JP2005296355A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interesting gaming machine.
A gaming machine 1 according to the present invention has a stop control means for stopping a variable display of a symbol row corresponding to the stop operation means and a stop operation means when the stop operation means is operated. In this case, based on the predetermined determination information, “whether or not the display area is shielded to make the symbol invisible” or “of the display area, the display area that is shielded and makes the symbol invisible” And a shielding means for shielding the display area and making the symbol invisible based on the determination result of the shielding determining means.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, a pachinko machine, and other game machines including a fluctuation display means for variably displaying symbols necessary for a game and a control means such as a microcomputer for controlling the fluctuation display.

  Conventionally, as such a gaming machine, for example, a slot machine having a stop button, a so-called pachislot gaming machine is known. Generally, this pachi-slot machine is a mechanical variation display device configured by arranging a plurality of rotating reels that variably display a plurality of symbols in a front display window, or an electrical variation display device that displays symbols on a reel on a screen. This is performed by arranging a predetermined symbol combination in the variable display device.

  The game of the pachislot machine is started by first inserting a player's game medium (medal or coin). Then, according to the start operation of the player, the control means controls the drive of the variable display device and rotates each reel to display the symbols in a variable manner. The changed symbols are caused to stop the rotation of each reel sequentially after a certain time or automatically by the player's stop operation. At this time, when the symbols of the reels appearing in the display window are in a specific combination (winning symbol), a profit is given to the player by paying out the game medium.

  Such a pachislot machine has a plurality of types of winning modes. In particular, when a winning combination of a predetermined winning combination is established, there is a case where a gaming state with a better condition than the normal state is given for a predetermined period of time without finishing paying out a single medal. As such a winning combination, a winning combination (referred to as a big bonus, hereinafter referred to as BB) in which a game that gives a relatively large profit to the player a predetermined number of times and a game that gives a relatively small profit to the player are predetermined. There is a winning combination (referred to as a regular bonus, hereinafter referred to as RB) that can be made a number of times.

  In a pachislot machine, combinations of symbols that are stopped and displayed along an activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as an effective line) are subjected to an internal lottery process (hereinafter referred to as an internal lottery). It is determined based on the result and the stop operation timing of the player. In other words, in order to establish a prize where medals, coins, etc. are paid out, the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as internal winning) is won by the internal lottery process described above, and the internal winning prize (hereinafter referred to as internal winning) The player is required to perform a stop operation at a timing at which the symbol combination indicating the winning of the winning combination can be stopped on the active line. In other words, no matter how much the internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation of the player is bad, a winning cannot be established. That is, a gaming machine that requires a technique for performing a stop operation in a timely manner (having a high importance of technical intervention called “push”) is currently the mainstream.

In such a gaming machine, if all the winning combinations are awarded in an internally-winned game, the number of acquired games will be greatly different due to technical disparity among players. As for winning, the internal winning combination is carried over until the winning combination is established. In addition, a specific stop symbol mode (hereinafter referred to as reach eyes) that is stopped and displayed only when the internal winning combination of BB or RB is carried over is provided, and when these symbols are stopped and displayed, the player Can recognize that BB and RB are winning internally by reach (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-265688 A

  However, although there are a wide variety of aspects of reach eyes, a skilled player may be able to discern what events the reach eyes are reporting at a glance, which may distract the game. It was. Among such players, even if some of the multiple areas of the display window that displays the reel stop symbol are shielded with banknotes and reach eyes appear, it will not be known at a glance Some people try to maintain the fun of the game. However, the act of pasting the banknote on the display window area is not a preferable means for the player because the banknote may be lost or stolen. Therefore, there has been a demand for a gaming machine that has a function of shielding an arbitrary area of the plurality of areas of the display window and that is interesting due to the shielding function.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an interesting gaming machine.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention determines whether or not the display area is blocked by making the display area invisible based on the predetermined determination information when the stop operation means is operated, or among the display areas. Shielding means for determining at least one of the display areas that are shielded to make the symbol invisible, and shielding that shields the display area and makes the symbol invisible based on the determination result of the shielding determining means And a gaming machine comprising the means. Specifically, the following are provided.

  (1) Game start command means (for example, described later) for instructing the start of a unit game (for example, one game) based on the result of the operation by the player (for example, the start lever 6 described later is operated) Main control circuit 71, means for determining S20 in FIG. 19 to be described later), and display areas for displaying symbols necessary for the game (for example, symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R to be described later, divided later-described shielding) A variable display means (for example, a reel 3L to be described later) having a unit area or an area corresponding to the unit area and displaying the symbols in a plurality of columns (for example, three columns) according to the command from the game start command means , 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 131), and a stop operation means (for example, operated by a player to stop the variable display by the variable display means provided for each column) When a stop button 7L, 7C, 7R, etc., which will be described later, and the stop operation means are operated, stop control means (for example, described later) for stopping the variable display of the symbol row corresponding to the stop operation means. When the main control circuit 71, means for performing the processing of S31 to S35 in FIG. 21 to be described later, and the stop operation means are operated, predetermined determination information (for example, shutter generation lottery table to be described later (FIG. 15)). Etc.), “whether the display area is shielded to make the symbol invisible” or “of the display areas, the display area that is shielded to make the symbol invisible” The display area is shielded based on the determination result of the shielding determination means (for example, a sub-control circuit 72 described later, a means for performing the processing of FIG. 25 described later) and the determination result of the shielding determination means. Before A gaming machine comprising shielding means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 131 or the like) that makes the design invisible.

  According to the invention of (1), for example, the player may have a sense of expectation that an advantageous state can be obtained by shielding the reel.

  (2) In the gaming machine described in (1), a winning combination determining means (for example, main control described later) for determining a winning combination (for example, an internal winning combination, a winning combination) for each unit game based on random lottery. Circuit 71, means for performing the processing of S26 in FIG. 20 described later) and the determination result of the winning combination determining means (for example, main control circuit 71 described later, described later) A means for determining a stop table group, a stop control mode determining means for determining a stop table group to be described later, etc., and a mode of the change display when the stop operating means is operated (for example, a stop button) Based on the operation timing, the types of symbols variably displayed at positions corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R), and the determination result of the stop control mode determination means. For example, determination information selection means for selecting the predetermined determination information from a plurality of pieces of determination information (for example, a sub-control circuit 72 described later, S131 of FIG. 25 described later) And the stop control means, based on the variation display mode when the stop operation unit is operated and the determination result of the stop control mode determination unit. A gaming machine characterized by stopping display.

  According to the invention of (2), for example, it is possible to hide a design in which the reach eyes are stopped and to prevent the reach eyes from being recognized immediately when the reach eyes are stopped and displayed. In some cases, the player can have a role of “blindfold” and can increase the player's expectation.

  (3) In the gaming machine described in (1) or (2), when the shielding means shields the display area and makes the symbol invisible, an effect means (for example, described later) A gaming machine comprising a sub-control circuit 72 and means for performing the processing of FIG.

  According to the invention of (3), for example, it may be possible to further increase the expectation of whether or not the reach eye is stopped.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being able to provide the novel game which has not existed before, the interest of a game increases.

[Appearance of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to the present invention. In this gaming machine 1, medals are used as game media. However, the game media is not limited to this, and other than coins, game balls, tokens, etc. A card or the like storing game value information is also applicable.

  On the front surface of the front door 2, a panel display portion 2a, a liquid crystal display portion 2b, and a fixed display portion 2c as substantially vertical surfaces are formed (described later). In addition, behind the front door 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on each outer peripheral surface are provided in a horizontal row so as to be freely rotatable. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is configured to be capable of constant speed rotation (for example, 80 rotations / minute).

