality of game states. A lottery table is stored in the main ROM 200b. In the winning type lottery table, each partitioned winning area is associated with a predetermined number (winning range value), which is a numerical value indicating a winning range, and a winning type. The total number of winning type lottery random numbers (65536) is obtained by summing up the numbers set in the winning areas. A winning-type lottery means 304 sequentially obtains set numbers from a plurality of winning areas in the winning-type lottery table in descending order of numbers based on the game state at that time, and converts the set numbers to winning-type lottery random numbers. When the subtracted value becomes less than 0, the winning type associated with the winning area at that time is taken as the lottery result of the winning type lottery.

According to the winning type lottery tables of FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, the winning area 1 is associated with the winning type "lost", and if the winning type is won, one of the winning combinations shown in FIG. The corresponding symbol combination will not be displayed on the activated line A, and medals will not be paid out. However, as will be described later, if the BB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" can be displayed on the activated line A by winning the winning type "lost". It becomes possible.

In addition, the winning areas 2 to 26 are associated with one single replay combination or multiple overlapping replay combinations. Then, when a winning type in which a plurality of winning hands are overlapped is won, a winning condition, such as stop The order in which the switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated is set.

In the following description, the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that stop the reels in the order of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are referred to as "batting order 1," and the left reel 110a, the right reel 110c, and the middle reel 110b are operated. The operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that sequentially stop the reels are referred to as "batting order 2", and the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that stop the reels in the order of the middle reel 110b, the left reel 110a, and the right reel 110c are referred to as the "batting order." 3", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the middle reel 110b, the right reel 110c, and the left reel 110a is set to "hitting order 4", and the right reel 110c, the left reel 110a, and the middle reel 110b are operated in this order. The operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels is defined as "hitting order 5", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the right reel 110c, middle reel 110b, and left reel 110a is defined as "hitting order 6". ”.

For example, in the RT1 game state, if the winning type "transition replay 1" is won and an operation is performed according to the batting order 1, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "transition replay 2" indicating the transition to the RT2 game state is valid. Stop control is performed so that the line A is preferentially displayed. Further, when the operation of the batting order 2 to batting order 6 is performed, the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination "transition replay 3" and "transition replay 4" indicating the transition to the RT3 game state are preferentially displayed on the effective line A. A stop control is made as shown.

In addition, the winning areas 28 to 39 include the winning combination "bell" and the winning combination "single hand" in duplicate. winning types may be simply abbreviated as winning types "batting order bell") are associated with each other. The winning probabilities (the number of registered numbers) of the winning regions 28 to 39 are set to be equal. Since the player cannot usually know which type of winning has been won, the above-described winning areas 28 to 39 are provided to make it difficult for the winning combination "Bell" to win. Also, even if the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated in the order in which the winning combination "one-piece combination" is preferentially displayed, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "one-piece combination" is not necessarily displayed on the effective line A. Since it is not always possible to display it, depending on the operation mode, there is a possibility that it will be missed (PB≠1). In addition, the winning areas 40 to 42 are associated with the winning types ``Battering order bell middle left'' to ``Battering order bell middle right'' in which the winning hand ``Bell 2'' and the winning hand ``Bell 3'' are duplicated. ing. The winning probabilities (the number of registered numbers) of the winning areas 40 to 42 are set to be equal.

The winning areas 50 to 53 are associated with the winning types "RBB1", "RBB2", "RBB3", and "RBB4" including the winning combination "RBB1", and the winning areas 54 to 57 are: The winning types "RBB5", "RBB6", "RBB7", and "RBB8" including the winning combination "RBB2" are associated with each other, and the winning regions 58 to 61 are associated with the winning types including the winning combination "CBB1". "CBB1", "CBB2", "CBB3", and "CBB4" are associated, and winning areas 62 to 65 include winning types "CBB5", "CBB6", and "CBB7" that include the winning combination "CBB2". ”, and “CBB8” are associated with each other. In addition, below, winning types "RBB1", "RBB2", "RBB3", "RBB4", "RBB5", "RBB6", "RBB7", "RBB8", "CBB1", "CBB2", "CBB3" , “CBB4”, “CBB5”, “CBB6”, “CBB7”, and “CBB8” may be simply abbreviated as winning type “BB”.

When one of the winning types described above is won, an internal winning flag corresponding to the respective winning type is established (turned on), and each reel 110 is controlled to stop depending on the state of establishment of this internal winning flag. The Rukoto. At this time, if a winning type including a minor winning combination is won, but the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combinations cannot be displayed on the activated line A in the game, after the end of the game. The internal winning flag is turned off. In other words, the right to win a minor winning combination is limited only within the game in which the winning type including the minor winning combination has been won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. On the other hand, if the winning type including the winning combination "BB" is won, the BB internal winning flag is established (turned on), and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is displayed on the activated line A. The BB internal winning flag is carried over across games until it is displayed. In addition, when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning type including the winning role "Replay" which is the replay role is established, one of the winning roles "Replay" included in the winning type is selected. is always displayed on the activated line A, and the internal winning flag is turned off after the processing necessary for performing the next game without using medals.

(Transition of game state)
Here, transition of the game state including the bonus game state will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a plurality of game states such as the RT0 game state, the RT1 game state, the RT2 game state (which may become the ART game state described later), the RT3 game state, the RT4 game state, the internal middle game state, and the bonus game state are prepared. ing. In the RT0 gaming state, the RT1 gaming state, the RT2 gaming state, the RT3 gaming state, and the RT4 gaming state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set (RT0 gaming state=1/7.3, RT1 gaming state=1/1. 4, RT2 gaming state = 1/1.4, RT3 gaming state = 1/7.3, RT4 gaming state = 1/7.3), so-called RT gaming state. is displayed on the activated line A, or the RT game state transitions in relation to the winning of the bonus combination. Here, the winning probability of the replay combination in the RT1 game state and the RT2 game state is set relatively high, and the player can advance the game advantageously by shifting to the RT1 game state and the RT2 game state. .

