JP2006006652A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a player to leave his / her seat without worry even if he / she does not have appropriate belongings, and to easily determine whether or not the gaming machine is secured by another player or a game store. There is provided a gaming machine that can widen the range of selection of gaming machines of other players and can prevent a reduction in operating rate for the gaming store side.
A game machine having display means capable of displaying a predetermined image, wherein an interruption instruction input means for inputting an instruction to interrupt the game by a player's operation, and the game are interrupted. In response to the input of the instruction to interrupt the game by the storage means for storing the game interruption image representing the effect and the interruption instruction input means, the game interruption image is extracted from the storage means and the game interruption is displayed on the display means. A gaming machine comprising display control means for performing control to display an image.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, or a slot machine.

Conventionally, a player who plays a game with a gaming machine such as a pachislot gaming device, as an implicit rule between the players, takes his belongings (eg, cigarettes, lighters, drinks, mobile phones, etc.) when leaving the seat. The game machine is secured in the seat. This is because a player usually selects a high-setting (easy to obtain profit) gaming machine from among a large number of gaming machines installed in a gaming store (so-called pachinko hall). Yes, such a gaming machine is naturally popular, so if you leave your seat without any belongings, other players may start playing on that gaming machine. is there.

However, it is difficult to secure a pachislot gaming device if there is no suitable personal possession, even if you try to secure a gaming machine by placing your belongings in the seat. was there. Specifically, a player who does not smoke cannot place a cigarette or lighter, cannot place a drink when he leaves his seat to buy a drink, or does not drink a drink, When leaving the seat to make a phone call, there is a problem that the mobile phone cannot be kept.
In addition, there is a malicious player who may acquire the possession of other players placed to secure the pachislot gaming device, so if the pachislot gaming device is secured by placing the possession However, there was a problem that the safety of the belongings became a concern.

On the other hand, a player who selects a gaming machine from now on and places a pachislot gaming device, such as a cigarette or a lighter, is placed on the seat of the pachislot gaming device. Since it is not possible to determine whether it is a left-handed item or simply a forgotten item, there is a problem in that it is not possible to play a game with the pachislot gaming device, and the selection range of the pachislot gaming device is narrowed.

In addition, from the viewpoint of the amusement store, if an article such as a cigarette or a lighter is placed, it cannot be determined whether it is placed to secure a pachislot gaming device or simply a forgotten item. Therefore, there was a problem that the object could not be removed. In particular, when such cigarettes and lighters are left for a long time, there is a problem that the operation rate is lowered.

On the other hand, for example, a game being played can be paused according to the player's convenience by operating the pause button, and the paused game is paused by operating the pause button again. A gaming machine that can be restarted in the same state as the time has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, while the game processing is stopped, various decoration lamps are turned off and other players cannot play, You can make the player think he has a gaming machine.

JP 2002-253771 A

In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to place an object when leaving the seat, and when the pause button is operated, the game being played is paused according to the convenience of the player and the seat is secured. However, while the gaming process is stopped, the intention to secure the gaming machine is not concretely manifested simply by turning off the various decorative lamps by turning off the power. It was difficult to determine whether or not a gaming machine was secured, and it was impossible to know when the gaming machine was secured.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to enable a player to leave his / her seat with peace of mind even if he / she does not have appropriate belongings. It is possible to easily determine whether or not the machine is secured, it is possible to widen the range of selection of other game machines of other players, and also prevent the operating rate from decreasing for the game store side It is to provide a gaming machine capable of.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following.
(1) A gaming machine comprising display means capable of displaying a predetermined image,
An interruption instruction input means for inputting an instruction to interrupt the game by an operation of the player;
Storage means for storing a game interruption image indicating that the game is interrupted;
Display control for performing control to extract a game interruption image from the storage means and display the game interruption image on the display means in response to an instruction to interrupt the game input by the interruption instruction input means And a game machine.

According to the invention of (1), if an instruction to interrupt the game is input by the interruption instruction input means, a game interruption image indicating that the game is interrupted can be displayed on the display means. The person can leave his / her seat with peace of mind even without proper belongings.
In addition, other players can determine whether or not a gaming machine is secured based on whether or not a game interruption image is displayed, so that a simple forgotten thing is placed on the gaming machine. This makes it possible to expand the range of selection of gaming machines.
Furthermore, the game store can also determine whether or not the gaming machine is secured based on whether or not the game interruption image is displayed, so if there is an article such as a cigarette or a lighter, remove it. It is possible to prevent a reduction in operating rate.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(2) The gaming machine of (1) above,
Comprising time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time since the instruction to interrupt the game is input by the interruption instruction input means,
The storage means stores a plurality of types of elapsed time images representing elapsed time,
The display control means extracts an elapsed time image representing the elapsed time from the storage means based on the elapsed time measured by the timing means, and superimposes the elapsed time image on the game interruption image to display the display. Control is performed to display on the means.

According to the invention of (2), since the time when the gaming machine is secured is displayed, if the elapsed time is too long, the game store side, for example, stops displaying the game interruption image and plays the game It is possible to take appropriate measures such as releasing the reservation of the machine, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the operating rate from being lowered.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(3) The gaming machine of (1) or (2) above,
Fluctuation display means capable of displaying a plurality of identification information,
The display means is provided in front of the change display means so that a plurality of identification information displayed by the change display means can be seen through, and the game interruption image can be displayed on the display means. .

