JP2000102641A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an inconvenience in which a probability of prize is set to an extreme value by initializing a memory means when a disorder detective means detects an abnormal of a slot machine and renewing a prize probability setting value which is memorized in the memory means at an almost central setting value when an initialization is conducted. SOLUTION: When a power source of a slot machine is being on, whether or not a key switch 43 is being is judged by a CPU 46 of a control part 45, when the CPU 46 judges that the key switch 43 is being OFF, then CPU 46 judges whether a RAM 48 is normal or abnormal. When the RAM 48 is judged as NO because a program is out of control and so forth, the RAM 48 is initialized and a setting value of a probability of prize is initialized. Namely, '3' which is an almost mean probability is set at an initialization of a prize probability which is prepared by six steps from the lowest probability '1' to the highest probability '6'. Thereby, when the slot machine is initialized because the program is out of control and so forth, extreme change of a probability of prize which is caused by the initialization can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly, to a variable display section capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, in which a game can be performed using a value owned by a player as a bet amount. Including a plurality of variable display devices,
The present invention relates to a slot machine in which one game ends when the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a slot machine of this type, a bet amount to bet on a game result of one game by inputting a value owned by a player such as a coin, for example, to a conventionally known slot machine is provided. The variable display device is variably started by inputting by the user and then performing a predetermined start operation and then stopped, and the display result when the variable display device is variably stopped becomes predetermined predetermined identification information. In some cases, a predetermined game result value, such as a prize coin payout, is provided to the player and one game is completed. Then, when the player plays the game again, as described above, the value of the player's possession is input, the bet number is set, and the next game is started by performing the start operation. Was composed.

[0003] The game control of such a slot machine is C
It is performed by a microprocessor including a PU (Central Processing Unit) and a RAM. Usually, the game state is stored in a RAM, and the game control is performed by controlling each part of the slot machine while rewriting the data with a program for the game control according to the game situation of the slot machine.

By the way, a program executed by the CPU often has some defective portion (bug). Such bugs are rare, but rare, because only slot machines that ship to the market have passed rigorous testing.

If a game control program becomes uncontrollable (a so-called "runaway state") due to some kind of bug, it is necessary to stop the execution of the program promptly. Is to reset. By resetting, the RAM is initialized, and a normal game can be started again.

[0006]

However, such R
When the AM is initialized, there is no limit to the possibility that the winning rate of the slot machine stored in the RAM is set to an extreme value. If the winning rate is set to such an extreme value, either the player or the owner of the playground will be damaged. Even if the damage is not so large, it is not preferable because the managed game cannot be executed.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent an inconvenience in which a winning rate is set to an extreme value when a RAM is initialized.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable display device whose display state can be changed, and a display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed, thereby completing one game. A slot machine in which a predetermined prize is generated when the display result of the variable display device is in a predetermined display mode, wherein a variable prize rate setting value that defines a prize rate for generating the prize is variably set. Setting means; storage means capable of storing a winning rate set value set by the variable setting means; and game control means for generating the winning according to the winning rate set value stored in the storage means and controlling a game state. When,
Abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in which the slot machine is not operating normally; and initialization means for initializing the storage means when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means. In this case, the winning rate setting value stored in the storage means is updated to a substantially central setting value.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the winning rate set value variably set by the variable setting means is set in six steps from setting 1 to setting 6. The setting value at the substantially center, which is updated by initialization, is setting 3.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the abnormality detecting means determines whether or not the storage content of the storage means is normal. It is characterized in that the presence or absence of an abnormality is detected by the determination.

[0011]

According to the present invention, when an abnormality of the slot machine is detected by the abnormality detecting means,
By the operation of the initialization means, the winning rate set value stored in the storage means is set to a substantially central value.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the winning rate set value is set to 1
Since the setting is set to the setting 3 out of the six steps from the setting to the setting 6, the winning rate is almost an average probability.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the abnormality is determined by judging whether or not the storage contents of the storage means are normal. The detecting means detects the abnormality. Generally, when the program runs out of control, the storage content of the storage means becomes abnormal. Therefore, by determining whether the storage content of the storage means is normal, the occurrence of the abnormality can be reliably detected.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing an example of the slot machine according to the present invention. Machine frame 1 of slot machine 1
A is provided with a front frame 1B as an example of a cover member so as to be openable and closable, and a display window 71 is provided at a predetermined position on the front side of an upper portion of the front frame. The display window 71 is provided with variable display portions 5L, 5C, and 5R for allowing a player to visually recognize identification information such as a symbol variably displayed by the variable display device 70 (see FIG. 2). The left variable display unit 5L, the middle variable display unit 5C, and the right variable display unit 5R
Each of them is configured to have a size capable of variably displaying identification information in upper and lower three stages. The front frame 1B is normally locked in a closed state, and can be unlocked by a staff member of the game arcade inserting and operating a predetermined key into the door opening / closing keyhole 3a so that the front frame 1B can be opened. Become. Then, the open / closed state of the front frame 1B is detected by the door switch 44.

When the player plays a game, the player inserts a coin as an example of a value object from the coin insertion slot 18 when the insertion instruction lamp 19 is lit or blinking. The insertion instruction lamp 19 is turned off when three coins are inserted (in a bonus game described later, one coin is inserted). When the player inserts a coin and presses the start lever 12, the variable display device 7
0 is variably started, and a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed by the variable display units 5L to 5R. Next, when the player presses each stop button 9L, 9C, 9R, the variable display of each corresponding variable display section 5L, 5C, 5R is stopped. If the player does not press any of the stop buttons 9L to 9R, the variable display device 70 is automatically controlled to stop after a predetermined time has elapsed. One game is terminated by one variable stop in which the variable display device 70 is variably started and then stopped, and a predetermined game value can be given if the display result at the time of variable stop becomes specific identification information as described later. Becomes

In the case of a normal game (coin game) which is not a credit game described later, if the player inserts one coin from the coin insertion slot 18 and presses the start lever 12, the variable display portions 5L to 5L One horizontal effective line (hit line) in the middle row in 5R becomes effective. When the identification information displayed when the variable display device 70 is stopped is a combination of predetermined specific identification information on the middle one horizontal effective line, a big bonus game or bonus game A state in which a predetermined game value such as start or payout of a predetermined number of coins can be given is enabled. On the other hand, if the player presses the start lever 12 with two coins inserted into the coin slot 18, three horizontal lines of effective lines in the variable display portions 5L to 5R become effective, and the variable display device 70 stops. When the display result at the time is that a specific combination of identification information is established on any one of these three horizontal lines, a predetermined game value can be given. further,
When the player presses the start lever 12 with three coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 18, a total of five active lines, three horizontal rows and two diagonal rows on the variable display units 5L to 5R, are provided. Is valid, and if a specific combination of identification information is established on any one of the five valid lines, a state in which a predetermined game value can be provided. That is, if the player inserts one coin and presses the start lever 12, the so-called one-bet game is achieved, one activated line is activated, and two coins are inserted to start the lever 12. If a pressing operation is performed, a so-called two-betting game is performed, and three activated lines are activated. If three coins are inserted and the start button 12 is pressed, a so-called three-betting game is performed and five activated lines are activated. Everything is valid.

The slot machine 1 of the embodiment is configured to play a so-called credit game. A credit game is a game in which a large amount of coins are inserted in advance and accumulated as a valuable value, or coins given as prizes are accumulated as a valuable value, and the coins are accumulated in advance without being inserted every time. This is a game in which a game is played using a valuable value. The player can switch from the normal game to the credit game by pressing the game switching button 16 once, and can switch from the credit game to the normal game by pressing the game switching button 16 again. . In the case of a credit game, a total of 5 coins
The value for zero cards can be stored in advance, and pressing the credit operation button 14 once results in the above-described one-bet game, and the credit operation button 14
Pressing the button twice results in the game of two bets, and pressing the credit operation button three times results in the game of three bets. It should be noted that a credit operation button is provided corresponding to each bet amount, and a game of one bet is formed by pressing the credit operation button for one bet, and a game of two bets is formed by pressing the credit operation button for two bets. It may be configured such that a game of three bets can be performed by pressing a credit operation button for three bets. By the start lever 12 and the coin slot 18 or the credit operation button 12, the number of the value corresponding to the value of the player's possession to bet on the game result of the one game and the mode of giving the predetermined game value is determined. A bet amount input means for inputting the determined bet amount is configured.

