JP2005211604A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a player from being confused when a game machine is configured to end a bonus game when the number of put-out tokens reaches the specified number during the bonus game. <P>SOLUTION: When a start lever 71 provided to a slot machine 10 is operated, reels 42L, 42M, 42R which are visible via display windows 31L, 31M, 31R, start revolving. When stop switches 72-74 are operated, the reels 42L, 42M, 42R corresponding to the switches 72-74 stop. When a bonus pattern is established on an effective line when the reels stop, a bonus game is generated. When the number of put-out tokens reaches the specified number during the bonus game, a big bonus game ends. In such a case, an auxiliary display section performs related display to confirm the number of put-out tokens. <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 an endless belt such as a reel is a slot machine. In the slot machine, a plurality of symbols are given to the outer periphery of the reel, and a part of the symbols given to the reel 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 the condition of medal insertion and start lever operation, and the lottery result is winning, and the winning symbol on the preset active line is stopped As a condition, a special number of medals corresponding to the stop symbol is paid out, or a special game state advantageous to a player called a big bonus game is given (for example, a patent) Reference 1).

  Here, the special game state is generated on condition that the combination of the first specific symbols such as 777 stops on the active line after the winning result that the state is generated is obtained by the internal lottery. . The special game state is continued until, for example, 30 games are completed or until a bonus state called a jack game is satisfied, for example, until the game is completed three times. Also, the bonus state is continued until, for example, 12 games are completed or until one of the conditions is met, for example, until the combination of the second specific pattern called a jack symbol is aligned on the active line, for example, eight times. Then, for example, 15 medals are paid out when the combinations of the second specific patterns are aligned on the effective line. Due to the progress of such a special gaming state, the player can acquire many medals at a time.

  However, in the slot machine, the reel stop timing is achieved according to the skill of the player, and for a skilled player, etc., there may be an excessive number of medals due to the occurrence of one special gaming state, As a game hall, the damage caused by the high level of technical intervention by the player increases. In addition, such a gaming machine capable of acquiring a large number of medals results in gambling for the player, and there is a risk of leaving a healthy game zone.

On the other hand, in order to eliminate the above inconvenience, if any player can obtain the same or almost the same number of medals as long as a certain operation is performed in the special gaming state regardless of the skill level of the player, There is no room for technical intervention, and this may lead to a decline in the fun of gaming.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-174739

  In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors leave room for technical intervention by the player in the special gaming state, and do not cause much damage to the gaming hall and excessively give the player's gambling feeling. As a result, it has been considered as one of the best measures to limit the maximum number paid out by one special game state. This is because if the number of payouts is limited, there is room for technical intervention within that range, and the result of a large number of medals can be avoided.

  However, when the above-mentioned limited number of payouts is reached in the middle of the special game state, the special game state suddenly ends, the player cannot understand why it ended, and the player is confused. It is assumed that a new problem will occur.

  The above problems are not limited to slot machines, but are configured to rotate a plurality of endless belts and then stop the rotation of the endless belts based on the player's operation, and generate the special gaming state as described above. This is also a problem that applies to other gaming machines that are configured so that the game medium is not limited to medals, and there is a similar problem even if balls are used.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the game hall is greatly damaged by limiting the number of game media paid out to the player in the special game state while leaving room for technical intervention in the special game state. The problem to be solved is to allow the player to play the game with peace of mind without being confused even if the special game state ends midway.

  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 patterns (designs) attached in the circumferential direction;
Display windows (display windows 31L, 31M, 31R) that allow some of the patterns to be visually recognized with respect to 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;
The drive means is controlled to start rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the start operation means and stop rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the stop operation means. Drive control means (main control device 131);
When each of the endless belts stops, a predetermined number of game media (game medals) are drawn based on a pattern or a combination of patterns formed by the pattern at an effective position (effective line) visible from the display window. A payout device (hopper device 91, main control device 131, remaining number display unit 35),
When each of the endless belts is stopped, the predetermined number of games is ended on condition that a combination of specific patterns (big bonus symbols) formed by the symbols is established at an effective position visible from the display window. In a gaming machine configured to give a special gaming state (big bonus game) that continues until
When the number of game media paid out by the payout device during the special game state reaches a predetermined number (maximum value of the remaining payout number counter), the special game is ended to end the special game state before the predetermined number of games is over. Means (main controller 131);
An informing means (auxiliary display unit 15) for informing the player of information relating to the game;
A gaming machine comprising: notification control means (main control device 131, display control device 130) for controlling the notification means to notify the specified number when the special gaming state occurs.