The RT0 game state in the normal game state is a game state corresponding to the initial state in a plurality of game states. In the RT0 game state, when the winning type ``batting order bell'' is won, and no combination of symbols corresponding to any of the small winning combinations (winning combination ``bell'', ``one piece combination'') is displayed on the activated line A. When a symbol combination corresponding to the displayed blank symbol combination is displayed on the active line A, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state to the RT1 game state (1).

In addition, in the RT1 game state, if any of the winning types "transition replay 1" to "transition replay 6" is won and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "transition replay 2" is displayed, the gaming state The control means 312 shifts the game state to the RT2 game state (2). In this RT2 game state, it is assumed that an auxiliary effect is performed under a predetermined condition, that is, so-called AT is executed in parallel (AT effect state), and in the present embodiment, in parallel with the RT2 game state A state in which AT is being executed is called an ART gaming state.

In addition, in the RT2 gaming state, if any of the winning types "transition replay 13" to "transition replay 15" is won and a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "transition replay 1" is displayed, If the type "batting order bell" is won, and no combination of symbols corresponding to any small combination (winning combination "bell", "one piece combination") is displayed on the effective line A, that is, the blank symbol combination When the corresponding symbol combination is displayed on the activated line A, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state to the RT1 game state (3).

In addition, in the RT1 game state, any of the winning types "transition replay 1" to "transition replay 12" is won, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "transition replay 3" or the winning combination "transition replay 4" is When displayed, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state to the RT3 game state (4). In addition, in the RT0 gaming state, any of the winning types "transition replay 7" to "transition replay 12" is won, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "transition replay 3" or the winning combination "transition replay 4" is When displayed, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state to the RT3 game state (5). In addition, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state to the RT0 game state (6 ).

In addition, in the winning type lottery in any of the RT0 gaming state, RT1 gaming state, RT2 gaming state, RT3 gaming state, and RT4 gaming state, one of the winning types including the bonus combination is won, and the BB internal winning When the flag is established, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state to the internal medium game state corresponding to the preparation state of the bonus game state (7). At this time, when the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination cannot be displayed on the effective line A, the BB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game as it is (the internal middle game state is maintained), and after the next time. It is possible to display the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the effective line A also in the game. In the internal middle game state, the winning probability of the replay combination (for example, the winning type "normal replay 1") is set higher (for example, 1/3.0) than the game state in the previous stage (immediately before), so medals are consumed. can be aimed to display the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the effective line A while suppressing the Then, when the player causes the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination to be displayed on the activated line A, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state from the internal middle game state to the bonus game state (8). Further, in the bonus game state, when the predetermined number of medals associated with each bonus combination is paid out, the game state control means 312 determines whether the winning type including the bonus combination is determined regardless of the game state. , the game state is shifted from the bonus game state to the RT4 game state (9). Therefore, when a bonus combination is won, the RT4 game state is always passed through before shifting from the RT0 game state to the RT3 game state.

Then, in the RT4 game state, the winning type ``batting order bell'' is won, and no combination of symbols corresponding to any of the small winning combinations (winning combination ``bell'', ``one-piece winning combination'') is displayed on the activated line A. In this case, the symbol combination corresponding to the blank symbol combination is displayed on the activated line A, and the game state control means 312 shifts the game state to the RT1 game state (10).

(Transition of production state)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the effect state in the main control board 200. As shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the effect state (non-AT effect state, AT effect state) to be changed by the effect state control means 314 in the main control board 200 will be described in detail.

(Non-AT production state)
The non-AT production state includes a normal production state and a chance production state (chance zone). When the non-AT performance state is executed, the execution frequency of the auxiliary performance is much lower than that in the AT performance state, and the auxiliary performance is hardly performed, so the number of medals to be obtained is limited. The normal effect state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among the plurality of effect states managed by the sub-control board 202 .

The effect state control means 314 shifts the game state to the chance effect state at a predetermined opportunity in the normal effect state (1), and when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the chance effect state, for example, a predetermined number of games is consumed. Then, it returns to the normal presentation state (2). Also, the effect state control means 314 can shift the effect state to the AT effect state in the normal effect state and the chance effect state (3). However, the chance effect state is set so that it is easier to shift to the AT effect state than the normal effect state. For example, in any game state of the normal effect state and the chance effect state, a lottery (effect state lottery) determines whether or not to shift to the AT effect state based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Furthermore, the probability of shifting to the AT presentation state associated with each winning type is higher in the chance presentation state than in the normal presentation state. Therefore, the player desires to stay in the chance presentation state rather than in the normal presentation state. Further, when a predetermined number of games are consumed in the non-AT effect state without shifting to the AT effect state (so-called ceiling reaching), the effect state control means 314 shifts the game state to the AT effect state.

(AT production state)
In the AT effect state, the correct operation mode is notified by the auxiliary effect, so that it is possible to obtain a large number of medals while suppressing the consumption of medals. Therefore, the player can progress the game more advantageously in the AT effect state than in the non-AT effect state.