In the drawing, reference numerals 21 to 23 denote valid line display lamps, and only the valid line display lamps corresponding to the valid lines which become valid according to the above-mentioned bet amount are turned on or blinking.
It is configured such that the player can recognize which activated line is activated. Reference numerals 11L, 11C, and 11R denote a left operation effective lamp, a middle operation effective lamp, and a right operation effective lamp, respectively, which indicate that a state in which the pressing operation of the corresponding stop buttons 9L, 9C, and 9R is effectively received. Or for blinking display.
In the figure, reference numeral 25 denotes a game number display, which is configured to display the value of a big bonus game counter or a bonus game counter, which will be described later, and to switch and display the number of the currently executed big bonus game or the bonus game. I have. Reference numeral 26 denotes a credit display, which displays the number of coins as a stored value during a credit game. Reference numeral 27 denotes a number-of-payouts display for displaying the number of coins to be awarded when a prize is established. In the case of a normal game other than a credit game, a predetermined number of coins (for example, 15 coins) are paid out when a winning is achieved.
Is stored in the coin storage tray 30, and in the case of a credit game, the number of coins provided within a range not exceeding the storage upper limit (50) is stored. If the storage exceeds the upper limit (50), coins exceeding the upper limit are paid out into the coin storage tray 30.

A front panel 2 is provided below the display window 71 on the front side of the slot machine 1. Also,
If the game is over after the big bonus game described below is over and the game is over in the mode with game over described below, it will not be possible to resume the game unless a reset operation is performed. ,
The reset operation is performed by inserting a predetermined key into the reset keyhole 3b and operating in the counterclockwise direction. The operation of the reset keyhole 3b in the clockwise direction is detected by the reset switch 4, and the slot machine 1 is reset based on the detection output, so that the game can be played again. Reference numeral 28 in the figure denotes a speaker, which produces a sound effect at the time of a prize, a big bonus game, a bonus game, an alarm sound at the time of an abnormality, and the like. Further, a display window 7 on the front side of the slot machine 1 is provided.
A plurality of gaming effect lamps 24 are provided above 1 and are lit or blinked when a big bonus game or a bonus game occurs. In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a game over lamp, which is lit or blinked when the slot machine is stopped (game over). As described above, the number of coins inserted through the coin slot 18 before the start lever 12 is pressed, or the number of times the credit operation button 14 is pressed in the credit game, the game in one game of the slot machine 1 The number of bets on the result is determined. In the figure, reference numeral 64 denotes a re-game display lamp, which is lit when a re-game is possible, as described later.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing a partial internal structure of the slot machine. The variable display device 70 has a plurality (three in the drawing) of reels 6L, 6C, 6R, and each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is provided with a reel drive motor 7L, 7C, 7R composed of a stepping motor. The reels 6L to 6R are configured to rotate and stop by the respective reel drive motors 7L to 7R. FIG. 3 shows the outer periphery of each of the reels 6L to 6R.
The identification information including a plurality of types of symbols as shown in FIG. The identification information drawn on the outer periphery of the reel is variably displayed by the variable display units 5L to 5R. In the drawing, 8L, 8C and 8R are reel position detecting sensors for detecting the reference positions of the respective reels. Each time each of the reels 6L to 6R makes one rotation, the reference position is detected by the reel position detecting sensors 8L to 8R. It is detected and a detection output is derived. When the player presses the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, the operation is detected by the stop switches 10L, 10C, 10R. When the player presses the game switching button 16, the operation is detected by the game switching switch 17. When the player presses the start lever 12, the operation is detected by the start switch 13. When the player presses the credit operation button 14, the operation is detected by the credit switch 15. If a probability setting key operation is performed using a specific key possessed by a game arcade manager or the like, the key operation is detected by the key switch 43, and in that state, the door switch 44 (for example, a micro switch is used). ) Is activated, and it becomes possible for a manager of a game arcade or the like to change the winning probability by operating the activated door switch 44. In the figure, 24 is a game effect lamp, 25 is a game number display, 26 is a credit display, 27 is a payout number display, and 21 to 23 are activated line display lamps. Note that the number-of-payouts display 27 also displays an error code for specifying the cause of the error when the error occurs, as described later.

The coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 is guided to a coin selector 32 through a coin path 31. The coin selector 32 determines whether the inserted coin is a valid coin or an improper coin such as a fake coin. If the coin is an improper coin, the coin selector 32 excites the flow path switching solenoid 33 to switch the flow path. Then, the inappropriate coin is returned from the coin payout exit 29 (see FIG. 1) through the return path 34. On the other hand, when the inserted coin is a proper coin, the proper coin is guided to the coin taking-in path 35 side, and the coin is taken into the coin storing tank 37 and stored.
The inserted coin path 36 is provided with a inserted coin sensor 36 as an example of a bet amount input detecting means, and coins passing through the coin input path 35 are detected by the inserted coin sensor 36. On the other hand, when more than three coins are inserted in the normal game which is not a credit game, and when the number of credits reaches 50 in the credit game, the flow path switching solenoid 33 is excited to switch the flow path. The fourth and subsequent inserted coins are returned through the return path 34.

The surplus coins whose coin hopper 37 is full and can no longer store coins are stored in the surplus coin storage tank 41 through the surplus coin guide path 40. The surplus coin storage tank 41 is provided with a full tank sensor 42. When the surplus coin storage tank 41 becomes full, it is detected by the full tank sensor 42 and the fact that the full tank is full based on the detection output. Error processing is performed to notify the user. The staff at the amusement arcade collects the coins in the surplus coin storage tank 41 of the full slot machine 1 based on the notification of the fullness.

A coin payout motor 38 is provided below the coin hopper 37. When the coin payout motor 38 rotates, the coins in the coin hopper 37 are transferred from the coin payout port 29 to the coin storage tray. 30
Is discharged into The discharged coin is detected by the payout coin sensor 39, and a predetermined number (for example, 15)
Coin payout motor 38 when the payout coin
Is controlled to stop. In the case of a credit game, if the number of coins stored as credit points exceeds the upper limit of the number of stored coins (for example, 50), the excess coins are paid out into the coin storage tray 30 by the coin payout motor 38. Is done. In the figure, reference numeral 45 denotes a control unit for controlling the slot machine, which includes a microcomputer and the like. A power switch 65 in the figure allows the power of the slot machine 1 to be turned on and off. The power switch 65 and the key switch 43 are
When the front frame 1B is opened, it can be operated from the front side.

FIG. 3 is a developed view showing symbols (symbol marks) as identification information drawn on the outer periphery of each of the left, middle, and right reels. Numerals shown on the left side of FIG. 3 are symbol numbers, and 21 symbols (symbol marks) of 0 to 20 are attached to the outer periphery of each reel. FIG. 3A shows the left reel 6.
L (see FIG. 2) shows a symbol drawn on the outer periphery of the middle reel 6C, (b) shows a symbol drawn on the outer periphery of the middle reel 6C, and (c) shows an outer periphery of the right reel 6R. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a pattern drawn in FIG. If the display result when the variable display device 70 stops is "AAA" on an active line (hit line) corresponding to the bet amount, the big bonus game is started and 15 coins are paid out. On the other hand, if "BBB" is reached on the active pay line, the bonus game is started and 15 coins are paid out. Further, if the value becomes "CCC" or "DDD" on the activated line, a combination of small winning symbols is established and 15 coins are paid out. If it becomes "EEE" on the activated line, a small role is established and eight coins are paid out. If both the left symbol and the middle symbol are “F” on the activated line, a small hand is established and six coins are paid out. Further, if only the left symbol becomes “F” on the pay line, a small hand is established and three coins are paid out.

Further, during the big bonus game or during the normal game which is not during the bonus game, if three "G" s or "JACs" are arranged on the hit line, a re-game is established and coin insertion is performed as described later. The variable display device 70 is variably started again only by performing the start operation without performing the operation. If three "Gs" are arranged on the active line during the big bonus game, the bonus game is started. Also, this "G" during the bonus game
If three are arranged on the hit line, a prize is won during the bonus game, and fifteen coins are paid out. It should be noted that the effective winning line in which a prize is generated during the bonus game is only the middle horizontal row in the variable display section. Also, when there are a plurality of activated lines corresponding to the number of bets and the combination of the symbols to be paid out as described above is simultaneously established on a plurality of activated lines, the combination of the symbols on each activated line is used. In principle, coins corresponding to the total number of coins to be provided are provided. However, since the upper limit of the number of coins awarded in one game is determined to be 15, if the number of coins exceeds 15, the 16th and subsequent coins become invalid.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the slot machine of the present invention.

The control circuit includes a control unit (including a microcomputer) 45 as a control center. Control unit 45
Has a function of controlling the operation of the slot machine 1 as described below. The control unit 45 includes, for example, an LSI of several chips, and includes a CPU 46 and a CPU 46 that can execute a control operation in a predetermined procedure.
ROM 47 for storing the operation program of FIG. 1 and a RAM 48 for writing and reading necessary data. Further, an I / O port 49 for ensuring signal consistency between the CPU 46 and an external circuit, and a C / C
Initial reset circuit 5 for applying a reset pulse to PU 46
1, a clock generation circuit 52 for providing a clock signal to the CPU 46, and a pulse frequency dividing circuit (interrupt pulse generation circuit) 53 for frequency-dividing the clock signal from the clock generation circuit 52 and periodically providing an interrupt pulse to the CPU 46 And CPU4
6 and an address decoding circuit 54 for decoding the address data from address 6.

