CN1657123A - game console - Google Patents

Abstract

The gaming machine includes a plurality of main reels 3 (L, C, R), on the periphery of which are arranged a plurality of symbols; and a stop switch 7 (L, C, R) enabling input of an instruction to stop rotation of the main reels 3; in which the rotation of the plurality of main reels 3 is stopped based on the timing of the input from the stop switch 7 by a player, and the gaming machine further includes a rotation speed modification switch 101 enabling modification of the rotation speed of the main reels 3 and being provided in a manner so as to be operable by the player; and a sub reel 3S, on the periphery of which are arranged a plurality of symbols for producing effects, in which the rotation speed modification switch 101 becomes operable when a particular effect is displayed by the symbol of the sub reel 3S that is stopped/displayed.

Description

game console

technical field

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko (pachislo) gaming machines, slot machines and the like.

Background technique

The following description will be made using an example of a slot machine, particularly a pachinko type game machine. This type of slot machine has three reels lined up side by side with various types of symbols arranged on their outer surfaces. If coins are inserted, the reels start to rotate when the start switch is operated, and the symbols displayed on the outer surfaces of the respective reels are variably displayed. In this state, when the stop switch for each drum is subsequently operated, the corresponding drum is stopped.

When all the reels are stopped by this operation, if a plurality of symbols stopped on a pay line (pay line) determined by the number of coins inserted satisfies a predetermined winning combination, the player is awarded a profit, and the player's "Benefit" is the income that pays multiple coins as prizes to the player based on the winning combination, or is called a big bonus (big bonus (hereinafter referred to as BB)) or a regular bonus (regular bonus) (hereinafter referred to as RB) that can lead to a special game in which more coins can be won than in a normal game.

Therefore, the player operates the stop switch so that the symbol combination satisfies the winning combination. When the player manipulates the stop switch skillfully, the player can gain benefits and can enjoy playing the game. Operating the stop switch in such a way that the combination of symbols satisfies a winning combination is commonly referred to as "observing a stop". However, when the reels are rotated, the symbols are variably displayed at high speed, so not all players can perform the watch stop operation. In other words, the look-stop operation is an operation that can be performed only by a part of players who have excellent visual ability to perceive variable objects and who have practiced a lot.

Meanwhile, the popularity of pachinko game machines has also increased recently. However, young players who are legally prohibited from playing this type of pachinko game machine also want to play, and a difference has been made that benefits can be obtained by the skill possessed by the player rather than just luck. Therefore, the number of players who want to play pachinko machines is increasing, and the same pachinko machines as those in Japanese pachinko halls are now placed in game halls.

The aforementioned players hone their skills using the pachinko machines placed in the game center. However, since observation stopping is difficult for novices, in order to get familiar with it, they have to experience continuous failures to master the observation stopping technique. Thus, on the conventional pachinko game machine, it takes a lot of time, perseverance, and money to play the game to master the look-and-stop technique, so that there is a problem of losing many players.

Therefore, in general, in order to allow an unskilled player to easily perform a look-and-stop operation, there has been proposed a gaming machine in which the reel rotation speed is reduced when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

In one such type of gaming machine, there is proposed a gaming machine scheme in which BB, RB, and other winning symbols are implemented internally, and when a predetermined number of consecutive misses occur when a player cannot stop a suitable symbol When changing the rotation speed of the rotary drum from high speed (ordinary speed) to low speed (see No. H5-003943, No. 2001-062039, No. 2002-233610, No. Unexamined Patent Bulletin).

However, these gaming machines are not designed so that the reel rotation speed can be modified by an operation performed by the user. Modifications are performed by the slot machine's internal controls.

In the method of internally controlling the rotational speed of the rotating reel to drop when the winning symbol is internally realized, there is a case where the profit to the player is too large. This disrupts the profit balance between Japanese pachinko halls and players, thereby creating a new problem that is unfavorable to Japanese pachinko halls.

Also, when pachinko machines installed in game halls other than pachinko halls are equipped with this type of automatic speed-down function, the rotation of the spinning reels differs from that of the actual pachinko machine. This creates a problem that skilled players cannot use it for practice.

Also, in the method of reducing the rotational speed of the rotating reel when the winning symbol is realized inside, the player thus knows the winning symbol. Therefore, for skilled players, the game is simply too easy to appreciate its effect. This creates the problem that it reduces the fun of guessing whether the flag has been implemented internally.

In one gaming machine for solving these types of problems, a gaming machine having a rotation speed modification switch that the player himself can operate to reduce the rotation speed of the reels has been conceived. In the game machine with the above-mentioned rotation speed modifying switch, the player can select the rotation speed of the reel according to his combat level. This results in an attractive gaming machine. However, for the player, it is conceivable that he always operates the speed modification switch, which greatly reduces the technical relevance. This would take away the original appeal of the pachinko machine.

Contents of the invention

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned various problems. The object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine which enables the player to select the rotation speed of the reels according to the player's actual combat level, and also enables the player to operate the rotation speed only when the effect indicates that the probability of a particular symbol being realized is high, for example The switch is modified, thereby enhancing or increasing the unique attractiveness of the pachinko game machine.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following:

(1) A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of reels on the outer peripheries of which a plurality of symbols are arranged; a rotation stop instruction input device for giving an instruction to stop rotation of the plurality of reels rotation; and a rotational speed modification command input device for modifying the rotational speeds of the plurality of reels when a predetermined condition is satisfied, wherein the rotational speed modification command input device is operable by a player of the gaming machine.

(2) The gaming machine as described in (1) above, further comprising a condition determination reel separate from the plurality of reels, wherein whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied is determined based on a display pattern on the condition determination reel.

(3) The gaming machine as described in (1) above, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition occurring during a bonus game.

(4) The gaming machine as described in (3) above, wherein the game during the bonus game is a free game.

(5) A gaming machine including: a plurality of main reels on the outer peripheries of which a plurality of symbols are arranged; and a stop switch enabling input of an instruction to stop the plurality of main reels wherein the rotation of the plurality of primary reels is stopped based on the timing of player input from the stop switch,

The gaming machine further includes: a rotation speed modifying switch enabling modification of rotation speeds of the plurality of main reels and configured to be operable by a player; and a sub-reel on which a plurality of symbols are arranged. To produce an effect, wherein the rotational speed modification switch becomes operable when the stopped/displayed sub-drum symbol shows a specific effect.

(6) The gaming machine as described in (5) above, further comprising: point rewarding means for rewarding a predetermined number of points when a predetermined condition is met; point deduction means for deducting points when the rotation speed modification switch is operated a predetermined number of points; and point storage means for storing total points based on the operation results of said point awarding means and said point deduction means;

Wherein, when the number of points stored by the point storage means is equal to or greater than the number of points to be deducted by the point deduction means, the rotation speed modification switch becomes operable.

(7) The gaming machine as described in (6) above, wherein the number of points to be deducted by the point deduction means is divided into stages.

(8) A method of playing a game on a game machine, wherein the game machine is provided with: a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheries; a rotation stop instruction input device for giving an instruction to stop the rotation of the plurality of drums; and a rotation speed modification instruction input device for modifying the rotation speed of the plurality of drums when a predetermined condition is satisfied, wherein the method includes a rotation speed modification instruction input step, in which In the step, the player of the game machine executes the input of the rotational speed modification instruction.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a pachinko game machine according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a front view schematically showing the pachinko game machine shown in Fig. 1;

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main control circuit of the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1;

4 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of a sub-control circuit of the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1;

5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed on the pachinko game machine according to the first embodiment;

6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed on the pachinko game machine according to the first embodiment;

7 is a front view showing the appearance of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

8 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit and peripheral devices and the like constituting a game machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the pachinko game machine according to the second embodiment;

10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the pachinko game machine according to the second embodiment;

11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams showing effect patterns of sub reels in the pachinko game machine according to the second embodiment;

12 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the main process executed on the gaming machine according to the third embodiment; and

14 is a flowchart showing processing operations of bonus game processing executed on the gaming machine according to the third embodiment.

Detailed ways

[first embodiment]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. The gaming machine 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of the above game machine. Figure 1 is a so-called "pachinko machine". The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that makes it possible to play games using coins, tokens, coupons, cards, or other game media that are given to players or that store game value information that has been given to players. Next, a game machine using coins will be described.