According to the invention of (3), the game interruption image is displayed by the display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device or the like) provided in a very conspicuous place on the front surface of the fluctuation display means (for example, a reel or the like in a pachislot gaming device). Therefore, the player can easily inform other players and the game store side that the gaming machine is secured. Therefore, the player can leave the seat more safely.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, a player can leave his / her seat with peace of mind even if he / she does not have appropriate personal belongings, and it is easy for other players and the gaming store side to confirm whether or not the gaming machine is secured. It is possible to make a determination, and it is possible to widen the range of selection of the gaming machines of other players, and it is also possible to prevent the operating rate from decreasing for the gaming store side.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot gaming device will be described as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a pachislot gaming device.
In addition to coins, medals, tokens, and the like, the pachislot gaming device 1 can play a game using a game medium such as a card that is given to a player or stores information on the game value that is given. Although it is a gaming machine, in the following, it is assumed that a medal is used.

A liquid crystal display device 5 as a display means is installed on the front surface of the housing 2 forming the entire pachislot gaming device 1. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown). The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be partially or entirely switched to a transparent / non-transparent state, An effect image can be displayed.
FIG. 1 shows a state in which a character image imitating a pig, a background image representing fireworks, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 as effect images.

Further, the liquid crystal display device 5 can display a game interruption button image, and a touch panel 32 as an interruption instruction input means is installed on the front surface of the liquid crystal display device 5.
The player can display a game interruption image, an elapsed time image, and a game restart button image, which will be described later, by operating the touch panel 32 and determining interruption of the game.

Further, on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, three rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided as variable display means. Each of the three rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R has identification information such as a plurality of symbols displayed on its outer peripheral surface, and is provided in a horizontal row so as to be rotatable.
The identification information of each rotary reel 3L, 3C, 3R becomes visible when the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 becomes transparent. That is, the front display means (liquid crystal display device 5) provided in front of the fluctuation display means (rotary reels 3L, 3C, 3R) can see through a plurality of identification information (designs) displayed by the fluctuation display means. A screen image can be displayed.

A pedestal portion 10 having a horizontal surface is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 10, and a 1-BET switch 11 is provided on the left side of the pedestal portion 10. And a maximum BET switch 13 is provided.

A stored medal settlement switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player by a push operation.
When “payout” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving unit 16. On the other hand, when “credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as a credit in a memory (for example, a RAM 43 described later) provided in the pachislot gaming apparatus 1.

On the right side of the stored medal settlement switch 14, a start lever 6 for rotating the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R by a player's operation is rotatably attached within a predetermined angular range. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three rotary reels 3L, 3R, and 3C are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal unit 10, respectively.

An enter button 26 and a cancel button 27 are provided on the right side of the front portion of the base 10. By operating the enter button 26 and the cancel button 27, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 can be switched, an instruction can be input, and the like.
A door opening / closing / clamping release device 29 is further provided on the right side of the front surface of the pedestal 10, and a predetermined key is inserted into the key hole of the door opening / closing / clamping release device 29 and turned to the right to rotate the front door. Open / close and turn counterclockwise to release the stop.

Speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right above the housing 2. Between the two speakers 21L and 21R, a payout table panel 23 indicating a combination of winning symbols, a medal payout number, and the like is provided. ing.

2A and 2B are enlarged front views showing the vicinity of the liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2 (a), on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, there are three rotating reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) each having a plurality of identification information symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface. It is provided in a horizontal row so as to be rotatable.

The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 31 and a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 includes a transparent display window 31 a and a pattern formation region 31 b on which a pattern is drawn. A screen image displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the back surface of the front panel 31 is displayed on the front panel 31. Visible through the display window 31a.

On the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 shown in FIG. 2A, effect images such as a character image 90a imitating a pig and a background image 90b representing fireworks are displayed on the upper part. In addition, a game interruption button image 91 is displayed below the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

Although not shown in the drawing, a touch panel 32 is installed on the front surface of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. The player can determine the game interruption by touching the game interruption button image 91 in the touch panel 32. When the game interruption is determined, a game interruption image 93, an elapsed time image 94, and a game restart button image 95 are displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (see FIG. 2B). A composite image (hereinafter referred to as a game interruption composite image) of the game interruption image 93, the elapsed time image 94, and the game resume button image 95 (hereinafter referred to as a game interruption screen composition image) is displayed over the entire surface of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. Can be made. The game interruption image 93 is an image indicating that the game is being interrupted, and the elapsed time image 94 is an image indicating the elapsed time from the start of the game interruption. The game resume button image 95 represents that the game can be resumed, and the player can decide to resume the game by touching the game resume button image 95 in the touch panel 32.
Further, when the front portions of the three rotating reels 3 of the liquid crystal panel 34 are in a transparent state, the symbols displayed on the three rotating reels 3 can be visually recognized through the display window 31a.

On the left side of the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5 are a game start display lamp 25, a WIN lamp 17, a medal insertion lamp 24, various BET lamps 9c, 2-BET lamp 9b and 1-BET lamp 9a, and the number of payouts. A display unit 18, a medal stored number display unit 19, and various display units such as an accessory operation number display unit 20 are provided. In addition, in the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, the front portions of the various lamps and the various display units described above are transparent, and the various lamps and the various display units can be visually recognized.

The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter also referred to as BET number). One game ends when all the rotating reels are stopped, or when medals are paid out, when medals are paid out.