The CPU 46 can execute the operation of the interrupt control routine in accordance with the interrupt pulse periodically given from the pulse dividing circuit 53. The address decode circuit 54 decodes the address data from the CPU 46, and stores the data in the ROM 47, the RAM 48, the I / O port 4
9. A chip select signal is given to the sound generator 50, respectively.

In this embodiment, a programmable ROM 47 is used as the ROM 47 so that its contents can be rewritten, that is, if necessary, the program for the CPU 46 stored therein can be changed. ing. Then, the CPU 46 provides control signals to the above-described reel drive motor, various display lamps, and the like according to a program stored in the ROM 47 and in response to input of each control signal described below.

First, when the door switch 44 is operated by a manager of a game arcade or the like, an operation signal is given to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. When the key switch 43 is operated by a predetermined key, the operation signal is transmitted to the switch / sensor circuit 5.
5 to the I / O port 49. The key switch switches between the game mode and the probability setting mode. When the mode is in the probability setting mode, the hit probability is input and set based on the detection output of the door switch 44 as described later. When the reset switch 4 is operated by a predetermined key, the operation signal is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The pressing operation of the game switching button 16 is detected by the game switching switch 17, and the detection signal is output from the switch.
It is input to the I / O port 49 via the sensor circuit 55. The operation of the credit operation button 14 is detected by the credit switch 15, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55.
The pressing operation of the start lever 12 is performed by the start switch 13.
, And the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The detection signals of the left stop button 9L, the middle stop button 9C, and the right stop button 9R are applied to the left stop switch 10
L, middle stop switch 10C, right stop switch 1
0R, and each detection signal is
It is input to the I / O port 49 via the sensor circuit 55. The coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 is detected by the inserted coin sensor 36, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. When a coin is paid out by the coin payout motor 38 (see FIG. 2), the payout coin is detected by the payout coin sensor 39, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. Is done.
When the surplus coin storage tank 41 becomes full with the stored coins, the fact is detected by the full tank sensor 42, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The left reel 6L, the middle reel 6C, and the right reel 6R rotate, and the reference position value (notch or the like) of each reel is set to the left reel position sensor 8L,
If detected by the middle reel position sensor 8C and the right reel position sensor 8R, respective detection signals are input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55.

The control unit 45 outputs a control signal to the following various devices. First, a reel drive control signal (step signal for a stepping motor) is output to the left reel drive motor 7L, the middle reel drive motor 7C, and the right reel drive motor 7R via the motor circuit 56. A coin payout control signal is output to the coin payout motor 38 via the motor circuit 57. A solenoid excitation control signal is output to the flow path switching solenoid 33 via the solenoid circuit 58. A display control signal is output to the number-of-games display 25, the credit display 26, and the number-of-payouts display 27 via the LED circuit 59. Through the lamp circuit 60, the game effect lamp 24, the insertion instruction lamp 19, the effective line display lamps 21, 22, 23, the left operation effective lamp 11L, the middle operation effective lamp 11C, the right operation effective lamp 11R, the game over lamp 20, A lamp control signal is output to each of the game display lamps 64. Sound generator 5
0, and outputs a sound generation control signal to the speaker 28 via the amplifier 61. Note that a predetermined DC current is supplied from the power supply circuit 62 to the various devices and control circuits described above. Also,
The RAM 48 is configured to be supplied with a current for storing data from the backup power supply 63. Even if the supply of current from the power supply circuit 62 is not performed due to a power failure, the probability set value and the game state are determined. It is configured so that it can be stored for a period.

FIGS. 5 to 16 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a processing program executed when the power is turned on. The power-on of the slot machine is performed at the start of the operation of the game arcade, and during the operation of the game arcade, for example, when the power supply once falls due to a power outage and the power outage is restored again during the business operation of the game arcade. Can be considered. In FIG. 5, first, in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1, it is determined whether or not the reset switch is ON. The reset switch 4 is used to select whether the game over (stop) is set to function or not to function. If the reset switch 4 is ON, the game over (S3) It is set so that the game over (stop) does not function when the mode is set to no mode. On the other hand, if the reset switch 4 is OFF, the mode is set to the game over mode in S2 and the game over (stop) is set to function. It should be noted that selection of the presence or absence of hitting may be set by a dedicated switch. Next, the process proceeds to S4, where it is determined whether or not the key switch is ON. When the key switch 43 is ON, the mode is the probability setting mode and the key switch 43 is turned off.
In the case of F, the game mode is set, and when the key switch is OFF, the process proceeds to S5,
It is determined whether or not the AM is normal. If the AM is normal, the slot machine returns to the gaming state at the time of power-off. That is, since the RAM 48 shown in FIG. 4 is backed up by the backup power supply 63 at the time of a power failure or the like, the RAM 48 is executed at the time of a power fall such as the time of the occurrence of a power failure among the steps S33 to S200 described later. The steps of the program are stored in the RAM 48, and if YES is determined in S5, the program control returns to the stored step at the time of power-off.

On the other hand, when the program runs out of control,
A determination of NO is made in S5 and the process proceeds to S6, where the RAM is initialized and the set value of the winning probability is initialized. The initialization of the winning probability in S6 is initialized to a set value "3", for example. As will be described later, the setting values are prepared in six steps from “1”, which is the lowest probability, to “6”, which is the highest probability. Initialized to a certain “3”. As a result, when the slot machine is initialized due to a program runaway, etc., the probability is set to an approximately average probability. There is an advantage that it is possible to prevent an extreme change such as switching to an extremely low setting value.

On the other hand, if the key switch 43 is ON, that is, if the key switch 43 is operated in the probability setting mode, the process proceeds to S7, where the inserted coin flow path is switched to the return side, and the inserted coin is returned. Next, the process proceeds to S8, where it is determined whether or not a start operation has been performed. If not, the process proceeds to S10. In S10, it is determined whether or not the door switch has been operated. If there is no door switch operation, the current set value of the probability is displayed in, for example, the number-of-payouts display 27 in S13 and S8.
Return to Note that a dedicated set value display may be provided.

During the patrol in S8 to S13, the manager of the game arcade or a staff member operates the door switch 44 (see FIG. 1) by one.
If the operation is performed twice, YES is determined in S10 and S
Proceeding to 11, the set value of the probability is incremented by "1". Then S
Proceeding to 12A, it is determined whether the current set value is “7”. Since the upper limit of the set value of the probability is set to “6”, when the set value becomes “7”, the process proceeds to S12B, the process of setting the set value to “1” again is performed, and the process proceeds to S13. move on. On the other hand, when the set value is not “7”, the process directly proceeds to S13, and the set value at the present time is displayed. The staff at the game arcade operates the door switch 44 so that the desired setting value is obtained while watching the display of the setting value of the probability in S13. When the desired set value is reached, the key switch 43 is turned off to switch to the game mode, and then the start lever 13 (see FIG. 1) is operated to turn the start switch 13 on, thereby allowing S8 to be executed.
Is determined as YES. As a result, since the key switch 43 has already been turned off, the process proceeds to S14, in which the RAM is initialized, the set value of the probability is determined, the setting display is cleared, and the process proceeds to the game start process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an interrupt program for the random counter updating process. The interrupt program shown in FIG. 6 is executed based on a pulse signal periodically input from the above-described pulse divider circuit 53, and is executed, for example, once every 4 msec. First, at S15, the value R of the random counter is set to a predetermined number N
A process of adding and updating is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S16, in which it is determined whether or not the value R of the random counter has exceeded a predetermined maximum value. If the value R has not yet reached the maximum value, the process proceeds to S18, and one game has ended. A determination is made as to whether the This one game is ended when the variable display device stops when no coins are paid out as a result of display when the variable display device is stopped. Ends. If one game has not ended, the interrupt program ends as it is, and waits for the next interrupt.
On the other hand, if the value R of the random counter is equal to or larger than the maximum value, the process proceeds to S17, and after the process of subtracting and updating the value R of the random counter by the maximum value is performed, the process proceeds to S18.
Proceed to. Next, when the current interrupt program is executed at the timing when one game is completed, YES is determined in S18.
Is determined, the process proceeds to S19, and a process of changing the value N to be added and updated in S15 based on the value R of the random counter is performed. The addition number N is selected from a plurality of preset prime numbers and one prime number such that the quotient obtained by dividing the maximum value by the prime number is not an integer, and is changed by S19. By setting the number of additions N in this way, the value R of the random counter can take any value. In addition, since the addition number N is changed to another prime number in S19 every time one game is completed, the value R of the random counter becomes a random value. When making a decision, there is an advantage that a random decision can be made.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an interrupt program showing an error check process. First, it is determined in S20 whether or not the coins to be paid out are in a state of running out of coins. When it is determined that the coin is not out of coins, the process proceeds to S21, and it is determined whether or not the inserted coin is jammed. If the inserted coins are not clogged, the process proceeds to S22, where the inserted coins are stored in the surplus coin storage tank 4
1 (see FIG. 2), it is determined whether or not the coin is full, and if it is not full, the process proceeds to S23, and whether or not coins paid out from the coin hopper 37 (see FIG. 2) are jammed. If not, the process proceeds to S24, where it is determined whether or not an error is occurring. If not, the interrupt program ends.