  According to the means 1, the special game state continues for a predetermined number of games at the maximum, but when the number of game media paid out by the payout device reaches a predetermined number, the predetermined game number is ended by the special game ending means. The special gaming state is ended before. As a result, while leaving room for technical intervention during the special game state, it is possible to limit the number of game media to be paid out to the player during the special game state and prevent the game hall from causing a great deal of damage. In addition, since the prescribed number is notified by the notifying means under the control of the notifying control means, the player can understand that the special gaming state is ended when the specified number of payouts are received. As a result, even if the special game state is finished before the predetermined number of games is consumed, the player can play the game without any confusion. Note that the payout of game media by the payout device includes not only what pays out actual, ie, physical game media itself, but also what is regarded as payout by virtual, ie, data processing (so-called credits).

  Mean 2. In the means 1, the special gaming state continues until the first game number (30 games) is completed or until the bonus state is performed the first number of times (three times), and the bonus state is the second game number. A gaming machine that is configured to continue until (12 games) is finished or a winning in which the second specific design (JAC design) stops during the second number of times (eight times) is performed.

  Means 2 shows a typical game form as a special game state. The means 1 specifies that the special game state continues for a predetermined number of games at the maximum, but the number of games in the means 2 corresponding to the predetermined number of games is the first game number.

  Means 3. In the means 1 or 2, the probability that the pattern that the game medium is paid out is established during the game in the predetermined number of games (first game number) is changed as compared with the normal game state that is not the special game state. A gaming machine comprising a changing means (main control device 131).

  According to the means 3, during the special game state, the probability that a picture (so-called small role picture) from which the game medium is paid out is established is changed to one different from that in the normal game state. Then, by changing the establishment probability so that the predetermined pattern is easily formed, the predetermined pattern is easily formed during the special gaming state, and this is actually set to the effective position by the stop timing of the endless belt, for example. If it is stopped or not stopped, there will be room for the player's technical intervention.

  Means 4. In any one of the means 1 to 3, the notification control means notifies the prescribed number by the notification means when the special gaming state occurs, and indicates the number of payouts to be paid out by the payout device during the special gaming state. A gaming machine characterized by controlling the notifying means so that the notifying means notifies the value after the subtraction after subtracting from a prescribed number.

  According to the means 4, the notifying means notifies the subtraction value in consideration of the number of game media paid out by the payout device, rather than simply notifying the specified number that is a condition for ending the special gaming state. Thus, the player can easily recognize how much of the game medium is later paid out and the special game state is ended. In this means and means 1, it is preferable that the notifying means is constituted by a display device and appeals to the eyes in consideration of ease of confirmation by the player.

  In addition, when a predetermined number of game media are input as the start condition of each game, the number of game media that the player finally acquires in the special game state is the game paid out by the payout device. Since the number of game media used for starting the game is subtracted from the number of media, the above-described subtraction value is not equal to the number of acquired media. Therefore, the number of acquired game media can be grasped by sequentially adding and displaying the number of game media actually acquired by the player during the special game state. In addition, the number of acquired game media is added as the game media is paid out, and the subtracted value is subtracted as the game media is paid out. No confusion.

  Means 5. In any one of the means 1 to 4, the prescribed number is determined from a predetermined upper limit value (480 cards) to be paid out from the payout device during the special game state. The value obtained by subtracting the maximum number that can be obtained in one game (15 pieces = the maximum number of small pieces that can be established in an effective position during the special game state) (465 pieces). To play.

  According to the means 5, by subtracting the maximum number that can be obtained in one game from the scheduled upper limit value and setting the prescribed number, the maximum number can be obtained no matter where the game medium is paid out immediately before reaching the prescribed number. Thus, the number of game media to be paid out in one special game state can be surely kept below the maximum planned number. As a result, the inspection of the gaming machine can be performed after the maximum number is determined, so the inspection work becomes easy.

