JP2010029417A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of enhancing a player's sense of expectancy for the play by making the player easily recognize whether the game state is advantageous or not to the player. <P>SOLUTION: A main control circuit (71) of the Pachislot machine (1) determines an internal winning combination from a plurality of predetermined winning combinations, and determines the start delay time based on the determined kind of the internal winning combination. The start of variable display in reels 3L, 3C and 3R is delayed based on the determined start delay time. A subordinate control circuit (72) varies the presentation image displayed in a liquid crystal display device (5) according to the start delay time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine.

  Conventionally, it is detected that a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface, a game medal, a coin, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a “medal, etc.”) and a start lever is operated by a player, A start switch that requests the start of rotation of a plurality of reels and a stop button provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels are detected by the player, and the stop of rotation of the corresponding reel is requested. A stop switch that outputs a signal, a stepping motor that is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels, and that transmits each driving force to each reel, and a stepping motor based on the signals output by the start switch and the stop switch A reel control unit that controls the operation of each reel and rotates and stops each reel, and the start lever is operated. Is detected, the lottery is performed based on the random number value, and the reel rotation is stopped based on the result of the lottery (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and the timing at which the stop button is detected. A game machine called pachislot is known.

In such a gaming machine, a gaming machine has been proposed in which a plurality of gaming states with different degrees of advantage for a player are provided, and the start of reel rotation is delayed in accordance with the shifted gaming state (for example, a patent Reference 1). According to this gaming machine, the player can recognize that the start of reel rotation has been delayed and can recognize whether or not the current gaming state is advantageous to the player.
JP 2005-204834 A

  However, in such a gaming machine, it is necessary to experience and recognize the delay in the start of rotation of the reel, but since the delay in the start of rotation of the reel is very short, depending on the player, It was difficult to grasp the difference. In addition, a gaming machine is also provided that notifies the difference in the delay in starting the rotation of the reel by sound, but the game hall is noisy with a game sound, a notification sound, etc., and it is not possible to grasp this difference in delay by sound. It was difficult. Therefore, there is a need to provide a gaming machine that can easily grasp the delay in the start of reel rotation.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of recognizing whether or not it is an advantageous state for a player by easily grasping the delay in starting the rotation of the reel, and increasing the expectation for the game. That is.

  The present invention provides the following.

  (1) A plurality of reels (for example, 3L, 3C, and 3R described later) in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on each peripheral surface, and a symbol that displays a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel. A game display command having a display area (for example, display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R described later) and a start of a unit game (for example, a single game described later) in response to a start operation signal An internal winning combination is determined from a plurality of predetermined combinations on the condition that a start command means for outputting a command signal (for example, a start switch 6S described later) and a game start command signal are output by the start command means The symbol display on the condition that a game start command signal is output by the internal lottery means (for example, means for performing the processing of S72 of FIG. 26 described later, a main control circuit 71 described later) and the start command means By means Start control means (for example, a motor drive circuit 39 described later, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described later, a main control circuit 71 described later) and the like, and the symbol display according to a stop operation signal. Determined by a stop command means (for example, a stop switch 7S described later) for outputting a stop command signal for commanding stop of symbol variation display by means, a stop command signal output by the stop command means and the internal lottery means Stop control means for stopping the symbol display by the symbol display means based on the internal winning combination (for example, means for performing the processing of S10 in FIG. 24 to be described later, main control circuit 71 to be described later), and the game Start delay control means (for example, described later) for delaying the start of symbol variation display by the start control means for a predetermined time based on the degree of advantage to the user Means for performing the process of S9 in FIG. 24, a main control circuit 71 described later), and effect display means for displaying an effect image relating to the game (for example, a liquid crystal display device 5 described later, a sub-control circuit 72 described later). And an effect image changing means for changing the effect image displayed by the effect display means (for example, corresponding to the delay time of the start of the display of the change of the symbol by the start control means delayed by the start delay control means (for example, 34. A gaming machine comprising: means for performing the processing of S322 in FIG. 34 to be described later; a sub-control circuit 72 to be described later).

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), the start delay control means delays the start of the symbol variation display by the start control means for a predetermined time based on the degree of advantage for the player. Then, the effect image changing means changes the effect image displayed by the effect display means in accordance with the delay time of the start of the variable display of the symbols by the start control means delayed by the start delay control means.

  Thereby, the player can grasp whether or not it is advantageous for the player by visually recognizing the variation display that the start of the variation display is delayed. Moreover, even if it is difficult to grasp the difference in the delay in starting the variable display, the player can easily delay the start of the variable display by visually recognizing the effect image displayed on the effect display means. Can grasp. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of easily grasping the delay of the start of the variable display, thereby recognizing whether or not the player is in an advantageous state, and increasing the player's expectation for the game. Can do.

  (2) In the gaming machine described in (1), the start delay control unit is configured to start the symbol variation display by the start control unit based on the type of the internal winning combination determined by the internal lottery unit. A gaming machine characterized by time delay.

  According to the gaming machine described in (2), the start delay control means delays the start of the symbol variation display by the start control means for a predetermined time based on the type of the internal winning combination determined by the internal lottery means. Therefore, the player can grasp the type determined as the internal winning combination by visually recognizing the variation display that the start of the variation display has been delayed for a predetermined time. Moreover, even if it is difficult to grasp the difference in the delay in starting the variable display, the player can easily delay the start of the variable display by visually recognizing the effect image displayed on the effect display means. Can grasp. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of easily recognizing the delay of the start of the variable display, thereby recognizing the type of the internal winning combination and increasing the player's sense of expectation for the game.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can be made to recognize easily whether it is a player's advantageous state, and the expectation with respect to a game can be raised.

[Functional flow of pachislot]
Embodiments according to the gaming machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the functional flow of the gaming machine (hereinafter, pachislot) 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

  When a medal is inserted by the player and the start lever 6 is operated, one value (hereinafter referred to as a random value) is extracted from random numbers in a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65535).

  The internal lottery means (main CPU 31 described later) performs lottery based on the extracted random number value and determines an internal winning combination. By determining the internal winning combination, a combination of symbols that permits display along a winning determination line described later is determined. The types of symbol combinations include those related to “winning” in which merits such as paying out medals, re-games, bonuses, etc. are given to players, and other so-called “loses”. Is provided.