In addition, in the AT production state, two AT production states such as a normal AT production state and a chance AT production state (specialized zone) are provided. In the normal AT effect state, the game progresses by managing the number of sets with a predetermined number of continuous games (for example, 50 games) set as one set. When the effect state is set to the normal AT effect state, the effect state control means 314 subtracts 1 from the stocked (held) set number and sets the number of continuous games to 50 games. Then, when the game of the number of continuous games ends, the effect state control means 314 determines whether the set number is 0 (whether the set number is stocked), and if the set number is not 0, it is stocked. The set number is decremented by 1 to continue the normal AT presentation state (4). However, the number of continuous games during the continuation of the normal AT effect state is a predetermined number of games of 30 games or more. On the other hand, when the number of stocked sets is 0, the effect state control means 314 terminates the normal AT effect state and shifts the effect state to the chance effect state (5). Further, the effect state control means 314 can shift the effect state to the chance AT effect state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal AT effect state (6).

The chance AT performance state continues until a predetermined number of games has passed, during which the number of sets of the normal AT performance state is added. Then, when the predetermined number of games is completed, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the normal AT effect state (7).

It should be noted that, in both the game state and the production state, if the transition condition is to win or lose a predetermined winning combination, the preparation state until the transition condition is reached (for example, from the non-AT production state to the normal AT production State (3), normal AT production state to chance production state (5)), transition destination game state or production state may occur.

(Production in AT production state)
The effect control means 334 displays various images (composite images) on the liquid crystal display unit 124 based on the game state and effect state managed by the main control board 200 and the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. do. For example, when the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the AT effect state, the effect control means 334 executes an auxiliary effect according to the winning of the selected winning type, and displays an indicator for grasping the correct operation mode on the liquid crystal display unit 124. to display.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an image displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124. As shown in FIG. For example, when the game state is shifted to the ART game state (the effect state is the AT effect state), the effect control means 334, as shown in FIG. A credit number image 402 indicating the number of medals (credit number) displayed, a payout number image 404 indicating the number of medals paid out, a total number image 406 indicating the total number of payouts after the transition to the ART game state, and the game A synthesized image composed of the navigation image 408 corresponding to the winning of the selected winning type is generated, and the synthesized image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 .

Specifically, the background image 400, the credit number image 402, the payout number image 404, the total number image 406, and the navigation image 408 are individually stored in the sub ROM 202b. The concept of layer is used in generating a composite image. A plurality of layers are set, a priority is set for each of the plurality of layers, and a layer image corresponding to each layer is allocated to each layer. As shown in FIG. 10B, the effect control means 334 provides layer images corresponding to each of the plurality of layers, that is, a background image 400, a credit number image 402, a payout number image 404, a total number image 406, and a navigator image. The image 408 is arranged and superimposed in the direction perpendicular to the screen to generate one composite image. In this example, the priority of the layers is set to be higher in the order of the background image 400, the credit number image 402, the payout number image 404, the total number image 406, and the navigation image 408.

Therefore, the layer image placed on the layer with the higher priority is displayed without missing, but the layer image placed on the layer with the lower priority overlaps the layer image placed on the layer with the higher priority. part is missing. For example, in FIG. 10(b), the layer images are arranged in the order of priority of the background image 400, the credit number image 402, the payout number image 404, the total number image 406, and the navigation image 408. All the navigation images 408 with the highest priority are displayed, but the background image 400 is partly missing due to layer images with higher priority.

Here, after the operation of the start switch 118 and before the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c becomes effective, the effect control means 334 displays an indicator that allows the above-described correct operation mode to be grasped as the navigation image 408. The index for grasping the correct operation mode is the numerical value indicating the operation order, that is, the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop, the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop, and the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop. 3”, the display positions in the image corresponding to the installation positions shown in FIG. ) (hereinafter, the display position corresponding to the stop switch may be simply referred to as "display position of the stop switch"). For example, in the example of FIG. 10(a), an index including the number "1" indicating the first stop is displayed at the right position of the image, which is the display position of the stop switch 120c, and the number "1" indicating the second stop is displayed. 2” is displayed at the display position of the stop switch 120b in the image, and an index including the numerical value “3” indicating the third stop is displayed at the left position of the image, which is the display position of the stop switch 120a. ing. Therefore, the player can win the selected winning combination by visually recognizing the indicator for grasping the correct operation mode and operating the stop switch 120c, the stop switch 120b, and the stop switch 120a in the order according to the correct operation mode. .

However, it is necessary to prepare as many navigation images 408 as indicators for grasping the correct operation mode as the number of combinations of the operation order and the display position of the stop switch. Further, when the first stop is completed, the index including the number "1" indicating the first stop is deleted, the index including the number "2" indicating the second stop, and the number indicating the third stop. It is necessary to switch to the navigation image 408 in which only the index including "3" remains, resulting in a wide variety of display patterns. Furthermore, when suggesting other game profit acquisition such as a chance pattern through the auxiliary effect, more display patterns must be prepared, resulting in an increase in the occupied area of the sub ROM 202b and a decrease in development efficiency. It will happen. Here, not only the background image 400, the credit number image 402, the payout number image 404, the total number image 406, and the navigation image 408 are arranged in each layer, but also the navigation image 408 is divided into a plurality of layers and managed. By doing so, the development efficiency is improved and the area occupied by the sub ROM 202b is reduced.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining layers in which layer images are arranged. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a total of 32 layers indicated by layer numbers 0 to 31 are set. However, the number of layers is not limited to 32, and various numbers such as 96 can be set. Here, the higher the layer number, the higher the priority. For example, for each layer image shown in FIG. 10, the background image 400 is associated with layer "0", the credit amount image 402 is associated with layer "2", and the payout amount image 404 is associated with layer "3". , the total number image 406 is associated with layer "4", and the navigation image 408 is associated with a plurality of layers "21" to "23".