  A substantially horizontal base 4 is formed below the panel display 2a, the liquid crystal display 2b, and the fixed display 2c. On the left side of the pedestal unit 4, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 for betting a credited medal by a pressing operation are provided.

  The 1-BET switch 11 bets one of the credited medals on the game by a single pressing operation, and the 2-BET switch 12 displays the credited medals by a single pressing operation. Two of them are bet on the game, and the maximum BET switch 13 bets the maximum number of medals that can be bet on one game. By operating these BET switches 11 to 13, a predetermined winning line is activated (described later). A medal slot 10 for inserting medals is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 4.

  A C / P switch 14 that switches between credit / payout of medals that a player has acquired through the game or inserted into the medal slot 10 is provided on the left side of the front surface of the pedestal 4. By switching the C / P switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 in the lower front portion, and the paid-out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 5. Speakers 9L and 9R are provided on the left and right above the medal payout opening 15, respectively.

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14, a start lever 6 for allowing the player to rotate the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is rotatably mounted within a predetermined angular range. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided on the right side of the start lever 6 at the center of the front surface of the base portion 4.

  Next, the panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b, and the fixed display unit 2c will be described with reference to FIG.

  The panel display unit 2a includes a bonus game information display unit 16, BET lamps 17a to 17c, a payout display unit 18, and a credit display unit 19. The bonus game information display unit 16 is composed of 7 segment LEDs and displays game information in the bonus. The 1-BET lamp 17a, the 2-BET lamp 17b, and the maximum BET lamp 17c are turned on according to the number of medals bet to play the game.

  The 1-BET lamp 17a is turned on when the number of medals bet on the game is one. The 2-BET lamp 17b is lit when the number of medals bet on the game is two. The maximum BET lamp 17c is lit when the number of medals bet on the game is three. The payout display unit 18 and the credit display unit 19 are each composed of a 7-segment LED, and display the number of medals paid out and the number of credited medals when a winning is established.

  The liquid crystal display unit 2b includes symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R, window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R, and an effect display area 23. The display content of the liquid crystal display unit 2b changes depending on the rotation and stop modes of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the operation of a liquid crystal display device 131 (see FIG. 3 described later).

  The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and display symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and various effects. The symbol display areas 21L, 21C and 21R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in the diagonal direction as winning lines. Yes.

  These winning lines are activated by one, three, and five, respectively, when the player depresses the BET switches 11 to 13 or inserts medals into the medal slot 10. (Hereinafter, the activated winning line is referred to as an “effective line”). The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are arranged such that at least when the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating and when the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R can be pressed, It becomes a transmissive state so that the symbols on 3C and 3R can be visually recognized.

  The window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R are provided so as to surround the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and the window frames of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R disposed in front of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. It represents.

  The effect display area 23 is an area other than the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R in the area of the liquid crystal display unit 2b. This effect display area 23 displays an image (for example, a notification lamp) that clearly notifies that the establishment of the special prize can be realized, an effect for increasing the fun of the game, and the player advantageously plays the game. Displays information necessary to proceed. In the embodiment, an image related to notification of an internal winning combination as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 described later is displayed.

  The fixed display part 2c is an area in which a predetermined figure, picture or the like is drawn. A single still image or moving image may be displayed by connecting the figure, picture, and the like drawn on the fixed display unit 2c with the image displayed in the effect display area 23.

[About liquid crystal display devices]
Next, the transmissive liquid crystal display device 131 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device 131. FIG. 4 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 131.

  The liquid crystal display device 131 includes a touch panel 132, a display plate 133, a liquid crystal panel 134, a light guide plate 135, a reflective film 136, a fluorescent lamp 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b that is a white light source (generally a light source that emits light in the visible range), a lamp holder. 139a to 139h, which is composed of a table carrier package on which an IC for driving a liquid crystal panel is mounted, and a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the liquid crystal panel 134.

  The liquid crystal display device 131 is provided on the front side from the display area of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as viewed from the front (the front side from the display surface). Further, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 131 are provided at a predetermined interval.

  The touch panel 132 is attached so as to cover the entire area of the liquid crystal panel 134 in order to detect that the player has touched the touch panel 132. As will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 to be described later, in the inner layer of the touch panel 132, a touch sensor group 105 that detects that the player has touched the touch panel 132 is embedded. The touch panel 132 is also provided for the purpose of protecting the liquid crystal panel 134.

  The display board 133 is comprised with the translucent member. In the display board 133, a figure, a picture, etc. are drawn in the area | region corresponding to the above-mentioned panel display part 2a and the fixed display part 2c (refer FIG. 2). Here, in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the various display units (bonus game information display unit 16, payout display unit 18, credit display unit 19) arranged on the back side of the area of the display board 133 corresponding to the panel display unit 2 a. 2) and an electric circuit for operating the BET lamps 17a to 17c is omitted.

  The liquid crystal panel 134 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 liquid crystal panel 134 is set to normally white. Normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light goes to the display surface side, that is, transmitted light is visually recognized from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven.

  By adopting the normally white liquid crystal panel 134, even if the liquid crystal cannot be driven, it passes through the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and onto the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The arranged symbols can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when a situation in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, it is possible to play a game centering on the rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The light guide plate 135 is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 134 in order to introduce light from the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b into the liquid crystal panel 134 (illuminate the liquid crystal panel 134), and has an acrylic resin thickness of, for example, about 2 cm. It is comprised with translucent members (it has a light guide function).

  The reflective film 136 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 135 toward the front side. Thereby, the liquid crystal panel 134 is illuminated. The reflective film 136 has rectangular holes 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR. The holes 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are formed so as to be positioned in front of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R (area corresponding to the reel sheet).

  The sizes and positions of the holes 136BL, 136BC, 136BR are formed so as to coincide with the above-described symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R (see FIG. 2). In addition, in the reflective film 136, a region other than the hole portions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR is set as a reflective region 136A, and the light introduced into the light guide plate 135 by the reflective region 136A is reflected toward the front side.

  The fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b are disposed along the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate 135, and both ends are supported by lamp holders 139a, 139b, 139c, and 139d. The fluorescent lamps 137 a and 137 b emit light to be introduced into the light guide plate 135.

  The fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b are disposed across the hole portions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR at an upper position and a lower position on the back side of the reflective film 136, respectively. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is reflected by the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and enters the holes 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR. The incident light passes through the holes 136BL, 136BC, 136BR and illuminates the liquid crystal panel 134.

  Next, the touch panel 132 will be described with reference to FIG. The touch panel 132 is formed of a transparent member such as an acrylic plate or glass. In the inner layer, touch sensors represented by dots arranged in a matrix in FIG. 5 are embedded. A plurality of the touch sensors are arranged in a matrix, and the plurality of touch sensors are regarded as one unit and are referred to as a touch sensor group 105.

  The touch panel 132 is attached to the gaming machine 1 so as to cover the entire surface of the liquid crystal panel 134. At this time, when viewed from the front of the gaming machine 1, one or more touch sensors covered by a predetermined image display area for touching the player displayed on the liquid crystal panel 134 are touched by the player. When this is detected, the touch sensor transmits a predetermined signal to a sub-control circuit 72 (see FIGS. 17 and 18) described later of the gaming machine 1.

  Note that the touch panel 132 is not limited to the above-described method, and any method can be used as long as predetermined information can be input by a player's touch on the touch panel 132, such as an analog resistance film method or a matrix resistance film method. It may be.

[About shielding unit area]
Next, referring to FIG. 6, in the liquid crystal display unit 2b, the shielding unit area into which the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are divided, and the area that is displayed in the effect display area 23 and is to be touched by the player The touch image showing the will be described.

