JP2005304624A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To maintain a player's expectation of leading out a plurality of kinds of winning display results. <P>SOLUTION: When a bonus is won or a small winning combination such as a watermelon or a bell is won in accordance with a winning condition notification command sent when the rotation of reels forming a variable display device is stopped, a double notification of the winning of both is made by displaying the the images of the watermelon and the bell on a liquid crystal display. At the time when the possibility that a display mode on the variable display device will win a small winning combination of the watermelon or the bell is eliminated by the stop of the reels, an image corresponding to a winning combination the possibility of winning of which is eliminated is erased from the display of the liquid crystal display. When the double notification is given during the winning of a bonus, even when the display mode on the variable display device eliminates the possibility of winning the small winning combination of the bell and/or the watermelon, there is a case where a corresponding image is not erased from the liquid crystal display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to a notification mode in the case of notifying determination information indicating that it is determined to permit the derivation of a first winning display result and a second winning display result.

  The slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral portion, and a winning is generated according to a display mode when rotation of all the reels is stopped. When a prize other than replay occurs, medals are paid out according to the type of the awarded prize, and the number of medals earned by the player increases. Furthermore, depending on the type of winning, the game state is shifted to a game state advantageous to the player, such as a big bonus or a regular bonus, and the player can acquire many medals in such a game state.

  In order for each winning combination to occur, it is necessary to win the internal lottery that is performed in advance (usually when the start lever is operated), and the winning flag must be set. Since it cannot be completely grasped, the player can expect to win a prize until the display result of the variable display device is derived. However, even if the display result of the variable display device is not derived, if the possibility of winning is informed, it is possible to increase the player's expectation, so many slot machines change the setting status of the winning flag. It has a function to notify (notify or notify).

  By the way, the rotations of the reels constituting the variable display device do not stop simultaneously but stop in stages. Therefore, the player's sense of expectation for winning is changed by starting the rotation of the reels and stopping the rotation of each reel. Thus, if the timing is used to produce an effect, it is possible to effectively produce a change in the player's expectation and improve the interest of the game.

  For example, there is a slot machine that selects an effect to be executed according to the symbol position when rotation of the reel is stopped (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, a number is displayed every time the reel rotation stops, and the number of medals to be paid out when the winning is generated with the total number of the numbers is substantially notified of the winning of the small role. (See, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-320072 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-797

  However, the slot machine of Patent Document 1 selects an effect to be executed when the rotation of any of the reels stops. For this reason, there is a case where there is no difference between what can be expected from the symbol itself displayed on the variable display device after rotation of the reel is stopped and what can be expected by the effect, and the effect of the effect is not high at all. Also, before the reels stopped rotating, it was not possible to give the player a sense of expectation through the production.

  In addition, in the slot machine of Patent Document 2, the total of the numbers displayed each time the rotation of the reels stops increases, so that the player can expect to win a combination that involves paying out medals. Yes, for example, in a slot machine with 8 and 15 cards, if both symbols are displayed when the first reel stops and the number displayed is 8 or less, both Can be expected to win. However, even if there is a possibility of winning both roles from the design of the symbols displayed on the variable display device when the next reel is stopped, the total number displayed is 9 or more. There was a problem that it would be impossible to expect a winning combination of 8 sheets.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine capable of maintaining the player's expectation for derivation of a plurality of types of winning display results as much as possible and improving the interest of the game.

To achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention includes:
A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and a plurality of types of identification information that can be individually identified in a plurality of variable display sections (reels 3L, 3C, 3R) are changed. One game is completed when the display result is derived to the variable display device (variable display device 2) to be displayed, and a winning can be generated according to the display result derived on the active line set in the variable display device. In the slot machine that
Whether to allow each of a plurality of types of winning display results including the first winning display result (bell) and the second winning display result (watermelon) to be derived before the display result of the variable display device is derived. Predetermining means (steps S101 to S107) for determining
First winning notification means (step S315) for performing an effect in a predetermined first effect mode when the prior determination means determines that the derivation of the first winning display result is permitted;
First winning notification means (step S315) for executing an effect in a predetermined second effect mode when it is determined by the prior determination means that the derivation of the second winning display result is allowed;
When it is determined by the pre-determining means that the derivation of the first winning display result is allowed or the derivation of the second winning display result is allowed, the effect in the first effect mode and the second A plurality of notification means (step S312) for performing a plurality of notification effects for simultaneously performing effects in the effect mode;
Identification information in the plurality of variable display units based on the determination result of the predetermining means when a predetermined stop condition (operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) corresponding to the plurality of variable display units is established. Fluctuation stop control means (steps S206, S210, S214) for stopping the fluctuation display of
The plurality of notifying means displays the first winning display result on the active line when the variable display in at least a part of the plurality of variable display units is stopped after the execution of the plurality of notification effects is started. When both the identification information constituting the identification information and the identification information constituting the second winning display result are derived, normal time continuous execution means for continuously executing the plurality of notification effects (steps S318 (Yes), S323 ( A slot machine comprising: Yes)).

  In the slot machine, the plurality of notification means may be configured so that the variable display in all of the plurality of variable display units is not stopped (that is, any identification information is not derived on the effective line). Execution of a plurality of notification effects can be started (step S312, FIG. 9A).

  In the slot machine, when it is determined that the derivation of the first winning display result is permitted, the production in the first production mode and the production in the second production mode are executed at the same time, It is indicated to the player that it has been decided to permit both derivations of the second winning display result. After starting the execution of the plurality of notification effects, the identification information constituting the first winning display result and the identification information constituting the second winning display result are derived on the active line (or any identification information is derived). If not), since the execution of the plurality of notification effects is continued, the derivation of the display result that is still likely to be derived by the display mode of the variable display device is not denied. For this reason, a player's expectation can be continued as much as possible, and the interest of the game can be improved.

In the above slot machine,
The variable display control means may cause the winning display result to be derived to any one of a plurality of active lines set in the variable display device. In this case,
The plurality of notifying means, when the variation display of the identification information in at least a part of the plurality of variable display parts is stopped, one effective line of the plurality of effective lines in the part of the variable display parts. When the identification information constituting the first winning display result is derived on the top and the identification information constituting the second winning display result is derived on another valid line other than the one valid line (step S318 (Yes), S323 (Yes)), and normal time execution start means for starting the execution of the plurality of notification effects.

  In this case, when the identification information constituting the first winning display result is derived on one effective line and the identification information constituting the second winning display result is derived on another effective line, Since the execution of a plurality of notification effects is started, the player can expect both the derivation of the first winning display result and the derivation of the second winning display result, and the interest of the game can be improved.

In the above slot machine,
The plurality of notifying means configures the first and second winning display results on the active line each time the variable display on the plurality of variable display units is stopped after the execution of the plurality of notification effects is started. It is determined whether or not the identification information has been derived (steps S318 and S323), and the normal-time execution ending means for ending the effect corresponding to the winning display result that cannot be derived on the active line (step S322, S327) may be provided.