The WIN lamp 17 is turned on with a predetermined probability when BB (Big Bonus) or RB (Regular Bonus) is won internally, and also when a BB or RB winning is achieved. The game medal insertion lamp 24 blinks when the medal insertion is acceptable. The game start display lamp 25 is lit when at least one line is activated.

The number-of-payout display unit 18 displays the number of medals to be paid out when the winning is established, and the medal stored number display unit 19 displays the number of stored medals. 20 displays the number of possible RB games, the number of possible RB games, and the like. These display units consist of a 7-segment display.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. 4 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG.
The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 31 including a touch panel 32 and a display plate 33, a transparent liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a reflective film 36, fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b, which are so-called white light sources, and a lamp holder 39a. To 39h, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving the transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. The TCP is constituted by a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 or the like.

The liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the near side by rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided with a predetermined interval.

The touch panel 32 and the display board 33 are made of a transparent member, and the touch panel 32 is provided to enable interruption instruction input.
On the display board 33, patterns and the like are formed at positions corresponding to the BET lamps 9a to 9c. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is formed is the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is not formed is the display window 31a of the front panel 31. (See FIG. 2). The entire surface of the front panel 31 may be used as the display window 31a without forming the pattern forming area 31b on the front panel 31. In this case, a pattern is not formed on the display board 33 or the display board 33 may be omitted.
Note that various lamps arranged on the back side of the display plate 33, electric circuits for operating the various display units, and the like are not shown.

The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate.
The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. By adopting a normally white transparent liquid crystal panel 34, even if a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, identification information such as symbols displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R The variable display and stop display can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when such a situation occurs, it is possible to play a game centered on the variation display mode and the stop display mode of the identification information displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

The light guide plate 35 is for guiding light from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (illuminating the transparent liquid crystal panel 34), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

The reflective film 36 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects light introduced into the light guide plate 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate 35. The reflective film 36 includes a reflective area 36A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 36B.

The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are disposed along the upper end and the lower end of the light guide plate 35, and both ends are supported by a lamp holder 39 (see FIG. 3). The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b is reflected by the reflection area 36A of the reflection film 36 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

The fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are arranged toward the rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at the upper position and the lower position on the back side of the reflective film 36, respectively. The light coming out of the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b, reflected by the surfaces of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

Thus, in the liquid crystal display device 5, the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b and reflected from the reflection region 36A of the reflective film 36 and the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are irradiated, and the rotation reels 3L, 3C and 3R The light reflected from the surface and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
Accordingly, the region of the liquid crystal display device 5 corresponding to the non-reflective region 36B of the reflective film 36 is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state depending on whether or not the liquid crystal is driven. The region of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to is in a non-transparent state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is driven.

In the pachislot gaming device 1, only a part of the liquid crystal display device is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is entirely transparent. / A region that switches to a non-transparent state may be used. In this case, in the pachislot gaming device 1, when the entire area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area to be switched to the transmission state or the non-transmission state, the reflection film 36 is all set to the non-reflection area 36 </ b> B or the reflection film 36 is omitted. Good.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG.
The main control circuit 81 has a microcomputer 40 disposed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 40 includes a CPU 41 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM 42, and a RAM 43. Connected to the CPU 41 are a clock pulse generation circuit 144 and a frequency divider 145 for setting a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 146 and a sampling circuit 147 for generating a random number to be sampled. In addition, as a means for random number sampling, you may comprise so that the sampling of a random number may be performed on the operation | movement program of CPU41.

The ROM 42 stores various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 82. As the command, for example, a command related to display control for the liquid crystal display device 5 is stored.

Examples of commands related to display control for the liquid crystal display device 5 include an effect start command, an effect change command, and an end effect command.
The effect start command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image when the rotation of the three rotary reels 3 is started. The effect change command is a command for changing the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 when any of the three rotary reels 3 is stopped. The end effect command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image when all three rotary reels 3 are stopped.
Further, a command relating to setting or releasing of RB and BB is also stored in the ROM 42, and the setting or releasing of RB or BB is notified to the sub-control circuit 82 by the command. It should be noted that data indicating that RB or BB is being executed may be included in various commands relating to display control for liquid crystal display device 5 instead of commands relating to setting or canceling RB or BB.

Various commands as described above are called from the ROM 42 by the CPU 41 and set in the RAM 43 when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The command set in the RAM 43 is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing. The sub control circuit 82 executes various processes based on the supplied command.

The sub control circuit 82 does not input a command or the like to the main control circuit 81, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 81 to the sub control circuit 82. The ROM 42 stores a symbol table for associating the rotational positions of the rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary reel, and a combination of symbols for winning. In addition, a winning symbol combination table in which a winning medal dividend number and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated, a lottery probability table necessary for performing a lottery for determining an internal winning combination, and the like are stored.
In addition to the above-described commands, the RAM 43 stores variables, flags, and the like related to game progress such as the number of credits corresponding to the number of medals.

Major peripheral devices (actuators) whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 40 include various lamps (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c, WIN lamp 17, and game medal insertion. A lamp 24, a game start display lamp 25), various display units (payout number display unit 18, medal accumulated number display unit 19, and accessory operation number display unit 20), and medal are stored. There are a hopper (including a payout driving unit) 50 for paying out a predetermined number of medals, and stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R for rotating the rotary reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

Further, a motor drive circuit 49 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 59L, 59C and 59R, a hopper drive circuit 51 for driving and controlling the hopper 50, a lamp driving circuit 55 for driving and controlling various lamps, and a display for driving and controlling various display units. The unit drive circuit 58 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 41 via the I / O port 48. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 41, and controls the operation of each actuator.

