JP2008200398A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing a player to continue a game without deteriorating his/her eagerness to the game. <P>SOLUTION: When an empty detection sensor 402 detects that a hopper tank 40a for storing tokens 115 becomes empty in a bonus such as BB or RB, the number of tokens to be discharged based on the game result is stored (credited) in RAM or the like. When the bonus is finished, this game machine forcedly interrupts the game and notifies that the hopper tank 40a becomes empty. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a pachislot gaming device, a pachinko gaming device, and other gaming machines.

  A gaming machine such as a pachislot stores game media such as medals in a tank of a hopper device provided therein and discharges it according to the game. If an error occurs in the hopper device or the medals in the tank run out during the game, the player is forced to interrupt the game. For this reason, Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose gaming machines that reduce errors in the hopper device or reduce errors due to the lack of medals in the tank.

JP 2004-141252 A JP 2006-116209 A JP 2006-141875 A JP 2006-280631 A

  However, in the so-called “bonus” or the like, a large amount of medals and the like are discharged, so that the tank of the hopper device is apt to be empty, and there is a problem that the game is interrupted when the player is most enthusiastic.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of continuing the game without lowering the player's willingness to play.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the medal is paid out based on the result of the game, and the gaming state is changed from the general gaming state to the special gaming state where the probability that the medal is paid out is higher than the general gaming state. In the gaming machine to be shifted to a period, medal detection means for detecting the number of inserted medals, medal number storage means for storing the number of medals detected by the medal detection means, and medal number storage means for a medal number greater than a predetermined value. Controls the game start means that enables the start of the game, the hopper tank that stores medals, the medal discharge mechanism that discharges medals stored in the hopper tank to the outside, and the medal discharge mechanism when the number is stored Then, a discharge control means for discharging a predetermined number of medals based on the game result, and a tank internal inspection for detecting that the hopper tank is empty. And the number of medals for adding a predetermined number of medals to be discharged based on the game result to the number of medals stored in the medal number storage means when the in-tank detection means detects that the hopper tank is empty in the special gaming state. An adding means, an end detecting means for detecting the end of the special gaming state, a game interrupting means for forcibly interrupting the game when the end detecting means is detected, and an informing means for informing that the hopper tank is empty. It has.

  According to this configuration, when the hopper tank is empty in a special game state where the payout probability of medals is high, a predetermined number of medals to be discharged are stored in the medal number storage means. Then, when the special gaming state is finished, it is notified that the hopper tank is empty. In other words, medals to be paid out in a special gaming state with a high medal payout probability are not paid out, and the player stores a predetermined number of medals to be discharged in the medal number storage means even if there are no medals on hand. The game can be continued by being done. Then, after the special game state is over, it is notified that the game has been interrupted and the hopper tank has been emptied, so that a clerk or the like replenishes the hopper tank with medals. Thereby, in a special game state in which the game is easily engrossed, the game may be interrupted due to the replenishment of medals, and the possibility that the game heat of the player may be reduced may be reduced.

  Further, the present invention provides a replenishment detecting means for detecting that a hopper tank has been replenished with a medallion after the game has been interrupted by the game interruption means, and a replenishment detecting means for detecting the replenishment of a medal when The game restarting means further controls the medal discharging mechanism to discharge the number of medals stored in the medal number storage means when the replenishment detecting means detects the replenishment of medals.

  According to this configuration, when medals are replenished to the hopper tank, medals to be paid out when the hopper tank is empty are discharged.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Composition of gaming machine)
The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a so-called “pachi-slot machine”, and the player is configured so that a specific winning mode is established based on the symbols displayed by stopping the variable display of the symbols on the winning line. The variable display can be stopped by detecting this operation. The gaming machine is a game that uses a game medium such as a coin or a medal, a game ball, etc., or a card or the like that stores information on the valuable value given to or given to the player. In the explanation, the explanation will be made using medals as game media and valuable value.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the gaming machine 1. A liquid crystal display device 5 is installed in front of the cabinet 2 forming the entire gaming machine 1. As will be described later, the liquid crystal display device 5 is configured so that a plurality of symbols on the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5 can be visually recognized. It is possible to display. In the present embodiment, the case where the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the front surface of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R will be described. However, in the present invention, the position where the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided is particularly limited. It is not something. The liquid crystal display device 5 will be described in detail later.

  On the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided as variable display means. Each of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R has a symbol row formed of a plurality of symbols on its outer peripheral surface. The symbol row consists of a plurality of types of symbols with code numbers “00” to “20”. Specifically, it consists of the symbols “Red 7”, “Blue 7”, “Lower Chile”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Replay”, and “Upper Chile”. Each reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rpm). “Red 7” and “Blue 7” in the symbol sequence are set as constituting a specific winning mode. Here, the specific winning mode means a winning mode in which a bonus of BB (big bonus) or RB (regular bonus) described later is established.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are nine in total in the vertical direction, three symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R through the liquid crystal display device 5 from the front of the cabinet 2. The design is visible. In addition, five pay lines are set corresponding to the stop positions of the nine symbols that can be visually recognized. That is, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d that horizontally traverse three symbols arranged in the vertical direction are provided, and a cross down line 8a and a cross up line 8e that traverse diagonally.