  In this case, if any of the winning display results cannot be derived by the display mode of the variable display device every time the variable display on each variable display unit stops, the effect mode corresponding to the type of winning display result is displayed. Since the production is ended, the player is not bothered by meaningless production. On the other hand, since the presentation in the presentation mode corresponding to the winning display result of the type for which the possibility of derivation remains due to the display mode of the variable display device cannot be terminated, the player's derivation for the derivation of the winning display result of that type Expectation can be continued. In this way, it is possible to improve the interest of the game by giving the player a sense of expectation for the derivation of the winning display result as much as possible.

In the above slot machine,
The pre-determining means is a special display result (bonus) that is a display result that is different from the first and second winning display results and that triggers control to a special gaming state advantageous to the player. It may be determined whether or not it is allowed to be derived. In this case, the slot machine is
Special gaming state control for controlling the gaming state to the special gaming state when the special display result is derived to the variable display device based on the determination that the derivation of the special display result is permitted by the predetermining means. Means, and
The plurality of notifying means allow the derivation of the first winning display result and the derivation of the second winning display result when it is determined by the prior deciding means that the derivation of the special display result is allowed. Even when it is not determined that the user is allowed to perform the special notification execution start means (steps S306 to S308, S312) for starting the execution of the plurality of notification effects.

  In this case, the derivation of the special display result may be permitted when the execution of a plurality of notification effects is started even if there is no possibility of deriving the first or second winning display result due to the display mode of the variable display device. It has been decided. Thereby, it is possible to make the player expect that it is determined that the derivation of the special display result is permitted, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  Here, after the execution of the plurality of notification effects is started, the plurality of notification means is determined to permit the derivation of the special display result by the prior determination means (steps S319 and S324). Even when at least one of the identification information constituting the first winning display result and the identification information constituting the second winning display result is not derived on the active line, the plural notification effects are continued. Special time continuous execution means (steps S320, S321, S325, S326) may be provided.

  In this case, the derivation of the special display result is performed when the execution of the plurality of notification effects is continued even if there is no possibility of derivation of the first and / or second winning display results after the execution of the plurality of notification effects. It means that it is decided to allow. Thereby, it is possible to make the player expect that it is determined that the derivation of the special display result is permitted, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  Further, the special time continuation execution means starts the execution of the plurality of notification effects, and when it is determined by the prior determination means that the derivation of the special display result is allowed (steps S319 and S324). Even when neither the identification information constituting the first winning display result nor the identification information constituting the second winning display result is derived on the active line, It is also possible to continuously execute at least one of the effect and the effect in the second mode (steps S320, S321, S325, S326).

  In this case, at least one of the effect in the first effect mode and the effect in the second effect mode even if there is no possibility of deriving any of the first and second winning display results after the multiple notification effects are executed. Is continued, it means that it is determined that the derivation of the special display result is allowed. Thereby, it is possible to make the player expect that it is determined that the derivation of the special display result is permitted, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

Moreover, the said multiple alerting | reporting means may perform the said multiple alerting | reporting effect by the alerting | reporting effect aspect selected from the several types of alerting effect aspect (FIG. 9 (a) and FIG. 10 (a)) defined beforehand. In this case, the slot machine is
A mode of selecting a notification effect mode for executing the plurality of notification effects from the plurality of types of notification modes at different rates depending on whether or not it is determined by the prior determination means that the derivation of the special display result is permitted. Selection means (steps S307 and S310) may be further provided.

  In this case, the ratio at which it is determined that the derivation of the special display result is permitted depends on which type of notification effect is executed. For this reason, it is possible to give a player a sense of expectation that it is determined that the derivation of the special display result is allowed according to the notification effect mode of the plurality of notification effects, and to further improve the interest of the game Can do. In addition, since the proportion of the decision to allow the derivation of the special display result is different depending on the notification effect mode, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the notification effect mode of a plurality of notification effects. Can be improved.

Further, the prior determination means determines whether or not to allow a third winning display result (replay) to be derived as a winning display result other than the first and second winning display results and the special display result. May be. In this case, the slot machine is
When it is determined by the pre-determining means that the derivation of the third winning display result is allowed, the third winning notification means for executing the effect in a predetermined third effect mode is further provided. Can
The plurality of notification means can simultaneously execute the effect in the first effect mode and the effect in the third mode as the plurality of notification effects (FIG. 11A).
As the plurality of notification effects, the effect in the first effect mode and the effect in the second effect mode are executed simultaneously (FIG. 9A), the effect in the first effect mode and the third effect mode. The type of selecting at the same time (FIG. 11 (a)) whether or not to perform derivation at the same time depending on whether or not it is determined by the predetermining means that the derivation of the special display result is allowed Selection means may be provided.

  In this case, it is determined that the derivation of the special display result is allowed depending on whether the effect in the second effect mode or the effect in the third effect mode is executed simultaneously with the effect in the first effect mode. Will be different. For this reason, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that it has been determined that the derivation of the special display result is permitted according to the effect aspect of the effect performed simultaneously with the effect in the first effect aspect. In addition, the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, since the proportion of the fact that the derivation of the special display result is allowed is different depending on the effect mode of the effect executed simultaneously with the effect in the first effect mode, the game is also used in the notification effect mode of the multiple notification effects. Can attract attention, and can improve the interest as a production.

Further, the prior determination means determines whether or not to allow a third winning display result (replay) to be derived as a winning display result other than the first and second winning display results and the special display result. May be. In this case, the slot machine is
When it is determined by the pre-determining means that the derivation of the third winning display result is allowed, the third winning notification means for executing the effect in a predetermined third effect mode is further provided. Can
The plurality of notifying means can simultaneously execute the effect in the first effect mode, the effect in the second effect mode, and the effect in the third mode as the plurality of notification effects (FIG. 11B). ,
As the plurality of notification effects, the effect in the first effect mode and the effect in the second effect mode are executed simultaneously (FIG. 9A), the effect in the first effect mode, the second effect mode Whether or not the effect in the third effect mode and the effect in the third effect mode are executed at the same time (FIG. 11 (b)), whether or not it is determined that the derivation of the special display result is permitted by the prior determination means. According to this, it is possible to provide type selection means for selecting at different ratios.

  In this case, depending on which number of types is selected from the second winning display result and the second determination information is notified, the ratio of the determination that the derivation of the special display result is permitted is different. For this reason, it is possible to give a player a sense of expectation that it has been determined that the derivation of the special display result is permitted according to the number of types of the second winning display result for notifying the second determination information, Furthermore, the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, since the ratio that the derivation of the special display result is permitted is different depending on the number of types of the second winning display result for notifying the second determination information, the first determination information and the second determination information The player can also pay attention to the notification mode, and the interest as a production can be improved.

  In this case, the derivation of the special display result is allowed depending on whether only the effect in the second effect mode has been executed at the same time as the effect in the first effect mode, or whether the effect in the third effect mode has been executed. The percentages that are determined to be different will be different. For this reason, the player has a sense of expectation that it has been determined that the derivation of the special display result is allowed depending on which effect mode is executed simultaneously with the effect in the first effect mode. It can be given and the interest of the game can be further improved. In addition, since the ratio of the determination that the derivation of the special display result is permitted differs depending on the effect in which effect is executed simultaneously with the effect in the first effect, the notification effect of the plurality of notification effects A player can also be noted in the aspect, and the interest as a production can be improved.