The main input signal generators for generating input signals necessary for the microcomputer 40 to generate control commands include a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a maximum BET switch 13, a stored medal settlement switch 14, There are an inserted medal sensor 22S, a reset switch 62, a setting key type switch 63, a reel stop signal circuit 56, a reel position detection circuit 60, and a payout completion signal circuit 61. These are also connected to the CPU 41 via the I / O port 48.

The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The inserted medal sensor 22 </ b> S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 56 generates a stop signal in response to the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. With these operations, the decision button 26 and the cancel button 27 can switch the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 and input an instruction.

The reel position detection circuit 60 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and transmits a signal for detecting the position of each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 41.
The payout completion signal circuit 61 generates a medal payout completion signal when the count value of the medal detection unit 50S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 50) reaches the designated number. When the CPU 41 receives this medal payout completion signal, the driving of the hopper 50 is stopped via the hopper drive circuit 51 to complete the payout of medals. The medal detection unit 50S includes a medal sensor including a physical sensor for detecting medals paid out from the hopper 50, and can count the number of medals paid out by the medal sensor.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 5, the random number generator 146 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 147 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. . Based on the random number sampled in this way and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 42, the internal winning combination is determined. After the internal winning combination is determined, random number sampling is performed again to select the “stop control table”.

After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 43. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 41 via the reel position detection circuit 60. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 43 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 43 stores a count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

In order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R as described above with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel, a symbol table is stored in the ROM. In this symbol table, the code numbers sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated are provided corresponding to each code number. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

Furthermore, a winning symbol combination table is stored in the ROM 42. In this winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning medal dividend number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The winning symbol combination table is referred to when the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are stopped and when a winning confirmation is made after all reels are stopped.

When an internal winning is made by a lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 41 sends an operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 56 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, and Based on the selected “stop control table”, a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 49.

In the stop mode indicating that the winning combination of the internal winning combination is established, when “payout” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, the CPU 41 supplies the hopper drive circuit 51 with a payout command signal. A predetermined number of medals are paid out from 50. At that time, the medal detection unit 50S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 41. As a result, the CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 50 via the hopper drive circuit 51 and ends the “medal payout process”.
On the other hand, when “credit” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, the number of medals to be paid out is stored in the RAM 43 as credits.

A sub control circuit 82 is connected to the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41.
The sub control circuit 82 performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 5 and sound output control from the speakers 21L and 21R based on a control command (command) from the main control circuit 81.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 81 to the sub-control circuit 82 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub-control circuit 82 to the main control circuit 81. Not limited to this, the sub control circuit 82 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 81.

The sub control circuit 82 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208, and a work RAM 210. In addition, the determination button 26, the cancel button 27, and the touch panel 32 are connected to the sub control circuit 82 via the interface circuit 240.
The touch panel 32 functions as an interruption instruction input unit that outputs an interruption instruction input signal in response to an operation by the player.

The sub-control circuit 82 includes a display control circuit 250 that performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 5, and a sound control circuit 230 that performs control related to sound generated from the speaker 21.

The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes in accordance with programs stored in the program ROM 208, and controls the sub control circuit 82 in accordance with various commands supplied from the CPU 41. In particular, the sub CPU 206 performs display control for the display control circuit 250. Further, the sub CPU 206 performs timer control in accordance with a time measuring program stored in the program ROM 208. At this time, the sub CPU 206 functions as a time measuring unit that performs timer control according to the time measuring program stored in the program ROM 208.

The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling a game effect in the liquid crystal display device 5 by the sub CPU 206, and also stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect. .
The program ROM 208 also includes a plurality of types of effect patterns corresponding to the screen image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 and a plurality of screen images corresponding to the screen image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 when the stop button 7 is operated. The types of effect change patterns and a plurality of types of end effect patterns corresponding to the screen image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 when all the reels 3 are stopped are stored. The program ROM 208 stores a time measuring program for causing the CPU 206 to function as time measuring means.

In this embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, what is stored in the program ROM 208 may be stored in the ROM 42. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41 and the ROM 42 and the sub control circuit 82 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main control including the CPU 41 and the ROM 42 is performed. Only the circuit 81 may be configured, and in this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 described above may be stored in the ROM 42 and executed by the CPU 41. Of course, only the sub control circuit 82 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 may be used. In this case, the program stored in the ROM 42 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise as follows.

The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. In particular, the work RAM 210 has a function of storing time measurement data. In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC 232 that controls audio, an audio data ROM 234 that stores various audio data, and an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals.

The sound source IC 232 is connected to the sub CPU 206, the audio data ROM 234, and the AMP 236. The sound source IC 232 controls sound generated from the speaker 21.

The sub CPU 206 selects one audio data from a plurality of audio data stored in the audio data ROM 234 based on the command supplied from the CPU 41. Thereafter, the sub CPU 206 reads the selected audio data from the audio data ROM 234 and supplies it to the sound source IC 232. The sound source IC 232 that has received the sound data converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal and supplies the sound signal to the AMP 236. The AMP 236 amplifies the audio signal and generates audio from the speakers 21 (21L and 21R).

The display control circuit 250 performs control to generate a screen image and display the screen image on the liquid crystal display device 5 in accordance with a game result determined by the CPU 41 or an instruction input by the touch panel 32. , An image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212, an image data ROM 216 for storing various image data, and a D / A converter 218 for converting the image data as an image signal. The VDP 212 is connected to a sub CPU 206, an image data ROM 216 in which image data is stored, and a D / A converter 218 that converts the image data into an image signal.

