JP2007029550A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which by no means spoils interests of players in games while reducing burden on the players in determining whether a special favor should be awarded or not. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine, the number of lines is determined to be one or several as operated by a player (for example, casting operation) and when one is decided from the combination of the figures displayed on the one line (center line 8c) connecting predetermined each one of figure display positions (for example, positions of middle stages out of respective display windows 4L, 4C and 4R) for a plurality of display parts each, it is judged whether the combination of the figures is involved in the awarding of a special favor or not. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the respective circumferential surfaces, and a plurality of reels corresponding to each of the reels, a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of each reel. Based on the player's operation (hereinafter referred to as “start operation”) on the condition that a display is provided so that the player can visually recognize the symbol and a medal is inserted, the rotation of each reel A start switch for outputting a signal for requesting start, and a stop switch for outputting a signal for requesting stop of rotation of the reel in accordance with the type of the reel based on an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”). Based on the signals output from the start switch and stop switch, the operation of the stepping motor is controlled, and the control unit for rotating and stopping each reel, Pachi is known. Normally, in such a pachi-slot, it is determined whether or not a winning is made based on a combination of symbols displayed by a plurality of display windows.

  Currently, in a mainstream gaming machine, when a player performs a start operation, an internal lottery is performed, and the reel rotation is stopped based on the result of the lottery and the timing of the stop operation by the player. Is called. For this reason, even if the game has a winning result (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) as a result of winning through an internal lottery, the stop operation is performed at an appropriate timing. If it is not done, no winning will occur. Therefore, the player is required to have a predetermined technique called “promotion”.

Recently, in the gaming machine as described above, it is determined whether or not there is a symbol combination related to winning in any of the 27 types of symbol combinations displayed by the plurality of display windows. Based on these results, a gaming machine that pays out medals has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-313447 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, since it is determined whether or not a winning combination is made for a large number of 27 types of symbols, any combination of the above 27 types of symbols is determined for the player. The burden of grasping whether it corresponds to a combination of symbols related to winning was large.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that does not impair the interest of the player in the game while reducing the burden on the player when grasping whether or not a privilege is granted.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following gaming machines.

  (1) A plurality of symbol rows (for example, symbol rows of three reels 3L, 3C, 3R) in which a plurality of types of symbols (for example, 21 symbols described later) are arranged in a row, and the plurality of symbol rows Symbol display means (for example, later-described reels 3L, 3C, 3R, display windows 4L, 4C, 4R), start operation detecting means (for example, a start switch 6S described later) for detecting the start operation of the player, and detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means. The symbol changing means for changing the symbols displayed on the plurality of display units by changing the symbol rows (for example, a main control circuit 71 described later, a motor drive circuit 39 described later, Stepper 49L, 49C, 49R, reel control processing in step S163 of FIG. 25 described later), and internal winning combination determining means (for example, internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means) , A main control circuit 71 to be described later, an internal lottery process in FIG. 20 to be described later), and detection of a player's stop operation for each of the plurality of display units in which the symbol is changed by the symbol changing means. Based on the stop operation detecting means (for example, a stop switch 7S described later), the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, and the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detecting means. Stop control means (for example, a main control circuit 71 to be described later, a reel stop control process in FIG. 21 to be described later, a step S163 in FIG. 25 to be described later). Control line), and when the stop control of the symbol variation is performed for all of the plurality of display portions by the stop control means, a line connecting the symbol display positions determined in advance for each of the plurality of display portions. Combination specifying means for specifying the displayed symbol combination (for example, a main control circuit 71 to be described later, processing in step S115 of FIG. 21 to be described later) and a combination of symbols specified by the combination specifying means (for example, to be described later) Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the data stored in the symbol storage area of the RAM 33 is a symbol combination related to the grant of a privilege (for example, a symbol combination specified in a symbol combination table in FIG. 9 described later). For example, a combination of symbols related to the provision of a privilege is a combination of symbols specified by the main control circuit 71 (described later, display combination search processing of FIG. 22 described later) and the combination specifying means. And the above-described determination means, a privilege granting means (for example, a main control circuit 71, which will be described later, a later-described main control circuit 71, which will be described later) which gives a player a privilege (for example, a medal payout, a replay, and a bonus operation described later). Based on the medal payout process in step S16 in FIG. 15 and the bonus operation check process in FIG. 23 described later) and the player's operation (for example, the input operation described later), a combination of symbols is specified by the combination specifying means. Line number determination requesting means (for example, bet switches 11S, 12S, 13S described later) for requesting determination of the number of lines to be determined, and when the line number determination requesting means requests determination of the number of lines, the combination specifying means The line number determining means (for example, a main control circuit 71 to be described later, And the combination specifying means, when the number of lines is determined to be plural by the line number determining means, a plurality of predetermined number for each of the plurality of display units. A plurality of lines (for example, a cross-up line 8a, a top line 8b, which will be described later), a center connecting the symbol display positions (for example, an upper position, a middle position, and a lower position in each display window 4L, 4C, 4R which will be described later) When the combination of symbols displayed on the line 8c, the bottom line 8d, and the cross-down line 8e) is specified and the number of lines is determined to be one by the number-of-lines determining unit, the display unit It is displayed on one line (for example, a center line 8c, which will be described later) connecting one predetermined symbol display position (for example, a middle position in each of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R which will be described later). A gaming machine characterized by specifying a combination of symbols.

  According to the gaming machine of (1), the number of lines is determined to be one or more based on an operation by the player, and a privilege is granted based on a combination of symbols displayed on the determined line It is determined whether or not it is a combination of symbols related to. That is, when one line is determined based on an operation by the player, whether or not the combination is related to the provision of a privilege is determined based on the combination of symbols displayed on the one line. . As a result, when one line is determined, when the player determines whether or not the symbol combination related to the grant of privilege has been displayed, he / she only pays attention to the symbol combination displayed on the one line. It is easy to understand whether or not a combination of symbols related to the provision of a privilege is displayed.

  In addition, since the number of lines to be determined whether or not it is a combination of symbols related to the provision of a privilege is determined based on the player's operation, determination of whether or not the number of lines is one Can be made to intervene the operation of the player.

  (2) In the gaming machine of (1), the line number determination requesting unit is configured to detect the combination specifying unit based on detection of a throwing operation (for example, a pressing operation on a bet switch 11S, 12S, or 13S described later) by a player. A game machine characterized by requesting determination of the number of lines for which a combination of symbols is specified.

  According to the gaming machine of (2), since the determination of the number of lines is requested based on the detection of the input operation by the player, the number of lines is determined when the input operation is performed by the player. be able to. Here, the insertion operation refers to an operation performed on a predetermined operation unit (for example, bet buttons 11, 12, and 13 described later) in order to insert a game medium (for example, a medal) in a unit game. Say.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that does not impair the player's interest in the game while reducing the burden on the player when grasping whether or not a privilege is granted. .

  The configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with a cabinet 1a that houses reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 3) described later, and the like, and a front door 1b that is attached to the cabinet 1a so as to be openable and closable. .

  Inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotatably provided in a horizontal row. On the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols is drawn on each outer peripheral surface. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled by a later-described main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 3) so as to rotate at a constant speed (for example, 80 revolutions / minute), and the symbols drawn on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R Fluctuates with the rotation of the reel.