  Means 6. In any one of the means 1 to 5, a lottery means for internally drawing whether or not the special gaming state is to be generated is provided. A gaming machine that is controlled so as to be allowed to stop in combination.

  According to the means 6, since the special gaming state is generated on the premise that the lottery is won as a result of the lottery, randomness is given to the special gaming state occurrence. If the lottery means performs the lottery at the start operation timing of the start operation means, the start of the lottery in each game can be entrusted to the start operation.

Mean 7 A plurality of endless belts with a plurality of kinds of patterns attached in the circumferential direction;
A display window that allows a visual recognition of some of the patterns for each of the endless belts;
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;
Insertion detection means (insertion medal detection sensor 75a, credit insertion detection sensors 77a to 79a, main control device 131) for detecting insertion of game media,
Each endless belt is detected on the condition that the predetermined number (1 to 3) of game media necessary for one game is input by the input detection means and the start operation means is operated. Each of the driving means to stop the rotation of each of the endless belts on the condition that the stop operation means is operated or a predetermined time (30 seconds) elapses. Drive control means for driving control;
When each of the endless belts stops, a payout for paying out a predetermined number of game media based on a combination established based on a picture or a combination of pictures formed by the picture at an effective position visible from the display window With the device,
When each endless belt stops, a special game that continues until a predetermined number of games is completed on condition that a combination of specific pictures formed by the pictures is established at an effective position visible from the display window In a gaming machine configured to grant a state,
Special game ending means for ending the special game state before the predetermined number of games is ended when the number of game media paid out by the payout device during the special game state reaches a predetermined number;
An informing means for informing the player of information relating to the game;
When the special gaming state occurs, the notifying means is controlled to notify the prescribed number, and when the prescribed number is reached before the predetermined number of games is over, the notifying means is controlled to inform the player. A game machine comprising a notification control means for informing a blessing message.

According to the means 7, the special game state continues for a predetermined number of games at the maximum, but when the number of game media paid out by the payout device reaches a predetermined number, the predetermined game number is ended by the special game ending means. The special gaming state is ended before. As a result, while leaving room for technical intervention during the special game state, it is possible to limit the number of game media to be paid out to the player during the special game state and prevent the game hall from causing a great deal of damage. In addition, since the prescribed number is notified by the notifying means under the control of the notifying control means, the player can understand that the special gaming state is terminated when paying out the prescribed number. As a result, even if the special game state is terminated before the predetermined number of games is consumed, the player can play the game without any confusion. Note that the payout of game media by the payout device includes not only what pays out actual, ie, physical game media itself, but also what is regarded as payout by virtual, ie, data processing (so-called credits).
Here, since a predetermined number of game media are required for the progress of each game, if the special game state can be terminated before the predetermined number of games, the number of game media used for starting the game Even if the number of game media paid out by the payout device is the same, the number of acquired game media slightly increases from the viewpoint of the player. Accordingly, when the specified number is set as the special game state termination condition, it is beneficial for the player to reach the specified number and finish the special game state at an early stage with as few games as possible. However, in general, it may not be considered beneficial for the player to end the special gaming state early. Therefore, the meaning of the blessing message can be understood by the notifying means as in the present means 7. Of course, the ideas of the means 2 to 6 described above can be applied to this means.

  In addition, as a gaming machine to which each of the above means can be applied, in addition to a slot machine or a similar gaming machine, “a picture string composed of a plurality of pictures (specifically, a reel with a figure) is variably displayed (specifically In particular, it includes variable display means (specifically, a reel unit) for confirming and stopping display of the pattern sequence after the reel has been rotated), and the pattern is caused by the operation of the start operating means (specifically, the start lever). The change of the pattern is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (specifically, the stop button) or after the lapse of a predetermined time, and the fixed pattern at the time of the stop is the specific pattern As a necessary condition, a special gaming state (bonus game, etc.) that is advantageous to the player is given a privilege, etc., and a ball receiving tray (top plate, etc.) is provided and a game ball is taken in from the ball receiving tray. I do A gaming machine comprising an insertion device and a payout device for paying out a game ball to the ball tray, and the operation of the starting operation means is made effective when the game ball is inserted by the input device. There is also a type of gaming machine that combines a slot machine and a pachinko machine.

