JP2008048851A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a player notice that game information is reported. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine stores the game information (ON/OFF of a bonus flag or the like) relating to a game, and indirectly reports the stored game information by delaying the reaction of BET buttons 9a, 9b and 9c. When the prescribed number of times of games are consumed after the game information is reported by the BET buttons, it is suggested to the player that the game information is reported by the BET buttons by a liquid crystal display device 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  In gaming machines such as pachislot machines and pachinko machines, various gaming states are generated or valuable values such as medals are paid out based on the result of lottery by an internal computer. The lottery by the internal computer is performed based on a preset probability.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a game machine that informs a player of the probability of occurrence of a special game in a gaming machine that allows a player to play a special game that is more advantageous than a normal game based on a pre-set winning probability. A gaming machine is disclosed that allows a player to fully enjoy the fun of gaming. According to Patent Document 1, the player can know the standard of the winning probability of the special game, so that it can be used as a selection criterion for the gaming machine, and the expectation for the special game is increased, and the fun of the game is increased. Can be fully enjoyed.

JP 2006-043484 A

  However, although there exists a gaming machine that notifies game information in various modes as in Patent Document 1, this notification mode is not a direct notification but an indirect notification. For this reason, since there is a difference in the knowledge amount of this notification mode between skilled players and non-skilled players, it is not noticed that the game information has been notified, and the difference in value that can be acquired is even greater. There is a risk of becoming.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can make a player aware that game information has been notified.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides a valuable value payout means for paying out a valuable value based on a game result, a game information storage means for storing game information related to a game, and indirectly storing the stored game information. Information that informs the player that the game information is notified by the game information notification means when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the game information is notified by the game information notification means and the game information notification means. And suggestion means.

  According to this configuration, if the predetermined condition is satisfied after the game information is indirectly notified to the player, it is suggested to the player that the game information is notified. Thus, even if the player is informed of the game information indirectly and is not aware of it, the player can be notified that the game information is being notified. It may be possible for a person to be aware of that. As a result, the player may be able to acquire more valuable value by grasping the game information.

  The present invention also provides a counting means for counting the number of unit games after the game information is notified by the game information notifying means, and a number determining means for determining whether or not the number of unit games is a predetermined number or more. The predetermined condition is a case where the number of unit games is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

  According to this configuration, when the game information is indirectly notified and then a predetermined number of unit games are digested, it is suggested that the game information is notified to the player. Thereby, even if the player plays a game without noticing that the game information has been notified, it may be noticed if the player plays the game a predetermined number of times. Therefore, it may be possible to provide a gaming machine that can give more profit to a player who plays more games.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The WIN lamp 17 is lit when a BB or RB winning is established. The medal insertion lamp 24 blinks when the medal insertion is acceptable. The game start display lamp 25 is lit when at least one of the pay lines 8a to 8e is activated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The protective glass 52 and the display board 53 are comprised with the transparent member. On the display board 53, a pattern or the like is formed at a position corresponding to the above-described BET lamps 9a to 9c. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is formed is the pattern formation area 51b of the front panel 51, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is not formed is the display window 51a of the front panel 51. (See FIG. 2). The entire surface of the front panel 51 may be used as the display window 51a without forming the pattern forming region 51b on the front panel 51. In this case, a pattern is not formed on the display board 53 or the display board 53 may be omitted. Note that various lamps arranged on the back side of the display plate 53, electric circuits for operating various display units, and the like are not shown.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Liquid crystal display device: display contents)
Next, display contents displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 configured as described above will be described. Although not shown in particular, the liquid crystal display device 5 displays an effect image by a character or the like. Further, below the display window 51a, below the visually recognized reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, an image that suggests that game information has been notified to the player separately from the effect image by the character or the like. Is displayed. In the present embodiment, when the BB or RB bonus is internally won, the response when the BET buttons 11 and 12 are operated is delayed. As a result, the player is informed that the bonus has been won internally. The slow response of the BET button means that after the BET button is pressed, the winning line is activated, the start lever 6 can be accepted, or the number of medals displayed on the credit display unit 19 It means that the time until it is reduced is slow. The internal winning means that the CPU 31 draws a winning combination that can be established, and the winning winning combination is called an internal winning combination. When BB or RB is won internally, the player is in a state of winning until BB or RB is won (so-called bonus carryover). These will be described in detail later.