  The front door 1b is formed with a panel display portion 2 as a substantially vertical surface. At the center of the panel display portion 2, three vertically long display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are respectively connected to the reels 3L. , 3C, 3R are provided in front of each other. The symbols on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be observed through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. In addition, when the rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, one symbol is displayed at each of three consecutive symbol display positions (upper, middle, lower) in each display window 4L, 4C, 4R. A symbol is displayed, and three symbols are displayed in total.

  The gaming machine 1 also has five winning lines formed by connecting the symbol display positions in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R described above when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop rotating. Is provided. As the winning lines, a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d are provided in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e are provided in the oblique direction.

  The center line 8c is formed by connecting the middle positions in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The top line 8b is formed by connecting the upper positions in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The bottom line 8d is formed by connecting the lower positions in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The cross-up line 8a is formed by connecting the lower position in the left display window 4L, the middle position in the central display window 4C, and the upper position in the right display window 4R. Further, the cross down line 8e is formed by connecting the upper position in the left display window 4L, the middle position in the center display window 4C, and the lower position in the right display window 4R.

  These winning lines 8a to 8e are basically operated by operating any one of a 1-bet button 11, a 2-bet button 12, or a maximum bet button 13 which will be described later, or a medal slot 22 which will be described later. Any one or all of them are activated by inserting them (hereinafter, the activated winning line is referred to as an activated line). In the gaming machine 1, when rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the success or failure of winning or the like is determined based on the combination of symbols displayed side by side along the active line.

  On the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5, a medal slot 22 for inserting medals into the gaming machine 1 is provided. When a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 22, the above-described winning line is activated, and when three or more coins are inserted (that is, the maximum number of inserted coins), the game machine 1 stores (so-called credit). Is done. In the gaming machine 1, medals are used as gaming media, but the gaming media used in the gaming machine 1 are not limited to this, and a card storing information such as the number of medals in addition to coins, gaming balls or tokens. Etc. are also applicable.

  On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5, a 1-bet button 11, a 2-bet button 12, and a maximum bet button 13 are provided for determining the number of medals inserted in a unit game from credited medals. . Among the credited medals, one is inserted by operating the 1-bet button 11, two are inserted by operating the 2-bet button 12, and three are inserted by operating the maximum bet button 13.

  In the gaming machine 1, the effective line number determination process described later is performed based on the timing of the player's operation on the bet buttons 11, 12, and 13 (hereinafter referred to as “insertion operation”). A determination is made as to whether to activate any one of the winning lines 8a to 8e or to activate all of the five winning lines 8a to 8e. Specifically, when the input operation is performed, one random number value is extracted from a predetermined range (0 to 255) based on the timing, and the number of effective lines is set to 1 using the random number value. The decision whether or not to be made will be made.

  When the number of effective lines is determined to be 5 by the effective line number determination process, a unit game (for example, one game from the start of reel rotation until the reel rotation stops and a game result is obtained) ) Regardless of the number of medals inserted to perform (hereinafter referred to as “inserted number”), the five winning lines 8a to 8e are activated, and the maximum number of winning lines is set to five. When it is determined that the number of effective lines is 1, only one winning line is activated and the maximum number of winning lines is set to 1. Further, the position of one winning line that is validated when the number of valid lines is determined to be 1 is the center line 8c.

  A 1-bet lamp 9a, a 2-bet lamp 9b, and a maximum bet lamp 9c are provided on the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. The 1-bet lamp 9a, the 2-bet lamp 9b, and the maximum bet lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of inserted sheets. The 1-bet lamp 9a is turned on when the inserted number is 1, the 2-bet lamp 9b is turned on when the inserted number is 2, and the maximum bet lamp 9c is turned on when the inserted number is 3.

  An information display section 18 is provided below the bet lamps 9a, 9b, 9c. The information display unit 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and the number of medals stored in the gaming machine 1 (so-called “credit”), the number of medals paid out to the player (hereinafter referred to as “paid-out number”), and the like. Is displayed.

  A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the pedestal 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. On the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5, information related to the game is displayed.

  Further, above the bet buttons 11, 12, and 13, an operation unit 17 including a cross key, a selection button, and an enter button is provided. Based on the operation of the operation unit 17 by the player, information related to the game such as a game history is displayed on the display screen 5 a of the liquid crystal display device 5.

  A C / P button 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit (Credit) or payout (Pay) of medals acquired by the player in the game. Based on the player's operation on the C / P button 14, the payout mode or the credit mode is switched. In the credit mode, when a winning is established, medals for the number of payouts corresponding to the winning are credited. In the payout mode, when a winning is established, medals corresponding to the payout are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front. When the credit mode is switched to the payout mode by pressing the C / P button 14, the credited medal is paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front. The paid-out medals are stored in the medal receiving unit 16. Here, the payout and credits of medals may be simply referred to as “payout”.

  On the right side of the C / P button 14, there is provided a start lever 6 for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by a start operation to start changing the symbols displayed in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. ing.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by a stop operation are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 5, respectively. Is provided.

  In the present embodiment, when the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating, the first stop of the rotation of the reels is referred to as a first stop, which is performed after the first stop, Stopping the rotation of the reel that is performed while the reel is rotating is referred to as a second stop. The second stop is performed after the second stop and the reel that is performed when the remaining one reel is rotating. The stop of rotation is referred to as a third stop.

  Moreover, LED101 and the lamp | ramp 102 are provided in the upper part of the front door 1b. The LED 101 and the lamp 102 emit light with a light emission pattern according to the game situation, and an effect related to the game is performed.

  Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 16. Sounds such as sound effects and music corresponding to the game situation are output from the speakers 21L and 21R, and effects related to the game are performed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the symbol sequence arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described.

  A reel sheet is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, and a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols are arranged on the reel sheet is drawn. Specifically, red 7 (symbol 61), BAR (symbol 62), watermelon (symbol 63), bell (symbol 64), cherry (symbol 65), Replay (symbol 66), and blank (symbol 67) A symbol row composed of symbols is drawn. The blank is a symbol that is represented by a blank and is not directly related to the winning or bonus operation described below.

  Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. In addition, code numbers “0” to “20” for specifying the position of each symbol are determined in advance for each symbol and stored in a ROM 32 of a main control circuit 71 described later as a data table (a symbol arrangement table described later). Has been.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the gaming machine 1 including a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, the sub control circuit 72, the main control circuit 71 or the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 and ROM 32 and RAM 33 which are storage means.

  A clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 are connected to the CPU 31. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate a reference clock pulse. Based on the generated reference clock pulse, a periodic interrupt process (see FIG. 25) every 1.1173 msec, which will be described later, is performed. The random number generator 36 generates a certain range of random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts (samples) one random number value from the random number generated by the random number generator 36. By using the extracted random number value, an internal lottery process described later is performed, and predetermined information (for example, a winning number described later and an internal winning combination) is determined. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The ROM 30 of the microcomputer 30 transmits a program related to the processing of the CPU 31 (for example, see FIGS. 15 to 25 described later), various tables (for example, see FIGS. 4 to 11 described later), and the sub control circuit 72. Various control commands (commands) are stored.

  The RAM 33 stores various information obtained by the processing of the CPU 31. For example, a plurality of areas (for example, see FIGS. 12 to 14 to be described later) are provided for storing various information for identifying internal winning combinations, carryover combinations, combinations of symbols displayed on active lines, and the like. . These pieces of information are transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 by the above-described command.

  In the circuit of FIG. 3, as the main actuators whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 30, the bed lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, the information display unit 18, the hopper 40, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, and the like. is there.