  As described above, the liquid crystal display unit 2b has the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R. The symbol display area 21L is divided into shielding unit areas 500a, 500d, and 500g so as to be substantially equally divided into three. Similarly, the symbol display area 21C is divided into shielding unit areas 500b, 500e, and 500h so that the symbol display area 21C is vertically divided into three equal parts, and the symbol display area 21R is divided into approximately three equal parts vertically. The screen is divided into shielding unit areas 500c, 500f, and 500i.

  The nine shielding unit areas correspond to areas where nine symbols indicated by the reels 3L, 3C, 3R being stopped are displayed. The shielding unit areas 500a to 500i are independently changed from the non-shielding state to the shielding state, or from the shielding state to the non-shielding state, respectively, as a result of a shutter lottery process (FIG. 25) described later or by the player's operation. Change. The shielding state means that the portion of the liquid crystal panel 134 corresponding to the shielding unit area is displayed in black, for example, so that the stop symbol indicated by the reels 3L, 3C, 3R being stopped from the player side is not visible. State.

  Here, in the embodiment, whether or not the shielding unit areas 500a to 500i shift from the non-shielding state to the shielding state without depending on the player's operation, and the number of shielding unit areas to transition to the shielding state are determined by the player. It changes according to whether the reach eye (specific stop mode) is stopped and displayed according to the operation timing of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R.

  The timing for shifting from the non-shielding state to the shielding state regardless of the player's operation is the timing before the corresponding reel stops after the stop button corresponding to the shielding unit region is operated. For this reason, the transition to the shielded state does not prevent the player from “seeing”. In addition, since the player cannot accurately grasp the type of the symbol that is stopped and displayed at the position corresponding to the shielding unit area that has shifted to the shielding state, the interest of the game increases, such as expecting and enjoying the symbol.

  In the present embodiment, the shielding unit areas 500a to 500i may be referred to as “shutters”, respectively. That is, for example, “shielding the shutter 500a” means “shielding the shielding unit area 500a”, and “releasing all shutters” means “releasing the shielding of all shielding unit areas”.

  The liquid crystal display unit 2b has an effect display area 23. Below the effect display area 23, the shielding unit areas 500a, 500d, and 500g, the shielding unit areas 500b, 500e, and 500h, and the shielding unit area. Corresponding to 500c, 500f, and 500i, there are indications 500L, 500C, and 500R that are “shutter open”. “Shutter” means a shielding unit area, but the displays 500L, 500C, and 500R are also display areas for receiving touch by the player.

  When the display 500L, 500C, 500R is touched by the player, among the touch sensors included in the touch sensor group 105, the touch sensor included in the display 500L, 500C, 500R detects a touch by the player, The corresponding shielding area changes to a non-shielding state. When the display 500L, 500C, 500R is touched by the player, the corresponding shielded unit area in the shielded state is put into the non-shielded state, and the stop symbol indicated by the reels 3L, 3C, 3R being stopped is displayed in the game. Become visible to the person.

  With reference to FIGS. 7-9, the example of the display mode of the liquid crystal display part 2b is demonstrated.

  FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a display mode of the situation in which the fluctuation display of the left reel 3L is stopped but the center and right reels 3C and 3R are variably displayed. The display mode is determined based on a shutter generation lottery table (FIG. 15) described later.

  FIG. 7A shows the left, the whole, and the shutter mode. In this aspect, the shielding unit areas 500a, 500d, and 500g are shifted to the shielding state.

  FIG. 7B shows the left / middle / lower / shutter mode. In this aspect, the shielding unit areas 500d and 500g are shifted to the shielding state.

  FIG. 8A shows the left / lower / shutter mode. In this aspect, the shielding unit region 500g has shifted to the shielding state.

  FIG. 8 (2) shows a mode without a shutter. In this aspect, none of the shielding unit areas 500a, 500d, and 500g shifts to the shielding state, and the non-shielding state is maintained.

  FIG. 9 (1) shows a display mode of the effect of opening the shutter. In this aspect, the shielding unit areas 500a, 500d, and 500g are shifted to the shielding state. Further, “shutter open!” Is displayed above the displays 500L, 500C, and 500R, and the shielding unit areas 500a, 500d, and 500g are prompted to shift to the non-shielding state.

  FIG. 9 (2) shows a display mode of an effect that notifies reach eyes. In this aspect, “Leach eyes! Bonus confirmed!” Is displayed above the displays 500L, 500C, and 500R, indicating that the reach eyes have been displayed and that bonus winnings can be realized. Informing the player.

  Here, the reach eye is basically a stop mode of symbols in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R when bonus winning is permitted or permitted. As shown in FIG. 9 (2), the reach of the embodiment is a stop mode in which “three” (described later) “Don-chan (symbol 92)” is stopped and displayed in the left symbol display area 21L.

[Reel design]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an arrangement of symbols (hereinafter referred to as “reel sheets mounted along the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R) (hereinafter,“ reel sheets ”, 3L, 3C, 3R). The symbol arrangement “) will be described.

  Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored in a ROM 32 (see FIG. 17) described later as a data table. As shown in FIG. 10, on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, "blue 7 (symbol 91)", "Don-chan (symbol 92)", "HANABI (symbol 93)", "three shakutama (symbol) 94) "," Oyama (symbol 95) "," Folding fan (symbol 96) "and" Cherry (symbol 97) ". The reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotationally driven so that the symbol arrangement moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

[Game state of gaming machine]
Next, the gaming state in the embodiment will be described. The gaming state in the embodiment includes a general gaming state, an internal winning state, a BB general gaming state, and an RB gaming state.

  “Internally winning state” is a game that shifts to a case where BB or RB (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as a bonus) is internally won in the general gaming state and a winning is not achieved in the internally won game. It is a state (a gaming state in which a bonus is carried over). That is, in the embodiment, the bonus can be carried over by holding the bonus as an internal winning combination until the bonus is won after the bonus is won internally.

  The carried-over bonus is hereinafter referred to as “carryover role”. The gaming state in which the carryover combination is BB is hereinafter referred to as “BB internal winning state”. The gaming state in which the carryover combination is RB is hereinafter referred to as “RB internal winning state”. In the internal winning state, the bonus winning is permitted, and the bonus winning can be established by pushing.

  The “BB general gaming state” is a gaming state that is generated when the BB wins in the general gaming state or the internal winning state. Normally, in the general gaming state during the BB, the probability of internally winning a small role and RB is configured to be higher than that in the general gaming state. The general game state during BB ends when the number of games executed in the game state reaches 30 times or when the number of times of transition to the RB game state reaches 3 times (so-called A type). Here, a gaming state that is generated when a BB wins and is configured by a general gaming state during the BB and an RB gaming state may be hereinafter referred to as a “BB gaming state”.

  The “RB gaming state” shifts when the RB wins in the general gaming state or the RB internal winning state, or when the RB (so-called “JAC IN”) wins in the BB general gaming state. Normally, in the RB gaming state, a “JAC small part” described later is configured to win internally with a high probability. The RB gaming state ends when the number of games executed in the gaming state reaches 12 times, or the number of winning of “JAC Minor” reaches 8 times out of the 12 game times. .

[Combination, symbol combination and number of withdrawals]
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a combination of symbols for winning a prize and a payout thereof will be described for each gaming state.

  In the general gaming state or in the BB internal winning state, when three “Blue 7 (symbol 91 in FIG. 10)” or “Don-chan (symbol 92 in FIG. 10)” are arranged along one active line, BB wins. Is established. When the BB winning is established, 15 medals are paid out, and the gaming state shifts to the general gaming state during BB.

