JP2003010381A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a difference between setting at the side of a game control means and setting at the side of a direction control means. SOLUTION: The direction control means for controlling conducting direction is arranged independently of the game control means for controlling the progress of a whole game and shifting a game state among a normal game state, a regular bonus and a big bonus. Necessary information is transmitted as a command from the game control means to the direction control means and the direction control means generates an AT as a special game state by an original processing based on the received command. Setting for probability for permitting prize-winning such as the big bonus and the regular bonus and setting for probability for generating the AT can be changed by a setting switch which is connected to the game control means. Setting by the setting switch is reported from the game control means to the direction control means at every game by a state command which also indicates a present game state.

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 notification of setting made to game control means to effect control means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a slot machine is provided with a variable display device having a plurality of reels having a plurality of kinds of symbols drawn on its outer peripheral portion, and a display mode when a rotation of each reel is stopped is a predetermined prize. In the case of the mode, a medal having a valuable value is paid out (or credit as a valuable value is internally stored as data).

Depending on the type of prize that has been generated, a game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus, which is advantageous to the player, is entered. Whether or not these prizes are allowed (that is, the prize is won) Whether to win each role) is determined by an internal lottery in advance. The probability of winning each role by internal lottery can generally be changed by setting.

By the way, in recent slot machines, there is a tendency that the types of effects when a prize occurs, a notification effect or an announcement effect indicating the result of an internal lottery, or other effects are increased.
The aspect also tends to be complicated. However,
In order to perform many kinds of complicated effects, the load on the control circuit becomes large. Therefore, in recent slot machines, a control circuit (production control means) for controlling the execution of these productions is generally configured separately from a control circuit (game control means) for controlling the progress of the whole game. Is coming.

In order to further improve the game playability without increasing the load on the game control means side, an AT (Assist Time) notifying the type of the winning small winning combination and a push order instructing the order of stopping the reel rotation A slot machine has also been developed in which a specific game state such as navigation is generated and controlled on the side of the effect control board based on various commands sent from the game control board.

Here, in order to make it possible to change the inrush rate and the number of continuous games in a specific game state such as AT and push-order navigation by setting, information regarding the setting made on the side of the game control means is a command (hereinafter, set). It is necessary to send it from the game control means to the effect control means as a command). Conventionally, this setting command has been sent to the effect control means only when the setting is changed on the game control means side.

[0007]

Various commands including setting commands are sent from the game control means to the effect control means in only one direction. This is to prevent unauthorized operation from the outside in the control state of the game control means. However, the one-way communication from the game control means to the effect control means is used to the contrary, which makes it possible to perform an illegal setting change operation as follows.

That is, the setting on the game control means side is changed while the connector between the game control means and the effect control means is connected. Then, the setting command changes the setting on the effect control means side to the same as that on the game control means side. Next, the setting on the game control means side is changed with the connector between the game control means and the effect control means removed. At this time, the effect control means cannot receive the setting command sent from the game control means and cannot change the setting, so that there is a discrepancy between the setting on the effect control means side and the setting on the game control means side. . For example, in a slot machine that originally has 6 levels of setting, there has been a problem that 36 levels of setting are possible.

According to the present invention, in a slot machine in which game control means for controlling the progress of a game and effect control means for controlling an effect relating to a game are separately configured, the setting on the game control means side and the setting on the effect control means side are performed. The purpose is to prevent the discrepancy between the two.

[0010]

To achieve the above object, the slot machine of the present invention enables a game to proceed by setting a bet number for one game, and a display result of a variable display device is derived. The progress of one game is completed by being displayed, and the progress of the game is controlled and the progress of the game is controlled in the slot machine in which a predetermined prize can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device. The game control means for transmitting information, and the effect control means for receiving the information transmitted from the game control means and capable of performing processing in accordance with the received information, the game control means are provided to the player. A setting means for setting the ratio of the value to be added to any one of a plurality of prepared levels is provided, and a predetermined tie other than the timing at which the setting by the setting means is made. And transmits the information relating to the setting to the effect control means ring.

In the above slot machine, even if an illegal operation is performed when the setting is performed by the setting means, the information regarding the setting is transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means at a timing different from this. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent a discrepancy between the setting on the game control means side (setting by the setting means) and the setting recognized on the effect control means side.

In the above slot machine, the effect control means holds setting information received from the game control means, and setting processing means for performing processing related to value addition to the player according to the held setting. It can be provided.

In this case, effect processing means (setting processing means)
It is possible to prevent the processing performed by the setting from conflicting with the setting actually performed on the game control means side.

Here, the processing relating to the value addition to the player performed by the setting processing means can be independently controlled, for example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the occurrence rate and It may be a process for generating a specific game state in which the advantage of contents is different.

As a result, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is possible to generate a specific game state in which the occurrence rate and / or the advantage of the contents are different according to the setting.

In the above slot machine, it is preferable that the game control means transmits information regarding the setting for each game.

In this case, since the information regarding the setting is transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means in each game, the setting and effect control means on the side of the game control means in each of the games. It is possible to prevent a discrepancy with the setting on the side of.

Here, the game control means may transmit information regarding the setting at the end of one game. Further, the game control means may transmit information regarding the setting at the start of one game.

When the information regarding the setting is transmitted at these timings, the effect control means recognizes the switching between the games even if the information indicating the switching of the games is not separately transmitted. You can

Further, the game control means may transmit information relating to the next game together with information relating to the setting. The game control means can also transmit information related to the game together with the information related to the setting.

If the information relating to the next game is transmitted together with the information relating to the setting, the effect control means can know the information relating to the next game to be started continuously after the end of one game, and the information relating to the setting. If the information related to the game is transmitted together with the information, the effect control unit can know the information related to the game by the end of one game.

In the above slot machine, the game control means may transmit the information regarding the setting as one command together with other information regarding the progress of the game.

Here, the game control means, when a special prize predetermined according to the display result of the variable display device occurs, shifts the game state to a special game state advantageous to the player. When the state transition means is further provided, the other information relating to the progress of the game may be information regarding the game state transitioned by the game state transition means.

In this case, since it is not necessary to separately transmit only the information related to the setting as a command, the number of times the command is transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means can be reduced and the processing load can be reduced. If the command includes information about the game state together with information about the setting, the effect control means can perform processing according to the game state based on this command.