On the front of the cabinet 2 that forms the entirety of the game machine 1, a panel display portion 2a having a substantially vertical plane is formed, and rectangular display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R are vertically provided in the center of the panel display portion 2a. In the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, there are provided a center line 8a, a top line 8b, and a bottom line 8c extending in the horizontal direction, and a lower crossing line 8d and an upper crossing line 8e extending in a diagonal direction, and these lines serve as Payline. One, three or five of these paylines are activated by operating a 1-bet switch 11, a 2-bet switch 12, or a maximum bet switch 13 described below, or by inserting a coin into the slot 22. Which lines are activated is shown by lighting the bet lamps 9a, 9b and 9c described below.

Three main drums 3L, 3C, and 3R are arranged in the cabinet 2, and symbol columns composed of various types of symbols are arranged on the outer surface of each drum, and the main drums 3L, 3C, and 3R are arranged side by side and can rotate freely, Thus, a variable display device (variable display portion) is formed. The symbols on the respective main reels can be viewed through the display windows 4L, 4C and 4R.

Moreover, a display window 4S is provided on the right side of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, and a freely rotatable sub-drum 3S is arranged inside the display window 4S. Symbol columns of different multi-type symbols for the main reel.

Detailed description will be given below. The main drum can be rotated at a normal rotation speed (for example, 80 rpm), and, if a predetermined condition is met, the rotation speed can be modified to 70 rpm when a rotation speed modification switch 101 to be described later is operated.

On the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, a 1-bet lamp 9a, a 2-bet lamp 9b, a maximum bet lamp 9c, and a pool amount display unit 19 are provided. The 1-bet lamp 9a, the 2-bet lamp 9b, and the maximum bet lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of coins that have been bet for playing one game (hereinafter referred to as "bet number"). Here, in the present embodiment, when all the main reels are stopped, or when the game medium is to be paid out, or when the payout of the game medium has been performed, one round of the game is ended. When the bet number is "1" and one payline is activated, the 1-bet lamp 9a is lit. When the bet number is "2" and three paylines are activated, the 2-bet lamp 9b is lit. When the bet number is "3" and all (five) paylines are activated, the maximum bet lamp 9c is lit. When at least one line is activated, the game start display light 25 lights up. The stored coin quantity display unit 19 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the quantity of stored coins.

On the right side of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, a win lamp 17, a payout display portion 18, and a slot lamp 24 are provided. When an internal win for BB or RB occurs, or when a BB or RB win is realized, the win lamp 17 is turned on at a predetermined probability. The payout display section 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of coins to be paid out when a win is achieved. The coin light 24 is illuminated when coins can be accepted.

On the upper right part of the board display part 2a, a service game operation count display part 20 is provided. The service game operation count display section 20 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of possible RB games, the number of possible RB game wins, etc. to be described later. Below the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, a base 10 constituted by a horizontal surface is provided. A liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the base 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. Various effect images are displayed on the display screen 5 a of the liquid crystal display device 5 .

A game stop display 31 , a replay display 32 , an RB operation display 33 , and a BB operation display 34 are provided at an upper left position of the board display portion 2 a. While waiting for a predetermined duration (for example, 4.1 seconds) to elapse from the spin of the previous main reel to the spin of the current main reel, the game stop display 31 lights up. The replay display 32 is illuminated when replay is occurring. When RB occurs, the RB operation display 33 lights up. When BB appears, the BB operation display 34 lights up.

A coin slot 22 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5 . A 1-bet switch 11 , a 2-bet switch 12 , and a maximum bet switch 13 are provided on the lower left of the liquid crystal display device 5 . In addition, a cross-shaped button 26 , an “O” button 27 , and an “X” button 28 are provided on the upper left of the liquid crystal display device 5 .

Press the 1 bet switch 11 once in the game, bet a coin deposit. Press the 2 bet switch 12 once in the game, bet two coins deposits. Press the maximum bet switch 13 once in the game to bet the maximum possible number of coins that can be bet. Operation of these bet switches will activate predetermined paylines as described above.

The cross-shaped button 26, the "O" button 27, and the "X" button 28 can be operated to change the liquid crystal display screen 5a and perform input.

At a leftward position on the front portion of the base 10, there is provided a hoard settlement switch 14, which is pressed to switch between deposit and payout of coins won by the player during the game. When turning on the coin settlement switch 14, coins are paid out from the game coin payout port 15 at the bottom of the front. The paid out coins are collected in the game coin container 16 . On the right side of the coin hoarding switch 14, there is provided an actuating lever 6 freely rotatable within a predetermined angle range, and the player operates it to rotate the main reel and activate a plurality of symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C and 4R. Change the display (i.e. start the game).

In addition, a rotational speed modifying switch 101 is provided on the right side of the base 10 . When the rotation speed modifying switch 101 is operated as described above and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the rotation speed of the main drum may be modified from 80 rpm to 70 rpm, for example.

According to the present embodiment, by operating the rotational speed modifying switch 101, the speed is modified to a given rotational speed lower than the normal rotational speed (hereinafter referred to as "low rotational speed"). However, the rotational speed modifying switch 101 is, for example, a 3-level switch. In addition to switching to a low speed, it can also be set to a high speed higher than the normal rotational speed, such as 90 rpm, for observing and stopping exercises.

In addition, the rotational speed modifying switch 101 may also be constituted by an analog switch so that the rotational speed of the main drum can be freely set within a given range (for example, 60 to 80 rpm). By gradually increasing the rotational speed of the main drum, players can, for example, practice according to their skill level. Such modification of the function of the rotational speed modification switch can also be applied to the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention to be described below. The above description exemplifies specific rotation speeds, but in the present invention, the modified drum rotation speed is not limited to the above-mentioned values.

On the right side on the front portion of the base 10, a door opening/closing and stop-release device 29 is provided. Using the predetermined key, the door open/close and stop-release device 29 is turned right to open/close the front door and left to release the stop.

Speakers 21L, 21R are provided on the upper left and upper right of the cabinet 2 . Between these two speakers 21L, 21R is provided a payout table 23 that displays combinations of winning symbols, payout numbers, and the like. At the center of the front portion of the base 10 below the liquid crystal display device 5, there are provided three stop switches 7L, 7C, 7R for stopping the main drums 3L, 3C, 3R.

Each of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R has 21 symbols of various symbol types arranged to form symbol columns. Each symbol has a number "00" to "20", and these numbers are stored as a data table on the ROM 42 to be described below. Each of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R displays a symbol column composed of symbols such as "blue 7", "red 7", "bar", "bell", "plum", "replay" and "cherry". Each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R is driven to rotate so that the symbol row moves in a predetermined direction.

ROM 42 stores a multi-category probability lottery table for determining internal winning combination symbols. The internal winning probability lottery table varies depending on the game state, but each is a table that establishes correspondence between a range of predetermined random numbers selected from a range of 0 to 16383 and hit combination symbols relation. When determining the inside winning combination symbol, a numerical value (random number) drawn by the inside lottery is used to determine the inside winning combination symbol. In the above-mentioned internal winning probability lottery table, the internal winning probability in the normal game state may be set so as to be 55/16384 for BB, 28/16384 for RB, and 2245/16384 for replay, And for cherries it's 63/16384, etc.

When connecting along the activation line such as "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" or "Red 7-Red 7-Red 7", a BB win occurs, thereby paying 15 coins, and for the game state of the next game Changes to "BB Game State".

When the combination of symbols connected along the activation line is, for example, "bar-bar-bar", "RB game state" appears in the "normal game state", or when the combination of symbols connected along the activation line is, for example, "replay- When replay-replay" (so-called "JAC IN"), "RB game state" appears in "normal game state in BB", thereby paying 15 coins. Sometimes for the sake of distinction, the RBs starting in the "normal game state" are called normal RBs, and the RBs starting from the "normal game state in BB" are called RBs in BB.

The "RB game state" is a game state in which a player can bet one coin, and if a predetermined combination of symbols such as "replay-replay-replay" occurs, an occurrence of winning 15 coins can be easily won. In an example of "RB game state", the maximum number of times the game can be played (this is called "RB possible number of games") is 12, for example. The number of wins that can occur is, for example, 8. In other words, the "RB game state" ends after, for example, 12 games or 8 wins. Then, when the RB game state ends, the game state transitions to the normal game state.

An instance of a BB ends when the game has been played 30 times in the "normal game state within a BB", or on the third RB when that game state transitions to the RB game state three times. Then, when the BB game state ends, the game state transitions to the normal game state.

