JP2002239068A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the interest of a game by various presentations while reducing loads put on a game control means. SOLUTION: In this slot machine for which a control circuit is separated into a game control part controlling the progress of the game and a presentation control part controlling the presentation, the presentation control part receives a presentation command indicating the mode of the presentation decided by the game control part and a flag command indicating the result of internal drawing (S201 and S202). When receiving the presentation command, the presentation control part sets the received presentation command to a prescribed area (S205). When the presentation command is not received, the presentation control part decides by itself the presentation command on the basis of the flag command (S203) and sets it to the prescribed area (S204). Then, according to the presentation command set to the prescribed area, the implementation of the presentation is started (S206). The presentation executed according to the presentation command (presentation command flag =0) decided on its own in the presentation control part can be forcibly ended (S210).

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 slot machine having control means divided into game control means and effect control means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a slot machine is provided with a variable display device having a plurality of reels on which a plurality of kinds of symbols are drawn on an outer peripheral portion, and a valuable value is determined according to a display mode when rotation of each reel is stopped. As a payout of medals. Further, according to the display mode when the rotation of the reel is stopped, it is possible to shift to a gaming state which is advantageous for the player.

[0003] In other words, the advantages and disadvantages in the progress of the game can be determined by the display mode appearing on the variable display device. The display mode involves payout of medals and transition to an advantageous game state (hereinafter, winning mode). Is normally only allowed if the player has won an internal lottery in advance. In addition, although the internal lottery is performed for each of a plurality of types of winning modes, an advantageous game progressing method differs depending on which mode is won.

Therefore, hitherto, the result of the internal lottery has been notified to the player by the effect of light, sound, images and the like. And it is general that the effect control means for controlling the execution of this effect is separated from the game control means for controlling the progress of the entire game, and a control circuit is formed. In order to perform the effect at the same time, the contents of the effect itself are all determined by the game control means, and transmitted to the effect control means as an effect command.

[0005]

However, if the number of types of effect commands that can be determined is increased in order to perform various effects, the load on the game control means increases. In order to limit the load on the game control means to a certain limit, the types of effect commands must be limited, and the effect modes that can be executed by the effect control means are limited.

[0006] Some slot machines notify that a big bonus or a regular bonus has been won with a 100% probability by lighting a notification lamp. The notification lamp is controlled to be turned on by the game control means, but in order to turn on the light in synchronization with the effect controlled by the effect control means, the game control means must know the end timing of the effect. For this reason, it is general that the effect performed by the effect control means in accordance with the effect command transmitted from the game control means cannot be canceled, and in many cases, an effect meaningless to the player is continued. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and a slot machine capable of reducing the load on the game control means and improving the interest of the game through various effects. The purpose is to provide.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the slot machine of the present invention enables a game to be started by setting the number of bets for one game, and the display result of the variable display device is obtained. Is derived and displayed, one game is completed, and in a slot machine capable of generating a predetermined prize according to the display result of the variable display device, the progress of the game is controlled and the progress of the game is Game control means for transmitting information; and effect control means provided separately from the game control means, the effect control means causing the effect means to execute an effect in any one of a plurality of modes, and the effect by the effect means The execution mode of
It is characterized in that it is determined by the game control means and executed by being transmitted to the effect control means as effect mode information, or is executed by the effect control means independently determining.

In the above slot machine, in addition to the effect of the mode determined by the game control means, the effect of the mode independently determined by the effect control means can also be executed by the effect means. For this reason, it is possible to execute the effects in more types of effects than in the types of effects that can be determined by the game control means. Can be performed.

[0010] In the above-mentioned slot machine, the effect based on the determination of the effect control means may be completed by a player performing a predetermined operation. In this case, the game control means transmits effect end information for terminating the effect to the effect control means by the player performing a predetermined operation, and the effect control means transmits the effect control information from the game control means. In the case where the effect termination information is received, when the effect based on the own decision is executed by the effect means, the effect under execution may be ended.

As described above, by enabling the effect based on the determination of the effect control means to be able to be ended in the middle, the useless effect is reduced and the progress of the game can be promoted. In addition, the effect of the player's intention can be reflected in the end of the effect by transmitting the effect end information to the effect control means by performing a predetermined operation by the player.

[0012] The slot machine may further include a pre-determining means for pre-determining whether or not to allow the occurrence of the winning. In this case, the game control means shall transmit predetermined information based on the determination result of the predetermined means to the effect control means, and the effect control means shall transmit the predetermined information transmitted from the game control means. Based on the information, the mode of the effect to be executed by the effect means may be determined.

[0013] In this case, even if the effect is based on an original decision made by the effect control means, the effect mode can be based on the result of the pre-determination, and an effect inconsistent with the progress of the game is executed. Can be avoided.

[0014] In the case where there is provided a pre-determining means for preliminarily determining whether or not to allow the occurrence of the prize, the effect based on the determination of the effect control means is determined by the pre-determining means. It is preferable not to include an effect of an aspect that definitely indicates that the is permitted.

In other words, when it is determined that the winning of the big bonus has been accepted, the notification lamp is turned on.
Notification must be performed based on the control of the game control means itself. Since the game control means can determine the effect of the mode in which the winning of the big bonus is permitted is determined, the game control means can recognize, for example, the end timing of the effect, and the end and timing of the effect. Together with the notification.

