JP2005040538A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine which realizes the playing potentialities by mainly employing a variable display device for performance aside from the variable display device for winning the prizes used for judging the winning of the prizes. <P>SOLUTION: The variable display device 3 for performance built in a large scale at the height of players' eyes is provided aside from the variable display device 2 used for judging the winning of the prizes. When the prize winning display aspect is derived and displayed on the variable display device 2, the specified display aspect also can be derived and displayed on the variable display device 3 for performance corresponding to the prize winning display aspect. On the variable display device 2, the symbols are displayed on one stage and the deriving and displaying of the prize winning aspect should be done on the valid line set for one stage only. On the variable display device 3, the symbols are displayed on three stages, upper, middle and lower. The judging lines for the deriving and displaying of the specified display aspect can be set for the respective three stages and two diagonal lines, five in total according to the number of bets set by the players. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly, to a slot machine provided with an effect variable display device separately from a winning variable display device used for winning determination.

  A slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of (usually three) reels having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the outer periphery thereof, and when all the reels stop rotating, they are on the effective line. A winning is generated when the combination of stopped symbols becomes a predetermined display mode. The display mode for the winning must be derived and displayed on the active line for determining the winning.

  A conventional variable display device of a slot machine is composed of three reels, and each reel displays a display result in upper, middle, and lower three stages. The effective lines for determining the winnings are set to a total of 5 lines including 3 lines in the upper, middle, and lower stages and 2 lines in the diagonal line according to the number of bets set by the player. Although there were some which added special effective lines, these five effective lines were basic and none of them changed.

  On the other hand, a slot machine has been proposed in which, apart from the variable display device, a variable display device for production having a different pattern variation pattern and effective line position is provided, and the playability is realized by this variable display device for production. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In addition, a display device that is separate from the original variable display device is provided, and the display result derived and displayed on the effective line of the original variable display device is not limited to the winning mode, but is specified as a separate display device. There has also been proposed a slot machine in which a game is expanded by generating a prize even when the symbol is displayed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2002-793A JP 2003-102898 A

  However, in the slot machine of Patent Document 1, the size of the variable display device used in the conventional slot machine is simply reduced and attached to the upper portion of the production variable display device, and the winning is determined. There is no change in the number of active lines and the changes in the design. Therefore, as a player, the game can be advanced using only the variable display device without using the variable display device for production. On the other hand, the playability realized by the production variable display device is the same as the playability realized by the variable display device, except that the way of changing the symbols and the position where the effective line is set are different.

  Further, even in the slot machine of Patent Document 2, the original variable display device is no different from the conventional slot machine, such as setting of effective lines and changes in symbols. The effect variable display device is also used only for the purpose of expanding the game, and does not realize the game with a display device different from the variable display device. As described above, in the conventional slot machine, even if the variable display device for production is provided separately from the variable display device, it is not possible to bring out a novel gaming characteristic that has not been available in the past.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that realizes sufficient game play mainly using an effect variable display device different from a winning variable display device used for winning determination.

To achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention includes:
A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and a plurality of types of winning identification information (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) that can be identified are displayed in a variable manner. When the display result is derived and displayed on the winning variable display device (variable display device 2) to be displayed, one game is completed, and a predetermined winning (15 sheets, 2 sheets) is determined according to the display result of the winning variable display device. In a slot machine that can generate a role, a replay role)
It is provided separately from the winning variable display device, is provided more easily than the winning variable display device, and is provided with a plurality of types of presentation identification information (red 7, blue 7, white 7, (Bell, JAC, cherry, bell & JAC) variable display device for effect (variable display device for effect 3),
By the player's operation (including the case where it is regarded as operated), the variable display of the winning identification information in the variable display device for winning and the variable display of the identification information for performance in the variable display device for presentation are stopped, Stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) for instructing to display and display each display result;
When the predetermined variation start condition (operation of the start lever 11) is satisfied, the identification information is variably displayed on the variable display device, the variation display is stopped by the operation of the stop operation means, and the display result is derived and displayed. Fluctuation display control means (CPU 111, steps S4 and S5),
When the winning variation start condition (operation of the start lever 11) is satisfied, the winning identification information is variably displayed in the winning variable display device, and the variability display is stopped by operating the stop operation means, and the display result Winning display control means (CPU111, steps S4 and S5) for deriving and displaying
When the production variation start condition (operation of the start lever 11 → reception of the start command) is satisfied, the production identification information is variably displayed on the production variable display device, and the operation of the stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C). , 12R operation → reception of a reel stop command), and the change display control means (CPU 121, steps S815, S827, S828) for effecting to display and display the display result.
When the winning variation display control means derives and displays the winning display mode as the display result of the winning variable display device by the winning variation display control unit, the winning winning for the rendering corresponding to the winning display mode is displayed. The proportion (100%) of the display mode (bell, cherry, JAC) derived and displayed on the effective line set in the variable display device for production (may be 100%) may be the proportion (0%) not derived and displayed on the effective line. ), And when the winning display mode is not derived and displayed as the display result of the winning variable display device, the effect winning display mode is not derived and displayed on the effective line (100% may be used). ) To be higher than the ratio of derivation and display on the active line (may be 0%)
The maximum number (1) of effective lines (effective lines) set for determining whether or not the winning display mode is set in the winning variable display device is valid that can be set in the effect variable display device. Fewer than the maximum number of lines (5).

  In the slot machine described above, the maximum number of active lines for determining whether or not the winning display mode is selected in the winning variable display device (if the number is fixed, the number) Since the maximum number of effective lines that can be set in the variable display device is larger, the production variable display device has more display modes derived and displayed as a display result as a whole. In addition, the production variable display device in which the maximum number of effective lines is increased is more dynamic in appearance. For this reason, various effects (reach eyes, chance eyes, lose eyes, etc.) using the respective display results can be performed by using the effect variable display device. Sufficient game play can be brought out mainly by the variable display device for production which also has a variety of productions based on such display results. The winning change start condition and the effect change start condition may be the same condition.

  In addition, there are a plurality of bets that can start the game, and when the bet number changes due to the player's setting operation, a specific display mode in the effect variable display device is derived and displayed. The line can be increased as the set bet number increases (step S503). As a result, even before the identification information is variably displayed, a dynamic change appears in the appearance variable display device, so that the player's eyes are turned and the effect variable display device is mainly used. It is possible to draw out the playability.

The slot machine is
Before the display result of the variable display device for winning is derived and displayed, it may further include a pre-determining means (steps S101 to S108) for determining whether or not the winning is allowed. In this case,
The winning variation display control means is a winning identification information within a predetermined range (within four frames) from the winning identification information displayed on the variable winning display device when the stop operation means is operated. From the above, it is possible to derive and display the winning identification information selected according to the determination result of the pre-determining means (steps S205, S210, S215),
Of the winning identification information, the winning identification information constituting the winning display mode is arranged so as to be included in the predetermined range selected by the winning variation display control means. (FIG. 4).

  In this case, when the occurrence of the operation condition winning is permitted by the predetermining means, it is only necessary to determine whether or not the stop operating means is operated according to the operating procedure determined by the operating procedure determining means. The operation condition winning can be generated without performing complicated control for stopping the variation display of the winning identification information by means.

In the above slot machine,
The display result derived and displayed on the winning variable display device may be configured to be more difficult for the player to see than the display result derived and displayed on the effect variable display device.

  In this way, when the display result of the winning variable display device is more difficult to see than the display result of the effect variable display device, the player looks at the effect variable display device rather than the winning variable display device. If you advance the game, it will be easier to advance the game. This is because even in the stage variable display device, there is a high possibility that a specific display mode is derived and displayed when winning. For this reason, the player's eyes can be directed to the effect variable display device rather than the winning variable display device, and when the playability is realized by the effect variable display device, the gameability mainly based on this is sufficient. Can be pulled out.

In this case, the slot machine is
A light irradiation means (reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, 2LR) for irradiating light to the winning identification information displayed on the winning variable display device by being turned on;
Light that turns on the light irradiating means when the identification information for winning of the winning variable display device is variably displayed, and turns off the light irradiating means when the stop operating means is operated. An irradiation control means (steps S608 and S613) may be further provided.

  Here, even if the variable display of the winning variable display device is stopped and the display result is derived and displayed by operating the stop operation means, the light irradiating means is turned off. The display result derived and displayed on the variable display device cannot be easily viewed. This makes it possible to turn the player's eyes to the display result of the effect variable display device rather than the winning variable display device.

  Further, the display mode of winning in the winning variable display device may be a combination of at least one winning identification information of a different type from the other (FIG. 4).

  When the combination of the different types of winning identification information is the winning display mode, it is difficult for the player to know whether the derived display result is the winning display mode. This makes it possible to realize game play mainly based on the variable display device for performance, and further improve the interest of the game.

The slot machine is
Game control means for transmitting a plurality of types of control information according to the progress of the game including stop control information indicating that the stop operation means has been operated, including the winning variation display control means,
It includes the effect variation display control means, and receives the control information transmitted from the game control means, and the effect control means for controlling the execution of the effect according to the received control information. Can do.
In this case, the effect change display control means can stop the change display of the effect identification information in the effect variable display device when the effect control means receives the stop control information.

  In this case, the game control means only transmits predetermined control information, and all the control related to the variable display of the effect identification information in the effect variable display device can be performed by the effect control means. Thereby, the control load of the game control means can be reduced.

  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 of FIG. 1 opened. FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of the rear 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 turning it clockwise.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a variable display device 2 and an effect variable display device 3 are provided on the front side of the slot machine 1. The effect variable display device 3 is configured to be larger than the variable display device 2. In addition, the production variable display device 3 is provided at a position where the player's eye level is just when the player sits in front of the slot machine 1 installed in the game store, The variable display device 2 is provided at a position higher than this and a position where the player looks up. That is, the effect variable display device 3 is easier for the player to visually recognize than the variable display device 2 because of its size and installation position.

  The variable display device 2 includes three winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. The winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated / stopped by driving the winning reel motors 2ML, 2MC, and 2MR (see FIG. 6), respectively. The winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be rotated only in one direction at a constant speed except at the start and stop of rotation. The effect variable display device 3 includes three effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the effect reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR, respectively. The effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can be rotated at any speed in both directions.

  In the variable display device 2, the winning reel sensors 2SL, 2SC, and 2SR (see FIG. 6) that detect the reference positions of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and light from the back are irradiated. Winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are provided. In the production variable display device 3, production reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR that detect the reference positions of the production reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and production reel lamps 3LL that emit light from the back surface, 3LC and 3LR are provided. The effect reel lamp 3LP can emit light in a plurality of colors. The lighting control of the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR and the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, and 3LR will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 4, 18 numbers from “1” to “5” are drawn in a predetermined arrangement on the outer periphery of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R constituting the variable display device 2, respectively. Yes. These symbols are drawn in the same color, and the size is the minimum size (2.5cm x 3.5cm) that is applied to the player as a standard that can be visually recognized by the player. ) It is the last one. In addition, a sheet that reflects light from the outside and transmits light from the inside is pasted on the outermost periphery of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, including the portion on which the pattern is drawn. When the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are lit, the symbols are visible to the player. When the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are off, the symbols are almost visible to the player. It becomes impossible.