  By operating a 1-BET button 11 and a maximum BET button 12, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22, one winning line is provided (only the center line 8c). When two bets are made (the 1-BET button 11 is operated (pressed) twice or two medals are inserted), three (in addition to the center line 8c, the center line 8b, the bottom line 8d), the maximum number (this embodiment) In the case of 3 bets), 5 (3 cross-line 8a and cross-up line 8e) are activated in addition to 3 (2 bets). The winning lines 8a to 8e are related to success or failure of the winning combination. Specifically, the winning combination of the predetermined combination is established by stopping and displaying the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined combination in a predetermined position corresponding to any activated winning line. Will be. In the following description, the activated winning line may be referred to as an activated line.

  On the rear side of the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5 are a game start display lamp 25, a hit display lamp (so-called “WIN lamp”) 17, a medal insertion lamp 24, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, and a maximum BET lamp. Various lamps 9c and various display units such as a payout number display unit 18, a credit display unit 19, and an accessory operation (bonus) number display unit 20 are provided (see FIG. 3). These lamps and the display unit can also be visually recognized from the front of the cabinet 2 through the liquid crystal display device 5 in the same manner as the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are lit according to the number of medals (hereinafter, also referred to as BET number) bet to play one game (unit game). Note that one game ends when all reels are stopped, or when medals are paid out, when medals are paid out.

  The WIN lamp 17 is turned on with a predetermined probability when BB or RB is internally won, and is also turned on when a BB or RB winning is established. The internal winning means that the CPU 31 draws a winning combination that can be established, and the winning combination that is won internally is called an internal winning combination, which will be described in detail later. The medal insertion lamp 24 blinks when the medal insertion is acceptable. The game start display lamp 25 is lit when at least one of the pay lines 8a to 8e is activated.

  The payout number display unit 18 displays the number of payout medals at the time the winning is established, the credit display unit 19 displays the number of stored medals, and the bonus number display unit 20 displays the RB. The number of possible games and the number of possible RB game winnings are displayed. These display units consist of a 7-segment display.

  A pedestal portion 10 having a horizontal plane is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 10, and a 1-BET button 11 is provided on the left side of the pedestal portion 10. And a maximum BET button 12 is provided. The 1-BET button 11 makes one of the credited medals bet on the game by one pressing operation, and two of the credited medals by two pressing operations. The number of bets on the game. The maximum BET button 12 sets the maximum number of bets that can be bet on one game (three in this embodiment) to be bet on the game. By operating the BET buttons 11 and 12, the above-described pay lines 8a to 8e are activated.

  A stored medal settlement button 14 (hereinafter referred to as a C / P button 14) is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal unit 10 to switch credit / payout of medals acquired by the player by a push operation. When “payout” is selected by switching the C / P button 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the medals received are stored in the medal receiving unit 16. On the other hand, when “credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as credits in a memory (for example, a RAM 33 described later) provided in the gaming machine 1.

  The medal payout port 15 is connected to the hopper device 40 via the medal passage 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the hopper device 40 is provided below the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and includes a hopper tank 40a that stores the medals 115 and a discharge mechanism 40b that discharges the stored medals 115. . The discharge mechanism 40b has a drive motor therein, and when a drive signal is received from a discharge mechanism drive circuit 41 described later, the drive motor is driven to discharge a predetermined number of medals 115 one by one. It is configured to discharge from 40c.

  Further, the hopper tank 40a is provided with an overflow detection sensor 401 and an empty detection sensor 402 for detecting that the hopper tank 40a is full or nearly empty by detecting medals.

  The overflow detection sensor 401 is provided at a predetermined distance below the uppermost part of the hopper tank 40a (the position where the medals are full), and the number of medals stored in the hopper tank 40a is determined by the hopper tank 40a. It detects that the maximum number that can be stored is approached. That is, the overflow detection sensor 401 detects that the hopper tank 40a is almost full. In the present embodiment, when the overflow detection sensor 401 detects a medal, it detects that the number of medals stored in the hopper tank 40a approaches the maximum number that can be stored in the hopper tank 40a. ing.

  The empty detection sensor 402 is provided at a predetermined distance above the lowermost part of the hopper tank 40a, and detects that the number of medals stored in the hopper tank 40a has approached zero. . In the present embodiment, when the empty detection sensor 402 stops detecting medals, it is detected that the number of medals stored in the hopper tank 40a has approached zero.

  A start lever 6 for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by a player's operation is attached to the right side of the C / P button 14 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3R, and 3C are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal portion 10, respectively.

  Speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right above the cabinet 2, and a payout table panel 23 is provided between the two speakers 21L and 21R to display a combination of winning symbols and the number of medals. ing. In addition, an LED lamp 29 is provided above the speakers 21L and 21R and the payout table panel 23, and blinks or the like in accordance with an effect corresponding to the gaming state.

  Here, the structure of the liquid crystal display device 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 51 including a protective glass 52 and a display plate 53, a transparent liquid crystal panel 54, a light guide plate 55, a reflection film 56, and fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b which are so-called white light sources. 58a, 58b, lamp holders 59a to 59h, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving the transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. The TCP is a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. Etc.). As described above, the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided in front of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Further, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided with a predetermined interval.