Replays are won when the combination of symbols along the active line is "Replay-Replay-Replay" in the normal game state. When the replay is won, the same number of coins as the inserted coins are automatically inserted, so that the player can play without spending coins.

The sub-reel 3S has a plurality of types of symbols arranged to form a symbol row. Each symbol has a number, and these numbers are stored on the ROM 85 of the sub-control circuit 82 to be described later. The symbols displayed on the sub-reel 3S are not particularly limited. They can be various specific animation (cartoon) scenes, collections of various combination marks, diagrams, etc., or pictures of famous entertainers, actors, athletes, etc. at the event. The sub-reel 3S is rotated/driven so that the symbol row moves in a predetermined direction. However, motion is not limited to one direction, but can sometimes rotate in the opposite direction.

Typically, the symbols stopped/displayed on the secondary reel 3S indicate that RB, BB, small combo symbols, or other specific hit combo symbols have hit inside, or indicate that a specific hit combo symbol has a high inside hit probability, or suggest a possible inside Combinations of symbols that hit, or indicate various other types of game states.

3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration, etc., including: a main control circuit 81 for controlling game processing operations in the game machine 1; peripheral devices (executing mechanisms) electrically connected to the main control circuit 81; The control circuit 82 is used to control the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speakers 21L and 21R according to the control command sent from the main control circuit 81 .

The main constituent unit of the main control circuit 81 is the microcomputer 40 placed on the circuit board. A circuit for sampling random numbers is added to the main control circuit 81 . The microcomputer 40 includes: a CPU 41 for performing a control operation according to a preset program; and a ROM 42 and a RAM 43 as storage means.

Be connected to CPU 41 and have: clock pulse generation 44 and frequency divider 45, are used for generating standard pulse; And random number generator 46 and sampling circuit 47, are used for generating the random number to be sampled. Note that, as means for performing random number sampling, random number sampling may be performed within the microcomputer 40 (that is, in the operating program of the CPU 41). In this case, the random number generator 46 and the sampling circuit 47 may be omitted, or they may be retained as a backup for the random sampling operation.

The ROM 42 of the microcomputer 40 is stored with: a probability lottery table, which is used to determine the random number sampling performed when the start lever 6 is operated each time (each start operation); a stop control table, which is used to determine the response to the stop switch. The main drum stop state of the operation; and various control commands (commands) for sending to the sub-control circuit 82; and the like. Note that communication is performed unidirectionally from the main control circuit 81 to the sub control circuit 82 without inputting commands, information, and the like from the sub control circuit 82 to the main control circuit 81 .

In the circuit in Fig. 3, the main actuator (its operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 40) are: various lamps (1 bet lamp 9a, 2 bet lamp 9b, maximum bet lamp 9c and winning lamp 17 ); various display parts (payment display part 18, coin storage quantity display part 19 and service game operation times display part 20); Coin storage bin (comprising the drive unit for paying) 50, serves as for according to from storage coin The bin drive circuit 51 commands a gaming value awarding device that stores coins and pays out a predetermined number of coins; and stepping motors 59L, 59C, and 59R for driving the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

In addition, the following parts are connected to the output section of the CPU 41 via the I/O port 48: a motor drive circuit 49 for driving/controlling the stepping motors 59L, 59C, and 59R; a coin hopper for driving/controlling the coin hopper 50 A drive circuit 51; a lamp drive circuit 55 for driving/controlling various lamps; and a display unit drive circuit 58 for driving/controlling various display units. Each of these drive circuits receives drive commands and other control signals output from the CPU 41, and controls the operations of the respective actuators.

In addition, as the main input signal generating means for generating the input signal required by the microcomputer 40 to generate the control command, there are: a start switch 6S; a 1-bet switch 11; a 2-bet switch 12; a maximum bet switch 13; ; rotation speed modification switch 101 ; coin sensor 22S; reel stop signal circuit 56 ; reel position detection circuit 60 ; and payment completion signal circuit 61 . These main input signal generating devices are also connected to the CPU 41 via the I/O port 48.

The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6 . The coin sensor 22S detects a coin inserted into the coin slot 22 . The drum stop signal circuit 56 generates a stop signal in response to the operation of the respective stop switches 7L, 7C, 7R. The drum position detection circuit 60 receives pulse signals from the drum rotation sensors, and supplies signals for detecting the positions of the respective main drums 3L, 3C, and 3R to the CPU 41. The payout completion signal circuit 61 generates a signal for detecting coin payout completion when the calculated value from the coin detection unit 50S (the number of coins paid out from the hopper 50 ) reaches specified coin amount data.

In the circuit in FIG. 3, a random number generator 46 generates random numbers within a given range. The sampling circuit 47 samples a random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. The internal winning combination symbols are determined based on the random numbers generated in this way and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 42. After the inside winning combination symbols are determined, random number sampling is performed again to determine the "stop control table".

After the main drums 3L, 3C, and 3R have started to rotate, the numbers of drive pulses that have been supplied to the respective stepping motors 59L, 59C, and 59R are totaled. Write the total value in the predetermined area of RAM 43. Resulting pulses are obtained from the main drums 3L, 3C, and 3R at each rotation, and are input into the CPU 41 via the drum position detection circuit 60. The resulting pulse thus obtained resets the total value of the drive pulses added up in the RAM 43 to "0". Therefore, the RAM 43 stores, for each of the main reels 3L, 3C and 3R, an aggregated value corresponding to the rotational position within a single revolution.

A symbol table is stored in the ROM 42 to establish correspondence between the above-mentioned rotational positions of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and symbols placed on the outer surface of the main reels. In this symbol table, the rotational position at which the above-mentioned reset pulse is generated serves as a reference point, and the numbers assigned to a given rotational pitch of each of the main drums 3L, 3C, and 3R in sequence and the symbols representing the corresponding numbers are established. The correspondence between the symbol codes.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, an area for storing whether to change to low-speed rotation (rotational speed modification flag) is provided in a predetermined area of RAM 43. When the rotational speed modification switch 101 is operated, the rotational speed modification flag stands up. For example, when the drum is about to start rotating, the CPU 41 reads the rotation speed modification flag, and when the flag is valid, modifies the interval between the drive pulses supplied to the stepping motors 59L, 59C, and 59R to increase the rotation speed. The rotational speed of the drum is changed to "spin down". However, in the present invention, if another condition is not met so that the rotational speed modification flag is cleared, the modification of the rotational speed of the drum cannot be effected.

Note that the rev modifier flag is automatically cleared when a game ends. In the next game, if the rotation speed modifying switch 101 is not operated, the main reel will rotate at the normal rotation speed.

In addition, a winning symbol combination table is stored in the ROM 42. The winning symbol combination table establishes the correspondence between the symbol combination that produces the winning, the amount of coins paid for the winning, and the winning determination code representing the winning. The winning symbol combination table described above is referred to when the stop control is performed on the left main reel 3L, the middle main reel 3C, and the right main reel 3R, and when winning confirmation is performed after the reels are stopped.

When the lottery processing (probability lottery processing) performed based on the random number sampling described above generates an internal win, the CPU 41 based on the operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 56 when the player operates the stop switches 7L, 7C, 7R and based on The selected "stop control table" is used to send a signal for stopping/controlling the main drums 3L, 3C, and 3R to the motor drive circuit 49 .

When the stop pattern represents winning for the combination symbol that has been hit internally, the CPU 41 then provides a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 51, and pays out a predetermined amount of coins from the hopper 50. At this time, the coin detection unit 50S counts the number of coins to be paid out from the hopper 50 . When the total value reaches the specified number, a coin payment completion signal is input to the CPU 41. Therefore, the CPU 41 stops driving the coin storage bin 50 via the coin storage bin driving circuit 51, and the "coin payment process" ends thus.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sub-control circuit 82 . The sub-control circuit 82 executes controls such as display control on the liquid crystal display device 5 and output control on sound generation from the speakers 21L, 21R in accordance with control commands from the main control circuit 81 . The sub-control circuit 82 is formed on a portion of the circuit board excluding the portion in which the main control circuit 81 is formed. Its main constituent unit is a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as “sub-microcomputer”) 83 . The sub-control circuit 82 is composed of an image control circuit 91 serving as a display control device of the liquid crystal display device 5; a sound source IC 88 for controlling the sound output from the speakers 21L, 21R; and a power amplifier 89 serving as an amplifier. .