  In addition, each circuit for controlling the operation of each actuator described above is connected to the output unit of the microcomputer 30 in response to a control signal output from the CPU 31. Each circuit includes a motor drive circuit 39, a lamp drive circuit 45, a display unit drive circuit 48, and a hopper drive circuit 41.

  The lamp driving circuit 45 controls the driving of the bed lamps 9a, 9b, 9c. As a result, the bet lamps 9a, 9b, 9c are turned on and off.

  The display unit driving circuit 48 drives and controls the information display unit 18. As a result, various information (such as the number of credits) is displayed on the information display unit 18.

  The hopper drive circuit 41 drives and controls the hopper 40. Thereby, the medal accommodated in the hopper 40 is paid out.

  The motor drive circuit 39 drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. As a result, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated or stopped.

  In the gaming machine 1, the driving pulses are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R through the motor driving circuit 39, and the rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are controlled by performing excitation. At this time, the number of output drive pulses is counted by the pulse counter of the RAM 33. In the gaming machine 1, when 16 drive pulses are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate by a distance corresponding to one symbol. At this time, the number of symbols rotated is counted by the symbol counter in the RAM 33. That is, every time 16 pulses are counted by the pulse counter, the symbol counter is updated by one. Further, the symbol counter is sequentially updated with “0” to “20” as one cycle.

  Further, a reel index signal is detected from the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R every rotation and is output to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50. The detection of the reel index signal clears the aforementioned pulse counter and symbol counter. Based on the symbol counter thus obtained and the symbol arrangement table described later, the symbol position and type within the range of one rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are determined. Here, the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter is that of the symbol located on the center line 8c. For example, if the symbol counter of the left reel 3L is “20”, the symbol located on the center line 8c is a watermelon (symbol 63).

  Also, each switch and each circuit for generating an input signal that triggers outputting a control signal to each circuit and each actuator described above are connected to the input section of the microcomputer 30. As each switch and each circuit, a start switch 6S, a stop switch 7S, a 1-bet switch 11S, a 2-bet switch 12S, a maximum bet switch 13S, a C / P switch 14S, a medal sensor 22S, a reel position detection circuit 50, a payout There is a completion signal circuit 51 and the like.

  The start switch 6S detects a player's start operation on the start lever 6 and outputs a signal instructing the start of the unit game to the microcomputer 30.

  The stop switch 7S detects the player's stop operation on the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, and commands to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the detected stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. The signal is output to the microcomputer 30.

  The 1-bet switch 11S, the 2-bet switch 12S, and the maximum bet switch 13S detect the player's input operation on the 1-bet button 11, the 2-bet button 12, and the maximum bet button 13, respectively, and credited medals. Then, a signal for instructing insertion of one, two or three medals is output to the microcomputer 30. Further, the 1-bet switch 11S, the 2-bet switch 12S, and the maximum bet switch 13S detect the player's input operation for the 1-bet button 11, the 2-bet button 12, and the maximum bet button 13, respectively. A signal requesting the determination of the number is output to the microcomputer 30.

  The C / P switch 14 </ b> S detects a player switching operation on the C / P button 14 and outputs a signal for switching the credit mode or the payout mode to the microcomputer 30. When the credit mode is switched to the payout mode, a signal for instructing the payout of medals credited to the gaming machine 1 is output to the microcomputer 30.

  The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 by the player's insertion operation, and outputs a signal indicating that a medal has been inserted to the microcomputer 30.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 detects a pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and generates a signal for detecting the position of the symbol on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The payout completion signal circuit 51 indicates that the payout of medals is completed when the number of medals detected by the medal detection unit 40S (that is, the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number. Generate a signal.

  The sub control circuit 72 performs various processes (such as determination and execution of effect contents) based on various commands (such as a start command described later) output from the main control circuit 71. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the sub control circuit 72 include the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21L and 21R, the LED 101, and the lamp 102. The sub control circuit 72 determines and displays an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined content of the effect, determines and outputs the lighting pattern of the LED 101 and the lamp 102, and the effect sound and effect output from the speakers 21L and 21R. Determine and output sound.

  Further, the operation unit 17 and the volume control unit 103 are connected to the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 displays an image corresponding to the information determined by the signal output from the operation unit 17 on the liquid crystal display device 5. Further, the sub control circuit 72 adjusts the volume output from the speakers 21L and 21R based on the signal output from the volume control unit 103.

  Next, the symbol arrangement table stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol arrangement table represents the arrangement of 21 symbols arranged on the reel sheet of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R as a data table as shown in FIG. That is, in the symbol arrangement table, red 7, BAR, watermelon, bell, cherry, Replay, and blank are defined in the same arrangement as in FIG. The symbol arrangement table is used to determine a symbol located on the center line 8c of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R based on the symbol counter described above.

  In the symbol arrangement table, code numbers “0” to “20” representing symbol positions and the respective positions where the reel index signal for detecting one rotation of the reel is output as a reference (that is, “0”) are displayed. The symbol type corresponding to the symbol position is defined. The code number representing the symbol position corresponds to the symbol counter value described above. Each symbol defined in the symbol arrangement table is represented by 1-byte data for identifying each symbol, for example, “00000001” for cherry. The data corresponding to each symbol is as shown in the figure.

  Next, the effective line number determination table stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The effective line number determination table is used when determining whether the effective line number is 1 or 5 in the effective line number determination process described later.

  In the effective line number determination table, a lottery value is defined for each effective line number (1 or 5). The number of valid lines is the number of winning lines 8a to 8e to be activated, and 1 or 5 is defined.

  In the gaming machine 1, when a closing operation is performed, one random number value is extracted from the range of “0 to 255” based on the timing of the operation. The lottery value represents the number of random values assigned to each number of valid lines among all random number values (256) generated in this table. The determination probability of each valid line number is a value obtained by dividing the assigned lottery value by “256” which is the number of all random numbers that may be generated. That is, in this effective line number determination table, the lottery value 128 is defined for any number of effective lines, and the determination probabilities for each number of effective lines are equal.

  In the effective line number determination table, the number of effective lines is determined by searching to which lottery value the random value extracted from the range of “0 to 255” belongs. The search for which lottery value the extracted random number value corresponds to is valid from the extracted random number value in a predetermined order (for example, the order of 1 effective line and then 5 effective lines). The lottery value corresponding to the number of lines is sequentially subtracted. Each time subtraction is performed, it is determined whether the subtraction result is positive or negative. If the result of the subtraction is negative, it is determined that the extracted random number value belongs to the lottery value of the number of effective lines searched, and the number of effective lines is determined.

  Next, an internal lottery table determination table stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The internal lottery table determination table is used when an internal lottery table described later is determined in an internal lottery process described later.

  In the internal lottery table determination table, the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries determined according to the gaming state are defined. In the general gaming state, the internal gaming state internal lottery table is determined, and the number of lotteries is determined to be six. However, the number of lotteries is changed to 4 when a carryover combination described later exists in the general gaming state. In the regular bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”) gaming state, the RB gaming state internal lottery table is determined, and the number of lotteries is determined to be three.

  Next, an internal lottery table stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The internal lottery table is used when a winning number is determined in an internal lottery process described later.