  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.

  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 the symbols, there are a “7” symbol (for example, the left belt 20th) and a “youth” symbol (for example, the left belt 19th) as the first special symbol for shifting to the big bonus game. In addition, there is a “BAR” symbol (for example, the 14th left belt) as the second special symbol for shifting to the regular bonus game. Further, there is a “replay” symbol (for example, the eleventh left belt) as a third special symbol for shifting to the replay game. In addition, a “watermelon” symbol (for example, the left belt ninth), a “bell” symbol (for example, the left belt eighth), and a “cherry” symbol (for example, left) as the small character symbols from which the small character is paid out. Belt 4th). 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 an activated combination line, that is, when a symbol is stopped in a predetermined combination on the activated line, a winning is won and a predetermined game medal (hereinafter also referred to as “medal”) is paid out or to a specific game. The migration process is 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 active line Pays out 12 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.

  As for other symbols, when the “7” symbol or “youth” 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 The 15 medals are also paid out when the “BAR” symbol which is a combination of 15 medal payouts and the second special symbol (regular bonus symbol) is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line. 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” symbols of the left reel 42L do 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 each of the reels 42L, 42M, 42R is rotated at a constant speed, and a stop operation is performed by lighting a lamp (not shown) during 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. Further, if attention is paid to the point that the medal insertion slot 75 has an operation of directly inserting a medal by the player, it can be said that the medal insertion port 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 And an auxiliary display unit 15 for giving information such as the number of medals paid out during the big bonus game 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 board 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. In addition, it is good also as a structure which connects a box base and a box cover so that opening is impossible using a key member.

  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. The power supply device 161 includes a power supply unit 161 a that supplies driving power to the electronic devices of the slot machine 10 including the main control device 131, the power failure monitoring circuit 161 b described above, and the like.

  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. For this reason, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 12 VDC in this example output from the power supply unit 161a, and determines that the power supply is shut off when the drive voltage drops below, for example, 10 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.

  The power supply unit 161a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 131 even when the output voltage is reduced to less than 10 volts. 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 the transmission has not been completed, the process is terminated and the process returns to the timer interrupt process to terminate the command transmission. 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. In consideration of, for example, the case where the power failure flag is set erroneously due to noise or the like, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is output until the infinite loop is entered. If the power failure signal is not output, the power failure state is restored, so that writing to the RAM 153 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. If the power outage signal is continuously output, the infinite loop is entered.

  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, a counter process for outputting the bet number of medals and the result of counting the number of payouts to the external concentration terminal board 171 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, a random number table for determining success / failure is selected based on the current setting state and gaming state of the slot machine 10 and the number of medals bet. 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. Here, the outline of the random number table will be described. In the present embodiment, the winning probability of the big bonus and the regular bonus is formed so as to be different in the random number table in each setting state. For example, the winning probability of the big bonus is about 1/300 in the “setting 1” random number table and about 1/240 in the “setting 6” random number table. On the other hand, the other small role probabilities are formed so as to have the same probability in each of the random number tables. For example, the role corresponding to the “Watermelon” symbol is won by about 1/80, the role corresponding to the “Bell” symbol is won by about 1/12, and the role corresponding to the “Cherry” symbol is selected. The winning combination is about 1/120, and the role corresponding to the “replay” symbol is won about 1/7. 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. Further, if the gaming state is a big bonus game state or a regular bonus game state described later, a dedicated table corresponding to each bonus game is selected.

  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, a slip 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. 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 determined in advance (for example, up to four symbols), the “watermelon” symbol may not stop on the lower line depending on the timing of pressing the stop switch. Even in the forced stop process in step S705, if the winning flag is set, the same process is performed.