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

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to this embodiment. The front door of the slot machine 1 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 and rotating it clockwise. A variable display device 2 is provided on the upper front side of the slot machine 1. Inside the variable display device 2, a reel unit 3 including three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR (see FIG. 3), respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, “red 7”, “blue 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “bell”, etc. are provided on the outer periphery of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. A plurality of types of symbols that can be distinguished from each other are drawn in a predetermined order. Each symbol on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is assigned a symbol number from 0 to 20, and can be individually specified by the type of the reel and the symbol number. Information relating to the symbol arrangement is stored in the ROMs 113 and 123 of the game control board 101 and the effect control board 102 described later.

  The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in the upper, middle, and lower three stages. Depending on the number of bets (1, 2, or 3), the variable display device 2 can be set with a total of five active lines, three in the upper, middle, and lower stages and two in the diagonal line. In the symbol arrangement of FIG. 2, depending on the symbol stop position, a plurality of types of symbols can be tempered on different effective lines (the symbols that are in the winning mode other than the final stop reel are aligned). In the reel unit 3, reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR (see FIG. 3) for detecting the reference positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and a reel lamp 3LP that irradiates light from the back surface. And are provided.

  Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 includes a game number display 51 (see FIG. 3) using a 7-segment display, and displays the value of a counter that counts the number of games and the number of winnings in a big bonus and a regular bonus described later. The game number display unit 21 may be used to display the value of a counter that counts the number of medals paid out during a big bonus, which will be described later.

  The credit display unit 22 is constituted by a credit display 52 (see FIG. 3) using a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out coins as will be described later. The payout display unit 23 is composed of a 7-segment display payout display 53 (see FIG. 3), and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is achieved.

  On the left side of the variable display device 2, a one-bet display unit 24, two-bet display units 25 and 26, and three-bet display units 27 and 28 are provided. The 1-sheet, 2-sheet, and 3-sheet betting display sections 24 to 28 correspond to the active lines, respectively, and the 1-sheet, 2-sheet, and 3-sheet betting lamps 54 to 58 (see FIG. 3) are turned on, The active line in each game is shown to the player. The 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting display sections 24 to 28 are also configured so that the 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting lamps 54-58 are in a blinking state when a winning combination to be described later is made, The active line that won the combination to be described later is shown to the player.

  On the right side of the variable display device 2, an insertion instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, a weight display unit 31, a replay display unit 32, and a game over display unit 33 are provided. The insertion instruction display unit 29 indicates that a medal can be inserted by turning on the insertion instruction lamp 59 (see FIG. 3). The start display unit 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 (see FIG. 3) is turned on, so that the start can be started, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted. The weight display unit 31 indicates that a weight to be described later is applied when the weight lamp 61 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. The replay display unit 32 indicates that a replay winning that will be described later has been made when the replay lamp 62 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. The game over display unit 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped by turning on the game over lamp 63 (see FIG. 3).

  On the upper side of the variable display device 2, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as a production means. The liquid crystal display 4 displays various effect images according to the gaming state. Examples of the effect by the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 include a small role notification effect and a double notification effect when a bell small role or a watermelon small role, which will be described later, is won. Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game.

  A medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a checkout button 16 are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2. The BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 3), which are turned on when the number of bets can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data, are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15. Has been.

  The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when the insertion medal sensor 44 detects the insertion of a medal when the insertion instruction unit 29 is lit, the number of bets is set. Alternatively, credits are accumulated as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When it is detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 3) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 3), the bet number from the credit is set. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing to pay out credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 3), medals corresponding to the credits accumulated as data are paid out.

  A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 3), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are started to be driven. 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate.

  The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at a desired timing, respectively, and the operations are stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 3). Is detected, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. The fact that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is possible is indicated to the player by turning on the operation effective lamps 63L, 63C, 63R (see FIG. 3) provided therein.

  Further, a panel that covers the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is applied as the bonus notification section 36. The bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that the bonus winning described later is possible when the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. Further, on the right side of the stop button 12R, there is provided a medal clogging elimination button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.

  On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 (see FIG. 3) to the outside. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 3) installed therein.

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

  Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, an effect by light is performed by light emission of game effect lamps 75 </ b> A to 75 </ b> M (see FIG. 3) as effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. Game effect display sections 5A to 5M are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5M perform effects by light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. Note that the light emission colors of the game effect display units 5A to 5M may be either single colors or multiple colors.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the slot machine 1. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the slot machine 1 is roughly divided into a power supply board 100, a game control board 101, an effect control board 102, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, and an external output board 105. .

  The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 3, only the game control board 101, the hopper 80, and the switches 91 to 94 are connected. However, the power supply board 101 also supplies power to other units. The power supply board 100 is provided in the slot machine 1 and is connected to a hopper 80 that includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation and a payout sensor 81 that detects a medal payout operation.

  The power supply board 100 sets a winning probability for an internal lottery to be described later, and a setting switch 91 and a setting switch 91 for changing setting values (setting 1 to setting 6) of medal payout rates calculated based on the probability. Are connected to a setting key switch 92 for enabling the operation, a second reset switch 93 for resetting the internal state (RAM 112), and a main switch 94 for switching the power ON / OFF, and detection of these switches. A signal is sent to the game control board 101. These switches 91 to 94 are provided inside the slot machine 1.

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

  The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1. To control. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.

  The random number generation circuit 115 is constituted by a counter that counts up and updates the value every time the system clock generates a predetermined number of pulses, for example, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 115. . The random number generation circuit 115 is provided for each type of random number used for the progress of the game, and a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number is determined. The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 according to the processing to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function).

  The CPU 111 also has a function of updating the numerical value of the specific address in the RAM 112 by timer interrupt processing and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function). The CPU 111 transmits various commands to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114 and outputs various signals to the external output board 105 via the reel relay board 103. Information (command, signal) is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 and the external output board 105 in only one direction, and information (command, signal) is sent from the effect control board 102 and the external output board 105 to the game control board 101. Signal) is not sent.

  Connected to the game control board 101 are a single BET switch 45, a MAXBET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a throw-in medal sensor 44. Detection signals from the switches / sensors are input. In addition, detection signals of the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR are input via the reel relay substrate 103. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.

  The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a game number display 51, a credit display 52, a payout display 53, a loading instruction lamp 59, a single betting lamp 54, two betting lamps 55, 56, Three betting lamps 57 and 58, a game over lamp 63, a start lamp 60, a replay lamp 62, BET button lamps 70a and 70b, and operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R are connected, and the CPU 111 follows the progress of the game. These operations are controlled.