  Then, when a predetermined number of games (5 times in the present embodiment) are digested in a state where the bonus is won internally, as shown in FIG. 2A, “BET button response is slow?” A character image (hereinafter referred to as a first notification image) is displayed. As a result, the player is indirectly informed that the game information has been notified by the reaction of the BET button being delayed. Then, when the predetermined number of games (10 times in the present embodiment) are digested, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), a character image (hereinafter referred to as the second image) Is called a notification image). As a result, the player can directly notice that the bonus has been won internally.

(Electric configuration of gaming machine: main control circuit)
As shown in FIG. 5, the operation of the gaming machine 1 is controlled by a main control circuit 71 provided on the main board and a sub control circuit 72 provided on the sub board. The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are main board side storage means.

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

  As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

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

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

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

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in accordance with the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 47 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 44 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

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

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

  The sub microcomputer 73 includes a sub CPU 74 that performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71, a program ROM 75 serving as a sub board-side storage unit, and a work RAM 76. The sub control circuit 72 does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the sub CPU 74. The program ROM 75 stores a control program such as the processing routine shown in FIG. 10 executed by the sub CPU 74, a table used in the processing routine, and the like. The work RAM 76 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the control program is executed by the sub CPU 74, and stores, for example, the number of games, a bonus flag, and the like.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Main routine)
First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (A1). Specifically, initialization of the storage contents of the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, and the like are performed. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased (A2). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33, the start address of the sequence program for the next game, etc. I do.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs medal insertion processing (A3). As will be described in detail later, in this process, a standby state is entered until there is an input from the inserted medal sensor 22S or the BET switches 11S and 12S. Thereafter, a medal insertion signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and it is determined whether or not the start switch 6S is turned on by operating the start lever 6 (A4).

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

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

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

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

  Thereafter, a game state transition process described later is executed to set the game state of the next game (A13). And it returns to A2 and repeats the said operation | movement.

(Medal insertion process routine)
Next, the medal insertion process will be described. When the initialization at the end of the game of A2 is completed in the main routine of FIG. 7, the CPU 31 executes a medal insertion process shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the BET buttons 11 and 12 have been operated (B1). If the BET buttons 11 and 12 are not operated (B1: NO), it is determined whether or not a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 (B5). If no medal is inserted (B5: NO), the process returns to B1. If a medal is inserted (B5: YES), that is, when a signal is received from the inserted medal sensor 22S, the insertion process is performed (B6). Specifically, the winning line is validated according to the number of medals inserted into the medal slot 15, and the operation of the start lever 6 can be accepted. Further, a medal insertion signal is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72. Then, this routine is terminated, and the process proceeds to A4 of the main routine in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the BET buttons 11 and 12 are operated (B1: YES), it is determined whether or not the bonus flag is on (B2). The bonus flag is a flag for determining whether the BB or RB has been won internally or whether the BB or RB has won the internal winning combination. If the bonus flag is on (B2: YES), the system waits for a predetermined time (B3). Then, BET button operation processing is performed (B4). Specifically, when the 1-BET button 11 is pressed, one or two medals are bet on the game from the credited medals. Then, one or three winning lines are activated. When the maximum BET button 12 is pressed, three medals are bet on the game from the credited medals. Then, 5 winning lines are activated. At this time, a medal insertion signal is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72. Then, this routine is terminated, and the process proceeds to A4 of the main routine in FIG.

  As described above, when the BET button 11 or 12 is operated when the bonus flag is ON, the medals that have been credited do not react for a certain period of time (for example, 2 seconds) after the operation, and a certain amount of credited medals are received. It is thrown.

  On the other hand, if the bonus flag is not on (B2: NO), the BET buttons 11 and 12 are operated (B4), and this routine is terminated. Then, the process proceeds to A4 of the main routine in FIG. That is, when the bonus flag is not turned on, the BET buttons 11 and 12 are operated to react immediately.