In the above-mentioned slot machine, when the effect control means receives the effect mode information transmitted from the game control means, the effect control means does not independently determine the effect mode, but according to the received effect mode information. An effect may be executed by the effect means. That is, the effect of the mode determined by the game control means is performed with priority.

That is, an effect of a mode that is deeply related to the progress of the game, for example, an effect of a mode that definitely indicates that the winning of the big bonus is permitted, is determined by the game control means and is preferentially executed. Can be. As a result, particularly important information for progressing the game can be presented to the player as an effect without omission.

[0018] Further, in the case of the effect mode based on the determination of the effect control means, the variety of the effect mode based on the determination of the game control means can further increase the versatility of the effect mode. ,preferable.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure visually recognized when the front door of the slot machine in FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of the back side of the front door of the slot machine of FIG. The front door of the slot machine 1 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 (FIG. 1) and rotating it clockwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a variable display device 2 is provided on the upper front side of the slot machine 1. Inside the variable display device 2, a reel unit 3 including three reels 3L, 3C, 3R is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, "no color 7", "colored 7", "BAR", "JAC", "watermelon", "cherry" are provided on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively. , "Bell" are drawn in a predetermined order. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in three stages: upper, middle, lower.
In the reel unit 3, the reels 3L, 3C, 3
For each of R, a reel sensor 3SL, 3SC, 3SR for detecting its reference position and a reel lamp 3LP for irradiating light from the back are provided.

Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The number-of-games display unit 21 is configured by a number-of-games display 51 using a seven-segment display, and displays a value of a counter that counts the number of games and the number of winnings at the time of a big bonus or a regular bonus described later. The credit display unit 22 is configured by a credit display unit 52 of a seven-segment display, and displays the number of credits stored as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid out medals as described later. The payout display section 23 is constituted by a payout display 53 using a 7-segment display, and displays the number of medals to be paid out when a winning is achieved.

On the left side of the variable display device 2, a single bet display unit 24, a two bet display units 25 and 26, and a three bet display units 27 and 28 are provided. The one-, two-, and three-betting display units 4 to 28 are turned on by the one-, two-, and three-betting lamps 54 to 58, respectively, corresponding to the activated lines corresponding to the number of bets. The active line in the game is shown to the player. One, two, and three bet display units 24-28
In addition, if there is a prize in the role described later, one, two,
When the three betting lamps 54 to 58 are turned on and off, the player is shown an active line that has won a winning combination described later.

On the right side of the variable display device 2, an input instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, and a weight display unit 31
, A replay display section 32 and a game over display section 33
Are provided. The insertion instruction display section 29 indicates that medals can be inserted when the insertion instruction lamp 59 is turned on. The start display unit 30 indicates that the start is possible, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be received when the start lamp 60 is turned on.
The weight display section 31 indicates that the weight described later is applied by turning on the weight lamp 61. When the replay lamp 62 is turned on, the replay display section 32 indicates that a replay prize, described later, has been won. The game over display section 33 displays the slot machine 1 by turning on the game over lamp 63.
Indicates that has been stopped.

On the upper side of the variable display device 2, there is a small notification unit 3
7 to 39 are provided. The small part notification units 37 to 39
When the small portion notification lamps 67 to 69 are turned on, the type of the small portion in which the internal lottery is won and the winning flag is set is announced when the gaming state is at AT (Assist Time) described later.

The liquid crystal display 4 is provided further above the small portion notification display portions 37 to 39. The liquid crystal display 4
Various effects images are displayed according to the game state. The effect image is composed of, for example, a series of moving images, and it is notified by the process of the effect and the final screen that an internal lottery, which will be described later, has been won or that there is a possibility of this.

A medal slot 13 and a single BE are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2.
A T button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a settlement button 16 are provided. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 have BET button lamps 70a and 70b that are turned on when the bet amount can be set from the credits (maximum 50) stored as data.
(See FIG. 5) is disposed inside.

The medal insertion slot 13 is for the player to insert medals from here, and when the insertion of the medal is detected by the inserted medal sensor 43 while the insertion instruction section 29 is lit, the bet number is reduced. Set or credit is stored as data. Single BET button 14 and M
The AXBET button 15 is a button operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data, and a single BET switch 44 (FIG. 5) or the MAXBET switch 45 (see FIG. 5), the bet amount is set from the credit. The payment button 16 is a button for instructing payment of credits. When an operation is detected by the payment switch 47 (see FIG. 5), medals corresponding to the credits accumulated as data are paid out.

A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. Further, the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12
A panel covering R is applied as the bonus notification unit 36.

The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting a game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 5), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR start driving. Then, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R start rotating. Stop button 12
L, 12C and 12R are buttons operated by the player to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C and 3R at desired timings, respectively.
When detected at 2L, 42C, 42R (see FIG. 5), rotation of reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. Is provided.

The fact that the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R can be operated indicates that the operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, 63R (see FIG. 5) provided therein are turned on. Shown in When the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 5) is turned on, the bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that a big bonus winning flag or a regular bonus winning flag described later is set with a 100% probability. I do. On the right side of the stop button 12L, there is provided a medal jam clearing button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.

On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout slot 71 and a medal storage plate 72 are provided. The medal payout opening 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 to the outside. The hopper 80 includes a hopper motor 82 that operates to pay out medals, and a payout sensor 81 that detects payout of medals. Medal storage tray 7
No. 2 is for storing the paid-out medals. The front panel above the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 5) installed therein. An overflow tank 95 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper 80 has a full tank sensor 90 for detecting that the medals to be stored are full.
Is provided.