The VDP 212 includes various circuits such as a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, and a pallet circuit, and can perform various processes for displaying a screen image on the liquid crystal display device 5. That is, the VDP 212 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 5. Further, the VDP 212 includes a storage medium (for example, a video RAM) as a buffer for displaying a screen image on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 5. By storing the image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, a screen image is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 5 at a predetermined timing.

The image data ROM 216 stores a plurality of types of effect image data. The effect image data includes, for example, background image data constituting a background image, character image data indicating a character, and the like.
The image data ROM 216 functions as storage means for storing a game interruption image indicating that the game is interrupted. The image data ROM 216 stores a game restart button image, a game interruption button image, and a plurality of elapsed time images.

The VDP 212 reads effect image data from the image data ROM 216 in response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206.
Further, when a predetermined instruction is input via the touch panel 32 and an image display command is supplied from the sub CPU 206, the VDP 212 receives a game interruption image, a game restart from the image data ROM 216 in accordance with the image display command. It functions as an extracting means for extracting a necessary image from the button image, the game interruption button image, and the plurality of elapsed time images.

The VDP 212 reads various image data read from the image data ROM 216 in order from the image data located behind, for example, in the order of background image data, character image data, and game interruption button image when the game is not interrupted. If the game is interrupted, the game interrupted image, the elapsed time image, and the game restart button image are superimposed and stored in the buffer in order, and supplied to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the screen image data as an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 5, whereby the screen image including the effect image and the game interruption button image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. Alternatively, a screen image including a game interruption image, an elapsed time image, and a game resumption button image is displayed (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). At this time, the VDP 212 synthesizes a screen image from the effect image and the game interruption button image or from the game interruption image, the elapsed time image, and the game restart button image, and displays the screen image on the front display means (the liquid crystal display device 5). ) Functions as a display control means for controlling the display.

Further, the communication interface circuit 44 is connected to the sub control circuit 82. An information management device (so-called hall server) 100 is connected to the communication interface circuit 44 via a wiring 128, and various data in the pachislot gaming device 1 are exchanged between the sub-control circuit 82 and the information management device 100. Supply and demand are made.

In the following, it is assumed that the pachislot gaming device 1 is activated, the variables used in the CPU 41 are initialized to a predetermined value, and are constantly operating in a state where the set value is also set to the predetermined value. .

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing performed in the main control circuit.
This subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a previously executed main routine.

First, the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is a request for automatic insertion of medals (step S120). The case where there is a request for automatic insertion is a case where a winning of replay (replay) is established in the previous game. When there is a request for automatic insertion of medals, medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step S122), and a medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 82 (step S123).

On the other hand, when determining in step S120 that there is no request for automatic medal insertion, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a medal has been inserted (step S121). That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a detection signal issued by the insertion medal sensor 22S that has detected that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 has been received, or whether the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13). ) To determine whether or not a medal has been inserted. When it is determined that a detection signal issued by the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13) is received, the CPU 41 corresponds to the number of medals bet from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. A process of subtracting the number of credits is performed.

When determining in step S121 that no medal has been inserted, the CPU 41 returns the process to step S120.
If it is determined in step S121 that a medal has been inserted, or if the process in step S123 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether the start lever 6 has been operated (step S124). That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal from the start switch 6S has been received.

When determining in step S124 that the start lever 6 has not been operated, the CPU 41 returns the process to step S120. On the other hand, when determining in step S124 that the start lever 6 has been operated, the CPU 41 performs processing related to various settings (step S125). In these various setting processes, random numbers are sampled from the random number generator 146 at the timing when the start lever 6 is operated, and the internal winning is based on the sampled random number values and the lottery probability table set in the RAM 43. A lottery process for generating a combination (winning flag) is performed. In the various setting processes, for example, a win lamp lighting lottery process, a process related to selection of a stop control table for stopping the rotating reel, a process for initializing for reel rotation, and the like are performed, and the rotating reel 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) rotation is started.

After the rotation of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses transmitted to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R is counted, and the counted value is stored in the RAM 43. A reset pulse is obtained for each rotation from the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and these pulses are input to the CPU 41 via the reel position detection circuit 60. The count value is cleared to “0” in the drive pulse counted in the RAM 43 by the reset pulse thus obtained. By doing so, the RAM 43 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

Further, in the symbol table stored in the ROM 42 in order to associate the rotational positions of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel, the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated is used as a reference. A code number that is sequentially given for each of the rotation reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and a symbol code indicating a symbol that is provided for each code number are associated with each other. Further, the winning symbol combination table stored in the ROM 42 is referred to when controlling the rotation of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and when confirming winning after stopping all the rotating reels.
After executing the process of step S125, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S126.

In step S <b> 126, the CPU 41 sets an effect start command in the RAM 43. This effect start command is a command for starting display of a predetermined effect image on the liquid crystal display device 5 and includes data on the internal winning combination determined by the lottery process. The effect start command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.
After executing the process of step S126, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S128.