It should be noted that the game control means, while the game state shifting means is shifting the gaming state to the special gaming state, also transmits information regarding the progress of the game in the special gaming state. You can

In this case, the effect control means can perform an effect according to the progress of the game in the special game state (the number of games, the number of prizes, etc.).

In the above slot machine, the game control means may transmit information regarding the setting to the effect control means even at the timing when the setting is made by the setting means.

In this case, since the information relating to the setting is transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means even at the stage of setting, the setting and effect control means on the side of the game control means from the time when the setting is made. There is no discrepancy with the setting on the side.

In the above slot machine, it is preferable that the effect control means holds a value indicating a setting having a lowest ratio of the value given to the player among the plurality of stages as an initial value of the information relating to the setting. .

In this case, even if the setting on the effect control means side is initialized before the information on the setting is sent from the game control means, this setting is higher than the setting on the game control means side. Can be prevented.

In the above slot machine, it is preferable that the setting holding means is backed up so that the contents of the setting can be restored when returning from the power-off state.

In the former case, the setting at the time of returning from the power-off state such as a power failure can be returned to the setting before the power-off.

[0033]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

1 to 3, a variable display device 2 is provided on the front side of the upper portion of the slot machine 1. Inside the variable display device 2, a reel unit 3 including three reels 3L, 3C and 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, "colorless 7", "colored 7", "BAR", "JAC", "watermelon", and "cherry" are provided on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively. , "Bell" are drawn in a predetermined order. The numbers on the left side of FIG. 4 are numbers showing the arrangement positions of the respective symbols. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed in the upper, middle, and lower three rows on the variable display device 2. Further, in the reel unit 3, reels 3L, 3
Reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR for detecting the reference position of each of C and 3R, and a reel lamp 3LP for irradiating light from the back surface are provided.

Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display section 21, a credit display section 22, and a payout display section 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 is composed of a game number display unit 51 which is a 7-segment display unit, and displays the value of a counter for counting the number of games and the number of winning prizes at the time of a big bonus or a regular bonus described later.

The credit display section 22 is composed of a credit display 52 which is a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out medals, as will be described later.
The payout display unit 23 is composed of a payout display 53 which is 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, there are provided a one bet display section 24, two bet display sections 25 and 26, and three bet display sections 27 and 28. The one-, two-, and three-bet display units 24 to 28 respectively correspond to the lines activated in accordance with the bet number (hereinafter referred to as activated lines),
By turning on the two- and three-bet betting lamps 54 to 58, the effective line in each game is shown to the player. 1
The one-, two-, and three-bet betting display sections 24-28 will be described later when the one-, two-, and three-bet betting lamps 54-58 are in a blinking state when there is a prize for the winning combination described later. The effective line that won the winning role is shown to the player.

On the right side of the variable display device 2, a closing instruction display section 29, a start display section 30, and a weight display section 31.
, Replay display unit 32, and game over display unit 33
And are provided. The insertion instruction display unit 29 indicates that the medals can be inserted by turning on the insertion instruction lamp 59. The start display section 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 is in a lighting state, that is, the start is possible, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted.
The weight display unit 31 indicates that a weight, which will be described later, is applied by turning on the weight lamp 61. The replay display section 32 indicates that the replay prize described later has been given by turning on the replay lamp 62. The game over display portion 33 displays the game over lamp 63 in a lighting state, so that the slot machine 1
Indicates that was stopped.

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

A liquid crystal display 4 is provided on the upper part of the small role notification display portions 37 to 39. The liquid crystal display 4 is
Images for various effects according to the game state are displayed. The effect image is composed of, for example, a series of moving images, and it is announced that the internal lottery described below has been won or there is a possibility of that, depending on the process of the effect and the final screen. Further, when the display mode of the variable display device 2 becomes a predetermined mode, a display mode effect by the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 is performed.

On the horizontal surface of the trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2, the medal slot 13 and the one BE are inserted.
A T button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a settlement button 16 are provided. The BET button lamps 70a, 70b which are lit when the bet number can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data are displayed on the 1-sheet BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15, respectively.
(See FIG. 5) is arranged inside.

The player inserts medals from here through the medal insertion slot 13. When the insertion medal sensor 44 detects insertion of a medal while the insertion instruction section 29 is lit, the bet number is changed. It is set or credits are accumulated as data. 1 BET button 14 and M
The AXBET button 15 is a button operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1 and 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data, and the 1-sheet BET switch 45 (Fig. 5) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 5), the bet amount from the credit is set. The payment button 16 is a button for instructing the payout of credits, and 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 and 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. In addition, stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12
The panel covering R is applied as the bonus notification unit 36.

The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game, and when the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 5), the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are driven. , Reel 3
L, 3C, and 3R start rotating. Stop button 12L, 1
2C and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at desired timings, and the operation is a stop switch 42L,
42C and 42R (see FIG. 5), the reel 3
The rotation of L, 3C and 3R is stopped.

The fact that the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R can be operated means that the operation effective lamps 63L, 63C, 63R (see FIG. 5) provided therein are turned on, so that the player Shown in. The bonus notification part 36 notifies the player that the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 5) is turned on, so that a big bonus winning flag or a regular bonus winning flag described later is set with a probability of 100%. To do. Further, on the right side of the stop button 12L, there is provided a medal clogging elimination button 18 which mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is clogged.

On the lower front surface of the slot machine 1, a medal payout opening 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout opening 71 is for ejecting the medals paid out by the hopper 80 to the outside. The hopper 80 is composed of a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation, and a payout sensor 81 that detects a medal payout. Medal storage plate 7
2 is for storing the paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is illuminated with the light emitted by the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 5) installed inside. Inside the overflow tank 95 for storing the medals overflowing from the hopper 80, a full tank sensor 90 for detecting that the stored medals are full.
Is provided.

Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R are provided on the lower front surface side and the upper front surface side of the slot machine 1, respectively.
Is provided. Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of winning, big bonus, and regular bonus rush, and output warning sound at the time of abnormality, as well as various effect voices and variable displays according to the game state. Various production sounds are output according to the display mode of the device 2.

Furthermore, on the front side of the slot machine 1,
The game effect display sections 5A to 5M are provided so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4, and perform an effect by light emitted from the game effect lamps 75A to 75M. The game effect display portions 5A to 5M perform light effects in various patterns according to the progress of the game and various patterns according to the display mode of the variable display device 2. The emission colors of the game effect display portions 5A to 5M may be monochromatic or plural colors.