  The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in a single row. Even if any bet number from 1 to 3 is set, this one-stage line becomes an effective line for determining a winning to be described later. That is, the number of effective lines of the variable display device 2 is fixed at one, and this number can be at most. When the combination of symbols on the effective line becomes a predetermined combination, a winning is generated according to the combination display mode. The combination display mode for winning will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of types of at least “red 7”, “blue 7”, and “white 7” are provided on the outer periphery of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R constituting the effect variable display device 3, respectively. 21 symbols are drawn in a predetermined arrangement. As symbols other than “Red 7”, “Blue 7”, and “White 7”, 4 symbols of “Bell”, “Cherry”, “JAC”, “Bell & JAC” (designated as both Bell and JAC) There are various types, but they are drawn in yellow, red and green, light blue, yellow and light blue, respectively, and the shapes are different, making it easy to distinguish each design from the viewpoint of color and shape. . Each symbol is sufficiently larger than the reference minimum size applied as the symbol size of the variable display device 2.

  The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed on the upper, middle, and lower three stages on the effect variable display device 3. Of these, the upper, middle and lower stage lines and the two diagonal lines determine the transition to AT, which will be described later, with a minimum of one and a maximum of five according to the set number of bets. It can be set as an effective line. These effective lines are also used for deriving and displaying a display mode corresponding to a winning when a winning occurs in the variable display device 2. In the following description, the effective line of the production variable display device 3 is referred to as a determination line in order to distinguish it from the effective line of the variable display device 2. When simply referring to an effective line, the effective line of the variable display device 2 is indicated. The relationship between the display mode of symbols on the determination line and the transition to AT and the occurrence of winnings will be described later.

  Various display units are provided around the effect variable display device 3. Below the effect variable display device 3, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 is configured by a game number display 51 by a 7-segment display, and displays the number of remaining AT games (AT counter value) to be described later.

  The credit display unit 22 is constituted by a credit display 52 by 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 coins as will be described later. The payout display unit 23 is composed of a 7-segment display payout display 53, and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is achieved.

  On the left side of the effect variable display device 3, a single bet display unit 24, two bet display units 25 and 26, and three bet display units 27 and 28 are provided. The 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting display sections 24-28 display the one-sheet, two-sheet, three-sheet betting lamps 54-58 by setting a determination line according to the number of bets (1, 2, or 3). The determination line is shown to the player by being in the lighting state. Further, the 1, 2, and 3 betting lamps 54 to 58 indicate to the player that the symbols to be transferred to the AT or to generate a winning are arranged on the corresponding determination line by being in a blinking state.

  On the right side of the production variable display device 3, an insertion instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, a weight display unit 31, a replay display unit 32, and a game over display unit 33 are provided. The insertion instruction display unit 29 indicates that a medal can be inserted when the insertion instruction lamp 59 is turned on. The start display unit 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 is turned on, so that the start can be started, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted. The weight display unit 31 indicates that a weight to be described later is applied when the weight lamp 61 is turned on. The replay display unit 32 indicates that a replay winning to be described later has been made when the replay lamp 62 is turned on. The game over display unit 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped when the game over lamp 63 is turned on.

  Further, a medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a settlement button 16 are provided on the horizontal surface of the trapezoidal portion provided below the production variable display device 3. The BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 6), which are turned on when the number of bets can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data, are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15. Has been.

  The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when the insertion medal sensor 44 detects the insertion of a medal when the insertion instruction unit 29 is lit, the number of bets is set. Alternatively, credits are accumulated as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When it is detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 6) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 6), the bet number from the credit is set. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing the payout of credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 6), 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. On the right side of the stop button 12R, a medal clogging elimination button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed is provided. The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 6), the reel drive motors 2ML, 2MC, and 2MR are started to be driven. The winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R constituting the display device 2 start to rotate. In addition, when the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R start to rotate, the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R constituting the effect variable display device 3 also start to rotate.

  The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R at a desired timing, respectively, and the operations are the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (FIG. 6). ), The rotation of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped. In the following description, when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated, it is assumed that the operation is considered to be operated by a reel stop timer described later.

  When the rotation of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped by operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R, the rotation of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R constituting the effect variable display device 3 is also stopped. It is shown to the player that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is possible by turning on the operation effective lamps 63L, 63C, 63R (see FIG. 6) provided therein.

  On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 to the outside. The hopper 80 includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation, and a payout sensor 81 that detects the medal payout. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 6) installed therein. A full tank sensor 90 is provided inside the overflow tank 95 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper 80 to detect that the stored medals are full.

  Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R are provided as rendering means on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. The speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of winning and AT entry, output of alarm sound at the time of abnormality, and output of sound for various effects according to the gaming state.

  Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, a game effect display unit 5 </ b> A that produces an effect by light by light emission of the game effect lamps 75 </ b> A to 75 </ b> M as an effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. ~ 5M are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5M perform effects by light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. Note that the light emission colors of the game effect display units 5A to 5M may be either single colors or multiple colors.

  In addition, a setting switch for changing a setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) of a medal payout rate calculated based on the winning probability for an internal lottery to be described later is set inside the slot machine 1 91, a setting key switch 92 that enables the setting switch 91 to operate, a second reset switch 93 that resets the internal state (RAM 112 (see FIG. 7)), and a main unit 94 that switches the power ON / OFF. 9 is provided.

  As a control board for controlling each of the above parts, a power supply board 100 arranged on the lower side inside the game, a game control board 101 arranged on the upper side inside, a winning reel relay board 103, an effect reel relay board 104, and an external output board 105 In addition, an effect control board 102 disposed on the back side of the front door is provided. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine 1 including the control boards 100 to 105. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wirings mounted on the game control board 101 and the effect control board 102.

  The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 6, only the game control board 101 and the hopper 80 are connected, but power is supplied to other parts. In addition, 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 detection signals from these switches are sent to the game control board 101.

  The game control board 101 is a control board on the main side that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1, and includes a control unit 110 including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. It is installed. Further, a random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, a buffer circuit 117, a switch circuit 118, a motor circuit 119 and other circuits are mounted.

  The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1. To control. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The 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 constituted by a counter that counts up and updates the value every time the system clock generates a predetermined number of pulses, for example, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 115. . The random number generation circuit 115 is provided for each type of random number used for the progress of the game, and a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number is determined.

  The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 according to 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 hardware random number function). The CPU 111 also has a function of updating the numerical value of the specific address in the RAM 112 by timer interrupt processing and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function). The CPU 111 transmits various commands 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 no information is sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101. The command transmission timing is delayed as necessary, which will be described later.

  Connected to the game control board 101 are a single BET switch 45, a MAXBET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a throw-in medal sensor 44. Detection signals from the switches / sensors are input. In addition, detection signals of the winning reel sensors 2SL, 2SC, and 2SR are input via the winning reel relay board 103. In accordance with 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 Processing is in progress.

  The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a credit display 52, a payout display 53, a loading instruction lamp 59, a single betting lamp 54, two betting lamps 55 and 56, a three betting lamp 57, 58, wait lamp 61, game over lamp 63, start lamp 60, replay lamp 62, BET button lamps 70a and 70b, operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R are connected, and CPU 111 determines these according to the progress of the game. The operation is controlled.

  Also, the game control board 101 is connected with the prize reel motors 2ML, 2MC, 2MR via the prize reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 refers to the reel control table corresponding to the gaming state in the ROM 113, and controls the winning reel motors 2ML, 2MC, 2ML via the motor circuit 119 and the winning reel relay board 103, and the winning reel 2L. 2C and 2R are stopped.

  The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of effects (particularly the effect variable display device 3 and the AT) in the slot machine 1, and includes one chip including the CPU 121, the RAM 122, the ROM 123, and the I / O port 124. A control unit 120 composed of a microcomputer is mounted. In addition, 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, so that the hardware random number function similar to that of the game control board 101 is obtained. Is forming. It also has a software random number function by interrupt processing.

  The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform processing related to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The performance is executed based on a command received from the game control board 101 via the buffer circuit 127 and the I / O port 124. The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The RAM 122 is provided with a first-in first-out buffer (hereinafter referred to as a command buffer) for temporarily storing commands sent from the game control board 101. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.

  The performance control board 102 is connected with a game number display 51, 1 to 3 betting lamps 54 to 58, game effect lamps 75A to 75M, speakers 7L, 7R, and 7U, and a fluorescent lamp 6, which are driven. Therefore, a speaker driving circuit 131, a lamp driving circuit 133, and the like are provided. The effect reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are connected to the effect control board 102 via the effect reel relay board 104. The CPU 121 controls the effect reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3ML via the effect reel relay board 104 to stop the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The effect control board 102 includes the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LR, and 2LC included in the variable display device 2 via the effect reel relay board 104, and the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, and 3LR included in the effect variable display device 3. Are connected, and the CPU 121 controls these lighting operations. Lighting control of the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LR, and 2LC included in the variable display device 2 is performed based on a command sent from the game control board 101.

  The winning reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105, and the variable display device 2. The full reel sensor 90 is also connected to the winning reel relay board 103, and its detection signal is inputted. The effect reel relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the effect variable display device 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer, and receives a reel control signal, a stop switch signal, a medal IN signal, a medal input from the game control board 101 via the winning reel relay board 103. The OUT signal is output to the external device.

  In the slot machine 1, a winning occurs when a combination of symbols stopped on the effective line of the variable display device 2 is in a predetermined display mode. In order to win a prize, it is necessary that the winning flag is set by the internal lottery and the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated in a predetermined order. Details thereof will be described later. When a win is generated according to the display mode derived and displayed on the variable display device 2, a replay is made in which the number of medals corresponding to the type of the win is paid out or the bet number is automatically set in the next game. Hereinafter, the “combination” determined as the winning will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the combination of symbols stopped on the active line of the variable display device 2 becomes “2-1 or 2 or 3-1 or 3 or 4”, a winning combination (15 winning combinations) in which 15 medals are paid out is won. Will be. Even if the winning flag is set, this winning combination does not occur unless the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated in conformity with a predetermined operation procedure. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when “bell” (including Bell & JAC) is aligned on the determination line of the production variable display device 3, the winning combination of 15 sheets is always won. Just because you win a prize doesn't always mean you have “bells”.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the combination of symbols stopped on the active line of the variable display device 2 becomes “3-5-1”, a winning combination (two winning combinations) in which two medals are paid out is won. Will be. Even if the winning flag is set, this winning combination does not occur unless the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated in conformity with a predetermined operation procedure. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, when “Cherry” is derived and displayed on the determination line for the production reels 3L and 3R, it means that the winning combination of two sheets is always won, but since the winning combination of two sheets is won. However, “cherry” is not always derived and displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the combination of symbols stopped on the active line of the variable display device 2 is “3-1-5”, the bet number in the current game is automatically set in the next game. It becomes what won the replay role. This replay winning combination can occur only when the winning flag is set and the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated in this order (that is, pressed forward). In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, when “JAC” (including Bell & JAC) is aligned on the determination line of the production variable display device 3, the player has always won the replay role. However, “JAC” is not always available.

  The display mode for winning a prize by the combination of symbols derived and displayed on the variable display device 2 is as described above, and all of them have the same type of symbols that are not aligned. Of course, even if no winning is achieved, the stop of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is controlled so that the symbols of the same type other than the above display form are not aligned. Further, when the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, it is possible to draw up to a maximum of 4 frames.

  If the winning arrangement and the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are suitable for winning according to the symbol arrangement shown in FIG. 4, the winning winning combination (the winning flag is set) is displayed. The symbols constituting the aspect can be selected from a range of four frames that can be drawn, and can be derived and displayed on one effective line. Whether or not to select a symbol constituting the display mode of the winning combination as a symbol to be derived and displayed on the active line is actually determined according to the selection of the reel control table.