  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, “combination of a combination” means that, for example, when a “watermelon” symbol is arranged on the upper line, a “cherry” symbol appears on the lower line when the “cherry” symbol appears on the lower 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 this stop eye determination process, when two reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not the two are aligned with a bonus symbol such as “7” symbol. If they are not aligned, the process proceeds to the next step as it is. When sound effects are generated from the speaker 14, 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. That is, in the above-described lottery process, a winning combination is made based on the random number table for JAC games, and in this embodiment, a winning combination corresponding to the JAC symbol is established in about 1/1. 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. When the JAC symbol is established in the small role game, one medal is paid out. The JAC game is the same as that of the RB game. In other words, during the small role game, in the above-described lottery process, a role is drawn based on the random number table for the small role game, and in this embodiment, a role corresponding to the “Bell” symbol is established with a probability of about two thirds. Then, a combination corresponding to the JAC symbol is established with a probability of about one third. In other words, the small role game random number table is configured not to win a winning combination corresponding to another small winning symbol such as a “watermelon” symbol. This is a device for reducing the load that the player stops aiming at each small role symbol. Furthermore, the small role game random number table is configured not to win a combination corresponding to a big bonus or a regular bonus. This is a contrivance not to give a game characteristic that provokes euphoria, such as winning a small role game or JAC inward by winning BB or RB again during the small role game, and acquiring a large number of medals. . 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. Further, in the present embodiment, as a BB game end condition, in addition to a predetermined number of games (the end of 30 games or the end of three JAC games), the number of medal payouts is a predetermined value (specifically, 465) It is configured to include a condition whether or not the value is reached. Therefore, when the number of medals paid out reaches 465, the BB game is ended without waiting for the end of 30 games or 3 JAC games. This is a contrivance so as not to increase the euphoria more than necessary.

  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 establishment), and the remaining JAC game counter represents the number of remaining JAC games (also referred to as the number of remaining JAC games). The remaining payout number counter represents the number of remaining medals that can be paid out during the BB game (also referred to as the remaining payout number). 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. The remaining payout number is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 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.

  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.

  When the bonus game is a BB game, a payout number adjustment process is performed in parallel with the special game state process to confirm whether or not the medal payout number has reached a predetermined value. The payout number adjustment process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1101, it is confirmed whether or not the small role symbols such as the “bell” symbol and the JAC symbol are aligned on the active line. If the small role symbols are ready, the process proceeds to step S1102, and a remaining payout number counter subtraction process is performed. Specifically, the number of payouts corresponding to the aligned symbols (for example, 12 if the “bell” symbols are aligned) is subtracted from the value of the remaining payout number counter. Such subtraction processing is performed in parallel with the above-described medal payout processing. In subsequent step S1103, the subtraction result of the remaining payout number counter is confirmed. When the subtraction result is 0 or less, special game state termination processing is performed in step S1104, and this processing is terminated. The special game state end process is the same as the special game state end process during the special game state process described above. By performing such processing, the maximum payout number of medals when the BB game ends when the predetermined number of medals has been reached reaches 479. Therefore, it is possible to set an upper limit for the number of payouts in the slot machine 10, and it is possible to prevent the game hall from suffering a great deal of damage according to the skill level of the player and excessively gambling the player. It becomes possible to do.

  Next, information notified by the auxiliary display unit 15 during the BB game will be described based on one embodiment shown in FIGS.

  When each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is stopped and a big bonus symbol such as “7” symbol is aligned on the active line, a message indicating that the auxiliary display unit 15 shifts to the BB game (this embodiment) Then, “BB game START!” Is displayed (FIG. 22A). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 22B, when the payout of medals reaches 465 in the substantially upper half area of the auxiliary display unit 15 (hereinafter referred to as “first area”), the BB game is ended. A message (in this embodiment, “BB finishes with 465 or more payouts”) is displayed, and the remaining number of medals that can be paid out in the lower half area (hereinafter referred to as “second area”). Is displayed. With the completion of the small role game or JAC game, that is, with the establishment of the “Bell” symbol or JAC symbol, the remaining medal payable number in the second area decreases (FIG. 22C), When the number is 0, a message congratulating the end of the BB game in the first display area is displayed (in this embodiment, “Wow, BB is finished!”) (FIG. 22). (D)). In addition, when the BB game is ended by the end of 30 small role games or the end of 3 JAC games, such a blessing message is not displayed.