Although the number of coins paid out has not reached the expected number of coins to be paid out as a result of the end of one game, and the coin payout motor 38 is rotating. If no coin is paid out within a certain period of time, it is determined that the coin has run out and S2
A determination of YES is made by 0, and an error code "HE" is displayed by the number-of-payouts display 27 (see FIG. 1) at S25. On the other hand, when the inserted coin is jammed in the coin receiving path 35 and the inserted coin sensor 36 (see FIG. 2) is in a state of continuously detecting the coin for a certain period of time or more, YES is determined in S22. Judgment is made S2
6, an error code "CE" is displayed. If the coins inserted into the surplus coin storage tank 41 are full and the full sensor 42 (see FIG. 2) detects that the coins are full, S
A determination of YES is made by 22 and the process proceeds to S27, where an error code “CO” is displayed on the number-of-payouts display 27. If coins to be paid out from the coin hopper 37 are jammed and the paid-out coin sensor 39 (see FIG. 2) continuously detects coins for a certain period of time or longer, a YES determination is made in S23 and the process proceeds to S28. The error code “HJ” is displayed by the number-of-payouts display 27. Further, after the error is determined in steps S20 to S23, during a period until the error code is cleared in step S32 described later, a determination of YES is made in step S24, and the process proceeds to step S29.
The display of the error code displayed by any of the above is continued. That is, the display of the error code in S29 is performed until the front frame 1B in the open state is closed and the error code is cleared in S32 described later even after the cause of the error is removed by the staff at the game arcade. The display of the error code continues.

After the processing of S25, S26, S27, S28 or S29 is performed, the process proceeds to S30, in which the game of the slot machine is interrupted and an error sound is generated from the speaker 28.

When a staff at the game hall hears that an error sound is emitted from the speaker 28, the staff at the game hall opens the front frame 1B to remove the cause of the error of the slot machine, and further pays out. The type of the cause of the error that has occurred is identified from the error code displayed by the numerical display 27, and the operation that corresponds to the type of the cause of the error is performed to remove the cause of the error that has occurred. Then, after the work is completed, the staff at the game hall closes the front frame 1B. Then, the door switch 44 detects that the front frame 1B has been closed, and accordingly, a YES determination is made in S31. As a result, the control proceeds to S32, where the error code displayed by the number-of-payouts display 27 is cleared, the error sound is stopped, and the game is restarted from the game state at the time of occurrence of the interruption. Instead of actually closing the front member 1B, the detection output from the door switch 44 may be raised by pressing the door switch 44 with a finger or the like, and the determination of YES may be made in S31.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the game start processing. At S33, a process of controlling the flow path switching solenoid 33 (see FIG. 2) to switch the flow path of the inserted coin to the take-in side is performed. If there is no game switching operation, the process proceeds to S40. However, if the player presses the game switching button 16, the process proceeds to S35, and it is determined whether or not the current mode is the credit game mode. If not, a process for setting the credit game mode is performed in S36. On the other hand, if the credit game mode has already been set, the process proceeds to S37, where a process for setting the coin game mode is performed, and the process proceeds to S38, where it is determined whether or not the credit counter is "0". The credit counter is used to count and store the number of coins awarded as a prize during the credit game and the number of coins inserted by the player.
At step 79, the value is incremented and updated by "1", and at steps S39 and S56 described later, the value is subtracted and updated by "1". When the credit counter is "0", the process proceeds to S40. When the credit counter is "1" or more, the process proceeds to S39, where one coin is paid out and the credit counter is decremented and updated by "1". Return. The process of S39 is repeated until the credit counter becomes "0", and the payout of the number of coins corresponding to the count value of the credit counter is controlled. In other words, when the player switches to the coin game mode in the credit game mode, the player can change the number of coins corresponding to the value of the credit counter added and stored during the credit game. Since it is necessary to pay out to the side, the payout control is performed in S39. On the other hand, if the player presses the game switching button in the coin game mode at the present time, the process proceeds to S36, and the credit game mode is set.

Then, the program proceeds to S40, in which it is determined whether or not a start operation has been performed. If the start lever 12 (see FIG. 1) has not yet been pressed, the process proceeds to S41, in which the input number counter is set to "3". A determination is made whether there is. The number-of-insertion counter is used to count the number of coins inserted by the player from the coin insertion slot 18 or the number of times the player has pressed the credit operation button 14 during the credit game when playing one game, and This is for setting the number of bets to be bet on the game result, and is incremented and updated by “1” in S57 described later, and is cleared at step S33 at the start of the next game, although not shown. The bet amount is input and set in accordance with the count value of the insertion number counter, and when the bet number, that is, the count value of the insertion number counter is "1", an effective line (hit line) which is valid is set to one. When the count value is "2", the number is set to three, and when the count value is "3", the number is set to five. The upper limit of the count value of the input number counter is set to “3” S4.
If the count value of the insertion number counter has not reached the upper limit "3" due to 1, the process proceeds to S42, and it is determined whether or not the bonus game flag is set. The bonus game flag is set in S162 and S169 when the bonus game is actually started based on the display result when the variable display device is stopped, and in S18 when the bonus game ends.
8 to be cleared. If the bonus game flag is not set, the process proceeds to S47. If the bonus game flag is set, the process proceeds to S43, and it is determined whether or not the insertion number counter is "0".
In the case of, the process proceeds to S47, and in the case of “1” or more, S44
Proceed to. In other words, in the case of the bonus game, only one valid line of the combination of the variable display devices is valid as described above, so that only one betting game is permitted, and therefore, the insertion number counter is set to “1”. Is controlled so as not to exceed the value. In S44, it is determined whether or not the game mode is the credit game mode. If the game mode is not the credit game mode, the process proceeds to S46,
After performing the process of switching the inserted coin flow path to the return side and returning the inserted coin, the process proceeds to S40. On the other hand, if the credit game mode is set, S4
The process proceeds to 5 to determine whether or not the credit counter has already reached its upper limit value of “50”.
If it is "0", the process proceeds to S46 because the credit counter cannot be updated any more, and a process of returning the inserted coin is performed.

In S47, it is determined whether or not a coin has been inserted. If so, the flow advances to S48 to determine whether or not the inserted number counter has already reached its upper limit of "3". If it is already "3", the process proceeds to S60, where a process of adding "1" to the credit counter is performed, and the process returns to S40. On the other hand, if the input counter is not "3", the flow proceeds to S49, and it is determined whether or not the bonus game flag is set. If the bonus game flag is not set, the flow proceeds to S57. Since there is still room in the count value of the input number counter, a process of adding "1" to the count value is performed. If the bonus game flag has been set, the process proceeds to S50, where it is determined whether or not the insertion number counter is "0". In the case of the bonus game, since the upper limit value of the insertion number counter is “1” as described above, if the insertion number counter is “1”, S
The process proceeds to step S60, where a process of adding "1", which is the number of coins inserted into the credit counter, is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S58, in which a process of retrieving and storing the value R of the random counter updated and added according to the above-described random counter updating process is performed. Next, proceed to S59,
The process of turning on the activated line, setting the expected payout number and the payout number to "0" is performed, and returns to S40. When the value of the input number counter is "1", only the active line display lamp 21 for displaying the middle horizontal row is turned on when the input number counter is "1", and when the input number counter is "2". Effective line display lamps 21 and 22 for displaying three lines of effective lines
Is turned on, and when the insertion number counter is "3", all of the effective line display lamps 21 to 23 for displaying five effective lines in three horizontal rows and two rows on a diagonal diagonal are lit. In addition, the expected payout number is the number of coins to be paid out to the player according to the type of the winning when the winning is determined based on the display result when the variable display device is stopped, and the payout number is , The number of coins actually paid out based on the winning.

Next, if it is determined in S47 that no coin has been inserted, the flow advances to S51 to determine whether or not the credit counter is "0". If not, the flow advances to S52. The process proceeds to determine whether or not a credit operation has been performed.
Return to 0. On the other hand, if the credit counter is "0", the process directly returns to S15 without making a determination in S27. This is because when the credit counter is "0", no matter how much the player performs the credit operation by pressing the credit operation button 14, the game using the count value of the credit counter can be performed. This is because it is useless to judge whether or not a credit operation has been performed. Next, if there is a credit operation, the process proceeds to S53, where it is determined whether or not the number-of-insertion counter has reached "3". Ignore the operation and return to S40. On the other hand, if it is not "3", the flow proceeds to S54, and it is determined whether or not the bonus game flag is set. If the bonus game flag is set, the flow proceeds to S55,
It is determined whether or not the number-of-insertion counter is "0". If the number-of-insertion counter is "1", which is the upper limit in the bonus game, the credit operation is ignored and the process returns to S40. On the other hand, when the insertion number counter is “0” or when the bonus game flag is not set, the process proceeds to S56, after the credit counter is subtracted and updated by “1”, the process proceeds to S57, and the insertion number counter is set to “1”.
Is added.