  On the other hand, the display mode which shows winning by the symbols derived and displayed on the effect variable display device 3 is an outcome in which the same types of symbols are arranged. Of course, in a game that allows a transition to AT in a latent mode to be described later, even if a winning occurs, the above-described winning display mode may not be obtained. There is no limit on the number of frames that can be drawn when stopping the production reels 3L, 3C, and 3R except for games that allow the transition to AT in the latent mode, and the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R can be activated by a reel stop command described later. After the operation is notified to the effect control board 102, the operation is stopped when a necessary symbol appears on the determination line for the first time.

  Next, the internal lottery for generating a winning and the determination of the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R necessary for generating the winning will be described. In the internal lottery, it is determined in advance whether or not winnings to each of the above-mentioned roles is permitted. The random number for internal lottery acquired using the hardware random number function, the setting by the setting switch 91, and the player setting Based on the number of bets placed and the current gaming state, the winning determination table prepared in the ROM 113 is referred to, and the CPU 111 performs such a determination means. 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.

  FIG. 8A shows the winning probability of the internal lottery. The winning probability of the internal lottery differs depending on the set value set by the setting switch 91 and the bet number set in each game. If the number of bets is the same, the winning probability for a 15-card combination increases as the set value increases, and the probability of loss increases as the set value decreases. The difference in the winning probability due to the set value is the difference in the winning probability depending on the bet number. It is a little compared to. Here, the winning probability of each combination in the case of the setting value 3 will be described.

  The winning probabilities for the two-player combination and the replay combination are the same for all bets, and are 11/288 (≈1 / 26.2) and 40/288 (= 1 / 7.2), respectively. . The winning probabilities for 15 cards are 60/288 (= 1 / 4.8) for 1 bet, 144/288 (= 1/2) for 2 bets, 240/288 (= 1/1) for 3 bets .2). Probability of losing to all roles is 175/288 (≒ 1 / 1.6) with one bet, 92/288 (≒ 1 / 3.1) with two bets, and 1/288 with three bets ing. As can be seen from this table, the winning probabilities for the 15-players with a lot of game value to be given by the occurrence of winnings increase as the number of bets increases. However, the number of active lines will not increase even if the number of bets increases.

  When the winning flag of 15 winning combination or 2 winning combination is set according to the result of the internal lottery, the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R for generating the winning of the winning combination is further determined. The operation procedures of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are left → middle → right (this procedure is referred to as forward pressing in particular), left → right → middle, middle → left → right, middle → right → left, right → left There are 6 types: → middle, right → middle → left.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating the determination probability of the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R for generating a winning. For a 15-card combination, the probability determined to push forward is 1/36, but the probability determined for other operating procedures is 7/36, respectively. With respect to the two-sheet combination, the probability determined for any operation procedure is 6/36 (= 1/6), respectively. When the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated randomly, the probability that the winning combination of the 15-piece combination or the two-piece combination is generated is obtained by multiplying the determination probability of these operation procedures and the winning probability of the internal lottery. It turns out that. However, the probability that the winning actually occurs varies depending on the game progress method by the player.

  The operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R for generating a winning is actually performed by selecting a reel control table. There is only one replay role as the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R for generating a winning, and in case of a loss where no winning occurs even if the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are operated. The reel control table corresponding to is selected. That is, as the selection pattern of the reel control table, six patterns equal to the number of operating procedures of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R for the 15-sheet combination and the 2-sheet combination are 1 pattern for the replay combination and 1 pattern for the loss. There are 14 patterns in total.

  Information indicating the setting status of the winning flag based on the result of the internal lottery and the reel control table selected according to the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R for generating a winning is the winning status in each game. A notification command notifies the effect control board 102 from the game control board 101. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the format of the winning status notification command.

  The winning status notification command has an 8-bit configuration, and the lower 2 bits thereof indicate the setting status of the winning flag. If the value of the low-order 2 bits is 0, it indicates a loss, if it is 1, it indicates a 15-piece winning, if it is 2, it indicates a 2-player winning, and if it is 3, it indicates a replay winning. The lower 3 to 6 bits indicate the selection pattern of the reel control table depending on the value. There are a total of 14 types of reel control table selection patterns, but there is only one type each for lost and replay, so there is no need to show them here.

  Also, when the bet number is set by inserting a medal from the medal slot 13, or by operating the single BET button 14 or the MAX BET button 15, or by replay winning in the previous game, the bet number is automatically set. The BET command is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. This BET command indicates the current setting state of the bet number. If there is no change in the bet number setting, a medal is inserted (in this case, an increase in credit) and transmitted. There is nothing.

  Further, when the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R constituting the variable display device 2 start rotating after the start lever 11 is operated, a start command is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. Further, when the rotation of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R constituting the variable display device 2 is stopped by operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, a reel stop command is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. Is done. The reel stop command includes information that can specify which of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R has been stopped. At the end of each game, a winning information command indicating the presence and type of winning is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. Furthermore, other types of commands are also transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 in accordance with the progress of the game, but the description is omitted because they are not related to the present invention.

  When a command is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102, at least when a winning status notification command and a reel stop command are transmitted, a random delay time is inserted between the generation of the command and the actual transmission. Is done. This delay time is determined at any time between 0 and 42 milliseconds according to the value of the delay time determination random number, and the command is actually transmitted after the determined delay time has elapsed. It becomes.

  On the other hand, the effect control board 102 performs processing independent of the game control board 101 based on the command received from the game control board 101. Processes performed independently on the effect control board 102 include setting of a determination line to the effect variable display device 3, lighting control of the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR included in the variable display device 2, and effect variable display. There are controls related to rotation and stop of the production reels 3L, 3C and 3R constituting the apparatus 3, generation of AT, and notification of operation procedures of the stop buttons 12L, 12C and 12R during AT.

  First, the setting of the determination line to the production variable display device 3 will be described. The determination line is set based on the BET command received from the game control board 101. When the bet number indicated by the received BET command is 1, one middle line is set as a determination line. When the bet number is 2, the upper, middle, and lower three lines are set as determination lines. When the bet number is 3, a total of 5 lines obtained by adding two diagonal lines to the upper, middle, and lower three lines are set as determination lines. Depending on the setting of the determination line, the one to three betting lamps 54 to 58 are turned on.

  As the number of bets increases as described above, the number of determination lines set in the production variable display device 3 increases. As will be described later, whether or not symbols for shifting to the AT are arranged on the determination lines. It is decided only by whether it is in the latent mode after winning the AT lottery. In other words, as the number of set bets increases, the number of judgment lines increases, so it seems that it is easy to arrange the symbols for shifting to AT, but the probability itself is not high. . However, since the winning probability of the 15-player combination increases as the number of bets increases, not only the probability that the display mode of winning is derived and displayed on the variable display device 2 but also the determination line of the effect variable display device 3 “ The probability that the “Bell” symbol will be aligned will also increase.

  Next, lighting control of the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, 2LR included in the variable display device 2 will be described. The winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are turned on when the corresponding winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotating, and are turned off when the reels are stopped. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating lighting control of the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR included in the variable display device 2. In this figure, lighting control of the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, 3LR included in the effect variable display device 3 (when not in the AT described later) is also shown as a comparison.

  When the start lever 11 is operated, as shown in FIG. 10A, the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R of the variable display device 2 start to rotate. At this time, the game control board 101 transmits the winning reels. The winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are turned on by the start command. When the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are turned on, the light is transmitted through the outer peripheral sheet of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and the symbols on the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (being changed) Becomes visible. In addition, the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the effect variable display device 3 start to rotate in response to the start command, but the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, and 3LR only maintain the previous lighting state. .

  For example, when the left stop button 12L is operated, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the rotation of the winning reel 2L of the variable display device 2 is stopped. The winning reel lamp 2LL is turned off by the reel stop command transmitted from the game control board 101 at this time. When the winning reel lamp 2LL is turned off, there is no light transmitted from the inner side to the outer side of the winning reel 2L, so that the light from the outer side is reflected by the sheet, and the symbols on the winning reel 2L are not visible. Become. However, since the reel stop command is delayed in transmission, when the winning reel 2L is under stop control as shown in FIG. is there. In addition, the effect reel 3L of the effect variable display device 3 is also stopped by this reel stop command, but the effect reel lamp 3LL is only in the lighting state, and the design on the effect reel 3L is Visible in the same state as before.

  Further, when all the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated and all of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R of the variable display device 2 are stopped, as shown in FIG. All the reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are turned off. As a result, the symbols on the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R are all invisible. At this time, the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the effect variable display device 3 are also stopped, but the lighting state of the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, and 3LR is not changed. Therefore, the symbols on the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the effect variable display device 3 can be visually recognized in the same state as before.

  The rotation of the production reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is started by receiving the start command, and the variation mode (the rotation direction and the rotation speed) is determined based on the winning status notification command received before the start command, It is different. After one or two of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the remaining variation mode may be changed. This variation mode is also determined when the winning status notification command is received. Yes. Note that the rotation speed is always equal to or lower than the rotation speed at the start of rotation, and the probability that the same speed is not changed is the highest.

  On the other hand, the rotation of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped by receiving the reel stop command. However, since the command transmission is delayed, the effect control board 102 receives the stop button 12L, In some cases, the time is slower than when 12C and 12R are operated. In order to align the symbols for shifting to the AT, it is necessary to push the stop button 12L, 12C, 12R to operate, but it is necessary to correct the recognition delay of the operation of the stop button 12L, 12C, 12R. is there. The correction for the recognition delay due to the operation delay of this command will be described later.

  Next, AT will be described. In order to shift the gaming state to the AT, after winning the AT lottery and shifting to the latent mode, in a game that can shift to the AT in the latent mode, “Red 7 ”,“ Blue 7 ”, or“ White 7 ”must be aligned. The number of AT games varies depending on whether “red 7”, “blue 7”, or “white 7” is arranged on the determination line, and is 100 games, 50 games, and 20 games, respectively.

  In the AT lottery, when the number of bets is 3 according to the winning status notification command received from the game control board 101, 15 combinations are won and the forward push is determined, or all combinations are lost. Sometimes done (except when the gaming state is already in the AT). In the AT lottery, according to the random number value for the AT lottery, not only whether it is a win or a loss, but also the number of games of the AT is determined, and information on the determined number of games is stored in the RAM 122 until actually shifting to the AT. Saved.

  Here, by winning the AT lottery, it does not shift to AT as it is, but shifts to the latent mode. The maximum number of games (the number of latent games) in the latent mode is determined to be any one of 5 to 15 games by lottery when the AT lottery is won. Even if the game is in the latent mode, not all of them are games that can be transferred to the AT, and the game that has won the AT transferable lottery is a game that can be transferred to the AT. However, the last game in the latent mode is a game that can be transferred to the AT without performing the AT transferable lottery. In games that can be transferred to the AT in this way, an AT type flag corresponding to the determined number of AT games is set in the RAM 122.

  In a game that can be transferred to the AT (a game in which the AT type flag is set), depending on the position of the symbols on the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated, the AT type The stop of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled so that the symbols corresponding to the flags are aligned on the determination line of the effect variable display device 3. In other games, the winning flag is set in the RAM 122 based on the winning status notification command, and the operation procedure information is set. If a winning can be generated based on this, the symbols corresponding to the winning are aligned. In this way, the stop of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled. In other cases, the stop of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is controlled so that the same kind of symbols are not arranged on the determination line.

  In order to stop the rotation of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R by aligning the symbols according to the AT type flag on the determination line, a predetermined range (from the symbol position when the stop button 12L, 12C, 12R is operated) There must be a design corresponding to (within 4 frames). The effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated based on the reel stop command, but the timing at which the CPU 121 recognizes the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R may be delayed due to a command transmission delay. . If there is no recognition delay, there is a possibility that the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag are aligned on the determination line.