The sub-microcomputer 83 includes: a sub-CPU 84 for performing control/operation according to a control command sent to the autonomous control circuit 81; a program ROM 85 serving as storage means; and a work RAM 86. The sub control circuit 82 has no clock pulse generation circuit, frequency divider, random number generator, or sampling circuit, but is configured to perform random number sampling in the operation program of the sub CPU 84.

The program ROM 85 stores control programs to be executed on the sub CPU 84. The work RAM 86 is used as temporary storage means when the above-mentioned control program is executed on the CPU 84. In addition, the program ROM 85 also stores programs for driving the sub-drum 3S. Note that when the start switch 6S is operated, the sub-drum 3S starts rotating simultaneously with the main drum.

A motor drive circuit 110 for driving/controlling the stepping motor 59S, which rotates/drives the sub-drum 3S, is connected to the sub-CPU 84 via an I/O port, and the motor drive circuit 110 drives/controls the stepping motor 59S. Furthermore, a drum position detection circuit 111 for generating an input signal is also connected.

The ROM 85 stores a database in which numbers are assigned to the respective symbols on the sub-reel 3S. The position of this drum is detected in the same way as the main drum. The sub-drum 3S displays a predetermined effect (symbol) after a predetermined duration has elapsed since the start switch 6S was operated. The sub CPU 84 executes a stop request after detecting the position of the reel as described above to stop at the symbol corresponding to the desired symbol. For the sub-reel 3S, there is no limit to the number of frames to slide over, so it can slide until it stops at the desired symbol.

Note that, according to the present embodiment, when a specific hit combination symbol is won inside, a specific effect is displayed. The ROM 42 of the main control circuit 81 stores a sub-reel effect table in which combinations of symbols on the main reel and combinations of symbols stopped on the sub-reel 3S are written. The CPU 41 sends a signal to the secondary control circuit 82 according to the secondary drum effect table. After a predetermined duration elapses from the operation of the start switch 6S, the sub CPU 84 of the sub control circuit 82 stops the sub reel 3S at a desired symbol.

In addition, when the rotation speed modification switch 101 is operated, a table for determining whether the rotation speed modification to the main reel is valid (i.e., a specific effect table in which sub-reel 3S effects (symbols) and specific internal winning combination symbols are written etc.) are stored in the ROM 42 of the main control circuit 81. From this specific effect table, it is determined whether the effect (symbol) stopped/displayed on the sub-drum 3S is the effect (symbol) that makes it possible to operate the rotational speed modification switch of the main drum.

The image control circuit 91 is composed of an image control CPU 92, an image control work RAM 93, an image control program ROM 94, an image ROM 96, a video RAM 97, and an image control IC 98. The image control CPU 92 determines the display content of the liquid crystal display device 5 in accordance with the image control program stored in the image control program ROM 94 based on parameters set by the sub microcomputer. The image control program ROM 94 stores an image control program and various selection tables related to display on the liquid crystal display device 5. When the above-mentioned image control program is executed on the image control CPU 92, the image control work RAM 93 constitutes temporary storage means.

The image control IC 98 forms an image in response to display contents determined by the image control CPU 92, and outputs it to the liquid crystal display device 5. The image ROM 96 stores dot data forming the image. When the image control IC 98 forms an image, the video RAM 97 constitutes temporary storage means.

5 to 6 are flowcharts showing subroutines executed on the gaming machine shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 . These subroutines are called and executed at predetermined timing from an already executing main routine. Regarding the game execution processing routine, the game execution processing routine 1 in FIG. 5 and the game execution processing routine 2 in FIG. 6 are described separately below.

First, as shown in the game execution processing routine 1 of FIG. 5, the CPU 41 determines whether there is a request for automatic coin insertion (step S10). Note that the replay must have been won in the previous game in the event there was a request for an auto-insert. When there is a request for automatic coin insertion, the requested amount of coins is automatically inserted (step S11), and a coin insertion command is sent to the sub-control circuit 82 (step S12).

On the other hand, in step S10, when it is determined that there is no request for automatic coin insertion, the CPU 41 determines whether a coin is actually inserted (step S13). In other words, the CPU 41 determines whether a detection signal from the coin sensor 22S (which detects a coin inserted into the coin slot 22) is received, thereby determining whether a coin is inserted.

In step S13, in a case where it is determined that no coin has been inserted, the CPU 41 returns the process to step S10. In step S13, in a case where it is determined that a coin is inserted, or in a case where the process of step S12 is performed, it is next determined whether the start lever 6 is operated (step S14). In other words, the CPU 41 determines whether an input signal has been received from the start switch 6S.

In step S14, in a case where it is determined that the start lever 6 is not operated, the CPU 41 then returns the processing to step S14. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S14 that the start lever 6 has been operated, the CPU 41 then performs various settings (step S15).

Among the processes of various settings, when the start lever 6 is operated, the random number generator 146 performs sampling of random numbers. Based on the sampled random values, and based on the probability lottery table set in the RAM 43, lottery processing is performed to generate internal winning combination symbols (winning symbols). In addition, in the processing of various settings, for example: winning lamp lighting lottery processing; processing for selecting a stop control table for stopping the rotating reels; processing of the circuit 82 (transmission processing); and processing for initialization to start the rotation of the reels (this starts the rotation of the main reels 3 (3L, 3C, and 3R)). At this time, the CPU 41 sends a control signal to the sub-control circuit 82, and causes the sub-drum 3S to rotate simultaneously with the main drum 3 (3L, 3C, and 3R).

Then, the CPU 41 determines whether a predetermined duration has elapsed (whether it is time to stop the sub-drum) (step S16). When the predetermined duration has not elapsed, the process returns to step S16. Preferably, the predetermined time in step S16 is about 1 to 5 seconds.

When the CPU 41 determines that the predetermined duration has passed, it refers to the sub-reel effect table stored in the above-mentioned ROM 42 according to the combination of symbols (hit combination symbols) obtained in the internal win, to determine that the sub-reel 3S is stopped at Which symbol is on, and then send a control signal to the sub-control circuit 82 to stop on this symbol (step S17).

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a predetermined duration has elapsed (whether the duration in which the operation of the rotational speed modification switch 101 is permitted has ended) (step S18). In a case where the predetermined duration has not elapsed, the process returns to step S18. Preferably, the predetermined duration in step S18 is about 1 to 3 seconds. Preferably, a liquid crystal display device or the like displays whether or not the duration for which the rotation speed modifying switch 101 is allowed to be operated has expired. Furthermore, the end of the duration for operating the rotational speed modification switch 101 may also be transmitted using voice through the speakers 21L, 21R.

The reason why the duration for operating the rotation speed modification switch 101 is set in this way is that there are cases where many players watch the effect on the sub reel and determine whether to operate the rotation speed modification switch 101 .

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether the rotational speed modification switch 101 is operated (step S19). That is, when the rotation speed modification switch 101 is operated within the above-mentioned duration, the rotation speed modification flag set in the RAM 43 becomes effective. In this case, the CPU 41 determines whether the rotation speed modification switch 101 is operated by determining whether the rotation speed modification flag in the RAM 43 is in effect.

In a case where it is determined that the rotation speed modification switch 101 is not operated, the rotation speed is not modified, so the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, in the case of determining that the rotation speed modification switch 101 is operated, the CPU 41 then determines whether the symbol stopped/displayed on the sub reel 3S shows a specific effect based on the above-mentioned specific effect table (step S20).

When it is determined that the symbol stopped/displayed on the sub-drum 3S does not show a specific effect, it is necessary to disable the operation of the rotation speed modification switch 101, thereby clearing the rotation speed modification flag, and advancing the process to S22.

Upon determining that the specific effect is displayed on the sub-drum 3S, the CPU 41 then modifies the rotation speed of the main drum 3 to "low-speed rotation" based on the rotation speed modification flag (step S21). In other words, the CPU 41 sends control signals to modify the intervals between the drive pulses supplied to the respective stepping motors 59L, 59C, and 59R, thereby reducing the rotation of the main drum 3 to a low speed.

The "specific effect" means, for example, an effect indicating that the internal winning probability of a specific hit combination symbol is high. 11A to 11C show examples of effect symbols displayed on the sub-reel. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the effect method could be a pig character who has found treasure or is resting in the tropics. Examples of inside wins for RB, BB, watermelon, and other small combination symbols are given, but the effect method in the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, a specific mark or the like may be displayed, or a hit specific symbol or the like may be displayed. Note that FIG. 11C shows a case where a combination of symbols on the main reel is not won.

