JP2005124974A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine where performance is carried out by using reels without hindering a user's behavior of stopping the reels. <P>SOLUTION: A slot machine 10 is provided with: a casing 11; and a front surface door 12 provided at the front of the casing 11 and supported openably and closably on one side part of the casing 11. When a start lever 71 provided nearly at the center/left part of the front surface door 12 is operated, the reels 42L, 42M and 42R which are visible through display windows 31L, 31M and 31R start rotating. When stop switches 72 to 74 are operated, the reels 42L, 42M and 42R corresponding to the respective switches 72 to 74 are stopped. When a combination of prescribed symbols is formed by internal drawing, control of making the reels 42L, 42M and 42R rotate in a direction opposite to that in normal time is carried out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  An example of a gaming machine that stops after rotating the reel is a slot machine. In the slot machine, a plurality of symbols are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the reel at predetermined intervals, and a predetermined number such as three of the symbols is visible through the display window. Then, when the player inserts a medal and operates the start lever, the reel starts to rotate, and when the stop switch is operated or a predetermined time elapses, the reel stops. In addition, lottery is performed inside the slot machine on condition of medal insertion and start lever operation, and the result of the lottery is winning, and the combination of symbols that are won on the preset active line has stopped. As a condition, a privilege such as a predetermined number of medals being paid out or a predetermined game (special game state) such as a big bonus game advantageous to the player is given (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  A feature of such a slot machine is that the player can arbitrarily operate a stop switch to stop each reel aiming at a certain symbol to a certain extent, that is, technical intervention can be made in the game according to the skill of the player. It is done. Therefore, in order to take advantage of this feature, the rotation speed of each reel is controlled so fast that it is difficult to recognize the type of each symbol, or the winning symbol will not stop on the active line unless the lottery result is aimed even to some extent. The idea of making such a symbol arrangement is made.

  However, these contrivances will increase the fun of the game for those skilled in the game, but for the novice beginner, it will not be able to aim at the winning symbol well and will not receive the medal to be paid out. May suffer. On the other hand, if the design is such that the symbols do not need to be aimed at, or if each reel is rotated at a low speed so that anyone can recognize each symbol, the medal rate paid out by beginners and experts will be equal. However, there is no room for technical intervention, and the characteristics of the slot machine will be diminished.

The above problem is not limited to the slot machine, but also applies to other gaming machines that rotate a plurality of endless belts and then stop the rotation of the endless belts based on the player's operation.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-174739

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing disadvantages experienced by beginners while leaving room for a player to perform technical intervention.

  Hereinafter, effective means for solving the above-described problems will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the embodiment of the invention is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Means 1. A plurality of endless belts (reels 42L, 42M, 42R) having a plurality of kinds of patterns attached in the circumferential direction;
Display windows (display windows 31L, 31M, 31R) that allow the visual recognition of a plurality of adjacent patterns among the patterns for the endless belts;
Start operation means (start lever 71) operated to start rotation of each endless belt;
A driving means (stepping motor 61) provided for each of the endless belts for rotating the endless belts;
Stop operation means (stop switches 72 to 74) operated to stop the rotation of each endless belt;
Each of the endless belts is started to rotate forward based on the operation of the start operation means, and the game is executed to stop the forward rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the stop operation means. Drive control means (main control device 131) for driving and controlling the drive means, and formed by a specific pattern or the pattern at an effective position (effective line) visible from the display window when each endless belt is stopped. In a gaming machine configured to give a player a bonus (bonus game, medal payout, etc.) on condition that a combination of specific images is established,
Specific picture selection means (a lottery process of the main control device 131) for selecting a specific picture or a combination of specific pictures that can be established at the effective position with the operation of the start operation means as one of the conditions;
The endless belt is not provided with a first section having a plurality of reference patterns (“7” patterns) that are highlighted in comparison with other patterns at least when the endless belt rotates, and the reference patterns are not disposed. And a second reference section (9th “7” in the left belt) which is formed of a second section that is longer than the first section and passes through the position corresponding to the display window at the end of the forward rotation of the reference design. A pattern row in which a predetermined pattern (“BAR” pattern) is arranged in the vicinity of the pattern)
One of the conditions is that the specific picture selecting means is a game time in which the predetermined picture is selected as the specific picture, and the drive control means reverses at least the endless belt to which the picture row is assigned to the game time. A game machine characterized in that the drive means is controlled to rotate.

  According to the means 1, at least the first section in which a plurality of reference pictures to be highlighted as compared with other pictures is arranged at the time of rotation of the endless belt, and the first section is formed longer than the first section without arranging the reference pictures. There is an endless belt provided with a pattern row in which a predetermined pattern is arranged in the vicinity of the terminal reference pattern that passes through the position corresponding to the display window at the time of forward rotation among the reference patterns, consisting of the second section. When the predetermined pattern is selected by the specific pattern selection means, at least the endless belt rotates in reverse in the game time. By highlighting the reference pattern in comparison with other patterns, it is possible to give the game beginners the pleasure of aiming and stopping the pattern. Furthermore, by forming the first section having a plurality of reference pictures, a game beginner can recognize the range in which the reference pictures are arranged even if the reference pictures cannot be identified as one picture when the endless belt rotates. It becomes possible, and it becomes possible to make it easier to aim for the target picture. In addition, by arranging a predetermined picture near the terminal reference picture, a player skilled in the game can play the game while identifying the difference between the terminal reference picture in the vicinity of the predetermined reference picture and the reference picture not in the vicinity. Even a beginner can obtain a privilege based on a predetermined pattern with a certain probability if he / she plays a game while aiming at the reference pattern arranged in the first section. Further, by rotating the endless belt reversely on the condition that the predetermined pattern is selected as the specific pattern, the terminal reference pattern that was last visible at the time of normal rotation can be visually recognized first. Therefore, since it becomes easy to obtain a privilege based on the predetermined pattern without identifying the terminal guide pattern, it is possible to reduce the disadvantages experienced by beginners while leaving room for technical intervention. In addition, it is good also as a structure which provides this pattern row | line to all the endless belts, and it is good also as a structure provided to one of endless belts.

  Mean 2. In the means 1, the drive control means includes a rotation direction determination means (lottery process of the main controller 131) for determining the rotation direction of the endless belt, and the rotation direction determination means sets the rotation direction to the reverse direction. A game machine characterized by controlling the driving of each of the driving means so that the endless belt rotates in the reverse direction based on the determined condition.

  According to the means 2, the endless belt rotates reversely on the condition that the predetermined pattern is selected as the specific pattern and that the rotation direction is determined in the reverse direction by the rotation direction determining means. It is possible to enhance the interest of the game by leaving room for the predetermined pattern to be selected as the specific pattern even during normal rotation. This is because, when the rotation direction of the endless belt is uniquely associated with whether or not the predetermined pattern is selected as the specific pattern, the pleasure of aiming at the predetermined pattern at the time of forward rotation is lost.

  Means 3. In the above means 1 or 2, the drive control means is a braking means (main control device 131) for controlling the drive means so that the picture fluctuates by a predetermined number of pictures from the timing when the start operation means is operated. A reel control process), and an upper limit is set on the number of pictures that can be varied by the braking means.

  According to the means 3, the braking means controls the driving means so as to stop after changing by a predetermined number of pictures from the timing when the player operates the stop operation means. By adopting such a configuration, when the player tries to stop a picture that has not been selected by the specific picture selection means at an effective position, the picture is prevented from being stopped by changing by a predetermined number of times. Can do. In addition, when trying to stop a design that is not a design selected by the specific design selection means at the effective position, the selected design can be stopped at the effective position by changing by a predetermined number. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a problem that a game expert stops a picture not selected by the specific picture selection means at an effective position, and assists a game beginner to stop the picture selected by the specific picture selection means. Can be performed. However, if the brake means is configured to stop the endless belt after changing the number of pictures, the act of the player to stop aiming at the pictures becomes meaningless, and the room for technical intervention is lost. Not only that, it may lead to a loss of interest in gaming. Therefore, by setting an upper limit on the number of pictures that can be varied by the braking means, it is possible to eliminate such a concern.

  Means 4. In the means 3, the number of pictures in the first section is the sum of or smaller than the upper limit number of pictures that can be varied by the braking means and the number of pictures that can be viewed from the display window. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 4, the number of pictures in the first section is set to be the sum of the upper limit number of pictures that can be changed by the braking means and the number of pictures that can be viewed from the display window, or smaller. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible for a beginner of the game to more easily stop the reference picture at the effective position. For example, in the case of a pattern row with a reference pattern provided at a fixed interval apart from the sum, the target position does not stop at the effective position unless the target pattern is aimed more accurately.

  Means 5. In the above means 3 or 4, the terminal guide picture and the predetermined picture are arranged at an interval at which the terminal picture can be viewed from the display window at the same time.

  According to the means 5, the predetermined picture and the terminal guide picture are arranged at an interval at which they can be simultaneously viewed from the display window. By adopting such a configuration, when the endless belt is rotating in the reverse direction, it is possible to stop the predetermined pattern at the effective position by operating the stop operation means with the terminal reference pattern as a guideline, which is experienced by beginners of the game. The disadvantage can be reduced.

  Means 6. A gaming machine according to any one of the means 3 to 5, wherein the predetermined pattern is arranged in the first section.

  According to the means 6, the predetermined pattern is arranged in the vicinity of the terminal guide pattern in the first section. By adopting such a configuration, it is highly possible that a beginner of a game can stop a predetermined pattern at an effective position by the braking means by aiming at any reference pattern, and the disadvantage experienced by the beginner of the game can be reduced. It becomes possible.

  Mean 7 A gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined pattern is arranged on the second section side.

  According to the means 7, the predetermined pattern is arranged on the second section side. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly distinguish the terminal reference picture from other reference pictures at the time of forward rotation, and it is possible to increase the room for a skilled player to intervene and to enhance the interest of the game. Further, at the time of reverse rotation, the position corresponding to the display window is passed before the terminal reference picture, so that a beginner of the game can easily stop the predetermined picture at the effective position. When trying to stop the target pattern at the effective position, game beginners generally tend to operate the stop operating means at a timing earlier than the actual target pattern passes through the target position. is there.

  Means 8. A gaming machine according to any one of the above means 1 to 7, wherein the length of the second section is at least twice the length of the first section.

  According to the means 8, the length of the second section is at least twice the length of the first section. By setting the first section short, it is possible for a beginner game to easily identify the terminal reference picture at the time of reverse rotation. When the length of the first section and the length of the second section are formed with substantially the same length, the time until the terminal reference picture becomes visible from the reference picture that can be visually recognized at the end of the reverse rotation is shortened. This is because it is difficult to identify the terminal reference picture.