Speakers 7U, 7L, 7R are provided on the lower front side and the upper left side of the slot machine 1, respectively.
Is provided. The speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of winning, a big bonus, and a regular bonus, and output an alarm sound at the time of an abnormality, and output various sound for an effect according to a game state. Do.

Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1,
The game effect display units 5A to 5M that perform effects by light with the emission of the game effect lamps 75A to 75M are provided so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. The game effect display sections 75A to 75M perform effects with light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. The emission colors of the game effect display sections 5A to 5M may be a single color or a plurality of colors.

In the inside of the slot machine 1, a setting switch 9 for setting a winning probability for an internal lottery described later.
1. A setting key switch 92 that enables the setting switch 91 to be operated by unlocking operation, and an internal state (the RAM 112 (FIG. 6)
), And a main switch 9 for turning on / off the power supply.
4 is provided. A first reset switch 48 having the same function as the second reset switch 93 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking device 19 on the rear side of the front door.

As a control board for controlling each of the above components, a power supply board 100 disposed on the lower inside, a game control board 101 disposed on the upper inside, a reel relay board 103,
A reel lamp relay board 104 and an external output board 105,
In addition, an effect control board 102 arranged behind the front door is provided. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine 1 including the control boards 100 to 105. FIG. 6 shows the game control board 101 and the effect control board 1
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wiring mounted on a device 02.

The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100 V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 5, only the game control board 101 and the hopper 80 are connected, but power is also supplied to other units. A setting switch 91, a setting key switch 92, a second reset switch 93, and a main switch 94 are connected to the power supply board 100, and a detection signal of these switches is sent to the game control board 101.

The game control board 101 is a slot machine 1
Is a main-side control board for controlling the overall flow of the game in the CPU 111, the RAM 112, the ROM 1
A control unit 110 including a one-chip microcomputer including an I / O port 114 and an I / O port 114 is mounted. Also, a random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, a buffer circuit 117, a switch circuit 118, a motor circuit 1
19 and other circuits.

The CPU 111 has a timer function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113, performs processing relating to the progress of the game, and directly controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1. Or control indirectly. The RAM 112 is a CPU 111
Is used as a work area when the program is executed, and is provided with a storage area for various winning flags, various game state flags, and various counter values to be described later. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. I / O port 114
Inputs and outputs a control signal to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.

The random number generation circuit 115 is composed of a counter that counts at predetermined time intervals (for example, 2 milliseconds).
Obtain the numerical value at which 5 has occurred. The CPU 111 obtains the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number by sending an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 in accordance with the processing (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a random number generation function).
The CPU 111 transmits various commands described later to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114 and the buffer circuit 117. Note that information is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 in only one direction, and information is not sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101.

The game control board 101 is connected to a single BET switch 45, a MAX BET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a inserted medal sensor 44. The detection signals of these switches / sensors are input. In addition, the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR
Is input. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input through the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of various switches input through the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.

On the game control board 101, a flow path switching solenoid 49, a game number display 51, a credit display 52, a payout display 53, a loading instruction lamp 59, a one-stake bet lamp 54, and a two-stake bet lamp 55 are also provided. , 5
6, 3 betting lamps 57, 58, game over lamp 63, start lamp 60, replay lamp 62, bonus notification lamp 66, BET button lamps 70a, 70
b, operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, 63R are connected, and the CPU 111 controls these operations according to the progress of the game. The game control board 101 has a reel motor 3M via a reel relay board 103.
L, 3MC, and 3MR are connected, and the CPU 111
Performs a pull-in control described later via the motor circuit 119 and the reel relay board 103.

The production control board 102 is a slot machine 1
Is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of effects in the CPU 121, the RAM 122, the ROM 123, and the
A control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including an / O port 124 is mounted. In addition, the CPU 121 has a random number generation circuit 125 and a sampling circuit 126. The CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126, thereby performing a random number generation function similar to that of the game control board 101. Has formed.

The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform a process related to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The effect is performed based on a command received from the game control board 101 via the buffer 127 and the I / O port 124.
The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. ROM 123 is a CP
The program executed by U121 and fixed data are stored. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs a control signal to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.

The effect control board 102 includes game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L and 7R,
7U, a fluorescent lamp 6, a weight lamp 61, and small notification lamps 67 to 69 are connected.
A speaker drive circuit 131, a display drive circuit 132, a lamp drive circuit 133, and the like are provided. . The reel lamp 3LP is connected via the reel lamp relay board 104. The control unit of the effect control board 102 controls each of these units to perform the effect.

The reel relay board 103 is a game control board 1
01 and the external control board 105 and the reel unit 3. The reel relay board 103 is also connected to a full tank sensor 90, and a detection signal is input thereto. The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer, and receives a big bonus signal, a regular bonus signal, a reel control signal, a stop signal, and a bonus bonus signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. A switch signal, a medal IN signal, and a medal OUT signal are output to the external device.

Next, the internal lottery will be described. The internal lottery is for determining whether or not to win a winning combination, which will be described later. The internal lottery is performed by the CPU 111 in accordance with a random number acquired by using a random number generation function. When the internal lottery is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the RAM 112 of the game control board 101. The winning flag is a word (1) in which the type of role is determined for each bit.
6 bits). Note that the internal lottery is performed not only to determine whether or not it is possible to allow winning of a winning combination, but also to shift a gaming state as described later.