  In the start delay time determination process, the start delay time for delaying the start of rotation of the plurality of reels 3L, 3C, 3R is determined by lottery according to the determined type of the internal winning combination. After delaying the start of rotation of the plurality of reels according to the determined start delay time, the plurality of reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated. When the player presses the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, the reel stop control means (the motor drive circuit 39 described later, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R described later) determines whether the internal winning combination and the stop button are pressed. Based on the above, control is performed to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel.

  Here, in the pachi-slot 1, basically, control for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel is performed within a specified time (190 msec) from when the stop button is pressed. In the present embodiment, the number of symbols that move with the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R within the specified time is referred to as “the number of sliding symbols”, and the maximum number is defined as four symbols.

  The reel stop control means displays the symbol combination as much as possible along the winning determination line using the specified time when an internal winning combination permitting display of the symbol combination related to winning is determined. Then, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. On the other hand, combinations of symbols that are not permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination are displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R so that they are not displayed along the winning determination line using the specified time. Stop rotation.

  Thus, when all the rotations of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the winning combination determination unit (main CPU 31 described later) relates to the winning combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line. It is determined whether or not. When it is determined that the prize is related to a prize, a bonus such as a medal payout is given to the player. A series of flows as described above is performed as one game in the pachislot 1.

  Further, in the pachislot 1, the video display performed by the liquid crystal display device 5, the light output performed by the lamp 14, the sound output performed by the speakers 9L and 9R, or a combination thereof is used in the above-described series of flows. Various productions are performed.

  When the start delay time is determined, the effect number is determined according to the determined start delay time, and the effect content to be executed this time is determined. When the effect content is determined, the effect execution means (a liquid crystal display device 5 described later) advances the execution of the effect when rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started.

  Thus, in the pachi-slot 1, it is possible to grasp whether or not an internal winning combination advantageous to the player has been determined by performing an effect according to the start delay time. Therefore, the subtle difference in the start delay of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be easily grasped by the effect of the liquid crystal display device, so that the player can recognize whether it is advantageous for the player and have a sense of expectation for the game. To increase the player's interest.

[Pachislot structure]
The functional flow of the pachislot 1 has been described above. Next, the structure of the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<External structure of pachislot>
FIG. 2 shows an external structure of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

(Reel and display window)
The pachi-slot 1 includes a cabinet 1a that houses reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a circuit board, and the like, and a front door 2 that is attached to the cabinet 1a so as to be openable and closable. Inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided side by side. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is configured by attaching a belt-like sheet in which a plurality of symbols (for example, 21 pieces) are continuously arranged along the rotation direction to the peripheral surface of a cylindrical frame.

  A liquid crystal display device 5 is provided at the center of the front door 2. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a display screen 5a including symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and is provided so as to be positioned on the near side superimposed on the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R when viewed from the front. The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided corresponding to the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively, and have a configuration capable of transmitting through the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind them. I have.

  That is, the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R serve as display windows, and the player can visually recognize the rotation and stop operation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind the display areas. Become. In the present embodiment, video is displayed using the entire display screen 5a including the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and an effect is executed.

  The symbol display areas (hereinafter referred to as display windows) 21L, 21C, 21R have a plurality of types arranged on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided behind them is stopped. Among the symbols, one symbol (three in total) is displayed in each of the upper, middle, and lower regions within the frame. In addition, a target for determining whether or not to win a pseudo line formed by combining any one of predetermined areas among the three areas of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R. Is defined as a line (winning determination line).

  In the present embodiment, a top line 8b formed by combining the upper stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R, a center line 8c formed by combining the middle stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R, and the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. The bottom line 8d formed by combining the lower stage, the upper stage of the left display window 21L, the middle stage of the middle display window 21C, and the lower stage of the right display window 21R, the cross-down line 8e, the lower stage of the left display window 21L, and the middle display window 21C Five cross-up lines 8a formed by combining the middle stage and the upper stage of the right display window 21R are provided as winning determination lines.

(Operating device)
The front door 2 is provided with various devices to be operated by the player. The medal slot 10 is provided for receiving a medal dropped from the outside by the player. The medals received in the medal slot 10 are inserted into one game with a predetermined number (for example, three) as an upper limit, and the amount exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited in the pachislot 1 ( So-called credit function).

  The bet button 11 is provided to determine the number of coins to be inserted into one game from medals deposited inside the pachislot 1. The checkout button 12 is provided to pull out medals deposited inside the pachislot 1 to the outside.

  The start lever 6 is provided to start the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are associated with the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively, and are provided to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

(Other equipment)
The 7-segment display 13 is made up of 7-segment LEDs. The number of medals inserted in the current game (hereinafter referred to as the number of inserted coins), the number of medals paid out to the player as a privilege (hereinafter referred to as the number of payouts), pachislot 1 Information such as the number of medals deposited in the inside (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits) is digitally displayed to the player.

  The lamp (LED or the like) 14 outputs light in a turn-on / off pattern according to the content of the effect. The speakers 9L and 9R output sound such as sound effects and music according to the contents of the production. The medal payout opening 15 guides medals discharged by driving a medal payout device 40 (see FIG. 3 described later) to the outside. The medals discharged from the medal payout opening 15 are stored in the medal tray 16.

<Internal structure of pachislot>
FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. The state where the front door 2 is opened and the structure on the back surface side of the front door 2 and the structure inside the cabinet 1a appear is shown.

  A substrate (hereinafter referred to as a main substrate 71A) on which a main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 4 described later) is formed is provided above the cabinet 1a. The main control circuit 71 is a circuit that controls the main flow of the game in the pachislot 1 such as determination of an internal winning combination, rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and determination of the presence or absence of winning. A specific configuration of the main control circuit 71 will be described later.

  Three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided in the center of the cabinet 1a. Stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R (see FIG. 4 described later) are connected to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R through gears having a predetermined reduction ratio.

  On the left side of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a substrate (hereinafter referred to as sub-substrate 72A) on which a sub-control circuit 72 (see FIG. 4 described later) is formed is provided. The sub-control circuit 72 is a circuit that controls the execution of effects by displaying images. A specific configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described later.