Further, inside 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 allows the setting switch 91 to be operated by an unlocking operation, a second reset switch 93 for performing a recovery operation from an error state, and power ON / OFF
A power supply unit 9 having a main switch 94 for switching off is provided. In addition, the first reset switch 4 having the same function as the second reset switch 93.
8 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 the above-mentioned respective parts, a power supply board 100 arranged on the inner lower side, a game control board 101 arranged on the inner upper side, a reel relay board 103,
Reel lamp relay board 104 and 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 is a game control board 101 and an effect control board 1.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wirings mounted on 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 addition, in FIG. 5, although it is connected only to the game control board 101 and the hopper 80, electric power is also supplied to other parts. Further, the power supply board 100 is connected with a setting switch 91, a setting key switch 92, a second reset switch 93, and a main switch 94, and sends detection signals of these switches to the game control board 101.

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

The CPU 111 has a clock function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113, performs processing relating to the progress of a game, and directly controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1. Or indirectly control. The RAM 112 is the CPU 111
Is used as a work area when the program is executed, and various winning flags, various game state flags, or various counter value storage areas to be described later are provided. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. I / O port 114
Inputs and outputs control signals 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 according to the system clock, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value generated by the random number generation circuit 115. The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 in accordance with the processing to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a random number generation function). CPU11
1 transmits various commands to be described later to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114 and the buffer circuit 117. Information is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 in only one direction, and the effect control board 10
No information is sent from 2 to the game control board 101. The state of the game control board 101 (especially RAM
Various types of information stored in 112) are backed up and can be restored when the power is restored from a power-off state (power failure, etc.).

To the game control board 101, one BET switch 45, MAXBET switch 46, start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, settlement switch 47, first reset switch 48, and inserted medal sensor 44 are connected. And the detection signals of these switches / sensors are input. Further, via the reel relay board 103, the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR
Detection signal is input. According to the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101, It is processing.

On the game control board 101, the flow path switching solenoid 49, the game number display 51, the credit display 52, the payout display 53, the insertion instruction lamp 59, the one bet lamp 54, the two bet lamp 55 are also provided. 5,
6, 3 betting ramps 57, 58, game over ramp 63, start ramp 60, replay ramp 62, BE
T button lamps 70a, 70b, operation effective lamp 63
L, 63C, 63R are connected, and CPU111
Controls these operations according to the progress of the game. Further, the game control board 101, the reel relay board 1
The reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are connected via 03, and the CPU 111 performs pull-in control described later via the motor circuit 119 and the reel relay board 103.

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

The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform processing relating to performance execution, and at the same time controls each circuit in the performance control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. Execution of the effect is performed based on the command received from the game control unit 101 via the buffer 127 and the I / O port 124. R
The AM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. ROM 123 is a CPU
The program executed by 121 and fixed data are stored. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102. It should be noted that the state of the effect control board 102 (in particular, various information stored in the RAM 122) is backed up and can be restored when returning from the state of power interruption (power failure or the like).

On the effect control board 102, game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L and 7R,
7U, the fluorescent lamp 6, the weight lamp 61, and the small role notification lamps 67 to 69 are connected to drive these,
A speaker drive circuit 131, a display drive circuit 132, a lamp drive circuit 133 and the like are provided. Further, 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 an effect.

The reel relay board 103 is the game control board 1
01 and the external output board 105 and the reel unit 3 are relayed. A full tank sensor 90 is also connected to the reel relay board 103, and a detection signal thereof is input. 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 a big bonus mid signal, a regular bonus mid signal, a reel control signal, and a stop input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. The switch signal, the medal IN signal, and the medal OUT signal are output to the external device.

Next, the internal lottery will be described. The internal lottery is to determine whether to allow a prize to be won, which will be described later. The random number obtained by using the random number generation function,
The setting by the setting switch 91, the bet number set by the player,
And the CPU 111 refers to the winning determination table prepared in the ROM 113 based on the current game state. When the internal lottery is won, the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is the RAM 11 of the game control board 101.
Set to 2. The winning flag is stored in one word (16 bits) in which the type of winning combination is determined for each bit.

Depending on the result of the above internal lottery, a big bonus winning flag, a regular bonus winning flag, a small winning combination flag (there are a plurality depending on the type of small winning combination),
Replay winning flag, JA in the big bonus
The CIN winning flag (a flag set at substantially the same position as the replay winning flag) is R in the game control board 101.
It is set to AM112. The big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag are carried over to the subsequent games until the prize is actually won. Information on various winning flags set in the RAM 112 based on the result of the internal lottery is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 as a winning situation notification command for each game.

When the various winning flags described above are set in the RAM 112, a winning combination corresponding to each winning combination or a JACIN in the big bonus can be generated. That is, when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped,
It is possible to win a winning symbol on the activated line set according to the number of bets on the variable display device 2. At the time of winning the prize, medals are paid out, and the game state is changed in accordance with the winning. Hereinafter, these "winning roles" that are determined as winning will be described.

On the active line corresponding to the number of bets, for example, "B
When three "AR" are prepared, the game 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
It ends by performing only once or winning a predetermined number of times (for example, eight times) (“JAC” is aligned on the activated line). The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings thereof. It should be noted that the state where the regular bonus game has been made, that is, the gaming state in which the regular bonus game is provided is called the 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 lined up on the activated line corresponding to the bet number, the game state shifts to the big bonus. In the big bonus, a game called a small winning game can be played at a maximum of 30 games. In this small role game, there is a relatively high probability that "JAC" will be on the activated line (JA
CIN) and JACIN will provide the regular bonus mentioned above (up to 3 times).

The big bonus ends when the small winning combination game ends 30 times or when the regular bonus based on JACIN ends for the third time. The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of small winning games, the number of JACINs, the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings thereof, and the number of medals acquired during the big bonus. It should be noted that the state of shifting to the big bonus is referred to as a second special game state, and it is determined in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101 whether a big bonus flag (“colored 7” or “colorless 7” is won). (Including a flag indicating) is set.

In addition, games other than the regular bonus game (including the case of being offered during the big bonus),
If "Watermelon", "Cherry" or "Bell" are available, a small prize will be awarded. In addition, "colorless 7-watermelon-watermelon", "colored 7-watermelon-watermelon", or "BA
Even if it becomes "R-watermelon-watermelon", it will be a small prize. These small wins will not be duplicated in the internal lottery.