  Therefore, when the reel stop command is received, the symbol position before the maximum delay time (43 milliseconds) is calculated after taking into account the variation mode of the corresponding effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R. If each of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is selected on the determination line with a symbol corresponding to the AT type flag within 4 frames from the previous symbol position by the maximum delay time, the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R Are changed again, and the symbols corresponding to the AT type flags are aligned and stopped on the determination line after a predetermined time has elapsed. In addition, even when the number of games in the latent mode is exhausted because the symbols according to the AT type cannot be prepared, the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the effect variable display device 3 that has been temporarily stopped are reactivated. It is assumed that after a predetermined time elapses, the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag are aligned and stopped on the determination line.

  However, even if the production reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are changed again, the production reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are not necessarily stopped because “red 7”, “blue 7”, or “white 7” are aligned on the determination line. Not always. Among games that can be transferred to AT, games that could not be matched to the AT type, and games that were not transferable to AT and could not be matched to the winning pattern. The effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are re-varied in the game won in the variable lottery. Here, the probability of winning the re-variation lottery is only about 1/2 to 1/3 or less of the probability of winning the AT shiftable lottery in the latent mode. In these cases, when the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are changed again, the rotation of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped without aligning the same kind of symbols on the determination line after a predetermined time has elapsed. It is done.

  Provided in the RAM 122 when “red 7”, “blue 7” or “white 7” is stopped on the determination line in a game that can be transferred to the AT in the latent mode (including the case where they are aligned after re-variation). 100, 50, and 20 are respectively set as initial values of the number of AT games in the AT counter. When the value of the AT counter is 1 or more, it means that the gaming state is in the AT. Each time one game is played when the gaming state is AT, the value of the AT counter is decremented by one, and when the value of the AT counter becomes 0, the AT ends. The value of the AT counter (that is, the number of remaining AT games) is displayed on the game number display 51.

  When the gaming state shifts to AT as described above, in the game until the AT is finished (that is, until the value of the AT counter becomes 0), in the case of winning 15 or 2 winning combination An operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R for generating a prize is notified. In a game in which the gaming state is AT, when the winning status notification command received from the gaming control board 101 indicates winning of 15 or 2 winning combinations, according to the reel control table pattern indicated by the corresponding winning status notification command The operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R for generating a prize is notified.

  The notification of the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R for winning the 15-piece combination or the 2-piece combination is performed as follows. First, when the rotation of the effect reel 3L is started by receiving the start command, the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, 3LR corresponding to the one to be operated first among the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are blinked. When one of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, 3LR corresponding to the second operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are blinked. When two of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped, the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, and 3LR corresponding to the third operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are blinked. In other words, if the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, 3LR blink, if the corresponding stop button 12L, 12C, 12R is operated, a 15-piece combination or a 2-piece combination can be won.

  Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the term “game” means, in a narrow sense, from the operation of the start lever 11 until the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped. However, when playing a game, the number of bets before the operation of the start lever 11 is set, and medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped. Such processing is also included in the “game” in a broad sense.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing for one game executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. This process is also executed after the power is turned on and a predetermined boot process is performed, or immediately after the setting is changed by operating the setting switch 91. When the process of one game is started, first, an initial process including a process of clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 112 is performed (step S1).

  Next, the number of bets is set by operating one BET button 14 or MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and operating the start lever 11 to substantially change the game. A BET process for instructing the start is performed (step S2). However, if the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same number of bets as the previous game are automatically set by the replay flag (the replay flag is erased at this stage), so the start lever 11 is operated as it is. You can tell the start of the game. When the bet number is set (including automatic setting after replay winning), a BET command indicating the current bet number state is transmitted to the effect control board 102.

  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 above winning combination is permitted and the stop buttons 12L, 12C and 12R are operated to generate a winning. A lottery process for determining the procedure (determining the type of the reel control table) is performed (step S3). Then, a winning status notification command indicating the setting status of the winning flag and the type of the reel control table to be applied is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Details of the lottery process will be described later.

  When the lottery process ends, a reel fluctuation start process is performed (step S4). In the reel fluctuation start process, a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has passed since the time counted by one game timer from the start of rotation of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R in the previous game. The winning reel motors 2ML, 2MC, and 2MR are driven, and all the left, middle, and right winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are started to rotate. Thereby, the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display device 2. Here, when a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of rotation in the previous game, the rotation is awaited for rotation, and the weight display unit 31 is notified by lighting the weight lamp 61. At the start of rotation, the reel stop timer and the timing of one game timer for the next game are started. When rotation of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R is started, a start command is transmitted to the effect control board 102.

  Thereafter, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S5). In the reel fluctuation stop process, a predetermined condition (detection of a reference position by the winning reel sensors 2SL, 2SC, 2SR after the rotational speed reaches a constant speed) is established after the reel starts rotating, and then the winning reel The lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are turned on and the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are enabled. The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated by the player to turn off the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR, and the winning reel motors 2ML, 2MC, and 2MR according to the reel control table selected in the lottery process. Is stopped, and the rotation of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped. Further, when the time counted by the reel stop timer elapses for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the driving of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R is forcibly stopped. Details of the reel fluctuation stop process will be described later.

  When the driving of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, a winning determination process is performed to determine whether or not any role symbol is derived and displayed on the variable display device 2 in the display mode at the time of stopping (step). S6). If it is determined in this winning determination process that a winning combination has been won, various processes corresponding to the winnings generated on the game control board 101 are performed. Such processing includes setting of a replay flag when a replay is won, and setting of a payout amount when winning other than the replay. Also, a winning information command indicating the presence / absence of a winning and the type of winning is transmitted to the effect control board 102.

  When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step S7). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of payout scheduled medals set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the hopper motor 82 is driven to pay out an excess number of medals from the medal payout slot 71. Various settings that are not related to winning, such as erasing the winning flag, are also made. Then, the process for one game ends, and the process for the next one game starts.

  Next, the lottery process in step S3 will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the lottery process executed by the CPU 111 in step S3. First, a random number for internal lottery is extracted using the hardware random number function, and the extracted random number value is temporarily stored in the RAM 112 (step S101). Further, the random number value temporarily stored in the RAM 112 is compared with the winning determination table corresponding to the set value set in the setting switch 91 and the bet number set in the BET process in step S2 (step S102).

  Next, as a result of comparing the random value with the winning determination table, it is determined whether or not 15 winning combinations have been won (step S103). When the 15-sheet winning combination is won, a winning flag for the 15-sheet winning combination is set in the RAM 112 (step S104). Then, the process proceeds to step S109. If 15 winning combinations have not been won, it is determined whether or not 2 winning combinations have been won (step S105). When a winning combination of two sheets is won, a winning flag for the winning combination of two sheets is set in the RAM 112 (step S106). Then, the process proceeds to step S109.

  If neither the 15-piece combination nor the 2-piece combination has been won, it is determined whether or not the replay combination has been won (step S107). If the replay combination is won, a winning flag for the replay combination is set in the RAM 112 (step S108). Then, the process proceeds to step S109. If the replay combination is not won, that is, if all the combinations are lost, the process proceeds to step S109 as it is.

  In step S109, the reel control table is selected according to the setting status of the winning flag. Here, when the winning flag for 15 winning combinations is set, the reel control table for winning 15 winning combinations by pushing forward is set at a ratio of 1/36, and 15 winning combinations are won by other procedures. The reel control table to be selected is selected at a ratio of 7/36. If the winning combination flag for the double winning combination is set, the reel control table for winning the double winning combination is selected at a ratio of 1/6 in each procedure. When the replay winning flag is set, the reel control table for winning the replay combination is selected only when the replay winning flag is pushed forward. If none of the winning flags are set, that is, if all of the winning combinations are lost, reel control for preventing any winnings from occurring even if the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are operated in any procedure. Select a table.

  Next, a winning status notification command capable of specifying the setting status of the winning flag and the selected reel control table pattern is generated and set in the RAM 112 (step S110). Then, the winning status notification command set in the RAM 112 is transmitted to the effect control board 102 by a command transmission process described in detail later (step S111). By sending this winning status notification command, AT procedure notification is performed as described later, AT lottery is performed, and the variation mode of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R constituting the effect variable display device 3 is determined. Will be. Then, the lottery process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the reel fluctuation stop process in step S5 will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the reel fluctuation stop process executed by the CPU 111 in step S5. First, the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R can stop the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R after the rotation of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R reaches the constant speed, and all of the winning reel sensors 2SL, 2SC, 2SR detect the reference position. It is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is established (step S201). If this predetermined condition is not satisfied, the process of step S201 is repeated, and the process waits for the predetermined condition to be satisfied. If this predetermined condition is satisfied (or has already been satisfied), the operation of all the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is enabled, and the operation effective lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R are turned on (step S202). Then, the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S203, it is determined whether the left stop button 12L is operated based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42L. Here, when the left stop button 12L is disabled, it is determined that the operation is not performed even if the physical operation is performed. If it is determined that the left stop button 12L has not been operated, the process directly proceeds to step S208. If it is determined that the left stop button 12L is being operated, first, the left stop button 12L is disabled and the operation valid lamp 63L is turned off (step S204), and according to the reel control table selected in step S109. Then, the rotation of the left winning reel 2L is stopped (step S205).

  Further, a reel stop command capable of specifying that the stopped winning reel 2L is stopped is generated and set in the RAM 112 (step S206). Then, the reel stop command set in the RAM 112 is transmitted to the effect control board 102 by a command transmission process described in detail later (step S207). By transmitting this reel stop command, the winning reel lamp 2LL is turned off as described later, and the rotation of the left effect reel 3L of the effect variable display device 3 is also stopped. Then, the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S208, based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42C, it is determined whether or not the middle stop button 12C is being operated. Here, when the middle stop button 12C is disabled, it is determined that no operation is performed even if a physical operation is performed. If it is determined that the middle stop button 12C is not operated, the process proceeds to step S213. If it is determined that the middle stop button 12C is being operated, first, the middle stop button 12C is disabled, the operation valid lamp 63C is turned off (step S209), and according to the reel control table selected in step S109. Then, the rotation of the middle winning reel 2C is stopped (step S210).

  Further, a reel stop command capable of specifying that the stopped winning reel 2C is stopped is generated and set in the RAM 112 (step S211). Then, the reel stop command set in the RAM 112 is transmitted to the effect control board 102 by a command transmission process described in detail later (step S212). By transmitting this reel stop command, the winning reel lamp 2LC is turned off as described later, and the rotation of the effect reel 3C in the effect variable display device 3 is also stopped. Then, the process proceeds to step S213.

  In step S213, it is determined whether the right stop button 12R is operated based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42R. Here, when the right stop button 12R is disabled, it is determined that no operation is performed even if a physical operation is performed. If it is determined that the right stop button 12R has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S218. When it is determined that the right stop button 12R is operated, first, the right stop button 12R is disabled and the operation valid lamp 63R is turned off (step S214), and according to the reel control table selected in step S109. Then, the rotation of the right winning reel 2R is stopped (step S215).

  Further, a reel stop command capable of specifying that the right winning reel 2R is stopped is generated and set in the RAM 112 (step S216). Then, the reel stop command set in the RAM 112 is transmitted to the effect control board 102 by a command transmission process described in detail later (step S217). By transmitting this reel stop command, the winning reel lamp 2LR is turned off as described later, and the rotation of the right effect reel 3R of the effect variable display device 3 is also stopped. Then, the process proceeds to step S218.