  Below the inside of the cabinet 1a, a medal payout device (hereinafter referred to as a hopper) 40 having a structure capable of storing a large amount of medals and discharging them one by one is provided. On the left side of the hopper 40, a power supply device 43 for supplying necessary power to each device included in the pachislot 1 is provided.

  A selector 42 is provided at the center of the back side of the front door 2 and below the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. The selector 42 is a device for selecting whether or not a medal is appropriate in material, shape, and the like, and guides an appropriate medal received in the medal insertion slot 10 to the hopper 40. Note that a medal sensor 42S (see FIG. 4 to be described later) is provided on the path through which the medal passes in the selector 42, and detects that an appropriate medal has passed.

[Circuit configuration of pachislot]
This completes the description of the structure of the pachislot 1. Next, with reference to FIG.4 and FIG.5, the structure of the circuit with which the pachislot 1 in this Embodiment is provided is demonstrated. The pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment includes a main control circuit 71, a sub-control circuit 72, and peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected thereto.

<Main control circuit>
FIG. 4 shows a configuration of the main control circuit 71 of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

(Microcomputer)
The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 installed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU (hereinafter, main CPU) 31, a ROM (hereinafter, main ROM) 32, and a RAM (hereinafter, main RAM) 33.

  The main ROM 32 has a data table (see FIGS. 6 to 19 to be described later) such as a control program (see FIGS. 24 to 31 to be described later) executed by the main CPU 31 and an internal lottery table (see FIGS. 9 and 10 to be described later). ), Data for transmitting various control commands (commands) to the sub control circuit 72 are stored. The main RAM 33 is provided with a storage area (see FIGS. 20 to 22 described later) for storing various data such as an internal winning combination determined by execution of the control program.

(Random number generator etc.)
The main CPU 31 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36, and a sampling circuit 37. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate clock pulses. The main CPU 31 executes a control program based on the generated clock pulse. The random number generator 36 generates a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts one value from the generated random numbers.

(Switch etc.)
A switch or the like is connected to the input port of the microcomputer 30. The main CPU 31 receives input from a switch or the like and controls the operation of peripheral devices such as stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R. The stop switch 7S detects that each of the three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R has been pressed (stop operation) by the player. The start switch 6S detects that the start lever 6 has been operated by the player (start operation).

  The medal sensor 42S detects that the medal received in the medal slot 10 has passed through the selector 42 described above. The bet switch 11S detects that the bet button 11 has been pressed by the player. Further, the settlement switch 12S detects that the settlement button 12 has been pressed by the player.

(Peripheral devices and circuits)
Peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by the microcomputer 30 include stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, a 7-segment display 13 and a hopper 40. A circuit for controlling the operation of each peripheral device is connected to the output port of the microcomputer 30.

  The motor drive circuit 39 controls driving of stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The reel position detection circuit 50 detects a reel index indicating that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have made one rotation by an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion in accordance with each reel 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R have a configuration in which the momentum is proportional to the number of output pulses and the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle. The driving force of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is transmitted to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R via a gear having a predetermined reduction ratio. Each time one pulse is output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant angle.

  The main CPU 31 counts the number of times the pulses are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R after detecting the reel index, thereby rotating the rotation angles of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (mainly the reels 3L, 3C, The number of symbols 3R has rotated) is managed, and the positions of the symbols arranged on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are managed.

  The display unit drive circuit 48 controls the operation of the 7-segment display 13. The hopper drive circuit 41 controls the operation of the hopper 40. The payout completion signal circuit 51 manages the detection of medals performed by the medal detection unit 40S provided in the hopper 40, and checks whether or not the medals discharged from the hopper 40 have reached the payout number.

<Sub control circuit>
FIG. 5 shows a configuration of the sub-control circuit 72 of the pachislot 1 in the present embodiment.

  The sub control circuit 72 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 71 and performs processing such as determination and execution of effect contents based on a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub control circuit 72 basically includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as sub CPU) 81, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as sub ROM) 82, a RAM (hereinafter referred to as sub RAM) 83, a rendering processor 84, a drawing RAM 85, a driver 87, a DSP (DSP). A digital signal processor) 88, an audio RAM 89, an A / D converter 90, and an amplifier 91.

  The sub CPU 81 controls the output of video, sound, and light according to a control program (see FIGS. 32 to 34 described later) stored in the sub ROM 82 in accordance with a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub-RAM 83 is provided with a storage area for registering the determined contents and effects data, and a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub ROM 82 basically includes a program storage area and a data storage area.

  A control program executed by the sub CPU 81 is stored in the program storage area. For example, in the control program, a main board communication task (see FIG. 32 to be described later) for controlling communication with the main control circuit 71 and a random number for effects are extracted, and the contents of the effects (effect data) are determined and registered. An effect registration task (see FIG. 33 to be described later), a drawing control task for controlling display of an image by the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined effect content, a lamp control task for controlling the output of light by the lamp 14, An audio control task for controlling sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R is included.

  The data storage area stores a storage area for storing various data tables, a storage area for storing effect data constituting each effect content, a storage area for storing animation data related to creation of video, and a sound data related to BGM and sound effects. A storage area, a storage area for storing lamp data related to the light on / off pattern, and the like are included.

  The sub-control circuit 72 is connected to the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 9L and 9R, and the lamp 14 as peripheral devices whose operation is controlled.

  The sub CPU 81, the rendering processor 84, the drawing RAM 85 (including the frame buffer 86), and the driver 87 create a video according to the animation data designated by the contents of the presentation, and display the created video on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  Further, the sub CPU 81, DSP 88, audio RAM 89, A / D converter 90, and amplifier 91 output sounds such as BGM from the speakers 9L and 9R according to the sound data specified by the production contents. Further, the sub CPU 81 turns on and off the lamp 14 according to the lamp data designated by the contents of the effect.

[Configuration of data table stored in main ROM]
This completes the description of the circuit configuration of the pachislot machine 1. Next, the configuration of various data tables stored in the main ROM 32 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Design arrangement table]
The symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG. The symbol arrangement table defines the position of each symbol in the rotation direction of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and data (hereinafter, symbol code) specifying the type of symbol arranged at each position.