  In the internal lottery table, a lottery value assigned to each winning number is defined for each inserted number. The winning number is information used when determining an internal winning combination based on an internal winning combination determining table described later. The lottery value represents the number of random values assigned to each winning number among all random number values (65536) generated in this table. Therefore, the larger the lottery value, the higher the probability that the winning number will be determined. The determination probability of each winning number is a value obtained by dividing the assigned lottery value by “65536” which is the number of all random numbers that may be generated.

  In the internal lottery table, the winning number is determined by searching to which lottery value the random number value extracted from the range of “0 to 65535” belongs. The search for which lottery value the extracted random value corresponds to is performed by sequentially subtracting the corresponding lottery value from the extracted random value in descending order of each winning number. Each time subtraction is performed, it is determined whether the subtraction result is positive or negative. If the result of the subtraction is negative, it is determined that the extracted random number value belongs to the lottery value of the winning number that has been searched, and the winning number is determined. The number of lotteries determined by the aforementioned internal lottery table determination table is equal to the number of times the winning number is searched in the internal lottery table. If no negative value is obtained as a result of searching for the number of lotteries, the winning number is determined to be 0.

  Specifically, it is performed as follows. First, when an arbitrary random number value is extracted from a random number range of “0 to 65535”, a lottery value with a winning number equal to the determined lottery number (for example, a winning number 6 if the number of lottery times is six) is acquired and extracted. The lottery value of the winning number is subtracted from the random number value. Next, 1 is subtracted from the number of lotteries, a lottery value with a winning number (for example, winning number 5) equal to the subtracted lottery number (for example, 5 times) is acquired, and the lottery value with the winning number is subtracted from the previous subtraction result The Thereafter, similarly, the lottery value of the winning number is subtracted from the previous subtraction result until a negative value is obtained as the subtraction result. For example, when the number of inserted games in the general gaming state is 3, when the random value 150 is extracted, first, the lottery value 128 of the winning number 6 is acquired, and the lottery value 128 is subtracted from the random number 150. Since the subtraction result is a positive value, next, the lottery value 128 of the winning number 5 is acquired, and the lottery value 128 is subtracted from the previous subtraction result 22. Since the subtraction result is a negative value, the winning number 5 is determined.

  (1) of FIG. 7 shows the internal lottery table for general gaming states. In the general game state internal lottery table, lottery values are defined according to the number of inserted games. Specifically, lottery values corresponding to the winning numbers 1 to 6 are defined for every 1 to 3 inserted sheets.

  In the general game state internal lottery table, the greater the number of cards inserted, the higher the determination probability of the winning number corresponding to each of cherry, bell, watermelon, BB1, or BB2, which will be described later. Therefore, a lottery result that is advantageous to the player is obtained when the inserted number is larger.

  (2) of FIG. 7 shows the RB gaming state internal lottery table. In the RB gaming state, the maximum inserted number is defined as one, so in the RB gaming state internal lottery table, the lottery values corresponding to the winning numbers 1 to 3 are defined for only the inserted number 1. In the RB gaming state internal lottery table, a lottery value assigned to a winning number corresponding to a bell described later is extremely high.

  Next, an internal winning combination determination table stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The internal winning combination determination table is used when determining an internal winning combination in an internal lottery process described later.

  In the internal winning combination determination table, an internal winning combination corresponding to each of the aforementioned winning numbers is defined. Corresponding to each of the winning numbers 0 to 6, losing, cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, big bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as “BB”) 2, and BB1 are defined. Each internal winning combination is represented by 1-byte data for identifying each, and the contents of the data are as shown in the figure. For example, cherry is represented by data “00000001”, and BB1 is represented by data “00100000”. That is, 1 is set in the bit corresponding to each internal winning combination.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1, the winning number is determined by the internal lottery table, and the internal winning combination is determined by the internal winning combination determining table from the determined winning number. Although the winning number is determined in the internal lottery table, since the internal winning combination is also determined when the winning number is determined, it can be said that the determination of the winning number is the determination of the internal winning combination.

  Next, a symbol combination table stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The symbol combination table is used when determining the display combination and the number of payouts in the display combination search process described later.

  In the symbol combination table, combinations of symbols composed of symbols displayed on the effective lines in the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, display combinations corresponding to the combinations, and payout numbers are defined. In addition, the display combination is represented by 1-byte data for identifying each, as in the above-described internal winning combination, and the contents of the data are as illustrated. For example, cherry is represented by data “00000001”. Although not shown, the symbols defined in the symbol combination table are represented by 1-byte data as in the symbols of the symbol arrangement table (see FIG. 4). For example, red 7 is represented by data “00100000”.

  When the cherry (symbol 65) is displayed on the effective line in the left display window 4L, the display combination is determined to be cherry regardless of the types of symbols displayed in the remaining display windows 4C and 4R. If the inserted number is 1 or 2, the payout number is determined to be 15, and if the input number is 3, the payout number is determined to be 4.

  By displaying three bells (symbol 64) side by side along the active line, the display combination is determined to be a bell. If the inserted number is 1 or 2, the payout number is determined to be 15, and if the input number is 3, the payout number is determined to be 10.

  By displaying three watermelons (symbol 63) side by side along the active line, the display combination is determined to be watermelon. In addition, the payout number is determined to be 8 in common with all the input numbers.

  By displaying three replays (symbol 66) along the active line, the display combination is determined to be replay. When replay is determined, replay is performed in the next unit game. That is, the same number of medals as the number of coins inserted in the unit game in which replay is established are automatically inserted in the next unit game without being based on the player's insertion operation. Thereby, the player can perform the next unit game without consuming medals.

  By displaying three BARs (symbol 62) along the active line, the display combination is determined as BB2. Further, three reds 7 (symbol 61) are displayed side by side along the active line, whereby the display combination is determined as BB1. When BB1 or BB2 is determined, a BB operating flag, which will be described later, is updated to ON, and the operation of BB is started.

  Further, when a symbol combination other than the symbol combinations related to cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, BB2, and BB1 is displayed, the display combination is determined to be lost.

  Next, the configuration of the pull-in priority table will be described with reference to FIG. The pull-in priority order table is used when determining the number of sliding symbols together with the stop table described above in the reel stop control process described later.

  The number of sliding symbols indicates the number of symbols that will move from the stop operation position until the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop rotating after the signal is output by the stop switch 7S.

  Here, in the gaming machine 1, basically, after the signal is output by the stop switch 7S, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled to be stopped within 190 msec. (That is, 0 frame, 1 frame, 2 frames, 3 frames, or 4 frames). For this reason, for example, when the red 7 (symbol 61) with the code number “0” is positioned on the center line 8c during the rotation of the right reel 3R, the pressing operation of the right stop button 7R is detected by the stop switch 7S. In this case, the rotation of the right reel 3R can be stopped (so-called pull-in) so that the watermelon (symbol 63) with the code number “4” is displayed on the center line 8c.

  The pull-in priority table is basically used when two or more types of internal winning combinations are determined. The drawing priority order table defines the order of symbols to be preferentially displayed on the active line within the range of the maximum number of sliding frames. Specifically, the pull-in priority is determined in the order of “Replay”, “BB1 or BB2”, “Bell or Cherry”, and “Watermelon”. As a result, when two types of internal winning combinations are determined, basically, a combination of symbols related to one is preferentially displayed based on the drawing priority order.

  For example, when a watermelon is selected when BB1 is carried over, when a signal is output by the stop switch 7S, the watermelon (symbol 63) and red 7 are within the range of the maximum number of sliding frames (for example, 4 frames). In the case where both (symbol 61) exist, the number of sliding symbols is determined so that red 7 (symbol 61) is preferentially displayed.