When the probability of an inside win occurring for a particular hit combination symbol is high, the probability of no inside win occurring for that particular hit combination symbol remains low. Therefore, in this case, for example, even if the combination of the main reel symbols is not won, it is still necessary to set the sub-reel effect table to produce a specific effect. However, this probability must be low, for example, 5% or less.

In the present invention, when the sub-reel 3S produces this type of specific effect, winning for RB, BB, small combination symbols or other hit combination symbols occurs due to the arrangement of specific symbols. However, it is difficult to line up the desired symbols, especially for novices. Therefore, the rotational speed of the main reel 3 is reduced, thereby making it easier to line up the symbols on the plurality of main reels by observing the stops.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether the stop switch (stop button) 7 (7L, 7C, 7R) is ON based on whether there is an input signal from the drum stop signal circuit 56 (step S22). In the case of determining that the stop switch 7 is not "on", the CPU 41 determines whether the value of the automatic stop timer is "0" (step S23). In a case where it is determined that it is not "0", the process returns to step S22.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S22 that the stop switch 7 is "on", or when it is determined in step S23 that the value of the automatic stop timer is "0", the CPU 41 activates the main switch 7 according to the stop switch 7. Drum 3 stops rotating. When performing these operations, based on the hit request (internal winning combination symbol), symbol position (rotation position of the main reel 3 when the operation is performed), and the selected stop control table, etc., the number of slide frames is determined (step S24) .

Next, the CPU 41 executes processing to stop the plurality of main reels 3 after they have been rotated by the number of slide frames determined in step S24 (step S25), and for each of the plurality of main reels 3 A setting stop request (step S26).

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether all three main drums (3L, 3C, and 3R) have stopped (step S27). In a case where it is determined that not all the main drums have been stopped, the process returns to step S22.

Next, as shown in the game execution processing routine 2 in FIG. 6, when it is determined that all the main reels have stopped, the CPU 41 searches for a win (step S30). At this time, the CPU 41 refers to a winning symbol combination table or the like stored in the ROM 42, for example. In addition, the CPU 41 also determines whether the win flag is normal, and if not, an illegal error may then be displayed and the process suspended.

The CPU 41 determines whether there is a payout coin, that is, determines the presence/absence of a plurality of winning coins (step S31). In the case of determining that there is a payout coin, the CPU 41 stores or pays out the number of coins determined by the game state and the winning combination symbol (step S32). In the case where coins are to be stored, the CPU 41 executes a process of counting up the number of coins stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the CPU 41 sends a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 51, and pays out a predetermined amount of coins from the hopper 50. While performing these operations, the coin detection unit 50S counts up the number of coins to be paid out from the hopper 50 . When the total value reaches the specified number, the coin payment completion signal is input into the CPU 41. Thereby, the CPU 41 stops driving the coin storage bin 50 via the coin storage bin driving circuit 51, and ends the coin payment process.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether an RB win has occurred (step S33). When the RB win occurs, the CPU 41 performs RB setting (step S34). At this time, in step S34, the CPU 41 performs setting in the RB probability lottery table and the RB winning symbol combination table. Further, in step S34, the CPU 41 starts counting up the RB game win amount, etc., and starts displaying the total value on the service game operation number display portion 20.

In a case where the processing of step S34 is performed or it is determined in step S33 that RB win does not occur, the CPU 41 determines whether BB win has occurred (step S35). When it is determined that a BB win has occurred, the CPU 41 executes BB setting (step S36). At this time, in step S36, the CPU 41 performs settings in the BB probability lottery table and the BB winning symbol combination table. Further, in step S36, the CPU 41 starts counting the number of used BB games, etc., and starts displaying the total value on the service game operation count display portion 20, and starts counting paid coins, etc.

In a case where the process of step S36 has been performed, or when it is determined in step S35 that a BB win has not occurred, the CPU 41 determines whether the RB has ended (step S37). When it is determined that the RB has ended, the CPU 41 then performs processing to release the RB setting (step S38). At this time, in step S38, the CPU 41 performs processing using the RB probability lottery table, RB winning symbol combination table, etc. set in the process of step S34 to switch to the probability lottery table for the normal game state (not RB or BB).

In a case where the process of step S38 is to be performed or when it is determined in step S37 that the RB win is not ended, the CPU 41 then determines whether the BB has ended (step S39). When it is determined that the BB has ended, the CPU 41 then performs processing to release the BB setting (step S40). At this time, in step S40, the CPU 41 uses the BB probability lottery table, the BB winning symbol combination table, etc. set in the process of step S36 to perform processing to switch to the probability lottery to be used in the normal game state. color table.

In the case where the processing of step S40 is to be performed, or when it is determined in step S39 that the BB has ended, the CPU 41 then clears the rotation speed modification flag and configures the plurality of settings to restore the normal rotation speed of the main drum (step S41) . Therefore, in the next game, if the rotation speed modifying switch 101 is not operated, the main reel will rotate at the normal rotation speed. When the processing in step S41 is performed, this subroutine ends.

Next, a brief description will be given of a method of playing the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. First, the player performs operations such as inserting coins, and operating a start lever to start rotation of the main reel and the sub reel. Once the primary and secondary reels have started spinning and a predetermined duration has elapsed, the secondary reel stops at a symbol representing a predetermined effect pattern.

11A to 11C show examples of effect patterns displayed on the sub-drum. As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11B , when the piggy character finds treasure or rests in the tropics, etc., it means that the inside win for RB, BB, watermelon, and other small combination symbols has a high probability of occurring. On the other hand, when the piglet cries as in Fig. 11C, it means that there is a high possibility that there is no winning symbol.

When the effect symbol displays a specific effect as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B , it is believed that this means a player with a high probability of winning inside for a specific hit combination symbol, or a player who wants to stop and display his desired symbol, As well as novices, will operate the speed modification switch 101 .

When the above-mentioned effect represents an internal win for a specific hit combination symbol, operation of the rotation speed modification switch 101 causes the rotation speed of the main reel to decrease so that the player can more easily perform observation stops and arrange his desired symbol combination. However, even with the same symbols, the main reel may not have an inside win for a particular hit combination symbol, in which case the spin speed of the main reel is not reduced.

Therefore, conversely, when the player operates the rotation speed modifying switch, the player can judge whether a specific hit combination symbol has been internally hit based on whether the rotation speed of the main reel has decreased.

After that, the stop switch is operated to stop the rotation of the plurality of main reels to display a combined pattern of a plurality of given symbols.

The gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is constituted as described above. Therefore, the rotation speed modification switch may be operated to slow down the rotation speed of the main reel only when the internal probability of winning for a particular hit combination symbol is indicated to be high. In any other case, the rotational speed of the main reel is not reduced, so that a common level of technical relevance is maintained and the original appeal of the pachinko machine is maintained.

In addition, when the rotation speed modifying switch is operated and the rotation speed of the main reel is slowed down, the probability of connecting a desired symbol combination is increased, the probability of winning coins is increased, and the special effect is increased by using the sub reel. As a result, the pachinko game machine can be used to fully enjoy the game.

[Second embodiment]

Next, description will be made on a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine according to the second embodiment is further equipped with: point rewarding means for awarding a predetermined number of points when a predetermined condition is satisfied; point deduction means for deducting a predetermined number of points when the above-mentioned rotational speed modifying switch is operated; and Point storage means for storing total points based on the operation results of the above-mentioned point awarding means and the above-mentioned point deduction means. When the specific effect is displayed in addition to a plurality of symbols on the sub reel, and the number of points stored in the above-mentioned point storage means is also equal to or greater than the number of points to be deducted by the above-mentioned point deduction means, the above-mentioned rotation speed modification switch becomes available. operate.

Fig. 7 is a front view showing the appearance of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit, peripheral devices, etc. constituting a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The gaming machine according to the second embodiment is equipped with a credit display section 201 for displaying credits, which is located on the right side of the middle area of the board display section 2a. Other than that, the configuration is basically similar to the gaming machine according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 . Furthermore, in the block diagram shown in FIG. 8 , the display section drive circuit 58 is equipped with a point number display section 201 . Other than that, the configuration is basically similar to the gaming machine according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 . Therefore, except for the description of the point display unit, descriptions of other parts are omitted here.