  In the symbol arrangement table, when the reel index is detected, the symbol positions existing in the middle stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are set to “0”, and the symbols are arranged in the order of advance in the rotation direction of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. “0” to “20” are respectively assigned to the positions. Therefore, by managing how many symbols have been rotated since the reel index was detected, by referring to the symbol arrangement table, the positions of symbols existing mainly in the middle stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R and It is possible to always manage the type of the symbol.

[Design combination table]
The symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, when the symbol combination displayed by the reels 3L, 3C, 3R along the winning determination line matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table, it is determined to be a prize, Benefits such as paying out medals, re-game operations, and bonus game operations are given to the player.

  The symbol combination table defines a symbol combination, a display combination, and a payout number that are predetermined according to the type of privilege. The display combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line.

  The display combination is represented as 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. For example, when the symbol “bell” of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is displayed along the winning determination line, “bell (00000010)” is determined as the display combination.

  Further, when a numerical value of 1 or more is determined as the payout number, medals are paid out. In the present embodiment, when a cherry, bell, or watermelon is determined as a display combination, medals are paid out. The number of payouts is defined according to the number of inserted sheets. Basically, a larger number of paid-out sheets is determined when the number of inserted sheets is small.

  In addition, when replay is determined as the display combination, replaying is performed. When BB is determined as the display combination, the bonus is activated. If the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line does not match any of the symbol combinations defined by the symbol combination table, it is a so-called “losing”.

[Bonus operating table]
With reference to FIG. 8, the bonus operation time table will be described. The bonus operation time table defines data to be stored in various storage areas provided in the main RAM 33 when the bonus operation is performed.

  The in-operation flag is data for identifying the type of bonus that is activated. In the present embodiment, BB (a combination continuous action device related to a first type special combination) and RB (a first type special combination) are provided as bonus types. The operation of RB is continuously performed while the operation of BB is performed.

  The operation of BB is ended when the medals are paid out to reach the prescribed number (346 in the present embodiment). The RB is activated when a game that reaches the specified number of times (8 times in the present embodiment) is performed, when there is a winning that reaches the specified number of times (8 times in the present embodiment), or BB The operation ends when either of the operations ends. The bonus end number counter, the possible game number counter, and the possible winning number counter are data for managing whether or not the specified number of times or the specified number of times as a trigger end timing of the bonus has been reached.

  More specifically, numerical values defined by the bonus operation time table are stored in the respective counters, and the subtraction is performed through the operation of the bonus. As a result, the operation of the corresponding bonus is completed on condition that the value of each counter is updated to “0”.

[Internal lottery table]
The internal lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS. The internal lottery table defines a data pointer and a lottery value according to the winning number. The data pointer is data acquired as a result of lottery performed with reference to the internal lottery table, and is data for designating an internal winning combination defined by an internal winning combination determination table described later. The data pointer is provided with a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer.

  In the present embodiment, random numbers extracted from a predetermined numerical range “0 to 65535” are sequentially subtracted by lottery values corresponding to each winning number, and whether or not the result of the subtraction is negative ( An internal lottery is performed by determining whether or not a so-called “digit” has occurred.

  Therefore, the larger the numerical value defined as the lottery value, the higher the probability that the data (that is, the data pointer) to which it is assigned will be determined. The winning probability of each winning number can be represented by “the lottery value corresponding to each winning number / the number of all random numbers that may be extracted (65536)”.

  FIG. 9 shows an internal lottery table for a general gaming state. FIG. 10 shows an internal lottery table for RB operation. In the present embodiment, depending on the situation such as whether or not the bonus is activated, the type of internal winning combination and the winning probability that are determined are varied by using different types of internal lottery tables. , The expectation that the player holds is undulating.

[Internal winning combination determination table]
The internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIGS. The internal winning combination determination table defines an internal winning combination in accordance with the data pointer. When the data pointer is determined, the internal winning combination is uniquely acquired.

  The internal winning combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols of each reel 3L, 3C, 3L that is permitted to be displayed along the winning determination line. Like the display combination, the internal winning combination is represented as 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. When the data pointer is “0”, the content of the internal winning combination is “lost”, which indicates that any display of symbol combinations defined by the symbol combination table described above is not permitted.

  FIG. 11 shows an internal winning combination determination table for a small combination / replay. The small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table defines an internal winning combination relating to the payout of medals or an internal winning combination relating to the operation of replay. FIG. 12 shows a bonus internal winning combination determination table. The bonus internal winning combination determination table defines internal winning combinations related to the operation of the bonus.

[Start delay table selection table]
The start delay table selection table will be described with reference to FIG. The start delay table selection table defines the type information of the start delay table (FIGS. 14 to 19) according to the type of the internal winning combination. When the internal winning combination is determined, the start delay table is uniquely determined. In the embodiment, as the type of the internal winning combination, “Cherry”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Replay”, “BB”, and any of the internal winning combination of Cherry, Bell, Watermelon, Replay, BB There is a “miss” to indicate that it was not decided.

[Start delay table]
The start delay table will be described with reference to FIGS. The start delay table defines the start delay time (seconds) according to the lottery value. The start delay time is data acquired as a result of lottery performed with reference to the start delay table. In the process of S9 in FIG. 24 to be described later, the start of rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is delayed by a time corresponding to the start delay time after receiving a request for starting the rotation of all reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  In the present embodiment, random numbers extracted from a predetermined numerical range “0 to 127” are sequentially subtracted by lottery values corresponding to the respective start delay times, and whether or not the result of the subtraction has become negative. An internal lottery is performed by determining whether or not a so-called “digit” has occurred.

  Therefore, the larger the numerical value defined as the lottery value, the higher the probability that the data (that is, the start delay time) to which it is assigned will be determined. The winning probability of each start delay time can be represented by “the lottery value corresponding to each start delay time / the number of all random numbers that may be extracted (128)”.

  FIG. 14 shows a cherry start delay table that is referred to when a cherry is determined as an internal winning combination. FIG. 15 shows a bell start delay table referred to when a bell is determined as an internal winning combination. FIG. 16 shows a watermelon start delay table that is referred to when a watermelon is determined as an internal winning combination. FIG. 17 shows a replay start delay table that is referred to when replay is determined as an internal winning combination. FIG. 18 shows a BB start delay table that is referred to when BB is determined as an internal winning combination. FIG. 19 shows a losing start delay table that is referred to when none of the internal winning combinations of cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, and BB is determined.