  In the general gaming state or the RB internal winning state, three “HANABI (symbol 93 in FIG. 10)” are arranged along one active line, or in the general gaming state during BB, along one active line. When three “fans” (symbol 96 in FIG. 10) are arranged, RB winning is established. When an RB winning is established, 15 medals are paid out, and the gaming state shifts to the RB gaming state. The RB winning in the general gaming state during BB is referred to as “JAC IN”.

  In the general gaming state or the internal winning state, when three “fans” are arranged along one active line, a so-called replay winning is established. 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 general gaming state, the internal winning state, or the general gaming state during the BB, when three “Oyama” s are arranged along one active line, a winning “Oyama Minoru” is established. When the winning prize “Oyama's small role” is established, 12 medals are paid out.

  In the general game state or the internal winning state, when three “three shaku balls” are arranged along one active line, a winning “three shaku balls” is established. When the winning “Three Shakudama” is completed, 7 medals are paid out.

  In the general gaming state, the internal winning state, or the general gaming state during the BB, when “cherry (symbol 97 in FIG. 10) -any-any” is arranged along one active line, Winning is established. “Any” indicates that any symbol may be used. In other words, as a result of the game, when “cherry (symbol 97 in FIG. 10)” arranged on the left reel 3L is displayed in any one of the upper, middle and lower stages of the left symbol display area 21L, a winning is established. To do.

  There are two types of “cherry small part”: “medium cherry small part” and “horn cherry small part”. When "cherry (symbol 97 in FIG. 10)" is displayed in the upper and lower stages of the left symbol display area 21L, a winning of "small cherry corner" is established, and four medals are paid out. Further, when “cherry (symbol 97 in FIG. 10)” is displayed in the middle of the left symbol display area 21L, a winning “medium cherry small role” is established and two medals are paid out.

  In the RB gaming state, when three “fans” are arranged along one active line, a so-called “JAC small part” winning is established. When the winning of “JAC small role” is established, 15 medals are paid out. In the RB gaming state, a “JAC small part” winning can be established up to eight times.

[Probability lottery table]
Next, a probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32 (see FIG. 17) of the main control circuit 71 described later will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 (1) shows a probability lottery table used when determining an internal winning combination in the general gaming state (the process of S26 in FIG. 20 described later). In this probability lottery table, when the random value extracted from the range “0” to “16383” is a value within the range “0” to “67”, the internal winning combination is determined to be BB. The probability that BB will win internally is “68/16384”. Further, when the random value is a value within the range of “68” to “112”, the internal winning combination is determined to be RB. The probability that RB wins internally is “45/16384”.

  In addition, the probability that replay will win internally is “2244/16384”, the probability that Oyama's small role will win internally is “109/16384”, the probability that the small shakuhachi will win internally is “1673/16384”, The probability that the medium cherry small role is won internally is “64/16384”, and the probability that the small cherry small role is won internally is “49/16384”. / 16384 ”. In the embodiment, the internal winning combination includes not only the winning combination but also losing (none).

  Further, when determining the internal winning combination in the internal winning state, the probability lottery table shown in FIG. However, in the embodiment, in the internal winning state, BB or RB does not win internally. In the internal winning state, the probability of winning an internal win is “12245/16384”, and the probability of winning an internal winning combination other than that is the same as in FIG. 12A.

  FIG. 12 (2) shows a probability lottery table used for determining an internal winning combination (S26 in FIG. 20 described later) in the BB general game state. In this probability lottery table, the probability of the internal winning of the three shawls is “10750/16384”, the probability of the medium cherry winning is “164/16384”, and the corner cherry winning is the internal winning The probability of playing is “149/16384”, which is higher than the general gaming state. The probability that a loser (nothing) will win internally is “1225/16384”.

  In the general gaming state during BB, when the random number extracted from the range of “0” to “16383” is a value within the range of “11063” to “15158”, the internal winning combination is RB (JAC IN) Is determined. The probability of RB (JAC IN) winning internally is “4096/16384”, which is higher than the general gaming state. Also, in the general game state during BB, BB, RB, replay, and Oyama's small role will not win internally.

  FIG. 12 (3) shows a probability lottery table used for determining an internal winning combination (S26 in FIG. 20 described later) in the RB gaming state. In this probability lottery table, when the random value extracted from the range of “0” to “16383” is a value within the range of “0” to “16219”, the internal winning combination is determined as the JAC small combination. . The probability that a JAC small role is won internally is “16220/16384”, which is determined with a high probability. The probability that a loser (no) will win internally is “164/16384”. Also, in the RB gaming state, BB, RB, replay, Oyama small part, three shakudama small part, medium cherry small part, and corner cherry small part are not won internally.

  Note that the probability lottery table used for determining the internal winning combination in the gaming machine 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 12, and a plurality of types can be provided. For example, each gaming state (general gaming state during BB, A plurality of RB game states may be provided.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the relationship between the gaming state, the internal winning combination, and the selected stop table group will be described. The stop table group represents a set of stop tables which will be described later with reference to FIG. 14, and is selected during stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Here, the contents of the selected stop table group can basically be changed for each gaming state and internal winning combination. In the embodiment, the names of the table groups shown in the stop table group column of FIG. 13 are determined based on the possibility of winning and the type of internal winning combination that has the possibility of winning. For this reason, in the embodiment, even when stop table groups having the same name are selected, the stop modes of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R do not always match.

  When the winning / non-winning stop table group is selected, no winning of any internal winning combination is achieved regardless of the internal winning combination and the gaming state. When the winning winning stop table group is selected, a winning of the corresponding internal winning combination can be established, but winning of other internal winning combinations is basically impossible. For example, when a stop table group that can be established for a cherry winning is selected, a re-game winning can be achieved, but a winning for another internal winning combination cannot be achieved.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the “general gaming state”, when an internal win is made for a loss (none), a winning / failing stop table group is selected. Therefore, no winning of any internal winning combination is established. In addition, when an internal winning combination other than a loss (none) is won internally, a stop table group that can win a winning combination is selected. For this reason, winning of any internal winning combination can be established.

  When “BB” or “RB” is internally won in the “general gaming state”, the reach-eye displayable stop table is selected. In this case, a table shown in FIG. 14 (1), which will be described later, may be selected, and reach eyes may be stopped and displayed.

  In addition, in the “internal winning state” (BB internal winning state, RB internal winning state), if the internal winning is lost (none), the BB or RB winning establishment stop table group is selected. For this reason, BB or RB winning can be established. In the internal winning state, the probability of winning internally (no) is “12245/16384”, and BB or RB winning can be established with high probability. In addition, even when the internal winning combination other than the loss (none) is won internally, the stop table group that can win a winning combination is selected. For this reason, winning of any internal winning combination can be established.

  In the general game state during BB, when the internal winning is made by losing (none), the winning / losing stop table group is selected. On the other hand, when RB (JAC IN) is internally won, an RB winning establishment possible stop table group is selected. For this reason, it is possible to achieve winning of RB (JAC IN). In addition, even when an internal winning combination other than losing (none) and RB (JAC IN) is won internally, the stop table group capable of winning winning is selected. For this reason, winning of any internal winning combination can be established.

  Further, in the RB gaming state, when an internal win is made for a loss (none), a winning / losing stop table group is selected. On the other hand, when a JAC small combination is won internally, a JAC winning establishment possible stop table group is selected. For this reason, the winning of the JAC small role can be established.

  Next, a stop table stored in a ROM 32 (see FIG. 17) of the main control circuit 71 described later will be described with reference to FIG.

  The stop table shows stop operation positions and stop control positions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The stop operation position is the symbol (specifically, the symbol of the symbol) that is located on the center line 8c when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are operated. The code number of a symbol whose center is located above the center line 8c and whose center is closest to the position of the center line 8c). The stop control position represents a code number of a symbol that is stopped and displayed at the position of the center line 8c when the reel on which the stop operation is performed stops.