The point display section 201 is a display device for displaying points stored by the point storage device (point counter) of the RAM 43. When a win occurs for a specific small combination symbol, replay combination symbol, etc., the credit is increased by "a" points or "b" points. That is, winning for a specific small combination symbol, replay combination symbol, etc. causes the numerical value in the point display part to change to the numerical value P=P+a or P=P+b. On the other hand, when the rotational speed modification switch is operated or the rotational speed of the drum is lowered, "A" points are deducted. That is, the points displayed on the point display part become the P-A value. The pip cannot be negative. When the value of P is smaller than A, the rotational speed modifying switch 101 cannot be operated to decrease the rotational speed of the main drum. Therefore, the player must operate the rotation speed modification switch when the effect of reducing the rotation speed of the main drum is greatest.

As described above, the gaming machine according to the second embodiment is different in that it is equipped with: point rewarding means for awarding a predetermined number of points when a predetermined condition is satisfied; deducting a predetermined number of points at the time of switching; and point storage means for storing total points based on the operation results of the above-mentioned point awarding means and the above-mentioned point deduction means. Moreover, the present embodiment is also different in that: in addition to satisfying the conditions required in the gaming machine according to the above-mentioned first embodiment, and the points stored by the above-mentioned point storage means are also equal to or greater than the points to be deducted by the above-mentioned point deduction means Points, the above speed modification switch becomes operable. This will be illustrated using a flowchart.

9 to 10 are flowcharts showing subroutines executed in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that when the same processing as in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is performed, the same step numbers are used, and a detailed description of the steps for performing the same processing is omitted.

First, as shown in the game execution processing routine 1 in FIG. 9, in steps S10 to S20, the same processing as in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is executed.

In other words, the processing of steps S10 to S15 is performed, and in step S16, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a predetermined duration has elapsed. In step S17, the sub-drum is stopped. In step S18, it is determined whether or not the duration for which the rotation speed modifying switch 101 is permitted to be operated has elapsed. Further, the CPU 41 determines in step S19 whether the rotational speed modification switch 101 is operated, and determines in step S20 whether there is a specific effect on the sub-spool.

When there is a specific effect on the sub-reel, the CPU 41 then determines whether the points (P) stored in the RAM 43 by the point storage means (point counter) according to steps S53 and S55 of the previous game are equal to or greater than the determined value (A ), in other words, whether there is P≥A (step S50). Note that the processing in steps S53 and S55 is described below.

When the number of points (P) stored in the points storage device is not equal to or greater than the determined value (A), in other words, when the determined number of points (P) is less than the determined value (A), it is necessary to invalidate the operation of the rotational speed modification switch 101 , thereby clearing the rotational speed modification flag, and advancing the process to step S22.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of points (P) stored in the number of points counter is equal to or greater than the determination value (A), the CPU 41 then modifies the rotation speed of the main drum 3 to "low-speed rotation" based on the rotation speed modification flag (step S21) . In other words, the CPU 41 sends a control signal to modify the interval between pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, and 59R, and thereby reduce the rotation of the main drum 3 to a low speed. In the above case, there is a specific effect on the sub reel, and P≧A, and thus observation stop becomes easy, and winning for a specific inner winning combination symbol easily occurs.

Next, the CPU 41 deducts "A" points from the point (P) stored in the point counter, in other words, P=P-A, and stores the value in the point counter as a price for modifying the rotational speed of the main drum in (step S51).

Subsequent processing from step S22 to step S41 is performed similarly in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

In step S41 in the game execution processing routine 2 shown in FIG. 10, after configuring the settings for returning to the normal rotational speed of the main reel 3, the CPU 41 then determines whether or not an acquisition for the replay combination symbol has occurred. Win (step S52).

In the case of determining that a win for the replay combination symbol has occurred, the CPU 41 then adds the point "a" won for the replay combination symbol to the point (P) in the point counter, and stores the result (step S53) . In other words, the number of points in the point counter becomes P=P+a.

On the other hand, in the case of determining that winning for the replay combination symbol has not occurred, or after the point number in the point counter has become P=P+a, the CPU 41 then determines whether a small combination symbol hit has occurred (step S54).

When determining that a small combined symbol hit has occurred, the CPU 41 then adds the number of points "b" hit for the small combined symbol to the number of points (P) in the point counter (step S55). In other words, the number of points in the point counter becomes P=P+b. The number of points can vary depending on the type of small combo symbol hit and the state of the game. The player memorizes the credits displayed as described above, so that when there is a specific effect on the sub reel in step S20, the player determines whether to operate the rotation speed modification switch. When the processing in step S55 is performed, this subroutine ends.

Next, a brief description will be given of a method of playing the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. First, the player performs an operation such as inserting a coin. Thereafter, the player then operates the activation lever to activate the rotation of the main reel and the sub reel. Once the primary and secondary reels have started to rotate and a predetermined duration has elapsed, the secondary reels stop at symbols representing predetermined effect patterns such as those shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C .

When the effect symbol is displayed as a specific effect as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11C , the player checks the point P displayed in the point display section 201 of the display panel.

The point P is incremented by "a" or "b" depending on the small combined symbol hit or the like, and when the rotation speed modification switch is used to slow down the speed of the main reel, the point P thus represents the current point after deduction of A. If the number of points P is less than A, then the rotational speed of the main drum cannot be reduced. On the other hand, if P is equal to or greater than A, the rotational speed modification switch can be operated to reduce the rotational speed of the main drum.

When the point P is equal to or greater than A, a player who believes that this means a high probability of hitting a specific hit combination symbol inside, and a player who wants to stop and display his desired symbol, or a novice, will operate the rotation speed modification switch.

In cases where the above effect indicates that a particular hit combination symbol has been hit internally, operation of the RPM modification switch reduces the RPM of the main reel. Thereby, the player can more easily perform an observation stop, and can arrange a plurality of symbols (hit combination symbols) he desires.

The gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention is constituted as described above. Therefore, for example, only when the value after adding the points awarded when the so-called replay combination symbols or small combination symbols hit is greater than the points to be deducted when the above-mentioned rotation speed modification switch is operated, the rotation speed modification switch can be operated. Therefore, the rotational speed modifying switch cannot always be operated to slow down the rotational speed of the main drum. This makes it necessary for each player to judge the proper timing of operating the speed modification switch. Therefore, the game content becomes changed, and the fun of the game can be enjoyed more.

[Third embodiment]

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine according to the third embodiment is a slot machine in which the games described in the first and second embodiments are applied to a bonus game.

The gaming machine according to the third embodiment has a lot in common with the gaming machine according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and the second embodiment shown in FIGS. A detailed description of what is in common. Only the differences are described in detail. Among them, FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. That is, the slot machine 300 according to the present embodiment is equipped with the cabinet 312 and the main door 350 .

The player-facing surface of the cabinet 312 is opened, and the cabinet 312 is installed at a given position in the casino, for example. In the cabinet 312, there are: a control device to be described later, which is used to electrically control the slot machine 300; control; and various other constituent structures.

The main door 350 is a structure that covers the inside of the cabinet 312 so as not to be exposed to the outside. The main door 350 is hinged on the left side as viewed from the front of the cabinet 312 . The hinged portion serves as a supporting point, and the main door 350 can be rotated back and forth so as to be freely opened and closed. A liquid crystal display device 330 is provided approximately at the center of the main door 350 .

The liquid crystal display device 330 is a device for displaying various symbols related to the game, including effect images, images providing information, and the like. The player observes various images displayed on the liquid crystal display device 330 while playing. The liquid crystal display device 330 is equipped with a transparent liquid crystal panel. In the liquid crystal panel, part or all of the panel can be switched between transparent/opaque states (switching is determined according to whether the liquid crystal display device 330 is driven). The liquid crystal display device 330 also makes it possible to display various images.

On the rear surface side of the liquid crystal display device 330, there are provided three mechanical main reels lined up side by side, and various types of symbols are arranged on the outer circumference of each main reel. Furthermore, on the right side thereof, there is provided a mechanical sub-reel which is provided to be rotatable, and various types of symbols different from those on the main reel are arranged on the outer periphery thereof. When the liquid crystal display panel is in a transparent state, various symbols on each mechanical reel (main reel and sub-reel) can be observed. The construction of each mechanical drum (main drum and sub-drum) is basically similar to that of each mechanical drum (main drum and sub-drum) in the above-mentioned first embodiment, so the description is omitted here. its detailed description. Note that the slot machine of the present invention is not limited to three main reels and one sub reel; the number pattern can be modified as necessary.