  Next, a bonus operation time table stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The bonus operation time table is used when the operation of BB or RB is started in a bonus operation check process described later.

  In the bonus operation time table, information stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 is defined according to the type of bonus.

  When the BB is operated, the BB operating flag in the RAM 33 is turned on, and 350 is stored in the bonus end number counter. The bonus end number counter is information for counting the number of medals to be paid out during the BB operation, and the corresponding payout number is subtracted every time a winning is established. When the bonus end number counter is updated to 0, the operation of BB ends.

  Further, when the RB is operated, the RB operating flag in the RAM 33 is turned on, 12 is stored in the possible game number counter, and 8 is stored in the possible winning number counter. The game possible number counter is information for counting the number of unit games performed during the RB operation, and a value of 1 is subtracted every time a unit game is performed. The winning possible number counter is information for counting the number of times winning is achieved during RB operation, and a value of 1 is subtracted when the display combination is watermelon, bell, or cherry. When the game possible number counter or the winning possible number counter is updated to 0, the operation of the RB ends.

  Next, the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the internal winning combination is determined by the internal winning combination determination table, the determined internal winning combination is stored (stored) in the internal winning combination storing area. The internal winning combination storage area consists of 1 byte, bit 0 corresponds to cherry, bit 1 corresponds to bell, bit 2 corresponds to watermelon, bit 3 corresponds to replay, bit 4 corresponds to BB2 Bit 5 corresponds to BB1. That is, 1 is set in the bit string corresponding to the determined internal winning combination. In case of loss, each bit is 0. When two or more types of internal winning combinations are determined, 1 is set in the bit string corresponding to each.

  When the display combination is determined, the display combination storage area in which the information is stored has the same configuration as the internal winning combination storage area.

  Next, the configuration of the carryover combination storage area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When BB1 or BB2 is determined as an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determination table, the determined BB1 or BB2 is stored in this carryover combination storing area. The carryover combination storage area consists of 1 byte, bit 4 corresponds to BB2, and bit 5 corresponds to BB1. When the operation of BB is started, the data in the carryover combination storage area is cleared. That is, in the gaming machine 1, when the above-described BB1 or BB2 is determined, a combination of symbols related to these is displayed and the information is stored until the operation of the BB is started. (Called so-called carry-over). Since the carryover combination is determined based on the internal winning combination, it can be said to be a subordinate concept of the internal winning combination.

  Next, the configuration of the symbol storage area of the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The display combination is determined based on the symbol storage area and the symbol combination table described above.

  In the symbol storage area, data for identifying symbols displayed in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R (that is, winning lines 8a to 8e) as a result of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R being stopped are stored. Is done. The symbol storage area is provided for every five effective lines 8a to 8e.

  When the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R (ie, the effective lines 8a to 8e) are displayed in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R based on the symbol counter and the symbol arrangement table (see FIG. 4). The displayed symbol type is specified, and data representing the specified symbol type is stored in the symbol storage area.

  For example, the symbol storage area corresponding to the center line 8c includes data for identifying the symbol displayed at the middle position in the left display window 4L, and the symbol displayed at the middle position in the central display window 4C. And data for identifying a symbol displayed at the middle position in the right display window 4R are stored.

  The data stored in each symbol storage area consists of 1 byte and corresponds to the symbol data defined in the symbol arrangement table described above. That is, bit 0 corresponds to cherry, bit 1 corresponds to bell, bit 2 corresponds to watermelon, bit 3 corresponds to replay, bit 4 corresponds to BAR, bit 5 corresponds to red 7 .

  Here, when the number of effective lines is determined to be 1 according to the above-mentioned effective line number determination table, the maximum number of effective lines is set to 1, so the symbol storage area corresponding to the center line 8c is used. It will be. When the number of effective lines is determined to be 5, the maximum number of effective lines is set to 5, so that the symbol storage areas corresponding to all the effective lines 8a to 8e are used.

  Next, the control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, a reset interrupt process performed by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 31 turns on the power and applies a voltage to the reset terminal to generate a reset interrupt, and sequentially performs the reset interrupt processing stored in the ROM 32 based on the occurrence of the reset interrupt. It is configured.

  When the power is turned on, first, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1). In this initialization process, a process of restoring registers and addresses based on information stored in the RAM 33 when the power is shut off is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 sets (stores) an initialization storage area for the end of one game in a register (step S2). Next, the CPU 31 clears the designated storage area in the one-game-end initialization storage area (step S3). Thereby, for example, data stored in the random value storage area, the internal winning combination storage area, or the symbol storage area is cleared.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation monitoring process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16 (step S4). In this bonus operation monitoring process, when the RB is not operating during the BB operation, the RB operation process is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs medal insertion / start check processing described later with reference to FIG. 17 (step S5). In this medal insertion / start check process, the insertion number counter is updated by checking the medal sensor 22S and the bet switches 11S, 12S, 13S, the number of effective lines is determined based on the input of the bet switches 11S, 12S, 13S, and the start switch. Check 6S input.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a random value extraction process (step S6). Specifically, the CPU 31 uses the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 to extract lottery random values used in an internal lottery process described later.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 (step S7). In this gaming state monitoring process, a process of storing the gaming state identifier in the current unit game in the RAM 33 is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 20 (step S8). In this internal lottery process, processing such as determination of an internal winning combination based on the internal lottery table (see FIG. 7) and the internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 8) is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S9). The start command includes information such as an internal winning combination and a gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous reel rotation (step S10). When it is determined that 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the CPU 31 digests the waiting time (step S11). Specifically, the CPU 31 performs a standby process without performing the subsequent processes until 4.1 seconds elapse.

  When it is determined in step S10 that 4.1 seconds have elapsed, or after performing the process of step S11, the CPU 31 requests rotation start of all reels (step S12). Specifically, the CPU 31 performs processing such as turning on a rotation start request flag. When the start of rotation of all reels is requested, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are started to rotate in the reel control process (step S163) of the interrupt process described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 (step S13). In this reel stop control process, a process such as determination of the number of sliding frames based on the input of the stop switch 7S, stop of rotation of the reels based on the determined number of sliding frames is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a display combination search process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 (step S14). In the display combination search process, processing such as determination of the display combination and the number of payouts is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a display combination command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S15). The display combination command includes information such as the established display combination.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs medal payout processing (step S16). Specifically, the CPU 31 pays out medals by driving control of the hopper 40, updating of a credit counter, or the like based on the payout number counter updated in the process of step S14.

  Next, the CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number counter (step S17). Specifically, if the value of the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, the CPU 31 subtracts the counter according to the payout number.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not at least one of the RB operating flag and the BB operating flag is on (step S18). When determining that at least one of the RB operating flag and the BB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 24 (step S19). In this bonus end check process, a BB end process and an RB end process are performed based on a bonus end number counter, a winning possible number counter, or a possible gaming number counter.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S18 that neither the RB operating flag or the BB operating flag is on, or after performing the processing of step S19, the bonus operation described later with reference to FIG. Check processing is performed (step S20). In this bonus operation check process, when the display combination is BB1 or BB2, a BB operation process is performed.

  As described above, the CPU 31 executes the process from step S2 to step S20 as the process in the unit game. When the process in step S20 is completed, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process in step S2 to execute the process in the next unit game.

  Next, the bonus operation monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is on (step S41). When determining that the BB operating flag is not on, the CPU 31 ends the bonus operation monitoring process and proceeds to step S5 in FIG.