As described above, every time a player inserts a coin from the coin insertion slot 18 in order to input and set the bet amount to bet on the game result in one game, the random value of the random counter is incremented by three in S58. R is read and stored. On the other hand, the random value R of the random counter is read out and stored in S58 up to three times each time the player presses the credit operation button 14 to set and input the bet amount during the credit game. Therefore, in the case of one bet, only one random value R
Is stored and the random value R is stored twice in the case of two bets, and the random value R is stored three times in the case of three bets.

Next, if the player presses the start lever 12, YES is determined in S40 and S61 is determined.
It is determined whether or not the number-of-inputs counter is "0". If it is "0", the flow proceeds to S41. Then, the coin flow path is switched to the return side, and the process proceeds to reel rotation control. As a result of the processing in S62, coins inserted thereafter are returned to the coin storage tray 30.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing a program for reel rotation processing. First, it is determined from S63 whether one game timer has expired. The one game timer is for measuring a minimum time (for example, 4.1 seconds) that must elapse from the start of one game to the end thereof, and is set in S65. The time set in one game timer may be changed according to the number of bets, and when the number of bets is one bet or two bets, a shorter time may be set than in the case of three bets. If the one game timer has not expired, the process proceeds to S64, where a timer end waiting sound is generated from the speaker 28 to notify the player that the one game timer has not expired. On the other hand, when the one game timer expires, the process proceeds to S65, where the one game timer is newly set, the operation invalidation timer is set, and the rotation of all reels is started. As described above, the operation invalidation timer is a timer for measuring a time period in which the operation is invalidated even when the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are operated.

Next, the flow proceeds to S66, in which a predetermined operation is performed using the stored random value R (see FIG. 6). As described above, the random value R of the random counter is one for one bet, has two values for two bets, and has three values for three bets. . Therefore, in the case of one bet, a predetermined operation is performed using the one value, but in the case of two bets, the predetermined operation is performed using two values, and in the case of three bets, three operations are performed. A predetermined operation is performed using the two values. The predetermined operation is an operation of adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing the random values R, or substituting the random values R into a predetermined function to calculate an answer. Therefore, as the number of random values R of the random counter increases, that is, when two bets are made rather than one bet or three bets are made than two bets, the value of the calculation result in S66 becomes a random value. Next, in S67, a process of comparing the calculation result with the determination value of each winning is performed. There are four types of determination values for each winning: a determination value for a big bonus game, a determination value for a bonus game, a determination value for a small role, and a determination value for a re-game. The judgment value of each winning is
It is stored in the ROM 47 in the form of a table, and is configured such that the larger the number of bets, the wider the range (area) of the winning determination value and the easier the winning. In other words, the case of one bet is the most difficult to win, and the case of three bets is the most likely to be won. In the case of three bets, it is easier to win at least three times than in the case of one bet. Further, the judgment value of the big bonus winning and the judgment value of the bonus winning are constant irrespective of the gaming state, and are changed only by the setting change by the probability setting switch. On the other hand, the small winning determination value changes according to the gaming state, but does not change when the setting is changed by the probability setting switch.

Then, the program proceeds to S68, in which it is determined whether or not the bonus game flag is set. If the bonus game flag is not set, the process proceeds to S71, and whether or not the big bonus game flag is set Is determined, and if the big bonus game flag is not set, the process proceeds to S74. In S74, a reel rotation sound is generated from the speaker 28, and then S
The process proceeds to 75, where it is determined whether the big bonus winning flag or the bonus winning flag has been set. If the flag has already been set, the process proceeds to S81, but if not, the process proceeds to S76.

In S76, the result of comparison in S67 is
It is determined whether or not the calculation result using the random value R is included in the big bonus winning allowable value. If it is, the process proceeds to S77, the big bonus winning flag is set, and the process proceeds to S80. On the other hand, if the result of the comparison in S67 is that the calculation result using the random value R is not the big bonus winning allowable value but is included in the bonus winning allowable value, a YES determination is made in S78 and S
Going to 79, the bonus winning flag is set and S80
Proceed to. In S80, the game effect lamp 24 (see FIG. 1)
Is started, and the process proceeds to S85. S
By the processing of 80, a notification that the big bonus or the bonus has been won is issued. Instead of turning on the game effect lamp 24 in S80, a dedicated display may be provided to notify that a big bonus has been won or that a bonus has been won. Further, a predetermined sound is generated from the speaker 28. You may make it notify. This S
As a result of the processing in step 80, the player is in a state of recognizing that the big bonus has been won or the bonus has been won. Since the reach sound is not generated unless a win is made (S108 to S110), the player is notified of the reach state even though there is no possibility of becoming a big bonus game or a bonus game. Pleasure can be prevented.

If NO is determined in S78, the process proceeds to S81, in which it is determined whether or not the comparison result in S67, the calculation result using the random value R is included in the re-game winning allowable value, and the determination is made. If not, the process proceeds to S83, but if it is included, the process proceeds to S82, the re-game winning flag is set, and the process proceeds to S85. By setting the re-game winning flag in S82, as described later,
The variable display device is automatically variably started by a start operation without inserting coins, and is controlled so that a game can be played again. In S83, it is determined whether or not the comparison result of S67 and the calculation result using the random value R are included in each of the small role winning allowable values. If not, the process proceeds to S85 as it is. If so, the flow proceeds to S84, the winning flag corresponding to the type of the included small winning combination is set, and the flow proceeds to S85.

Next, if the bonus game flag is set, a YES determination is made in S68 and S
Proceeding to 69, it is determined whether or not the comparison result of S67 and the calculation result of the random value R are included in the JAC winning allowable value. In other words, the determination of YES in S68 means that the game state of the slot machine is in the bonus game, and the display result when the variable display device is variably stopped during the bonus game is "JAC". In this case, as described above, a prize is generated during the bonus game and 15 coins can be paid out, and it is determined in S69 whether or not a prize is generated during the bonus game. It is. When the determination at S69 is NO, the process proceeds directly to S85, but when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to S85.
Proceeding to 70, the JAC winning flag is set. As a result, as will be described later, control for generating a winning during the bonus game is performed.

On the other hand, when the big bonus game flag is set instead of the bonus game flag, S
A determination of YES is made by 71 and the process proceeds to S72, and S6
7, it is determined whether or not the calculation result using the random value R is included in the bonus game allowable value. When the game state of the slot machine is during the big bonus, the display result when the variable display device is variably stopped is "J.
If the combination of the stop symbols of "AC" is reached, the bonus game in the big bonus game is started as described above. Therefore, in S72, whether or not to generate the bonus game in the big bonus game is determined. Is determined. And S7
If NO is determined in S2, the process proceeds to S83, but if YES is determined, the process proceeds to S73 and J
The AC winning flag is set, and the routine proceeds to S85.

Next, in S85, it is determined whether or not the operation invalidation timer has expired, and the process waits until the timer expires. The time set in this operation invalidation timer is from S68 to
This is a time (for example, 1 second) longer than the time required for performing the process of S84. When the operation invalidation timer expires, the process proceeds to S86, in which the reel stop timer is set, and control for turning on the operation effective lamps 11L, 11C, 11R (see FIG. 1) is performed. The reel stop timer is a timer for measuring a predetermined time and automatically stopping the reel when the player does not operate the stop buttons 9L to 9R at all. Next, the process proceeds to S87, in which it is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped. If the reels have not yet stopped, the process proceeds to S88, in which it is determined whether or not the reel stop timer has expired. If it is determined that the reel stop timer has expired, the flow proceeds to S95, in which the left, middle, and right reel stop flags are set, and the flow proceeds to S96. On the other hand, if the reel stop timer has not expired, the flow advances to S89 to determine whether or not a left reel stop operation has been performed. If not, it has been determined in S91 whether or not a middle reel stop operation has been performed. In this case, it is determined in S93 whether or not the right reel stop operation has been performed, and if not, the process proceeds to S96. On the other hand, if the player presses the left stop button 9L, a determination of YES is made in S89, the process proceeds to S90, the left reel stop flag is set, and the stop of the left reel is controlled. Next, if the player presses the middle stop button 9C, a determination of YES is made in S91 and the process proceeds to S92, in which a middle reel stop flag is set, and the middle reel is controlled to stop. If the player presses the right stop button 9R, S9 is performed.
3 is YES, the process proceeds to S94, the right reel stop flag is set, and the right reel is controlled to stop. Next, the player sets two of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R.
A case where two or more of the pressing operations are performed simultaneously will be described. For example, when the player presses the left stop button 9L and the middle stop button 9C at the same time, first, YES is determined in S89.
Is determined, the process proceeds to S90, the left stop flag is set, and the left reel is controlled to be stopped as described later. A YES determination is made in S91, the process proceeds to S92, and the middle reel stop flag is set to be described later. The middle reel is controlled to stop. Thus, even if the player presses a plurality of stop buttons at the same time, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is controlled to be stopped, and the stop operation of one of the buttons is invalidated. There is no inconvenience. These are the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9
The same applies to the case where three of L are pressed simultaneously.