In step S128, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the stop button 7 (7L, 7C, 7R) is “ON” based on the presence / absence of an input signal from the reel stop signal circuit 56 (step S128). When it is determined that the stop button 7 is not “ON”, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0” (step S129), and when it is determined that the value is not “0”. The process returns to step S128.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S128 that the stop button 7 is “ON”, or if it is determined in step S129 that the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”, the CPU 41 corresponds to the stop button 7. The rotation of the rotating reel 3 is stopped. At this time, the winning request (internal winning combination), the symbol position (the rotating position of the rotating reel 3 at the time of operation), the selected stop control table, etc. The number of frames is determined (step S130).

Next, the CPU 41 performs a process of rotating and stopping the rotating reel 3 by the number of sliding frames determined in step S130 (step S131), and sets a stop request for one rotating reel 3 (step S132). .

Next, the CPU 41 sets an effect change command in the RAM 43 (step S133). This effect change command is a command for changing the effect image as the one rotating reel 3 stops, and is supplied to the sub-control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not all of the three rotary reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) have been stopped (step S135). If it is determined that all the rotating reels 3 are not stopped, the process returns to step S128. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the rotating reels 3 have stopped, the CPU 41 performs a winning search (step S136). At this time, a winning symbol combination table or the like stored in the ROM 42 is referred to. Further, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal. If not, the illegal error may be displayed and the process may be interrupted.

Next, the CPU 41 sets an end effect command in the RAM 43 (step S137). This end effect command is a command for displaying an effect image at the end of the game according to the game result, and includes data related to the result of the winning search in step S136. The end effect command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a medal has been paid out, that is, whether or not there is a winning number (step S138).
When determining that there is a medal payout, the CPU 41 stores or pays out the number of medals according to the gaming state and the winning combination (step S139). When storing medals, the CPU 41 performs a process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, when paying out medals, the CPU 41 sends out a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 51 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 50. At that time, the medal detection unit 50S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 41. As a result, the CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 50 via the hopper drive circuit 51 and ends the medal payout process.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an RB has been won (step S140). If it is determined that RB has been won, the CPU 41 performs processing related to RB setting (step S141). In step S <b> 141, the CPU 41 performs processing related to the setting of the RB lottery probability table and the RB winning symbol combination table. In step S141, the CPU 41 starts counting the number of RB game winnings and the like, and starts a process of displaying the count value on the accessory operation count display unit 20. After executing the process of step S141, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S142.

In step S <b> 142, the CPU 41 sets an RB setting command in the RAM 43. The RB setting command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an RB effect image as a screen image, and is supplied to the sub-control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

When it is determined in step S140 that the RB has not been won or when the process of step S142 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the BB has been won (step S143). If it is determined that BB has been won, the CPU 41 performs processing related to BB setting (step S144). In step S144, the CPU 41 performs processing related to setting of a BB lottery probability table, a BB winning symbol combination table, and the like. In step S146, the CPU 41 starts counting the number of times the BB game is consumed, displaying the count value on the accessory action number display unit 20, counting the number of medals paid out, and the like. Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S145.

In step S145, the CPU 41 sets a BB setting command in the RAM 43. The BB setting command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image for BB as a screen image, and is supplied to the sub-control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

When it is determined in step S143 that the BB has not been won or when the process of step S145 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the RB has ended (step S146). If it is determined that the RB has ended, the CPU 41 next performs a process related to the RB setting cancellation (step S147). In step S148, the CPU 41 changes from the RB lottery probability table set in the process of step S141, the RB winning symbol combination table, or the like to the lottery probability table used for the normal gaming state (other than RB or BB). Performs processing related to setting change. Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S148.

In step S <b> 148, the CPU 41 sets an RB release command in the RAM 43. The RB release command is a command for stopping the display of the effect image for RB as the screen image and causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display a normal effect image (other than RB or BB). The RB release command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

If it is not determined in step S146 that the RB has ended, or if the process of step S148 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether the BB has ended (step S149). If it is determined that the BB has ended, the CPU 41 then performs a process related to the BB setting cancellation (step S150). In step S150, the CPU 41 sets the lottery probability table used in the normal gaming state (other than RB or BB) from the lottery table for BB set in the processing of step S144, the winning symbol combination table for BB, or the like. Process related to change. Thereafter, the CPU 41 moves the process to step S151.

In step S <b> 151, the CPU 41 sets a BB release command in the RAM 43. The BB release command is a command for stopping the display of the effect image for BB as the screen image and causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display a normal effect image (other than RB or BB). The BB release command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.
If it is determined in step S149 that the RB has not ended, or if the process of step S151 is executed, this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of command reception processing performed in the sub control circuit.
First, in step S200, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an effect start command has been received. If it is determined that an effect start command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S205.
On the other hand, if it is determined that an effect start command has been received, in step S201, the sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the command from a plurality of types of effect patterns stored in the program ROM 208.
If the RB flag is set, the sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern for RB. If the BB flag is set, an effect pattern for BB is selected. Next, in step S202, effect pattern data, which is data indicating the effect pattern, is supplied to the display control circuit 250.
After executing the process of step S202, the process proceeds to step S205.

In step S205, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an effect change command has been received. If it is determined that an effect change command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S210.
On the other hand, if it is determined that an effect change command has been received, in step S206, the sub CPU 206 selects an effect change pattern corresponding to the command from a plurality of types of effect change patterns stored in the program ROM 208.
Next, in step S207, the effect change pattern data is supplied to the display control circuit 250. After performing the process of step S207, the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an end effect command has been received. If it is determined that the end effect command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S213.
On the other hand, when determining that the end effect command has been received, in step S211, the sub CPU 206 selects an end effect pattern corresponding to the command from a plurality of types of end effect patterns stored in the program ROM 208.
Next, in step S212, end effect pattern data is supplied to the display control circuit 250. After performing the process of step S210, the process proceeds to step S213.