  Here, in the embodiment, the so-called “sliding frame number” is set to a maximum of “4 frames”. Referring to FIG. 10, for example, when the left cherry 3L is rotated and the “cherry (symbol 97)” with the code number “13” reaches the position of the center line 8c, the stop button 7L is operated. The left reel 3L can be controlled to stop so that the “three shawl (symbol 94)” with the code number “09” is stopped and displayed at the position of the center line 8c.

  FIG. 14A shows a reach-eye-displayable stop table for the left reel 3L included in the reach-eye-displayable stop table group shown in FIG. This table is configured so that reach eyes are stopped and displayed when the stop operation position is any one of “00”, “01”, “18”, “19”, or “20”.

  FIG. 14 (2) shows a winning / failing stop table for the left reel 3L included in the winning / failing stop table group shown in FIG. This table is configured so that the reach eye is not stopped and displayed even when the stop operation position is any one of “00”, “01”, “18”, “19”, or “20”. Yes.

[Shutter generation lottery table]
FIG. 15 is a shutter generation lottery table set in the process of S131 of FIG.

  In the shutter generation lottery table, “left / entire / shutter mode”, “left / middle lower / shutter mode”, “left / lower” are modes of shutter (types or types of shielding unit areas to be shifted to the shielding state). Each of the “shutter mode” and the “no shutter mode” has information on a random number range to be won and the winning probability.

  FIG. 15A shows the shutter generation lottery table A. In this table, when the reach is scheduled to be stopped, that is, the table shown in FIG. 14A is selected, and the stop operation position of the left stop button 7L is “00”, “01”, “18”. , “19”, or “20”, it is used (set when reach eyes are displayed).

  In FIG. 15A, when a random number value in the range of “0” to “194” is extracted, it is determined that “the display area is shielded to make the symbol invisible” and “195 In the case of “˜255”, it is determined that “the display area is shielded and the symbol is not visually recognized”. In addition, when a random number value in the range of “0” to “194” is extracted, the “display area that blocks the display and makes the symbol invisible” may change according to the random value. . In other words, this table determines both “whether or not the display area is shielded to make the design invisible” and “the display area of the display area that makes the design invisible and visible”. Will be.

  FIG. 15B shows the shutter generation lottery table B. This table is used when the reach eye is not stopped and displayed (set when the reach eye is not displayed). Specifically, when a stop table other than the reach-eye-displayable stop table (FIG. 14 (1)) is selected, or the reach-eye-displayable stop table is selected, and the stop operation position of the left stop button 7L is Used when any of “02” to “17”.

  In FIG. 15 (2), when a random number value in the range of “0” to “30” is extracted, it is determined that “the display area is shielded to make the symbol invisible” and “31 In the case of “˜255”, it is determined that “the display area is blocked and the symbol is not visually recognized”. In addition, when a random number value in the range of “0” to “30” is extracted, the “display area in the display area that is shielded so that the symbols cannot be visually recognized” may change according to the random value. . In other words, this table determines both “whether or not the display area is shielded to make the design invisible” and “the display area of the display area that makes the design invisible and visible”. Will be.

  Here, the probability that the shielding unit area shifts to the shielding state, or the number of shielding unit areas that shift to the shielding state is higher when the reach eye is stopped and displayed than when the reach eye is not stopped and displayed. . Therefore, the player can enjoy the game with the expectation that the reach eye is stopped and displayed when the player shifts to the shielding state.

[Direction activation lottery table]
FIG. 16 is an effect activation lottery table that is referred to in the “lottery by effect activation lottery table” process of S141 in FIG.

  The effect activation lottery table is stored in a predetermined data format in the ROM 88 (see FIG. 18) of the sub-control circuit 72 of FIG. Here, “production” means that the shielding unit area shielded by the player's instruction matches the shielding unit area where the stop symbol constituting the “reach eyes” is located in one or more shielding unit areas. This is a notification effect that prompts the player to release the shielding of the shielding unit area that is being shielded when (or when there is a possibility).

  In the processing of S141 in FIG. 26 to be described later, based on one random number extracted by software processing by the processing of the image control microcomputer, that is, so-called software random number, the random number belongs to any of the random number ranges of the effect activation lottery table in FIG. Whether or not “production” is executed is determined. FIG. 9 shows an image in which the “effect” is executed (corresponding to the process of S143 in FIG. 26) and the notification effect is displayed in the effect display area 23.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 17 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls game processing operations in the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and control commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display device 131, speakers 9L and 9R, LEDs 101, and a sub-control circuit 72 that controls the lamps 102 is shown.

  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 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. 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 32 of the microcomputer 30 has a probability lottery table (FIG. 10) used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and reels according to the operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. A stop table group for determining the stop mode of 3L, 3C, and 3R, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 72, and the like are stored. 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. Various information is stored in the RAM 33. For example, a flag, game state information, and the like are stored.

  In the circuit of FIG. 17, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 17a, 2-BET lamp 17b, maximum BET lamp 17c) and bonus game information. A display unit 16, a payout display unit 18, a credit display unit 19, a hopper (including a drive unit for payout) 40 that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41; There are stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Further, a motor driving circuit 39 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, a hopper driving circuit 41 for driving and controlling the hopper 40, a lamp driving circuit 45 for driving and controlling the BET lamps 17a, 17b and 17c, and various display units are provided. A display unit driving circuit 48 for driving control is connected to the output unit of the CPU 31. 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 input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, There are a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 10S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The medal sensor 10S detects a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 10. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in response to the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 50 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 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  In the circuit of FIG. 17, the random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. The winning combination is determined based on the random number thus sampled and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32.

  After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained every rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 33 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 33 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, a code number that is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated, and a corresponding code number are provided. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Furthermore, a winning symbol combination table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32. In this winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning medal payout number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The above winning symbol combination table is referred to when the left reel 3L, the central reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are controlled to stop, and when the winning confirmation is made after all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  When winning by the lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 31 selects the operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 46 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, and the selection. A signal for controlling the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to stop is sent to the motor drive circuit 39 based on the “stop table”.

  In the stop mode indicating winning of the winning combination, the CPU 31 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 41 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 40. At that time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 31. As a result, the CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 41 and ends the “medal payout process”.

[Electric configuration of sub-control circuit]
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 includes an image control circuit (gSub) 72a and a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The image control circuit (gSub) 72 a or the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72 b is configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 71.

  Communication between the main control circuit 71 and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, and from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a to the main control circuit. No command, information or the like is transmitted to 71. Communication between the image control circuit (gSub) 72a and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is performed in one direction from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. No command, information or the like is transmitted from the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The image control circuit (gSub) 72 a includes an image control microcomputer 81, a serial port 82, a program ROM 83, a work RAM 84, an image control IC 86, a control RAM 87, an image ROM (CROM (character ROM)) 88, and a video RAM 89.

  The image control microcomputer 81 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (all not shown). The CPU provided in the image control microcomputer 81 performs various processes (see FIG. 18 described later) in accordance with a control program stored in the program ROM 83 based on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Note that the image control circuit (gSub) 72a does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit. However, when a random number is required to perform various processes, the image control circuit (gSub) 72a The random number sampling is executed on the operation program of the control microcomputer 81.

  The serial port 82 receives various commands and information transmitted from the main control circuit 71.

  The program ROM 83 stores a control program executed by the image control microcomputer 81, a determination table, and the like.

  The work RAM 84 is configured as a temporary storage unit for work for storing various information necessary when the image control microcomputer 81 executes the control program.

  An operation unit 104 and a touch sensor group 105 are connected to the image control microcomputer 81.