  Means 9. In any one of the above means 1 to 8, when the drive control means controls the drive means to reversely rotate the endless belt, all the endless belts are reversely rotated. Machine.

  According to the means 9, during the reverse rotation, all the endless belts are controlled to rotate in the reverse direction. With such a configuration, it is possible to actively teach the player that the endless belt is performing an effect of reverse rotation.

  Means 10. In any one of the means 1 to 8, the drive control means controls the drive means so as to reversely rotate only an endless belt provided with the picture row.

  According to the means 10, it is possible to teach the player the endless belt that the user wants to stop aiming at the picture. As a result, the player recognizes that at least the endless belt that is rotating in the reverse direction needs to be stopped aiming at the pattern, and the endless belt is stopped suddenly. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the sense of achievement when the predetermined pattern can be stopped at the effective position.

  Means 11. In any one of the above means 1 to 10, the guide picture is a special game picture in which a special game state advantageous to a player is generated when stopped in a predetermined combination at the effective position. Machine.

  According to the means 11, the special game picture is highlighted as compared with other pictures at least when the endless belt rotates. Generally, a player plays a game in anticipation of occurrence of a special gaming state. Therefore, by highlighting the special game picture in which the special game state is generated as compared with other pictures, it becomes possible for the player to easily aim for the special game picture. In addition, by arranging the predetermined picture in the vicinity of the special game picture, it is unexpected that the special game picture is selected by the specific picture selection means and the bonus is not given because the game is aimed at the special game picture. Can be avoided. Note that the special gaming state here refers to, for example, a combination of a specific pattern such as a big bonus game or a regular bonus game that is stopped and displayed at an effective position so that a player can receive a privilege for a predetermined game number after the next game. It means something that is easy to receive.

  Means 12. In any one of the above means 1 to 11, the picture includes a single specific picture ("cherry" design) that gives a player a privilege if the picture is stopped in any combination at an effective position visible from the display window. A gaming machine, wherein the single specific design is arranged as the predetermined design.

  According to the means 12, if the player can stop the single specific picture at the effective position, a privilege is given. By adopting such a configuration, the player can receive a privilege as long as the player stops at an endless belt in which at least a single specific pattern is arranged as a predetermined pattern. Therefore, an endless belt with a game beginner cannot obtain a privilege because a predetermined picture can be stopped at an effective position but cannot be stopped at an effective position with another endless belt, etc. It is possible to reduce the disadvantages.

  Means 13. In any one of the above means 1 to 10, the predetermined picture is a special game picture that generates a special gaming state advantageous to the player when stopped in a predetermined combination at the effective position. Machine.

  According to the means 13, the special game picture is arranged in the vicinity of the terminal guide picture. Generally, a player plays a game in anticipation of occurrence of a special gaming state. Therefore, if a special game pattern is arranged in the vicinity of the terminal reference picture, even if it is a beginner of the game, how to identify the difference between the terminal reference picture and the reference picture that is not so It becomes possible to increase the interest of the game. In addition, when a predetermined pattern (special game pattern) is selected by the specific pattern selection means, the endless belt rotates reversely with this as one of the conditions. It becomes a state where it is easy to obtain a privilege based on the special game picture without identifying. As a result, it is possible to reduce the disadvantages experienced by beginners while leaving room for technical intervention.

  Means 14. The game according to any one of the means 1 to 13, wherein the predetermined picture can be stopped at the effective position only in a game time in which the predetermined picture is selected by the specific picture selection means. Machine.

  According to the means 14, the predetermined picture can be stopped at the effective position only in the game times when the predetermined picture is selected by the specific picture selection means. By adopting such a configuration, if the stop operation means cannot be operated so that the predetermined picture stops at the effective position, the privilege that should be originally given may not be given. It becomes possible to raise and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

  Means 15. In any one of the above means 1 to 14, the drive control means controls each drive means so that each picture fluctuates at a speed that is difficult for a player to identify.

  According to the means 15, each picture fluctuates at a speed that is difficult for the player to identify. As a result, game experts will be immersed in the game to identify each picture even at such speed, and game beginners will be more pleased when they can stop the target picture in the effective position. It becomes possible to feel.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means can be applied is shown below.

  Slot machines such as slot machines: A symbol row consisting of multiple symbols (specifically, a reel with symbols) is variably displayed (specifically, the reel is rotated), and then the symbol row is confirmed and stopped. Variable display means (specifically a reel unit), and the change of the symbol is started due to the operation of the start operation means (specifically the start lever), and the stop operation means (specifically stop) The special game state (bonus game etc.) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the button) or when the predetermined time elapses and the confirmed symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol ) Is a game machine.

  Ball-operated belt-type gaming machine: Variable display that displays a fixed sequence of symbols after a variable display (specifically, a reel rotation) of a symbol sequence consisting of multiple symbols (specifically, a reel with symbols) Means (specifically, a reel unit), the variation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the start operating means (specifically, the start lever), and the stop operating means (specifically, the stop button) Due to the operation or when a predetermined time elapses, the variation of the symbol is stopped, and a special game state (bonus game etc.) advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the fixed symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol And a charging device that includes a ball receiving tray (such as an upper plate) for performing a charging process for taking in a game ball from the ball tray, and a paying device for paying out the game ball to the ball tray. By game balls Gaming machine constructed as the operation of the starter operation means it becomes effective by being turned.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in the case of application to a spinning cylinder type gaming machine which is a kind of gaming machine, specifically, a slot machine will be described in detail based on the drawings. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 closed, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the door 12, and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 that forms an outer shell thereof. The casing 11 includes a top plate 11a, a bottom plate 11b, a back plate 11c, a left plate 11d, and a right plate 11e formed in a wooden plate shape, and the adjacent plates 11a to 11e are fixed by a fixing means such as adhesion. Thus, it is formed in a box shape with the front surface opened as a whole. In addition, each board 11a-11e may be comprised with a synthetic resin panel or a metal panel other than being comprised with a wooden panel, or it is comprised by forming in the box shape integral with a synthetic resin material or a metal material. May be. The casing 11 configured as described above is attached by, for example, driving nails against a so-called island facility at the time of installation in the game hall.

  A front door 12 as a front open / close door is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable. That is, the left side plate 11d of the housing 11 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 25a and 25b. Each of the support shafts 25a and 25b includes a tapered shaft portion that protrudes upward. On the other hand, the front door 12 is provided with support fittings 26a and 26b having insertion holes into which the shaft portions of the support shafts 25a and 25b are inserted corresponding to the support shafts 25a and 25b. Then, the support brackets 26a and 26b are arranged above the support shafts 25a and 25b, and the front door 12 is lowered, whereby the shaft portions of the support shafts 25a and 25b are inserted into the insertion holes of the support brackets 26a and 26b. It is assumed that it was done. Thereby, the front door 12 is supported so as to be rotatable about an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the both support shafts 25a and 25b with respect to the housing 11, and the front opening side of the housing 11 is opened by the rotation. It can be closed or closed.

  The front door 12 is brought into a locked state that cannot be opened by a locking device provided on the rear surface. Further, a key cylinder 20 serving as an unlocking operation unit is provided at the upper right side of the front door 12. The key cylinder 20 is integrated with a locking device, and is configured such that the locked state is released by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 20. Therefore, an outline of the lock mechanism including the locking device will be described.

  On the right end side of the front door 12, that is, on the opposite side of the opening / closing axis of the front door 12, a locking device is provided on the back surface. The locking device extends vertically and is fixed to the front door 12, a key cylinder 20 provided so as to extend from the upper part of the base frame to the front of the front door 12, and moves vertically with respect to the base frame. It is provided with a long interlocking rod 21 assembled as possible. And only the key cylinder 20 is provided in the state which protruded ahead of the front door 12 among the locking devices. The position where the key cylinder 20 is provided is the thin upper portion of the front door 12, and as a result, a versatile key cylinder 20 having a short overall length can be employed. In the present embodiment, Omlock (trade name) having a high function of preventing unauthorized unlocking is used as the key cylinder 20. The interlocking rod 21 is moved downward by operating the key inserted into the key cylinder 20 clockwise. The interlocking saddle 21 is provided with a pair of upper and lower saddle fittings 22 having a bowl shape. When the front door 12 is closed with respect to the casing 11, the saddle fitting 22 is supported on the casing 11 side. Is locked. In addition, the urging member 22 is provided with an urging member such as a coil spring for urging to the side maintaining the locked state. When the key is operated clockwise with respect to the key cylinder 20, the interlocking rod 21 moves downward, and the saddle fitting 22 is moved against the biasing force of the biasing member. The locked state with the support fitting 23 is released, and the locked state of the front door 12 with respect to the housing 11 is released.

  A game panel 30 for notifying the player of the game state is provided above the center of the front door 12. In the game panel 30, three vertically long display windows 31L, 31M, 31R are formed side by side. The display windows 31L, 31M, 31R are made of a transparent or translucent material, and the inside of the slot machine 10 is visible through the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R. The display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R may be combined into a single display window.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the housing 11 is vertically divided into two by a partition plate 40, and a reel unit 41 constituting variable display means is attached to the upper portion of the partition plate 40. The reel unit 41 includes a left reel 42L, a middle reel 42M, and a right reel 42R each formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape). The reels 42L, 42M, and 42R may be configured as at least an endless belt, and are not limited to a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is rotatably supported so that the central axis thereof is the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are arranged on the same axis extending in the substantially horizontal direction, and the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R correspond to the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R on a one-to-one basis. . Accordingly, a part of the surface of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is visible through the corresponding display windows 31L, 31M, 31R. Further, when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are rotated forward, the surfaces of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are projected as if moving from top to bottom through the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. When the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R rotate in the reverse direction, the surfaces of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are projected through the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R as if they are moving from bottom to top. In the present embodiment, it is configured to rotate normally during normal times and reversely rotate only in specific cases described later.

  Each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is coupled to the stepping motors 61L, 61M, and 61R, and each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is individually, that is, independently, driven by the stepping motors 61L, 61M, and 61R. Thus, it can be rotationally driven. Since these reels 42L, 42M, and 42R have the same configuration, here, the left reel 42L will be described as an example with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view of the left reel 42L.

  The left reel 42L includes a cylindrical skeleton member 50 that forms a cylindrical cage, and a belt-like belt wound endlessly on the outer peripheral surface thereof. And it is affixed on the cylindrical skeleton member 50 through a pair of seal parts formed along the both sides of the long side of the belt so as to maintain the wound state. A large number of symbols as identification information are printed at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the belt. A boss 51 is formed at the center of the cylindrical skeleton member 50, and is attached to the drive shaft of the left reel stepping motor 61L via a disc-shaped boss reinforcing plate 52. Accordingly, when the drive shaft of the left reel stepping motor 61L is rotated, the cylindrical skeleton member 50 is rotated around the drive shaft so that the left reel 42L circulates along the annular reel surface. It has become.