  The protective glass 52 and the display board 53 are comprised with the transparent member. On the display board 53, a pattern or the like is formed at a position corresponding to the above-described BET lamps 9a to 9c. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is formed is the pattern formation area 51b of the front panel 51, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is not formed is the display window 51a of the front panel 51. (See FIG. 3). The entire surface of the front panel 51 may be used as the display window 51a without forming the pattern forming region 51b on the front panel 51. In this case, a pattern is not formed on the display board 53 or the display board 53 may be omitted. Note that various lamps arranged on the back side of the display plate 53, electric circuits for operating various display units, and the like are not shown.

  The transparent liquid crystal panel 54 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. By adopting a normally white transparent liquid crystal panel 54, even if there is a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven, the identification information such as symbols displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R The variable display and the stop display can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when such a situation occurs, it is possible to play a game centering on the variable display mode and stop display mode of the identification information (for example, symbols) displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The light guide plate 55 is used to guide the light from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 (illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 54), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

  The reflective film 56 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects the light introduced into the light guide plate 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate 55. The reflective film 56 includes a reflective area 56A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 56B.

  The fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b are arranged along the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the light guide plate 55, and both ends are supported by the lamp holder 59. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b is reflected by the reflection area 56 </ b> A of the reflection film 56 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 54.

  The fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are disposed toward the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at an upper position and a lower position on the back side of the reflection film 56, respectively. The light coming out of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b, reflected by the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and incident on the non-reflective area 56B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 54.

  As described above, in the liquid crystal display device 5, the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b and reflected by the reflection area 56A of the reflective film 56 and the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b, the surface of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The light reflected and incident on the non-reflective region 56B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. Therefore, the region of the liquid crystal display device 5 corresponding to the non-reflective region 56B of the reflective film 56 is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state depending on whether or not the liquid crystal is driven. The reflective region 56A of the reflective film 56 The region of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to is in a non-transparent state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is driven.

  In the gaming machine 1, only a part of the area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is entirely transparent. / A region that switches to a non-transparent state may be used. In this case, in the gaming machine 1, when the entire area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area that switches to the transmissive state or the non-transmissive state, the reflective film 56 may be all the non-reflective area 56 </ b> B or the reflective film 56 may be omitted. .

(Liquid crystal display device: screen display)
On the liquid crystal display device 5 configured as described above, an effect image by a character or the like according to the game is displayed and various message images are displayed. For example, when the medal in the hopper tank 40a approaches zero during the bonus, as shown in FIG. 3, a message that the hopper is empty and a medal to be paid out is credited is displayed. When the bonus is over, a message prompting replenishment of medals is displayed as shown in FIG.

(Electric configuration of gaming machine: main control circuit)
As shown in FIG. 5, the operation of the gaming machine 1 is controlled by a main control circuit 71 provided on the main board and a sub control circuit 72 provided on the sub board. 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 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are main board side storage means.

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. The random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range. The sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. The CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the random numbers sampled by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32.

  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 main actuators whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 30 include various lamps (BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, WIN lamp 17, medal insertion lamp 24, game start display lamp 25), The above-mentioned hopper (drive for payout) which stores a display unit (payout number display unit 18, credit display unit 19, bonus number display unit 20) and medal and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41. 40) and stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R that rotationally drive the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  Further, a motor drive circuit 39 that drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 that drives and controls the hopper device 40, a lamp drive circuit 45 that drives and controls various lamps, and a display that controls and drives various display units. The unit drive circuit 48 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31, and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main control circuit 71 is connected to input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for generating a control command. Main input signal generating means include a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11S, a maximum BET switch 12S, a C / P switch 14S, a inserted medal sensor 22S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 47, and a payout completion signal. There are a circuit 44, an overflow detection sensor 401, and an empty detection sensor 402. These are also connected to the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The 1-BET switch 11S, the maximum BET switch 12S, and the C / P switch 14S detect operations of the 1-BET button 11, the maximum BET button 12, and the C / P button 14, respectively. The inserted medal sensor 22 </ b> S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in accordance with the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 47 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 44 generates a signal for detecting the completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper device 40) reaches the designated number data.

  Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71. For example, the game state being executed, the number of inserted medals, and the like are stored. On the other hand, the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 determines the reel stop mode according to the operation of the probability lottery table and stop button used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation). Various data tables such as a stop table group for the purpose, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the like are stored.

(Electric configuration of gaming machine 1: sub-control circuit)
The main control circuit 71 is connected to the sub control circuit 72 so that commands and information can be output in one direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the sub control circuit 72 controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the control command (command) from the main control circuit 71, the sound from the speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R, and the light from the LED lamp 29. Perform output control. The sub-control circuit 72 is configured on a sub-board different from the main board constituting the main control circuit 71, and includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “sub-microcomputer”) 73 as a main component, and the liquid crystal display device 5. An image control circuit 81 as display control means, a sound source IC 78 for controlling sound output from the speakers 21L and 21R, a power amplifier 79 as an amplifier, and an LED drive circuit 77 for driving the LED lamp 29 are provided.