  The work RAM 84 described above is a backup target. That is, even when the power supplied to the image control microcomputer 81 is shut off, the power is continuously supplied, and the stored information and the like are prevented from being erased.

  The image control IC 86 generates an image according to the effect content determined by the image control microcomputer 81 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 131.

  The control RAM 87 is included in the image control IC 86. The image control microcomputer 81 writes and reads information and the like with respect to the control RAM 87. In the control RAM 87, a register of the image control IC 86, a sprite attribute table, and a color palette table are developed. The image control microcomputer 81 updates the register of the image control IC 86 and the sprite attribute table at predetermined timings.

  A liquid crystal display device 131, a ROM 88, and a video RAM 89 are connected to the image control IC 86.

  The ROM 88 stores image data, dot data, and the like for generating an image.

  The video RAM 89 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control IC 86 generates an image.

  In addition, the image control IC 86 transmits a signal to the image control microcomputer 81 (start of the next processing) every time transfer of the data in the video RAM 89 to the liquid crystal display device 131 is completed (1/60 seconds).

  In the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, the image control microcomputer 81 also controls the effects of sound and lamps. The image control microcomputer 81 determines the type of sound / lamp and the output timing based on the determined effect. The image control microcomputer 81 transmits a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b via the serial port 82 at every predetermined timing. In the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b, only the sound / lamp output is performed mainly in accordance with the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a (excluding the volume adjustment control described later). .

  The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 91, a serial port 92, a program ROM 93, a work RAM 94, a sound source IC 95, a power amplifier 96, and a sound source ROM 97.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (all not shown). The CPU provided in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs sound / lamp output processing according to the control program stored in the program ROM 93 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to LEDs 101 and lamps 102. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 transmits an output signal to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 in response to a command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a at a predetermined timing. As a result, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect.

  The serial port 92 receives various commands and information transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The program ROM 93 stores a control program executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 and the like.

  The work RAM 94 is configured as a work temporary storage means for storing various information necessary for the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 to execute the control program.

  The sound source IC 95 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 96.

  The power amplifier 96 is an amplifier, and speakers 9L and 9R are connected to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 95 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 9L and 9R.

  The sound source ROM 97 stores sound source data (phrase etc.) for generating a sound source.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to a volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and the like, and the volume output from the speakers 9L and 9R is adjusted. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs control to adjust the sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R to the input volume based on the input signal transmitted from the volume control unit 103.

[Game machine operation]
Next, an operation flow in the main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 17) and the sub control circuit 72 (see FIG. 18) of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main flowchart]
First, the control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, an initial value of a set value is set (step S [hereinafter abbreviated as S] 11). Subsequently, the entire area of the RAM 78 is cleared (S12). Subsequently, each set value is stored (S13), and communication data is initialized (S14). Then, the CPU 31 clears the RAM 33 at the end of the game (S15). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is a request for automatic insertion of medals (S16).

  The case where there is a request for automatic insertion is a case where a re-game winning is established in the previous game. When there is a request for automatic insertion of medals, medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (S17), a game medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to S20. When there is no request for automatic insertion of medals, insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 10 and the BET button is accepted (S19), and the process proceeds to S20. When the determination in S19 is NO, the process proceeds to S16.

  In the process of S20, it is determined whether or not the start lever is “ON”. If the start lever is “ON”, it is determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game (S21, see FIG. 20). ). Specifically, the determination is made based on the value of one game monitoring timer set in the process of S24 described later. If the start lever is not “ON” in the process of S20, the process proceeds to S16. If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed since the previous game in the process of S21, the game start waiting time is consumed (S22), and the process proceeds to S23.

  In the process of S23, the CPU 31 extracts a random number for lottery. Specifically, random numbers are extracted from the range of 0 to 16383. Subsequently, a game monitoring timer is set (S24), and a game state monitoring process for determining the current game state is performed (S25).

  In the gaming state monitoring process, the gaming state of the gaming machine is set to the bonus (BB or RB) internal winning state when the internal winning flag indicates information that the bonus (BB or RB) is internally won. Further, if the game is performed a predetermined number of times after the BB winning is established, the gaming state of the gaming machine is changed to the BB general gaming state. Further, if the game is a predetermined number of times after the RB winning is established or after the JAC IN winning in the BB general gaming state, the gaming state of the gaming machine is set to the RB gaming state. In other cases, the gaming state of the gaming machine is a general gaming state.

  Next, a probability lottery process is performed (S26). In this probability lottery process, an internal winning combination is determined based on the random number extracted in the process of S23 and the probability lottery table corresponding to the current gaming state determined in the gaming state monitoring process. In the probability lottery table, as described above, a random value for internal winning is determined in advance for each winning combination. The internal winning combination determined in this way is stored in an internal winning combination flag which is a variable stored in the RAM 33 (see FIG. 17).

  Next, the main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 17) performs a hit display lamp lighting lottery process (S27), and performs a stop control table selection process (S28). In this process, first, the main control circuit 71 extracts a random number value and selects one stop control table based on the stop control table selection table. Further, a stop control table predetermined for each internal winning combination is selected. Then, as a transmission process at the start of the game, a start command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit (S29), and is initialized for starting reel rotation (S30).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop button is “ON” (S31, see FIG. 21). When the stop button is “ON”, the process proceeds to S33, and the stop button is “OFF”. If it is, the process proceeds to S32. In the process of S32, it is determined whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”. If the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”, the process proceeds to S33 and the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”. If not, the process proceeds to S31.

  In the process of S33, the number of sliding symbols is determined from the winning request (internal winning combination), the symbol position (reel rotation position at the time of stop operation), the selected stop control table, and the like. In S33, a stop button command including information on the stop operation position of the operated stop button and the determined number of sliding frames is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. This stop button command is transmitted every time each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is operated.

  Then, the reel is rotated by the number of sliding frames determined in the process of S33 (S34). Next, a stop request for the reel is set (S35), and a reel stop command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit (S36).

  Then, it is determined whether or not all the reels are stopped (S37). When all the reels are stopped, the process proceeds to S38, and when all the reels are not stopped, the process proceeds to S31. . Then, after performing the effect process at the end of the game (S38), a winning search is performed (S39, see FIG. 22). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (S40). If the winning flag is normal, the process proceeds to S42. If the winning flag is not normal, an illegal error is displayed ( S41), the process is interrupted.

  In S42, the main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 17) refers to the winning flag and determines whether or not a bonus (BB or RB) has been won. When a winning is established, the main control circuit 71 transmits a command for erasing the bonus confirmation screen to the sub control circuit 72 (see FIG. 18), and the sub control circuit 72 that has received this command displays the effect display area. Processing for deleting the bonus confirmation screen (for example, the display 502 shown in FIG. 21) displayed on the screen 23 (see FIG. 2) is performed (S43). If the determination in S42 is NO, the process proceeds to S44.

  Next, in S44, it is determined whether or not the number of winning prizes is zero. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any winning combination (excluding replay) has been established. Depending on the state (whether the BB is operating or whether the RB is operating) and the winning combination, the medal is stored (credit) or paid out (S45).

  Next, the main control circuit 71 determines whether or not the BB and RB are in operation (S46). When the BB and RB are in operation, the main control circuit 71 proceeds to the processing of S47, and when the BB and RB are not in operation, The process proceeds to S50. In the process of S47, a BB / RB game number check process is performed, and it is determined whether or not it is the end of the BB (S48). When the BB is completed, after transmitting the BB end command, the RAM clear process at the end of the BB is performed (S49), and the process proceeds to S51. If the BB is not finished in S48, the process proceeds to S51.