Also, according to the result of the above internal lottery, a big bonus winning flag, a regular bonus winning flag, a small role winning flag (a plurality of types depending on the type of small role),
Replay winning flag, JA during big bonus
The CIN winning flag (flag set at substantially the same position as the replay winning flag) is set to R in the game control board 101.
AM 112 is set. The probability set among the small role winning flags, that is, the lowest winning probability is “watermelon”, and the second lowest is “cherry”. Also,
The probability that all the winning flags are not set, that is, the probability of losing all the winning combinations, is higher than the probability that each winning flag is set.

When the above-mentioned various winning flags are set in the RAM 112, it is possible to generate a JACIN during a corresponding role or a big bonus. That is, when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped,
It becomes possible to win a winning combination on an active line set according to the bet amount of the variable display device 2. At the time of winning, medals are paid out, and the gaming state is changed with the winning. Hereinafter, the "roles" determined to be winning will be described.

[0051] For example, "B
When three "ARs" are aligned, the gaming state shifts to the regular bonus. The regular bonus is a game called a regular bonus game a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 games).
), Or by winning a predetermined number of times (for example, eight times) (“JAC” is aligned on the active line). The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings. In addition, the state shifted to the regular bonus, that is, the gaming state in which the regular bonus game is provided is called a first special gaming state,
A regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101.

When, for example, three “colored 7” or three “colorless 7” are arranged on the activated line according to the bet number, the gaming state shifts to the big bonus. In the big bonus, a maximum of 30 games called small combination games can be played. In this small role game, “JAC” is aligned on the active line with a relatively high probability (JA
CIN) and JACIN provide the regular bonus described above (up to three times).

The big bonus ends when the 30 small role games end or when the regular bonus based on the third JACIN ends. The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of small role games, the number of JACINs, the number of regular bonus games and their winnings, and the number of medals obtained during the big bonus. Note that the state in which the game has shifted to the big bonus is referred to as a second special game state, and the big bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101.

Also, in a game other than the regular bonus game (including a case provided during the big bonus),
If "watermelon", "cherry" or "bell" is completed, a small portion wins. Also, “colorless 7-watermelon-watermelon”, “colored 7-watermelon-watermelon” or “BA
In the case of "R-watermelon-watermelon", a small portion wins. The latter three small wins will not be won in the internal lottery. In addition, when the small winning combination is won, there is no transition of the gaming state except when the above-described Big Bonus ending condition or the AT ending condition described later is satisfied.

Furthermore, except for the small role game provided during the big bonus period and the regular bonus game, when "JAC" is arranged on the activated line, a replay winning is achieved. In the case where a prize is won in the above-described role, a number of medals corresponding to each role are paid out (except in the case of a replay prize). The corresponding number of credits are stored as data). The number of payouts is
Except for 8 small wins by “watermelon” alone and 4 small wins by “cherry”, there are 15 prints.

Although it is not a prize of the role itself, in the slot machine 1, when the big bonus is completed, a predetermined internal lottery is performed, and the RA is determined according to the result.
By setting the AT flag in M112, the gaming state is shifted to AT. In the following description, this A
The T flag and the above-mentioned big bonus flag and regular bonus flag are collectively referred to as a gaming state flag.

When the game state shifts to AT, "colorless 7
-Watermelon-watermelon "," colored 7-watermelon-watermelon ",
Alternatively, when the small combination of “BAR-watermelon-watermelon” has been won, the type is notified by turning on the small combination notification units 37 to 39. The game state of the AT ends when the number of games reaches a predetermined number or when a big bonus winning flag is set. Game control board 10
1 also has a counter for counting the number of games in the AT playing state.

Next, the effects will be described. The effects are effect control boards 102 which emit light of the game effect lamps 75A to 75M, display images on the liquid crystal display 4, output sound from the speakers 7L, 7R, 7U, and turn on / off the fluorescent lamp 6 and the reel lamp 3LP. The mode is determined according to the effect command set in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102. The production command is a game control board 10
One of the control units is determined and transmitted to the effect control board 102, and the other is determined by the control unit of the effect control board 102 independently. FIGS. 7A and 7B show the format of each effect command.

In any of the production commands,
The upper 4 bits from the 15th bit to the twelfth bit are control codes for the control unit of the effect control board 102 to identify an effect command from among several types of commands. The four bits from the eleventh bit to the eighth bit are not used. Even if the values of these bits are set to “0” or “1”, the processing performed in the effect control board 102 has no effect at all. Seven bits from the seventh bit to the first bit contain a code corresponding to the mode of the effect to be executed. The 0th bit is an effect flag command indicating which of the control boards is an effect command determined. If the bit is “1” as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7 (b), if the value determined in step 1 is "0", it indicates that the effect is determined by the effect control board.

The following restrictions apply to the code according to the mode of presentation placed in the seventh bit to the first bit. The effect command determined on the game control board 101 shown in FIG. 7A does not become a code indicating that no effect is performed, but it is possible to win the big bonus or the regular bonus with a probability of 100%. (Corresponding to the winning flag is set). On the other hand, the production command determined on the production control board 102 shown in FIG.
Although it may be a code indicating that no effect is performed, the code does not correspond to an effect indicating that the big bonus or the regular bonus has been won with a 100% probability.