  The left reel stepping motor 61L is fixed to the side surface of the motor plate 53 arranged in an upright state in the reel unit 41 (FIG. 3) with screws 54. The motor plate 53 is provided with a reel index sensor (rotational position detection sensor) 55 in which a light emitting element 55a and a light receiving element 55b are held at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, the base end portion 56b of the sensor cut bun 56 extending in the radial direction is fixed to the boss reinforcing plate 52 integrated with the left reel 42L with a screw 57. The front end portion 56a of the sensor cut bun 56 is bent at a substantially right angle and is positioned so as to pass between both elements 55a and 55b of the reel index sensor 55. Each time the left reel 42L makes one rotation, the reel index sensor 55 detects the passage of the front end portion 56a of the sensor cut bun 56, and a detection signal is output to the main controller 131 described later each time the detection is made. Therefore, main controller 131 can confirm and correct the angular position of left reel 42L for each rotation based on this detection signal.

  The stepping motor 61L is set to rotate once by giving, for example, a drive signal of 504 pulses (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse; the same applies hereinafter), and the rotation position of the stepping motor 61L, that is, left The rotational position of the reel 42L is controlled.

  On each belt of each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, a plurality of, specifically, 21 symbols are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction). Therefore, 24 pulses (= 504 pulses ÷ 21 symbols) are required to switch from one symbol to the next symbol at a predetermined position. Based on the number of pulses from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor 55 is output, it is possible to recognize which symbol is visible from the display window 31L, or to visually recognize an arbitrary symbol from the exposure window 31L. It is possible to perform control to achieve a proper state.

  Of the symbols attached to the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, the number of symbols that can be visually recognized through the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R is mainly determined by the vertical lengths of the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. Is limited to a predetermined number. In this embodiment, three reels are provided. For this reason, when all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols are visible to the player.

  Here, the symbols attached to the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R will be described. FIG. 7 shows a symbol arrangement drawn on the belt wound around each of the left reel 42L, the middle reel 42M, and the right reel 42R. As shown in the figure, each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is provided with 21 symbols in a row. Although numbers 1 to 21 are assigned to the respective reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, these are given for convenience of explanation, and are not actually attached to the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. . However, in the following description, the number is used for explanation.

  As a symbol, there is a “7” symbol (for example, the left belt ninth) as a first special symbol for shifting to the big bonus game. In addition, there is a “BAR” symbol (for example, the 10th left belt) as a second special symbol for shifting to the regular bonus game. In addition, there is a “replay” symbol (for example, the twelfth left belt) as a third special symbol for shifting to the replay game. In addition, a “watermelon” symbol (for example, the 14th left belt), a “bell” symbol (for example, the 17th left belt), and a “cherry” symbol (for example, the left) as the small character symbols from which the small character is paid out. Belt 20th). The “7” symbol is drawn larger than the other symbols and is colored red as a whole. For this reason, even when the symbols are changing (the reel is rotating), the symbols are highlighted as compared with other symbols. On the other hand, the “BAR” symbol is drawn in the same size as the other symbols and has the same shape as the “Replay” symbol. For this reason, the “BAR” symbol, like the other small role symbols, is configured not to be highlighted when the symbol is changing. As shown in FIG. 7, the number of various symbols and the arrangement order are completely different in the belt wound around each reel 42L, 42M, 42R.

  Each reel 42L, 42M, 42R of the reel unit 41 is an example of variable display means for variably displaying identification information, and constitutes a main display unit. However, the variable display means may have other configurations. For example, other mechanical reel configurations such as a type in which the belt is rotated instead of rotating may be used, and instead of or in addition to the mechanical reel configuration, a liquid crystal display or a dot matrix display It is also possible to provide a display that variably displays the identification information by electrical display such as, and in this case, it is possible to provide a variety of display forms.

  A total of five combination lines are attached to the game panel 30 so as to connect the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R, three in parallel in the horizontal direction and two in the diagonal direction. Of course, the maximum number of combination lines may be 6 or more, or less than 5, and the maximum number of combination lines may be changed according to a predetermined condition. Corresponding to each of these combination lines, effective line display sections 32, 33, and 34 are provided on the left side when viewed from the front of the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. The first effective line display unit 32 is notified by lighting or the like when the central horizontal line (center line) of the combination lines is activated. The second effective line display unit 33 is notified by lighting or the like when the upper and lower horizontal lines (upper line and lower line) of the combination lines are activated. The third effective line display unit 34 is notified by lighting or the like when a pair of diagonal lines (a right-down line and a right-up line) among the combination lines is enabled. Then, when the symbols are stopped in a predetermined combination on the activated combination line, that is, on the activated line, a winning is made, and a predetermined medal payout process, a transition process to a specific game, and the like are executed.

  Here, the payout number regarding each symbol when winning is explained. Regarding the small role design, when the “Watermelon” design is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line, 15 medals are paid out. When the “Bell” design is aligned with the left, middle and right on the effective line Pays out 8 medals, and when the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 42L stops on the active line, 2 medals are paid out. That is, the “cherry” symbols of the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R are irrelevant to the medal payout. In addition, for the “cherry” symbol, the medal payout is performed regardless of the combination with other symbols, and therefore, a plurality of effective lines of the left reel 42L overlap (specifically, the upper or lower row) with “ When the “cherry” symbol is stopped, medals are paid out by multiplying the number of overlapping active lines. As a result, in this embodiment, four medals are paid out.

  For other symbols, if the “7” symbol, which is a combination of the first special symbol (big bonus symbol), is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line in the same symbol, 15 medals will be paid out. Also, when the “BAR” symbol which is a combination of the second special symbol (regular bonus symbol) is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line, 15 medals are paid out. In the present embodiment, for example, a case where the “7” symbol and the “cherry” symbol are established simultaneously may occur, but in this case, 15 medals are paid out. This is because the upper limit number for one medal payout is set to 15.

  Further, when the “replay” symbol, which is the combination of the third special symbol, is aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, the medal payout is not performed. In other cases, that is, when the “cherry” symbol of the left reel 42L does not stop on the active line and the same symbols as the left, middle, and right are not aligned on the active line, no medal payout is performed.

  On the lower left side of the game panel 30, a start lever 71 is provided that is operated to start rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R all at once (not necessarily simultaneously). The start lever 71 constitutes start operation means or start operation means operated to start rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, that is, to start variable display. The start lever 71 is a lever that is pushed by the hand when the player starts the game, and automatically returns to the original position after the hand is released. When the start lever 52 is operated while a medal is inserted, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R start to rotate all at once.

  On the right side of the start lever 71, button-like stop switches 72, 73, 74 that are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 42L, 42M, 42R are provided. Each of the stop switches 72, 73, 74 is arranged directly below the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R corresponding to the reels 42L, 42M, 42R to be stopped. The stop switches 72, 73, 74 constitute stop operation means operated to stop variable display based on the rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, 42R. Each of the stop switches 72, 73, 74 can be stopped when the reels 42L, 42M, 42R are rotated at a constant speed, and a stop operation is performed by lighting a lamp (not shown) in such a state. It is notified that this is possible, and is turned off when the rotation stops.

  On the lower right side of the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R, there is provided a medal slot 75 for inserting a medal as an investment value. The medal slot 75 constitutes an input means for inputting the investment value. If attention is paid to the point that the medal insertion slot 75 is accompanied by an operation of directly inserting a medal by the player, it can be said that the medal insertion slot 75 constitutes a direct input means for directly inputting the investment value.

  The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 75 are guided to either the storage passage 81 or the discharge passage 82 by the selector 84 as passage switching means provided on the back surface of the front door 12. That is, the selector 84 is provided with a medal path switching solenoid 83, which is set to the discharge path 82 side when the medal path switching solenoid 83 is not excited, and switched to the storage path 81 side when excited. The medal guided to the storage passage 81 is guided to the hopper device 91 housed in the housing 11. On the other hand, the medal guided to the discharge passage 82 is guided to the medal tray 18 from the medal discharge port 17 provided in the lower front portion of the front door 12 and returned to the player.

  A hopper device 91 as a payout means for giving a medal to a player is composed of a storage tank 92 for storing the medal and a payout device 93 for paying out the medal to the player. The payout device 93 rotates a medal payout rotating plate (not shown) to discharge the medal to the opening 94 provided in the central right part of the discharge passage 82 and to the medal tray 18 through the discharge passage 82. To come out. Further, a reserve tank 95 is provided on the right side of the hopper device 91 in order to avoid storing a predetermined amount or more of medals in the storage tank 92. A guide plate 96 for discharging medals from the storage tank 92 to the reserve tank 95 is provided inside the storage tank 92 of the hopper device 91. Therefore, when medals are stored more than the height at which the guide plate 96 is provided, the medals are stored in the reserve tank 95.

  A button-like return switch 76 is provided below the medal slot 75. The return switch 76 is a switch that is pressed when a medal inserted into the medal slot 75 is jammed in the selector 84. When this switch is pressed, the selector 84 is mechanically operated to operate the selector 84. The medals packed in 84 are returned from the medal discharge port 17.

  On the lower left side of the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R, there is provided a button-like first credit insertion switch 77 for inserting three virtual medals credited as investment values at a time. Further, on the left side of the first credit insertion switch 77, a second credit insertion switch 78 and a third credit insertion switch 79 are provided as button switches smaller than the switch 77. The second credit insertion switch 78 is for inserting two credited virtual medals at a time, and the third credit insertion switch 79 is for inserting one virtual medal. Each of the credit insertion switches 77 to 79, together with the medal insertion slot 75, constitutes an input means for inputting an investment value. Further, if the medal insertion slot 75 is accompanied by an operation of directly inserting a medal by the player, each credit insertion switch 77 to 79 is only accompanied by an operation of inserting a virtual medal based on the storage memory. It can also be said that it constitutes an indirect input means for indirectly inputting the investment value.

  The first credit insertion switch 77 has a built-in lamp as a light emitting member (not shown) to urge that the maximum number of medals that can be inserted per game (three) has not been reached. The lamp is turned on when the switch operation of the first credit insertion switch 77 is valid and prompts the operation of the switch 77. However, when there is no credited virtual medal or three medals have already been inserted. It is turned off under the circumstances. Here, instead of the above-described lighting, the player may make it easier to understand the prompt for medal insertion by blinking.

  A button-like changeover switch 80 is provided on the left side of the start lever 71. The change-over switch 80 is configured to be a toggle type that is turned on when pressed once, turned off when pressed again, and turned on / off every time the pressing operation is performed. The changeover switch 80 is operated to change the handling format of inserted medals inserted into the medal slot 75 more than necessary, or acquired medals returned to the player as a result of a predetermined game.