Further, except for the small winning combination game and the regular bonus game provided during the big bonus period, when "JAC" are aligned on the activated line, a replay prize is awarded. When there is a prize for the winning combination described above, the number of medals corresponding to each winning combination is paid out (except when the number of credits reaches 50, except when it is a replay winning prize). The corresponding number of credits is accumulated as data). The number of payouts is
All are 15 except for 8 small wins with only "watermelon" and 4 small wins with "cherry".

Further, in this slot machine 1,
Information regarding the game state and information regarding the progress status of the game which are changed by the control of the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 include state notification commands (1) to
The effect control board 102 is notified by (3). When the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 recognizes the end of the big bonus on the basis of the state notification commands (1) to (3), it performs an AT lottery using the random number generation function, and according to the result, sets an in-AT flag in the RAM 112. By setting, the game state is shifted to AT.

When an AT game state occurs, "no color 7
-Watermelon-Watermelon "," Colored 7-Watermelon-Watermelon ",
Alternatively, when a small winning combination of “BAR-watermelon-watermelon” is won, the type thereof has a predetermined probability and the small winning notification units 37-3.
This is notified by turning 9 on. As for the game state of the AT, when the number of games reaches the number of continuous AT games determined at the time of the AT lottery, or the big bonus winning flag is set, a command indicating that is issued to the game control unit 101.
Ends when received from. The winning probability of AT,
The number of AT continuous games and the probability of small win notification at the time of AT can also be changed by setting with the setting switch 91.

Next, a description will be given of the above-mentioned change of the setting relating to the internal lottery and the change of the setting relating to the AT. Since the ROM 113 of the game control board 101 changes the winning probability of the internal lottery by changing the setting, FIG.
It has a probability setting table shown in (c). These probability setting tables are used in the normal gaming state, in the big bonus, and in the regular bonus (including the regular bonus provided in the big bonus), respectively.

In the probability setting tables shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the bet number (1-3 () set by the player in accordance with the value (one of 1-6) set by the setting switch 91. However, as shown in FIG. 7C, only 1 is set in the regular bonus))) and the winning probability in the internal lottery of each winning combination is shown. As can be seen from these tables, there is not much difference in the winning probability of each hand, other than the winning probability of the big bonus when three bets are made in the normal gaming state. It should be noted that “***” in FIG. 7 (a) indicates that there is no color 7, color 7 or BAR.

On the other hand, the ROM 123 of the effect control board 102
Has a probability setting table shown in FIG. 8 in order to change the AT winning probability and the like. This probability setting table is
Depending on the setting value notified by the command from the game control board 101 (the same as the setting value by the setting switch 91), the winning probability of AT, A when winning
It shows the number of T continuous games and the probability of small role notification. As you can see from this table, the AT winning probability etc.
There is a big difference depending on the setting value.

Further, in order to change the setting on the side of the effect control board 102, the setting status by the setting switch 91 is changed from the game control board 101 to the CP of the effect control board 102.
U121 must be notified. In order to notify the setting status, the game control board 101 to the effect control board 1
02, the status notification command (1) shown in FIG. 9A is transmitted in each game.

The state notification command (1) is a command for notifying the effect control board 102 of the current game state (normal game state, big bonus or regular bonus) in addition to the setting by the setting switch 91. . The sixth to fourth bits (the LSB side is the 0th bit) indicate the value set by the installation switch 91. Until this state notification command (1) is sent from the game control board 101, the settings on the effect control board 102 side (RAM1
(Stored in 22) is set to "1" having the lowest advantage as an initial value.

In the status notification command (1), it is shown whether the third and second bits are in the big bonus and in which symbol the big bonus is won, and the first bit is shown in the regular bonus. ing.
The game state when the 3rd and 2nd bits indicate that the big bonus is being performed and the 0th bit indicates that the regular bonus is being performed is a state in which the regular bonus is provided during the big bonus. Is.

As described above, the status notification command (1) includes
In addition to the setting status, information about the game state is also included, but this alone does not allow the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 to recognize how the game is progressing in each game state. Therefore, the state notification commands (2) and (3) shown in FIGS. 9 (b) and 9 (c) are provided in the game control board 1 as needed in each game depending on the game state.
01 to the effect control board 102.

The state notification command (2) is a command for notifying the effect control board 102 of the number of remaining games at the time of the big bonus. The sixth to second bits indicate the number of remaining small winning games, and the first and zero bits indicate the number of remaining regular bonuses (JACIN). The status notification command (2) is transmitted subsequent to the status notification command (1) in a game in which the gaming status is in the big bonus (including games that have won the big bonus and does not include games that have ended the big bonus). To be done.

The state notification command (3) is used to determine the number of remaining games and the number of winnings at the time of the regular bonus.
This is a command for notifying 02. This 6th-3rd
The bit indicates the number of remaining games, and the 2nd to 0th bits indicate the winning number. The state notification command (3) is a game whose game state is a regular bonus (including a regular bonus in the big bonus) (including a game that has won the regular bonus, and does not include a game that has ended the regular bonus). Status notification command (1)
Alternatively, it is transmitted following the status notification command (2).

The game operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. 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
When some processing (for example, payout of medals or transition of gaming state) is performed after the rotation of L, 3C, and 3R is stopped, this is also included as the processing in one game.

FIG. 10 shows the CPU 1 of the game control board 101.
11 is a flowchart showing the processing for one game executed by 11. When the processing of one game is started, first, the initial processing is performed (step S1). If the game is normally in progress, nothing is done as the initial process.
In other words, this initial processing is to check the settings and restore the backed up information when the power is turned on (including when the power is turned off) and when the error is returned.

Next, the 1-sheet BET button 14 or MAX
The bet number is set by operating the BET button 15 or by inserting a medal from the medal slot 13, a bet number setting command corresponding to the set bet number is transmitted to the effect control board 102, and the start is further started. By operating the lever 11, a BET process for instructing the substantial start of the game is performed (step S2). 1 BET button 14 or MAX BET button 15 in BET processing
Is operated or a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 to set a bet number setting command on the game control board 101.
Sent to the production control board 102 from the start lever 1
When 1 is operated, the start command is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102.