  Each start delay table is defined so that the lottery values corresponding to the start delay times are different. That is, the start delay time is determined with different probabilities according to the determined internal winning combination. In the start delay time table that is referred to when a display combination with a large number of paid-out medals is determined as an internal winning combination, there is a high probability that a long start delay time is determined. Therefore, when an internal winning combination advantageous to a player with a large number of payouts is determined, when the player operates the start lever 6, the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started at a long time interval. Done.

[Configuration of storage area provided in main RAM]
This completes the description of the contents of the data table stored in the main ROM 32. Next, the configuration of various storage areas provided in the main RAM 33 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Internal winning combination storage area]
The configuration of the internal winning combination storing area will be described with reference to FIG. The internal winning combination storing area stores the internal winning combination represented by the above-mentioned 1-byte data. When the bit is set to “1”, display of the corresponding symbol combination is permitted. When all bits are “0”, the content is lost.

  The main RAM 33 is provided with a display combination storage area in which the display combination is stored. The configuration of the display combination storing area is the same as the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area. When “1” is set in the bit, the corresponding symbol combination is displayed along the winning determination line.

[Coverage storage area]
The configuration of the carryover combination storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  As a result of the aforementioned lottery, when an internal winning combination relating to the operation of the bonus is determined, this is stored in the carryover combination storage area. The internal winning combination (hereinafter referred to as the carryover combination) related to the operation of the bonus stored in the carryover combination storage area is retained without being cleared until the corresponding symbol combination is displayed on the winning determination line. It has become. And while the carryover combination is stored in the carryover combination storage area, it is stored in the internal winning combination storage area regardless of the result of the lottery described above.

[Operation flag storage area]
The configuration of the operating flag storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operating flag storage area stores an operating flag consisting of 1 byte. The operating flag has a unique bonus assigned to each bit. When “1” is set in the bit, the corresponding bonus is activated. The state when all bits are “0” is defined as a general gaming state.

[Configuration of data table stored in sub-ROM]
This completes the description of the configuration of the various storage areas provided in the main RAM 33. Next, the configuration of the data table stored in the sub ROM 82 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Start delay production table]
The start delay effect table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The start delay effect table defines the effect number corresponding to the start delay time and the effect contents. The effect number is referred to when registering the effect data at the start in the effect content determination process (see FIG. 34 described later).

  The start delay time is proportional to the length of the delay gauge 302 in the gauge area 301 displayed on the display screen 5a described later in the display examples shown in FIGS. That is, in the effect A corresponding to the effect number 1 with the shortest start delay time, the delay gauge 302 is displayed in the shortest. In the effect B corresponding to the effect number 2 with the shortest start delay time after the effect number 1, the delay gauge 302 next to the delay gauge 302 displayed in the effect A is displayed. In the effect C corresponding to the effect number 3 with the shortest start delay time next to the effect number 2, the delay gauge 302 next to the delay gauge 302 displayed in the effect B is displayed. In the effect D corresponding to the effect number 4 with the shortest start delay time after the effect number 3, the delay gauge 302 next to the delay gauge 302 displayed in the effect C is displayed. In the production E corresponding to the production number 5 having the shortest start delay time after the production number 4, the delay gauge 302 that is shortest next to the delay gauge 302 displayed in the production D is displayed. In the effect F corresponding to the effect number 6 having the longest start delay time, the delay gauge 302 longer than the delay gauge 302 displayed in the effect E is displayed.

  Here, when a display combination with a large number of paid-out medals is determined as an internal winning combination, the probability that a long start delay time is determined increases. And the effect that the delay gauge 302 displayed on the display screen 5a is displayed for a longer effect corresponding to the effect number with the longer start delay time is performed. The delay gauge 302 displayed on the display screen 5a is displayed longer in proportion to the length of the start delay time. Therefore, the player can easily grasp the ratio of the start of rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R by visually recognizing the length of the delay gauge 302 and determine the type of the internal winning combination determined. Can be expected. Further, the player can predict that an internal winning combination advantageous to the player with a large number of payouts has been determined by visually recognizing that the delay gauge 302 is displayed for a long time. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that allows the player to easily grasp the degree of delay in starting the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and to increase the player's expectation for the game. it can.

[Program flow executed in pachislot]
This completes the description of the configuration of the data table stored in the sub ROM 82. Next, the contents of a program executed by the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main flowchart by control of main CPU of main control circuit]
First, with reference to FIG. 24, a main flowchart by the control of the main CPU 31 will be described. When power is turned on to the pachi-slot 1, first, the main CPU 31 performs an initialization process (S1). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the designated storage area in the main RAM 33 (S2). In this process, for example, data stored in a storage area that needs to be erased for each game, such as an internal winning combination storage area (see FIG. 20) or a display combination storage area (see FIG. 20), is cleared. .

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a medal acceptance / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 25 (S3). In this processing, input checks of the medal sensor 42S and the start switch 6S are performed.

  Next, the main CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in a random value storage area provided in the main RAM 33 (S4). Next, the main CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 26 (S5). In this process, the internal winning combination is determined by lottery based on a random value. Next, the main CPU 31 performs a start delay time determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 27 (S6). In this process, the start delay time is determined by lottery based on a random value according to the internal winning combination. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S7). The start command includes parameters for specifying a start delay time, an internal winning combination, and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (S8). Next, the main CPU 31 delays the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R according to the determined start delay time (S9). Next, when the delay of the start delay time is performed, the main CPU 31 drives the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R by an interrupt process (see FIG. 31 to be described later) executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec). Controlled, rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is started.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 28 (S10). In this process, the input of the stop switch 7S is checked, and the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped based on the timing when the stop button is pressed and the internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 searches for a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line, and determines a payout number or the like based on the result (S11). As a result of the search, when the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table (see FIG. 7), the corresponding display combination and the number of payouts are determined. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a display command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S12). The display command includes parameters that specify the display combination, the number of payouts, and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs medal payout processing (S13). In this process, the hopper 40 is driven and the number of credits is updated based on the determined payout number. Next, the main CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (S14). In this process, the numerical value determined as the payout number is subtracted from the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus operating flag is on (S15). When determining that the bonus operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 30 (S16). In this process, it is checked whether or not to end the operation of the bonus with reference to various counters for managing the end timing of the bonus.

