JP5394664B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming 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.

  Such a gaming machine includes a cabinet having an opening on the front surface, and a front door that is pivotably connected to one wing of the cabinet to open and close the opening. The front door includes a display unit, a decorative panel unit, and an operation unit. The display unit is disposed on the upper part of the front door and is substantially flat. The decorative panel portion is disposed at the lower part of the front door and is substantially flat. The operation part is arranged in the middle part of the front door and has a box shape. This operation part protrudes from the display part and the decorative panel part.

  In addition, a display lamp for displaying that the gaming machine is in operation, a payout display panel, and the like are attached to the upper panel arranged at the upper part of the display unit.

  By the way, the upper panel portion has integrally formed a lamp chamber on a door base frame and attached a payout display panel. Therefore, the design of the upper panel is simple, fixed, and lacks diversity. In addition, there is a problem in that the design change is limited only by the change of the display of the payout display panel.

  For the above problems, the design and layout of the upper panel part can be easily changed, various upper panel parts can be easily realized, and a game with a front door having an upper panel part with a highly appealing design Has been invented (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, an upper panel part, an operation part, and a decorative panel part are formed on a door base frame that is attached to a cabinet so as to be freely opened and closed. And the upper panel attaching part is formed in the upper part of a door base frame, and the upper panel body is attached to the upper panel attaching part so that attachment or detachment is possible.

In the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, the upper panel portion is configured as an integral upper panel body, and the design of the upper panel portion can be changed by attaching and detaching the upper panel body, so the upper base portion can be changed without changing the door base frame. The panel design and layout can be easily changed.
JP 2002-11138 A

  In recent years, a gaming machine using an effect display device provided with an image effect liquid crystal panel as a display unit has appeared. This effect display device can set the shielding area in software, and sets various shielding areas with reference to the game situation. For example, the notice effect during the change of the reel cannot be pushed when the reel is completely shielded, so only the image effect is executed. The notice effect after all stoppages can provide a clear effect image to the player with the liquid crystal panel in the entire area shielding state.

  Here, if the upper frame surrounding the display portion of the effect display device using the liquid crystal panel is configured to be directly connected to the front door, it is limited to the upper panel portion as disclosed in Patent Document 1. The design and layout of the substantially upper half of the front door including the upper panel portion can be easily changed.

  In addition, by changing the shape of the opening provided in the upper frame, the display area of the effect display device using the liquid crystal panel can be set in various ways, and the effect expression can be made with different models. In addition, the display area of the effect display device is divided so that the main effect is displayed in the main display area having a large area, and a message related to the main effect is characteristic in the sub display area having a small area. If displayed on the screen, the production becomes richer. That is, there is a need for a gaming machine that can easily change the design and layout of the front door and can display messages related to the main effects. The above can be said to be the subject of the present invention.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides a gaming machine that can easily change the design and layout of a front door and can display messages and the like related to main effects characteristically. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present inventors have invented the following new gaming machines.

(1) A gaming machine including a cabinet that opens and closes a front door, wherein the cabinet includes a variable display device that displays a plurality of symbols in a variable manner, and the front door is a substantially flat display disposed at the top. The display unit is detachably attached to the front door so as to surround the effect display device and an effect display device provided with a liquid crystal panel for image effects facing the variable display device. An upper frame, and the upper frame has a rectangular opening for displaying the plurality of symbols on the screen of the effect display device, and a part of an arc communicates with the rectangular opening and opens above the rectangular opening. A circular opening, and the circular opening is provided with a transparent hemisphere, and a message for the player in the image effect area surrounded by the circular opening is displayed in a spherical form at a wide angle. A featured gaming machine.

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (1) includes a cabinet that opens and closes the front door. The cabinet includes a variable display device that displays a plurality of symbols in a variable manner. On the other hand, the front door includes a substantially flat display unit. The display unit is arranged at the upper part of the front door.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to the invention of (1), the display unit has an effect display device and an upper frame. The effect display device faces the variable display device, and is provided with a liquid crystal panel for image effect. The upper frame is detachably attached to the front door so as to surround the periphery of the effect display device.