The operation of the start lever 11 is effective when the bet number is set by operating the BET buttons 14 and 15 or inserting a medal (however, when the replay prize is won in the previous game, the bet number is set). It can be said that it is such a bet number setting operation that allows each game to be substantially progressed since it is automatically set from the beginning).

When the number of bets is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, it is determined whether or not the winning of each winning combination described above is permitted based on the value of the random number obtained by using the random number generation function. A lottery process for setting various internal winning flags is performed (step S3). Then, a winning situation notification command indicating the state of various winning flags set by this lottery is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 1
02.

When the lottery process is completed, a reel variation start process is next performed (step S4). In the reel variation start processing, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start reels on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Drive the motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR to the left,
Start rotation of all the middle and right reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Thereby, the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display device 2. When the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of rotation in the previous game, the start of rotation is awaited, and the weight display section 31 notifies the fact by turning on the weight lamp 61. The order of starting the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R may be changed according to the states of various flags set in the RAM 112. At the start of rotation, the reel stop timer and the one game timer for the next game are started.

After that, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S5). In the reel fluctuation stop processing, after a predetermined condition (detecting the reference position by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a constant speed) is established from the start of rotation of the reel, the stop button 12L,
The operation of 12C and 12R is enabled, and the reel motors 3ML and 3M are operated by the player.
C and 3MR are stopped and the reels 3L, 3C and 3R are stopped from rotating. At this time, based on the various winning flags and the game state set in the RAM 112, the reel 3
The stop symbol is selected by the pull-in control that controls the drive stop of L, 3C, and 3R.

After the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the player is not involved in the progress of the game until the next game is started. Therefore, the reels 3L, 3C, 3
When the driving of R is stopped and the display result of the variable display device 2 is derived and displayed, it can be said that the progress of one game is substantially completed.

When the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, in the display mode at the time of stopping, any of the above-mentioned winning symbols is arranged on the activated line corresponding to the bet number set in the BET processing of step S2. A winning determination process for determining whether or not the winning is performed is performed (step S6). When it is determined in this winning determination process that one of the winning combinations has been won, various settings (including setting of a big bonus medium flag or a regular bonus medium flag) are performed on the game control board 101 according to the type of prize. A winning command indicating a winning symbol and a winning line (in the case of a loss) is transmitted to the effect control board 102. In addition, the number of games and the number of prizes in the big bonus and regular bonus are counted in the prize determination process, and if the result of the count results in the end of the big bonus or regular bonus, the flag during big bonus and the regular bonus Clear the flag.

When the prize determination process is completed, a payout process is performed, and the credit is increased by the number of planned payout medals set in the prize determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the hopper motor 82 is driven to cause the excess number of medals to be paid out from the medal payout opening 71. Moreover, the payout command according to the planned payout number is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S7). And
The process for one game ends, and the process for the next game starts. In the payout process, the state notification commands (1) to (3) described above are also transmitted to the effect control board 102.

Next, the payout process of step S7 will be described in detail. FIG. 11 shows the CPU 1 in step S7.
11 is a flowchart showing in detail a payout process executed by No. 11. In the payout process, first, it is determined whether or not the planned payout number is set as various settings in the winning determination process, and it is time to pay out the medals (step S101). If the planned number of payouts is not set,
The process proceeds to step S105.

When the planned payout number is set, 1 is subtracted from the planned payout number and the hopper motor 82 is driven to pay out one medal. However, if the number of accumulated credits does not reach 50, instead of paying out medals, the credit value is set to 1
Only (step S102). After paying out one medal or increasing the credit, it is determined whether or not the planned payout number is 0 and the payout of the medal corresponding to the winning is completed (step S103).

If the payout of medals corresponding to the winning is not completed, the process returns to step S102 to pay out the next one medal or increase the credit. On the other hand, when all the payout of medals according to the winning is completed, a payout completion command indicating that the payout of medals is completed is transmitted from the I / O port 114 to the effect control board 102 (step S104). Then, the process proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the game control board 10
The value of the setting on the side 1 and the states of the big bonus medium flag and the regular bonus medium flag of the RAM 112 are acquired to generate the state notification command (1) shown in FIG. 9A, and the effect is produced from the I / O port 114. It is transmitted to the control board 102.

Next, it is determined whether the flag during big bonus is set in the RAM 112, that is, whether the next game is a game in the big bonus gaming state (step S106). If the big bonus flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the flag during big bonus is set, RA
The number of small role games and J counted using M112
The number of ACINs is acquired, the status notification command (2) shown in FIG. 9B is generated, and is transmitted from the I / O port 114 to the effect control board 102 (step S107). Then, the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, it is determined whether or not the regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112, that is, whether the next game is a regular bonus game (including a case where the bonus game is provided during a big bonus game). If the regular bonus flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the regular bonus flag is set,
The number of games and the number of prizes in the regular bonus counted by using the RAM 112 are acquired to generate the status notification command (3) shown in FIG. 9C, and the I / O port 1
14 to the effect control board 102 (step S109). Then, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, of the various winning flags set in the RAM 122, the winning flags of the respective winning combinations other than the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag are erased. Then, the process of this flowchart is ended, the process returns to the process of FIG. 10, and the process for one game is ended.

In the above game repetition,
The CPU 111 of the game control board 101 shifts the game status between the normal game status, the regular bonus, and the big bonus, and sends a command to the effect control board 102 according to the progress status of the game. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an effect by its own processing based on the command received from the game control board 101 to generate the AT game state.

FIG. 12 shows the CPU 1 of the effect control board 102.
21 is a flow chart showing a command reception standby process executed by the CPU 21. On the production control board 102 side, it is determined whether or not the reception of the command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S201). Until the command is received, the process of step S201 is repeated, and the command is waiting to be received. When any command is received from the game control board 101, it is determined what kind of command is received (step S2).
02).

If the type of the received command is the status notification command (1), the status notification command (1) reception time process described later is executed (step S203). Then, the process returns to step S201. When the type of the received command is the status notification command (2) or (3), the status notification command (2) or (3) reception process described below is executed (step S204). Then, the process returns to step S201. When the type of the received command is the winning status notification command, the processing at the time of receiving the winning status notification command described later is executed (step S
205). Then, the process returns to step S201. When the type of the received command is a winning command, a winning command receiving process described below is executed (step S206). Then, the process returns to step S201.