  If the BB or RB operation is not in S46, the BB or RB winning check process (S50) is performed, and the process proceeds to S51. In the process of S51, the result of the BB and RB winning check process in S50 is determined. If it is determined that the bonus winning is determined, the process proceeds to S52. If not determined, the process proceeds to S15 in FIG. Next, the main control circuit 71 performs transmission processing of the all-shutter release command to the sub-control circuit 72 (step S52), and the sub-control circuit 72 that has received this all-shutter release command opens all the shielding unit areas. Execute. In this manner, when any or all of the shielding unit areas 500a to 500i are shielded, the shielding is released.

  Next, the main control circuit 71 performs a bonus confirmation screen deletion command transmission process to the sub-control circuit 72 (S53). The sub-control circuit 72 that has received the bonus confirmation screen erasure command erases the screen when the bonus confirmation screen is displayed in the effect display area 23 of the liquid crystal display device 131. When this process ends, the process proceeds to S15 in FIG.

[Shutter-related processing]
With reference to FIG. 24, the shutter-related processing of the sub control circuit 72 of the gaming machine will be described. This process is a routine that is continuously executed when the power of the gaming machine is turned on until the power is turned off.

  First, the sub-control circuit 72 determines whether or not a stop button command corresponding to the left stop button 7L has been received (whether or not the left stop button 7L is “ON”) (S121). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the information (stop button command) transmitted by the main control circuit 71 in the process of S33 of FIG. 21 has been received. When this determination is “YES”, a shutter lottery process described later with reference to FIG. 25 is performed, and the process proceeds to S123.

  In S123, it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a reel stop command has been received “three times”. If this determination is “YES”, the flow proceeds to S124. In S124, it is determined whether or not there is a shutter. Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is a shielding unit region that is in a shielding state. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to S125, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to S121. In S125, a shutter opening effect process described later with reference to FIG. 26 is performed, and the process proceeds to S121.

[Shutter lottery processing]
With reference to FIG. 25, the shutter lottery process executed in S122 of FIG. 24 will be described.

  First, the sub-control circuit 72 sets the shutter generation lottery table (FIG. 15) according to whether or not the stop button has been operated within a range in which the symbol to be reached can be drawn (whether or not the reach is displayed). Then (S131), the process proceeds to S132. In S132, a lottery is performed using the set shutter generation lottery table, and the process proceeds to S133.

  In S133, it is determined whether or not a lottery has been won, that is, whether or not a mode other than the “no shutter mode” has been won. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to S134, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to S123 in FIG. In S134, a shutter is generated. Specifically, the shielding unit area is shifted to the shielding state according to the shutter mode corresponding to the lottery. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to S123 in FIG.

[Shutter opening effect processing]
With reference to FIG. 26, the shutter opening effect process executed in S125 of FIG. 24 will be described.

  First, a lottery process is performed according to the production activation lottery table (S141). As used herein, “production” refers to one or more shielding units including a shielding unit region shielded by a player's instruction and a shielding unit region in which a stop symbol constituting a “reach eye” is located. This is a notification effect that prompts the player to release the shielding of the shielded shielding unit area when they match in the unit area. In this process, the sub-control circuit 72 (see FIG. 18) extracts one random number by software control (so-called soft random number), and based on the random number, the random number is determined by referring to the effect activation lottery table in FIG. Depending on which random number range it belongs to, it is determined whether or not to execute the effect.

  Next, the sub-control circuit 72 refers to the lottery result in S141 and determines whether or not the lottery result is a win (S142). When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to S143, and when this determination is NO, this subroutine ends, and the process proceeds to S121 in FIG.

  Next, a process of displaying a message such as “Open the shutter!” On the liquid crystal screen is performed (S143). The sub-control circuit 72 controls the image control IC 86 (see FIG. 18), and the image control IC 86 refers to a predetermined effect data table (not shown) stored in the ROM 88 to process the effect data, and the liquid crystal In the effect display area 23 of the display device 131, a message such as “Open the shutter!” Is displayed. At this time, of the shielding unit areas 500a to 500i, a shielding area that is set to be shielded by the player's setting is determined, and the corresponding shielding area is notified to the player.

  Next, it is determined whether or not one or more shielding unit areas have been opened by the player (S144). The sub-control circuit 72 displays 500L that the player releases the shielding by touching one or more of the shielding unit areas set to be shielded among the shielding unit areas 500a to 500i, or “all shutter open”. , 500C, 500R, it is determined whether or not the shielding of all shielding unit areas has been released. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to S145, and if this determination is NO, this subroutine ends, and the process proceeds to S121 in FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not part or all of the shielding unit area released by the determination in S144 and the display stop symbols constituting the reach eye coincide. The sub-control circuit 72 performs a process of determining whether the shielding unit area whose shielding has been released by the player is the shielding unit area in which the symbols constituting the reach eye are stopped and displayed. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to S146, and when this determination is NO, this subroutine ends, and the process proceeds to S121 in FIG.

  Next, a process of displaying a message such as “Your reach! Bonus confirmed!” On the liquid crystal screen is performed (S146). The sub-control circuit 72 controls the image control IC 86, and the image control IC 86 refers to a predetermined effect data table (not shown) stored in the ROM 88 to process the effect data, and the effect of the liquid crystal display device 131. In the display area 23, a message such as “Reach eyes! Bonus confirmed!” Is displayed (bonus confirmation screen is displayed). When this process ends, this subroutine ends, and the process moves to S121 in FIG.

[Shield location setting process]
FIG. 27 is a shielding location setting routine executed when the player sets shielding of the shielding unit area and canceling the shielding. By this processing, it is detected that the player has touched the shielding unit areas 500a to 500i (see FIG. 2) or the “all shutter open” display 500, and the shielding setting and shielding of the shielding unit areas 500a to 500i are performed. Is released. Note that this process is a process that can be executed in both cases where the game machine 1 is executing a game and waiting for a game, and by this, the player can shield the shielding unit area and release the shielding. Is possible at any time.

  First, it is determined whether or not the touch sensor detects that any one of the shielding unit areas is touched (S151). The sub-control circuit 72 (see FIG. 18) determines whether any of the touch sensor groups 105 (see FIG. 18) has transmitted a signal that has detected a touch. When this determination is YES, the process moves to S152, and when it is NO, the process moves to S155.

  Next, in S152, the sub-control circuit 72 determines whether or not the shielding unit area where the touch is detected is a section that is already shielded. When this determination is YES, the process moves to S153, and when it is NO, the process moves to S154.

  Next, the sub-control circuit 72 performs a process for releasing the shielding of the corresponding shielding unit area (S153). The corresponding section refers to a shielding unit area that is detected to be touched by the player in S151. When this process ends, this routine ends.

  On the other hand, in S154, the sub-control circuit 72 performs a process of shielding the corresponding shielding unit area. The corresponding section refers to a shielding unit area that is detected to be touched by the player in S151. When this process ends, this routine ends.

  On the other hand, in S155, it is determined whether it is detected that the “shutter open” display 500L, 500C, 500R is touched. The sub-control circuit 72 determines whether or not the touch sensor included in the area of the display 500 in the touch sensor group 105 has transmitted a signal for detecting a touch. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to S156, and when this determination is NO, this routine ends.

  Next, a process of canceling the shielding of the corresponding shielding unit area is performed (S156). In this process, the sub-control circuit 72 performs a process for releasing the shielding of all shielding unit areas. When this process ends, this routine ends.

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described, this invention is not limited to this.

  In the embodiment, when the reach eye is scheduled to be stopped (when the reach eye display capable stop table group is selected, or when the table group is selected and the reach eye is stopped and displayed, the stop button is displayed. Basically, the left symbol display area 21L is shielded, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the symbol display areas 21C and 21R may be shielded.