  As described above, the setting value of the payout number at which the BB game ends in the first area is notified, and the remaining medal payable number is notified in the second area, so that a predetermined number of games (30 Rather than ending the BB game by playing a small role game or three JAC games), it is possible to make the player think that he wants to finish the BB game by acquiring as many medals as possible. The game in the BB game, which tends to be monotonous, can be made a game that motivates the challenge, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, if a small role game is in progress, 12 medals are paid out with a “bell” symbol with a probability of about two-thirds, and about one-third. With the probability, JAC symbols are arranged and one medal is paid out. If a JAC game is in progress, 15 medal payouts are made with JAC symbols at a probability of about 1/1. Accordingly, the average value of medals paid out per BB game is about 435, and when a game is played without any ingenuity, the BB game ends without reaching the predetermined value (465) of the number of medals paid out. Cases are common. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reel control is devised so that the set value can be reached according to the skill of the player. Specifically, when the middle reel 42M is stopped at the beginning of the small role game, the reel control in which the symbol corresponding to the winning combination on the middle line is stopped works, and then when the right reel 42R is stopped, the upper line is stopped. Reel control is performed in which the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is stopped. Finally, the medal payout is performed by stopping by aiming at the symbols aligned by the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R on the lower line of the left reel 42L. At this time, when the symbols aligned on the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R are JAC symbols ("replay" symbols), the eighth "bell" symbol to the twelfth "7" on the lower line of the left reel 42L. If the stop switch 72 is pressed to aim at the symbol or the 18th “watermelon” symbol to the second “replay” symbol, the reel control that does not align the JAC symbols will work and the game will end without shifting to the JAC game (see FIG. 7). When the stop switch 72 is pressed at such a position and the left reel 42L is slid to perform the control to align the “replay” symbols, the “replay” symbol and the “cherry” symbol above the two symbols are simultaneously established. This is because the result is inconsistent with the winning result of the combination based on the lottery process. Therefore, when the JAC symbol is established, by stopping by aiming at such a range of the left reel 42L, the medal of the medal can be paid out by aligning the “bell” symbols while avoiding the transition to the JAC game. The BB game can be ended by reaching the set value of the number of payouts.

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

  By setting a predetermined value as the upper limit on the number of medals to be paid out during the BB game, it is possible to prevent the game hall from suffering a great deal of damage according to the skill level of the player and excessively smashing the player Is possible. On the other hand, by notifying the predetermined value of the medal payout number and the payable number on the auxiliary display unit 15, the game in the BB game that tends to be monotonous can be made a game that will motivate the challenge. It becomes possible to enhance the interest of the game. Furthermore, there is a problem that a player who is accustomed to ending the BB game after the end of the predetermined game is confused that the BB game ends unexpectedly even though the predetermined game is not ended. It can be avoided.

  In the BB game initial setting process, the remaining payout number counter is set, and the counter value is subtracted when the small role symbol is established, and the result is displayed in the second area of the auxiliary display unit 15. Thus, it is possible to end the BB game on condition of the number of payouts while suppressing an increase in the processing load of the main control device 131. This is because, if a predetermined value is provided for the number of medals acquired by the player, processing for adding the number of medals bet is required.

  By adopting a configuration in which the remaining medal payable number is displayed in the second area of the auxiliary display unit 15, it is possible to avoid the possibility of the player becoming confused at the end of the BB game. If the medal payout amount is added and displayed in the second area of the auxiliary display unit 15, the player misunderstands the display as the number of acquired medals, that is, the net increase number obtained by subtracting the bet number from the paid out medal number Because there is a fear.

  A configuration in which the average value of the number of medals paid out per BB game is set to a value smaller than a predetermined value, and reel control is performed that can avoid the transition to the JAC game if the player performs a predetermined pressing operation. By doing so, it is possible to leave room for technical intervention by the player in the BB game. In addition, since it becomes easy to reach a predetermined value of the number of medals to be paid out according to the skill of the player, it is possible to suitably produce a sense of achievement when the BB game is ended by reaching the predetermined value. Furthermore, even for beginners of the game, the difference between the average value of the number of medals paid out per BB game and the predetermined value is 30 cards, that is, the difference of 3 “Bell” symbol formation. If you are lucky, you will reach a certain value, and you can enjoy the same feeling of achievement as a game expert.