  In step S218, it is determined whether all the left, middle, and right winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped. When all the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, the reel fluctuation stop processing is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, if there is any one of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R that has not stopped, whether the reel stop timer that started timing in the reel fluctuation start processing has counted a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) It is determined whether or not (step S219). If the reel stop timer has not timed the predetermined time, the process returns to step S203, and the processes of steps S203 to S219 are repeated.

  When the reel stop timer counts the predetermined time, the CPU 111 receives the same signal as the signal from the stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R corresponding to the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R that have not stopped rotating. It is assumed that all the remaining stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R have been operated (step S220). Then, returning to the process of step S203, the rotation of the remaining winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped.

  Next, the command transmission processing in steps S111, S207, S212, and S217 will be described in detail. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail a command transmission process executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 at least in steps S111, S207, S212, and S217. First, a random number for determining a delay time is extracted by a software random number function (step S301).

  Next, based on the extracted random number value, a time for delaying the transmission of the command is determined as 0 (no delay) to 42 milliseconds (step S302). Next, it is determined whether or not the delay time determined here has elapsed (step S303). Until the delay time elapses, the process of step S303 is repeated, and the delay time elapses. When the delay time has elapsed, the command set in the RAM 112 is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S304). Then, the command transmission process ends, and the process returns to the main routine process.

  It should be noted that, from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102, other commands other than the winning status notification command transmitted by operating the start lever 11 and the reel stop command transmitted by operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. Has also been sent. Even when another command is transmitted, it is preferable to execute the command transmission process of FIG. 14 and transmit the command after a random delay time has elapsed.

  In the repetition of the game as described above, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 pays out medals when a winning occurs, and transmits a command corresponding to the progress of the game to the effect control board 102. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an AT lottery by an independent process based on the command received from the game control board 101, and as a result, when the gaming state is AT, the 15 cards are played. The operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R necessary for winning is informed.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. First, initial processing is performed (step S401). In this initial process, for example, based on an initialization command sent from the game control board 101, the state of the effect control board 102, particularly the values of various counters and various flags provided in the RAM 122 are initialized. When this initial process is completed, the process of the infinite loop of steps S402 to S407 is executed.

  When the initial process is completed, a command analysis process for analyzing various commands received from the game control board 101 is performed (step S402). The commands received from the game control board 101 are stored in a buffer provided in the RAM 122 in the order of reception. The first stored command is extracted from this buffer, and the type of the command is analyzed. Then, information indicating the analyzed command type is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122.

  Next, according to the analysis result of the command, a determination line is set in the effect variable display device 3, and determination line setting processing for clearing the determination line setting is performed (step S403). When the determination line setting process is completed, the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR of the variable display device 2 and the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, and 3LR of the effect variable display device 3 are turned on / off according to the analysis result of the command. The reel lamp control process is performed so that the symbols on the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are almost invisible and the AT is notified of the procedure (step S404).

  When the reel lamp control process is completed, it is determined whether or not to shift to the latent mode in which the symbols “red 7”, “blue 7” or “white 7” for shifting to the AT can be aligned according to the analysis result of the command. AT lottery processing is performed (step S405). When the AT lottery process is completed, the variation of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R constituting the effect variable display device 3 is controlled in accordance with the analysis result of the command, and the winning that occurred in the variable display device 2 according to the situation is handled. The effect reel control process for deriving and displaying the symbols and for deriving and displaying the symbols “red 7”, “blue 7” or “white 7” for shifting to the AT is performed (step S406).

  When the effect reel control process is completed, processing related to other various effects is performed according to the analysis result of the command (step S407). Since this process is not directly related to the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted. And it returns to the process of step S402 and the process of step S402-S407 is repeatedly performed. Hereinafter, each process of steps S403 to S406 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail the determination line setting process executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 in step S403. In the determination line setting process, first, as a result of the analysis in the command analysis process in step S402, it is determined whether or not the received command is a BET command (step S501). If it is a BET command, the value of the bet number indicated by the BET command is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. If the bet number value is already stored, the bet number value indicated by the newly received BET command is overwritten and stored (step S502).

  Next, a determination line is set in the effect variable display device 3 according to the latest value of the betting number stored in the RAM 122. Specifically, if the number of bets is 1, a determination line is set for only one middle line. If the bet number is 2, determination lines are set for the upper, middle, and lower three lines. If the bet number is 3, determination lines are set to a total of 5 lines obtained by adding 2 diagonal lines to 3 lines in the upper, middle, and lower stages (step S503). Further, the 1 to 3 betting lamps 54 to 58 are turned on according to the set determination line (step S504). Then, the determination line setting process ends, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the received command is not a BET command as a result of the analysis in the command analysis processing in step S402, it is determined whether the received command is a winning information command (step S505). If it is not a winning information command, the determination line setting process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the command is a winning information command, whether “red 7”, “blue 7”, “white 7”, “bell” or “JAC” is aligned on the currently set judgment line, or on the judgment line It is determined whether or not “cherry” is derived and displayed on the screen (step S506). If “red 7”, “blue 7”, “white 7”, “bell” or “JAC” are not aligned on the determination line, and “cherry” is not derived and displayed, the process proceeds to step S508. .

  When “red 7”, “blue 7”, or “white 7” is aligned on the determination line, the next game is shifted to AT. When “bell” or “JAC” is aligned on the determination line, or “cherry” is derived and displayed on the determination line, a winning is generated. In this case, the 1 to 3 betting lamps 54 to 58 corresponding to the determination line having the same symbols (corresponding to the determination line in the horizontal direction in the case of “Cherry”) blink, and the transition to the AT is performed. The player is notified that a winning has occurred (step S507). Then, the process proceeds to step S508.

  In step S508, the bet number stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 122 in step S502 is cleared. Further, the determination line set in the effect variable display device 3 is released (step S509), and all the 1 to 3 betting lamps 54 to 58 are turned off (step S510). Then, the determination line setting process ends, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing in detail the reel lamp control process executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 in step S404. In the reel lamp control process, first, as a result of the analysis in the command analysis process in step S402, it is determined whether or not the received command is a winning status notification command (step S601). If the command is a winning status notification command, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the AT depending on whether or not the value of the AT counter in the RAM 122 is 1 or more (step S602). If the current gaming state is not AT, the reel lamp control process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the current gaming state is AT, it is determined whether or not the received winning status notification command indicates winning of 15 cards (step S603). If the winning combination of 15 is not indicated, the process proceeds to step S605. If the winning combination of 15 sheets is indicated, it is determined whether or not the winning combination of 2 sheets is indicated (step S604). If the winning combination of two sheets is indicated, the process proceeds to step S606 if the winning combination of two sheets is not indicated.

  In step S605, operation procedure information indicating the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R for winning the 15 or 2 winning combinations selected according to the type of reel control table indicated by the winning status notification command. Is set in the RAM 122. Then, the process proceeds to step S606. In step S606, the value of the AT counter is decremented by 1, and the display of the AT remaining game number on the game number display 55 is updated. Then, the reel lamp control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  As a result of the analysis in the command analysis processing in step S402, if the received command is not the winning status notification command, it is determined whether or not it is a start command (step S607). If the command is a start command, rotation of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is started in the variable display device 2, and accordingly, the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are all turned on (step S608). ). Next, since the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are started to rotate by the effect reel control process described later in detail by this start command, the value of the effect reel stop number set as a variable in the RAM 122 is set to 0. (Step S609).

  Next, it is determined whether or not operation procedure information is set in the RAM 122 (step S610). If the operation procedure information is not set, it is not in the AT, or even during the AT, the 15-sheet combination or the 2-sheet combination is not won, so the reel lamp control process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. To do. If the operation procedure information is set, since it is in AT and the winning combination of 15 sheets or 2 sheets is won, the winning combination of 15 sheets or 2 sheets is determined according to the operating procedure information set in the RAM 122. The effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, and 3LR corresponding to the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R that need to be operated first to win the winning combination are blinked (step S611). Then, the reel lamp control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the received command is not a start command as a result of the analysis in the command analysis process in step S402, it is determined whether the command is a reel stop command (step S612). If it is not a reel stop command, the reel lamp control process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If it is a reel stop command, the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, 2LR corresponding to the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R of the variable display device 2 indicating that the reel stop command has been stopped are turned off. By turning off the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, 2LR, the symbols drawn on the stopped winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R become invisible (step S613). Also, the value of the number of effect reel stops is incremented by 1 (step S614). Next, it is determined whether operation procedure information is set in the RAM 122 (step S615). If the operation procedure information is not set, it is not in the AT, or even during the AT, the 15-sheet combination or the 2-sheet combination is not won, so the reel lamp control process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. To do.

  If the operation procedure information has been set, it is determined whether the number of effect reel stops is 1, 2, or 3 (step S616). When the number of effect reel stops is 1, stop buttons 12L and 12C that need to be operated secondly to win the winning 15-sheet combination or 2-sheet combination according to the operation procedure information set in the RAM 122. The effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, 3LR corresponding to 12R are blinked (step S617). Then, the reel lamp control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the number of effect reel stops is 2, stop buttons 12L and 12C that need to be operated third in order to win the winning 15-sheet combination or 2-sheet combination according to the operation procedure information set in the RAM 122. The effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, 3LR corresponding to 12R are blinked (step S618). Then, the reel lamp control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. When the number of effect reel stops is 3, the operation procedure information set in the RAM 122 is erased (step S619). Then, the reel lamp control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing in detail the AT lottery process executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 in step S405. In the AT lottery process, first, as a result of the analysis in the command analysis process of step S402, it is determined whether or not the received command is a winning status notification command (step S701). If it is not a winning status notification command, the AT lottery process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the command is a winning status notification command, the latency mode depends on whether the current gaming state is AT depending on whether the value of the AT counter in the RAM 122 is 1 or more, or whether the value of the latency counter in the RAM 122 is 1 or more. (Step S702). If the current gaming state is AT or in the latent mode, there is no need to repeat the AT lottery, so the AT lottery process is terminated as it is, and the flow returns to the flowchart of FIG. If neither the AT nor the latent mode is set, it is determined whether or not the number of bets stored in the RAM 122 is 3 in the determination line setting process (step S703). If the bet number is not 3, the AT lottery is not performed, so the AT lottery process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the bet number is 3, the received winning status notification command indicates winning of 15 cards, and the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are operated by pushing from left to right in order. It is determined whether or not a reel control table that enables winning is selected (step S704). If the winning combination of 15 sheets indicates that winning can be achieved by pressing forward, the condition for performing the AT lottery is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S706.

  If it is not indicated that the winning combination of 15 sheets is won and it becomes possible to win by pressing forward, it is determined whether or not the received winning status notification command indicates that all the winning combinations are lost (step S705). If you don't lose all of the roles, but indicate that you have won other than 15 winning combinations that you can win by pushing forward, the conditions for performing the AT lottery are met. Therefore, the AT lottery process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If it is shown that all the combinations are lost, the condition for performing the AT lottery is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, a random number for AT lottery is extracted by the software random number function, and AT lottery is performed to determine whether or not transfer to AT is possible according to the extracted random number value. As a result of the AT lottery, it is determined whether or not the AT win for shifting to the latent mode that allows the shift to the AT is made (step S707). If the AT is not won, the AT lottery process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the case of AT winning, according to the extracted random number value for AT lottery, the number of AT games that can be transferred is set to 100 games, 50 games, or 20 games, that is, a variable display device for effects It is determined which type of “red 7”, “blue 7”, and “white 7” the symbols that can be aligned on the determination line 3 are stored in the RAM 122 (step S708). Further, the maximum number of games (latent game number) in the latent mode until the actual transition to AT is determined between 5 games and 15 games (step S709), and the value of the determined latent game number is set in the latent counter. It is set as an initial value (step S710). Then, the AT lottery process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing in detail the effect reel control process executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 in step S406. In the effect reel control process, first, as a result of the analysis in the command analysis process in step S402, it is determined whether or not the received command is a winning status notification command (step S801). If it is a winning status notification command, first, the AT type flag may remain set in the RAM 122 in the previous game, so this is erased (step S802). Also, winning status information indicating the type of winning combination and the operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R for winning is set in the RAM 122 (step S803).