  The main CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process described later with reference to FIG. 29 after S16 or when it is determined in S15 that the bonus operating flag is not on (S17). In this process, it is checked whether or not the bonus operation is started. When this process ends, the process proceeds to S2.

[Medal reception / start check processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the medal acceptance / start check process will be described. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the automatic insertion number counter is 0 (S31). When it is determined that the automatic insertion number counter is 0, the medal passage permission is performed (S32). In this process, the solenoid of the selector 42 is driven, and the passage of medals in the selector 42 is prompted.

  When determining that the automatic insertion number counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 copies the automatic insertion number counter to the insertion number counter (S33). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the automatic insertion number counter (S34). S33 and S34 are processes for replaying.

  After S32 or S34, the main CPU 31 sets 3 as the maximum value of the insertion number counter (S35). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus operating flag is on (S36). When determining that the bonus operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 changes the maximum value of the insertion number counter (S37). In this process, for example, the maximum value is changed to 2.

  The main CPU 31 determines whether or not the passage of medals has been detected after S37 or when it is determined in S36 that the bonus operating flag is not on (S38). When determining that the passage of medals has been detected, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the inserted number counter has reached the maximum value (S39). When determining that the inserted number counter has not reached the maximum value, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the inserted number counter (S40). Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a medal insertion command to the sub control circuit 72 (S41). The medal insertion command includes a parameter for specifying the number of inserted coins.

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S39 that the inserted number counter is the maximum value, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the credit counter (S42). The main CPU 31 checks the bet switch 11S after S42, after S41, or when it is determined in S38 that the passage of medals has not been detected (S43). In this process, a numerical value corresponding to the bet button 11 is added to the inserted number counter while being subtracted from the credit counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter has reached the maximum value (S44). When it is determined that the insertion number counter has not reached the maximum value, the process proceeds to S38, whereas when it is determined that the insertion number counter has reached the maximum value, it is determined whether or not the start switch 6S is on (S45). ).

  When determining that the start switch 6S is not on, the main CPU 31 proceeds to S38, whereas when determining that the start switch 6S is on, the main CPU 31 prohibits medal passage (S46). In this process, the solenoid of the selector 42 is not driven, and medals are expelled. When this process ends, the medal acceptance / start check process ends.

[Internal lottery processing]
Next, an internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines an internal lottery table (see FIGS. 9 and 10) and the number of lotteries (S61). The operating flag storage area (see FIG. 22) is referred to, and the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries are determined according to whether or not the bonus is activated. The number of lotteries indicates the number of times that a lottery value is subtracted and a determination is made as to whether a digit has occurred for each winning number defined by the internal lottery table.

  Next, the main CPU 31 obtains a random value stored in the random value storage area and sets it as a determination random value (S62). Next, the main CPU 31 sets 1 as the initial value of the winning number (S63).

  Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the internal lottery table and acquires a lottery value corresponding to the winning number (S64). Next, the main CPU 31 subtracts the lottery value from the determination random number value (S65). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a digit has been made (S66). When the main CPU 31 determines that the digit is not performed, the main CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the number of lotteries and adds 1 to the winning number (S67).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (S68). When the main CPU 31 determines that the number of lotteries is not 0, the process proceeds to S64. On the other hand, when the number of lotteries is determined to be 0, the main CPU 31 sets 0 as the small role / replay data pointer and serves as the bonus data pointer. 0 is set (S69).

  When the main CPU 31 determines in S66 that a digit has been made, the main CPU 31 obtains a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer according to the current winning number (S70). After S70 or S69, the main CPU 31 refers to the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 11), and acquires the internal winning combination based on the small winning combination / replay data pointer (S71).

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores the acquired internal winning combination in the internal winning combination storing area (see FIG. 20) (S72). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the data stored in the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 21) is 0 (S73). When the main CPU 31 determines that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus internal winning combination determination table (see FIG. 12), and determines the internal winning combination based on the bonus data pointer. Is acquired (S74). Next, the main CPU 31 stores the acquired internal winning combination in the carryover combination storing area (S75).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 21) is not 0 after S75 or in S73, the carryover combination storage area and the internal winning combination storage area (see FIG. 20). And the result is stored in the internal winning combination storing area (S76). That is, the internal winning combination relating to the bonus operation is carried over. When this process ends, the internal lottery process ends.

[Start delay time determination process]
Next, the start delay time determination process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 selects a start delay table (see FIGS. 14 to 19) based on the start delay table selection table (see FIG. 13) according to the internal winning combination (S81). Next, the main CPU 31 determines a start delay time based on the selected start delay table (S82). When this process ends, the start delay time determination process ends.

[Reel stop control process]
Next, the reel stop control process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (S101). When the main CPU 31 determines that a valid stop button has not been pressed, it waits until it is pressed.

  When determining that a valid stop button has been pressed, the main CPU 31 invalidates the operation of the corresponding stop button (S102). The valid and invalid states of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are managed in a predetermined storage area provided in the main RAM 33.

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets 5 as the number of checks (S103). In the present embodiment, since the maximum number of sliding symbols is “4”, when the stop button is pressed, including the symbol position in the middle of the corresponding display window, Up to the position is subject to check. That is, any of the five numerical values “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” is determined as the number of sliding frames.

  Next, based on the internal winning combination, the main CPU 31 includes each position within the range of the number of checks including the position of the symbol in the middle of the corresponding display window (hereinafter referred to as the stop start position) when the stop button is pressed. Among the symbol positions, the symbol position with the highest priority is searched (S104). In this process, the position of the symbol that can display the combination of symbols permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination along the winning determination line is determined as the position of the symbol with the highest priority.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the search result (S105). The number of symbols from the stop start position to the symbol position with the highest priority is determined as the number of sliding symbols. Next, the main CPU 31 shifts to waiting for a scheduled stop position (S106). When waiting for the planned stop position, the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is controlled by an interrupt process described later (see FIG. 31 described later), and the position of the symbol with the highest priority reaches the middle stage of the corresponding display window. The reels are stopped from rotating after waiting.

  Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S107). The reel stop command includes a parameter for specifying the type of the stopped reel.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a stop button whose operation is valid (S108). That is, it is determined whether there is a reel that is still rotating. When the main CPU 31 determines that there is a stop button with an effective operation, the process proceeds to S101, and when it determines that there is no stop button with an effective operation, the main CPU 31 ends the reel stop control process.