  The upper frame has a rectangular opening and a circular opening. The rectangular opening displays a plurality of symbols on the screen of the effect display device. In the circular opening, a part of the arc communicates with the rectangular opening and opens above the rectangular opening. The circular opening is provided with a transparent hemisphere.

  Here, the cabinet may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape, a substantially rectangular opening is provided on the front surface, and the inside is hollow. The interior of the cabinet can be inspected or maintained by opening the front door. The opening of the cabinet can be covered by closing the front door. The front door covers the cabinet opening, which includes visually shielding the cabinet opening so that the interior of the cabinet is not visible except when the substantially rectangular opening is open. Or it may include physical contact difficulties.

  The front door may be rotatably connected to one wing of the cabinet, and the rotation connecting means may be, for example, a hinge, and one hinge and the other bearing are detachable hinges. It may be a hinge that can maintain the open and closed postures of the front door. The rotary connecting means is only allowed to move so as to open and close with respect to the opening of the cabinet. The movement of the front door relative to the cabinet is limited to rotational movement only. Here, the cabinet and the front door constitute a turning pair.

  For example, a shelf that partitions the upper space and the lower space may be provided inside the cabinet, and a variable display device that displays a plurality of symbols in a variable manner can be placed on the shelf. The variable display device is preferably a reel unit in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery. A control board including a main board (printed board) and a sub board (printed board) as entities for controlling the gaming machine may be disposed above the shelf.

  A payout device (hopper) may be disposed at the bottom of the cabinet, and the hopper can accommodate or discharge game media. Here, the game medium is a valuable value called a coin, a medal, or a token. A power box may be placed adjacent to the hopper. The power supply box can be arranged with a reduction rate setting switch on the front surface.

  For example, three display windows are provided in the display unit. On the other hand, a reel unit serving as a variable display device is rotatably provided with three reels each having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Each reel is arranged to be observable through an individual display window.

  The display section may be provided with three winning determination lines (center and top and bottom) on the side and two winning determination lines that intersect diagonally, corresponding to the number of game media inserted prior to the start of the game. The predetermined winning determination line is activated. A winning combination is determined by a combination of predetermined symbols aligned with the active line. The winning determination line may be drawn as an entity on the display unit, or may be a virtual winning determination line set by software (program).

  The display unit may include an effect display device provided with a liquid crystal panel for image effects, and this effect display device faces the variable display device. A backlight that emits light from behind the liquid crystal panel may be included in the effect display device. The liquid crystal panel can be switched between a transmission state and a shielding state depending on a voltage application state.

  When the liquid crystal panel is in a transmissive state, the design of the facing variable display device (behind) can be visually recognized. When the liquid crystal panel is in the transmissive state, an operation of stopping the symbol that is being displayed in a variable manner on a predetermined winning determination line, that is, a so-called pressing can be performed.

  Also, it is possible to set a predetermined shielding area by software with reference to the game situation. For example, the notice effect in which the symbol is changing performs only the image effect on the shielding area of the liquid crystal panel. The notice effect after all the symbols are stopped can provide a clear effect image to the player with the liquid crystal panel in the entire area shielding state.

  The fact that the upper frame surrounds the effect display device means that the outer edge of the opening closed by a continuous curve or straight line partially and physically covers the screen of the effect display device. The effect display device can display effects only on the screen appearing in the opening. Depending on the shape of the opening to be replaced, it can be recalled that the model is different.

  The upper frame may constitute an outer shell of the display unit, and is formed in a bag shape having an open back surface. The upper frame may be provided with a lamp (including an LED) or a lamp chamber or a speaker chamber for housing a speaker, or may be decorated. The upper frame is preferably integrally formed of synthetic resin, and a cover or a decorative body that covers the lamp or speaker from the front may be attached as a separate body (separate part). The upper frame can be laid out by effectively combining components such as a cover that covers a lamp or speaker and a decorative body.