A substantially horizontal console 328 is provided below the liquid crystal display device 330 . A coin slot 331 for inserting coins into the slot machine 300 is provided on the right side of the console 328 . On the other hand, on the left side of the console 328 is provided a bet switch 322 to be described later for selecting the amount of coins to bet on the active line. A rotary repeat bet switch 324 is also provided for re-executing the game without any modification to the number of coins bet on the above-mentioned active line in the previous game. By judging whether the bet switch 322 or the repeat bet switch 324 is pressed/operated, the number of coins to be bet on the above-mentioned activation line is determined.

In the console 328 described above, a start switch 332 is provided on the left side of the bet switch 322 . Depression/operation of the start switch 332 or the spin repeat bet switch 324 acts as a trigger to start the game, and the rotation of the above-mentioned three mechanical reels is started in a predetermined pattern.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned console 328 , a payout switch 336 is provided near the coin slot 331 . When the player presses/operates the payout switch 336 , the inserted coin is paid out from the payout port 338 opened on the directly lower portion of the door 350 . The paid out coins are collected in the coin container 340 . Above the coin container 340 , on the left and right sides of the coin payout port 338 , speakers 342 for transmitting sound effects from speakers placed inside the cabinet 312 to the outside of the cabinet 312 are provided.

Note that although omitted from the figure, various display sections including a payout amount display section, a deposited amount display section (a pooled amount display section) and a bet amount are provided at predetermined positions on the door 350. Display section.

In addition, in this slot machine 300, five paylines L1 (corresponding to the center line 8a in FIG. 1 ), L2 (corresponding to the top line in FIG. 8b), L3 (corresponding to bottom line 8c in FIG. 1 ), L4 (corresponding to lower crossing line 8d in FIG. 1 ), and L5 (corresponding to upper crossing line 8e in FIG. 1 ). The display patterns of these paylines L1 to L5 are substantially similar to each of the lines 8a to 8e in the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

In addition, in this slot machine 300, on the console 328, there are provided the rotation speed switch 301 and the stop switches 307L, 307C, 307R, which are the same as the rotation speed switch 101 and the stop switches 7L, 7C, 307R in the first embodiment described above. 7R is similar.

The speed switch 301 and the stop switches 307L, 307C, 307R have functions similar to those of the speed switch 101 and the stop switches 7L, 7C, 7R. Therefore, its detailed description is omitted. However, in this slot machine 300, the operations of the rotation speed switch 301 and the stop switches 307L, 307C, 307R are activated after switching to the bonus game. In normal play, they are inactive. This is different from the rotational speed switch 101 and the stop switches 7L, 7C, 7R described above. In other words, in this respect, the slot machine 300 is very different from the slot machines according to the first and second embodiments described above. Note that the rotational speed switch 301 and the stop switches 307L, 307C, 307R are not limited to the pattern shown in FIG. 12 . They may be placed at other locations on the cabinet 312 . In addition, it goes without saying that they may be touch panels displayed on the transparent display panel of the liquid crystal display device 330 .

Note that only a part of the display screen of the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device 330 may be designed as an area for switching between transparent/opaque states. In addition, the entire display screen can also be designed as an area for switching between transparent/opaque states.

The control device of the present slot machine 300 is basically constituted in a manner similar to the control device shown in FIG. 3 (or the control device shown in FIG. 8). However, only in the bonus game, the following signals are determined to be valid: an instruction signal for modifying the rotational speed output when the rotational speed switch 301 is pressed/operated; and an output signal when the stop switches 307L, 307C, 307R are pressed/operated drum stop signal. Furthermore, in the control device 12 shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 , input signals for the speakers 21L, 21R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are input from the I/O port 48 of the main control circuit 81 via the sub control circuit 82 . However, the control device of this slot machine 300 is not equipped with a sub-control circuit. Thus, the signal from the I/O port of the main control circuit 81 is directly input to the speaker and the liquid crystal display device 330 .

13 and 14 show a main processing routine for controlling the slot machine 300, which is executed by the control device of the present slot machine 300 described above.

Referring to FIG. 13, in the main processing routine, first, the CPU of the control device determines whether there is a remaining credit (which is the remaining number of inserted coins) (step S101). Specifically, the CPU reads out the number of remaining C stored in the RAM, and performs the above-described determining operation based on the read-out number of remaining C.

Going to step S102, the CPU determines whether the rotary repeat bet switch 324 is pressed/operated (step S102). In a case where the spin repeat bet switch 324 is pressed and an operation signal is input from the switch 324, the CPU advances the process to step S114. On the other hand, in a case where the operation signal from the rotary repeat bet switch 324 is not input even after the predetermined duration has elapsed, the CPU thus determines that the switch 324 is not pressed, and then advances the process to step S103.

When the process goes to step S103, the game state is set. Specifically, based on the operation of the bet switch 322, the CPU determines the number of coins to bet on the activation lines L1 to L5 in the current game. At this time, the CPU receives an operation signal from the switch 322 due to the operation of the bet switch 322, and the CPU stores the number of bets for the above-mentioned lines L1 to L5 in a specific area of the RAM based on the number of times the reception signal is received. in the storage area. The CPU reads out the stored number C written in the specific storage area on the aforementioned RAM. Based on the read credit count C, the CPU then subtracts the total bet count generated by adding up the above-mentioned bet counts. The subtracted value is then stored in a specific area of RAM.

When the game conditions are set, the CPU then waits for the start switch 332 to be operated (step S104). In a case where the start switch 332 is pressed so that an operation signal is to be input from the start switch 332 , the CPU determines that the start switch 332 is operated, and advances the process to step S105 .

On the other hand, when the process goes to step S114, the CPU determines whether the credit value C is equal to or greater than the total bet amount from the previous game. In a case where it is determined that the above-mentioned credit number C value is lower than the total bet number from the previous game, the game cannot be started, so the CPU ends this routine without performing any processing. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the above credit value C value is equal to or greater than the total bet value from the previous game, the CPU subtracts the total bet value of the previous game from the credit value C value, and stores the deducted value in into a specific memory area of RAM. Then, the CPU advances the process to step S105.

When the process goes to step S105, the CPU executes a process to determine a winning combination symbol by an internal lottery.

When the above-mentioned lottery processing ends, the CPU then advances the processing to step S106.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the process goes to step S106, the CPU starts the rotation of the mechanical main drum. Specifically, the CPU rotates the mechanical reels sequentially or simultaneously based on the symbol arrangement table stored in the RAM.

When the rotation of the mechanical main drum is started, the CPU then waits for a predetermined duration to elapse (step S107). When the predetermined duration has elapsed, the CPU then stops the rotation of each mechanical main drum (step S108).

When the rotation of all the mechanical main reels has stopped, the CPU then determines whether a winning combination symbol has appeared (step S109). Specifically, the CPU performs determination processing based on the state of the win flag. When the winning flag is not turned on, the CPU determines that a winning combination symbol has not appeared, and then terminates the process. On the other hand, when the CPU determines that the winning flag has been turned on, the CPU determines that a winning combination symbol has appeared, and advances the process to step S110.

When the process goes to step S110, the CPU then determines whether the winning combination symbol that has appeared is a combination symbol that allows transfer to the bonus game. Specifically, the CPU performs the above-mentioned determination processing based on the type of the above-mentioned winning flag. In the event that the winning flag that has been turned on is a flag indicating that the player wins the transfer to the above-mentioned bonus game, the CPU determines that the winning combination does indicate the transfer to the bonus game, and then shifts the process to step S111. On the other hand, under the situation that the winning flag that has been turned on is not a flag indicating that the player wins the transfer to the above-mentioned bonus game, the CPU determines that the winning combination is a winning combination symbol other than the bonus game transfer, and transfers the process to Step S113.

When transferring the process to step S111, the CPU then pays out the number of coins corresponding to the combined symbols allowed to enter the above-mentioned bonus game in a predetermined manner.