  When determining that the BB operating flag is on in step S41, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S42). If the CPU 31 determines that the RB operating flag is on, it ends the bonus operation monitoring process and proceeds to step S5 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S42 that the RB operating flag is not ON, the CPU 31 performs RB operating processing based on the bonus operating table (see FIG. 11) (step S43). Specifically, the CPU 31 turns on the RB operating flag, stores 12 in the possible game number counter, and stores 8 in the possible game number counter. When this process ends, the bonus operation monitoring process ends, and the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG. As described above, in the gaming machine 1, even when the operation of the RB is completed while the operation of the BB is being performed, the operation of the RB is continuously performed by immediately starting the operation of the RB in the next unit game. It is configured to be performed.

  Next, the medal insertion / start check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the automatic insertion counter is 0 (step S51). When determining that the automatic insertion counter is 0, the CPU 31 permits medal reception (step S52). The automatic insertion counter is information for identifying whether or not a replay has been established in the previous unit game.

  When determining that the automatic insertion counter is not 0 in step S51, the CPU 31 updates the insertion number counter based on the automatic insertion counter (step S53). The inserted number counter is information for specifying the inserted number, and its upper limit is 3. Next, the CPU 31 transmits a bet command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S54). The bet command includes information on the number of inserted coins.

  After the process of step S54 or after the process of step S52, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the medal acceptance is permitted (step S55). When determining that the medal acceptance is permitted, the CPU 31 performs a check process for the medal sensor 22S and the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S (step S56).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not it is a charging process (step S57). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is an input from the medal sensor 22S or the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S by the player's insertion operation.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S57 that the process is the input process, the CPU 31 performs an effective line number determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 (step S58). In this effective line number determination process, the effective line number determination process based on the lottery value and the above-described effective line number determination table (see FIG. 5) is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 updates the insertion number counter (step S59). In this process, when it is prohibited to update the inserted number counter, the CPU 31 updates the credit counter instead of the inserted number counter. The credit counter is information for specifying the number of credited medals, and the upper limit value is 50.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a bet command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S60). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of effective lines determined by the above-described effective line number determination process is 1 (step S61).

  When the CPU 31 determines that the number of valid lines is 1 in step S61, the CPU 31 stores 1 in the valid line counter (step S62). The valid line counter is information for specifying the number of valid lines. Even if the value of the insertion number counter is updated after this processing, 1 is always stored in the valid line counter.

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S61 that the number of valid lines is not 1 (that is, 5), it stores 5 in the valid line counter (step S63). Even if the value of the insertion number counter is updated after this processing, 5 is always stored in the valid line counter.

  After the process of step S63 or the process of step S62, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S64). When determining that the RB operation flag is not on, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter is 3 (step S65).

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S65 that the insertion number counter is 3, or in step S64, the CPU 31 determines that the insertion number counter is not updated (step S66).

  After performing the process of step S66, the CPU 31 determines that the medal acceptance is not permitted in step S55, determines that it is not the insertion process in step S57, or determines that the inserted number counter is not 3 in step S65. When it is determined, it is determined whether or not the insertion number counter is 1 or more (step S67). When the CPU 31 determines that the input number counter is not 1 or more, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S55.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S67 that the inserted number counter is 1 or more, it determines whether or not the start switch 6S is on (step S68). When the CPU 31 determines that the start switch 6S is not on, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S55.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S68 that the start switch 6S is on, it prohibits medal acceptance (step S69). When this process ends, the medal insertion / start check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S6 in FIG.

  Next, the effective line number determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the inserted number counter is 0 (that is, whether or not the first medal is inserted in the current unit game) (step S71). When it is determined that the inserted number counter is not 0 (that is, medals have already been inserted), the effective line number determining process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S59 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S71 that the inserted number counter is 0, it determines whether or not the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are turned on (step S72).

  When determining that the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are turned on in step S72, the CPU 31 extracts a random number value for determining the number of effective lines (step S73). Specifically, the CPU 31 extracts one random number value from the range of “0 to 255” by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37.

  Next, the CPU 31 refers to the effective line number determination table (see FIG. 5) and determines the effective line number (1 or 5) based on the random number value (step S74). When this process ends, the effective line number determination process ends, and the process proceeds to step S59 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S72 that the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are not turned on (that is, the medal sensor 22S is turned on), the CPU 31 determines the number of active lines to be 5 (step S75). When this process ends, the effective line number determination process ends, and the process proceeds to step S59 in FIG.

  Next, the gaming state monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operation flag is on (step S81). When determining that the RB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 stores the identifier of the RB gaming state in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 (step S82). When this process ends, the gaming state monitoring process ends, and the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S81 that the RB operating flag is not on, it stores the general gaming state identifier in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 (step S83). When this process ends, the gaming state monitoring process ends, and the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG.

  Next, the internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 refers to the identifier of the gaming state described above, and determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries based on the internal lottery table determination table (see FIG. 6) (step S91).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the data in the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 13) of the RAM 33 is 0 (that is, whether there is a carryover combination) (step S92). When the CPU 31 determines that the data in the carryover combination storage area is not 0 (that is, there is a carryover combination), the CPU 31 changes the number of lotteries to 4 (step S93). That is, when there is a carryover combination, BB1 or BB2 is not determined.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S92 that the data in the carryover combination storage area is 0, or after performing the processing of step S93, the CPU 31 sets the same value as the number of lotteries as the winning number (step S94).

  Next, the CPU 31 refers to the internal lottery table (see FIG. 7) and acquires a lottery value based on the winning number and the number of inserted sheets (step S95). Next, the CPU 31 subtracts the lottery value acquired from the random value (step S96).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a digit has been performed (step S97). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the obtained value is negative as a result of subtracting the acquired lottery value from the random value. When the CPU 31 determines that the digit is not set, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the winning number (step S98). Next, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the number of lotteries (step S99).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (step S100). When the CPU 31 determines that the number of lotteries is not 0, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S95.

  When the CPU 31 determines that a digit has been made in step S97, or determines that the number of lotteries is 0 in step S100 (in this case, the winning number is 0), the internal winning combination determination table. With reference to FIG. 8, an internal winning combination is determined based on the winning number (step S101).

  Next, the CPU 31 calculates the logical product of the internal winning combination and the bonus check data, and stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination storage area in the carryover combination storage area (step S102). The bonus check data is 1-byte data represented by “00110000”. Thereby, carry over of BB1 or BB2 is performed.

  Next, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storage area in the internal winning combination storage area (see FIG. 12) (step S103). Based on the data in the internal winning combination storing area, the number of sliding frames, which will be described later, is determined. When this process ends, the internal lottery process ends, and the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG.

  Next, the reel stop control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (step S111). Specifically, it is determined whether or not an effective stop button pressing operation is detected by the stop switch 7S. If the CPU 31 determines in step S111 that a valid stop button has not been pressed, it repeats the process of step S111.

  When it is determined in step S111 that a valid stop button has been pressed, the CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the internal winning combination and the drawing priority table (see FIG. 10) (step S112).