  For example, the upper frame may be provided with a pair of hook-shaped protrusions (lances) protruding from both wings on the back surface, while the display unit may be provided with a pair of locking grooves that engage with these lances. By pushing a pair of lances into the locking grooves, the upper frame can be locked to the display unit. The lock mechanism may be provided with a release mechanism, and the upper frame can be removed.

  The upper frame may be provided with a shell-type multipolar connector that is electrically connected to a lamp or a speaker. For example, a multipolar plug may be provided, and the wiring in the frame of the upper frame can be integrated into the plug. On the other hand, the display unit may be provided with a receptacle connected to the plug, and the receptacle can be connected to a control panel inside the cabinet by a cable. The plug and the receptacle may be configured by a so-called board-to-board connector, and the upper frame can be mechanically connected to the display unit and can be electrically connected.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (1), it is easy to change the model by attaching the upper frame of a different design to the display unit as a common or shared main body with the front door and cabinet excluding the upper frame. The change of the game form accompanying the model change is easy to change the software (program), and can contribute to the reduction of the cost due to the model change of the gaming machine. The liquid crystal panel provided in the display unit can change various display areas by software corresponding to the shape of the opening provided in the upper frame.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the invention of (1) divides the display area of the effect display device into a rectangular opening and a circular opening. The display area surrounded by the rectangular opening may be a main display area having a large area. For example, it is possible to produce and display a story-related game unrelated to the gaming state.

  On the other hand, the display area surrounded by the circular opening may be a sub-display area having a small area. For example, the mission that is the current stay mode can be displayed in relation to the above-described story-like game. Further, in the display area surrounded by the circular opening, a display indicating the number of remaining games may be performed at CZ (challenge zone) or RT (replay time).

  A transparent hemisphere, like a fisheye lens, may display a spherical image rendering area surrounded by a circular aperture at a wide angle, and a novel expression reminiscent of having an image rendering area surrounded by a circular aperture built in a crystal ball. Is possible. That is, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can display messages and the like related to the main effects characteristically with a transparent hemisphere.

  Since the gaming machine according to the invention of (1) is configured so that the upper frame surrounding the display portion of the effect display device using the liquid crystal panel can be attached to and detached from the front door, the upper frame portion is not limited to the upper panel portion. The design and layout of the substantially upper half of the front door including the panel portion can be easily changed.

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (1) has a main display area and a sub display area divided by a rectangular opening and a circular opening provided in the upper frame, and a transparent hemisphere is provided in the sub display area. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can display messages and the like related to main effects displayed in the main display area in a transparent hemisphere.

The gaming machine according to the invention of ( 1 ) may display an image effect area surrounded by a circular opening in a spherical shape at a wide angle, and by devising a font such as a display character, an image effect surrounded by a circular opening like a fisheye lens The area can be spherically displayed at a wide angle. In addition, a novel expression reminiscent of the fact that the image effect area surrounded by the circular opening is built in the crystal ball is possible. Furthermore, a novel expression is possible by a synergistic effect with a transparent hemisphere.

  Since the gaming machine according to the present invention is configured so that the upper frame surrounding the display unit of the effect display device using the liquid crystal panel can be attached to and detached from the front door, the upper panel unit is not limited to the upper panel unit. The design and layout of the upper half of the front door can be easily changed.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention has a main display area and a sub display area divided by a rectangular opening and a circular opening provided in the upper frame, and a transparent hemisphere is provided in the sub display area. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can display messages and the like related to main effects displayed in the area in a transparent hemisphere.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention may spherically display the image effect area surrounded by the circular opening at a wide angle, and the gaming machine according to the table invention may display the image rendering area surrounded by the circular opening at a wide angle and display characters. By devising such a font, an image effect area surrounded by a circular opening can be spherically displayed at a wide angle like a fisheye lens. In addition, a novel expression reminiscent of the fact that the image effect area surrounded by the circular opening is built in the crystal ball is possible. Furthermore, a novel expression is possible by a synergistic effect with a transparent hemisphere.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Functional flow of pachislot]
Embodiments according to the gaming machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a functional flow of the gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a pachislot) 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional flow of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

  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 (including the main CPU 31 in FIG. 6) performs lottery based on the extracted random number value and determines the 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.