  The game control board 101 is connected to reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR via a reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 refers to the reel control table corresponding to the gaming state in the ROM 113, controls the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3ML via the reel relay board 103, and stops the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of effects in the slot machine 1, and is equipped with a control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124. Yes. In addition, the random number generation circuit 125 and the sampling circuit 126 are mounted, and the CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126, so that the hardware random number function similar to that of the game control board 101 is obtained. Is forming. It also has a software random number function by interrupt processing.

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

  The effect control board 102 is connected with game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L, 7R, and 7U, a fluorescent lamp 6, a weight lamp 61, and a bonus notification lamp 66. A reel lamp 3LP is connected via a reel lamp relay substrate 104. The control unit of the effect control board 102 performs these effects by controlling these parts.

  The reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105 and the reel unit 3. The reel relay substrate 103 is also connected with a full sensor 90, and its detection signal is input. The full tank sensor 90 is provided inside the slot machine 1 and detects that the medals in the overflow tank storing the medals overflowed from the hopper 80 are full. The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3.

  The external output board 105 outputs various signals input via the reel relay board 103 to an external apparatus such as a test apparatus or a hall management computer. The signals input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103 and output to the outside of the external output board 105 include a regular bonus medium signal, a big bonus medium signal, a reel control signal, a stop switch signal, and a medal IN signal. , A medal OUT signal, and a winning status signal.

  In the slot machine 1, a winning is awarded when the symbols are arranged on the active line set according to the betting number of the variable display device 2. In order to win a prize, it is necessary to win an internal lottery and to set the internal winning flag of the combination. Also, medals are paid out in accordance with winning, and the gaming state is changed. Hereinafter, the combination determined as a winning will be described.

  In the normal gaming state, when three “BARs” are arranged on the active line corresponding to the number of bets, the regular bonus is won, and the gaming state shifts to the regular bonus. The regular bonus is ended by winning a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) in a game called a regular bonus game (JAC game) (“JAC” is on the active line: JAC winning).

  In the normal gaming state, when three “red 7” or “blue 7” are arranged on the active line corresponding to the number of bets, a big bonus is won and the gaming state shifts to the big bonus. In the big bonus, a game called a small role game can be performed, and in this small role game, “JAC” is arranged on the active line with a relatively high probability (JACIN winning). When winning JACIN, the above-mentioned regular bonus (JAC game) is provided. The big bonus ends when the number of paid out medals reaches 360.

  The RAM 112 of the game control board 101 is provided with a counter that counts the number of regular bonus games (including those provided during the big bonus), the number of winning games, and the number of medals paid out during the big bonus. Yes. When shifting to the regular bonus, the regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112. When shifting to the big bonus, a big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112. When a JAC game is provided by JACIN, a regular bonus medium flag is also set.

  In games other than the regular bonus game or JAC game, when “watermelon” or “bell” appears on the active line, or “cherry” appears on the left reel 3L, the watermelon, bell, and cherry Small role winning. If “JAC” is on the active line, except for the small role game, JAC game, and regular bonus game that are provided during the big bonus period, a replay prize will be awarded. When other display modes are derived and displayed on the variable display device 2, no winning combination has been won, that is, the game is lost.

  In this embodiment, “pocket” refers not only to the watermelon, bell, cherry, and procedure notification small roles, but in particular, in the case of replay or the like (replay, JAC and JACIN) May be included. A simple “bonus” includes a big bonus and a regular bonus unless otherwise specified. The same applies not only to the type of combination but also to the case of winning or winning flags.

  When there is a winning combination as described above, the number of medals corresponding to each winning combination is paid out (except for the case where the winning combination is 50 until the number of credits reaches 50). A corresponding number of credits are accumulated as data, and in this case as well, medals are paid out as valuable value). In addition, the number of medals to be paid out is 15 in all cases, except that there are 8 bell small roles and 2 cherry small roles. In the case of a replay winning, the same number of bets as the current game can be automatically set and the game can be started as it is, even if the player does not set the number of bets from the current medal or credit in the next game. Become.

  Next, the internal lottery will be described. The internal lottery is to determine whether or not winnings to each combination described later is permitted before the display result of the variable display device 2 is derived and displayed (actually, when the start lever 11 is operated). The internal lottery random number acquired using the hardware random number function for each game, the setting by the setting switch 91, the bet number set by the player, and the winning determination prepared in the ROM 113 based on the current gaming state This is performed by the CPU 111 by referring to the table. Winning in the internal lottery is exclusive, and a plurality of winnings are not won simultaneously in one game. When a winning combination is won in the internal lottery, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the game. As the display result of the variable display device 2, only the winning combination for which the winning flag is set is derived.

  Note that the small role (including replay etc.) winning flag will be deleted at the end of each game and will not be carried over to the next game, but the bonus winning flag will not be awarded in the game. , Carried over after the next game. When the bonus winning flag is carried over, there are times when the bonus winning flag and the winning flag such as a small role are overlapped. In this case, for the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, Etc. have priority. Further, when the bonus winning flag has been carried over from the previous game, no further bonus winning is performed.

  Information regarding the setting status of the winning flag set based on the result of the above internal lottery is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 after the internal lottery of each game as a winning status notification command. When the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, information indicating the type of the stopped reel and the type of the symbol stopped in the middle stage of the variable display device 2 is a reel stop command for each game control board 101. To the effect control board 102.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a winning status notification command transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. The winning status notification command 301 indicates whether the regular bonus winning flag and the big bonus winning flag are set by 1 bit each and the remaining small role (including replay etc.) winning flag setting status by 3 bits. . In addition to the setting status of the winning flag, whether the current gaming state is a big bonus or a regular bonus (whether the bonus flag is set in the RAM 112) is indicated by one bit.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a reel stop command transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. The reel stop command 302 indicates the type of the stopped reel in 2 bits, and the symbol number of the symbol stopped at the middle stage of the variable display device 2 for the reel in 5 bits. If the middle stage symbol can be identified, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 can identify all symbols stopped in the upper, middle and lower stages for the reel based on the information related to the arrangement of symbols stored in the ROM 123.

  The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an effect by independent control based on the command sent from the game control board 101. Such an effect is to display an image corresponding to the winning combination on the liquid crystal display 4 when winning the small role of Bell or when winning the small role of watermelon. There is a small role announcement effect to announce. In addition, it is announced simultaneously by displaying the image corresponding to the symbol on the liquid crystal display 4 that the small part of the bell and the small part of the watermelon are elected (however, only one is actually elected). There is a double announcement production. As a double notification effect, there are a first mode in which “bell” is displayed on the left and “watermelon” is displayed on the right, and a second mode in which “bell” is displayed on the right and “watermelon” is displayed on the left.

  Whether or not to execute the double notification effect according to the random number value extracted by the software random number function and the determination table for the small role winning selection stored in the ROM 123 when the winning combination of the bell or watermelon is won by the winning status notification command 301 Is determined. When the double notification effect is to be executed, it is also determined whether the double notification effect is to be the first mode or the second mode.

  When it is determined to execute the double notification effect, the images of “bell” and “watermelon” are displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the determined mode, but when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped respectively. When there is no possibility of winning a winning combination due to the display mode of the symbols on the variable display device 2 by the reel stop command 302 sent to, an image corresponding to the winning combination that has lost the possibility of winning is displayed from the liquid crystal display 4. The display is erased.