  Next, in accordance with the winning situation indicated by the received winning situation notification command, the variation mode (rotation direction and rotational speed) of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R constituting the effect variable display device 3 is determined. The variation mode when stopping the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R is also determined here. When one or two of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the remaining change mode is also changed here. The change of the variation mode may be performed according to the order in which the production reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped, and this is also determined here. Information indicating the determined variation mode of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stored in the RAM 122 (step S804). Then, the effect reel control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  As a result of the analysis in the command analysis processing in step S402, if the received command is not a winning status notification command, it is determined whether or not it is a start command (step S805). If it is a start command, the effect reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are controlled in a manner corresponding to the information indicating the variation mode stored in the RAM 122, and the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate. (Step S806).

  Next, it is determined whether or not it is in the latent mode based on whether or not the value of the latent counter in the RAM 122 is 1 or more (step S807). If it is not in the latent mode, the effect reel control process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If in the latent mode, one game is consumed in the latent mode, so the value of the latent counter in the RAM 122 is decremented by 1 (step S808). Next, as a result of this subtraction, it is determined whether or not the value of the latent counter has become 0 (step S809). When the value of the latent counter becomes 0, “red 7”, “blue 7”, or “white 7” is always aligned on the determination line in the game, and the process proceeds to step S812.

  If the value of the latent counter is not 0, a random number for AT transition that can be transferred to AT is extracted by the software random number function, and “red 7”, “blue 7” or “ “White 7” is arranged, and an AT transferable lottery is performed to determine whether or not the next game can be transferred to the AT. The winning probability of this AT transferable lottery is constant regardless of the number of bets (step S810). As a result of this AT transferable lottery, it is determined whether or not it has been determined that transfer to AT is possible (step S811).

  If it is decided not to be able to shift to AT, the effect reel control process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If it is determined that the AT can be transferred, the process proceeds to step S812. In step S812, an AT type flag corresponding to the AT type determined in step S707 when shifting to the latent mode is set in the RAM 122. Then, the effect reel control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the received command is not a start command as a result of the analysis in the command analysis process in step S402, it is determined whether the command is a reel stop command (step S813). If it is not a reel stop command, the effect reel control process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If it is a reel stop command, it is determined whether or not the AT type flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S814). When the AT type flag is set, for the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the reel stop command, the symbol corresponding to the AT type flag is within a range of four frames from the symbol displayed at the corresponding timing. If there is, the effect reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are controlled to stop this on the determination line, and the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the reel stop command are stopped. The stop mode here follows information indicating the variation mode stored in the RAM 122 (step S815).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol corresponding to the AT type flag has been stopped on the determination line (step S816). If the symbol corresponding to the AT type flag can be stopped on the determination line, the effect reel control process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the symbol corresponding to the AT type flag cannot be stopped on the determination line, the maximum command transmission delay time (43 milliseconds) for the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the reel stop command ) To calculate the position of the symbol at the previous timing. The calculation of the position of the symbol follows the variation mode of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R before stopping (step S817).

  Next, it is determined whether or not all the three effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped depending on whether or not the effect reel stop number set as a variable in the RAM 122 is 3 (step S818). If even one of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R is changing, the process proceeds to step S834. When all the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, it is determined whether or not the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag are stopped on the determination line of the effect variable display device 3 (step). S819). If there are symbols corresponding to the AT type flag on the determination line, the value of the latent counter is initialized to 0 (step S820), and the process proceeds to step S824.

  If the symbol corresponding to the AT type flag is not on the determination line, the symbol corresponding to the AT type flag is determined if it is the symbol position at the timing before the maximum transmission delay time of the command calculated in step S817. Is determined on the determination line (step S821). If the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag can be aligned at the timing preceding the maximum command transmission delay time, the process proceeds to step S823. If the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag cannot be aligned at the timing just before the maximum command transmission delay time, it is determined whether the value of the latent counter in the RAM 122 is 0 (step S822). ). If the value of the latent counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S823. If the value of the latent counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S833.

  In step S823, since the AT transition condition is still established, the effect reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are controlled to indicate to the player the transition to the AT, and the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are turned on again. Rotate and stop the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag type on the determination line. Then, the process proceeds to step S824. In step S824, the number of AT games corresponding to the symbols stopped on the determination line, that is, the number of AT games corresponding to the AT type flag set in the RAM 122 is set as an initial value in the AT counter of the RAM 122. Then, the effect reel control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the AT type flag is not set in the RAM 122 in step S814, the winning flag for any of the roles is set in the RAM 112 of the game control board 101 based on the winning status information set in the RAM 122 in step S803. It is determined whether it is set (step S824). When the winning flag for any of the winning combinations is set, the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated according to the operation procedure necessary for winning the winning combination for which the winning flag is set based on the winning status information. Determine if it is being operated. Here, regarding the reel to be stopped first, if the operation procedure up to that point is correct, it is determined that the reel has been operated according to the operation procedure necessary for winning (step S826).

  When the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated according to an operation procedure necessary for winning a winning combination set with a winning flag, a symbol corresponding to the winning flag set, that is, 15 winning combinations. If there is a “bell”, if it is a two-piece role, “cherry” (however, if it is a left or right effect reel 3L, 3R and becomes the second or third stopped reel), a replay role If so, the effect reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are controlled so as to stop “JAC” on the determination line, and the rotation of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the reel stop command is stopped (step S827). ). Then, the process proceeds to step S829.

  In addition, if the winning flag of any combination is not set, or the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are not operated in the operation procedure necessary for winning even if they are set, “Bell” or “ The effect reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are controlled so that “JAC” is not aligned on the determination line and “Cherry” is not derived and displayed on the determination line, and the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the reel stop command are controlled. Is stopped (step S828). Then, the process proceeds to step S829.

  In step S829, it is determined whether or not all of the three effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped depending on whether or not the number of effect reel stops set as a variable in the RAM 122 is three. If even one of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R is changing, the process proceeds to step S834. If all of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, whether “bell” or “JAC” is aligned on the determination line of the effect variable display device 3, or “cherry” is derived and displayed It is determined whether or not (step S830). When “bell” or “JAC” is aligned on the determination line, or “cherry” is derived and displayed, the effect reel control process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When all the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped without “Bell” and “JAC” being aligned on the determination line, and without displaying “Cherry” on the determination line. Then, according to the random number value extracted by the software random number function, a re-variation lottery for determining whether to re-variate this as an effect is performed (step S831). As a result, it is determined whether or not it has been determined to re-variate the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R (step S832). If it is determined not to change again, the effect reel control process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If it is determined to re-variate, the process proceeds to step S833.

  In step S833, the effect reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are controlled to rotate the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R again, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, “red 7”, “blue 7”, “ The rotation of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped so that all the symbols of “white 7”, “bell”, and “JAC” are not arranged and “cherry” is not derived and displayed on the determination line. Then, the effect reel control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S834, one or two of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R are in a state of continuing to fluctuate. Here, when it is necessary to change the variation mode of the production reels 3L, 3C, 3R being varied according to the information indicating the variation mode determined in step S804 and stored in the RAM 122, the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR is controlled to change the variation mode. Then, the effect reel control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the rotation of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R of the variable display device 2 is stopped by operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R. In addition, the rotation of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R of the effect variable display device 3 is also stopped. Here, whether or not to generate a prize is determined by the variable display device 2, but if a prize is generated, the variable display for effects is performed except for games that can be transferred to AT in the latent mode. The display mode of the device 3 also corresponds to the combination in which the winning has occurred, and it is possible to know the occurrence of winning. Further, in a game that can be transferred to the AT in the latent mode, the effect variable display device 3 is used to determine whether or not to generate an AT. In other words, the gaming as a slot machine is realized by the effect variable display device 3 rather than the variable display device 2, and the entertainment of the game can be improved.

  In the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the main game is realized not by the variable display device 2 but by the production variable display device 3. However, the variable display device 2 is directly related to the occurrence of a prize. Because it is preferable to follow certain standards, it is not possible to make something significantly innovative. On the other hand, the production variable display device 3 is not directly related to the generation of a prize, and even if it is designed based on a free idea, no major problem occurs. Therefore, the fluctuation mode of the production reels 3L, 3C, 3R (Rotation direction and rotation speed) and the like can be freely determined, and can be changed in the middle. For this reason, it becomes possible to realize a very innovative gameplay as compared with the conventional slot machine.

  As described above, the main game playability is realized by the production variable display device 3, but the production variable display device 3 is installed from the viewpoint of the installed position (almost the height of the player's eyes) and the size. It is easier to visually recognize than the variable display device 2. The size of the symbols drawn on the outer periphery of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is also large, and the colors and shapes vary greatly depending on the types of symbols, making it easy to identify individual symbols. Further, the effect reel lamps 3LL, 3LC, and 3LR are not turned off, and the symbols that are changing and stopped are not easily seen.

  Furthermore, the display mode to be transferred to the AT is that the same type of symbols of “Red 7”, “Blue 7”, and “White 7” are arranged on the determination line, and the winning display mode is “ "Bell" and "JAC" are the same type on the judgment line, or "Cherry" is derived and displayed on the judgment line, which is the same as the winning mode in the variable display device of the conventional slot machine. It will be very easy for the player to understand.

  On the other hand, the variable display device 2 is not only more difficult to see than the production variable display device 3 from the viewpoint of the installation position and size, but is also drawn on the outer periphery of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R. Is a minimum size of a general standard, the color of each symbol is the same, and the shape is a simple number, making it difficult to identify individual symbols. Since the display mode for winning is also a combination of different numbers, it is difficult to identify whether or not the player has won. In the conventional slot machine, the winning display mode is generally a combination of symbols of the same type, so that the display result of the variable display device 2 can be obtained even from the sense that the player has as a fixed idea. It becomes difficult to understand the display mode of winning.

  For this reason, the symbols of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped even when the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotating while ensuring the minimum visibility when rotating. When the player is in the game, it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the symbol drawn. In particular, the fact that the symbols of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R are difficult to visually recognize during rotation means that when the stop button 12L, 12C, 12R is stopped, the symbols can be visually recognized relatively easily. The player's eyes can be turned on.

  Further, since the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R have a sheet that transmits light from the inside and reflects the light from the outside, the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are turned off. The symbols on the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R can hardly be identified. When the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotating, the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are turned on so that the changing symbols can be seen relatively easily. However, when the rotation stops, the winning reels Since the lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR are turned off, the symbols drawn on the stopped winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are almost invisible. Therefore, the player's eyes can be directed toward the effect variable display device 3 rather than the variable display device 2 with respect to the display result that is derived and displayed.

  Further, the effective display line for determining whether or not a winning has occurred in the variable display device 2 is only one line regardless of the number of bets set for each game. The determination line for determining whether or not to shift increases to 1 line, 3 lines, and 5 lines as the set bet number increases to 1, 2, and 3. An increase in the judgment line is also indicated by lighting of the 1 to 3 betting lamps 54 to 58. As described above, the number of effective lines (determination lines) also changes dynamically in the production variable display device 3, and is more conspicuous than the variable display device 2, so that the player's eyes can be directed.