  The sub microcomputer 73 includes a sub CPU 74 that performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71, a program ROM 75 serving as a sub board-side storage unit, and a work RAM 76. The sub control circuit 72 does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the sub CPU 74. The program ROM 75 stores a control program such as a processing routine shown in FIG. 9 described later executed by the sub CPU 74, a data table, and the like. The work RAM 76 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the control program is executed by the sub CPU 74.

  The image control circuit 81 includes an image control IC 82, an image control work RAM 83, an image ROM 86, and a video RAM 87. The image control IC 82 determines the display contents on the liquid crystal display device 5 according to the image control program based on the parameters set by the sub microcomputer 73. The image control work RAM 83 is configured as temporary storage means (buffer) when the image control program is executed by the image control IC 82. The image ROM 86 stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM 87 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control IC 82 forms an image. The LED drive circuit 77 controls the LED lamp 29 based on a control command from the sub CPU 74. The sound source IC 78 can control the power amplifier 79 and adjust the volume of the speakers 21L and 21R.

(Game state)
The gaming machine 1 configured as described above causes three types of game states to appear: “general game state”, “RB game state”, and “BB general game state”. Each of these “three types” of game states basically includes the types of roles that may be won internally, the probability of winning internally in replays, the types of bonuses that can be established and the internal winnings. It is distinguished by the relationship with winning a prize.

  The “general gaming state” basically means a gaming state in which an expected value of a so-called “participation rate” (a valuable value given to a player with respect to a unit valuable value bet on a game) is smaller than “1”. This is a gaming state that is most disadvantageous for the player as compared to other gaming states.

  The “BB general gaming state” is generated when the BB is won internally and the BB is won in the “general gaming state”. The BB winning is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” along the active line in the “general gaming state”. The “BB general gaming state” ends when 30 small-games or 3 RBs (regular bonus) are consumed. The “BB general gaming state” may be ended when the payout of a predetermined number of medals is completed.

  The “RB gaming state” has a higher expected value of the payout rate than the “general gaming state”, and is the most advantageous gaming state for the player as compared to other gaming states. The “RB gaming state” is generated when an RB (regular bonus) is won in the “general gaming state” or the “BB general gaming state”. The RB winning is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-blue 7” along the active line in the general gaming state or the BB general gaming state. The establishment of RB winning in the “BB general gaming state” is generally referred to as “JACIN”, and the subsequent game is referred to as “JAC game”. The transition between the game states is performed when a combination of bonus symbols is displayed on the winning line.

(Pattern combination and number of payouts)
Next, a description will be given of the relationship between the gaming state, the symbol combination indicating the winning and the number of medals paid out. In the general gaming state, “BB”, “RB”, “Replay”, “Watermelon Minor”, “Bell Minor”, “Upper Chile Minor” and “Lower Chile Minor” There is a possibility of winning a prize. “BB” is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” along the effective line. “RB” is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-blue 7” along the active line. The payout number of these medals is “0”. Further, “replay” is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay”. When a re-game winning is established, the same number of medals as the number of inserted medals are automatically inserted, so that the player can play the next game without consuming the medals. In the case of watermelon, bell, upper chile and lower chile, six, ten, six and six medals are paid out, respectively.

  In the BB general gaming state, there is a possibility of winning “RB”, “Watermelon Minor”, “Bell Minor”, “Upper Chile Minor” and “Lower Chile Minor”. In the RB gaming state, there is a possibility of winning a small role of “re-game”, “watermelon”, “bell”, and “upper / lower chile”. In the case of watermelons, bells, and upper and lower chiles, six, ten, and six medals are paid out, respectively.

(Operation of main control circuit 71: main routine)
With the above configuration, the control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the main routine shown in FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (A1). Specifically, initialization of the storage contents of the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, and the like are performed. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased (A2). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33, the start address of the sequence program for the next game, etc. I do. Next, the CPU 31 stands by until there is an input from the inserted medal sensor 22S or the BET switches 11S and 12S (A3). Thereafter, a medal insertion signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and it is determined whether or not the start switch 6S is turned on by operating the start lever 6 (A4).

  When the start switch 6S is not turned on (A4: NO), the process waits for input by repeating A4. When the start switch 6S is turned on (A4: YES), the game start signal is sub-controlled. Along with transmitting to the circuit 72, a random number for lottery is extracted (A5). And the game state in this game is confirmed by performing a game state monitoring process (A6). That is, the game state of the current game is set to any one of the BB general game state, the RB game state, and the general game state.

  Then, a probability lottery process is performed (A7), and an internal winning combination is determined. Subsequently, stop table group selection processing is executed (A8). Specifically, a specific stop table group is selected using the type of internal winning combination. The stop table group is used when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped in A10 later. Here, a game information signal including information related to the internal winning combination, gaming state, stop table group, and symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. Subsequently, a reel rotation process is performed (A9). Specifically, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated, and when a predetermined speed (for example, constant speed rotation) is reached, a reel stop permission signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. The reel stop permission signal includes a detection signal that is detected when the symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination is positioned on the effective line (specifically, the center line 8c) after the predetermined speed is reached. included.