  As far as the double notification effect and the small role notification effect are concerned, the possibility of winning is constituted by a part or all of the display mode of the role in the display mode in the variable display device 2 even if the winning flag is not set. It is judged that there is a possibility of winning a prize for the part that is present. In addition, as far as the double notification effect and the small role notification effect are concerned, there is a possibility of winning a winning combination for a winning combination after the display result has already been derived on the variable display device 2 and a winning combination. It is determined that there is no possibility of winning.

  The double announcement effect may be performed only when the big bonus or the regular bonus is won, even if neither the bell nor the watermelon small role is won. When one of the bonuses is won by the winning status notification command 301, it is determined whether or not to execute the double notification effect according to the random number value extracted by the software random number function and the bonus winning determination table stored in the ROM 123. The When the double notification effect is to be executed, it is also determined whether the double notification effect is to be the first mode or the second mode. The probability that a double announcement effect will be executed when a bonus is won differs from the probability that is determined when a bell or watermelon is won, and the probability that the second mode is determined when a bonus is won is Or it is higher than the probability that a 2nd aspect will be determined at the time of a watermelon winning.

  When a double notification effect is performed at the time of winning the bonus, even if there is no possibility of winning a small part of a bell or a watermelon due to the display mode of the symbols on the variable display device 2, images corresponding to the symbols are displayed on the liquid crystal display. The display may not be erased from 4. In addition, when a big bonus or regular bonus and a bell or watermelon small role are both won, it is decided whether or not to execute the double notification effect at the time of winning the bonus, and it is decided not to do so. In addition, it is determined whether or not to execute the double notification effect at the time of winning the bell or small role.

  Also, if it is determined that the double notification effect will not be executed as a result of the lottery of whether or not to execute the double notification effect, whether or not the small role notification effect is executed according to the random number value extracted by the software random number function Is determined. When it is decided to execute the small role announcement effect, an image corresponding to the winning role is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, but in the case of a watermelon small role, even if it is won Since the winning is not always performed, the corresponding image is deleted from the liquid crystal display 4 when the possibility of winning is lost. In the small role announcement production when the bonus is won, the small role announcement production may continue even if the possibility of winning is lost.

  Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the term “game” means, in a narrow sense, from the operation of the start lever 11 until the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. However, when a game is played, the number of bets before the operation of the start lever 11 is set, and medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. Is also included in the “game” in a broad sense. It should be noted that the transmission of commands from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 and the processing of effects based on the commands will be described only for those relating to the present invention.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing for one game executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. This process is also executed after the power is turned on and a predetermined boot process is performed, or immediately after the setting is changed by operating the setting switch 91. When the process of one game is started, first, an initial process including a process of clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 112 is performed (step S1).

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

  When the bet number is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, an internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not the winning of each winning combination is allowed according to the set value, the bet number and the gaming state, A lottery process for setting a winning flag according to the result is performed (step S3). Details of the lottery process will be described later.

  When the lottery process ends, a reel fluctuation start process is performed (step S4). In the reel fluctuation start process, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the previous game are processed on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to start rotation of all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Thereby, the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display device 2. Here, when a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of rotation in the previous game, the rotation is awaited for rotation, and the weight display unit 31 is notified by lighting the weight lamp 61. Also, the timing of one game timer for the next game is started.

  Thereafter, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S5). In the reel fluctuation stop process, after a predetermined condition is established from the start of reel rotation (the reference position is detected by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed), the stop buttons 12L, 12C , 12R is enabled, and each is operated by the player, thereby stopping the driving of the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR according to the setting status of the winning flag and the stop operation timing, and rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Stop. Further, when the elapsed time after the predetermined condition is satisfied reaches a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is forcibly stopped. Details of the reel fluctuation stop process will be described later.

  When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, in the display mode at the time of stopping, is any of the above-mentioned role symbols derived and displayed on the active line corresponding to the bet number set in the BET process in step S2 A winning determination process for determining whether or not is performed (step S6). If it is determined in this winning determination process that a winning combination has been won, various processes corresponding to the winnings generated on the game control board 101 are performed.

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

  Next, the lottery process in step S3 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail the lottery process executed by the CPU 111 in step S3. First, a random number for internal lottery is extracted using the hardware random number function, and the extracted random number value is temporarily stored in the RAM 112 (step S101). Further, the random number value temporarily stored in the RAM 112 is determined according to the probability setting by the setting switch 91, the number of bets set in the BET process in step S2, and the current gaming state (normal, regular bonus, and big bonus). Compare with the table for use (step S102).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the bonus winning flag is carried over to the RAM 112 from the game before the game (step S103). If the bonus winning flag is not carried over from the game before the game, it is determined whether or not any type of bonus is won as a result of comparing the random number value with the winning determination table in step S102 (step S102). S104). If any type of bonus has been won, a bonus winning flag of the type selected is set in the RAM 112 (step S105). Then, the process proceeds to step S108.

  If the bonus winning flag has been carried over from the game prior to the game in step S103, or if the bonus has not been won in step S104, any kind of small role (including replay etc.) It is determined whether or not it has been won (step S106). If any type of small combination is won, a winning flag for the selected type of small combination (including replay and the like) is set (step S107). Then, the process proceeds to step S108. If any kind of small combination (including replay and the like) is not won, the process directly proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, the winning status notification command 301 is generated based on the setting status of the winning flag for each combination in the RAM 112 and the bonus flag set in the RAM 112 according to the gaming state, and is transmitted to the effect control board 102. To do. Then, the lottery process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the reel fluctuation stop process in step S5 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the reel fluctuation stop process executed by the CPU 111 in step S5. First, after the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R reaches a constant speed, there is a predetermined condition that enables the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R to stop the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R to detect the reference position after all. It is determined whether or not it is established (step S201).

  If this predetermined condition is not satisfied, the process of step S201 is repeated, and the process waits for the predetermined condition to be satisfied. If this predetermined condition is met (has been met), the reel timer for forcibly stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started (step S202). Further, the left, middle, and right stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are enabled to operate, and the respective operation enable lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R are turned on (step S203). Then, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, it is determined whether the left stop button 12L is operated based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42L. If it is determined that the left stop button 12L has not been operated, the process directly proceeds to step S208. If it is determined that the left stop button 12L is being operated, the left stop button 12L is disabled, and the operation enable lamp 63L is turned off (step S205).

  Next, a stop symbol is selected based on the current symbol position and the setting status of the winning flag in the RAM 112, and the rotation of the left reel 3L is stopped so that the selected symbol is positioned in the middle stage (step S206). Further, it is the left reel 3L that has stopped, and a reel stop command 302 that can identify the symbol number stopped in the middle is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S207). Then, the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S208, based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42C, it is determined whether or not the middle stop button 12C is being operated. If it is determined that the middle stop button 12C is not operated, the process proceeds to step S212. If it is determined that the middle stop button 12C is being operated, the middle stop button 12C is disabled, and the operation valid lamp 63C is turned off (step S209).