If the received command type is another command, another process corresponding to each command type is executed (step S207). Other processing includes processing for outputting a predetermined sound effect from the speakers 7L, 7R, 7U when a bet number setting command or a start command is received. After these other processes are completed, the process returns to step S201.

FIG. 13 shows the CPU 12 in step S203.
3 is a flow chart showing a state notification command (1) reception process executed by No. 1; First, the sixth to fourth bits of the received status notification command (1) are extracted and the latest setting is stored in the RAM 122 (step S301). next,
The third and second bits of the received status notification command (1) are compared with the gaming status of the previous game stored in the RAM 122 (step S302).

As a result of this comparison, the big bonus has ended in the game this time (the state notification command (1) does not indicate that the big bonus is in progress, and the RAM
It is determined whether the game state stored in 122 indicates that the big bonus is being performed (step S3).
03). When the big bonus ends, first, the latest setting value stored in the RAM 122 in step S301 is acquired (step S304), and the random number value for AT lottery is acquired using the random number generation function (step S304). S30
5). Based on the setting value and the random number value acquired here, FIG.
The probability setting table shown in is referred to (step S30).
6).

Then, based on the result of referring to the probability setting table, it is determined whether the AT gaming state is generated, that is, whether the AT lottery is won (step S307). If you win the AT lottery, RAM12
The AT flag is set to 2 (step S308). Further, the display drive circuit 132 is controlled to display the fact that the AT lottery has been won, the number of AT continuing games and the small role notification probability obtained from the reference result of the probability setting table on the liquid crystal display 4 to inform the player. Yes (step S309). Then, the process proceeds to step S310.

If it is not the end of the big bonus in the determination of step S303, and
If the AT lottery is not won in the determination of 307, the process directly proceeds to step S310. In step S310, the third to first bits of the received status notification command (1) are extracted and the game status in the next game is stored in the RAM 122. Then, the processing of this flowchart is ended and the processing returns to the processing of FIG.

FIG. 14 shows the CPU 12 in step S204.
3 is a flowchart showing a state notification command (2) (3) reception process executed by the first embodiment. First, it is determined whether the status notification command (2) or (3) is received (step S401).

If it is the status notification command (2), the number of remaining small winning games is extracted from the sixth to second bits,
And the number of remaining regular bonuses from the 0th bit (JAC
The number of INs is extracted and stored in the RAM 122 (step S402). Then, the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if the status notification command (3),
The remaining number of games is extracted from the 6th to 3rd bits, the winning number is extracted from the 2nd to 0th bits, and RA
It is stored in M122 (step S403). Then, the process proceeds to step S404.

In step S404, the liquid crystal display 4 displays the number of remaining small winning games, the number of remaining regular bonuses, the number of remaining games, and the number of winnings stored in the RAM 122. Here, when the regular bonus is not in the big bonus, 0 is always displayed as the number of remaining small winning games and the number of remaining regular bonuses. When the display on the liquid crystal display 4 is finished, the process of this flowchart is finished and the process returns to the process of FIG.

FIG. 15 shows the CPU 12 in step S205.
6 is a flowchart showing processing when a winning situation notification command is received, which is executed by No. 1; First, it is determined whether or not a big bonus is won based on the received winning situation notification command (step S501). If the big bonus is won, the AT flag in the RAM 122 is erased (step S502), and the process proceeds to step S503. When the big bonus is not won, the process directly proceeds to the process of step S503.

At step S503, A of the RAM 122
With reference to the state of the T flag, it is determined whether the AT is being generated (step S503). A
If T is being generated, the received winning condition notification command is checked to determine whether or not one of the small winning combinations that is the target of notification at the time of AT has been won (step S504).

If any of the small winning combinations that is the subject of notification at the time of AT is won, the latest setting value stored in the RAM 122 is acquired (step S505).
The value of the random number for the small role announcement is acquired using the random number generation function (step S506). Then, the probability setting table shown in FIG. 8 is referred to based on the setting value and the random number value acquired here (step S507). Then, based on the result of referring to the probability setting table, it is determined whether or not to give a small role notice (step S508).

When the small role notification is performed, one of the small role notification lamps 67 to 69 corresponding to the winning small role is turned on to notify the player of the type of the winning small role. (Step S509). Then, the process proceeds to step S510. In addition, in the determination of step S503, A
If T is not being generated, step S504
In the judgment of, if you have not won a small role to be notified,
Also, when it is determined that the small role notification is not made in the determination of step S508, the process proceeds to step S510.

In step S510, according to the result of the internal lottery on the game control board 101 indicated by the winning situation notification command, a notice effect or a big bonus that definitely indicates to the player that the big bonus or the regular bonus is won. Alternatively, a notification / notification effect process for executing a notice effect that indicates to the player that the regular bonus may be won is executed. Since the announcement effect and the announcement effect are not directly related to the present invention, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Then, the processing of this flowchart is ended and the processing returns to the processing of FIG.

FIG. 16 shows the CPU 12 in step S206.
It is a flow chart which shows the processing at the time of receiving the winning command executed by 1. First, based on the received winning command,
It is determined whether or not any winning combination has been won (step S601). When one of the winning combinations is won, a predetermined effect corresponding to the winning symbol and line indicated by the winning command is performed (step S602). Then, the process proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, if you have not won any of the roles, that is, if you are lost,
The process directly proceeds to step S603.

In step S603, it is determined based on the state of the in-AT flag stored in the RAM 122 whether the AT is being generated. If the AT is being generated, the number of games in the AT is counted (step S604). Further, it is determined whether or not the counted number of games has reached the number of AT continuous games determined during the AT lottery (step S605). A
If the number of games to be continued has been reached, the in-AT flag of the RAM 122 is erased (step S606). Then, the processing of this flowchart is ended and the processing returns to the processing of FIG.

Further, in the determination of step S603, A
If T is not being generated, or if the number of games in AT has not reached the number of continuous AT games in the determination of step S605, the processing of this flowchart is ended and the processing of FIG. Return to.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the information regarding the setting by the setting switch 91 is transferred from the game control means to the effect control means as a state notification command (1) at the end of each game. Will be sent. Therefore, even if an illegal operation is performed during the setting operation of the setting switch 91, the settings on the game control board 101 side in each of the games (settings relating to the winning probability of the internal lottery) and the effect control board 1
It is possible to match the setting on the 02 side (setting relating to the probability of AT occurrence and the advantage of the content).