  Next, a reel rotation stop process is executed (A10). That is, the sliding frame number determination process for determining the number of sliding frames is performed at the timing when any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R is operated or when the value of the automatic stop timer becomes “0”. Specifically, the number of sliding symbols is determined based on the stop table, stop operation position, and stop control position determined (selected) in A9. “The number of sliding symbols” is the number of symbols that move until the reel stops after the stop button is operated (shows the amount of movement (movement distance) of the symbol until the reel stops) . In the present embodiment, the “slip frame number” is “0”. That is, the reels are stopped simultaneously with the operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Subsequently, the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the stop operation has been performed is rotated by the number of sliding frames and then stopped. Note that a reel stop signal (left, middle, right) is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 every time the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is operated and the corresponding reel stops. Further, when all reels are stopped, an all reel stop signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72.

  Next, the CPU 31 makes a winning determination (A11). In the winning determination, a winning combination (a winning combination) is identified based on a stop pattern of nine symbols of the reel that can be visually recognized through the transmissive liquid crystal panel 54. Specifically, a winning combination is identified based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 8c and a winning determination table. Then, the winning signal is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72. Thereafter, the acquired medal is credited or paid out (A12). Specifically, when a medal is acquired by winning, the payout number display unit 18 displays the acquired number of medals. Then, by switching the C / P button 14 by the player, it is possible to select whether to credit the acquired medal into the gaming machine 1 or pay out the medal from the medal payout exit 15. The credited medal can bet by pressing the BET buttons 11 and 12 in the next game.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (A13). If the gaming state is not “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (A13: NO), the process returns to A2. When the gaming state is “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (A13: YES), a “game number check process” of bonus (BB, RB) is performed (A14). In this “game number check process”, the number of times the RB gaming state has occurred, the number of games in the BB general gaming state, the number of winnings in the RB gaming state, and the number of games in the RB gaming state are checked, and the BB general gaming state and RB Transition (set) of gaming state between gaming states is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the bonus is over (A15). Specifically, after the BB winning is established, whether the number of wins is 8 or the number of games is 12 in the third RB gaming state, or is the number of games is 30 in the BB general gaming state Determine whether or not. In addition, after “RB7-Red 7-Blue 7” is arranged along the active line, after the RB winning is established, whether or not the number of winnings is 8 times or the number of games is 12 times in the RB gaming state. Is determined. As a result, when it is determined that the bonus is not finished (A15: NO), the process returns to A2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus has ended (A15: YES), a bonus end signal is output to the sub-control circuit 72 (A16), and the process returns to A2.

(Operation of main control circuit 71: medal payout processing routine)
Next, a processing routine executed in parallel with the main routine by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the empty detection sensor 402 detects that there are no medals in the hopper tank 40a (empty detection) (B1). If it is not detected that there are no medals (B1: NO), this routine ends. When it is detected that there are no medals (B1: YES), it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is BB or RB (B2). When the gaming state is BB or RB (B2: YES), an empty signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 (B3). The sub-control circuit 72 that has received the empty signal displays a message on the liquid crystal display device 5 that there is no medal in the hopper and that the acquired medal is credited, as shown in FIG. In this way, since the acquired medals are credited when there are no medals, it is not necessary to interrupt the game during the bonus and replenish the medals.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a winning combination has been established as a result of the end of the unit game (B4). When the winning combination is established (B4: YES), the number of medals to be paid out according to the winning combination is credited (B5). That is, the above-mentioned number is added to the number of medals stored in the RAM 33 or the like and stored again, and the addition is displayed on the credit display unit 19. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not BB or RB ends (B6). Also, in B4, when a winning combination is not established (B4: NO), it is determined whether or not BB or RB is ended (B6). If BB or RB is not completed (B6: NO), the process returns to B4. When BB or RB ends (B6: YES), the process proceeds to B7. In B2, when the current gaming state is not BB or RB (B2: NO), the process proceeds to B7.

  In B7, the game is forcibly interrupted and an error signal is output to the sub-control circuit 72 (B7). The sub control circuit 72 that has received the error signal displays a message prompting the liquid crystal display device 5 to replenish medals, as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not medals have been replenished (B8). That is, it is determined whether or not the overflow detection sensor 401 has detected a medal. If the medal is not replenished (B8: NO), it waits until it is replenished. When medals are replenished (B8: YES), the interrupted game is resumed, and the hopper device 40 is driven to discharge the credited number of medals (B9). In this transition game, the acquired medals are discharged by the hopper device 40. Then, an error release signal is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 (B10). Thereafter, this routine is terminated. In this way, since the medals are replenished after the bonus when the game is settled down once, there is a possibility that the concern that the player's willingness to play may be reduced.

  Note that the timing at which it is detected that a medal has been replenished may be detected by operating a button or the like by a store clerk or the like who has replenished the medal. Further, when the medals in the hopper tank 40a run out during the bonus, the acquired medals are credited. However, the acquired medals may be credited during the so-called “replay time” instead of the bonus.