  Next, a stop symbol is selected based on the current symbol position and the setting status of the winning flag in the RAM 112, and the rotation of the reel 3C in the middle is stopped so that the selected symbol is positioned in the middle stage (step S210). Further, a reel stop command 302 capable of specifying the symbol 3C stopped in the middle stage and the symbol number stopped in the middle stage is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S211). Then, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S212, it is determined whether the right stop button 12R is operated based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42R. If it is determined that the right stop button 12R has not been operated, the process directly proceeds to step S216. If it is determined that the right stop button 12R is operated, the right stop button 12R is disabled, and the operation enable lamp 63R is turned off (step S213).

  Next, a stop symbol is selected based on the current symbol position and the setting status of the winning flag in the RAM 112, and the rotation of the right reel 3R is stopped so that the selected symbol is positioned in the middle stage (step S214). Further, it is the right reel 3R that has stopped, and a reel stop command 302 that can specify the symbol number stopped in the middle stage is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S215). Then, the process proceeds to step S216.

  In step S216, it is determined whether all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. When all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the reel fluctuation stop processing is ended and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, if any one of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R has not stopped, it is determined whether or not the reel stop timer that started timing in the reel variation start process has counted a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Determination is made (step S217). If the reel stop timer has not timed the predetermined time, the process returns to step S204, and the processes of steps S204 to S214 are repeated.

  When the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped in steps S206, S210, S214, if the bell winning flag or the replay winning flag is set, the “bell” "JAC" is aligned and stopped. Even if the winning flags of other combinations (including the watermelon small combination) are set, depending on the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, the symbol of the winning combination is not aligned on the active line There is also.

  When the reel stop timer measures a predetermined time, the CPU 111 is caused to input the same signal as the signal from the stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R that have not stopped rotating. Assume that all the remaining stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated (step S218). Then, the process returns to step S204, and the rotation of the remaining reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.

  In the repetition of the game as described above, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 shifts the game state between the normal game state, the regular bonus, and the big bonus, and controls the command according to the progress of the game. It is transmitted to the substrate 102. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an original effect based on the command received from the game control board 101. Hereinafter, processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 for performing various effects (particularly bonus notification and small role notification) will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. On the side of the effect control board 102, it is determined whether or not a command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S301). Until the command is received, the processing in step S301 is repeated, and the command is waiting to be received. When any command is received from the game control board 101, the type of the received command is determined (step S302).

  If the type of the received command is the winning status notification command 301 transmitted in step S108, first, information on the winning status of each role indicated by the winning status notification command 301 is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 112 in the previous time. The data received by the game is overwritten and saved (step S303). At this time, all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R have been rotated, so the stop symbol information stored in the RAM 112 in the previous game is cleared (step S304).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the information related to the winning situation stored here indicates that a big bonus or a regular bonus is in effect (step S305). If any bonus is indicated, the double notification effect and the small role notification effect are not performed anyway, and the process directly returns to step S301.

  If it is indicated that none of the bonuses is present, it is determined whether or not the information on the winning status stored in the RAM 112 indicates either a big bonus or a regular bonus (step S306). If any bonus win is indicated, the software random number function will extract a random number for determining the double notification effect, and refer to the extracted random number value and the bonus winning determination table to determine the bonus winning ratio. Accordingly, whether or not to execute the double notification effect is determined, and if so, the mode of the double notification effect is also determined (step S307). Here, it is determined whether or not to execute the double notification effect is determined (step S308). If it is determined to execute the double notification effect, the process proceeds to step S312.

  If the information on the winning status stored in the RAM 112 does not indicate any bonus winning, it is determined whether or not the information indicates the winning of a small bell or watermelon role (step S309). If the winning combination of watermelon or bell is indicated, a random number for determining the double notification effect is extracted by the software random number function, and the extracted small random value and the determination table for winning the small role are referred to. Whether or not to execute the double notification effect according to the time ratio is determined, and if so, the mode of the double notification effect is also determined (step S310). Here, it is determined whether or not to execute the double notification effect is determined (step S311). If it is determined to execute the double notification effect, the process proceeds to step S312.

  In step S312, images of “bell” and “watermelon” are displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the mode determined in step S307 or S310, and a double notification effect is executed. Then, the process returns to step S301. If it is determined in step S309 that neither a watermelon or a bell small role has been won, the process directly returns to step S301.

  If it is determined in step S308 or S311 that it is determined that the double notification effect will not be executed, one of the bell small role or the watermelon small role is selected. A random number for determination is extracted, and it is determined whether or not to execute a small role notification effect for notifying that the winning combination is won according to the value of the extracted random number (step S313). Here, it is determined whether or not to execute the small role notification effect is determined (step S314).

  If it is determined that the execution of the small role announcement effect is determined, an image (one of “Bell” or “Watermelon”) corresponding to the type of the selected small role is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. Then, a small role notification effect is executed (step S315). Then, the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, if it is determined that the small role notification effect is not executed, the process directly returns to the process of step S301.

  If the received command type is the reel stop command 302 transmitted in step S207, S211 or S215, the corresponding reel is variably displayed based on the reel type and symbol number indicated by the reel stop command 302. The symbols stopped in the upper, middle and lower stages of the apparatus 2 are specified, and information relating to the specified symbols is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 112 (step S316).

  Next, depending on whether the double notification is executed in step S312 or the small role notification is executed in step S315, the winning of the bell small role and / or the watermelon small role is notified (double notification has been made) Thereafter, it is determined whether or not it is in one of “bell” or “watermelon” (step S317). If neither the bell small combination nor the watermelon small combination is in the state of notifying the winning, the process directly returns to step S301.

  If it is in a state where the winning of the small part of the bell and / or the small part of the watermelon is announced, the display mode of the symbol in the variable display device 2 becomes a display mode that leaves a possibility of winning the small part of the bell. It is determined whether or not (step S318). If the display mode leaves the possibility of winning the small part of the bell, the process proceeds to step S323. If the display mode does not leave the possibility of winning the bell small role, it is determined whether the big bonus or the regular bonus is won based on the information indicating the winning status stored in the RAM 112 (step S319). . If no bonus is won, the process proceeds to step S322.

  When one of the bonuses is won, it is determined whether or not to delete the “bell” image among the images displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 based on the random number value extracted by the software random number function. (Step S320). Here, it is determined whether or not it is determined to delete the “Bell” image (step S321). If it is determined not to delete the “Bell” image, the process proceeds to step S323. When it is determined to delete the “Bell” image, only the “Bell” image is displayed and deleted from the images displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (step S322), and the process of step S323 is performed. move on.

  In step S323, it is determined whether or not the symbol display mode of the variable display device 2 is a display mode that leaves a possibility of winning a watermelon small role. If the display mode leaves the possibility of winning a watermelon small combination, the process directly returns to step S301. If the display mode does not leave the possibility of winning a watermelon small role, it is determined whether the big bonus or the regular bonus is won based on the information indicating the winning situation stored in the RAM 112 (step S324). . If no bonus has been won, the process proceeds to step S327.