Further, since the timing of transmitting the status notification commands (1) to (3) from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 is the end of one game, a command for switching the game is separately provided. Even without sending, the CPU 121 of the effect control unit 102 can recognize the switching between the games based on the status notification commands (1) to (3). Moreover, the status notification commands (1) to (3) transmitted at this time include information about settings in the next game to be started after the end of the game, information about the game status, and information about the progress status of the game. Therefore, the CPU 121 can know these pieces of information in the next game based on the status notification commands (1) to (3).

The state notification command (1) includes information on the game state (states of the big bonus flag and the regular bonus flag) in addition to the information on the setting by the setting switch 91. The information regarding the game state is information that must be transmitted to the effect control board 102 regardless of whether or not the information regarding the setting is transmitted. Therefore, the number of times of command transmission from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 does not increase as compared with the conventional slot machine, and the processing load due to command transmission processing does not increase.

Also, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102
Can determine the start / end of the regular bonus or the big bonus based on the information regarding the game state included in the state notification command (1). This allows
It is also possible to appropriately perform AT lottery at the end of the big bonus.

Furthermore, during the big bonus or the regular bonus, the state notification command (2) or (3) is also sent in addition to the state notification command (1). Therefore, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 can recognize the number of remaining small winning games at the time of the big bonus and the number of remaining regular bonuses, as well as the number of the games at the regular bonus and the number of winnings, and the liquid crystal display 4 displays. The player can be informed by the display

The setting on the side of the effect control board 102 is as follows.
In the initial state, it is "1" which is the lowest stage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the setting on the effect control board 101 side from becoming higher than the setting on the game control board 101 side before the state notification command (1) is sent. Here, an error (CPU1
21), the data on the RAM 122 is modified by noise mixed in from outside), the setting on the effect control board 102 side is returned to the initial state "1". Since the initial state is set to "1", the setting on the effect control board 102 side immediately after the end of the error processing cannot be higher than the setting on the game control board 102 side, and therefore the illegal operation is intentionally performed. It is possible to prevent a situation in which a high value is given to the player who has caused the error state.

Furthermore, when returning from the power-off state generated by the backup function of the effect control board 102, the state of the RAM 122 and the like can be restored. It is unlikely that the power-off state occurs only on the effect control board 102 side and the setting operation of the setting switch 91 is performed during that time. It is possible to further reduce the case where the setting on the 102 side is inconsistent.

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, the setting switch 91
Although six levels are set as the settings according to, the settings can be set to any number of steps of two or more. Further, when the setting is changed, it is not limited to the case where the setting switch 91 is operated, and the setting may be changed when a predetermined event occurs during the progress of the game. Further, the slot machine 1 may be connected to an external computer so that the setting can be changed by an instruction from the external computer.

In the above embodiment, the state notification commands (1) to (3) are transmitted as separate commands from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. However, if the number of bits of the command transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 is sufficiently large, these may be collectively transmitted as one command. Further, the state notification commands (2) and (3) are supposed to be transmitted when the next game is a big bonus and a regular bonus, respectively, but are to be transmitted to the effect control board 102 regardless of the game state. Good. When the big bonus or the regular bonus is not being performed, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 may ignore the received state notification commands (2) and (3) and perform the processing.

In the above embodiment, the setting switch 91
The value of the setting made by is assumed to be transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 at the end of each game as a status notification command (1) together with the states of the big bonus middle flag and the regular bonus middle flag. I was there. On the other hand, a dedicated setting notification command provided for notifying only the setting value may be transmitted instead of the status notification command (1). In addition, the production control board 102 does not recognize the switching of the game by transmitting the state notification command (1),
A game switching command indicating that the game can be switched to the next game may be separately transmitted to the effect control board 102.

The status notification commands (1) to (3)
May be transmitted not only at the end of one game, but at any timing in each game, and may be one that indicates a state related to the game after the next game. However, the transmission timing is preferably earlier than the transmission timing of the winning situation notification command, and at the start of each game (for example, in the initial processing of step S1), the information regarding the game is transmitted. can do. At the start of each game, the status notification command (1) (and (2) if necessary,
Even when (3)) is transmitted, C of the effect control board 102 is transmitted.
The PU 121 can determine the game switching based on the status notification command (1).

However, there are the following restrictions. When the status notification command (1) (and (2) and (3) as necessary) is transmitted at a timing other than the end and start of one game, the game is switched to the next game. It is necessary to send a command from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. In addition, the status notification command (1) (and (2) and (3) if necessary) transmitted at the end of one game needs to indicate information about the next game. Status notification command (1) (and (2) if necessary, sent at the start,
(3)) needs to indicate information about the game.

Further, if not limited to the one transmitted at the end and the start of one game, the set value is, for example,
The effect control board 10 as a command together with information other than the state of the flag during big bonus and the flag during regular bonus, such as information that the start lever 11 has been operated.
2 may be transmitted. Also by this, the number of commands transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 can be reduced.

Furthermore, the status notification command (1) (or a command including information about other settings) may not be transmitted for each game, but may be transmitted once every several games in a predetermined cycle. Even in such a case, settings on the game control board 101 side and effect control board 102
It is possible to suppress the number of games to be played with a discrepancy in the settings on the side below a certain number.

In the above embodiment, the status notification command (1) (or the setting notification command) is transmitted in association with each game, but it may be transmitted at a timing unrelated to the game. Is. Further, in addition to being transmitted in association with each game, it is also possible to transmit at a timing unrelated to the game. As the timing irrelevant to the game for transmitting the state notification command (1) (or the setting notification command), the timing when the setting on the game control board 101 side is changed due to the setting change by the setting switch 91 or other control state, or The timing of returning from the error state on the game control board 101 side can be mentioned.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a process for transmitting the state notification command (1) to the effect control board 102 by changing the setting on the game control board 101 side (commands including information about other settings are transmitted. The same is true when sending). The process of this flowchart starts when an interruption occurs in the CPU 111 when the setting is changed.

When the processing is started, the setting value on the game control board 101 side and the states of the big bonus medium flag and the regular bonus medium flag of the RAM 112 are acquired, and the state notification command (1) shown in FIG. 9 is generated. , From the I / O port 114 to the effect control board 102 (step S701). Then, the processing of this flowchart is ended, and the process returns from the interrupt.