  Subsequently, after 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 and the stepping in FIG. The motors 49L, 49C, and 49R) control to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels based on the internal winning combination and the timing when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are pressed.

  Here, in the pachi-slot 1, basically, control is performed to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel within a specified time (190 msec) from when the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R 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 the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is all stopped, the winning determination means (including the main CPU 31 in FIG. 6) determines that the combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line is related to winning. It is determined whether it is a thing. 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, in the above-described series of flows, video display performed by the liquid crystal display device 5, light output performed by the lamp 14, sound output performed by the speakers 9L and 9R, or a combination thereof is used. Various productions are performed.

  When the start lever 6 is operated by the player, an effect random number value (hereinafter referred to as effect random number value) is extracted separately from the random number value used for determining the internal winning combination. When the effect random number is extracted, the effect content determining means (including the sub CPU 81 in FIG. 7) determines, by lottery, what is to be executed this time from among a plurality of types of effect contents associated with the internal winning combination. .

  When the effect content is determined, the effect execution means (the liquid crystal display device 5 described later, the speakers 9L and 9R described later, and the lamp 14 described later), when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, When the rotation of 3C and 3R is stopped, the execution of the performance is advanced in conjunction with each opportunity such as when the determination of the presence / absence of a prize is made. In this way, in the pachislot 1, the player has an opportunity to know or predict the determined internal winning combination (in other words, the combination of symbols to be aimed at) by executing the production contents associated with the internal winning combination. It is provided and the player's interest is improved.

[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 is a perspective view showing the external structure of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing 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 flat display screen 5a including display windows 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 display windows 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 the display windows. ing.

  In other words, the display windows 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 windows. . In the present embodiment, video is displayed using the entire display screen 5a including the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, and an effect is executed.

  A plurality of symbol display areas (hereinafter referred to as display windows) 21L, 21C, 21R are 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 types of 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 that is a combination of any of the three predetermined 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.

(Upper frame)
In the present embodiment, the pachi-slot 1 includes an upper frame 60 that is detachably attached to the front door 2 so as to surround the liquid crystal display device 5. The upper frame 60 has a rectangular opening 61 and a circular opening 62. The rectangular opening 61 displays a plurality of symbols on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 5. The circular opening 62 has a part of an arc communicating with the rectangular opening 61 and opens above the rectangular opening 61. The circular opening 62 is provided with a transparent hemisphere 70.

  The upper frame 60 may constitute an outer shell of the display unit including the display screen 5a, and is formed in a bag shape having an open back surface. The upper frame 60 may be provided with a lamp (including an LED), a lamp chamber or a speaker chamber for housing a speaker, or may be decorated. In the present embodiment, the upper frame 60 is integrally formed of synthetic resin.

(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 accepted by 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 inside the pachislot machine 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 display 13 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and 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), and the inside of the pachislot 1 Information such as the number of medals deposited in (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits) is 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 port 15 guides medals discharged by driving a medal payout device 40 (see FIG. 4) 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. 4 shows the internal structure of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the front door 2 is opened and the structure on the back surface side of the front door 2 and the internal structure of the cabinet 1a appear.

  A substrate (hereinafter referred to as a main substrate 71A) on which a main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 6) is formed is provided above the interior of 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, and 3R are provided in the center inside the cabinet 1a. Stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R (see FIG. 6) 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. 6) is formed is provided. The sub-control circuit 72 is a circuit that controls the execution of effects by displaying images. The 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. A medal sensor 42S (see FIG. 6), which will 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.

  Next, the configuration of the liquid crystal display device will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the liquid crystal display device 5 as viewed from the back.