  When one of the bonuses is won, it is determined whether to delete the “watermelon” image among the images displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 based on the random number value extracted by the software random number function. (Step S325). Here, it is determined whether or not it has been decided to delete the image of “watermelon” (step S326). If it is determined not to delete the display of the “watermelon” image, the process directly returns to step S301. When it is determined to delete the “watermelon” image, only the “watermelon” image is deleted from the images displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (step S327), and the process of step S301 is performed. Return.

  In addition, when a double notification effect or a small role notification effect is executed by winning a watermelon or a bell, the image of the symbol corresponding to the role that has lost the possibility of winning a prize due to the display mode of the symbol on the variable display device 2, The display is always erased from the liquid crystal display 4. In other words, as long as there is a possibility of winning a watermelon or a bell small combination depending on the display mode of the variable display device 2, the notification of the combination is continued.

  On the other hand, when a double notification effect or a small role notification effect is executed due to the bonus winning, even if the image of the symbol corresponding to the symbol that has lost the possibility of winning due to the symbol display mode in the variable display device 2 is liquid crystal It may remain displayed on the display 4. Therefore, when the image corresponding to the winning combination that has lost the possibility of winning is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, the player is notified that the bonus has been won.

  If the received command type is another command, processing corresponding to each command type is executed (step S328). Since these other processes are not directly related to the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Thereafter, the process returns to step S301.

  Hereinafter, the double notification effect executed in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described based on a specific example. FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating first and second examples of double notification effects in the slot machine 1, respectively.

  In the first example shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the small part of the bell is won. In this case, when it is determined that the double notification effect is to be executed, it is often determined that the double notification effect is performed in the first mode in which “bell” is displayed on the left and “watermelon” is displayed on the right. If it is determined that the double notification effect is to be performed in the first mode, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate, both the bell and the watermelon There is still a possibility of winning a prize, and the “bell” image is displayed on the left side of the liquid crystal display 4 and the “watermelon” image is displayed on the right side.

  Next, if the left reel 3L is stopped by the operation of the stop button 12L, and "watermelon", "bell", and "cherry" are led out to the upper, middle, and lower tiers, respectively, the watermelon is still in the small part of the bell at this point. Since there is still a possibility of winning a prize in the small role, the images of “bell” and “watermelon” are still displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 as shown in FIG. 9B.

  Next, if the reel 3C in the middle is stopped by the operation of the stop button 12C, and “blue 7”, “bell”, and “watermelon” are led out to the upper, middle, and lower stages, respectively, “bell” appears on the middle effective line. Even though there is a chance of winning a prize for Bell's small role, "Watermelon" is not aligned on any active line, and there is no possibility of winning for a watermelon's small role. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9C, the “bell” image remains displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, but the “watermelon” image is deleted from the liquid crystal display 4.

  Furthermore, when the stop button 12R is operated and the right reel stops and “blue 7”, “bell”, and “JAC” are derived in the upper, middle, and lower tiers, the “bell” is aligned on the middle effective line. It becomes what won the small role of Bell. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9D, the “bell” image remains displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. However, in the double announcement production that was performed when winning the watermelon small role, if you did not win either the bell small role or the watermelon small role, the image of "Bell" The display is erased from the liquid crystal display 4.

  In the second example shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that a bonus is won. In this case, when it is determined that the double notification effect is to be executed, it is often determined that the double notification effect is performed in the second mode in which “bell” is displayed on the right and “watermelon” is displayed on the left. If it is determined that the double notification effect is to be performed in the second mode, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate, both the bell and the watermelon There is still a possibility of winning a prize, and the “bell” image is displayed on the right side of the liquid crystal display 4 and the “watermelon” image is displayed on the left side.

  It is assumed that when all of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped, no symbols are arranged on the effective line. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 10B, the “bell” symbol is not erased from the liquid crystal display 4. Even if you did not win any of the roles, the “Bell” symbol is still displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. Without knowing that the bonus was won.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, when the bell small part or the watermelon small part is elected, the fact that the bell small part is elected and the watermelon small part is elected. There is a case where a double notification effect in which both of the fact that the user is doing is notified is performed. When the double notification effect is not performed, a small role notification effect may be performed in which it is notified that the bell small role is won or the watermelon small role is selected.

  The images of “Bell” and “Watermelon” displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 by these effects still have the possibility of winning according to the display mode of the variable display device 2 (all of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R). As long as there is fluctuation, or as long as some reels stop and symbols are on separate active lines), they will remain displayed and will not be erased. For this reason, in the display mode of the variable display device 2, the winning of the winning combination is not denied by the production, and the player's expectation is continued as much as possible to improve the interest of the game. be able to.

  Further, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is sequentially stopped by operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R, and the symbols are derived respectively, but are displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 after the double notification effect is executed. Of the “bell” and “watermelon” images, only those who have lost the possibility of winning due to a new reel stop are deleted. The image corresponding to the winning combination with the possibility of winning is not deleted. For this reason, if there is a winning combination that can be won in the display mode of the variable display device 2, the winning combination of the remaining winning combination will not be denied by the production, and the player can have a sense of expectation. It can continue as long as possible to improve the interest of the game. In addition, since the symbol corresponding to the role that is no longer likely to be won due to the display mode of the variable display device 2 is deleted from the liquid crystal display 4, the player is not bothered by meaningless effects.

  On the other hand, for the bell small role, if you are elected, you can always derive the symbol of “Bell” on the active line and make it a temper → win, but the watermelon small role is won. In other words, the “watermelon” symbol is not necessarily derived on the active line, and there are times when the tempering is not performed or when the tempering is not performed. When the possibility of winning is lost, the image of “watermelon” is always erased from the liquid crystal display 4, so that even if it is missed by the player's operation when winning, There is no notice.

  In addition, when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a double notification effect or a small role notification effect may be performed even if a bell or watermelon small role is not won. In this case of double notification or small role notification effect, the liquid crystal display 4 displays an image corresponding to a role (including a role that has not actually won a prize) that has lost the possibility of winning due to the display mode of the variable display device 2. May remain. When a double notification effect or a small role notification effect is performed in this way, it means that a bonus winning flag is set, so this can increase the player's expectation for bonus winning, Furthermore, the interest of the game can be improved.

  In addition, there are two types of double announcement effects: the first mode with “bell” on the left and “watermelon” on the right, and the second mode with “bell” on the right and “watermelon” on the left. In the double notification effect at the time of winning, the probability that the second mode is selected is higher than the double notification effect at the time of winning the small role of bell or watermelon. For this reason, in particular, the player can be expected to win a bonus due to the double notification effect of the second aspect, and the player's sense of expectation can be raised and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, the player can be made aware of the difference in the aspect of the double notification effect, and the interest as the effect can be improved.

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

  In the above embodiment, since the same determination table is used both when winning the small role of Bell and when winning the small role of watermelon, it is determined that the double notification effect is executed. Had the same probability. On the other hand, when determining whether or not the double notification effect is executed using a separate determination table when the small part of the bell is won and when the small part of the watermelon is selected, for example, the bell When a small combination is won, a double small combination effect may be executed at a relatively high frequency.