  When the change-over switch 80 is in the ON state, the “credit mode” is set so that surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (for example, 50 medals) and winning medals are stored and stored as credit medals. " When the changeover switch 80 is in the OFF state, the “direct mode” is set so that surplus inserted medals and winning medals are paid out as actual medals. If there is a credit medal when the credit mode is switched to the direct mode, the corresponding credit medal is paid out as an actual medal. Thus, the player can execute the game in a format according to his / her preference by switching between the credit mode and the direct mode. The changeover switch 80 constitutes a changeover operation means for changing over the input value and game value handling formats. Further, if paying attention to the function of paying out a credited virtual medal as an actual medal, it can be said that the changeover switch 80 constitutes a settlement operation means for actually paying out the stored game value. In addition to being configured to switch between the “credit mode” and the “direct mode” by operating the changeover switch 80, the virtual medal stored and stored is paid out when the changeover switch 80 is operated by always setting the “credit mode”. It may be made to function as only a settlement switch.

  Below the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R of the gaming panel 30, there are a remaining number display section 35 for displaying the number of medals activated and stored in the credit mode, and in a special gaming state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus. For example, a game number display unit 36 for displaying the number of remaining games and an acquired number display unit 37 for displaying the number of acquired medals are provided. Although these display parts 35-37 are comprised by the 7 segment display, it is naturally possible to substitute by a liquid crystal display etc. FIG.

  Here, a procedure for betting medals will be described. In both the direct mode and the credit mode, a bet is made when a medal is inserted from the medal slot 75 at the start of the game.

  That is, when the first medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 75, the first effective line display section 32 is turned on, and the corresponding center line becomes the effective line, and the second medal is the medal insertion slot. When the number 75 is inserted, the second effective line display section 33 is turned on, and a total of three combination lines including the upper line and the lower line corresponding to the second effective line display section 33 become effective lines, respectively, and the third medal is a medal. When it is inserted into the insertion port 75, the third effective line display unit 34 is further turned on, and a total of five combination lines including a pair of diagonal lines corresponding thereto become effective lines.

  When four or more medals are inserted into the medal slot 75, the surplus medals exceeding three are switched to the discharge passage 82 by the selector 84 if the current mode is the direct mode. It is returned from the outlet 17 to the medal tray 18. On the other hand, in the credit mode, it is stored inside the slot machine, and the number of stored sheets is displayed on the remaining number display unit 35. An upper limit number is determined for the number of stored sheets (for example, 50), and when a medal exceeding the number is inserted, it is returned from the medal discharge port 17 to the medal tray 18.

  In addition, when a game is played in the credit mode and the number of stored items is displayed on the remaining number display unit 35, the virtual number is displayed even when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 is pressed. A medal is inserted and a bet is placed.

  When the third credit insertion switch 79 is pressed, the numerical value displayed on the remaining number display section 35 is decremented by one as a virtual medal is inserted, and the first effective line display section 32 is displayed. Illuminates and the center line becomes the active line. When the second credit insertion switch 78 is pressed, two numerical values displayed on the remaining number display unit 35 are decremented as two virtual medals are inserted, and the first valid line display unit 32 and The second effective line display section 33 is lit and a total of three combination lines become effective lines. When the first credit insertion switch 77 is pressed, three numerical values displayed on the remaining number display unit 35 are decremented as three virtual medals are inserted, and all the effective line display units 32 to 32 are decremented. 34 lights up and a total of five combination lines become effective lines.

  In addition, when the virtual medal to be inserted when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 is pressed is not stored, for example, when the display of the remaining number display unit 35 is 2, the first For example, when the credit insertion switch 77 is pressed, all the values in the remaining number display section 35 are decremented to 0, and a bet is made for the amount of virtual medals that can be inserted.

  On the upper part of the front door 12, there are an upper lamp 13 that lights up or flashes as the game progresses, and a pair of left and right sounds that make various sound effects as the game progresses and inform the player of the game state Speaker 14 and an auxiliary display unit 15 for giving various information to the player. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary display unit 15 is configured by a liquid crystal display for the purpose of diversifying display contents and increasing the display effect. However, other displays such as a dot matrix display may be used. Good. The auxiliary display unit 15 is for executing various display effects as the game progresses, and it can be considered that the game by the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is caused by the main display unit. This is referred to as an auxiliary display unit 15. On the back surface of the auxiliary display unit 15, an upper lamp 13, a speaker 14, and a display control device 111 for driving the auxiliary display unit 15 are provided. The positions and numbers of the upper lamp 13 and the speakers 14 are not limited to those described above.

  A lower plate 16 on which a model name, a character related to a game, and the like are displayed is mounted above the medal tray 18. In addition, an ashtray 19 that can be reversed to the lower side on the front side is provided on the left side of the medal tray 18.

  A power supply box 121 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 91 inside the housing 11. The power supply box 121 includes a power switch 122, a reset switch 123, a setting key insertion hole 124, and the like. The power switch 122 is a start switch for supplying power to each unit including the main controller 131.

  The reset switch 123 is a switch for resetting various states of the slot machine 10. This slot machine 10 has a backup function for various data, and even if a power failure occurs, it retains the state at the time of the power failure and returns to the state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from power failure (power recovery). It can be done. Therefore, for example, when the power supply is shut down by a normal procedure, such as when the game hall is closed, the state before the power shut-off is stored, but if the power switch 122 is turned on while pressing the reset switch 123, the backup data is reset. It has become so. If the reset switch 123 is pressed while the power switch 122 is on, the error state is reset.

  The setting key insertion hole 124 is used by a hole manager or the like to adjust the appearance of medals. That is, the setting state (winning probability setting process) of the slot machine 10 can be changed from “setting 1” to “setting 6” by operating the hole manager or the like by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion hole 124. It has become.

  A main controller 131 is attached to the back plate 11 c of the housing 11 above the reel unit 41. The main control device 131 includes a CPU that controls the main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that temporarily stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port that communicates with various devices, time counting and synchronization. A main board including a clock circuit and the like used in the case of planning is provided, and the main board is accommodated in a board box as an encapsulating means made of a transparent resin material or the like. The substrate box includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other so as not to be opened by a sealing unit as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box is sealed.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  The main control device 131 is equipped with a microcomputer centering on a CPU 151 as arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply device 161 provided in the power supply box 121, the CPU 151 is connected to a clock circuit 154 that outputs a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 155, and the like via an internal bus. The main control device 131 functions as a main base incorporated in the slot machine 10.

  On the input side of the main controller 131, there are a start detection sensor 71a for detecting the operation of the start lever 71, stop detection sensors 72a, 73a, 74a for individually detecting the operations of the stop switches 72, 73, 74, and a medal slot. The inserted medal detection sensor 75a for detecting a medal inserted from 75, the credit insertion detection sensors 77a, 78a, 79a for individually detecting the operations of the respective credit insertion switches 77, 78, 79, and the switching for detecting the operation of the changeover switch 80. Detection sensor 80 a, reel index sensor 55 that individually detects the rotational position (origin position) of each reel 42, payout detection sensor 91 a that detects medals paid out from the hopper device 91, and reset detection sensor that detects the operation of the reset switch 123 123a, set to setting key insertion hole 124 Chromatography are connected various sensors such as setting the key detection sensor 124a for detecting that it has been inserted, the signals from these various sensors are outputted to the CPU151 through the input and output ports 155.

  The inserted medal detection sensor 75a is actually composed of a plurality of sensors. That is, the storage passage 81 extending from the medal insertion slot 75 to the hopper device 91 is configured such that medals can pass in one row. The storage passage 81 is provided with a first sensor, and the second sensor and the third sensor are close to each other on the downstream side more than the width of the medal. The inserted medal detection sensor 75a is constituted by each of the first to third sensors. The main control device 131 monitors the time from the first sensor to the second sensor, and if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, the main control device 131 considers that there has been a medal clogging or fraud and makes an error. If an error occurs, an error notification is performed and an operation by the player until the error is canceled is invalidated. The main controller 131 also monitors the order in which the second sensor and the third sensor are turned on and off, both the second and third sensors are off, only the second sensor is on, and both the second and third sensors are on. Only when the third sensor is turned on, both the second and third sensors are turned off, and when the time for switching to each on / off switching is within a predetermined time, it is determined that the medal has been normally taken in. Otherwise, an error is assumed. The reason for this is to prevent injustice that the medal is reciprocated in the vicinity of the inserted medal detection sensor 75a and misidentified as the medal inserted in addition to the clogging of the medal in the storage passage 81.

  Further, a power failure monitoring circuit 161 b provided in the power supply device 161 is connected to the input side of the main control device 131 via the input / output port 155. On the power supply board 161, a power supply unit 161 a that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the slot machine 10 including the main control device 131, the power failure monitoring circuit 161 b described above, and the like are mounted.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 161b is for monitoring the power-off state and generating a power failure signal not only at the time of power failure but also at the time of power-off by the power switch 122. Therefore, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 24 VDC in this example output from the power supply unit 161a, and determines that the power is shut off when the drive voltage drops to, for example, less than 22 volts. Power outage signal is output. The power failure signal is supplied to each of the CPU 151 and the input / output port 155, and the CPU 151 recognizes this power failure signal and executes a power failure process described later.

  Even when the output voltage drops below 22 volts, the power supply unit 161a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts that is used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 131. As the time during which the stabilization voltage is output, sufficient time is secured to execute the power failure process by the main controller 131.

  On the output side of the main control device 131, each active line display section 32, 33, 34, remaining number display section 35, game number display section 36, acquired number display section 37, and each reel 42L, 42M, 42R are rotated. Stepping motors 61 (61L, 61M, 61R), a medal path switching solenoid 83 provided in the selector 84, a hopper device 91, a display control device 111, an external concentration terminal plate 171 capable of transmitting information to a hall management device (not shown), etc. Are connected via the input / output port 155.

  The display control device 111 is a control device for driving the upper lamp 13, the speaker 14, and the auxiliary display unit 15, and includes a substrate in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for driving these are integrated. Then, after receiving a signal from the main control device 131, the display control device 111 independently drives and controls the upper lamp 13, the speaker 14, and the auxiliary display unit 15. Therefore, the display control device 111 is a sub-base that executes auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 131 that is a main base that manages and manages games. In other words, the sub-base is provided for voice, lamp, and display related to indirect games, thereby reducing the burden on the main base. In addition, it is good also as a structure which the display control apparatus 111 controls the various display parts 32-37.