  For example, a stop mode in which a predetermined symbol combination (such as “Blue 7-Don-chan-Don-Chan”) is arranged along the active line as a reach eye is used, and the reach eye is scheduled to be stopped and displayed. Shielding symbol display area determining means (shielding determining means) for determining the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R may be provided. Further, based on the determination result of the shielding symbol display area determining means, a display area (shielding unit area) to be shielded in each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R may be determined.

  Further, among the nine shielding unit areas, information on a plurality of types of shielding modes in which shielding unit areas to be shifted to the shielding state at the timing when the corresponding stop button is operated is provided in the ROM 88. The shielding determination unit may select the shielding mode information based on predetermined determination information.

  In addition, when a bonus such as BB or RB is carried over, it is possible to stop and display the reach eye and shift from the non-shielding state to the shielding state.

  Also, when each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is operated, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to shift the corresponding symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R, shielding unit areas, etc. to the shielding state. It is also possible to shift to the shielding state. In addition, if the reach eyes (stop outcomes that can be shifted to a state advantageous to the player) are within the range to be stopped and displayed at that timing, each lottery for whether or not to shift to the shielding state is selected This is performed for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. It is also possible to shift the shielding unit area corresponding to the position where the symbol constituting the reach eye (the symbol constituting the symbol combination necessary for the reach eye) to be stopped and displayed to the shielding state.

  Further, in this embodiment, as an example of the “reach eyes”, the reach eyes for notifying the player that the BB has been internally won are listed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as it is a reach that informs the player of an advantageous state (for example, AT activation in a so-called AT (assist time) machine, ST release in a so-called ST (stock) machine). Either is acceptable. The mode of the stop symbol indicated by the reach eye at this time is a matter that can be appropriately changed. For example, in the ST machine, if “Oyama, Folding Fan, Oyama” is stopped and displayed vertically on the reel 3L, and no winning combination is formed in combination with the stop symbols of the other reels 3C and 3R, the reel The stop display of 3L “Oyama, Folding Fan, Oyama” may notify that a lottery for determining whether or not to release ST is performed.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to reach eyes, but can be applied to combinations of stop symbols indicating so-called “chance eyes” and so-called “strong loses”. Furthermore, you may make it generate the production | presentation according to the aspect of each of these stop symbols.

  In this embodiment, the shielding unit areas 500a to 500i are shielded by displaying the corresponding sections in the liquid crystal display device 131 in black. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid crystal display device 131 is provided. Instead, a physical shutter may be provided, and the shutter may be controlled to set the shielding state of the shielding unit region and release the shielding. In this case, the gaming machine 1 includes a liquid crystal display device attached to the front face so as to be visible to the player, and an operation unit (a so-called cross key, a ○ × button, etc.), and the display of the liquid crystal display device By operating the operation unit according to the above, the shielding state of the shielding unit region may be set and the shielding may be released.

  In addition, the above-described physical shutter may be configured to shield and release the shielding unit area by direct operation by the player.

  In this embodiment, a total of nine shielding unit areas 500a to 500i obtained by dividing the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R into three equal parts are shielded, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the frame display area 21L, 21C, 21R may be shielded on and / or below the frame. In other words, in this embodiment, the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are divided into three equal parts, and a total of 3 × 3 = 9 shielding unit areas 500a to 500i are shielded. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and nine or more shielding unit regions may be provided. For example, the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R may be divided into four equal parts, and a total of 4 × 3 = 12 shielding unit areas 500a to 500i may be shielded. This is because there is a pachislot machine in which “reach eyes” are formed by stop symbols that are visible on the frame and / or under the frame of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R after the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. Because.

  Further, the number of shielding unit areas may be less than 9 in accordance with the gameability of the gaming machine. For example, among the shielding unit areas 500a to 500i in FIG. 6, 500a, 500c, 500d, 500e, 500f, 500g, and 500i are shielding unit areas that can be shielded, and 500b and 500h may be sections that are not shieldable. In this case, the total number of shielding unit areas is seven. Further, as the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, areas that are physically separated from each other are adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this. One continuous display area can be divided into symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R.

  In the present invention, only when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped and the stop symbols constitute “reach eyes”, the shutter opening effect processing of FIG. 26 is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, Even when the stop symbol does not constitute “reach eyes”, it may be determined to execute the shutter opening effect processing of FIG. 26 by lottery winning with a predetermined probability. As a result, even when the shutter opening effect process of FIG. 26 is executed and a display such as “Raise the shutter!” Is displayed in the effect display area 23, the “reach eyes” are not necessarily aligned and stopped. Since it is not a translation, the gameability of a gaming machine may be improved. Further, the effect of opening the shutter is performed after all the reels are stopped, but can be performed every time the reels are stopped.

  It should be noted that the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the panel display part 2a, the liquid crystal display part 2b, and the fixed display part 2c of the gaming machine 1. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device 131 of the gaming machine 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 131 of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the outline of a structure of the touchscreen 132 of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the outline of a structure of the liquid crystal display part 2b of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure which shows the example of the shutter aspect of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the shutter aspect of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the shutter aspect of the gaming machine. 3 is a diagram showing a symbol arrangement of reels 3L, 3C, 3R of the gaming machine 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the combination of the symbol which concerns on the winning of the gaming machine 1, and a payout. It is a figure which shows the example of the probability lottery table which determines the internal winning combination according to the gaming state of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the stop table group selected of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the stop table of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the shutter generation | occurrence | production lottery table of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the probability lottery table which determines the production | presentation execution of the gaming machine. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub control circuit 72 of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 4 is a main flowchart of a main control circuit 71 of the gaming machine 1. It is a figure following FIG. It is a figure following FIG. It is a figure following FIG. It is a figure following FIG. 7 is a flowchart of shutter-related processing of the sub control circuit 72 of the gaming machine 1. 4 is a flowchart of shutter lottery processing of the sub-control circuit 72 of the gaming machine 1. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for effect processing for opening a shutter of the sub-control circuit 72 of the gaming machine 1. 7 is a flowchart showing a shielding location setting routine of the sub-control circuit 72 of the gaming machine 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2b Liquid crystal display part 21L, 21C, 21R Symbol display area 23 Effect display area 105 Touch sensor group 131 Liquid crystal display device 132 Touch panel 500 Display 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d, 500e, 500f, 500g, 500h, 500i Shielding unit region

Claims (3)

A game start command means for commanding start of a unit game based on a result of an operation by a player;
A display area for displaying symbols required for a game, and a variable display means for variably displaying the symbols in a plurality of columns according to the command of the game start command means;
A stop operation means provided for each row and operated by a player to stop the variation display by the variation display means;
When the stop operation means is operated, stop control means for stopping the variable display of the symbol row corresponding to the stop operation means,
When the stop operation means is operated, on the basis of predetermined determination information, “whether the display area is shielded to make the symbol invisible” or “of the display area is shielded. Shielding determining means for determining at least one of the display area that makes the symbol invisible.
Based on the determination result of the shielding determining means, shielding means for shielding the display area and making the symbol invisible.
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A winning combination determining means for determining a winning combination for each unit game based on a random number lottery;
A stop control mode determination unit that determines a mode of stop control of the variable display based on a determination result of the winning combination determination unit;
A determination information selection unit that selects the predetermined determination information from a plurality of determination information based on the variation display mode when the stop operation unit is operated and the determination result of the stop control mode determination unit;
With
The game machine characterized in that the stop control means stops the change display based on the variation display mode when the stop operation unit is operated and the determination result of the stop control mode determination unit. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
An amusement machine comprising: an effect means for performing a predetermined effect when the shielding means shields the display area and makes the symbol invisible.

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