Next, in S96, it is determined whether or not the left reel stop flag is set. If not, in S100, it is determined whether or not the middle reel stop flag is set. If not, it is determined in S104 whether or not the right reel stop flag is set. If not, the process proceeds to S108. If the left reel stop flag is set, the process proceeds to S97, where it is determined whether the left reel is rotating or not. If the left reel is rotating, the process proceeds to S9.
After the reel stop control is performed by step 8, the process proceeds to S99, and the left reel stop flag is cleared. On the other hand, if the left reel has already stopped, the determination of NO is made in S97, and the process directly proceeds to S99. Since the same processing as that of S96 to S99 described for the left reel is performed for the middle reel and the right reel, the description is not repeated here. Next, at the stage when all the reels have stopped, S87
Is determined as YES, and the process shifts to a winning determination process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in S104, the process proceeds to S108, in which it is determined whether the symbol displayed by any of the two stopped reels is a symbol in the reach state. You. The reach state is a state in which any one of the plurality of variable display units 5L, 5C, 5R is still variably displaying, and the display results of the already stopped variable display units are "AAA", "BBB". "Means a predetermined display state that satisfies a condition for a combination of specific identification information such as"". If it is determined in S108 that the vehicle is not in the reach state, the process proceeds to S87. If it is determined that the vehicle is in the reach state, S109 is performed.
It is determined whether or not the big bonus winning flag or the bonus winning flag is set. If neither is set, the process proceeds to S87, but if any is set, the process proceeds to S110. After the reach sound is generated from the speaker 28, the process proceeds to S87.
By issuing the reach sound, the player's expectation that the combination of the specific identification information may be established depending on the display result at the time of stoppage of the variable display section currently variably displayed by the player is effected. It can be lively.
In addition, in addition to or instead of generating the reach sound from the speaker 28, a display indicating that the reach state has occurred may be performed. In addition, the notification at the time of the reach may be performed only when the big bonus winning flag is set, or the notification may be performed only at the time of the reach of which one of the winning flags is set.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show S98 and S10.
2 is a flowchart showing specific contents of reel stop control defined in S106. First, in S111, a process of confirming the current symbol number is performed. This symbol number is 0-20 (see FIG. 3) 21 as described above.
There are reel drive motors (stepping motors) 7
L, 7C, 7R feeding steps and reel position sensor 8
It is confirmed based on the L, 8C, and 8R reference position detection signals. Next, it is determined in S112 whether the bonus game flag is set. When the bonus game flag is set, the process proceeds to S113, and it is determined whether or not the other two reels are stopped. The other two reels mean reels other than the reel for which the stop control is currently being performed. And
At the stage where the other two reels have not stopped yet, S12
The process proceeds to 0, control is performed to stop the JAC symbols within four symbols from the current symbol number confirmed in S111 on the activated pay line, and the process proceeds to S152. In the case of a slot machine, a limited and very short time of about 0.2 seconds after the player presses the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R so as to prevent the stop control manner from becoming unnatural. The corresponding reel must be stopped within a predetermined time, and the rotation angle at which the reel can rotate within the very short predetermined time is about four symbols. Therefore, it is impossible to stop-control a JAC symbol that is four or more symbols ahead of the stop button on the effective activated line after pressing the stop button. Then, the JAC symbol is controlled to stop on the activated line. Note that FIG.
As shown in the figure, when the current symbol number is not a JAC symbol, the symbol array is configured such that the JAC symbol always exists within a range of four symbols away from the current symbol number. As described above, if the reel to be stopped is not the last reel, the JAC symbol is controlled so as to stop on the activated line which is valid regardless of whether the JAC winning flag is set or not. Yes, this allows the player to look closely at subsequent reel stops with hope. Next, the process proceeds to S152, in which the operation valid lamp corresponding to the stopped reel among the operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11R is turned off, and control for emitting a reel stop sound from the speaker 28 is performed.
It returns to either 103 or S107.

If the bonus game flag is set and the other two reels are stopped, the process proceeds to S104, where it is determined whether or not the JAC winning flag is set. The process proceeds to S120, and if not set, proceeds to S115. S1
At 15, JA which is within 4 symbols from the current symbol number
The C symbol is removed from the valid line where the symbol is valid and stopped, and then the process proceeds to S152. In other words, since the JAC winning flag is not set, it is not possible to establish a combination of JAC symbols on the activated line that is activated, and thus the JAC symbol is forcibly shifted from the activated line that is activated. And stop it.

Next, if the bonus game flag has not been set, the process proceeds to S116, where it is determined whether or not the big bonus game flag has been set.
If the big bonus game flag has been set, the process proceeds to S117, and it is determined whether the JAC winning flag has been set. If the JAC winning flag has been set, the process proceeds to S118, and another reel A determination is made as to whether it is stopped. When the other reels are not stopped, the process proceeds to S120, and the control for stopping the JAC symbol on the activated line is performed as described above. On the other hand, if the other reels have already stopped, the process proceeds to S119, and 4 reels are counted from the current symbol number.
J of the reel that stops the JAC symbol within the symbol tip
The stop is performed on the activated line of the AC symbol, and the stop control is performed so that the combination of the JAC symbols is established on the activated activated line, and then the process proceeds to S152.

On the other hand, when the big bonus game flag is not set and when the JAC winning flag is not set, the process proceeds to S121, and it is determined whether or not the re-game winning flag is set. If the re-game winning flag has been set, the process proceeds to S122, where it is determined whether or not another reel has stopped. If the other reel has not stopped yet, S123.
Go to the JAC within 4 symbols from the current symbol number
Control is performed to align and stop the symbols on the active line of the stopped JAC symbol, and the process proceeds to S152. On the other hand, when the other reels are stopped, the process proceeds to S124, in which control is performed so that the JAC symbols within four symbols from the current symbol number are aligned and stopped on the active line of the stopped JAC symbol, and S152 is performed. Proceed to.

On the other hand, if the re-game winning flag has not been set, the flow advances to S125 to determine whether the big bonus winning flag has been set. S if the big bonus winning flag is set
Proceeding to 126, it is determined whether or not another reel is stopped. If the other reel is not stopped yet, S
In step 127, it is determined whether or not there is a big bonus symbol (A in this embodiment) within four symbols from the current symbol number, and if so, the big bonus symbol is stopped on the activated line by S128. Then, the process proceeds to S152. On the other hand, when there is no big bonus symbol within four symbol destinations from the current symbol number, the start of the big bonus game in the current game is abandoned, and the process proceeds to S139. Note that S1
Even if the determination is NO at 27, the control to stop the big bonus symbol on the activated line again in the next game is attempted because the big bonus winning flag is still set. The attempt is repeatedly executed until the big bonus symbol actually stops on the activated line.

Next, if it is determined in S126 that another reel is stopped, the flow advances to S129 to determine whether or not there is a big bonus symbol on the activated line. It is determined whether or not the big bonus symbol that can be stopped on the activated line of the stopped big bonus symbol is within four symbols from the current symbol number. Control is performed to stop the stopped reel on the activated line of the big bonus symbol. on the other hand,
If it is determined in S130 that the big bonus symbol that can be stopped on the activated line of the stopped big bonus symbol is not within four symbols ahead, the start of the current big bonus game is abandoned as described above. Proceeding to S139, an attempt is made to stop the variable display device so that the big bonus game is started again in the next game.

When the big bonus winning flag is not set, the process proceeds to S132, and it is determined whether the bonus winning flag is set. When the bonus winning flag is set, the process proceeds to S133,
A determination is made as to whether another reel is stopped. When the other reels are not stopped, the process proceeds to S134, and it is determined whether there is a bonus symbol (B in this embodiment) within four symbols from the current symbol number, and if there is, the process proceeds to S135. Control is performed to stop the bonus symbol on the activated pay line, and the process proceeds to S152.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S134 that there is no bonus symbol, the process proceeds to S152. Next, if it is determined in S133 that another reel is already stopped, the process proceeds to S136.
It is determined whether or not there is a bonus symbol on the activated line, and if not, the process proceeds to S139. On the other hand, if there is a bonus symbol on the activated line, the process proceeds to S137, and it is determined whether or not a bonus symbol that can be stopped on the activated line of the stopped bonus symbol is within four symbols from the current symbol number. If not, the process proceeds to S139. If there is, the process proceeds to S138. Control is performed to stop the bonus symbol on the activated line of the bonus symbol of the stopped reel, and the process proceeds to S152.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S132 that the bonus winning flag has not been set, the flow advances to S139 to determine whether or not the small role winning flag has been set, and the small role winning flag has been set. If it is determined that the other reel is stopped, it is determined whether or not another reel is stopped. If the other reel is not stopped yet, the process proceeds to S144. In S144, it is determined whether or not the small symbol corresponding to the type of the set small winning flag is within four symbols from the current symbol number. If not, the process proceeds to S146 to immediately stop the reel. To S152. On the other hand, if it is determined in S144 that there is a small combination symbol, the process proceeds to S145, and control is performed to stop the small combination symbol on the activated line, and S1 is performed.
Go to 52. Next, when the other reels are stopped, a determination of YES is made in S140, and the process proceeds to S141.
It is determined whether there is a small symbol on the activated line,
If not, the process proceeds to S147. If there is, the process proceeds to S142, and it is determined whether or not the small symbol that can be stopped on the active line of the stopped small symbol is within four symbols from the current symbol number. If not, the process proceeds to S147. If there is, the process proceeds to S143, and control is performed to stop the small symbol on the activated line of the small symbol of the stopped reel, and then the process proceeds to S152.