The type of code in the effect command determined on the game control board 101 shown in FIG.
Although the number is smaller than the code type in the effect command determined on the effect control board 102 shown in FIG.
Some may be included in both. The method of generating these commands will be described later, but in order to enable the control unit of the effect control board 102 to determine the code indicating the effect mode, the game control board 10
The control unit 1 generates a flag command based on the result of the internal lottery as shown in FIG.
Sending to.

In the flag command, the uppermost fifteenth
The upper four bits from the bit to the twelfth bit are control codes for the control unit of the effect control board 102 to identify a flag command from among several types of commands. Eleventh
The four bits from the bit to the eighth bit are not used.

Each of the seventh, sixth, fifth, fourth, third, and zero bits is
The big bonus winning flag, the regular bonus winning flag, the small role winning flag of "colored 7-watermelon-watermelon", the small role winning flag of "colorless 7-watermelon-watermelon", and the small "BAR-watermelon-watermelon" Role winning flag,
This indicates the status of the replay winning flag (JAC winning flag), which is “1” at the time of each win and “0” at the time of non-winning.

The two bits of the second bit and the first bit are:
It shows how many of the small roles of "bell", "watermelon", and "cherry" have been won and the corresponding winning flag has been set. In other words, if three types are won, "1"
1 ", and if two types are won," 10 ", 1
If only the type is won, the value is “10”. If none of the types is won, the value is “00”. That is, from the flag command, it can be specified that one of the small roles of "bell", "watermelon", and "cherry" has been won, but the type cannot be specified. .

Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the term “game” includes a series of steps from setting the bet number to rotating / stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Furthermore, reel 3
If any processing (for example, payout of medals or transition of the game state) is performed after the rotation of L, 3C, or 3R is stopped, this processing is also included as processing in one game.

FIG. 8 shows the CPU 11 of the game control board 101.
3 is a flowchart showing processing for one game executed by 1. When the processing of one game is started, first, a game execution processing for performing processing from setting of a bet number to stopping of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed (step S1).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the game execution process of step S1 in detail. First, the CPU 111
Determines whether the single BET button 14 or the MAX BET button 15 has been operated based on the detection signal of the single BET switch 45 or the MAX BET switch 46 (step 101). If neither the single BET button 14 nor the MAX BET button 15 has been operated, the process of step S101 is repeatedly performed.

One BET button 14 or MAX BET
When the button 15 is operated, the CPU 111 sets the bet amount (maximum 3) from the credits stored as data (step S101). However, when there is no accumulation of credits, a bet is set by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13. The medals inserted after the bet amount becomes 3 are accumulated as credits (step S102). Next, the CPU 111 displays one, two, and three bet display units 24-2 in accordance with the set bet amount.
8 are sequentially turned on, and an effective line is set (step S103).

When the bet amount is set, the CPU 111 turns on the start instruction unit 30 and turns on the start lever 1.
1 is made operable. And the start switch 41
It is determined whether or not the start lever 11 has been operated based on the detection signal (step S104). If the start lever 11 has not been operated, step S1
Step 04 is repeated. If it is set that the replay has been won in the previous game, the CPU 11
No. 1 automatically sets the same number of bets as in the previous game, and the game execution processing is substantially started from the processing in step S104.

When the start lever 11 is operated, the CP
U111 performs an internal lottery using the random number generation function, and stores a winning flag according to the result of the internal lottery in the RAM 112.
(Step S105).

Next, the CPU 111 converts the various winning flags set according to the result of the internal lottery, the various game state flags set in the game state transition processing of the previous game, and the random numbers obtained by using the random number generation function thereof. Then, a predetermined calculation is performed to determine an effect mode to be performed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 (step S106). Here, the CPU 111 may not determine the mode of the effect in some cases, and next, it is determined whether or not it has been determined to perform the effect in any of the modes (step S10).
7).

If it is determined that an effect in any one of the modes is to be performed, the CPU 111 generates an effect command in the format shown in FIG. (Step S
108). Then, the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, when the effect form has not been determined in the CPU 111, the process directly proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, the CPU 111
A flag command in the format shown in FIG. 7C is generated according to the various winning flags set according to the result of the internal lottery, and transmitted to the effect control board 102. Then C
The PU 111 determines whether it is in the wait state. That is, the reels 3L, 3C,
After starting the rotation of 3R, a predetermined time (for example, 4.1R)
(Seconds) have elapsed (step S1).
10). If the predetermined time has not elapsed from the start of the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the previous game and the game is in the wait state, the process of step S105 is repeatedly performed. During the wait state, C
The PU 111 causes the weight display unit 31 to display a weight by turning on the weight lamp 61 via the effect control board 102.

Next, the CPU 111 operates the reel relay board 1
03 to the reel motors 3ML, 3MC,
3MR, and all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3L
The rotation of C and 3R is started (step S111). Thereby, the symbol is variably displayed on the variable display device 2. The order in which the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are started to rotate may be changed according to the state of various flags set in the RAM 112. At this time, the counting of the reel stop timer is started.

Further, the CPU 111 waits for a predetermined period (for example, 1.5 seconds) to elapse using the time counting function (step S112).
The PU 111 determines whether or not the left stop button 12L has been operated based on the detection signal from the stop switch 42L (Step S113). When the left stop button 12L is operated, the CPU 111
03, a control signal is sent to stop the reel motor 3ML, and the rotation of the left reel 3C is stopped (step S1).
14).