In addition, as layer images not displayed in FIG. 10, a stage name image, an ART rush image, a special effect image, a effect image, a button image, a return image, and an immersion prevention image are stored in the sub ROM 202b. They are associated with layers "6", "8", "11", "14", "16", "29" and "31", respectively. It should be noted that the stage name image is a layer image indicating the name of the stage to which the player is currently in the normal game state. The ART entry image is a layer image indicating that the ART game state has entered. A special effect image is, for example, a layer image that is displayed over a plurality of games when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The effect image is an image, such as a cut-in, suggesting that there is a high possibility that some kind of game profit has been obtained. The button image is a layer image that prompts the player to operate the effect switch 122 . The return image is a layer image displayed when returning to the ART gaming state. The addiction prevention image is a layer image for reminding the player to prevent addiction to the game. Layer "9" is set for a rendering buffer, and is used when processing an image in which layer images of layers "1" to "8" are superimposed. In addition, between these layers, spare layers "1", "5", "7", "10", "12", "13", "15", "17" to "20", " 24” to “28” and “30” are set respectively. The spare layer is not associated with any layer image at the beginning of development, but when adding a layer image during development, it is possible to newly set it for the layer image to be added.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the navigation image 408. As shown in FIG. Here, the navigation image 408 is divided into three layers and managed. Specifically, layer "23" corresponds to the stop switch 120c, and as shown in FIG. An index 410 indicating the operation order (first stop) of operating the switch 120c, for example, a numerical value "1" indicating the first stop and an effect image forming its background are arranged. In addition, the layer "22" corresponds to the stop switch 120b, and as shown in FIG. An index 412 indicating the operation order (second stop) of operating the , for example, a numerical value "2" indicating the second stop and an effect image forming its background are arranged. Layer "21" corresponds to the stop switch 120a, and as shown in FIG. An index 414 indicating the operation order (third stop) to be performed, for example, a numerical value "3" indicating the third stop and an effect image forming the background thereof are arranged. Then, the effect control means 334 superimposes the navigation image 408 shown in FIGS. 12(a) to 12(c), and as shown in FIG. 404 , one synthetic image is generated together with the total number of sheets image 406 , and the synthetic image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 .

Here, managing the navigation image 408 by dividing it into three layers yields the following advantages. Suppose that for each of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, the display pattern of the index indicating the order of operation is the number indicating the order of operation, the shape of the number, the color of the number, the operation of the number, and the effect of forming the background of the number. It is assumed that there are a plurality of composite images (here, 20 types) of images, shapes of effect images, colors of effect images, actions of effect images, and the like. Then, if the operation order and the display positions of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are managed in one layer, the combination of layer images is the cube of the number of indices (here, 20) related to the stop switch 120, that is, 8000 types. However, by providing these for each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, it is sufficient to prepare 20 types of navigation images 408 for each layer. 3, that is, 60 types of navigation images 408 are prepared, and it is sufficient to appropriately select a combination thereof.

Therefore, the developer only needs to design, for example, 60 types of navigation images 408, so development efficiency can be improved. Also, since the area occupied by the sub ROM 202b can be reduced to 60 types of navigation images 408, the area occupied by the sub ROM 202b can be released for other data. Also, from a different point of view, if the same occupied area as in the case of managing with one navigation image 408 is used, more display patterns can be formed, making it possible to diversify the effects.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining another example of layers in which layer images are arranged. In the above description, an example has been described in which the three layers "21" to "23" are associated with the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, respectively. However, layers can be further subdivided and managed. For example, here, numerical values and effect images are separately managed in six layers "18" to "23" as indices indicating the operation order.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the navigation image 408. As shown in FIG. Specifically, layer "23" corresponds to the stop switch 120c, and as shown in FIG. A numerical value 410a indicating the operation order (first stop) for operating the switch 120c, for example, a numerical value "1" indicating the first stop is arranged. Further, layer "22" corresponds to the stop switch 120c, and as shown in FIG. 410b is placed. In addition, the layer "21" corresponds to the stop switch 120b, and as shown in FIG. A numerical value 412a indicating the operation order (second stop) for operating the is arranged, for example, the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop. Also, layer "20" corresponds to the stop switch 120b, and as shown in FIG. 412b is placed. Layer "19" corresponds to the stop switch 120a, and as shown in FIG. A numerical value 414a indicating the operation order (third stop) to be performed, for example, a numerical value "3" indicating the third stop is arranged. Also, layer "18" corresponds to the stop switch 120a, and as shown in FIG. 414b is placed. Then, the effect control means 334 superimposes the navigation image 408 shown in FIGS. 14(a) to 14(f), and as shown in FIG. 404 , one synthetic image is generated together with the total number of sheets image 406 , and the synthetic image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 .

Here, managing the navigation image 408 by dividing it into six layers yields the following advantages. For example, it is assumed that numerical values and effect images corresponding to the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are made to stand still, but the effect images are caused to swing left and right or up and down. In this case, by independently managing the numerical values and the effect images, the numerical values can be individually changed regardless of the effect images, and the effect images can be operated periodically regardless of the numerical values. Therefore, it is possible to further improve development efficiency and further reduce the area occupied by the sub ROM 202b.