If it is determined in S139 that the small winning combination flag is not set, the flow advances to S147. S1
At 47, it is determined whether or not the other two reels are stopped. If not stopped, the process proceeds to S149, where it is determined whether the reel currently stopped is the left reel. If the reel is not a reel, the stop control is immediately performed in S150, and then the process proceeds to S152. If the reel is a left reel, the process proceeds to S151. After the stop control is performed so that the single symbol F does not stop on the activated line, the process proceeds to S152. That is, even if it is determined in S139 that the small win flag is not set, if the single symbol F is stopped on the activated line, the small symbol prize is won. Therefore, the single symbol F is set in S151. It is forcibly shifted and stopped so as not to stop on the active line. At the stage where the other two reels have already stopped, the process proceeds to S14.
7 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to S148, and after performing stop control so that none of the symbols are aligned on the activated line, the process proceeds to S152. In this way, if no winnings are made, the first and second stopped reels are:
When the stop operation of the player is detected (S89, S
91, S93) Since the stop is almost instantaneous, in the case of a player who is excellent in the technology of operating the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R while timing, the first and second stopped reels are frequently switched. It is possible to stop at the reach state. Then, when the reach sound is generated each time, it becomes noisy and harsh, but in this embodiment,
As shown in S109, since the reach sound is generated only when the big bonus and the bonus winning flag are set, there is no inconvenience to be annoying. If the small win flag is set, a process of clearing the small win flag at the end of one game is performed (S
200). Therefore, despite the fact that the small win flag is set, it is not possible to align small win symbols corresponding to the type of the small win flag in the active line due to the arrangement of reel symbols in the current game. In that case, the small role winning flag is cleared and the small role winning is invalidated, and the small role winning flag is taken over in the next game, and the small role symbol is aligned on the activated line in the next game No control is performed.

In steps S63 to S151, the variable display device is variably started and then stopped, so that the display result when the variable display device is variably stopped becomes predetermined variably predetermined identification information. The variable display control means is configured to allow the variable display device to start variably again without inputting the bet amount by the bet number input means, thereby enabling a re-game.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a program of the winning determination processing. First, in S153, it is determined whether or not the bonus game flag is set. If not, the process proceeds to S159, in which it is determined whether or not the big bonus game flag is set, and the flag is not set. In this case, the process proceeds to S163, and it is determined whether or not a winning has been made on the activated line. When there is no winning on the activated line, the process proceeds to S164, where the expected payout number is set to “0”, and thereafter, the process proceeds to coin payout control shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in S163 that there is a winning on the activated line, S1 is executed.
Proceeding to 65, the activated line display lamp corresponding to the activated activated line blinks. When a prize is generated on a plurality of activated lines, the activated line on which the prize is activated is blinked. Next, in S166, it is determined whether or not the winning is a big bonus winning. If it is determined that it is not a big bonus prize, the process proceeds to S168, and it is determined whether or not the prize is a bonus prize. If it is determined that the prize is not a bonus prize, it is determined whether or not it is a re-game prize in S170. Is determined. S170
If it is determined that the winning is not a re-game winning, the winning is a small winning combination, the process proceeds to S175, the payout expected number is set to a value corresponding to the small winning, and the process proceeds to the coin payout process shown in FIG. .

If it is determined in S166 that the big bonus prize has been won, the process proceeds to S167, where each small role winning determination value is set to the value at the time of the big bonus, the big bonus game counter is set to "30", and the bonus number counter is set. Is set to "3", the big bonus winning flag is cleared, the scheduled payout number is set to "15", the big bonus game flag is set, the game effect lamp is flashed in the first mode, and the big bonus sound is played. A process of generating from a speaker is performed. Since the control for setting each of the small role winning determination values to the value at the time of the big bonus is performed to greatly increase the number of each small role winning determination value, the probability of each small role winning is greatly improved, and the big bonus At the time of the game, control is performed such that small winning symbols are arranged with a high probability. During the big bonus game, a predetermined one of a plurality of types of small role winning flags may be set for each game without making a special determination of the small role winning. On the other hand, S1
If it is determined that a bonus prize is obtained according to S 68
Go to 169, set the bonus game counter to "12", set the JAC winning counter to "8", clear the bonus winning flag, set the expected payout number to "15", and set the bonus game flag Then, a process of blinking the game effect lamp in the second mode and generating a bonus sound from the speaker is performed.

Next, if the bonus game flag is set, a YES determination is made in S153, the flow advances to S154, the bonus game counter is decremented by "1", and the flow advances to S155, where a JAC winning on the activated line is performed. It is determined whether or not there is, and if not, the expected payout number is set to “0”, and the processing shifts to coin payout control. On the other hand, if there is a JAC winning on the activated line, S156
Then, the scheduled payout number is set to "15", the JAC winning counter is decremented by "1", and in S157, the activated line display lamp corresponding to the activated activated line is blinked, and thereafter, the flow proceeds to coin payout control.

Next, if the big bonus game flag is set, a YES determination is made in S159 and the process proceeds to S160, where the big bonus game counter is decremented by "1". A determination is made as to whether or not S163 is satisfied.
, But if there is, the process proceeds to S162. In S162, the bonus game counter is set to “12”, and J
Set the AC winning counter to “8”, set the bonus game flag, set the expected payout number to “8”,
The game effect lamp blinks in the second mode, and a bonus sound is generated from the speaker. As described above, S169 is a process performed when the bonus game is started in the base game other than the big bonus game.
The process 62 is performed when the bonus game is established at the stage when the big bonus game is started.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S170 that a re-game winning has been achieved, the process proceeds to S171, where processing for storing a random value R (see FIG. 6) of a random counter is performed. A process is performed in which the game is displayed again by turning on or blinking and a game sound is again generated from the speaker 28. Next, the process proceeds to S173, where it is determined whether or not a start operation has been performed, and the process waits until there is. Then, when the player operates the start lever 12, the control proceeds to S174, and after the re-game winning flag is cleared, the process proceeds to a reel rotation process shown in FIG. As a result, since the reel rotation is controlled without executing the programs shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the previously entered bet amount is carried over without receiving the additional input of the bet amount. A re-game is performed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a coin payout control program. First, in S176, it is determined whether or not the number of payouts has reached the expected number of payouts. If not, the process proceeds to S177, and it is determined whether or not the game mode is the credit game mode. Proceeds to S180, pays out one coin, advances the payout number by "1", and returns to S176. On the other hand, if the credit game mode is set, the process proceeds to S178, where it is determined whether or not the credit counter has reached its upper limit value of "50". If so, the process proceeds to S180 to pay out coins. If not, that is, if there is still room for storing the credit counter, the flow advances to S179 to increment the credit counter by "1", and accordingly, the payout number is incremented by "1", and then to S176. Return to This S177
Steps S180 to S180 are repeatedly executed until the number of payouts becomes equal to the expected number of payouts, and each time coins are paid out or added to the credit counter, the process proceeds to S181 when the number of payouts reaches the expected number of payouts. .

At S181, it is determined whether or not the bonus game flag is set. If the bonus game flag is not set, the process proceeds to S182,
It is determined whether or not the big bonus game flag is set. If the big bonus game flag is not set, the process proceeds to S200, the JAC winning flag is cleared, the small role winning flag is cleared, and FIG. The process returns to the indicated game start process. On the other hand, if the bonus game flag has been set, the process proceeds to S185, and the JAC
It is determined whether or not the winning counter has reached “0”,
If so, after the bonus game counter is cleared in S186, the JAC winning counter is cleared and the bonus game flag is cleared in S188. On the other hand, if the JAC winning counter is not "0", the process proceeds to S187, and it is determined whether or not the bonus game counter is "0".
Proceeds to S200 if not “0”, and proceeds to JA
The C winning flag is cleared, the small role winning flag is cleared, and the process returns to the game start processing shown in FIG. As described above, when the bonus game counter becomes “0” or when the JAC winning counter becomes “0”, the bonus game flag is cleared and the bonus game ends.