In step S213, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB setting command has been received. If it is determined that the RB setting command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S215. On the other hand, when determining that the RB setting command has been received, the sub CPU 206 sets an RB flag in step S214. After performing the process of step S214, the process proceeds to step S215. The RB flag is a flag that is set when the RB starts and cleared when the RB ends.

In step S215, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a BB setting command has been received. If it is determined that the BB setting command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S217. On the other hand, when determining that the BB setting command has been received, the sub CPU 206 sets the BB flag in step S216. The BB flag is a flag that is set when the BB starts and cleared when the BB ends. After performing the process of step S216, the process proceeds to step S217.

In step S217, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB release command has been received. If it is determined that the RB release command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S219.
On the other hand, when determining that the RB release command has been received, the sub CPU 206 clears the RB flag in step S218. After performing the process of step S218, the process proceeds to step S219.

In step S219, the sub CPU 206 determines whether a BB release command has been received. If it is determined that the BB release command has not been received, this subroutine is terminated.
On the other hand, when determining that the BB release command has been received, the sub CPU 206 clears the BB flag in step S220. After executing the process of step S220, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game interruption display processing executed in the sub-control circuit. This subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing separately from the subroutine shown in FIG.

First, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an instruction for interrupting the game is input via the touch panel 32 (step S400).
If it is determined that an instruction to interrupt the game has not been input, this subroutine is terminated. If it is determined that an instruction to interrupt the game has been input, the process proceeds to step S401.

In step S401, the sub CPU 206 sets a game interruption image display command. The set game interruption image display command is supplied to the display control circuit 250 at a predetermined timing. Next, the sub CPU 206 sets a predetermined elapsed time image (for example, 0 minute elapsed) display command (step S402). The set predetermined elapsed time image display command is supplied to the display control circuit 250 at a predetermined timing.

In step S <b> 403, the sub CPU 206 sets a timer in the work RAM 210. This timer is a timer for measuring the time for the display control circuit 250 to change the display of the elapsed time image, and a predetermined timer value is sequentially subtracted by an interrupt process performed at a predetermined cycle. When it reaches 0, the measurement ends.
Next, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an instruction to cancel the game interruption is input via the touch panel 32 (step S404). If it is determined that an instruction to cancel the game interruption has not been input, the process proceeds to step S405.
If it is determined that an instruction to cancel the game interruption has been input, this subroutine is terminated.

In step S405, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the timer value set in the work RAM 210 is zero. If it is determined that the timer value is not 0, the process returns to step S404. On the other hand, when determining that the timer value is 0, the sub CPU 206 sets an elapsed time image display change command (step S406), and returns the process to step S403. The set elapsed time image display change command is supplied to the display control circuit 250 at a predetermined timing.
In the present embodiment, the game interruption can be canceled only when there is an instruction input to cancel the game interruption via the touch panel 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game from the sub CPU 206 is not limited thereto. A function capable of releasing the game interruption by the interruption release command signal may be added. For example, the game interruption may be released when the timer is set a predetermined number of times. Further, the release of the above-mentioned gaming machine reservation may be performed by receiving a command from the information management apparatus (so-called hall server) 100 via the wiring 128.
In the present embodiment, the elapsed time image is always displayed. However, display / non-display may be repeated at certain intervals. In this case, when an elapsed time image display change command is set (step S406), an elapsed time image clear signal or an updated elapsed time image display signal may be sequentially transmitted.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of display control processing performed in the display control circuit.
The VDP 212 generates a screen image corresponding to various data supplied from the sub CPU 206.
When the VDP 212 receives a game interruption image display command from the sub CPU 206 (step S320: YES), the VDP 212 extracts the game interruption screen composition image data from the image data ROM 216 and stores it in the buffer (step S321). To step S307. As a result, a screen image as shown in FIG. 2B is generated.
On the other hand, if the VDP 212 has not received a game interruption image display command from the sub CPU 206 (step S320: NO), the process proceeds to step S300.

In step S300, when the VDP 212 does not receive the production pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: NO), the VDP 212 extracts the demo image from the image data ROM 216 and stores it in the buffer (step S301).

The VDP 212 receives the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: YES). When the effect change pattern data is not supplied (step S302: NO), the VDP 212 extracts the effect image from the image data ROM 216. And stored in the buffer (step S303).

The VDP 212 receives the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: YES), receives the effect change pattern data (step S302: YES), and does not receive the end effect pattern data (step). (S304: NO), the effect image after the change is extracted from the image data ROM 216 and stored in the buffer (step S305).

The VDP 212 receives the presentation pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: YES), receives the presentation change pattern data (step S302: YES), and receives the end presentation pattern data (step S302). (S304: YES), the effect image at the end is extracted from the image data ROM 216 and stored in the buffer (step S306).

After executing the processing of step S301, S303, S305 or S306, game interruption button image data is extracted from the image data ROM 216 and stored in the buffer (step S322). At this time, the game interruption button image is stored by being superimposed on the effect image extracted in step S301, S303, S305, or S306 and stored in the buffer. As a result, a screen image as shown in FIG. 2A is generated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S307.