Here, an example has been described in which three or six layers are used to manage the indices for grasping the correct operation mode. For example, the navigation image 408 is associated with four layers, three layers are assigned to each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, numerical values indicating the order of operation are displayed, and a common effect image is displayed on the remaining one layer. may be

Also, here, an example in which the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c have 6 correct operation modes (“batting order 1” to “batting order 6”) has been described, but the numbers less than 6 are not limited to 6 options. You may choose. For example, when the correct operation mode is three options, only the stop switch for the first stop is notified as an auxiliary effect. In this case, as the navigation image 408, in the layer corresponding to the stop switch that performs the first stop, a numerical value indicating the operation order (first stop), for example, the first stop is displayed at the display position corresponding to the stop switch. In the layer corresponding to other stop switches, a symbol (for example, "-") is placed at the display position corresponding to the stop switch regardless of the operation order.

Also, in the above description, an example has been described in which the three layers are associated with the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, respectively. However, this is not the only case, and the order of operation (first stop, second stop, third stop) for operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are the correct operation modes, may be associated with each of the three layers. . Here, as shown in FIG. 11, an example is given in which three layers "21" to "23" are associated with three operation orders.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the navigation image 408. As shown in FIG. For example, layer "23" corresponds to the first stop in the order of operations, and as shown in FIG. An index 410 consisting of an image is placed at the display position (position in the image) of the stop switch 120b that performs the first stop. Further, layer "22" corresponds to the second stop of the operation order, and as shown in FIG. An index 412 consisting of an image is arranged at the display position (image left position) of the stop switch 120a for performing the second stop. Further, layer "21" corresponds to the third stop in the order of operations, and as shown in FIG. An index 414 consisting of an image is placed at the display position (image right position) of the stop switch 120c for the third stop.

Here, the three layers are associated with the operation order of operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which is the correct operation mode, so unlike the example in FIG. , the display position where the index indicating the operation order is displayed changes to the left or right. For example, if the first stop is not the stop switch 120b but the stop switch 120c, the navi image 408 of the layer "23" is an index consisting of a numerical value "1" indicating the operation order and an effect image forming its background. 410 is arranged at the display position (image right position) of the stop switch 120c that performs the first stop. In this way, although the arrangement of the images changes, the following advantages are obtained by associating the operation orders of the correct operation modes with the three layers. That is, among layers "23" to "21", the priority is higher in the order of layer "23", layer "22", and layer "21". Then, the index including the numerical value “2” indicating the operation order is superimposed in front of the index including the numerical value “3” indicating the operation order, and the operation order is indicated in front of the index including the numerical value “2” indicating the operation order. Indexes containing the number "1" are superimposed. Therefore, even if the numerical value indicating the order of operations moves in the horizontal direction or changes in size according to the effect, even if the numerical values indicating the order of operations overlap, the numerical value indicating the order of operations should be given the highest priority. is always displayed in front, the player can appropriately visually recognize the numerical value indicating the order of operation, and can reliably perform the operation in the correct operation mode.

Here, when the player completes the first stop, the navigation image 408 placed on the layer "23" is deleted, so the navigation image 408 placed on the layer "22" corresponding to the next second stop is deleted. Visual recognition of the image 408 is not hindered.

Also, here, the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c have been explained with an example in which there are 6 correct operation modes (“batting order 1” to “batting order 6”), but the number of options is not limited to 6. You may choose. For example, when the correct operation mode is three options, only the stop switch for the first stop is notified as an auxiliary effect. In this case, as the navigation image 408, in the layer corresponding to the first stop, a numerical value indicating the order of operation (first stop), for example, the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop is the stop switch that performs the first stop. is placed at the display position corresponding to the stop switch, and on other layers, a symbol (for example, "-") regardless of the operation order is placed at the display position corresponding to the stop switch.

By the way, in the slot machine 100, in addition to the liquid crystal display section 124, the speaker 128, and the performance lamp 126, there is a case where a moving accessory such as a shutter, which is physically moved by a motor or an actuator, is employed. Such a moving accessory is often installed at the player's line of sight level because the movement of such a mobile accessory conveys the presence or absence of a game profit and its suggestion with a strong impact to the player. In addition, in conjunction with the display of the liquid crystal display section 124, the moving character is moved while being positioned in front of the liquid crystal display section 124, and the image on the liquid crystal display section 124 is changed according to the position of the moving character. may be allowed to do so. It should be noted that moving while positioned in front of the liquid crystal display section 124 includes movement within the front surface of the liquid crystal display section 124, movement from outside the front surface of the liquid crystal display section 124 to inside the front surface of the liquid crystal display section 124, Also includes movement from inside the front to outside the front of the .

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a mobile accessory. Here, it is assumed that moving accessories 420a and 420b are installed on the left and right front sides of the liquid crystal display section 124, as shown in FIG. 16(a). Then, in a predetermined game during the ART game, the effect control means 334 horizontally moves both the moving accessories 420a and 420b toward the liquid crystal display unit 124 as shown in FIG. 420b is positioned in front of the liquid crystal display section 124. FIG. At this time, the effect control means 334 changes the image of the liquid crystal display unit 124 according to the positions of the moving accessories 420a and 420b, and reduces and displays the image on the portion not covered by the moving accessories 420a and 420b. . For example, when the effect control means 334 moves the moving accessories 420a and 420b to the front side of the liquid crystal display unit 124, the moving accessories 420a and 420b cause the indicators 410, 412, and 414 with which the correct operation mode can be visually recognized to be visually recognized. 16(c), an image in which one or both of the display positions and sizes of the indicators 410, 412, and 414 are changed (here, the indicator 410 is moved to the right, The indicators 410 , 412 , and 414 become smaller as the indicator 414 moves to the left) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 .

With such a configuration, regardless of the movement of the moving accessories 420a and 420b, the player can visually recognize the correct operation mode through the liquid crystal display unit 124, so that the selected winning combination can be reliably won through the operation in the correct operation mode. can.