  Specifically, when the stop switch 7S is turned on, the CPU 31 specifies a symbol on the center line 8c based on the symbol counter and the symbol arrangement table (see FIG. 4) described above, and from this symbol It is searched whether or not there is a symbol related to an internal winning combination (more specifically, data stored in the internal winning combination storing area) within the range of the maximum number of sliding symbols. As a result of the search, when a symbol related to the internal winning combination is obtained, the difference from the first specified symbol to the symbol obtained as a result of the search is determined as the number of sliding symbols. Also, for example, when a watermelon is won when BB1 is carried over, both watermelon (symbol 63) and red 7 (symbol 61) exist within the range of the maximum number of sliding symbols (for example, 4 frames). In such a case, the number of sliding frames is determined so that red 7 (symbol 61) is preferentially displayed.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines a planned stop position based on the determined number of sliding symbols and the current symbol position (step S113). For example, if the number of sliding symbols is 3 and the current symbol position is code number 7, the CPU 31 determines the code number 10 as the planned stop position. Further, in this process, the CPU 31 turns on the scheduled stop position wait state flag, thereby performing a 1.1173 ms cycle interrupt control process (step S163), which will be described later with reference to FIG. A process of stopping after waiting for the rotation of the reel is performed until the stop position is reached.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S114). The reel stop command includes information such as the type of the stopped reel.

  Next, the CPU 31 stores the symbol identifier of the active line in the symbol storage area (step S115). Specifically, based on the symbol counter, the type of the stop button pressed and the symbol arrangement table, the symbol on the active line is specified, and data for identifying the symbol is stored in the symbol storage area (see FIG. 14). To do.

  That is, when the effective line number is determined to be 1 in the above-mentioned effective line number determination process, the CPU 31 sets the maximum number of effective lines to 1, so the symbol displayed on the center line 8c The identifier is specified, and the identifier is stored in the symbol storage area corresponding to the center line 8c. For example, if the symbol on the center line 8c of the left reel 3L is specified as red 7 (symbol 61) based on the symbol counter and the symbol arrangement table, the left reel of the symbol storage area corresponding to the center line 8c. Data “00100000” for identifying red 7 (symbol 61) is stored in the 3L area. On the other hand, when the effective line number is determined to be 5 in the above-described effective line number determining process, the maximum number of effective lines is set to 5, so that the cross-up line 8a, the top line The symbols displayed on the 8b, the center line 8c, the bottom line 8d, and the cross-down line 8e are specified, and the identifier is stored in the symbol storage area corresponding to each effective line.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a rotating reel (step S116). When the CPU 31 determines that there is a rotating reel, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S111 and similarly performs the above-described processing for the remaining rotating reels. If the CPU 31 determines that there is no rotating reel, it ends the reel stop control process and proceeds to step S14 in FIG.

  Next, the display combination retrieval process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 sets the top address of the symbol storage area and acquires an effective line counter (step S121). Specifically, the head address of the symbol storage area corresponding to the center line 8c is set. Further, when the number of effective lines is determined to be 5 in the above-described effective line number determination process, 5 is stored in the effective line counter, and the effective line number is determined to be 1 in the above-described effective line number determination process. In this case, 1 is stored in the valid line counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the valid line counter is 0 (step S122). When the CPU 31 determines that the effective line counter is 0 (that is, the search for all the effective lines has been completed), the CPU 31 ends the display combination search process and proceeds to step S15 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S122 that the effective line counter is not 0, the CPU 31 determines the display combination based on the symbol combination stored in the symbol storage area (see FIG. 14) and the symbol combination table (see FIG. 9). (Step S123).

  Next, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the display combination and the display combination storage area in the display combination storage area (step S124). Next, the CPU 31 refers to the symbol combination table (see FIG. 9), determines the payout number based on the determined display combination and the input number counter, and updates the payout number counter (step S125).

  Next, the CPU 31 changes the effective line to be searched (step S126). Specifically, the CPU 31 changes the effective line in the order of the center line 8c, the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross down line 8e, and the cross up line 8a.

  Next, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the effective line counter (step S127). When this process ends, the process moves to step S122.

  Next, the bonus operation check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB1 or BB2 (step S131). When the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is either BB1 or BB2, the CPU 31 performs BB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (see FIG. 11) (step S132). Specifically, the CPU 31 turns on the BB operating flag and stores 350 in the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 clears the carryover combination storage area (step S133). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  When determining that the display combination is neither BB1 nor BB2 in step S131, the CPU 31 determines whether the display combination is replay (step S134). If the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is not replay, it ends the bonus operation check process and proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S134 that the display combination is replay, the CPU 31 copies the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion number counter (step S135). As a result, the same value as the insertion number counter is stored in the automatic insertion number counter. When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  Next, the bonus end check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a winning has been established (step S141). When determining that a winning is achieved in step S141, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (step S142).

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S142 that the bonus end number counter is 0, the CPU 31 performs RB end time processing (step S143). Specifically, the CPU 31 clears the RB operating flag and clears the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs processing at the end of BB (step S144). Specifically, the CPU 31 clears the BB operating flag and the bonus end number counter. When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S142 that the bonus end number counter is not 0, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the winning possible number counter (step S145). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning possible number counter is 0 (step S146).

  When the CPU 31 determines in step S146 that the winable number counter is not 0, or when it is determined in step S141 that no win has been established, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the possible game number counter (step S147). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the game possible number counter is 0 (step S148).

  If the CPU 31 determines in step S148 that the possible game number counter is not 0, the bonus end check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG.

  When the CPU 31 determines that the possible game number counter is 0 in step S148, or when it is determined that the winning number counter is 0 in step S146, the CPU 31 performs the RB end process in the same manner as the process in step S143. This is performed (step S149). When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 25, a description will be given of an interrupt process with a period of 1.1173 ms, which is performed under the control of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71.

  First, the CPU 31 saves the register (step S161). Next, the CPU 31 performs input port check processing (step S162). Specifically, the CPU 31 checks the input of signals from each switch.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process (step S163). Specifically, the CPU 31 starts and stops the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in response to a reel rotation start request or the like.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a lamp / 7SEG driving process (step S164). Specifically, the CPU 31 performs processing such as lighting of the bet lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c based on the insertion number counter, and displaying on the information display unit 18 the number of payouts when winning is established based on the number of payouts.

  Next, the CPU 31 restores the register (step S165). When this process ends, the interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms ends.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the above-described effective line number determination process is performed based on the timing of the player's operation (that is, the insertion operation) on the bet buttons 11, 12, and 13. A determination is made by lottery to determine whether only one of the three pay lines 8a to 8e is to be activated or to activate all the five pay lines 8a to 8e.

  Accordingly, since the number of effective lines can be determined every time the input operation is performed (that is, for each unit game), the number of effective lines for each unit game is changed, It is possible to prevent the player from getting bored in the unit game.

  In addition, since the player's operation can be intervened in determining the number of effective lines, the interest in the game can be improved.

  Further, since the number of effective lines is determined based on the insertion operation, the operation for inserting medals into the gaming machine 1 and the operation for determining the number of effective lines can be performed by the same operation. Compared with the case where a dedicated operation unit for making the determination is provided, the operation burden on the player can be reduced.

  When the number of effective lines is determined to be 1 in the above-mentioned effective line number determination process, the effective line serving as a reference for searching for the display combination is set to one, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. As a result, the display combination is searched based on the combination of one symbol displayed on the effective line (that is, the center line 8c). This allows the player to pay attention only to the combination of symbols displayed on one active line, so that the display combination related to the provision of a privilege (that is, the display specified in the above-described symbol combination table) It is possible to make it easy for a player to determine whether or not a role is established.