  The CPU 151 described above stores various control programs executed by the CPU 151 and a ROM 152 storing fixed value data, and temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 152 is executed. In addition to the RAM 153 for securing the area, although not shown, various processing circuits necessary for the slot machine 10 such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit, as well known, and a credit counter for counting the number of credits are known. Various counters such as are built-in. The ROM 152 and the RAM 153 constitute a main memory as storage means, and a program for executing the processes shown in various flowcharts shown in FIG. 9 and subsequent figures is stored in the ROM 152 described above as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 153 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 161 provided in the power supply box 121 and data can be held (backed up) even after the power of the slot machine 10 is cut off. In addition to a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data and the like, a backup area is provided.

  In the backup area, when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the values of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc. when the power is shut down (including power shutdown by operating the power switch 122; the same applies hereinafter) When the power failure is resolved (including power-on by operating the power switch 122. The same applies hereinafter), the slot machine 10 is in the state before power-off based on the backup area information. It is possible to return to the state. Writing to the backup area is executed when the power is cut off by the power failure process (see FIG. 11), and the restoration of each value written in the backup area is executed in the main process (see FIG. 12) when the power is turned on. Note that a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 161b is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 151 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. NMI interrupt processing as flag generation processing is immediately executed.

  Subsequently, each control process executed by the CPU 151 in the main controller 131 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the CPU 151 is broadly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in a cycle of 1.49 msec in the present embodiment), and an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the NMI interrupt process and the timer interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the NMI interrupt process. When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b of the power supply device 161 generates a power failure signal and outputs it to the main controller 131. In the main controller 131 that has received the power failure signal via the NMI terminal, NMI interrupt processing is executed.

  In the NMI interrupt processing, first, in step S 101, the data of the used register provided in the CPU 151 is saved in the backup area provided in the RAM 153. Subsequently, in step S102, the power failure flag is set in a power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 153. Thereafter, the data saved in the backup area of the RAM 153 in step S103 is restored to the use register of the CPU 151 again. With this return processing, the NMI interrupt processing ends. If the power failure flag can be set without destroying the data in the register used by the CPU 151, the saving and restoring processing to the backup area can be omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt process periodically executed by the main controller 131. A timer interrupt is generated by the CPU 151 of the main controller 131 every 1.49 msec, for example.

  First, in the register saving process shown in step S201, the values of all the registers in the CPU 151 used in the normal process described later are saved in the backup area of the RAM 153. In step S202, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set. If the power failure flag is set, the process proceeds to step S203, and a power failure process is executed.

  Here, the power failure process will be described with reference to FIG. Since the power failure process is performed immediately after the register saving process in the timer interrupt process, other interrupt processes can be executed without interruption. Therefore, for example, during the process of transmitting various commands, during the process of reading the switch state (on / off), the process at the time of power failure is not executed by interrupting each process. It is no longer necessary to create a power failure processing program that also takes into account This simplifies the processing program for power failure processing and reduces the program capacity. This also applies to a processing program for power recovery processing described later.

  In step S301, it is determined whether command transmission has been completed. If transmission has not been completed, the system waits until transmission is completed. In this way, it is determined whether or not the command transmission is completed at the initial stage of the power failure process, the transmission process is prioritized when the transmission is incomplete, and the power failure process is executed after the unit command transmission process is completed. By doing so, it is no longer necessary to construct a power failure processing program that takes into account that power failure processing is executed during command transmission. As a result, the power failure processing program can be simplified and the ROM 152 can be reduced in capacity.

  If step S301 is YES, that is, if the command transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S302, and the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 151 is stored in the backup area in the RAM 153. Thereafter, in step S303, a RAM determination value, which will be described later, is cleared as a stop process, and the output state of the output port in the input / output port 155 is cleared, and all actuators not shown are turned off. In step S304, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area. The RAM determination value is specifically a 2's complement of the checksum at the work area address of the RAM 153. By storing the RAM determination value in the backup area, the checksum of the RAM 153 becomes zero. By setting the checksum of the RAM 153 to 0, subsequent RAM access is prohibited in step S305. Thereafter, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the power supply being completely shut down and the processing being impossible.

  The power supply unit 161a of the power supply device 161 holds the output of the stabilization voltage (5 volts) used as the drive voltage for the control system for a time sufficient to execute the above-described NMI interrupt processing and power failure processing. It is comprised so that. In the present embodiment, the drive voltage is continuously output for 30 msec.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process, if the power failure flag is not set in step S202, various processes after step S204 are performed.

  That is, in step S204, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S205, an interrupt end declaration process for giving an interrupt permission to the CPU 151 itself is performed. In step S206, in order to rotate the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, a stepping motor control process for driving the stepping motors 61L to 61R, which are the respective rotary drive motors, is performed. In step S207, sensor monitoring processing is performed to monitor the state of various sensors (see FIG. 8) connected to the input / output port 155. In step S208, timer calculation processing for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed. In step S209, counter processing for counting the number of medals bet and the number of payouts is performed.

  In step S210, command output processing for transmitting a command or the like to the display control apparatus 111 is performed. In step S211, a segment data setting process for setting segment data displayed on the remaining number display unit 35, the game number display unit 36, and the acquired number display unit 37 is performed. In step S212, segment data set processing in the segment data setting processing is supplied to the display units 35 to 37, and segment data display processing for displaying corresponding numbers, symbols, and the like is performed. In step S213, port output processing for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port 155 is performed. In step S214, the value of each register saved in the backup area in the previous step S201 is restored to the corresponding register in the CPU 151. Thereafter, in step S215, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a main process in the main controller 131 executed after the power is turned on. The main process is executed when the power is turned on by recovery from a power failure or by turning on the power switch 122.

  First, in step S401, as initialization processing, the value of the stack pointer is set in the CPU 151, and an interrupt mode that permits interrupt processing is set. Thereafter, various settings for the register group in the CPU 151, the I / O device, and the like are set. And so on.

  When these initialization processes are completed, it is next determined in step S402 whether or not the reset switch 123 has been turned on. If the reset switch 123 has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S403, and all data stored in the RAM 153 is cleared as a RAM clear process.

  After confirming that the reset switch has not been operated in step S402 or performing a RAM clear process in step S403, it is determined in step S404 whether or not a setting key has been inserted into the setting key insertion hole 124. To do. If the setting key has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S405 to perform setting change processing. As the setting change process, first, all data stored in the RAM 153 is cleared. Then, after determining which setting state is selected from the six preset setting states (“Setting 1” to “Setting 6”), internal processing corresponding to the selected setting state is executed. .

  In step S406, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set. When the power failure flag is not set, that is, when the data in the RAM 153 is cleared in the previous step S403 or step S405, the process proceeds to a normal process in step S407 to be described later, and this process ends.

  When the power failure flag is set in step S406, the process proceeds to the power recovery process shown in step S408 and thereafter. The fact that the power failure flag is set means that subroutine processing such as RAM clear processing in step S403 and setting change processing in step S405 is not executed at all. Therefore, the data in the RAM 153 is not rewritten at all, and the power recovery process requires confirmation processing such as whether or not the data in the RAM 153 is normal.

  For this purpose, first, in step S408, it is confirmed whether or not the RAM determination value is normal. Specifically, the value of the checksum in the RAM 153 is checked to check whether the value is normal, that is, whether the value of the checksum including the RAM determination value is 0. If the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0, it is determined that the data in the RAM 153 is normal.

  If the RAM determination value is abnormal in step S408, that is, if the checksum value is not 0, there is a high possibility that the data in the RAM 153 has been destroyed. Therefore, in such a case, an error display process is performed in step S409. As error display processing, interrupt processing is first prohibited and all output ports in the input / output port 155 are cleared to control all actuators connected to the input / output port 155 to an off state. Thereafter, an error display for notifying the occurrence of an error to the hall manager or the like is performed, and this state is maintained until the reset switch 123 is turned on.

  If it is determined in step S408 that the RAM determination value is normal, the process proceeds to step S410, the stack pointer value stored in the backup area is written to the stack pointer of the CPU 151, and the stack state before the power is shut off is written. Return to the state. Next, in step S411, a power recovery command that tells execution of power recovery processing is transmitted to the display control device 111. Thereafter, in step S412, the game state is stopped and automatic settlement setting storage processing is performed. In step S413, various sensors such as the start detection sensor 71a are initialized. After the above processing is completed, the power failure flag is reset in step S414, and the processing returns to the address before the power is shut off. Specifically, the process returns to the timer interrupt process described above, and the watchdog timer clear process (step S204) is executed.

  Next, normal processing for performing main control related to the game will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S501, it is determined whether or not a medal is bet. If a medal is bet, it is subsequently determined in step S502 whether the start lever 71 has been operated. If both step S501 and step S502 are YES, the lottery process in step S503, the reel control process in step S504, the medal payout process in step S505, and the special game state process in step S506 are executed in order, and the process returns to step S501. On the other hand, if no medal is bet in step S501 or the start lever 71 is not operated in step S502, the process returns to step S501.

  Next, the lottery process in step S503 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S601, the random number table for determination of success / failure is selected based on the current setting state of the slot machine 10, the number of medals bet, and the small / probable combination probability. Here, the setting state of the slot machine 10 is any one of “setting 1” to “setting 6” set using a setting key (not shown), and the random number having the lowest winning probability of the combination when “setting 1” is set. A table is selected, and when “setting 6” is selected, the random number table having the highest winning probability of the combination is selected. The number of medals bet is any one of 1 to 3, and a random number table is selected such that as the number of bets increases, the winning probability of winning combination increases. For example, the winning probability of a winning combination when three bets are higher than the winning probability of winning when a single bet is three times. In addition, there are two types of small role probabilities: a random number table with a high small role winning probability is selected when the current payout rate is lower than the predetermined expected value, and small when the current winning rate is higher than the predetermined expected value. A random number table with a low winning probability is selected. Note that the winning probabilities of the big bonus and the regular bonus vary depending on the set state and the number of medals bet, but are always set lower than the small winning probabilities. “Setting 6” in the present embodiment, the winning probability when a game is played with three bets is about 240/240 for the big bonus and about 1/360 for the regular bonus. By the way, “setting 6”, the average of the small role winning probability when the game is played with 3 bets is about 1/7 for the “replay” design, about 1/10 for the “bell” design, The “cherry” symbol is about 1/100 and the “watermelon” symbol is about 1/200.

  In step S602, a random number table selected in this way is used for lottery in light of the random numbers latched by the random number counter when the start lever 71 is operated. In step S603, it is determined whether or not any of the winning combinations has been won. If any of the winning combinations has not been won, the process is terminated. If any of the winning combinations is won, the process proceeds to step S604, where a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set and an effective line to be aligned is determined. In step S605, it is determined whether the winning flag is a regular bonus (RB) flag. If it is a regular bonus flag, the process proceeds to step S606, and a reverse rotation flag for rotating the reels 42L, 42M, 42R in the reverse direction to the normal time is set. If the winning flag is not a regular bonus flag, or after the reverse rotation flag is set, the process proceeds to step S607, where a reel table for reel stop control is determined and stored in the slip table storage area of the RAM 153. Here, when the symbols on the predetermined effective line at the timing when the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed are different from the symbols to be stopped on the effective line, the slip table is a predetermined symbol to be stopped. It is a table that defines how much the reel slides so as to stop on the active line.