On the other hand, on the production control board 102 side, CP
U121 updates the setting to the latest state by performing the same processing as when the state notification command (1) is sent in each game described above. By such processing, the game control board 10 is irrespective of the progress of the game.
It is possible to prevent a discrepancy between the setting on the side 1 and the setting on the effect control board 102 side.

In the above embodiment, the game control board 10
Even if the state notification command (1) is transmitted from 1 to the effect control board 102 and the setting made on the game control board 101 side is notified to the effect control board 102, the player cannot know this setting. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 may display the setting value indicated by the sixth to fourth bits of the received status notification command (1) on the liquid crystal display 4 to notify the player. Good. The notification of the setting may be performed once every several games instead of every one game.

In the above embodiment, the effect control board 10 is used.
The RAM 122 of No. 2 is backed up so that when the power is restored from the power-off state, the settings are restored to those before the power-off. On the other hand, when returning from the power-off state, the setting value held in the RAM 122 may be set to the setting 1 having the lowest value to be given to the player.

In the above embodiment, the slot machine 1
In the gaming state of, AT was included as a specific gaming state in addition to the normal gaming state, the special gaming state of the big bonus and the regular bonus. On the other hand, other specific games controlled on the side of the effect control board 102, such as push-order navigation (which indicates the order of operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R by turning on / off the reel lamp 3LP). It may include a state.

Further, in addition to the one that causes a specific state in the normal gaming state, for example, a super-big and a normal-big are provided as big bonuses, and a small role announcement similar to AT is given in a small role game during the super big. (Or, the instruction of the reel operation order similar to the push order navigation) may be performed by the control of the effect control board 102. Furthermore, a specific game controlled by the game control board 101 side, such as CT (Challenge Time: to make reel stop uncontrolled), RT (Replay Time: to make replay winning probability higher than usual) The state may be used in combination with the specific game state controlled by the effect control board 102.

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

[0142]

According to the invention of claim 1, even if an illegal operation is performed when the setting is performed by the setting means, the effect control means correctly recognizes the setting made on the side of the game control means. be able to.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the processing performed by the effect control means from conflicting with the setting on the game control means side.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to generate a specific game state in which the occurrence rate and / or the advantage of the contents are different according to the setting.

According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to prevent a discrepancy between the setting on the game control means side and the setting on the effect control means side in each of the games.

According to the invention of claim 5, the production control means can recognize the switching between the games by receiving the information about the setting.

According to the invention of claim 6, the production control means can recognize the switching between the games by receiving the information about the setting.

According to the invention of claim 7, the production control means can know the information relating to the next game which is started after the end of one game.

According to the invention of claim 8, by the end of one game, the production control means can know the information related to the game.

According to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to reduce the number of times of command transmission from the game control means to the effect control means, and to reduce the processing load.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the effect control means can perform the processing according to the game state by the information included in the same command as the information regarding the setting.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to produce an effect according to the progress of the game in the special game state.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, since the information regarding the setting is transmitted even at the setting stage, there may be a discrepancy between the setting on the game control means side and the setting on the effect control means side. Absent.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, even if the setting on the effect control means side is initialized before the information on the setting is sent, this setting is better than the setting on the game control means side. Can be prevented from becoming too high.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the setting at the time of returning from the power-off state can be returned to the setting before the power-off occurred.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal structure visually recognized with the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 being opened.

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

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

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.

7A to 7C are diagrams showing a probability setting table stored in a ROM of a game control board.

It is a diagram showing a probability setting table stored in the ROM of the effect control board.

9A to 9C are diagrams showing state notification commands (1) to (3) sent from the game control board to the effect control board.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit in the game control board for each game.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the payout process of FIG. 10 in detail.

It is the flowchart which shows the command reception waiting processing which the control section inside the production control board executes.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a state notification command (1) reception process of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the status notification commands (2) and (3) reception processing of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process at the time of receiving a winning situation notification command of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a winning command receiving process of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a process performed when a setting is changed in the modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols] 1 slot machine 2 variable display 4 liquid crystal display 101 game control board 102 Production control board

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A game can be progressed by setting a bet number for one game, and the progress of one game is finished by deriving and displaying a display result of the variable display device. In a slot machine in which a predetermined prize can be generated according to the display result, a game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting information according to the progress status of the game, and information transmitted from the game control means And a production control means capable of performing processing in accordance with the received information, wherein the game control means is any one of a plurality of stages in which the ratio of the value to be given to the player is prepared in advance. It is characterized by comprising setting means for setting in stages, and transmitting information about the setting to the effect control means at a predetermined timing other than the timing at which the setting by the setting means is made. Slot machine to be. 2. The effect control means is provided with setting processing means for holding information relating to the settings received from the game control means, and for performing processing related to value addition to the player according to the held settings. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the slot machine is a slot machine. 3. The processing related to the value addition to the player performed by the setting processing means can be independently controlled by satisfying a predetermined condition, and the occurrence rate and / or the content can be set according to the held setting. 3. A process for generating a specific game state having different advantages
Slot machine described in. 4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control means transmits the information regarding the setting for each game. 5. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control means transmits information regarding the setting at the end of one game. 6. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control means transmits information regarding the setting at the start of one game. 7. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control means transmits information about the next game together with information about the setting. 8. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control means transmits information regarding the game together with information regarding the setting. 9. The game control means transmits the information on the setting together with other information on the progress of the game as one command.
The slot machine according to any one of 1. 10. A game state in which the game control means shifts the game state to a special game state advantageous to a player when a special prize predetermined according to a display result of the variable display device occurs. 10. The slot machine according to claim 9, further comprising a transition unit, wherein the other information relating to the progress of the game is information regarding a game state transitioned by the game state transition unit. 11. The game control means, while the game state shifting means is shifting the game state to a special game state, also transmits information on the progress of the game in the special game state. The slot machine according to claim 10. 12. The game control means transmits information relating to the setting to the effect control means even at the timing when the setting is made by the setting means. Slot machine described in. 13. The effect control means holds a value indicating a setting having a lowest ratio of the value given to the player among the plurality of stages as an initial value of information relating to the setting. Item 13. The slot machine according to any one of items 1 to 12. 14. The effect control means is backed up and is capable of restoring the setting contents when returning from a power-off state. Slot machine described in.