(Operation of sub control circuit)
Next, the control operation of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the processing routine shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether an empty signal is received from the main control circuit 71 (C1). If not received (C1: NO), this routine is terminated. When received (C1: YES), as shown in FIG. 3, a message displayed during the bonus is displayed (C2). By displaying such a message, the player can grasp that the medal is not paid out even though the prize is won, but it is not a failure of the gaming machine 1. Subsequently, it is determined whether an error signal is received from the main control circuit 71 (C3). If not received (C3: NO), it waits until it is received.

  When an error signal is received (C3: YES), a message prompting the replenishment of medals is displayed (C4) as shown in FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not an error release signal has been received from the main control circuit 71 (C5). If not received (C5: NO), it waits until it is received. If received (C5: YES), the replenishment message shown in FIG. 10 is hidden (C6), and this routine is terminated.

(Outline of this embodiment)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the medal is paid out based on the game result (symbol stop mode), and the probability that the medal is paid out from the general gaming state to the gaming state is higher than the gaming state. In a gaming machine that shifts to a high special gaming state (BB general gaming state or RB gaming state) for a predetermined period, medal detection means (inserted medal sensor 22S, CPU31, etc.) for detecting the number of inserted medals, and medal detection means The medal number storage means (such as the RAM 33) for storing the number of medals detected by the player, and the medal number storage means store the number of medals of a predetermined value or more (for example, 3), the game can be started. Game starting means (BET buttons 11 and 12, CPU 31, etc.), a hopper tank (hopper tank 40 a) for storing medals, and a hopper tank A medal discharge mechanism (discharge mechanism 40b) for discharging the medals stored in the game to the outside, and a discharge control means (discharge mechanism control circuit 41) for controlling the medal discharge mechanism to discharge a predetermined number of medals based on the game result. , CPU 31 etc.), in-tank detection means (empty detection sensor 402 etc.) for detecting that the hopper tank is empty, and when the in-tank detection means detects that the hopper tank is empty in the special gaming state, the result of the game A medal number adding means (CPUP31, etc.) for adding a predetermined number of medals to be discharged to the medal number stored in the medal number storage means, an end detecting means for detecting the end of the special gaming state, and an end detection. When the means detects, a game interruption means (CPU 31 or the like) forcibly suspending the game, and a report notifying that the hopper tank is empty. Means (CPU 31, the sub-control circuit 72, a liquid crystal display device 5, etc.) is configured to include a.

  According to this configuration, when the hopper tank is empty in a special game state where the payout probability of medals is high, a predetermined number of medals to be discharged are stored in the medal number storage means. Then, when the special gaming state is finished, it is notified that the hopper tank is empty. In other words, medals to be paid out in a special gaming state with a high medal payout probability are not paid out, and even if there are no medals on hand, the player stores a predetermined number of medals to be discharged in the medal number storage means. The game can be continued by being done. Then, after the special game state is over, it is notified that the game has been interrupted and the hopper tank has been emptied, so that a clerk or the like replenishes the hopper tank with medals. Thereby, in a special game state in which the game is easily engrossed, the game may be interrupted due to the replenishment of medals, and the possibility that the game heat of the player may be reduced may be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, after the game is interrupted by the game interrupting means, replenishment detection means (overflow detection sensor 401, CPU31, etc.) for detecting that the hopper tank is replenished with medals, and the replenishment detection means are medals. When the replenishment of the medal is detected, it is further provided with a game restarting means (CPU 31 or the like) for resuming the interrupted game, and when the replenishment detecting means detects the replenishment of the medal, the medal stored in the medal number storage means The medal discharge mechanism is controlled so as to discharge the same number of sheets.

  According to this configuration, when medals are replenished to the hopper tank, medals to be paid out when the hopper tank is empty are discharged.

(Modification of this embodiment)
The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but only specific examples have been illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. Specific configurations and the like can be appropriately changed in design. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

  The gaming machine of the above-described embodiment may include the following configuration in addition to or overlapping with the configuration in the above-described embodiment.

  That is, the gaming machine has a game value providing means for providing a player with a game value when a predetermined game result is displayed, and an internal winning combination for determining a predetermined combination as an internal winning combination based on a game start command signal. Specific to the determination means, the stop control means for displaying the winning mode on the variation display means based on the internal winning combination, the effect display control means for displaying the effect mode related to the game on the effect display means, and the game result display means Before the game result is displayed, the notice display control means for displaying the notice mode on the notice display means that the specific game result may be displayed, and the specific game result is displayed on the game result display means. Prior to display, a notice display control means for displaying a notice mode on the notice display means that a specific game result is displayed, a display control means for controlling display of the game result display means, and a game result display means Is a display stop command means provided at a position where the player can operate to output a stop command signal for stopping the variable display of part or all of the variable display means, and an internal winning combination determining means for a predetermined unit game. Internal winning combination carry-over means to carry over a specific combination determined as an internal winning combination as an internal winning combination in the next unit game, and a specific to store and store a specific combination determined by the internal winning combination determination means as an internal winning combination There may be provided at least one combination accumulating unit and at least one accumulated specific combination winning unit that uses a specific combination stored and stored by the specific combination storing unit as an internal winning combination.