  Next, the reel control processing in step S504 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the reel control process, first, a wait process is performed in step S701. This wait process is a process of waiting without starting the reel rotation in the current game until a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the time when the reel rotation is started in the previous game. Therefore, even if the player bets a medal and operates the start lever 71, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R may not immediately rotate. Following the wait process, the reel rotation process in step S702 is performed to rotate the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the reverse rotation flag is set. If the reverse rotation flag is set, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are rotated in the reverse direction to the normal time. The rotation speed of each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is set to a speed that allows each symbol to be identified only by a player having a certain level of skill. In this embodiment, the rotation speed is 0.75 seconds. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S703, and it is determined whether or not any of the stop switches 72 to 74 is pressed to generate a reel stop command. If no stop command has been issued, the process advances to step S704 to determine whether or not a predetermined maximum rotation time (for example, 40 seconds) of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R has elapsed. If the maximum rotation time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S703. If the maximum rotation time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S705 to perform a forced stop process for forcibly stopping all the rotating reels.

  On the other hand, if any one of the stop switches 72 to 74 is pressed in step S703 and a stop command is generated, the process proceeds to step S706 to perform reel stop processing. In this reel stop process, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop switch is stopped. If a winning combination is won in the winning lottery and the winning flag is set, the reel is stored in the sliding table storage area of the RAM 153. With reference to the sliding table, control is performed so that the winning combinations are arranged on a predetermined effective line as much as possible. For example, when the “watermelon” symbol is lined up on the lower line and the stop switch is pressed at the timing when the “watermelon” symbol stops on the upper line, the symbol 2 is set so that it stops on the lower line. Slide the reel as much as you can. However, since the range that can be slid is set to a maximum of four symbols in advance, the “watermelon” symbol may not stop on the lower line depending on the timing of pressing the stop switch. In addition, when the stop switch is pressed at the timing when the winning symbol stops when the winning flag is not set, the winning table is stored with reference to the sliding table stored in the sliding table storage area of the RAM 153. Control is performed so that a given symbol does not stop on a predetermined effective line. For example, if no winning combination is selected and the stop switch 72 is pressed at the timing when the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 42L stops on the upper line, the “cherry” symbol does not stop on the active line. Slide the reel by three symbols to stop the “Cherry” symbol outside the active line. Note that the same processing is performed in the forced stop processing in step S705.

  Subsequently, in step S707, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command, that is, whether or not the stop switch has been pressed when all three reels are rotating. In the case of the first stop command, the process proceeds to step S708, and the slip table changing process is performed. In this slide table change process, for example, it is determined whether or not a combination of combinations occurs when trying to align a combination on the selected active line, and when a combination of combinations does not occur, the process proceeds to the next step as it is. When a combination of combinations occurs, the selected effective line is changed to another effective line, and after changing to a sliding table suitable for the changed effective line, the process proceeds to the next step. Here, the combination of combinations means that a plurality of combinations are generated at the same time, for example, when the “Cherry” symbol appears on the lower line when the “Bell” symbols are aligned on the upper line. Refers to cases. The slip table changing process may be performed other than when avoiding the combination of the combinations.

  On the other hand, if the current stop command is not the first stop command in step S707, the process proceeds to step S709 to determine whether the second stop command is present, that is, one of the three reels is stopped and the two reels are rotating. It is determined whether or not the stop switch has been pressed. If it is the second stop command, the process proceeds to step S710 and a stop eye determination process is performed. In the stop eye determination process, when two reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not the two symbols are aligned with a bonus symbol such as “7” symbol or “BAR” symbol. If they are all set, sound effects and the like are generated from the speaker 14, and then the process proceeds to the next step. In the stop eye determination process, it may be determined whether another condition other than two bonus symbols is satisfied, or an effect using the auxiliary display unit 15 may be performed in addition to the sound effect.

  Then, after the forced stop process in step S705, after the slip table change process in step S708, when the current stop command is not the second stop command in step S709, or the stop eye determination process in step S710 is performed. Thereafter, in step S711, it is determined whether or not all rotations of the left, middle, and right reels 42L, 42M, and 42R have stopped. If step S711 is NO, the process returns to step S703. If YES, the payout determination process is performed in the subsequent step S712, and then the process ends. In the payout determination process, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is arranged on the effective line. When the winning combination is not aligned on the effective line, 0 is set in the payout number storage area of the RAM 153, and the winning combination is aligned on the effective line. When it is, it is determined whether or not the winning combination matches the winning combination, and if not, an error is displayed by the upper lamp 13 or the like and 0 is set in the scheduled payout number storage area. If they match, the number of payouts corresponding to the combinations arranged in the payout amount storage area is set.

  Next, the medal payout process in step S505 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the medal payout process, first, it is determined whether or not the payout number counted by the payout number counter in step S801 matches the planned payout number stored in the payout planned number storage area. If the number of payouts does not match the planned payout number, it is determined in step S802 whether or not the game is being performed in the credit mode. If it is in the credit mode, it is determined in step S803 whether or not the count value of the credit counter has reached the upper limit (the number of stored medals is 50). If the upper limit is not reached, the count value of the credit counter and the number of payouts are each incremented by 1 in step S804. Accordingly, the remaining number display unit 35 and the acquired number display unit 37 are each incremented by one.

  On the other hand, when the game is performed in the direct mode, or when the count value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit, the medal payout rotary plate is driven in step S805 and the medal is discharged from the hopper device 91 to the medal discharge port. 17 through the medal tray 18. At this time, in step S806, the number of payouts is incremented by 1 according to the medal detection signal of the payout detection sensor 91a attached to the hopper device 91. As a result, the number of acquired number display section 37 is incremented by one. Then, after the payout number is incremented by 1 in step S804 or step S806, the process returns to step S801 again. When the number of payouts and the planned number of payouts match in step S801, the medal payout rotating plate of the hopper device 91 is stopped in step S807, and this process is terminated. The payout number / acquired number display section 37 is reset when the start lever 71 is operated next time.

  Next, the special game state process of step S506 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  Prior to the description of the special game state process, the bonus game will be described. The regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as “RB”) game is composed of 12 JAC games. The JAC game is a game in which only one bet is allowed, and is a game with a very high probability that the JAC symbols (replay symbols in this case) are aligned on the active line, that is, the probability of establishment of the JAC symbols. When a JAC symbol is established in a JAC game, the maximum number (15 in this case) of medals is paid out. When the JAC symbol is established 8 times, the RB game is ended even before the JAC game reaches 12 times. On the other hand, the big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB”) game is composed of 30 small role games and 3 JAC ins. A small role game is a game in which a small role is won with a high probability (“Bell” symbols etc. are on the active line), and JAC in means entering the JAC game 12 times. When JAC symbols are aligned on the active line, JAC in is established. The JAC game is the same as that of the RB game. Also, when the JAC game by the third JAC in is finished, the BB game is finished even before the small role game reaches 30 times, and before the JAC in reaches 3 times after the 30 small role games are finished. Even if there is, the BB game ends.

  In the special game state process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the game state is a bonus game. If it is not during the bonus game, the process proceeds to step S902, and bonus symbol determination processing is performed.

  In this bonus symbol determination process, as shown in FIG. 18, it is first determined in step S1001 whether or not the RB winning flag is set. If it is set, the process proceeds to step S1002, and the RB symbol on the current effective line is determined. It is determined whether or not (for example, “BAR” symbols) are aligned, and if the RB symbols are not aligned, this processing is terminated. On the other hand, when the RB symbols are aligned on the active line this time, in step S1003, the RB winning flag is reset and the RB setting flag is set to set the RB game as one type of bonus game, and the RB game initial setting process shown in FIG. To finish this processing. If the RB winning flag is not set in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the BB winning flag is set in step S1004. If it is not set, the process is terminated. When the BB winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S1005, where it is determined whether or not the BB symbol (for example, symbol “7”) is aligned on the current effective line, and when the BB symbol is not aligned, this processing is terminated. . On the other hand, when the BB symbols are aligned on the active line this time, in step S1006, the BB winning flag is reset and the BB setting flag is set to set the BB game as one type of bonus game, and the BB game initial setting process shown in FIG. Execute this to finish this process.

  19 and 20, the remaining small role game counter represents the remaining number of small role games (also referred to as the remaining small role game number), and the remaining JAC in counter represents the remaining number of remaining JAC in (remaining JAC in number). The remaining JAC establishment counter represents the remaining number of times that the JAC symbol can be established (also referred to as the number of remaining JAC formations), and the remaining JAC game counter represents the number of remaining JAC games (also referred to as the number of remaining JAC games). Represent. The number of remaining small role games, the number of remaining JAC ins, the number of remaining JACs established, and the number of remaining JAC games are displayed on the game number display unit 36 as appropriate. By the way, if a small role winning flag or replay winning flag is set by winning a small role or replay in the role lottery, those winning flags will not be aligned on the active line in the game. Will be reset, but if the RB winning flag or the BB winning flag is set by winning the RB or BB in the winning lottery, even if the RB symbol or BB symbol cannot be aligned on the active line in the game The winning flag will be carried over to the next time. In the lottery process in the next game that carries over the BB or RB winning flag, a lottery regarding whether or not a small role or replay is won is performed, but a lottery regarding BB or RB is not performed. In addition, when a small combination or replay is won in a state where the BB or RB winning flag is carried over, a slide table is stored so that the small combination or replay is preferentially aligned. Further, in the lottery process performed with the RB winning flag carried over, the reverse rotation flag is set every time this process is performed. That is, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R continuously rotate in reverse until the regular bonuses are aligned.

  Now, returning to FIG. 17, when the gaming state is a bonus game in step S901, it is determined in step S903 whether the bonus game is a JAC game. If it is not a JAC game, it means that the BB game is in the small role game, so the process proceeds to step S904, and it is determined whether or not the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line. When the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line, the JAC game is started in step S905 and the JAC game initial setting process during the BB game shown in FIG. 20B is performed, and this process ends. On the other hand, when the JAC symbols are not aligned on the active line in step S904, the small role game has been consumed, so in step S906 the remaining small role game number is decremented by 1, and in step S907. It is determined whether or not the number of remaining small role games has become zero. When the remaining small role game number is not 0, the present process is terminated. When the remaining small role game number is 0, the process proceeds to step S908, and a special game state end process for appropriately resetting various setting flags, BB setting flags, various counters, etc. or performing an ending process. To end this process.