At this time, as described above, the three layers "21" to "23" are associated with the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, respectively, and the operation order of the correct operation mode is associated with each index. 410, 412, 414 may be managed.

For example, when three layers "21" to "23" are associated with the operation order of operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are the correct operation modes, according to the movement of the moving accessories 420a and 420b, , the display positions of the indicators 410, 412, and 414 change, and the indicators 410, 412, and 414 overlap each other. Even in such a case, the index including the number "2" indicating the operation order is superimposed in front of the index including the number "3" indicating the operation order, and the index including the number "2" indicating the operation order is superimposed. An index including a numerical value "1" indicating is superimposed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately display indicators 410, 412, and 414 that allow the correct operation mode to be visually recognized on the liquid crystal display unit 124, improve development efficiency, and further reduce the area occupied by the sub ROM 202b.

It should be noted that the moving accessories 420a and 420b are not only physically moved by motors, actuators, etc., but also integrated with other devices such as liquid crystal display units, speakers, production lamps, etc. In conjunction with the unit 124, it is possible to further improve the performance effect.

Further, here, the navigation image 408 is made to correspond to each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and also to each of the operation order of operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which is the correct operation mode, and divided into a plurality of layers. It has been explained that by managing them separately, it is possible to improve the development efficiency regardless of the increase in the display patterns of the indicators indicating the order of operations. However, not only the number of display patterns increases, but also the development efficiency can be improved when the display start timings of the indicators indicating the order of operation are different for the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c.

17 to 19 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the display start timing of the index indicating the operation order. As described above, the effect control means 334, as shown in FIG. 17(a), after the operation of the start switch 118, before the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c becomes effective, as the navigation image 408, correct Display an index that allows you to understand the operation mode. Specifically, the effect control means 334, after the operation of the start switch 118, the index including the number "1" indicating the first stop, the index including the number "2" indicating the second stop, and the second The display of an indicator including the number "3" indicating 3 stops is started at the same time, and the display is completed before the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c becomes effective. Also, even when the correct operation mode is three options, the effect control means 334, as shown in FIG. , and an index including a symbol (eg, "-") regardless of the order of stopping, are started to be displayed at the same time, and the display is completed before the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c becomes effective. Here, the start of display indicates the appearance of the index, and the completion of display indicates that the display mode (position and shape of display) of the indicator has changed to the final display mode. For example, at the start of display, the indicator appears at 1/10 the size of the final display mode, gradually increases in size over time, and reaches the final display mode at the completion of display.

In addition, after the operation of the start switch 118, before the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c becomes effective, the effect control means 334 displays the operation order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are earlier in the operation order, as the navigation image 408. can be started to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124, after which the liquid crystal display unit 124 can start displaying an index by which the operation order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are operated later, can be grasped. However, the display start timing can be considered in various cases as shown in FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the effect control means 334 includes the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop after the completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop. After the display of the indicator including the number "2" indicating the second stop is completed, the indicator including the number "3" indicating the third stop starts to be displayed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 18(b), the effect control means 334 includes the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop at the same time when the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop is completed. It is also possible to start displaying the index, and at the same time as completing the display of the index including the number "2" indicating the second stop, start displaying the index including the number "3" indicating the third stop.

In this way, after the display of the indicator including the number "1" indicating the first stop is completed, the display of the indicator including the number "2" indicating the second stop is started or the second stop is performed. After completing the display of the indicator including the number "2" indicating the third stop, by starting to display the indicator including the number "3" indicating the third stop, the player can read not only the number indicating the operation order, Since it is possible to intuitively (visually) grasp the operation order (operate the one that started to be displayed first) by having the display start first, it is better than simply displaying a numerical value indicating the operation order. , erroneous operation (loss of game profit) can be avoided.

However, delaying the start of display of the index including the number "2" indicating the second stop or the display start of the index including the number "3" indicating the third stop simultaneously means the second stop. This causes a delay in the completion of display of the indicator including the number "2" indicating the third stop or the completion of the display of the indicator including the number "3" indicating that the third stop. 18(a) and 18(b). is shortened to Therefore, after grasping all the correct operation hitting order (which stop switch 120a, 120b, 120c is the first stop, second stop, and third stop, respectively), the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is started. For players who play the game, the time from grasping all the correct operation batting order until the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c becomes effective becomes short, and there is a risk that the preparation for the first stop will not be in time. As a result, the progress of the game is slowed down, and there is a possibility that the game profit that should be originally obtained is lost. In addition, if the start of operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is forcibly advanced in spite of the delay in the completion of display of the indicator including the number "3" indicating the third stop, an erroneous operation may occur. more likely.

On the other hand, the dynamic visual acuity of a person (player) is very high, and even a slight deviation in the display start of the index on the liquid crystal display section 124 can be accurately recognized. Therefore, the effect control means 334, after starting to display on the liquid crystal display unit 124 an index for grasping the operation order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c whose operation order is early, displays the stop switch 120a whose operation order is late before completing the display. , 120b, and 120c are started to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit .

For example, the effect control means 334, as shown in FIG. In the period from the start of display of the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop to the completion of display, the third numerical value indicating the third stop is displayed. 3” can also be started to be displayed. Also, the effect control means 334, as shown in FIG. The period from the start of display of the index containing the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop to the completion of the display, and the first stop. Simultaneously with the completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the third stop, the display of the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop can also be started. Also, the effect control means 334, as shown in FIG. 18(e), indicates that the indicator including the number "1" indicating the first stop will be stopped two times from the start of the display to the completion of the display. The period from the start of display of the index containing the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop to the completion of the display, and the first stop. It is also possible to start displaying an indicator including a number "3" indicating a third stop before completing the display of the indicator including the number "1".