  Here, the above-mentioned “game result display means” includes a change display means, an effect display means, a notice display means, and the like. They may be separate display devices, or may be predetermined display units (sprites, 3D objects having different depths) provided in a single display device. Further, they may be displayed in an overlapping manner. Furthermore, one or more sounds, 1 or more lights, 1 or more colors, 1 or more images, 1 or more odors, etc., one or more feels (vibration, pressure) The player may be notified by a plurality or all of them.

  The “game value giving means” includes advantageous state generating means such as a program for giving (paying out) game values (coins), and also includes payout of award media, recording on a magnetic card, and game score addition.

  The “display control means” includes a stop control means, an effect display control means, a notification display control means, and the like. It may be provided on a single substrate, may be provided on a plurality of separate substrates, or the stop control means may be provided on the same substrate as the internal winning combination determining means. Furthermore, the effect display control means and the notification display control means may be provided on a separate board from the internal winning combination determining means. (It may be a separate body.)

  The “variable display means” displays a still image, a moving image, and the like, and is composed of one or a plurality of symbol display units that display a moving display using a reel or a disk, and variably display or stop a plurality of types of symbols. . For example, a pachislot machine or video slot symbol, a pachinko special symbol, a sound diagram, a judgment symbol, or the like is displayed. Moreover, what is necessary is just to display a specific winning mode as a game result.

  The “display stop command means” may output a signal for stopping one, a plurality, or all of the variable display, such as an effect display means, a fluctuation display means, a notice display means, etc. One may be provided corresponding to the part (the display part is a symbol display part or the like). Alternatively, a plurality of display units may be provided corresponding to one display unit (the display unit is a symbol display unit or the like).

  The “advantageous state generating means” may be anything as long as it continues to be advantageous to the player during a plurality of game units. For example, a program for performing generation determination, continuation determination, midway end determination, generation, continuation, end, and the like. The “internal winning combination determining means” includes an internal winning combination lottery means, an internal winning combination carry over means, a specific combination accumulating means, an accumulated specific combination winning means, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the “game machine” includes a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, a video slot, and the like. The “game result” includes a winning mode, a losing mode, a production mode, a notification mode, and the like. The “specific winning mode” includes a specific symbol display (“3”, “7”, etc.), a specific symbol combination display (“777”, “776”, etc.), and a specific symbol among a plurality of symbols. It is included (upper dust, big dust, etc.).

  The “disappearance mode” includes modes other than the winning mode displayed on the variation display means, the production mode, the notification mode, and the like. The “predetermined game result” includes a winning mode and the like. “Direction mode” is a mode in which waiting for customers, during game, between games, winning (front, middle, rear), advantageous state (front, middle, rear), etc., or their game information (game guidance) Including the notification mode and other modes, characters such as “big hit”, “bonus”, “out”, and the number of continuations of the advantageous state are also included.

  The “notice mode” includes a mode for notifying a player that a predetermined internal winning combination or a specific internal winning combination may be determined, a mode for notifying a player, and a production mode thereof. . “Do n’t you? ","bell? ], "A big hit win? ], “Bonus winning? ], "Game procedure navigation function win? ”Etc. are also included. The “notification mode” is a mode in which the player is notified that a predetermined internal winning combination or a specific internal winning combination has been determined, or a predetermined internal winning combination or a specific internal winning combination is not determined. This includes a mode for notifying the player of this, and a production mode. “Big hit confirmed”, “Bonus confirmed”, “Outgoed confirmed”, “Bell confirmed”, “Game procedure navigation function win? ”Etc. are also included.

  “Aspect” includes one or more symbol (moving / still) images, one or more character (moving / still) images, one or more background (moving / still) images, one or more balloons (moving / still) ) Image, one or more characters, one figure, predetermined operation of one or more movable objects, etc. One or more lamps are lit, blinking, etc. One or more speaker sounds are included. “Game information” includes game concept (background), game rules, operation explanation, reach eyes, chance eyes, explanation of roles / replays, explanation of advantageous states (BB, RB, etc.), advantageous states (BB, RB, etc.) , Probability, number of games elapsed since a predetermined time (bonus, BB, RB, predetermined operation, etc.).

  The “game start command means” includes a start lever, a switch such as a spin button, a game medium input, a symbol start port (gate), and the like. The “display stop command means” includes a button, a lever, a program (time measuring means), and the like. “Design display means” includes CRT, LCD, plasma display, 7-segment display, dot matrix, lamp, LED, fluorescent lamp, EL, electronic paper, flexible LED, flexible liquid crystal, liquid crystal projector, reel, disk, movable object, etc. including. The thing with which they were provided in plural, the thing with which they were combined, etc. are included.

  The “internal winning combination” includes one or more combinations determined as an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means from a plurality of combinations. The “winning combination” includes a combination in which a winning mode corresponding to the internal winning combination is displayed. “Game value” includes payout of award media (coins, medals, game balls), game result storage media (predetermined writing to a magnetic card, etc., replay, score addition, occurrence of advantageous state, etc.) (Prize medium) ”includes coins, medals, game balls, money, banknotes, magnetic cards, and the like.