  In this way, the variable display device 3 for production is configured to be easily viewed from various surfaces, and the variable display device 2 is configured to be difficult to view, so that the player can advance the game from the variable display device 2. Also, it is necessary to look at the variable display device 3 for production. In particular, since it is difficult to visually recognize the symbols, it is almost impossible to advance the game if only the variable display device 2 is viewed. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently draw out the game play centered on the production variable display device 3, and to improve the fun of the game by the novel game play.

  However, the probability of the internal lottery for allowing the occurrence of winning in the variable display device 2 changes according to the change in the set number of bets, but there is an AT symbol on the judgment line of the production variable display device 3. The probability of being aligned does not change substantially even if the number of bets changes. However, these changes in probability are only determined internally, and do not appear as changes in appearance. In appearance, the number of determination lines increases with an increase in the number of bets, so that it is possible to give an impression that AT symbols are easily arranged. For this reason, the game play centering on the variable display device 3 for production is not impaired.

  In addition, as the number of bets set in each game increases, there is no apparent change in the variable display device 2, but the winning probability of 15 winning combinations increases, so if the number of bets increases, an actual winning will occur. It becomes easy. On the other hand, as the number of bets increases, the number of determination lines of the production variable display device 3 increases, but the probability that the AT type flag is set does not change, so “red 7”, “blue 7”, “ The probability that “white 7” can be derived and displayed on the determination line is almost the same. For this reason, the game play centering on the production variable display device 3 is drawn out, and the original game play using the variable display device 2 is not impaired as a substantial content. Further, the payout rate obtained by dividing the number of medals paid out to the player by the number of medals inserted by the player as the number of bets due to the change in the winning probability according to the change in the number of bets is within an appropriate range (usually 55 % To 120%).

  By the way, in order to generate ATs by arranging the symbols on the production variable display device 3, the symbols (“red 7”, “blue 7” or “white 7”) corresponding to the AT type flag are aligned on the determination line. The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R must be operated at such timing. As described above, since the technical intervention as the original game play of the slot machine is made to the occurrence of the AT, whether or not the AT is generated can be sufficiently brought out of the fun inherent in the slot machine. Interest can be improved.

  Here, it is only a game in which the AT type is set, that is, a game in which it is determined whether or not it is possible to shift to the AT in the latent mode, the symbols can be aligned on the determination line of the production variable display device 3. . In this way, the game that can align the symbols by pressing and the game that cannot align the symbols even by pressing, there is a game that is inherent in the slot machine in the production variable display device 3 It can be realized and the interest of the game can be improved. Since there are games that can be transferred to AT and games that cannot be transferred even in the latent mode, the interest of the game can be improved. Note that the player cannot know directly whether the game can be transferred to the AT in the latent mode, so the technical intervention of the player is not impaired.

  In order to be able to align “Red 7”, “Blue 7” or “White 7” in the production variable display device 3, it is first necessary to be in the latent mode. In this latent mode, It shifts by winning the AT lottery. The AT lottery is performed when 15 winning combinations are won and forward pressing is determined, and when all winning combinations are lost. In other words, even if the low-probability forward is played with a 15-card combination, the player can have a sense of expectation for the AT lottery by generating a prize, and the interest of the game can be improved. . Even if a prize is not won, there is a case where the player has lost the internal lottery and the AT lottery has been performed, so that the player's expectation is not lost.

  Since there are three display modes of “red 7”, “blue 7”, and “white 7” that are derived and displayed in order to shift the gaming state to the AT, the fun can be increased. Furthermore, the number of AT games varies depending on whether “red 7”, “blue 7”, or “white 7” is derived and displayed. For this reason, it is possible not only to determine whether or not a symbol that is a transition condition of AT is derived and displayed, but also to give a player a sense of expectation to which type of symbol is derived and displayed. The interest of the game can be improved.

  Also, in games that can be transferred to AT in the latent mode, the number of games in the latent mode can be reduced even if the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag cannot be aligned on the determination line according to the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R. If everything is digested, it will be transferred to AT. For this reason, a player's disadvantage does not become too large. The number of games in the latent mode is also determined each time the AT lottery is won, and is different each time. Therefore, the gameability is increased and the interest of the game can be improved.

  In this way, when the game is shifted to AT by digesting the number of games in the latent mode, the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R of the effect variable display device 3 are changed again, and the symbol corresponding to the AT type flag is determined on the determination line. Since they are aligned and stopped, the transition to the AT is easily shown to the player. Also, when there is a possibility that the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag may not be prepared due to a delay in the transmission of the reel stop command, after changing the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R again, the symbols are aligned on the determination line and stopped. It is supposed to let you.

  Of course, the production reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are re-fluctuated with a predetermined probability when the game can be transferred to the AT even if the number of games in the latent mode is not consumed, and the determination is made. It will be stopped without the symbols on the line. In other words, since the production reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have changed again, it does not always shift to AT, so that the player's expectation can be continued in the meantime, and the interest of the game can be further improved. Can do.

  Further, the control circuit of the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment is divided into a game control board 101 and an effect control board 102. Although the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 controls the variable display device 2 related to the occurrence of a prize, the control of the presentation variable display apparatus 3 that is not directly related to the generation of a prize is controlled by the effect control board 102. This is done by the CPU 121. The CPU 111 of the game control board 101 only needs to transmit commands such as a BET command, a winning status notification command, a start command, and a reel stop command to the effect control board 102. For this reason, it is not necessary to apply a large load to the CPU 111 and other circuits on the game control board 101 side.

  When the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 transmits a command, at least for the winning status notification command and the reel stop command, a transmission delay of a random time is made. The CPU 111 of the effect control board 102 controls the extinction of the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR of the variable display device 2 based on, for example, a reel stop command, but the game control board 101 side is controlled by a command transmission delay. This causes a random time lag. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the player from intentionally affecting the processing performed on the game control board 101 side based on the processing performed on the side of the effect control board 102 and shown to the outside. It becomes like this.

  However, when a delay time is inserted in the transmission of the reel stop command, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 recognizes that the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R have been operated, during which the effect reels 3L, 3C, Deviation occurs in the position of the symbol on 3R. When stopping the rotation of the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R in a game that can be transferred to the AT, the previous symbol position is calculated by the maximum delay time even if the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag are not aligned on the determination line. It is determined whether the symbol corresponding to the AT type flag can be stopped on the determination line at the timing when the player stops the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R. In such a case, the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are re-varied so that the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag are aligned on the determination line, which is inconvenient due to the transmission delay of the reel stop command. It can be eliminated.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and 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, control is performed so that the same type of symbol is not derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display device 2 regardless of the setting status of the winning flag. However, when all the combinations are lost in the internal lottery, the same type of symbols may be derived and displayed. Depending on the arrangement of the symbols on the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, the same type of symbols may be always derived and displayed when all the combinations are lost.

  In the above embodiment, the effective display line of the variable display device 2 is fixed by one, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in a single row. On the other hand, the effective line of the production variable display device 3 can be changed to 1, 3 or 5 depending on the number of bets, and the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C and 3R are displayed in three stages. ing. Then, even if the display mode is other than the display mode for winning or the display mode for shifting to the AT, the type of display mode that can be displayed as a whole is the variable display device 3 for production rather than the variable display device 2. Become rich.

  By the way, in a slot machine having a different specification from the slot machine 1 described above, when a winning flag does not occur even if a winning flag for each combination is set, the winning flag is carried over after the next game. As the winning combination of such a winning flag, a game with a transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player such as a big bonus or a regular bonus (hereinafter collectively referred to as a bonus) is generally applied. Whether the bonus winning flag is set or not can be said to be one of the information that the player wants to know most.

  The setting status of the bonus winning flag is notified to the player by various methods. Conventionally, there is one using the display result of the variable display device. For example, a reach indicating that the bonus winning flag is set with a probability of 100%, a chance indicating that the bonus winning flag may be set, and a possibility that the bonus winning flag is set may be set. For example, a losing eye indicating that there is no such thing.

  In the configuration of the variable display device 2 of the slot machine 1 described above, since there are few types of display modes, even if the bonus winning flag setting status is notified by the reach eye, the chance eye, or the losing eye, a great effect is obtained. I can't. On the other hand, in the production variable display device 3, since there are many types of display modes and various types can be applied to the display modes that are reach eyes, chance eyes, and lose eyes, the setting status of the bonus winning flag is notified. As a thing, a big production effect is acquired. In this way, by using the display results of the production variable display device 3 with abundant display modes and a great production effect, by displaying reach eyes, chance eyes, and losing eyes, the player's eyes can be used for further production. It can be directed to the variable display device 3, so that it is possible to further draw out the game play centered on the production variable display device 3.

  In the above-described embodiment, “bells” are not aligned on the determination line of the production variable display device 3 as long as the variable display device 2 wins 15 winning combinations. The same was true for the two-piece role and the replay role. On the other hand, even when 15 winning combinations are not won, “bells” may be aligned on the determination line of the production variable display device 3 (however, the ratio is set lower than the ratio of not aligning). Further, similarly to “red 7”, “blue 7”, and “white 7”, it is also possible to shift to AT when “bell” is aligned on the determination line of the production variable display device 3. In this case, “bell” is also added as an AT type. When the “bells” are arranged and medals are not paid out, the player can expect to shift to AT, and the interest of the game can be further improved.

  In the above embodiment, in the AT lottery, in addition to the case where the winning status notification command indicates a loss to all of the winning combinations, the reel control table that wins 15 winning combinations and wins in order is selected. It was supposed to be done if it shows. In the latter case, the AT lottery may be performed only when the reel stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are actually pressed. Although the forward push has a low probability of being determined, it is an opportunity for the AT lottery, so the player can increase the rate of winning a prize without pushing forward in the normal gaming state, or push forward. It is possible to select whether to increase the rate of transition to AT. As a result, the gameability is improved, and the interest of the game can be further improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the symbols drawn on the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R of the variable display device 2 are relatively simple numbers and have a minimum standard size. Each role was a winning mode without the same numbers. Furthermore, it is difficult to visually recognize the symbols drawn on the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that are stopped due to the sheets affixed to the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R and the extinction of the winning reel lamps 2LL, 2LC, and 2LR. Was supposed to be. However, the method of making it difficult to visually recognize the design of the variable display device 2 is not limited to this.

  For example, not only the colors of the symbols are displayed in a uniform color, but also displayed in a color similar to the color of the sheet (the background color of the symbols) attached to the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R (however, It is possible to make the design of the variable display device 2 difficult to see by allowing the difference in hue, saturation and / or brightness to be such that the difference can be identified. For example, when a transparent sheet is used, the symbol color can be displayed in the same color as the material of the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. Further, in addition to the size of all symbols, the outer shape is also the same (including those similar to the extent that they appear to be the same) (for example, “◯” and “◎”, etc.). It is also possible to make the design difficult to see. In these cases, it is difficult to visually recognize the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R while the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped.

  In addition, it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the symbols of the variable display device 2 by drawing without drawing a gap between the symbols adjacent on the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R. By drawing adjacent symbols one by one, it becomes more difficult to visually recognize the symbols. The larger the overlapping part, the more difficult it is to visually recognize the symbol. In these cases, the symbols of the variable display device 2 can be made difficult to visually recognize when the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R are rotating, rather than when they are rotating.

  Furthermore, in order to make it difficult to visually recognize the symbols of the spinning winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R, a movable structure is provided on the front side of each of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R. However, the front side of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R is not blocked, but the structure may block the front side of the winning reels 2L, 2C, 2R during stoppage. In this case, the winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are covered and hidden by the structure, so that it becomes invisible rather than difficult to see.