Similarly, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the middle stop button 12C has been operated based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42C (step S115), and if so, stops the rotation of the middle reel 3C. (Step S116). Further, it is determined whether or not the right stop button 12C has been operated based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42R (step S117), and if so, the rotation of the right reel 3R is stopped (step S118).

When the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C and 3R is stopped in step S114, S116 or S118, the CPU 111 controls the reel sensor 3SL,
Based on the detection signals of 3SC and 3SR, and the states of the various winning flags and various game state flags set in the RAM 112, the driving of the reels 3L, 3C and 3R is controlled,
The symbols to be stopped on the activated line are controlled. That is, so-called pull-in control is performed.

Thereafter, the CPU 111 determines whether all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, 3R have been stopped (step S119). Left, middle, right reel 3
If any of L, 3C, and 3R has not been stopped, the CPU 111 determines whether the reel stop timer has counted a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) ( Step S120). If the predetermined time has not been counted, the process returns to step S113, and the processes of steps S113 to S120 are repeated.

If the predetermined time has been measured, the CPU 1
11 sends a control signal to the reel relay board 52 to stop the rotation of all the reels that have not been stopped (step S121), and ends the game execution processing. In step S117, all of the left, middle, and right reels 3L,
Even when 3C and 3R have been stopped, the game execution process is terminated. Note that, in the gaming state in which the number of games of the big bonus, the regular bonus, and the AT is the end condition, the CPU 111 also counts the number of games executed in the gaming state each time the game execution processing is performed.

When the game execution process is completed as described above, the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
In step S2, it is determined whether or not a winning pattern is achieved in which the winning symbols are arranged on the activated line corresponding to the bet amount set in step S1 (step S2). When the winning mode is set, the CPU 111 displays the one-, two-, and three-betting bet display units 2.
The one corresponding to the activated pay line out of 4-28 is blinked. In addition, the same design (for example, "JAC"
Even if there are all, the handling will be different between the game with the big bonus and regular bonus and the normal game that is not, so the winning judgment is also based on the big bonus flag and the regular bonus flag . Also, in the game state where the winning number of big bonus and regular bonus is the end condition,
The number of games (including the number of JACINs) won in the gaming state is also counted.

When the winning determination process is completed and the result of the determination is that there is a winning in a role other than the replay, the credit is increased by the number corresponding to the winning role. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data has reached 50, the CPU 111 drives the hopper motor 77 to pay out an excess number of medals from the medal payout opening 71 (step S3). In addition,
If it is determined in the winning determination processing of step S2 that there is no winning in any of the winning combinations, the CPU 111 does not perform any processing as the medal payout processing. When there is a replay winning, the CPU 111
Is set to that effect and the replay display unit 32 is turned on, and the process proceeds to the next process.

When the medal payout process is completed, the CPU
111 shifts the gaming state based on the result of the winning determination or the result of the internal lottery (step S4). That is, if the result of the prize determination processing in step S3 is “colored 7”, “colorless 7”, or “BAR”, the CPU 111 sets the gaming state to the big bonus (the 2 special game state) or regular bonus (first special game state)
A bonus flag is set for M112. At this time, if the bonus notification flag is set, it is cleared and the bonus notification lamp 66 is controlled to turn off the bonus notification unit 36.

When a JACIN is performed in the small win game during the big bonus, the CPU 111 sets a regular bonus flag in addition to the big bonus flag. Big Bonus, Regular Bonus, A
When the end condition of T is satisfied, the CPU 111
The big bonus flag, regular bonus flag, and AT flag are cleared, and the game returns to the normal gaming state. Here, if the big bonus end condition is satisfied, the CPU 111 performs an internal lottery of the AT,
If the game is won, the in-AT flag is set. When the game state shifts as described above, the CPU 111
A game state flag command indicating a new game state is transmitted to the effect control board 102. If the condition for changing the game state is not satisfied, nothing is performed as the game state transition processing.

When the game state transition processing is completed, the CPU 1
11 performs a bonus notification process next (step S
5). As a bonus notification process, the CPU 111 sets the RAM 11 based on the effect mode determined in step S107.
Reference is made to the content of the bonus notification flag set to 2.
When the bonus notification flag is set, the bonus notification lamp 36 is controlled after the end timing of the effect, so that the bonus notification unit 36 is turned on. Then, the bonus notification processing ends. On the other hand, if the bonus notification flag has not been set, the bonus notification process ends without doing anything. When the bonus notification processing is completed, the processing for one game is completed, and after a predetermined time, the processing for the next one game is started.

On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102
Is the game control board 101 in steps S109 and S110.
CPU 111 receives the effect command and the flag command transmitted by the CPU 111, and in accordance with the effect command determined independently based on the received effect command or flag command,
The production is controlled. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for the CPU 121 to control the effect.

The CPU 121 determines whether or not an effect command has been received from the game control board 101 (step S201). If the effect command has not been received, it is further determined whether or not a flag command has been received from the game control board 101 (step S202). If no flag command has been received, step S20
Returning to the processing of step 1, the determination of the reception of the effect command and the flag command is repeatedly performed.

If it is determined in step S202 that a flag command has been received, the CPU 121 checks the received flag command, and obtains the setting states of various internal winning flags (specifiable ones) and the random number generation function. An effect command is uniquely determined based on the random number thus obtained (step S203). Thereafter, the CPU 121 sets the determined effect command in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (Step S204), and proceeds to the processing of Step S206. The effect commands set here include those corresponding to the effect indicating that the value of the effect command flag is “1” and that the big bonus or the regular bonus has been won with a probability of 100%.