  In addition, one or more of the following may be applied as a combination in a pachislot or the like. A single bonus or internal winning combination in which the probability that the small winning combination is determined to be an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means is high for only one unit game (1 game). Regular bonus that determines the chance that the small role will be determined as an internal winning combination only during multiple unit games, and the probability that the internal winning combination determination means determines the regular bonus as an internal winning combination only during multiple unit games An internal winning combination navigating function for notifying information regarding the big bonus having a high probability and the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means before the operation of the display stop command means by the player. A push order navigating function for notifying information related to the stop pattern selected by the stop pattern selecting means before the player operates the display stop command means. A game procedure navigation function for notifying a game procedure that is advantageous to a player.

  For example, the internal winning combination navigating function described above is a reel stop pattern (for example, the first left reel is first notified before the left, middle, and right reel stop buttons corresponding to the left reel, middle reel, and right reel are stopped. , Then stop the middle reel, and finally stop the right reel, similarly left reel stop → right reel stop → middle reel stop pattern, middle reel stop → right reel stop → left reel stop pattern, 6 types of left reel stop → left reel stop → right reel stop pattern, right reel stop → left reel stop → middle reel stop pattern, right reel stop → middle reel stop → left reel stop pattern, etc.) In addition, a reel stop navigating function or the like in which a predetermined winning mode is obtained in the fluctuation display means by stopping the right reel stop button is included. The reel stop navigation function is a predetermined time (for example, first, second, third, etc.) without navigating the stop order of all reels (including image display means for variably displaying symbols other than reels). It also includes a navigation function for notifying the player of the reel to be stopped. In addition, the variable display means may include a predetermined winning mode when the reel is stopped in a state where a predetermined symbol is displayed on the reel to be stopped a predetermined time. Also included is a function for stopping a symbol with a minimum movement (or a substantially minimum fluctuation) from an output of a stop command signal from a display stop command means by a player, and a replay that can start a game of one unit game without inserting a game medium.

  In addition, one unit game may be applied to one of the following, for example. From the output of the game start command signal from the game start command means to the display of the game result. From the operation of the start lever until the game result is displayed on the fluctuation display means (predetermined display means). From the operation of the start lever until a specific display (for example, specific character information, a specific character, a specific image) is displayed on a predetermined display means. It is configured to output a game start command signal when the bet button is operated by the player, or when the game medal is inserted by the player, etc., and the change display means from the operation of the bet button or the insertion of the game medal Until the game result is displayed. It is configured to output a game start command signal when the bet button is operated by the player, or when a game medal is inserted by the player, etc., and a predetermined display is made from the operation of the bet button or insertion of the game medal. Until a specific display is displayed on the means. From the time when the symbol starting means for outputting the game start command signal detects winning or passing of a game medium (for example, a game ball) until the game result is displayed on the fluctuation display means (predetermined display means). A specific display (for example, specific character information, specific character, specific image) is displayed on the predetermined display means after the symbol starting means for outputting the game start command signal detects winning or passing of the game medium. Until. In addition, a plurality of unit games of continuous or intermittent multiple times may be applied to the plurality of unit games.

The perspective view of the game machine of an Example. The figure which shows the internal structure of the game machine of an Example. The front view of the liquid crystal display device of the game machine of an Example. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid crystal display device. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of an Example. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of the sub control circuit shown in FIG. The figure which shows the flowchart of a main routine. The figure which shows the flowchart of a medal payout process routine. The figure which shows the flowchart which shows the operation | movement content of a sub control board. The figure which shows an example of the screen which urges medal assistance.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Cabinet 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 5 Liquid crystal display device 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 11 1-BET button 12 Maximum BET button 14 C / P button 15 Medal payout exit 16 Medal receiving part 17 Display per unit Lamp 18 Discharge display unit 19 Credit display unit 22 Medal slot 40 Hopper device 40a Hopper tank 40b Discharge mechanism 115 Medal 401 Overflow detection sensor 402 Empty detection sensor

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine that pays out medals based on the result of the game and shifts the gaming state from a general gaming state to a special gaming state where the probability that the medals are paid out is higher than in the general gaming state.
Medal detection means for detecting the number of inserted medals,
Medal number storage means for storing the number of medals detected by the medal detection means;
A game start means for enabling the start of a game when the number of medals of a predetermined value or more is stored in the medal number storage means;
A hopper tank for storing the medal;
A medal discharge mechanism for discharging the medals stored in the hopper tank to the outside;
A discharge control means for controlling the medal discharge mechanism to discharge a predetermined number of medals based on the result of the game;
In-tank detection means for detecting that the hopper tank is empty,
When the in-tank detection means detects that the hopper tank is empty in the special game state, a predetermined number of medals to be discharged based on the game result is added to the number of medals stored in the medal number storage means. Medal number adding means,
End detection means for detecting the end of the special gaming state;
When the end detection means detects, a game interruption means for forcibly interrupting the game,
A gaming machine comprising: an informing means for informing that the hopper tank is empty. Replenishment detecting means for detecting that medals are replenished to the hopper tank after the game is interrupted by the game interrupting means;
When the replenishment detection means detects replenishment of medals, the game resumption means further comprises a game resumption means for resuming the interrupted game,
The discharge control means includes
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the replenishment detection unit detects replenishment of medals, the medal discharge mechanism is controlled to discharge the number of medals stored in the medal number storage unit. .

Images