When the payout triggered by the combined symbol allowing entry into the bonus game is completed, the CPU then executes bonus game processing (step S112). The bonus game is, for example, a game (free game) in which a predetermined number of rounds can be played without betting coins. This embodiment is set, for example, so that 15 free games can be played. When executing processing for the bonus game, the CPU first activates the rotation speed switch 301 and the stop switches 307L, 307C, 307R. And, the CPU reads out the credit number C written in the predetermined storage area on the above-mentioned RAM, and adds the number of coins determined by winning the bonus ("BONUS") symbol to this value, and then adds the The total value is stored in a predetermined storage area of RAM. The CPU then reads the bonus game lottery table and winning combination table stored in the ROM, and then writes the read lottery table and winning combination table on the base game lottery table and winning combination table stored in the aforementioned predetermined storage area of the RAM. Bonus game raffle table and winning combination table. In the above-mentioned bonus game lottery table, the hit probability of combination symbols is set higher than that in the above-mentioned base game lottery table. The CPU stores data representing a predetermined number of bonus games ("15" in this embodiment) into a predetermined storage area of the RAM (this corresponds to setting the number of bonus games N in step S201 to be described later). deal with). Therefore, when the bonus game is started, for example, the player looks forward to playing a game in which winning combination symbols are likely to appear in 15 rounds, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

When the processing of the bonus game ends, the CPU ends the main processing routine.

On the other hand, when the process goes to step S113, the CPU pays out the number of coins corresponding to combination symbols other than the above-mentioned winning combination symbols allowed to enter the above-mentioned bonus game in a given manner.

When the payout for the winning combination symbols other than the winning combination symbols allowed to enter the bonus game is completed, the CPU then ends the main processing routine.

Note that in each payment process described above, the amount of coins that must be paid out is stored as a credit. However, a payout command may be issued to the hopper drive circuit so that coins are actually paid out from the payout port 338 via the hopper.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, in the bonus game processing routine, the CPU first sets the bonus game number N as described above (step S201).

When the bonus game number N is set, the CPU performs processing to determine a winning combination symbol by an internal lottery (step S202).

Next, when the process goes to step S203, the CPU rotates the respective mechanical main reels sequentially or simultaneously based on the symbol arrangement table stored in the aforementioned RAM.

Then, each processing explained in steps S16 to S27 in the first embodiment above is executed, and control for modifying the processing of the rotation speed of the mechanical main drum is executed, since this part is similar to the description of the first embodiment above, Therefore, its detailed description is omitted.

When the rotation of all the mechanical main reels is stopped, the CPU determines whether a winning combination symbol has appeared based on the state of the winning flag (step S206). With the win flag turned on, the CPU determines that a winning combination symbol has indeed occurred. Then, the CPU calculates the number of coin payouts corresponding to the winning combination symbols, and pays out the calculated number of coins in a given manner (step S207).

Next, the CPU executes processing to restore the normal rotational speeds of the respective mechanical main drums (step S41), and since this processing is similar to the description of step S41 given in the first embodiment, its description is omitted.

Detailed description.

Then, the CPU advances the process to step S208. On the other hand, in the case where the winning flag is not turned on, the CPU determines that the winning combination symbol does not appear. The CPU then shifts the processing to step S41 without executing the above-described payment processing, and then executes the processing in step S208.

When transferring the process to step S208, the CPU decreases the number N of bonus games.

When the number N of bonus games is reduced, the CPU determines whether or not the number N of bonus games remains. In a case where any bonus game number N remains, the CPU returns the process to step S202 and executes lottery processing. On the other hand, in the case where there is no bonus game number N remaining, the CPU deactivates the rotation speed switch 301 and the stop switches 307L, 307C, 307R (step S210), and then terminates the bonus game processing routine.

Note that in the above-described payment processing, the number of coins that should be paid out is stored as credit. A payout command can be sent to the coin hopper driving circuit, so that coins are actually paid out from the payout port 338 via the coin hopper.

Also, it goes without saying that various well-known free game contents can be used as the contents of the free game presented as the bonus game.

Note that the above-described third embodiment has been described based on the first embodiment. However, the configuration of this embodiment can also be based on the second embodiment equipped with point storage means and point deduction means.

Also, in the third embodiment described above, whether or not a winning combination symbol has appeared is determined based on the timing of pressing/operation of the stop switches 307L, 307C, and 307R in the bonus game. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the appearance of winning combination symbols is not controlled by the timing of pressing/operating the stop switches 307L, 307C, and 307R. The kill switches 307L, 307C, and 307R may simply act as dummy parts, with the winning combination symbols determined entirely by the internal lottery.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the main drum and the sub drum are constituted as mechanical drums. However, they may also be constituted as so-called video slot reels displayed on the screen of the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device 330 or the like.

The gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention is constituted as described above. Therefore, for example, the rotation speed modification switch may be operated to slow down the rotation speed of the main reel only when the effect on the above-mentioned sub reel or the like in the bonus game indicates that the internal win probability is high for a specific hit combination symbol. At this time, the probability of arranging the desired symbol combination increases, and the possibility of winning coins in the bonus game increases, so that the player's sense of expectation for the bonus game can be further enhanced, thereby improving the effect.

Note that the gaming machine of the present invention has been explained on a case-by-case basis based on the gaming machine according to each of the first, second, and third embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned plurality of gaming machines, as long as the configuration and effects of the present invention can be exhibited.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, the description is made on the case that there is one sub-drum, but the number of sub-drums is not limited. There may be two or more sub-drums. In addition, the number of dots can be displayed on a liquid crystal device.

The timing of operating the rotational speed modifying switch may be before operating the start switch. In this case, the player operates the rotation speed modification switch based on the effect display from the previous game, so the CPU also determines whether the operation to change the rotation speed is valid based on the effect display from the previous game.

In addition, the conditions that allow modification of the rotation speed of the above-mentioned main reel are not limited to the display pattern of the sub-reel. It is also possible to set up condition setting means other than the sub-drum. For example, a light or the like may be provided at a certain position (a position where the player can see, for example, on the front panel or on the top surface of the cabinet) located in the cabinet of the game machine, and when the light or the like is set at a predetermined timing or by The condition may be met when a predetermined color lights up or flashes. Furthermore, the condition can also be satisfied when a predetermined symbol is displayed on a screen of a liquid crystal display device or the like.

In addition, the modification of the rotational speed of the main drum is not limited to two stages, but can be set to three or more stages. Also, the above-mentioned points to be consumed can be set in multiple levels, and the points to be consumed can be appropriately applied. Also, an instruction pattern (an instruction signal that can be sensed visually, auditorily, etc.) as a prerequisite for consumption of points may be any type of pattern.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-040648 filed on February 17, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims (8)

1. A gaming machine, comprising: a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer peripheries of the plurality of reels; a rotation stop instruction input unit for giving an instruction to stop rotation of the plurality of drums; and a rotational speed modification instruction input unit for modifying the rotational speeds of the plurality of drums when a predetermined condition is satisfied, Wherein, the rotational speed modification instruction input unit can be operated by a player of the game machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a condition determination reel separate from said plurality of reels, wherein said predetermined condition is satisfied based on the condition determination reel on the reel. Display pattern to determine. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition occurring during the bonus game. 4. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the game during the bonus game is a free game. 5. The game machine according to claim 1, Wherein, the plurality of drums are a plurality of main drums, the rotation stop instruction input unit is a stop switch, and The rotation speed modification instruction input unit is a rotation speed modification switch set in such a way that the player can operate it, Wherein, the game machine also includes a secondary reel, on the outer periphery of which a plurality of symbols for producing effects are arranged, Wherein, the rotational speed modification switch becomes operable when the stopped/displayed symbol on the sub-drum shows a specific effect. 6. The gaming machine of claim 5, further comprising: A point reward unit for rewarding a predetermined number of points when a predetermined condition is met; a point deduction unit for deducting a predetermined number of points when the rotational speed modification switch is operated; and a point storage unit for storing total points based on the operation results of the point reward unit and the point deduction unit, Wherein, the rotational speed modification switch becomes operable when the points stored by the point storage unit are equal to or greater than the points to be deducted by the point deduction unit. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the points to be deducted by the point deduction unit are divided into a plurality of levels. 8. A method for playing a game using a game machine, wherein the game machine is provided with: a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the outer circumference; a rotation stop instruction input unit for giving issuing an instruction to stop the rotation of the plurality of drums; and a rotation speed modification instruction input unit for modifying the rotation speed of the plurality of drums when a predetermined condition is satisfied, Among them, the method includes: A rotation speed modification instruction input step, in which a rotation speed modification instruction input is performed by a player of the game machine.

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