If it is determined in step S201 that an effect command has been received, the CPU 121 sets the received effect command in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S205), and proceeds to step S206. The effect commands set here do not include those corresponding to the effect indicating that the value of the effect command flag is “0” and that the big bonus or the regular bonus has been won with a probability of 100%.

In step S206, the CPU 121
By controlling the speaker drive circuit 131, the display drive circuit 132, the lamp drive circuit 133, and the like, the game effect lamps 75A to 75M, the liquid crystal display 4, the speakers 7L, 7
By driving the R, 7U and fluorescent lamps 6 and further controlling the reel lamps 3LP via the reel lamp relay board 104, the execution of a series of effects according to the effect commands set in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 is started. . In addition,
Game effect lamps 75A to 75M, liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L, 7R, 7U, fluorescent lamp 6, and reel lamp 3L
P is controlled by another routine executed in parallel with the processing of this flowchart, and is continued until the effect ends (including the case where forced termination described later is performed).

After the effect execution is started, the CPU 121
Determines whether the effect performed has ended (step S207). If the production has not ended,
U121 determines whether a cancel command has been received from the game control board 101 (step S20).
8). This cancel command can be used, for example, as a command indicating an operation (BET operation, operation of the start lever 11, etc.) performed by the player to start the next game, and the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 determines in step S101 or When the determination result in S101 is YES, such a cancel command is transmitted to the effect control board.

If the cancel command has not been received, the process returns to step S207 to determine again whether or not the effect has ended. On the other hand, when the cancel command is received, the CPU 121
It is checked whether the value of the effect command flag included in the effect command set in the predetermined area is “1” or “0” (step S209).

If the value of the effect command flag is "1", it means that the effect command has been determined by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101, and that the effect that cannot be canceled is being performed. In this case, the CPU 121
Returns to the process of step S207 without performing any process, and determines again whether or not the effect has ended.

On the other hand, if the value of the effect command flag is "0", it means that the effect command has been determined by the CPU 121, and that the effect that can be canceled is being performed. In this case, the CPU 121 proceeds to step S20
The effect whose execution has been started in step 6 is forcibly ended (step S210), and the process returns to step S207.

When the series of effects started in step S207 are all completed, or when the effect is forcibly terminated in step S210, it is determined in step S207 that the effect is ended. In this case, the process returns to step S201, and the CPU 121 waits again to receive the effect command or the flag command from the game control board 101.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the CP of the game control board 101
Not only U111 determines the mode of the effect, but also the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 can independently determine the mode of the effect. Moreover, the types of effects that can be determined independently by the CPU 121 are more numerous than the types of effects that can be determined by the CPU 111. For this reason, it is possible to execute effects in various modes while suppressing the load on each part of the game control board 101 including the CPU 111 in order to determine the mode of the effects.

The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102
The effect that has uniquely determined the mode can be canceled on the way by an operation for starting the game in the next game. Therefore, useless effects can be reduced, and the progress of the game can be promoted. Moreover, the effect cancellation is based on the operation of the player, and can be performed by the player's intention.

On the other hand, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101
The effect in which the mode is determined cannot be canceled in the middle and is performed until the original end timing. And 10 for big bonus or regular bonus
The effect of the aspect indicating that the winning has been achieved with a probability of 0% is C
Only PU111 can be decided, so 100% for big bonus or regular bonus
When notifying that the winning has been achieved with the probability of% by lighting the notification lamp 36, the CPU 111 can determine the lighting timing together with the end timing of the effect.

Also, the game control board 101 determines an effect of an important aspect that is deeply related to the progress of the game, such as an effect indicating that the big bonus or the regular bonus has been won with a probability of 100%. In addition, it is possible to present information particularly important for the progress of the game to the player as an effect without omission.

Further, the CPU 11 of the game control board 101
Reference numeral 1 denotes an effect control board 102 which includes not only an effect command indicating an effect mode but also a flag command indicating an internal lottery result.
Is sending to. And the CPU of the effect control board 102
When the effect of the internal drawing is inconsistent with the result of the internal lottery, it is to be avoided that the effect of the internal lottery is determined when the effect of the internal lottery is determined by the effect of the internal command. Can be.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment,
Various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

In the above embodiment, when the player performs an operation for starting the next game, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 transmits a cancel command to the effect control board 102. However, a dedicated effect cancel button, in which a control signal is input to the CPU 111 by an operation of the player, is provided on the front side of the slot machine 1, and the CPU 111 operates when the control signal indicating the operation of the effect cancel button is input. Alternatively, a cancel command may be transmitted to the effect control board 102.

In the above-described embodiment, the flag command cannot specify which of the small roles of “bell”, “watermelon” and “cherry” has been won. All the results of the internal lottery may be specified. In addition, the portion where the result of the internal lottery cannot be specified is not limited to the above, and for example, one of the small roles of “bell”, “watermelon”, and “cherry”
The case where only the type is won and the corresponding winning flag is set and the case where no winning flag is set may not be specified.

In the above embodiment, the game control board 10
The first CPU 111 transmits the effect command and the flag command to the effect control board 102 before the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started. Therefore,
The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 controls the reels 3L, 3
At the same time as the rotation of C and 3R is started, the execution of the effect is started. However, the transmission of the production command and the flag command can be performed at an arbitrary timing during one game, such as immediately after the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped. In accordance with the transmission timing of the production command and the flag command, The execution of the effect can be started at an arbitrary timing.