  When the gaming state is a JAC game in step S903, the process proceeds to step S909 to determine whether or not the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line. When the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line, the number of remaining JACs established is determined in step S910. Decrement by one. After that, or when the JAC symbols are not aligned on the active line in step S909, one JAC game has been consumed, so the number of remaining JAC games is decremented by 1 in step S911. Subsequently, in step S912, it is determined whether or not any of the remaining number of JACs or the number of remaining JAC games has become 0. If neither is 0, that is, the JAC symbol has not yet been established 8 times. If the JAC game has not been digested 12 times, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if any of them is 0, that is, if the JAC symbol is established 8 times or the JAC game is digested 12 times, the JAC in is digested once, so in step S913 the remaining JAC in The number of times is decremented by 1, and in the subsequent step S914, it is determined whether or not the number of remaining JAC in is zero. When it is 0, the special gaming state termination process of step S908 described above is performed, and this process is terminated. Incidentally, if the bonus game is an RB bonus, the initial remaining JAC in number is 1 (see FIG. 19), so it becomes 0 in step S913, and an affirmative determination is made in step S914, and the special game in step S908 The RB setting flag is reset in the state end process.

  On the other hand, when the number of remaining JAC ins is not zero in step S914, that is, when the JAC in has not been digested three times in the BB game, after performing the JAC game end processing for resetting the JAC game setting flag in step S915, When the player enters the game, one of the small role games is digested, so the number of remaining small role games is decremented by 1 in step S906, and then whether or not the remaining small role game number has become 0 in step S907. If it is determined that the number of remaining small role games is 0, the special game state ending process in step S908 described above is performed, and this process is ended. On the other hand, when the remaining small-combination game number is not 0, the small-combination game in the BB bonus has not reached 30 times and the JAC in has not reached 3 times.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the regular bonus is won, each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is configured to rotate in the reverse direction from the normal time. Accordingly, stepping motors 61L, 61M, and 61R for rotating the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R will be described. In addition, since the same thing is used for each stepping motor, it demonstrates as the stepping motor 61 below.

  FIG. 21 is a connection diagram showing the operation principle of the stepping motor 61. In the present embodiment, a hybrid (HB) type two-phase stepping motor that employs a 1-2 phase excitation method is used as the stepping motor 61. Note that the stepping motor is not limited to a hybrid type or two-phase, and various stepping motors such as a four-phase or five-phase stepping motor can be used.

  The hybrid type stepping motor 61 includes a rotor (rotor) 62 disposed in the center and first to fourth poles 63 to 66 disposed around the rotor 62.

  The rotor 62 includes a front rotor 62a magnetized at the N pole and a rear rotor 62b magnetized at the S pole, and teeth (small teeth) and teeth provided around the front rotor 62a. In between, it is attached to the rotating shaft in a state of being relatively shifted by ½ pitch so that the teeth provided around the back rotor 62b are positioned. A cylindrical magnet (not shown) is attached between the front rotor 62a and the back rotor 62b. The first to fourth poles 63 to 66 include bifilar-wound coils. When a predetermined DC power source (for example, +24 volts) is applied to the first to fourth poles 63 to 66, the applied poles 63 to 66 become S poles or Excited to the N pole.

  Here, the phase in which the first pole 63 is excited to the S pole and the third pole 65 is excited to the N pole is the A phase. On the contrary, the first pole 63 is excited to the N pole and the third pole 65 is excited. The phase that excites the S pole is called the reverse A phase. Similarly, the phase in which the second pole 64 is excited to the S pole and the fourth pole 66 is excited to the N pole is the B phase. On the contrary, the second pole 64 is excited to the N pole and the fourth pole 66 is excited. The phase that excites the S pole is called the reverse B phase.

  First, the rotation principle in the case of the one-phase excitation drive will be described. For example, when the A phase is first energized, the projection of the first pole 63 that becomes the S pole, the teeth of the front rotor 62a, and the third pole 65 that becomes the N pole. When the B-phase and the teeth of the rear rotor 62b face each other by suction force, and then the B phase is energized, the protrusion of the second pole 64 that is the S pole, the teeth of the front rotor 62a, and the N pole When the protrusions of the four poles 66 and the teeth of the back rotor 62b face each other by suction force, and then the reverse A phase is energized, the protrusions of the first pole 63 that become N poles, the teeth of the back rotor 62b, and the S poles When the protrusion of the third pole 65 and the teeth of the front rotor 62a face each other by suction force and then the reverse B phase is energized, the protrusion of the second pole 64 and the back rotor 62b which are N poles Teeth, 4th pole with S pole And 6 teeth projections and front rotor 62a of facing the respective suction force. By exciting in this order, the rotor 62 rotates clockwise in FIG. If excitation is performed in the reverse order, the rotor 62 rotates counterclockwise in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, 1-2 phase excitation drive that alternately performs one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation is employed. In the 1-2 phase excitation drive, excitation is performed according to the following excitation sequences (excitation order) (1) to (8).

  That is, only one set of excitation is one-phase excitation, and two-phase excitation is to excite two phases at the same time. In the 1-2-phase excitation drive, (1) A phase is energized (one-phase excitation) (2) Energize both A phase and B phase (2-phase excitation), (3) Energize B phase, (4) Energize both B phase and reverse A phase, (5) Energize reverse A phase, (6) energize both reverse A phase and reverse B phase, (7) energize reverse B phase, (8) energize both reverse B phase and A phase, then ( This is a driving method that returns to 1). In the present embodiment, when the reel 42 is rotated forward, excitation is performed according to the excitation sequence of (1) to (8) described above, and when the reel 42 is rotated reversely, excitation of (8) to (1) is performed. Excitation is performed according to the sequence. In addition, by adopting this 1-2 phase excitation drive, the angle change per step becomes half of the angle change per step in the one phase excitation drive, and the fluctuation of the pattern (reel rotation) can be more accurately performed. Can be controlled.

  Next, the effect when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are reversely rotated will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, even if a winning combination is won in the lottery process, the winning symbol is not won unless the winning symbol is stopped on the active line. Therefore, even when the stop switches 72 to 74 are not operated at the timing when the winning symbol passes on the effective line, the winning symbol is configured to slide up to four symbols so that it stops as much as possible on the effective line. ing. On the other hand, some symbols, such as “7” symbols, leave room for technical intervention in which a player aims to some extent and stops the symbols by separating five or more symbols between the same symbols.

  As shown in FIG. 7, “7” symbols are attached to the third and ninth belts on the left belt. The “7” symbol is drawn so as to be highlighted by, for example, displaying it larger than other symbols. This is a contrivance for facilitating identification of the “7” symbol because the big bonus game that is most advantageous to the player occurs when the “7” symbol is aligned with the left, middle, and right. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the “7” symbol is the reference symbol. In addition, by arranging “7” symbols at the third and ninth positions, the first section is formed at the third to ninth positions, and the second section is formed at the tenth to second positions. The “7” symbol is arranged on the top to facilitate stopping. During forward rotation, there is an interval of 6 symbols from when the third “7” symbol becomes visible until the ninth “7” symbol becomes visible (first section), and the ninth “7” There is an interval of 15 symbols from the time when the symbol becomes visible until the third “7” symbol becomes visible (second section). Therefore, in order to stop the “7” symbol on the active line, the stop switch 72 is pressed while the eighth “replay” symbol passes through the position corresponding to the lower line from the eighteenth “replay” symbol. This is because even if the third “7” symbol cannot be stopped on the effective line, the ninth “7” symbol is stopped on the effective line by the slip process.

  Above the 9th “7” symbol on the left belt, the “BAR” symbol is attached to the 10th and 19th symbols. Since the “BAR” symbol is formed in the same shape as the “Replay” symbol, the “BAR” symbol itself is difficult to aim. However, if the stop switch 72 is pressed by using the ninth “7” symbol as a guide, the tenth “BAR” symbol can be stopped on the effective line. Furthermore, when the regular bonus is won, the reel 42L is rotated in the reverse direction to make it easier to aim for the “BAR” symbol. This is due to the following reason.

  First, when aiming at the “BAR” symbol during normal rotation, the third “7” symbol and the ninth “7” symbol must be distinguished to some extent. For example, as shown in FIG. 22 (a), when the stop switch 72 is pressed at the timing when the third “7” symbol passes on the lower line, even if it slides by the maximum number of 4 symbols The ninth “7” symbol is stopped on the line, and the “BAR” symbol cannot be stopped on the active line. In this embodiment, the reel is configured to rotate once by a 504 pulse excitation signal, and this excitation signal is output every 1.49 msec. That is, the reel makes one rotation at about 750 msec (= 504 pulses × 1.49 msec), and switches from a symbol at a predetermined position to the next symbol at about 35 msec (= 24 pulses × 1.49 msec). That is, for example, about 214 msec after the third “7” symbol passes over the lower line, the ninth “7” symbol passes through the lower line, so the third “7” symbol. When the afterimage disappears, the ninth “7” symbol passes on the lower line, and it is very difficult for a game beginner to distinguish and stop these “7” symbols.

  Next, even if the ninth “7” symbol can be identified, it is necessary to press the stop switch 72 when the “7” symbol passes through the upper line or the middle line. This is because the “cherry” symbol is attached to the eleventh of the left belt. As shown in FIG. 22B, when the stop switch 72 is pressed at the timing when the ninth “7” symbol passes on the lower line, there is a tenth “BAR” symbol on the middle line, There is an eleventh “cherry” symbol on the line. In this case, the stop switch 72 is pressed down at the timing when the “BAR” symbol passes on the active line, but if the “cherry” symbol is not selected, the “cherry” symbol does not stop on the active line. Thus, the process of sliding for 3 symbols occurs, and the 13th “bell” symbol stops on the middle line. Therefore, the “BAR” symbol does not stop on the effective line even though the stop switch 72 is pressed at the timing of stopping the “BAR” symbol on the effective line.

  By rotating the reel 42L in the reverse direction, the above-mentioned skill required for the player at the time of normal rotation becomes unnecessary. That is, if the reverse rotation is performed, the ninth “7” symbol is in a state where it can be seen first, and the third “7” symbol is in a state where it can be seen later. The player can stop the tenth “BAR” symbol by depressing the stop switch 72 aiming at the ninth “7” symbol that can be visually recognized first. Therefore, it is not necessary to distinguish the “7” symbol, and there is no fear of being caught by the afterimage of the “7” symbol. Even if the stop switch 72 is pressed at the timing when the ninth “7” symbol passes on the lower line, the symbol “cherry” may be slid by one symbol in order to avoid winning. Therefore, the “BAR” symbol stops on the upper line, and the “BAR” symbol can be stopped on the active line (FIG. 22B).