(Liquid crystal display device)
Inside the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R constituting the variable display device, when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stops, three vertical columns of symbols appearing in each display window (total of nine symbols). An LED storage circuit board (not shown) is installed on the back side of the LED. Each of the LED storage circuit boards has three (that is, nine in total) LED storage portions, and a plurality of LED lamps (not shown) are provided therein.

  This LED lamp illuminates the rear surface side of the reel sheet mounted along the outer peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with white light. More specifically, the area corresponding to the display window is illuminated. This reel sheet is configured to have translucency, and light emitted from the LED lamp is transmitted to the front side.

  The reel 3L has a cylindrical frame structure formed by connecting two annular frames of the same shape with a plurality of connecting members separated by a predetermined interval (for example, reel width), and the center of the frame structure. And a transmission member that transmits the driving force of a stepping motor 49L (see FIG. 6) provided to the annular frame to the annular frame. A reel sheet is mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the reel 3L.

  The circuit board for LED storage disposed inside the reel 3L includes three LED storage portions for storing a plurality of LED lamps. The LED storage circuit board is installed so that the LED storage portion is positioned on the back side of each of the symbols (three symbols in total) that the player can visually recognize through the display window. The reel 3C and the reel 3R also have the same structure as the reel 3L, and an LED housing circuit board is provided in each of the reels 3C and 3R.

  The liquid crystal display device 5 shown in FIG. 5 is a transmissive liquid crystal display device, and includes a protective glass 132, a display plate 133, a liquid crystal panel 134, a light guide plate 135, and a reflective film 136, and a white light source (for example, Equipped with a plurality of fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b, lamp holders 139a to 139h, and an IC for driving a liquid crystal panel, including light of all wavelengths in a ratio that a specific color is not conspicuous in human eyes) A flexible substrate (not shown) connected to the terminal portion of the liquid crystal panel 134 including the table carrier package is added.

  In the liquid crystal display device 5, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided in front of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R (that is, in front of the display screen 5a). Further, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided separately (for example, at a predetermined interval). The protective glass 132 and the display board 133 are comprised with the translucent member. The protective glass 132 is provided for the purpose of protecting the liquid crystal panel 134.

  The liquid crystal panel 134 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 134 is set to normally white. “Normally white” is a configuration in which white display is performed when the liquid crystal is not driven (that is, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal panel 134). That is, since the light reaches the display surface side of the liquid crystal panel 134, the transmitted light is visually recognized from the outside.

  Accordingly, by adopting the normally white liquid crystal panel 134, even when a situation in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, it is placed on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R via the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. The arranged symbols can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. In other words, even when a situation in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, a game can be played that is based on the rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The light guide plate 135 is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 134 to introduce light from the pair of fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b into the liquid crystal panel 134 (illuminate the liquid crystal panel 134), and has a thickness of about 2 cm, for example. It is comprised by translucent members (namely, member which has a light guide function), such as acrylic resin which has.

  The reflective film 136 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and can reflect the light introduced into the light guide plate 135 toward the front side. Thereby, the liquid crystal panel 134 can be illuminated. The reflective film 136 is partitioned by a reflective region 136A and a non-reflective region (that is, a transmissive region) 136BL, 136BC, 136BR. The non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are formed as a light transmissive portion that is formed of a transparent material and transmits incident light without being reflected.

  Further, the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are positioned in front of the symbols to be displayed when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped. The non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are formed so that the size and the position thereof coincide with the display window. In addition, the reflective film 136 uses a region other than the non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR as a reflective region 136A, and reflects the light introduced into the light guide plate 135 toward the front side by the reflective region 136A.

  The pair of fluorescent lamps 137 a and 137 b are arranged along the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the light guide plate 135. Further, both ends of the pair of fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b are supported by a set of lamp holders 139a and 139b and a set of lamp holders 139g and 139h. The pair of fluorescent lamps 137 a and 137 b generate light introduced into the light guide plate 135.