(Game state transition processing routine)
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the gaming state transition processing routine will be described. When the process of A12 of the main routine is completed, it is first determined whether or not the winning combination is “BB” as shown in FIG. 9 (C1). When the winning combination is BB (C1: YES), that is, when “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” are arranged on the active line, the gaming state of the next game is changed. The BB general gaming state is set (C2). If the BB flag is on, the BB flag is turned off (C3). Then, this routine is terminated, and the process returns to A2 of the main routine.

  If the winning combination is not BB (C1: NO), it is next determined whether or not the winning combination is RB (C4). When the winning combination is RB (C4: YES), that is, when “Red 7-Red 7-Blue 7” is aligned on the active line, the gaming state of the next game is set to the RB gaming state (C5), and RB If the flag is on, the RB flag is turned off (C6). Then, this routine is terminated, and the process returns to A2 of the main routine.

  On the other hand, when the winning combination is not RB (C4: NO), it is determined whether the internal winning combination is “BB” or “RB” (C7). When the internal winning combination is “BB” or “RB” (C7: YES), the BB flag or the RB flag is turned on (C8), and the process proceeds to B9. On the other hand, when the internal winning combination is not “BB” or “RB” (C7: NO), the process proceeds to C9.

  In B9, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (C9). If the gaming state is not “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (C9: NO), this routine is terminated and the process returns to A2 of the main routine. When the game state is “BB general game state” or “RB game state” (C9: YES), “game number check process” of bonus (BB, RB) is performed (C10). In this “game number check process”, the number of times the RB gaming state has occurred, the number of games in the BB general gaming state, the number of winnings in the RB gaming state, and the number of games in the RB gaming state are checked, and the BB general gaming state and RB Transition (set) of gaming state between gaming states is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the bonus is over (C11). Specifically, after the BB winning is established, whether the number of wins is 8 or the number of games is 12 in the third RB gaming state, or is the number of games is 30 in the BB general gaming state Determine whether or not. In addition, after “RB7-Red 7-Blue 7” is arranged along the active line, after the RB winning is established, whether or not the number of winnings is 8 times or the number of games is 12 times in the RB gaming state. Is determined. As a result, when it is determined that the bonus is not finished (C11: NO), this routine is finished and the process returns to A2 of the main routine. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus is over (C11: YES), a bonus end signal is output to the sub-control circuit 72 (C12), this routine is terminated, and the process returns to A2 of the main routine.

(Operation of sub control circuit)
Next, the control operation of the sub control circuit 72 will be described. The sub CPU 74 of the sub control circuit 72 controls the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image such as a character, or controls the speakers 21L and 21R to output an effect sound. 10 is executed.

  When the sub CPU 74 receives the game start signal from the main control circuit 71, the sub CPU 74 executes the processing routine shown in FIG. 10, and first determines whether or not the bonus flag is on (S1). This bonus flag is stored in the work RAM 76, and is switched on / off each time an internal winning signal or a winning signal is received from the main control circuit 71. If the bonus flag is on (S1: YES), the number of games stored in the work RAM 76 is counted up (S2), and it is determined whether the number of games has reached 5 (S3).

  When the number of games has reached 5 (S3: YES), the first notification image shown in FIG. 2A is displayed (S4), and this routine ends. By displaying the first notification image, the player can grasp that the response of the BET button is intentionally slow and can grasp that something of the game is related. On the other hand, if the number of games is not 5 (S3: NO), it is next determined whether or not the number of games is 10 (S5). If the number of games is not 10 (S5: NO), this routine is terminated. When the number of games reaches 10 (S5: YES), the second image is displayed (S6) as shown in FIG. 2B, and this routine is terminated. By displaying the second image, the player can grasp that the bonus (BB or RB) can be won.

  On the other hand, if the bonus flag is not on (S1: NO), the number of games is reset (S7), and this routine is terminated.

  That is, when the bonus flag is turned on, it is informed that the bonus is internally won (including carryover) by delaying the reaction of the BET buttons 11 and 12, but the bonus flag is on, When five games are digested, the player is made aware that the game information is indirectly notified. And if 10 games are further digested in the state, game information will be notified directly. As described above, even if the game information is indirectly notified to the player, the player may not be aware of it, so that the player can be aware of it step by step.