  The above is the same not only for the left reel 42L but also for the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  By adopting a configuration in which the “7” symbol is highlighted by, for example, displaying it larger than other symbols, the “7” symbol can be easily aligned when the big bonus is won. As a result, it is possible to give pleasure for the game beginner to stop aiming at the symbol. In addition, the “BAR” symbol is arranged near the “7” symbol, and the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R rotate in the reverse direction when the regular bonus is won, so that the player can “7” symbol. As a guide, the “BAR” symbol can be stopped on the active line. As a result, it is possible to reduce the disadvantage that a game beginner does not easily shift to the regular bonus game because the “BAR” symbols are not easily arranged, and the bet medals are wasted during that time.

  The third “7” symbol and the ninth “7” symbol form a first section, and the second “replay” symbol from the tenth “BAR” symbol forms a second section. By making the length of the second section longer than the length of the first section, a game beginner can easily aim for the “BAR” symbol during reverse rotation. That is, the third “7” symbol is formed so that the time from when the third “7” symbol becomes visible until the ninth “7” symbol becomes visible is increased as much as possible. This is because it is possible to prevent the afterimage of the symbol from remaining until the ninth “7” symbol becomes visible and making it difficult to distinguish between the two symbols.

  For example, on the left reel 42L, the “7” symbol is arranged by separating five symbols, the “BAR” symbol is arranged tenth above the ninth “7” symbol, and the “cherry” symbol is arranged eleventh. It is possible to leave room for technical intervention by adopting a configuration in which these symbols are not arranged above the “7” symbol. A player who has a skill capable of discriminating between the third “7” symbol and the ninth “7” symbol can play a game other than the “BAR” symbol if he / she plays the game at the normal time aiming at the ninth “7” symbol. This is because the medal payout can be surely received even when the symbol (for example, “cherry” symbol) is established.

  By setting the maximum number of slips to four symbols in the reel stop process, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game. If it is configured to be able to slide any number of symbols, the act that the player stops aiming at the symbol becomes completely meaningless, and there is room for the player to technically intervene, which is a feature of the slot machine Will be lost. Further, the player may feel uncomfortable with not stopping immediately after pressing the stop switches 72 to 74. Therefore, the above problem can be solved by setting the maximum number of slips.

  By adopting a configuration in which all the reels 42L, 42M, 42R are rotated in the reverse direction when the regular bonus is won, it becomes possible to actively teach that the effect of rotating in the reverse direction is being performed. However, the possibility of misunderstanding that the slot machine 10 is faulty can be avoided.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) In the above embodiment, all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are reversely rotated when the regular bonus is established, but may be reversely rotated with a predetermined probability when the regular bonus is established. In this case, even when all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are rotating normally, it is possible to enhance the expectation for establishment of the regular bonus, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

  (B) In the above embodiment, all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are configured to rotate reversely. However, for example, a specific reel such as only the left reel 42L may be configured to rotate reversely. With such a configuration, it is possible to teach a player a reel that the user wants to aim to some extent. When any one reel is reversely rotated, it is desirable to reversely rotate the reel that is most likely to be stopped first by the player. For example, if the player is configured to reversely rotate the reel that is most likely to be stopped last, the regular bonus symbol may not be stopped on the active line before the reel that is rotating in reverse is stopped. Because. Therefore, by reversing the reel most likely to be stopped first to make it easier to stop the regular bonus symbol on the active line, the player can play the game repeatedly until the last reel is stopped. It becomes possible.

  (C) In the above embodiment, all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R have the symbol array that requires the symbol such as the “BAR” symbol, but only the left reel 42L has such a symbol array, and the middle reels 42M, The right reel 42 </ b> R may be arranged so that each symbol is separated by a symbol (for example, four symbols) that can be stopped on the effective line by a sliding process. In this case, since it is sufficient to stop only the left reel 42L, it is possible to reduce a load caused by a game beginner aiming at stopping all the symbols on the reels.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the reverse rotation function is set as an auxiliary function when aligning the “BAR” symbols. However, the “BAR” symbol is not limited to the “BAR” symbols. May be. For example, if it is configured to reversely rotate when winning the “Cherry” symbol role, it is only necessary to stop aiming only at the left reel 42L, so that a game beginner will stop aiming at all reel symbols. The accompanying load can be reduced.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the “7” symbol is displayed in a large size and colored red so that it is highlighted as compared with other symbols. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Any configuration that is highlighted as a guide symbol at least when the reel rotates is acceptable. An example is shown below.

  As a first example, only the “7” symbol portion is made of a light transmissive material, and an illumination member is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the reel so that light is directed toward the display window from the rear of the reel. And In this case, the light of the illumination member is transmitted only when the “7” symbol passes through the position corresponding to the display window, and thus the “7” symbol is highlighted.

  As a second example, the belt is colored black and the “7” symbol is colored white. As described above, it is possible to highlight the “7” symbol even if the color of the belt and the color of the “7” symbol are complementary.

  As a third example, the “7” symbol is wider than the other symbols in the left-right direction. In this case, since the protruding portion of the “7” symbol is visually recognized as a projection when the reel rotates, the “7” symbol can be highlighted by such a portion. Or it is set as the structure wider in the up-down direction (reel rotation direction) compared with other symbols. In this case, the time when the “7” symbol can be visually recognized becomes longer than that of the other symbols, so that it can be highlighted.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the first section of the left reel 42L is formed by the third and ninth “7” symbols. For example, the “7” symbol is displayed at the third, sixth and ninth symbols. The first section may be composed of the third and ninth “7” symbols.

  (G) In the above embodiment, the “BAR” symbol is arranged above (the tenth) the ninth “7” symbol, but is arranged below the ninth “7” symbol, for example, the eighth symbol. It is good also as composition to do. With such a configuration, it is easy for a game beginner to stop the “BAR” symbol on the active line even during forward rotation.

  (H) An effect in which the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R rotate in reverse and an effect performed in the auxiliary display unit 15 may be associated with each other. In this case, it is possible to obtain a synergistic effect rather than performing each individually. In addition to the auxiliary display unit 15, the upper lamp 13 and the speaker 14 may be used together. For example, a boy character walking on the auxiliary display unit 15 is displayed during forward rotation, and when the boy performs a reverse rotation, the figure of the boy character walking while standing upside down is displayed and a symbol to be aimed at is displayed on the handstand. To do. Alternatively, when performing the reverse rotation, the player 14 is notified by voice such as “Is it rotating in reverse?” From the speaker 14.

  (I) In the above embodiment, a two-phase stepping motor motor adopting the 1-2 phase excitation method is used as the drive motor. However, a 4-phase stepping motor adopting the 3-4 phase excitation method or a 4-5 phase excitation is used. You may use the 5-phase stepping motor etc. which employ | adopted the system.

  (J) In the above embodiment, a slot machine having three reels arranged in parallel and having five lines as effective lines has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, five reels arranged in parallel It may be a slot machine provided or a slot machine having seven effective lines. Further, the present invention is not limited to the so-called A type slot machine, but can be applied to any slot machine such as B type, C type, A type and C type composite type, and B type and C type composite type. In any case, it is obvious that the same effects as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  (K) The symbols of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are not limited to pictures, numbers, characters, and the like, but may be geometric lines or figures. In addition, the design can be configured by light, color, or the like, the design can be configured by a three-dimensional shape or the like, and the design can be configured by combining these. That is, it is sufficient that the symbol has a function as identification information (identification information).

  (L) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the slot machine 10 is embodied has been shown. That is, in the slot machine, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions, a gaming machine having a ball insertion and ball payout function such as a pachinko machine may be used. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, only a ball can be handled as a gaming value in the gaming hall. Therefore, the gaming value seen in the current gaming hall in which pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed is used. Problems such as the burden on equipment due to the separate handling of medals and balls and restrictions on the location of the gaming machine can be solved.

The front view of the slot machine in one embodiment. The perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. The perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door. The rear view of a front door. The front view of a housing | casing. The assembly perspective view of a left reel. FIG. 3 is a development view of a belt-like belt constituting each reel. The block circuit diagram of a slot machine. The flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. The flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. The flowchart which shows the process at the time of a power failure. The flowchart which shows a main process. The flowchart which shows a normal process. The flowchart which shows a lottery process. The flowchart which shows a reel control process. The flowchart which shows medal payout processing. The flowchart which shows special game state processing. The flowchart which shows a bonus symbol determination process. Explanatory drawing which shows the counter setting at the time of RB game initial setting process. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the counter setting at the time of a BB game initial setting process, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the counter setting at the time of a JAC game initial setting process in BB game. The connection diagram which shows the operation principle of a stepping motor. The figure which shows the relationship between the symbol of the left reel when a stop switch is pressed down, and the symbol which stops actually.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine as a gaming machine, 11 ... Housing which comprises a part of gaming machine body, 12 ... Front door which constitutes a part of gaming machine body or opening / closing member of gaming machine body, 15 ... Auxiliary display part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 42 ... Reel which comprises a rotating drum or an endless belt, 61 ... Stepping motor as a drive means, 71 ... Start lever as a starting operation means, 72-74 ... Stop switch as a stop operation means, 111 ... As sub control means , 131... Main controller constituting various control means such as main control means, 151... CPU constituting various control means such as main control means, 152 and 153... ROM, RAM, 161 as storage means. ... power supply.

Claims (1)

A plurality of endless belts with a plurality of kinds of patterns attached in the circumferential direction;
A display window that enables visual recognition of a plurality of adjacent patterns among the patterns for each endless belt,
Start operation means operated to start rotation of each endless belt;
A driving means provided for each of the endless belts, for rotating the endless belts;
Stop operation means operated to stop the rotation of each endless belt;
Each of the endless belts is started to rotate forward based on the operation of the start operation means, and the game is executed to stop the forward rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the stop operation means. Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means, and when the endless belts are stopped, a specific pattern or a combination of specific patterns formed by the pattern is established at an effective position visible from the display window. In a gaming machine configured to grant a privilege to a player on condition that
A specific picture selection means for selecting a specific picture or a combination of specific pictures that can be established at the effective position with the operation of the start operation means as one of the conditions;
The endless belt includes at least a first section that includes a plurality of reference patterns that are highlighted as compared with other patterns when the endless belt rotates, and the first section does not include the reference patterns. A pattern section in which a predetermined pattern is arranged in the vicinity of an end guide pattern that passes through a position corresponding to the display window at the time of the forward rotation among the guide pictures.
One of the conditions is that the specific picture selecting means is a game time in which the predetermined picture is selected as the specific picture, and the drive control means reverses at least the endless belt to which the picture row is assigned to the game time. A game machine characterized in that the drive means is controlled to rotate.

Images