  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, a message indicating that the BB game is over is displayed when the medal payout reaches 465 in the first area of the auxiliary display unit 15, and the remaining medals can be paid out in the second area. Although the number of displayed medals is displayed, the number of medals paid out may be displayed in the second area. Similarly, in the payout number adjustment process, a payout counter for adding the medal payout number is set and the value of the counter is added according to the payout number, and matches the predetermined value (465 pieces) of the medal payout number. It is good also as a structure which complete | finishes a BB game at the time of having performed. Even in such a configuration, the counter value may be added in accordance with the number of medals to be paid out, so that the BB game is terminated on the condition of the number of payouts while suppressing an increase in the processing load of the main control device 131. Is possible.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the payout number corresponding to the winning combination is subtracted from the remaining payout number counter, and the BB game is terminated when the result becomes 0 or less. The subtraction status of the number counter may be constantly checked, and the BB game may be terminated when it reaches zero. For example, when the predetermined value (465) is reached in the middle of paying out 15 medals associated with the establishment of the JAC symbol in the JAC game, the BB game is terminated without paying out 15 medals. In this case, the BB game can be completed without paying out the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination, but the game hall suffers a great deal of damage depending on the skill level of the player and It is possible to suppress excessive hitting. It should be noted that it is preferable to perform various effects using the auxiliary display unit 15 or the lighting member so that the player does not feel uncomfortable with the completion of the BB game without paying out the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination. .

  (C) In the above embodiment, when the medal payout reaches 465 in the first area of the auxiliary display unit 15, a message indicating that the BB game is finished is displayed, and the remaining medal can be paid out in the second area. The number of sheets is displayed. However, when the medal payout reaches 465, only a message indicating that the BB game is ended may be displayed.

  (D) In the above embodiment, a message indicating that the BB game is over is displayed when the medal payout reaches 465 in the first area of the auxiliary display unit 15, and the remaining medals can be paid out in the second area. Although the number of sheets is displayed, the present invention is not limited to such a structure as long as the BB game is finished when the number of payouts reaches a predetermined value. For example, two types of characters, a main character and an enemy character, are displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 to perform a confrontation effect. Then, a display effect in which the hero character attacks the enemy character is performed according to the established small character design, and when the payout number reaches a predetermined value, the enemy character recognizes the defeat. In such a configuration, the BB game can be ended without the player knowing that a predetermined value is provided for the number of payouts.

  (E) It is good also as a structure which displays how many times the BB game completion accompanying the setting value arrival was performed in the auxiliary | assistant display part 15. FIG. In this case, the player may appeal his / her skill to other players according to the number of display times, or may be immersed in the finish of the BB game when the predetermined value is reached in a normal game that is not in the BB game. It becomes possible.

  (F) In the above embodiment, a message indicating that the BB game is over is displayed when the medal payout reaches 465 in the first area of the auxiliary display unit 15, and the remaining medals can be paid out in the second area. In addition to this configuration, the number of bets may be displayed, but in addition to this, the number of bets obtained may be displayed by subtracting the number of bets from the number of acquired coins, that is, the number of payouts. With such a configuration, the player can play the game while grasping the number of possessed medals, and can play the game while taking into account the end timing of the game, for example.

  (G) In the above embodiment, the predetermined value of the number of medals paid out during the BB game is set to 465, but it goes without saying that the value is not limited to this value, and may be 479, for example. .

  (H) 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 are 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.

  (I) 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).

  (J) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the slot machine 10 is embodied has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are combined. 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. 7 is a flowchart showing payout number adjustment processing. Explanatory drawing which shows one embodiment in a BB game.

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 allows a visual recognition of some of the patterns for each of the endless belts;
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;
The drive means is controlled to start rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the start operation means and stop rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the stop operation means. Drive control means;
When each of the endless belts stops, a payout for paying out a predetermined number of game media based on a combination established based on a picture or a combination of pictures formed by the picture at an effective position visible from the display window With the device,
When each endless belt stops, a special game that continues until a predetermined number of games is completed on condition that a combination of specific pictures formed by the pictures is established at an effective position visible from the display window In a gaming machine configured to grant a state,
Special game ending means for ending the special game state before the predetermined number of games is ended when the number of game media paid out by the payout device during the special game state reaches a predetermined number;
An informing means for informing the player of information relating to the game;
A gaming machine comprising: notification control means for controlling the notification means to notify the specified number when the special gaming state occurs.

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