(Outline of this embodiment)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, based on the game result, valuable value payout means (hopper 40, CPU 31, etc.) for paying out valuable value (medals etc.) and game information (bonus flag information) related to the game Game information is notified by game information storage means (work RAM 76, etc.) that stores information such as on / off, game information notification means (BET button 11) that indirectly notifies the stored game information, and game information notification means. When the predetermined condition is established (digestion of the predetermined number of games), information suggestion means (such as the liquid crystal display device 5) that suggests to the player that the game information is notified by the game information notification means It is configured to have.

  According to this configuration, if the predetermined condition is satisfied after the game information is indirectly notified to the player, it is suggested to the player that the game information is notified. Thus, even if the player is informed of the game information indirectly and is not aware of it, the player can be notified that the game information is being notified. It may be possible for a person to be aware of that. As a result, the player may be able to acquire more valuable value by grasping the game information.

  In the present embodiment, the counting means (such as the sub CPU 74) for counting the number of unit games after the game information is notified by the game information notifying means, and whether the number of unit games is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. And a number of times determination means (sub CPU 74 or the like) for determining whether or not the predetermined condition is when the number of unit games is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

  According to this configuration, when the game information is indirectly notified and then a predetermined number of unit games are digested, it is suggested that the game information is notified to the player. Thereby, even if the player plays a game without noticing that the game information has been notified, it may be noticed if the player plays the game a predetermined number of times. Therefore, it may be possible to provide a gaming machine that can give more profit to a player who plays more games.

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

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, information on ON / OFF of the bonus flag is notified, but game information to be notified is not limited to this. For example, you may make it alert | report the setting value of the setting switch which sets the winning probability at the time of determining an internal winning in six steps. Specifically, the notification that the setting value is “2” if the response time of the BET button is associated with the setting switch and the time from the operation of the BET button to the response is 2 seconds. It is good also as an aspect.

  In addition, the method of notifying the game information is not only informed by the reaction time of the BET button, but may be informed of the game information, for example, at the timing when a medal is paid out. Specifically, by controlling the hopper 40 and paying out medals at intervals of 1 second, it may be notified that the bonus is won internally. In this case, when a predetermined number of games have been consumed with the bonus flag turned on, characters such as “Is the medals paid out late?” Are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5, and the player is given a game. You may make it notice that the information is alert | reported.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, it is suggested that the game information is notified to the player in two stages, but even if it is suggested in two or more stages. Good. For example, if the bonus flag is on and a predetermined number of games have been consumed, the message “Isn't the operation response of any button slow?” Is displayed, followed by “Please pay attention to the BET button. Or the like. Thus, the player gradually understands how the game information is notified and what is notified. Thus, a player who is unfamiliar with the game can use a manual for understanding the effects of the gaming machine.

The perspective view of the game machine of an Example. (A) The front view of the liquid crystal display device with which the 1st alerting | reporting image was displayed. (B) The front view of the liquid crystal display device with which the 2nd alerting | reporting image was displayed. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid crystal display device. It is an expanded view of a part structure of a liquid crystal display device. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of an Example. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of the sub control circuit shown in FIG. The figure which shows the flowchart of a main routine. The figure which shows the flowchart of a medal insertion process routine. The figure which shows the flowchart of a game state transfer process routine. The figure which shows the flowchart of the step alerting | reporting process routine which shows the operation content of a sub control board.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Cabinet 2a Panel display part 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 5 Liquid crystal display device 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 10 Base part 11 1-BET button 12 Maximum BET button 14 C / P button 15 Medal payout exit 16 Medal receiving part 21L, 21R Speaker 22 Medal slot

Claims (2)

Based on the result of the game, a valuable value payout means for paying out the valuable value,
Game information storage means for storing game information relating to the game;
Game information notification means for indirectly reporting the stored game information;
An information suggesting means for suggesting to the player that the game information is notified by the game information notifying means when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the game information is notified by the game information notifying means; A gaming machine characterized by Counting means for counting the number of unit games after the game information is notified by the game information notification means;
A number-of-times determining means for determining whether or not the number of unit games is a predetermined number or more,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the number of unit games is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

Images