  The pair of fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b are disposed at an upper position and a lower position on the back side of the reflective film 136, respectively. Light emitted from the pair of fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is reflected on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and enters the non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR. The incident light passes through the non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR to illuminate the liquid crystal panel 134.

  In FIG. 5, when the liquid crystal is not driven in each display window appearing in the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R (that is, when no voltage is applied to each symbol display area of the liquid crystal panel 134), a pair of fluorescent lamps Part of the light emitted from 138a and 138b is reflected by the reel sheet. In addition, a part of the light emitted from the LED lamp provided on the circuit board for storing LED passes through the reel sheet. These lights are transmitted through the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR, and the light guide plate 135 and the liquid crystal panel 134 that constitute the liquid crystal display device 5, so that the player is placed on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The design can be visually recognized.

  Further, light emitted from the pair of fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b and introduced into the light guide plate 135 passes through the liquid crystal panel 134 and enters the eyes of the player. That is, the liquid crystal panel 134 is illuminated by the pair of fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b.

  In FIG. 3, when the liquid crystal is driven (that is, when a voltage is applied to each symbol display area of the liquid crystal panel 134), part of the light emitted from the pair of fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is a reel. Reflected by the sheet. A part of the light emitted from the LED lamp passes through the reel sheet. In the region where the liquid crystal is driven, part of these lights are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted, so that the player can visually recognize the effect image and the like.

[Circuit configuration of pachislot]
This completes the description of the structure of the pachislot 1. Next, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a configuration of a circuit included in the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. 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. 6 is a block diagram showing 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. 8 to 14 described later) such as a control program (see FIGS. 18 to 24 described later) executed by the main CPU 31 and an internal lottery table (see FIGS. 11 and 12 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. 15 to 17 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, the display 13 and the 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 display unit 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. 7 is a block diagram showing 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 to be a control program stored in the sub ROM 82 in accordance with the 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 for controlling communication with the main control circuit 71 and an effect registration task for extracting effect random numbers and determining and registering effect contents (effect data) , A drawing control task for controlling the display of the video by the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined production content, a lamp control task for controlling the light output by the lamp 14, and a voice control task for controlling the sound output by the speakers 9L and 9R Etc. are 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 with a liquid crystal display device 5, speakers 9L and 9R, and a lamp 14 as peripheral devices whose operations are 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 based on the animation data specified by the effect contents, and display the created video on the liquid crystal display device 5. Further, the sub CPU 81 divides the effect display designated by the effect content into a display area surrounded by the rectangular opening 61 and a display area surrounded by the circular opening 62 and displays the effect.

  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 designated by the contents of effects. 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. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a symbol arrangement table of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. 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, 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. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a symbol combination table of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. 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 (described later) 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]
The bonus operation time table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a bonus operating time table of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. 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 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. 11 and 12. 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. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal lottery table for the general gaming state of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal lottery table for RB operation of the pachislot 1 according to the present embodiment. 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. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal winning combination determination table for a small combination / replay of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. 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. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal winning combination determination table for bonuses of the pachislot 1 according to the present embodiment. The bonus internal winning combination determination table defines internal winning combinations related to the operation of the bonus.

[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. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. 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]
With reference to FIG. 16, the structure of the carryover combination storage area will be described. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the carryover combination storage area of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

  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. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the operating flag storage area of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

  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.

[Program flow executed in pachislot]
This completes the description of the configuration of the various storage areas provided in the main RAM 33. Next, the contents of the program executed by the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a main flowchart showing the basic control of the main CPU 31 of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

[Main flowchart by control of main CPU of main control circuit]
First, with reference to FIG. 18, the main flowchart by control of the main CPU31 is demonstrated. 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). 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. 15) or a display combination storage area (see FIG. 15), is cleared.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs medal acceptance / start check processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 (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. 20 (S5). In this process, the internal winning combination is determined by lottery based on a random value. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S6). The start command includes a parameter for specifying an internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (S7). When the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R are driven by an interrupt process (see FIG. 24 described later) executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec). Is controlled, and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 (S8). 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 (S9). As a result of the search, if the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table (see FIG. 9), 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 (S10). The display command includes parameters that specify the display combination, the number of payouts, and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a medal payout process (S11). Based on the determined payout number, the hopper 40 is driven and the credit number is updated. Next, the main CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (S12). 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 (S13). 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. 23 (S14). It is checked whether or not to end the bonus operation with reference to various counters for managing the bonus end timing.