In this way, after the indicator including the number "1" indicating the first stop is started to be displayed, the indicator including the number "2" indicating the second stop is started to be displayed, or the second stop is started. 18(a) and 18(b), the player can , not only the numerical value indicating the order of operations, but also the order of operations (operate the one that started to be displayed first) can be intuitively (visually) grasped by the fact that the display started first. It is possible to avoid erroneous operations compared to simply displaying numerical values indicating the order of operations.

In addition, before the indicator including the number "1" indicating the first stop is displayed, the display of the indicator including the number "2" indicating the second stop is started, or the second stop is indicated. By starting to display the index including the number "3" indicating the third stop before the display of the index including the number "2" is completed, as a result, the number "3" indicating the third stop Since the display of the indicator including the number "3" indicating the third stop can be completed at an early stage, the time from the completion of the display of the indicator including the number "3" indicating the third stop until the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c becomes effective is sufficiently long. can be secured to Then, even a player who starts operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c after grasping all the correct operation batting order can operate the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c after grasping all the correct operation batting order. Sufficient time can be secured until it becomes effective, sufficient preparations for the first stop can be made, and erroneous operations can be appropriately avoided.

Further, even when the correct operation mode has three options, it is possible to similarly avoid erroneous operations. For example, as shown in FIG. 19(a), the effect control means 334, after completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop, indicates a symbol regardless of the order of stopping other stop switches (for example, "-") starts to be displayed at the same time. In addition, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the effect control means 334 includes a symbol for other stop switches regardless of the stop order at the same time as completion of display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop. It is also possible to start displaying indicators at the same time. In addition, the effect control means 334, as shown in FIG. It is also possible to simultaneously start displaying indicators that include symbols that do not matter in which order they stop.

In this way, after starting to display the indicator including the number "1" indicating the first stop, by starting to display the indicator including the symbols for the other stop switches regardless of the stop order, the player can perform the operation. In addition to the numerical value indicating the order, it is possible to grasp the operation order (the one that started displaying first is operated first) by the fact that the display started first, so when simply displaying the numerical value indicating the operation order This makes it possible to avoid erroneous operations (loss of game profits). The start and completion of display of such indicators are made to correspond to each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and to each of the operational order of operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which is the correct operation mode. It is possible to further improve development efficiency by dividing and managing multiple layers.

Specific processing in the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 will be described below based on flowcharts.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing main processing of the main control board 200 . Here, first, along with the main processing of the main control board 200, the outline of one game after initialization will be described, and then the details of each processing will be described. Also, here, the processing related to the features of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the features of the present embodiment will be omitted. Further, although detailed description is omitted, when each process is performed, the switches used in each process (bed switch 116, start switch 118, stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c) are activated at the start of the process. , is invalidated at the end of processing.

(Step S100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch 144 and becomes energized, the initialization means 300 executes initialization processing in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization means 300 generates backup data at any time while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power failure occurs, the backup data held can be used in this initialization process to restore the state before the power failure. For example, even if an unexpected power failure occurs while the reels 110 are rotating, the reels 110 are started again after the recovery operation. Therefore, in the initialization process, basically the main RAM 200c is not initialized (RAM cleared).

(Step S200)
Subsequently, the betting means 302 bets medals through the player's operation of the bet switch 116 or insertion of medals into the medal inserting section 114 . Also, the command transmitting means 316 generates an input command indicating that the operation has been performed, and transmits the generated input command to the sub control board 202 .

(Step S300)
Next, the winning type lottery means 304 validates the game start operation for the start switch 118 and shifts to the state of waiting for the operation of the start switch 118 . Here, the winning type lottery means 304 selects the winning type lottery random number updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 in response to the operation of the start switch 118 by the player, and selects the 1 winning type lottery random number is acquired. Then, the winning type lottery means 304 determines one winning type lottery table corresponding to the currently set gaming state from the winning type lottery tables shown in FIGS. determines which winning area in the determined winning type lottery table corresponds, and determines the winning type or non-winning of the determined winning area as the lottery result.

In addition, after the lottery result is determined in response to the operation of the start switch 118, the command transmission means 316 transmits the lottery result of the winning type lottery (winning type or not winning) and information on the game state (lottery result of the effect state lottery). etc., and transmits the generated winning type command to the sub control board 202 .

(Step S400)
When the start switch 118 is operated, the reel control means 306 drives the stepping motor 152 to rotate the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b and right reel 110c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the start of rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c in the previous game (wait), the left reel in the game 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c start to rotate, and when all of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c rotate at a constant speed, the process proceeds to step S500.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 activates the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and when the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c by the player is received, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110b corresponding to the operation are received. One of the reels 110c is controlled to stop.

Further, when any one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is operated, the command transmission means 316 sends a stop command (first stop command, second A stop command, a third stop command) is generated each time an operation is performed, and the generated stop commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub control board 202 .

(Step S600)
Next, the determining means 308 determines which predetermined combination the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A shown in FIG. Performs various operations required for modification and replay. In addition, the command transmission means 316 generates a winning command including the number of medals to be paid out when the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A and the symbol combination corresponding to the minor winning combination are displayed on the activated line A. , and transmits the generated winning command to the sub control board 202 .