  In addition, in a gaming machine that employs a plurality of active lines as in the prior art, it is necessary to search for a display combination for the combination of symbols displayed on each of the plurality of active lines, resulting in a processing delay. However, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, at least when the number of effective lines is determined to be 1 in the above-described effective line number determination process, the display combination search for a plurality of effective lines is performed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden associated with processing when this is performed.

  In addition, when the number of active lines is set to one, the range in which a desired symbol is displayed by performing a stop operation is narrower than when a plurality of (ie, five) lines are set. It is not easy to display such a combination of symbols, and the technical intervention of the player can be improved.

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

  In this embodiment, the player's operation on the bet buttons 11, 12, and 13 is applied as the input operation, and the effective line number determination process is performed based on the player's operation timing on the bet buttons 11, 12, and 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an operation for inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22 may be applied as the insertion operation. That is, the effective line number determination process may be performed based on the operation timing of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 22. Further, both the player's operation on the bet buttons 11, 12, and 13 and the operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 22 may be applied. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the above-mentioned embodiment is acquired.

  In the present embodiment, the lottery value is defined so that the probability that 1 is determined as the number of effective lines is equal to the probability that 5 is determined in the above-described effective line number determination table. Instead, the lottery value may be defined so that the probability of determining either one is increased (lower). As a result, any number of effective lines can be easily determined, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

  Further, for example, two types of effective line number determination tables having different probabilities of determining the number of effective lines may be provided, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, switching from one table to the other table may be performed. good. As the predetermined condition, for example, it is possible to apply that a specific internal winning combination (for example, a bonus) is determined, or that an operation in a gaming state advantageous to the player has ended. In this way, since the degree of determination probability of the number of effective lines can be varied, the interest of the player can be improved. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to detect that a predetermined condition is established from the frequency of determining the number of effective lines.

  In this embodiment, 1 or 5 is applied as the number of effective lines determined by the effective line number determination process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other numbers (for example, 4, 3, 2) are used. Can also be added. For example, any one of 1, 3, or 5 may be determined as the number of effective lines by an effective line number determination process.

  In the present embodiment, the number of effective lines is determined by extracting a random value based on the timing of the input operation and performing lottery. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and operations corresponding to the number of effective lines are performed. The number of effective lines may be determined based on the operation unit where the operation is performed. For example, the number of valid lines may be determined to be 1 if the bet switch 11 is turned on, and the number of valid lines may be determined to be 5 if the bet switch 13 is turned on. In this way, the number of effective lines can be determined according to the player's intention.

  In the present embodiment, the bet switches 11S, 12S, and 13S are applied as the line number determination request unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the start switch 6S, the stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS are applied. You can also A dedicated switch for requesting determination of the number of lines may be provided.

  In addition, in the gaming machine of the present invention, notifying means for notifying the player of the number of lines determined by the number of lines determining means (for example, the above-mentioned main control circuit 71, sub-control circuit 72, information display unit 18, A liquid crystal display device 5, speakers 21L and 21R, LED 101 and lamp 102) may be provided. For example, a predetermined image is displayed by the information display unit 18 or the liquid crystal display device 5, a predetermined sound or music is output by the speakers 21L and 21R, or a predetermined light emission mode is output by the LED 101 or the lamp 102. Etc. can be applied. As a result, the player can know whether the determined line is one line or a plurality of lines, and the position where the symbol should be displayed is clear, so that the stop operation can be easily performed. Become.

  In the present embodiment, a center line 8c that connects the middle positions in the three display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R is used as one line that connects a predetermined symbol display position for each of the plurality of display units. Although it applied, it is not restricted to this, You may apply the top line 8b, the bottom line 8d, the cross down line 8e, and the cross up line 8a.

  In addition, the symbol display means, start operation detection means, symbol variation means, internal winning combination determination means, stop operation detection means, stop control means, combination identification means, discrimination means, privilege grant means, number of lines constituting the gaming machine Specific configurations of the determination request unit, the line number determination unit, one line, and the like are not limited to the above-described elements of the present embodiment, and can be arbitrarily changed.

  Also, the device configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3 and its peripheral devices, the table configurations shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, and the RAMs shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 applied in this embodiment. The storage area configuration, the flowchart configurations shown in FIGS. 15 to 25, and the like can be arbitrarily changed or modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  The present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines, pachinko machines, arrange balls, sparrow balls, video slots, video poker, etc., in addition to the pachislot machines as in the present embodiment. Furthermore, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program in which the above-described operation in the slot machine is simulated for a home game machine. In that case, a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

  The effects described in the present embodiment are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the present embodiment. .

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the symbol arranged on reel 3L, 3C, 3R. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of the gaming machine 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | positioning table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the effective line number determination table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the internal lottery table determination table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the internal lottery table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the internal winning combination determination table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the symbol combination table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the drawing-in priority order table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the bonus operation time table of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the internal winning combination storing area of RAM33 of the main control circuit 71. FIG. It is a figure which shows the carryover combination storage area of RAM33 of the main control circuit 71. FIG. It is a figure which shows the symbol storage area of RAM33 of the main control circuit 71. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the reset interruption process performed by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the bonus action | operation monitoring process by the main control circuit. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of medal insertion / start check processing by a main control circuit 71. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the effective line number determination process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the game state monitoring process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the internal lottery process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the reel stop control process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the display combination search process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the bonus action check process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the bonus completion | finish check process by the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the interruption process of the 1.1173 msec period by the main control circuit 71. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 4L, 4C, 4R Display window 5 Liquid crystal display device 6S Start switch 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 7S Stop switch 8a Cross up line 8b Top line 8c Center line 8d Bottom line 8e Cross down line 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit

Claims (2)

A symbol display means comprising: a plurality of symbol rows in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row; and a plurality of display units provided corresponding to each of the symbol rows and displaying the symbols of the symbol row. ,
Start operation detecting means for detecting the start operation of the player;
Based on the detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detection means, the symbol variation means for varying the symbols displayed on the plurality of display units by varying the plurality of symbol sequences;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on the detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means;
A stop operation detecting means for detecting a player's stop operation for each of the plurality of display units in which the symbols are changed by the symbol changing means;
Stop control means for performing stop control of the variation of the symbol based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means and the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detecting means;
A combination of symbols displayed on a line connecting symbol display positions determined in advance for each of the plurality of display portions when the stop control of the symbol variation is performed for all of the plurality of display portions by the stop control means. A combination identifying means for identifying
Determining means for determining whether or not the combination of symbols specified by the combination specifying means is a combination of symbols related to the provision of a privilege;
When the determination unit determines that the combination of symbols specified by the combination specifying unit is a combination of symbols related to the provision of a privilege, a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege to the player;
Line number determination requesting means for requesting determination of the number of lines for which a combination of symbols is specified by the combination specifying means based on an operation by a player;
Line number determination means for determining one or a plurality of lines whose combination of symbols is specified by the combination specifying means when the line number determination request means determines the number of lines. ,
The combination specifying means includes
When the number of lines is determined to be plural by the line number determining means, a combination of symbols displayed on a plurality of lines connecting a plurality of symbol display positions predetermined for each of the plurality of display units is specified. ,
When the number of lines is determined to be one by the line number determining means, the combination of symbols displayed on one line connecting one symbol display position predetermined for each of the plurality of display units is specified. A gaming machine characterized by that. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the line number determination requesting unit requests the determination of the number of lines for which a combination of symbols is specified by the combination specifying unit based on detection of an insertion operation by a player.

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