  The main CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 after S14 or when it is determined in S13 that the bonus operating flag is not on (S15). It is checked whether or not the bonus operation starts. When this process ends, the process proceeds to S2.

[Medal reception / start check processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 19, 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). 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). 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 that the passage of medals is not detected in S38 (S43). 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). The solenoid of the selector 42 is not driven, and medals are urged to be discharged. 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. 11 and 12) and the number of lotteries (S61). The operating flag storage area (see FIG. 17) 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. 13) 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. 15) (S72). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the data stored in the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 16) 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 internal winning combination determination table for RB operation (see FIG. 14) and determines the internal based on the bonus data pointer. A winning combination 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. 16) is not 0 after S75 or in S73, the carryover combination storage area and the internal winning combination storage area (see FIG. 15). 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.

[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, and 49R is controlled by an interrupt process described later (see FIG. 24 described later), and the position of the symbol with the highest priority reaches the middle 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]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the bonus operation check process of the pachi-slot 1. 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. 10), and performs 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. 16) (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 table (see FIG. 10). Referring to FIG. 5, processing at the time of RB operation 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 activation check process]
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. 10), and performs 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. 16) (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 table (see FIG. 10). Referring to FIG. 5, processing at the time of RB operation 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). The possible game number counter is decremented by 1, and when 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 / display driving 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 a 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. 25, the main board | substrate communication task performed by sub CPU81 is demonstrated. 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. 27 (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). Registration of animation data, registration of sound data, registration of lamp data, and registration of solenoid data are performed based on the effect data registered in the effect content determination process (see FIG. 27 described later). When this process ends, the process proceeds to S311.

[Production content decision processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the flowchart of the effect content determination process performed by sub CPU81 is demonstrated. First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not it is time to receive a start command (S321). When determining that the start command is received, the sub CPU 81 extracts the effect random number, determines the effect number by lottery based on the internal winning combination, and registers it (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 registration of animation data, registration of sound data, registration of lamp data, and registration of solenoid 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 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.

(Operation of upper frame and hemisphere)
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pachislot 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention uses the front door 2 and the cabinet 1a except the upper frame 60 as a common or shared body, and displays the upper frame 60 with a different design on the display screen 5a. Changing the model is easy by attaching to the display unit. The change of the game form accompanying the model change is easy to change the software (program), and can contribute to the reduction of the cost due to the model change of the gaming machine. Further, the liquid crystal display device 5 provided in the display unit including the display screen 5a can change various display areas by software corresponding to the shape of the opening provided in the upper frame 60.

  2 and 3, the pachislot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention divides the display area of the liquid crystal display device 5 into a rectangular opening 61 and a circular opening 62. The display area surrounded by the rectangular opening 61 may be a main display area having a large area. For example, it is possible to produce and display a story-related game unrelated to the gaming state.

  On the other hand, the display area surrounded by the circular opening 62 shown in FIG. 3 may be a sub-display area having a small area. For example, the mission that is the current stay mode in relation to the above-described story-like game. (Task) can be displayed. In the display area surrounded by the circular opening 62, a display indicating the number of remaining games may be performed at CZ (challenge zone) or RT (replay time). Further, as shown in the figure, when a BB or RB is won, characters “BONUS” may appear and be displayed so as to congratulate them.

  2 and 3, the transparent hemisphere 70 may display the image effect area surrounded by the circular opening 62 as a spherical surface at a wide angle like a fisheye lens, and the image effect area surrounded by the circular opening 62 as a crystal ball. Innovative expressions that are reminiscent of being built-in are possible. That is, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can display messages and the like related to the main effects characteristically on the transparent hemisphere 70.