  In the above embodiment, the symbols corresponding to the AT type cannot be aligned even if the number of games in the latent mode is exhausted, and the symbols corresponding to the AT type are aligned if there is no delay in the reel stop command transmission. When there is a possibility that the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the effect variable display device 3 are changed again, the symbols corresponding to the AT type are aligned on the determination line. Even in other cases, the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the effect variable display device 3 are re-varied at a predetermined rate, and eventually the symbols corresponding to the AT type are not aligned on the determination line. That is, apparently, the symbols corresponding to the AT type are aligned on the determination line at a predetermined ratio when the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R re-variate, and shift to the AT.

  Here, a plurality of types of change patterns may be prepared as change patterns when the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the effect variable display device 3 are changed again. The ratio of which variation pattern is selected depends on whether the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are re-variable or the reel stop command is not changed even if the number of games in the latent mode is exhausted. It may be different between when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are changed again in order to correct the transmission delay, and when the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are changed again in other cases.

  As a result, if the types of change patterns when the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R change again are different, the ratio of whether or not the symbols are finally stopped on the determination line is different. Become. In other words, depending on the type of variation pattern, the reliability at which AT will occur will be different, and it will be possible to give a great expectation to the player or give a certain expectation, The interest of the game can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, three types of AT are prepared, but these are distinguished by the difference in the number of games, and a stop button for generating a winning prize whenever a winning combination of 15 cards is selected. The operation procedure of 12L, 12C, and 12R was to be announced. On the other hand, the number of games of the three types of ATs is the same, but when 15 winning combinations are won, the ratio of notifying the operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R for generating a prize is set. These may be distinguished by changing them.

  For example, all the ATs are 100 games, but the AT that occurs when “Red 7” is aligned is 100%, the “Blue 7” AT is 50%, and the “White 7” AT is stopped at a rate of 20%. The operation procedure of the buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R can be notified. In the “blue 7” and “white 7” ATs, when the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 receives the winning status notification command indicating the winning of 15 or 12 winning combinations, the winning probabilities are 50% and 20 respectively. % Notification lottery, and the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R can be notified only in the game when the announcement lottery is won. The AT of “Red 7” can notify the operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R without performing the notification lottery if the winning status notification command indicating the winning of 15 sheets is received.

  As described above, even if the number of games of the AT is the same, a plurality of types can be obtained by differentiating the ratio of notifying the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R for winning 15 or 2 winning combinations. Can be prepared, and the interest of the game can be improved. It should be noted that the AT type can be further differentiated by both the difference in the number of games of the AT and the difference in the ratio of notifying the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R.

  In the above embodiment, the number of AT games is the same regardless of whether the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag are arranged earlier or later. On the other hand, when the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag are aligned on the active line before the number of games in the latent mode is exhausted, the remaining number of games in the latent mode is added to the number of games in the AT. It is good. In order to do this, when the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag are aligned on the valid line, first the value of the latent counter is set in the AT counter, and further the value corresponding to the AT type flag is added to the AT counter. It should be.

  Thus, if the symbols corresponding to the AT type can be quickly arranged in the latent mode, the number of AT games can be increased. As a result, the number of medals that the player can acquire increases. As a result, the game intervention becomes high, and it is possible to realize a game that can satisfy even advanced players. If the number of games is different for each latent mode, if the number of games is determined to be small, the addition of the number of AT games will be small. Therefore, the number of AT games based on the number of remaining games in the latent mode The number of AT games may be added on the basis of the number of games in the latent mode digested until the symbols are aligned.

  In the above embodiment, the number of AT games is known to the player in advance by the type of symbols arranged on the determination line of the production variable display device 3. On the other hand, in a game that can be transferred to the AT in the latent mode, only “White 7” can be aligned on the determination line, and only the occurrence of AT can be indicated. When 20 games are digested with the AT generated by this, the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R of the effect variable display device 3 are changed again, and when “blue 7” is aligned on the judgment line, the AT is further increased. 30 games can be continued. Similarly, when 50 games are consumed in total, when the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the effect variable display device 3 are changed again and “red 7” is aligned on the determination line, the AT is further increased to 50. The game can be continued.

  Whether “Blue 7” or “Red 7” should be aligned on the judgment line at the end of 20 games or 50 games can be determined in advance in the first AT lottery, or when 20 games or 50 games are digested A lottery can be performed again, and the result of the lottery can be determined. When the total number of AT games is determined in advance, “Blue 7” or “Red 7” is used at a predetermined rate in a game that can be transferred to the AT in the latent mode in combination with such a method. It may be possible to arrange them, and from the beginning, it can be shown to the player that the number of AT games is 50 games or 100 games.

  In this case, the number of AT games is not known to the player at the time of shifting to AT, and it is 50 until the result of re-changing the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R after displaying 20 games or 50 games is displayed. The player's expectation can be maintained up to the AT of the game, and further to the AT of 100 games. Further, when 20 games or 50 games are digested, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation by changing the effect reels 3L, 3C, 3R again. Thereby, the interest of the game can be further improved.

  In the above embodiment, not only whether or not the AT lottery is won, but also the number of AT games, that is, the types of symbols arranged in the game that can be transferred to the AT in the latent mode is determined. . On the other hand, in the AT lottery, only whether or not to shift to the latent mode is determined, and the number of AT games, that is, the types of symbols that can be aligned on the active line, is the AT shift lottery in the latent mode. It may be determined again when winning. Here, it is possible to increase the probability that an AT with a smaller number of games is determined. Further, the player may be notified of the type of symbol corresponding to the number of AT games determined in each game in the latent mode.

  In this case, depending on the player's preference, by selecting the type of symbol to be aimed at in the game that can be transferred to the AT in the latent mode, it is possible to shift to AT early or to obtain an AT with a large number of games, Gameability can be improved. In particular, by notifying the types of symbols according to the number of games of ATs, it is possible to prevent the AT symbols with a small number of games from being prepared, and it is possible to improve game playability. Thereby, the interest of a game can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, whether the symbols can be aligned on the determination line of the production variable display device 3 is determined by winning the AT lottery performed according to the result of the internal lottery on the game control board 101 and the AT lottery. It was decided by the AT shift lottery in the latent mode. On the other hand, in the effect control board 102, can the internal lottery completely independent of the internal lottery of the game control board 101 be performed in each game to align the symbols on the determination line of the effect variable display device 3? The AT type flag to be deleted every game may be set in the RAM 112.

  When the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag can be aligned on the determination line, the AT type flag can be transferred to the AT. The winning probability of the internal lottery can be the same regardless of the number of determination lines set in the effect variable display device 3. Furthermore, when the AT type flag is set in the RAM 112, the symbols corresponding to the AT type flag can be notified at a predetermined ratio (or 100%).

  Also in this case, the gameability as a slot machine for stopping the symbol by operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R can be realized mainly using the effect variable display device 3 instead of the variable display device 2. By realizing the playability as a slot machine using the effect variable display device 3, the change modes of the effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can be varied, and the fun of the game can be improved. .

  In the above embodiment, the variable display device 2 is configured by the three winning reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and the effect variable display device 3 is also configured by the three effect reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. It was. On the other hand, the variable display device 2 and / or the production variable display device 3 may be configured by an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, and the symbols may be variably displayed by moving images. When the variable display device 2 is configured by an image display device, the image that is being variably displayed is displayed when the start lever 11 is operated, and the stop button 12L, 12C, or 12R is operated. The image to be displayed can be deleted.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to the 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 opened. FIG. 2 is a view showing a structure on the back side of the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol on each reel which comprises a variable display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol on each reel which comprises the variable display apparatus for effects. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the circuit component and signal wiring which are mounted in the game control board and the production control board. It is a figure which shows the winning probability of an internal lottery, and the determination probability of the operation procedure of a stop button. It is a figure which shows the format of a winning condition notification command. It is a figure explaining the lighting control of the reel lamp | ramp contained in a variable display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in a game control board performs for every game. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process of FIG. 11 in detail. 12 is a flowchart showing details of reel fluctuation stop processing of FIG. 11. It is a flowchart which shows the command transmission process of FIG.12 and FIG.13 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the control part in an effect control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the determination line setting process of FIG. 15 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the reel lamp control process of FIG. 15 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the AT lottery process of FIG. 15 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the effect reel control processing of FIG. 15 in detail.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Variable display device 3 Production variable display device 101 Game control board 102 Production control board

Claims (6)

A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and a display result is derived to a variable display device for winning that displays a plurality of types of winning identification information that can be distinguished from each other. In a slot machine in which one game is ended by being displayed and a predetermined winning can be generated according to the display result of the winning variable display device,
An effect variable display device that is provided separately from the winning variable display device, is provided more easily than the winning variable display device, and variably displays a plurality of types of effect identification information that can be individually identified. ,
Instructed by the player's operation to stop the variable display of the winning identification information on the variable display device for winning and the variable display of the identification information for presentation on the variable display device for presentation and to derive and display the respective display results Stop operation means to perform,
When the winning variation start condition is satisfied, the winning identification information is variably displayed in the winning variable display device, and the variability display is stopped by operating the stop operation means, and the display result is derived and displayed. Display control means;
When the production variation start condition is satisfied, production identification information is variably displayed on the production variable display device, and the variation display is stopped by operating the stop operation means, and the display result is derived and displayed. Display control means,
When the winning variation display control means derives and displays the winning display mode as the display result of the winning variable display device by the winning variation display control unit, the winning winning for the rendering corresponding to the winning display mode is displayed. The display mode is set to be higher than the rate at which the display mode is derived and displayed on the effective line set on the effect variable display device, and the display mode of the winning variable display device is set as the display result of the winning variable display device. When the derivation display is not performed, a control is performed so that the ratio that the winning display mode for presentation is not derived and displayed on the effective line is higher than the ratio that the derivation display is performed on the effective line.
The maximum number of effective lines set to determine whether or not the winning display mode is set in the winning variable display device is smaller than the maximum number of effective lines that can be set in the effect variable display device. A slot machine characterized by that. Before the display result of the variable display device for winning is derived and displayed, it further comprises a pre-determining means for determining whether or not the winning is allowed,
The winning variation display control means is configured to detect the advance from the winning identification information within a predetermined range from the winning identification information displayed on the winning variable display device when the stop operation means is operated. The winning identification information selected according to the determination result of the determination means is derived and displayed.
Among the winning identification information, the winning identification information constituting the winning display mode is arranged so as to be included in the predetermined range to be selected by the winning variation display control means. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein: The display result derived and displayed on the variable display device for winning is configured to be more difficult for a player to see than the display result derived and displayed on the variable display device for presentation. Item 3. The slot machine according to Item 1 or 2. A light irradiating means for irradiating light to the winning identification information displayed on the winning variable display device by being turned on;
Light that turns on the light irradiating means when the identification information for winning of the winning variable display device is variably displayed, and turns off the light irradiating means when the stop operating means is operated. The slot machine according to claim 3, further comprising irradiation control means. 5. The slot machine according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the winning display modes in the winning variable display device is a combination of different types of winning identification information. Game control means for transmitting a plurality of types of control information according to the progress of the game including stop control information indicating that the stop operation means has been operated, including the winning variation display control means,
Including the production variation display control means, and receiving the control information transmitted from the game control means, the production control means for controlling the execution of the production according to the received control information,
The variation display control means for effect stops the variable display of the identification information for effect in the variable display device for effect when the effect control means receives the stop control information. 6. The slot machine according to any one of 5 above.

Images