Next, in S189, it is determined whether or not the big bonus game flag has been set. If not, the game effect lamp 24 is turned off in S190, and the flow advances to S200. On the other hand, when the big bonus game flag is set, the process proceeds to S191, and the bonus number counter is set to “1”.
A process of decrementing is performed, and it is determined in S192 whether or not the bonus number counter has become “0”. When the bonus number counter is not "0", the process proceeds to S193, in which the game effect lamp is caused to blink in the first mode, and the big bonus sound is generated from the speaker 28, and the process proceeds to S200. On the other hand, if the bonus number counter is "0", the process proceeds to S194, and after clearing the big bonus game counter, the process proceeds to S1.
Go to 95.

On the other hand, if the bonus game flag has not been set and the big bonus game flag has been set, the flow advances to S183 to determine whether or not the big bonus game counter is "0".
If it is not "0", the process proceeds to S200, but if it is "0", the process proceeds to S184, where a process of clearing the bonus number counter is performed, and the process proceeds to S195. In S195,
The big bonus game flag is cleared to end the big bonus game, and a process of returning the small role winning determination value to the normal value is performed. In other words, the big bonus game ends when the big bonus game counter reaches “0” or when the bonus number counter reaches “0”, and since it becomes a normal game thereafter, the small role winning determination value Is returned to a low value in a normal game.

Next, the program proceeds to S196, in which it is determined whether or not game over is set. If the reset switch 4 is turned on when the power is turned on, the game is set to no game over as described above (S3).
When the reset switch 4 is turned off, the game is over as described above (see S2). At S196, it is determined whether or not the game is over. Has S2
00, and thereafter returns to the game start shown in FIG. 8, and the game start process is started. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is over, the process proceeds to S197, where the code “O”
A process of displaying “F” on the number-of-payouts indicator 27 and generating a game over sound from the speaker 28 is performed. As a result, the game of the slot machine is over (a hit state). The process advances to S198 to determine whether or not there is a reset operation.
7 is continued. Then, a staff at the game arcade inserts a predetermined key into the reset key hole 3b and performs a reset switch operation.
Is operated, the determination of YES is made in S198, the process proceeds to S199, and the code display of “OF” is cleared.
After the game over sound is stopped, the process proceeds to S200. With this configuration, according to the mode of operation of the game arcade, in the game arcade where the prize exchange is performed each time the slot machine reaches the knocked down state, the hitting means functions as the hitting selection means. On the other hand, if the gaming machine adopts a so-called non-quantitative method in which the game is continued without prize exchange even if the slot machine reaches the stop state, the stop selection means May be selected so that the hitting means does not function.

As another method of controlling the stop of the slot machine in accordance with the business mode of the game arcade, there is the following method.

After the process of S195 shown in FIG. 16, for example, an automatic reset timer is set, then a process of displaying a code "OF" and generating a game over sound is performed. A determination step is provided. If it is determined that the game is not over, the process proceeds to a step of determining whether or not the automatic reset timer has expired. If the timer has not expired, the code “OF” is displayed again and The process returns to the step of generating the game over sound. Then, at the stage when the timer for automatic reset has expired, a process of clearing the code display and stopping the game over sound is executed, and then the process returns to S200 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game is over in the step of determining whether the game is over, the process proceeds to a step of determining whether a reset operation is performed. If it is determined that there is no reset operation, the code "OF" is displayed and the process returns to the process of generating a game over sound. When it is determined that the reset operation is performed, the process proceeds to the process of clearing the code display and stopping the game over sound, and then proceeds to S200 in FIG.

In other words, if the game is not over in S1 through S3, a code display indicating that the game is over is automatically displayed when the automatic reset timer expires. Clear the game over sound and return to the game start process. If the game over is set, the code indicating the game over is displayed until the reset switch 4 is operated, and the game over sound is displayed. The stopping state generated from the speaker is maintained. The step of determining whether or not there is the reset operation and the processing step of clearing the code display and stopping the game over sound constitute a manual stop release means for releasing the stop by manual operation. I have.
In addition, S1 to S3 constitute a strike release mode selecting means for selecting one of strike release by the automatic strike release means and strike release by the manual strike release means. According to this alternative embodiment, when the game is in the no-game-over mode, the game is over once (stop state) when the big bonus game ends, and the game over is automatically performed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Since the game is released, the game is not played for a predetermined time during which the game is over. As a result, when the profit management information such as coins inserted and the disadvantage information such as premium coins are totaled by the hall management computer, a game over state in which a game is not performed is separated from a game over release to the next game over or a big game over. It is also possible to perform the totalization of information in a unit from the start of the bonus game to the game over.

The present invention may be applied to a slot machine of a type in which a game is played using pachinko balls instead of coins. In this case, the bet amount input means detects the number of pachinko balls inserted by the player as the bet amount. Further, a slot machine in which a game such as a card or the like is inserted and a game is played using a value owned by the player specified by the record information of the record medium may be used. In this case, the operation detecting means for detecting the operation of the player for using a part of the value of the player as the bet amount is the bet number input means. Further, the variable display device may automatically stop when a predetermined time elapses without the stop button, or the variable display device may be variably started by inputting a bet amount without the start lever. Note that the variable display device is a CRT,
The pattern may be variably displayed by an electric display device including a liquid crystal, LED, electroluminescence, or the like.

[0083]

A variable display device in which the display state can be changed by the variable display device 70 is disclosed. The slot machine 1 derives and displays the display result of the variable display device to end one game, and a slot in which a predetermined prize is generated when the display result of the variable display device has a predetermined display mode. The machine is configured.

The key switch 43, the door switch 44, and S10 to S13 constitute variable setting means capable of variably setting a winning rate set value which determines the winning rate for generating the winning. Also, the RAM 48
The storage means is configured to be able to store the winning rate set value set by the variable setting means.

The CPU 46 and the software shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 to 16, particularly S66 in FIG.
The game control means for generating the winning according to the winning rate set value stored in the storage means by the processing of S67 and controlling the gaming state is constituted.

An abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality in which the slot machine is not operating normally by S5. Initialization means for initializing the storage means when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means in S6. The set value of the prize rate can be variably set in six steps from "1" to "6", and the set value of the prize rate is initialized to "3" which is almost the average probability in S6. It is disclosed that the winning rate set value stored in the storage means is updated to a substantially central set value "3" when initialized by the initialization means.

At S5, it is determined whether or not the RAM is normal, and based on the result, it is determined whether or not the slot machine is operating normally. It is disclosed that the presence or absence of an abnormality is detected by determining whether or not the storage content of the means is normal.

[0088]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the winning rate set value stored in the storage means is set to a substantially central value. It is possible to prevent the winning rate setting value of the slot machine from being set to an extreme value, and it is possible to reliably perform a normal game even after resetting during a program runaway.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the winning rate is an average probability. The winning rate set value of the slot machine is set to an average value, and the game can be resumed in an average state after the reset at the time of the program runaway.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect of the present invention, abnormalities are determined by judging whether or not the storage contents of the storage means are normal. Is detected, the runaway of the program can be reliably detected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing an example of a slot machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing a partial internal structure of the slot machine.

FIG. 3 is a development view showing a symbol as identification information drawn on the outer periphery of the reel.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the slot machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing program executed when power is turned on.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an interrupt program of a random counter updating process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an interrupt program of an error check process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a game start processing program.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a program for a game start process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a program of a reel rotation process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a program of a reel rotation process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a reel stop processing program.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a reel stop processing program.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a reel stop processing program.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a program of a winning determination process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a coin payout processing program.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a slot machine, 70 is a variable display device, 6L, 6
C, 6R are reels, 5L, 5C, 5R are variable display units, 1
Numeral 8 denotes a coin slot which forms a part of the bet number input means.
Is a start lever which constitutes a part of the bet number input means, 14
Is a credit operation button constituting a part of the bet amount input means, 36 is a coin insertion sensor, 13 is a start switch, 45 is a control unit, 1B is a front frame of an example of a cover member,
4 is a reset switch, 44 is a door switch, 65 is a power switch, 27 is a payout number display, and 64 is a re-game display lamp.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A variable display device whose display state is changeable, wherein a display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed to end one game, and the display result of the variable display device is displayed in a predetermined display mode. A slot machine that generates a predetermined prize when the prize is generated, comprising: a variable setting means capable of variably setting a prize rate set value defining a prize rate for generating the prize; Storage means capable of storing a set value, game control means for generating a prize according to the prize rate set value stored in the storage means and controlling a game state, and detecting an abnormality in which the slot machine is not operating normally Abnormality detecting means, and initialization means for initializing the storage means when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means. A slot machine wherein a stored winning rate set value is updated to a substantially center set value. 2. The winning rate setting value variably set by the variable setting means can be variably set in six stages from setting 1 to setting 6, and the substantially center setting value updated by initialization is set. 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the number is three. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality detecting means detects the presence or absence of the abnormality by determining whether or not the storage content of the storage means is normal. The slot machine described.