[Bonus activation check process]
Next, the bonus operation check process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB (S121). When the main CPU 31 determines that the display combination is BB, the main CPU 31 refers to the bonus operation time table (see FIG. 8) and performs the BB operation processing (S122). In this process, the BB operating flag is turned on, and a predetermined value is set in the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 clears the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 21) (S123). Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a bonus start command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S124). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

  When determining that the display combination is not BB in S121, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is replay (S125). When determining that the display combination is replay, the main CPU 31 copies the value of the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion number counter (S126).

  When determining that the display combination is not replay in S125, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is on (S127). When determining that the BB operating flag is not on, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation check process, whereas when determining that the BB operating flag is on, whether or not the RB operating flag is on. Is determined (S128).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the RB operating flag is on, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus operation check process. On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 determines that the RB operating flag is not on, the main CPU 31 reads the bonus operating time table (see FIG. 8). Referring to FIG. 5, the RB operation process is performed (S129). In this process, the RB operating flag is turned on, and predetermined values are set in the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter. When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

[Bonus end check process]
Next, the bonus end check process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (S141). When determining that the bonus end number counter is 0, the main CPU 31 performs BB end time processing (S142). In this process, the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are turned off, and various counters for managing the end timing of the bonus are cleared. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a bonus end command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S143). When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends.

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the bonus end number counter is not 0 in S141, the main CPU 31 updates the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter (S144). In this process, the possible game number counter is decremented by one, and if there is a win, the possible pay number counter is decremented by one. Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter is 0 (S145).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter is not 0, the main CPU 31 ends the bonus end check process, while determining that the possible winning number counter or the possible game number counter is 0, Processing at the end of RB is performed (S146). In this process, the RB operating flag is turned off, and the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter are cleared. When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends.

[Interrupt processing under the control of the main CPU (1.1173 msec)]
Next, an interrupt process (1.1173 msec) controlled by the main CPU 31 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 saves a register (S161). Next, the main CPU 31 performs input port check processing (S162). In this process, signals input from various switches such as the stop switch 7S are checked.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel control process (S163). In this process, when the start of rotation of all reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, and then the stepping motors 49L, 49C, The drive of 49R is controlled. When the number of sliding pieces is determined, the driving of the stepping motor is controlled so that the rotation of the corresponding reel waits for the number of sliding pieces and the rotation is decelerated and stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a lamp and 7-segment drive process (S164). Next, the main CPU 31 restores the register (S165). When this process ends, the interrupt process ends.

[Program flow executed by sub CPU of sub control circuit]
This completes the description of the contents of the program executed by the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71. Next, the contents of the program executed by the sub CPU 81 of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main board communication task]
With reference to FIG. 32, a main board communication task performed by the sub CPU 81 will be described. First, the sub CPU 81 performs reception check of the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 (S301). Next, when receiving a command, the sub CPU 81 extracts the type of the command (S302).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not a command different from the previous one has been received (S303). If the sub CPU 81 determines that a command different from the previous command has not been received, the process proceeds to S301. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 81 determines that a command different from the previous command has been received, the sub CPU 81 stores the command in the message queue (S304).

[Direction registration task]
Next, an effect registration task performed by the sub CPU 81 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sub CPU 81 extracts a message from the message queue (S311). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether there is a message (S312). When the sub CPU 81 determines that there is a message, it copies the game information from the message (S313). For example, various data such as an internal winning combination, a type of reel that has stopped rotating, a display combination, an operating flag, and the like specified by parameters are copied to a storage area provided in the sub-RAM 83.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 performs an effect content determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 34 (S314). In this process, depending on the type of the received command, the contents of the effect are determined and the effect data is registered.

  The sub CPU 81 registers animation data after S314 or when it is determined that there is no message in S312 (S315). Next, the sub CPU 81 registers sound data (S316). Next, the sub CPU 81 registers lamp data (S317). The registration of animation data, the registration of sound data, and the registration of lamp data are performed based on the effect data registered in the effect content determination process (see FIG. 34 described later). When this process ends, the process proceeds to S311.

[Production content decision processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 34, a flowchart of effect content determination processing executed by the sub CPU 81 will be described. First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not it is a start command reception time (S321). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the start command is received, the sub CPU 81 determines and registers an effect number based on the start delay effect table (see FIG. 23) according to the start delay time (S322). The production number is data for designating production contents to be executed this time.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 registers the production data at the start based on the registered production number (S323). The effect data is data that designates animation data, sound data, and lamp data. When the effect data is registered, corresponding animation data and the like are determined, and effects such as video display are executed. When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when determining that the start command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the reel stop command is received (S324). If the sub CPU 81 determines that the reel stop command is received, the sub CPU 81 registers the stop effect data based on the registered effect number and the type of the operation stop button (S325). The operation stop button is a button that is pressed out of the effective stop buttons. When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when determining that the reel stop command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the display command is received (S326). When determining that the display command is being received, the sub CPU 81 registers the display effect data based on the registered effect number (S327). When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when determining that the display command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the bonus start command is received (S328). If the sub CPU 81 determines that the bonus start command has been received, the sub CPU 81 registers the bonus start effect data (S329). When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, when determining that the bonus start command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the bonus end command is received (S330). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the bonus end command is not received, the sub CPU 81 ends the effect content determination process. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 81 determines that the bonus end command is received, the sub CPU 81 registers the bonus end effect data (S331). . When this process ends, the effect content determination process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 35 to FIG. 37, the contents of effects performed by the sub CPU 81 will be described.

  In FIG. 35, when none of cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, and BB is determined as the internal winning combination, that is, when it is a loss, the start delay table for loss (FIG. 19) is selected and the start delay is determined. A display example A when the time is determined to be 0.2 seconds and the production number 2 is selected is shown.

  On the right side of the display screen 5a, a rectangular gauge region 301 is displayed, and a delay gauge 302 provided along the length direction of the gauge region 301 is displayed. According to this display example A, it can be confirmed that the delay gauge 302 is approximately two-tenths of the length of the gauge region 301.