In step S307, at every predetermined timing (for example, every 1/30 seconds) (step S307: YES), the screen image is output to the liquid crystal display device 5 (step S308), and the process proceeds to step S310.
As a result, a screen image including a game interruption button image and an effect image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 as shown in FIG. 2 (a), or a game interruption composition is shown in FIG. 2 (b). A screen image including an image may be displayed.
On the other hand, if it is not the predetermined timing (step S307: NO), the process returns to step S307.

If the effect has not ended in step S310 (step S310: NO), the process proceeds to step S323. On the other hand, when the effect is finished (step S310: YES), the pattern data is cleared (step S311), and the process proceeds to step S323.

In step S323, when the game interruption has not been released (step S323: NO), the process returns to step S320. On the other hand, when the game interruption is released (step S323: YES), the game interruption composite image is cleared (step S324), and the process returns to step S320.

As described above, according to the pachislot gaming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when an instruction to interrupt the game is input through the touch panel 32, the liquid crystal display device 5 displays the game interruption image indicating that the game is interrupted. Therefore, the player can leave his / her seat with peace of mind even if he / she does not have proper belongings.
In addition, other players can determine whether or not a gaming machine is secured based on whether or not a game interruption image is displayed, so that a simple forgotten thing is placed on the gaming machine. This makes it possible to expand the range of selection of gaming machines.
Furthermore, the game store can also determine whether or not the gaming machine is secured based on whether or not the game interruption image is displayed, so if there is an article such as a cigarette or a lighter, remove it. It is possible to prevent a reduction in operating rate.

According to the present embodiment, since the time when the pachislot gaming device 1 is secured is displayed, if the elapsed time is too long, for example, the game store side stops displaying the game interruption image and plays the game. It is possible to take appropriate measures such as releasing the reservation of the machine, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the operating rate from being lowered.

According to the present embodiment, since the game interruption image can be displayed by the liquid crystal display device 5 provided in a very conspicuous place such as a front surface of a rotating reel or the like, the player has secured a gaming machine. Can be easily communicated to other players and amusement stores. Therefore, the player can leave the seat more safely. Further, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 including the game interruption image may be made translucent and the game interruption image may be displayed in a state in which a rotating reel or the like can be seen through. Further, when it is desired to display a demo image or the like even while the game is interrupted, the game interrupted image may be displayed only on a part of the screen without being displayed on the entire screen of the liquid crystal display device 5.

In the present embodiment, it has been described that the game interruption button image is always displayed during the game, but display / non-display may be selected by the player's operation. In that case, the game interruption button image can be displayed only when it is desired to decide the game interruption, and when it is not necessary, it can be hidden and the effect can be further enjoyed.
Further, in the present embodiment, by displaying the game interruption image on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5, it is possible to reliably notify other players and the game store side that the player has secured the gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to the screen display, and it may be notified that the gaming machine is secured by sound from the speakers (21L, 21R). In addition, a combination of these two is used to notify that the gaming machine is visually secured on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 and to inform that the gaming machine is auditorily secured by voice. It is good.
In addition, if a password can be set when the game interruption button is operated, there is no possibility that the game interruption will be released by another malicious player, and the player can leave the seat with more peace of mind. .

In the present embodiment, the instruction input for interrupting the game or canceling the game interrupt is performed on the touch panel 32. However, the instruction input may be performed by operating the decision button 26 and the cancel button 27. Alternatively, a game interruption button may be provided on the pedestal unit 10.

In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot gaming apparatus has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines (for example, a pachinko gaming apparatus, a slot machine, etc.).

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the transparent liquid crystal panel has been described in which a part or all of the transparent liquid crystal panel can be switched to the transparent / non-transparent state and various images can be displayed. However, in the present invention, as the transparent liquid crystal panel, it is also possible to employ a so-called liquid crystal shutter that can only be partially or entirely switched to a transparent / non-transparent state. Further, for example, an EL transparent display panel can be adopted instead of the transparent liquid crystal panel. In this case, electroluminescence (EL) is employed as a light source for irradiating the display panel with light.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit and the like can be appropriately changed. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

It is a perspective view showing typically an example of a pachislot gaming device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the liquid crystal display device with which the pachislot gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is provided. FIG. 3 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub control circuit shown in FIG. 5. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the game execution process performed in a main control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the command reception process performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the game interruption display process performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the display control process performed in a display control circuit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachislot gaming device 2 Case 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) Rotating reel 5 Liquid crystal display device 32 Touch panel 34 Transparent liquid crystal panel 36 Reflective film 41 CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
44 Communication interface circuit 82 Sub control circuits 90a, 90b Effect image 91 Game interruption button image 93 Game interruption image 94 Elapsed time image 95 Game restart button image

Claims (3)

A gaming machine provided with a display means capable of displaying a predetermined image,
An interruption instruction input means for inputting an instruction to interrupt the game by an operation of the player;
Storage means for storing a game interruption image indicating that the game is interrupted;
Display control for performing control to extract a game interruption image from the storage means and display the game interruption image on the display means in response to an instruction to interrupt the game input by the interruption instruction input means And a game machine. Comprising time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time after an instruction to interrupt the game is input by the interruption instruction input means,
The storage means stores a plurality of types of elapsed time images representing elapsed time,
The display control means extracts an elapsed time image representing the elapsed time from the storage means based on the elapsed time measured by the timing means, and superimposes the elapsed time image on the game interruption image to display the display. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to display on the means. Fluctuation display means capable of displaying a plurality of identification information,
The display means is provided in front of the variation display means so that the plurality of identification information displayed by the variation display means can be seen through, and the game interruption image can be displayed on the display means. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.

Images