  Referring to FIG. 28, as shown in FIG. 28A, the message “CHANCE” can be displayed on the transparent hemisphere 70 as a spherical surface at a wide angle as part of the notice effect. Further, as shown in FIG. 28B, the message “50 games remaining” can be displayed on the transparent hemisphere 70 as a spherical surface at a wide angle during CZ or RT.

  Referring to FIG. 28, as shown in FIG. 28C, the message “CHANCE” can be displayed in a wide-angle spherical manner in the image effect area surrounded by the circular opening 62 as part of the notice effect. As shown in FIG. 28D, the message “50 games remaining” can be displayed in a spherical form at a wide angle in the image effect area surrounded by the circular opening 62 during CZ or RT.

  As described above, the pachislot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured so that the upper frame 60 surrounding the display unit including the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5 using the liquid crystal panel can be attached to and detached from the front door 2. The design and layout of the substantially upper half of the front door 2 including the upper panel part can be easily changed without being limited to the upper panel part.

  The pachislo 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a main display area and a sub display area divided by a rectangular opening 61 and a circular opening 62 provided in the upper frame 60, and a transparent hemisphere in the sub display area. Since 70 is provided, messages and the like related to the main effects displayed in the main display area can be characteristically displayed on the transparent hemisphere 70.

  Further, the pachislot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may display the image effect area surrounded by the circular opening 62 in a spherical shape at a wide angle, and by devising a font such as a display character, the circular opening 62 can be used like a fisheye lens. The enclosed image effect area can be spherically displayed at a wide angle. In addition, a novel expression reminiscent of the fact that the image effect area surrounded by the circular opening 62 is built in the crystal ball is possible. Furthermore, a novel expression is possible due to a synergistic effect with the transparent hemisphere 70.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the function flow of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external structure of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the external structure of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the liquid crystal display device of the game machine in this Embodiment from the back. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the main control circuit of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the sub control circuit of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the symbol arrangement | positioning table of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the symbol combination table of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bonus operation time table of the gaming machine in the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the internal lottery table for general game states of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the internal lottery table for RB operation | movement of the gaming machine in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the internal winning combination determination table for the small combination and replay of the gaming machine in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the internal winning combination determination table for bonus of the gaming machine in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the internal winning combination storing area | region of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the carryover combination storage area | region of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the operating flag storage area | region of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a main flowchart which shows the basic control of main CPU of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the medal acceptance / start check process of the gaming machine in the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the internal lottery process of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop control process of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the bonus operation | movement check process of the gaming machine in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the minus end check process of the gaming machine in the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption process (1.1173 msec) by control of main CPU of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main board | substrate communication task performed by sub CPU of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the effect registration task performed by sub CPU of the game machine in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the production content determination process performed by the sub CPU of the gaming machine in the present embodiment. It is a front view which shows partially the principal part of the external structure of the game machine in this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 pachislot machine
1a cabinet 2 front door 3L, 3C, 3R reel (variable display device)
5 Liquid crystal display device (effect display device)
5a Display screen (display part)
60 Upper frame 61 Rectangular opening 62 Circular opening 70 Hemisphere

Claims (1)

A gaming machine including a cabinet that opens and closes a front door,
The cabinet includes a variable display device that displays a plurality of symbols in a variable manner.
The front door includes a substantially flat display unit disposed at an upper part,
The display unit is an effect display device provided with a liquid crystal panel for image effects facing the variable display device, and an upper frame removably attached to the front door so as to surround the effect display device, Have
The upper frame includes a rectangular opening that displays the plurality of symbols on the screen of the effect display device, and a circular opening that partially communicates with the rectangular opening and opens above the rectangular opening. ,
The circular opening is provided with a transparent hemisphere ,
A game machine, characterized in that a message for a player in an image effect area surrounded by the circular opening is displayed in a spherical form at a wide angle .

Images