  Here, referring to the start delay table selection table of FIG. 13, if none of cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, and BB is determined as an internal winning combination, that is, if it is a loss, the start delay for the loss A table (FIG. 19) is selected. When the lottery value is “110”, “0.2” is determined by lottery as the start delay time. In this case, referring to the start delay effect table (FIG. 23), “2” is determined as the effect number corresponding to the start delay time “0.2”, and the delay gauge 302 is the length of the gauge region 301 as the effect content. Production B is made to project to a length that is approximately two-tenths of the size. Therefore, according to FIG. 35, the player has not determined any of Cherry, Bell, Watermelon, Replay, and BB as an internal winning combination, or an internal winning combination that is not advantageous to a player with a small number of payouts. Can be expected to be high.

  FIG. 36 shows the case where the bell start delay table (FIG. 15) is selected as the internal winning combination, the start delay time is determined as 0.6 seconds, and the production number 4 is selected. Display example B is shown.

  On the right side of the display screen 5a, a rectangular gauge region 301 is displayed, and a delay gauge 302 provided along the length direction of the gauge region 301 is displayed. According to this display example B, it can be confirmed that the delay gauge 302 has a length dimension of about six tenths of the gauge region 301.

  Here, referring to the start delay table selection table of FIG. 13, when the bell is determined as the internal winning combination, the bell start delay table (FIG. 15) is selected. When the lottery value is “80”, “0.6” is determined by lottery as the start delay time. In this case, referring to the start delay effect table (FIG. 23), “4” is determined as the effect number corresponding to the start delay time “0.6”, and the delay gauge 302 is the length of the gauge region 301 as the effect content. An effect D is made to project to a length dimension of approximately six-tenths of the dimension. Therefore, according to FIG. 36, the player can expect a high probability that any one of cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, and BB is determined as the internal winning combination.

  FIG. 37 shows the case where the BB start delay table (FIG. 18) is selected when the BB is determined as the internal winning combination, the start delay time is determined as 1.0 second, and the production number 6 is selected. Display example F is shown.

  On the right side of the display screen 5a, a rectangular gauge region 301 is displayed, and a delay gauge 302 provided along the length direction of the gauge region 301 is displayed. According to this display example F, it can be confirmed that the delay gauge 302 protrudes over a length of about tenths of the gauge region 301, that is, over almost the entire region of the gauge region 301.

  Here, referring to the start delay table selection table of FIG. 13, when BB is determined as the internal winning combination, the BB start delay table (FIG. 18) is selected. If the lottery value is “80”, “1.0” is determined by lottery as the start delay time. In this case, referring to the start delay effect table (FIG. 23), “6” is determined as the effect number corresponding to the start delay time “1.0”, and the delay gauge 302 is the length of the gauge region 301 as the effect content. The effect F is made to project over the entire length of the gauge region 301, that is, approximately tenths of the size. Therefore, according to FIG. 37, the player can predict that an internal winning combination advantageous to a player with a large number of payouts such as BB has been determined.

  Thereby, even if it is difficult for the player to grasp the subtle difference in the delay of the start of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the player can visually recognize the delay gauge 302 displayed on the display screen 5a. It is possible to grasp whether or not an internal winning combination advantageous to the user is determined. Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize a subtle difference in the start delay of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, thereby recognizing whether or not the player is in an advantageous state, and enhancing the player's expectation for the game. A possible gaming machine can be provided.

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

  In the above-described embodiment, the probability that the start delay time is determined differs depending on the type of the internal winning combination. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the probability that a specific winning combination such as BB or replay is determined as the internal winning combination is high, the probability that the start delay time becomes long may be increased. Then, when the probability that the specific winning combination is determined as the internal winning combination is low, the probability that the start delay time is shortened may be increased.

It is a figure which shows the function flow of a pachislot. It is a figure which shows the external structure of a pachislot. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a pachislot. It is a figure which shows the structure of a main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the structure of a sub control circuit. It is a figure which shows a symbol arrangement | positioning table. It is a figure which shows a symbol combination table. It is a figure which shows a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. It is a figure which shows the internal lottery table for general game states. It is a figure which shows the internal lottery table for RB operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the internal winning combination determination table for a small combination and replay. It is a figure which shows the internal winning combination determination table for bonuses. It is a figure which shows a start delay table selection table. It is a figure which shows the start delay table for cherries. It is a figure which shows the start delay table for bells. It is a figure which shows the start delay table for watermelons. It is a figure which shows the start delay table for replays. It is a figure which shows the start delay table for BB. It is a figure which shows the start delay table for loses. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of an internal winning combination storing area. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the carryover combination storage area. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the operating flag storage area. It is a figure which shows a start delay production | presentation table. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU. It is a flowchart which shows a medal reception / start check process. It is a flowchart which shows an internal lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows a start delay time determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a reel stop control process. It is a flowchart which shows a bonus action check process. It is a flowchart which shows a bonus completion | finish check process. It is a flowchart which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the main board | substrate communication task performed by sub CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the production registration task performed by sub CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the production content determination process performed by sub CPU. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachi-slot 2 Front door 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 30 Microcomputer 31 Main CPU
32 Main ROM
33 Main RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 83 Sub RAM

Claims (2)

A symbol display means having a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are arranged on each peripheral surface, and a symbol display area for displaying a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel;
Start command means for outputting a game start command signal for commanding start of a unit game in response to the start operation signal;
Internal lottery means for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of predetermined combinations on condition that a game start command signal is output by the start command means;
On the condition that a game start command signal is output by the start command means, start control means for starting the symbol variation display by the symbol display means,
In response to a stop operation signal, stop command means for outputting a stop command signal for commanding stop of the symbol variation display by the symbol display means,
Stop control means for stopping the symbol display by the symbol display means based on the stop command signal output by the stop command means and the internal winning combination determined by the internal lottery means;
Start delay control means for delaying the start of symbol variation display by the start control means for a predetermined time based on the degree of advantage to the player;
Effect display means for displaying effect images relating to the game;
Effect image changing means for changing the effect image displayed by the effect display means in response to the delay time of the start of the display of the fluctuation of the symbol by the start control means delayed by the start delay control means;
A gaming machine comprising: The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The start delay control means delays the start of symbol variation display by the start control means for a predetermined time based on the type of the internal winning combination determined by the internal lottery means.

Images