In the above embodiment, the game control board 10
The first CPU 111 transmits the flag command to the effect control board 102 in each game. However, if the effect command is transmitted in step S109, the flag command need not be transmitted. This is because even in this case, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 can execute the effect according to the effect command sent from the game control board 101. Further, the effect command and the flag command may be combined into one command instead of being sent separately. This command includes a first part indicating the result of the internal lottery and a second part designating the effect style. When the specific effect style is not specified in the second part, the CPU 121 determines the effect style independently. What should be done.

In the above embodiment, the effect control board 10
When the CPU 121 receives the effect command from the game control board 101, the CPU 121 sets the received effect command in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 without independently determining the effect command, and executes the effect according to the command. . On the other hand, when the effect command received from the game control board 101 does not indicate that the big bonus or the regular bonus has been won with a probability of 100%, the effect command received with a certain probability is discarded,
The effect may be executed according to the effect command determined independently.

In the above embodiment, the game control board 10
The production command sent from 1 to the production control board 102 is:
This does not include a command indicating that no effect is performed, but may include a command of this kind. When the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 receives an effect command instructing not to perform any effect from the game control board 101, without independently determining the effect command according to the subsequently received flag command, Further, the game control board 101 may wait for receiving an effect command or a flag command.

In the above embodiment, the slot machine 1
The game state includes a special game state called AT in addition to a normal game state, a big bonus, and a regular bonus. On the other hand, other special games such as CT (for stopping reels in an uncontrolled state), RT (for making the probability of replay winning higher than normal), and ST (for those including AT and RT). It may include a state. Even in a slot machine including these game states, the format of the flag command can be changed for each game state.

In the above embodiment, the start lever 1
The internal lottery for deciding whether or not winning of each combination is made possible by operating 1 is performed, and various winning flags are set. However, the internal lottery can be performed at any other timing. For example, you may go when the number of bets is set,
The processing may be performed between the game execution processing and the game execution processing in each game. The entry lottery for the AT or the like may be independently performed on the effect control board 102 side, and the CPU 121 of the game control board 102 may perform the AT control independently based on the result of the lottery.

In the above embodiment, the variable display device 2
Is provided with three reels 3L, 3C, 3R in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order on an outer peripheral portion.
The symbols are variably displayed by rotating the L, 3C and 3R. However, a device that virtually displays a symbol on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device may be used instead of the variable display device 2 described above.

[0110]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to cause the effecting means to execute various effects in various modes while suppressing the load on the game control means for executing the effect.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the progress of the game can be promoted by terminating the execution of the useless effect halfway.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the execution of the effect can be terminated halfway by the will of the player.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the effect of the mode based on the contents of the pre-determination can be executed by the effect control means by its own decision.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the game control means can determine the timing of notifying the winning of the big bonus.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the effect of a mode that is deeply related to the progress of the game can be determined by the game control means and performed preferentially.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the versatility of the effects.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure visually recognized when a front door of the slot machine in FIG. 1 is opened.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a structure on a rear side of a front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of symbols on each reel constituting the variable display device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wirings mounted on the game control board and the effect control board.

FIG. 7 (a) shows the format of an effect command sent from the game control board to the effect control board, FIG. 7 (b) shows the format of an effect command generated in the effect control board, and FIG. It is a figure showing a format of a flag command sent from a game control board to an effect control board.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit in the game control board for each game.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the game execution process of FIG. 8 in detail.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an effect control process executed by a control unit in the effect control board.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Variable display device 4 Liquid crystal display 101 Game control board 104 Production control board

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) A63F 5/04 516 A63F 5/04 516F

Claims (7)

[Claims] A game can be started by setting the number of bets for one game, and the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed, thereby ending one game, and In a slot machine capable of generating a predetermined prize according to the display result, a game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting information according to the progress of the game, and provided separately from the game control means. And an effect control means for causing the effect means to execute an effect in any one of a plurality of types of aspects. The effect execution mode of the effect is determined by the game control means, and as effect state information It may be executed by being transmitted to the effect control means, or may be executed by the effect control means by independently determining. Slot machine. 2. The effect based on the determination of the effect control means,
The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the slot machine can be terminated by a predetermined operation performed by a player. 3. The game control means sends effect end information for terminating the effect to the effect control means when the player performs a predetermined operation, and the effect control means comprises a game control means. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the effect ending information transmitted from the device is received, if the effect based on the own decision is made to be executed by the effect means, the effect being executed is ended. The slot machine described. 4. The game control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine in advance whether to allow the occurrence of the prize, wherein the game control unit transmits predetermined information based on a result determined by the predetermined determination unit to the effect control unit. The effect control means determines the mode of the effect to be executed by the effect means based on the predetermined information transmitted from the game control means. Item 3. The slot machine according to item 1. 5. An effect based on the determination by the effect control means, wherein the effect based on the determination by the effect control means is determined by the determination by the advance determination means. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the effect does not include an effect of determinatively indicating that the game is permitted. 6. When the effect control means receives the effect mode information transmitted from the game control means, the effect control means does not independently determine the effect mode but according to the received effect mode information. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the slot machine performs an effect. 7. The effect according to claim 1, wherein said effect control means has more types of effects than said effect control means. The slot machine described.