(Step S700)
Subsequently, based on the determination result in step S600, for example, when a symbol combination corresponding to a minor combination is displayed on the activated line A, the payout control means 310 executes the medal payout process corresponding to the minor combination. , when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A, processing for betting the next game is automatically executed. Further, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state from the bonus game state to the RT4 game state when the predetermined number of medals is paid out in the bonus game state. Thus, the payout control means 310 performs various processes corresponding to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A, and ends the game. Further, when the medal payout process is completed, the command transmission means 316 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been completed, and transmits the generated payout command to the sub control board 202 .

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S700. Thereafter, steps S200 to S700 are repeated.

(Sub-processing of sub-control board 202)
FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing sub-processing of the sub-control board 202 .

(Step S1100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch 144 and becomes energized, the initialization determining means 330 executes initialization processing in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization determining means 330 generates backup data at any time while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the sub-RAM 202c.

(Step S1200)
The command receiving means 332 determines whether or not a command from the main control board 200 has been received. As a result, if the command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1300, and if the command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S1400.

(Step S1300)
If it is determined in step S1200 that a command has been received, command receiving means 332 executes various processes based on the received command. Such command reception processing S1300 will be described in detail later.

(Step S1400)
The effect control means 334 analyzes the detection signal of the effect switch 122 and performs various processes based on the analysis results.

(Step S1500)
Effect control means 334 refers to the execution information (timetable) of various effects whose execution has been determined, performs time schedule management processing for executing processing corresponding to the corresponding time stored in the timetable, and performs step S1200. Repeat the process from In this processing, the display image of the liquid crystal display unit 124 is inserted or switched, and various commands are transmitted to each device. As a result, various effects are executed.

(Command reception processing S1300)
FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the command reception process in step S1300. Here, in particular, the transition of the AT effect state will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration irrelevant to the features of the present embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S1301)
First, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is an input command. As a result, if the received command is the input command, the process proceeds to step S1302, and if the received command is not the input command, the process proceeds to step S1303.

(Step S1302)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1301 is an input command, the effect control means 334 determines that the game start preparation for the next game is performed, and the effect that has been executed up to that point is stopped under a predetermined condition. to switch or exit.

(Step S1303)
Subsequently, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is a winning type command. As a result, if the received command is a win-type command, it is assumed that one game has started, and the process proceeds to step S1304. If the received command is not a win-type command, the process proceeds to step S1306.

(Step S1304)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1303 is the winning type command, the effect control means 334 determines the game effect based on the winning type command.

(Step S1305)
Next, the effect control means 334 starts executing the determined effect. For example, the effect control means 334 reads out a plurality of layer images corresponding to the effect determined in step S1304 from the sub ROM 202b, and superimposes the read layer images based on the layers to generate one composite image. The combined image thus obtained is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 .

At this time, the effect control means 334 controls the position and size of the indicators so that the indicators are not made invisible by the moving accessories 420a and 420b when the moving accessories 420a and 420b are moved to the front side of the liquid crystal display section 124. Either or both of

(Step S1306)
Subsequently, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is a stop command. As a result, if the received command is the stop command, the process moves to step S1307, and if the received command is not the stop command, the process moves to step S1308.

(Step S1307)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1306 is a stop command, the effect control means 334 determines whether the stop command is the first stop command, the second stop command, or the third stop command. It is determined which of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c the stop operation is performed, and based on the result of the determination and the contents of the performance, various processes are performed and the mode of performance is varied.

(Step S1308)
Subsequently, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is a winning command. As a result, if the received command is a winning command, the process proceeds to step S1309, and if the received command is not a winning command, the process proceeds to step S1310.

(Step S1309)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1308 is the winning command, the effect control means 334 sets the effect based on the winning command in the timetable.

(Step S1310)
Subsequently, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is a payout command. As a result, if the received command is the payout command, the process proceeds to step S1311, and if the received command is not the payout command, the command reception process S1300 is terminated.

(Step S1311)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1310 is the payout command, the effect control means 334 sets the effect based on the payout command in the timetable, and ends the command reception process S1300. Then, the numerical values of the sub-credit display portion 134 and the sub-payout display portion 136 are updated according to the payout of medals.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. be done.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are arranged to share the function part for progressing the game, but the function part of the main control board 200 is transferred to the sub-control board 202. Alternatively, the functional units of the sub-control board 202 may be arranged on the main control board 200, or all the functional units may be collectively arranged on one control board.

Further, each process performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above does not necessarily have to be processed in time series according to the order described as the flowchart, and may include parallel or subroutine processing.

100 slot machine (gaming machine)
110a, 110b, 110c reel 116 bet switch 118 start switch 120 stop switch 124 liquid crystal display unit 302 betting means 304 winning type lottery means 306 reel control means 334 effect control means

Claims (1)

A reel on which patterns are arranged,
reel control means for controlling the rotation of the reel;
Winning type lottery means for determining the propriety of the winning role by lottery;
Production control means for controlling execution of production;
with
The reel control means starts rotating the reel in response to operation of a start switch and stops rotating the reel in response to operation of a stop switch,
The production control means is
An auxiliary effect may be executed to inform the player of the order of operation of the stop switches that is advantageous to the player,
A navigation image can be displayed on a liquid crystal display unit based on the execution of the auxiliary effect,
The navigation image includes a first image, a second image, and a third image,
The first image is an image showing the stop switch for the first stop operation,
The second image is an image showing the stop switch for a second stop operation,
The third image is an image showing the stop switch for a third stop operation,
After the start switch is operated, the display of the first image can be started after the lapse of a first time,
After the display of the first image is started, the display of the second image is started before the display of the first image is completed,
After the display of the second image is started, the display of the third image is started before the display of the second image is completed,
After the completion of displaying the third image, the operation of the stop switch can be validated after a second time longer than the first time has passed.
game machine.

Images