  In the above embodiment, the two small roles that are the targets of the double notification effect and the small role notification effect are the bell and the watermelon, but cherry and replay (here, described as being included in the concept of the small role) Yes) may be the target. When cherry and replay are also targeted, a small role notification effect can be performed by setting a winning flag for the targeted small role (cherry or replay) or by setting a bonus winning flag. . Furthermore, not only the double announcement effect that announces the winning of two small roles (including replay), but also the triple notification effect that announces the winning of three small roles (including replay) (multiple notification effects together with the double notification effect) Can also be performed).

  Here, for example, consider a case where only two selected from bell, watermelon, and replay are targeted for double notification. “Bell” is always displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 when the small part of the bell is won. The other symbol is selected from either “watermelon” or “JAC” and displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. Even when the bonus is won, the “bell” may be selected without fail, and the other symbol may be selected from “watermelon” and “JAC”. In this case, the double notification effect can be executed in the display mode shown in FIG. 9A and the display mode shown in FIG. In addition, the rate at which “JAC” is selected and the double notification effect is executed as shown in FIG. 11A may be higher than when the bell small role is won.

  In this case, “JAC” is displayed together with “Bell” and the double notification effect is executed, rather than “Watermelon” together with “Bell” and the double notification effect is executed. This can increase the player's expectation for winning the bonus. Further, since the types of symbols displayed in the double notification effect are various, it is possible to increase the player's attention to the double notification effect and improve the interest of the game. In addition, the distinction of the display mode by the difference in the display position of the symbols as in the first mode and the second mode described above can be combined.

  Further, consider a case where two or three are selected from bell, watermelon, and replay and a plurality of notification effects are performed. “Bell” is always displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 when the small part of the bell is won. In addition, one of “watermelon” and “JAC” is selected and a plurality of notification effects are executed in the display mode as shown in FIG. 9A or FIG. 11A, or both of them are selected. A plurality of notification effects will be executed in a display mode such as 11 (b). If you are performing multiple announcements when you win a bonus here, make sure that the probability of selecting both “Watermelon” and “JAC” is higher than when you win the small role of Bell. Also good.

  In this case, both “Watermelon” and “JAC” together with “Bell” are displayed together with “Bell” rather than the case where only one of “Watermelon” or “JAC” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 and the double notification effect is executed. Is displayed and a triple notification effect is executed, it is possible to increase the player's expectation for winning the bonus. Further, since the types of symbols displayed in the multiple notification effects are various, it is possible to increase the player's attention to the multiple notification effects and improve the interest of the game. In addition, the distinction of the display mode by the difference in the display position of the symbols as in the first mode and the second mode described above and the display mode by the type of symbol to be selected when only one is selected may be combined. it can.

  In the above-described embodiment, the display mode of the winning combination is configured by a combination of the same type of symbols, but may be configured by a combination of different types of symbols. For example, if two display modes of “Red 7-JAC-JAC” and “Blue 7-JAC-JAC” are displayed as winning combinations as different small roles (the winning flags are set separately), double these It may be a role to be notified. Here, even if only one effective line is set for betting one sheet, the double notification effect can be performed.

  In this case, if the middle reel 3L and the right reel 3C stop first and “JAC” is aligned on the active line, both “red 7” and “blue 7” are displayed from the liquid crystal display 4. The double notification effect can be continuously executed without deleting the display. When the left reel 3L stops first and only “red 7” is derived, “blue 7” cannot be deleted from the liquid crystal display 4. When the left reel 3L stops and neither “red 7” nor “blue 7” is derived, both “red 7” and “blue 7” can be erased from the liquid crystal display 4. However, when the bonus is won and the double notification is executed, even if the left reel 3L stops and “red 7” and / or “blue 7” are not derived, the corresponding image is displayed on the liquid crystal display. It is not necessary to delete the display from 4.

  In the above embodiment, when the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 receives the winning status notification command 301, that is, when the player operates the start lever 11 to start the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The execution of the double notification effect and the small role notification effect was to be started. On the other hand, in the double notification effect and the small role notification effect, when the first reel stop command is received, that is, the player operates one of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R, and the reels 3L, 3C, The execution may be started when the first of the 3Rs stops.

  Also in this case, the image corresponding to the winning combination that has lost the possibility of winning after executing the double notification effect or the small role notification effect can be deleted from the liquid crystal display 4. However, after executing the double notification effect or the small role notification effect based on the bonus winning, the image corresponding to the role that has lost the possibility of winning a prize may not be deleted from the liquid crystal display 4. It can be a bonus announcement effect.

  Further, when executing a double notification effect or a small role notification effect at this timing, whether or not to perform these effects can be determined when the winning status notification command 301 is received. When the symbol corresponding to the effect determined when the first one of 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped is not derived to the variable display device 2, it corresponds to the symbol that has not been derived. The image may not be displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. For example, if it has been decided to perform a double announcement effect on “Bell” and “Watermelon”, but the first reel stops and only the “Bell” symbol is derived, the LCD 4 Only the “bell” image may be displayed.

  In the above embodiment, the double notification effect (and also the triple notification effect in the modified example) is performed by displaying symbols corresponding to different small roles on the liquid crystal display 4. On the other hand, it is good also as what performs a double notification production | presentation in the aspect (For example, "Bell" and "Bell" are displayed) which arranged two symbols of the same role. Compared to the ratio of executing the “Bell” small role announcement effect for the “Bell” small role announcement effect when actually winning the Bell small role, the bonus In the ratio of “Bell” and “Bell” double notification effect to the ratio of “Bell” small role announcement effect when winning, the latter has a double notification effect. It can be easy to execute. As a result, when the “Bell” and “Bell” double announcement effects are performed, it is possible to increase the player's expectation for winning the bonus than when the “Bell” small role announcement effects are performed. Can improve the interest of the game.

  Furthermore, it is good also as what performs the double notification effect by a bonus symbol and a small role symbol. If the bonus symbol is not derived to the variable display device 2, the image of the bonus symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 is also erased, but even in this case, if the bonus is won, A substantial bonus notification effect may be performed without deleting the design image from the liquid crystal display 4.

  In the above embodiment, when a big bonus or regular bonus is won, a double notification effect or a small role notification effect may be executed even if a small role is not selected. In the double notification effect or the small role notification effect, there is a case where the image corresponding to the role that has lost the possibility of winning due to the display mode of the variable display device 2 is not deleted from the liquid crystal display 4. However, a winning state other than the big bonus or regular bonus is won, and a gaming state (CT (Challenge Time), RT (Replay Time), AT ( Assist Time) etc.) is not limited to the case where a bonus is won, but the same double notification effect or small role announcement effect is also applied when winning other advantageous gaming conditions. Can be done.

  In the above embodiment, the variable display device 2 includes the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order on the outer periphery, and the symbols are driven by rotational driving of these reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Was variably displayed. However, a device that virtually displays a symbol on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device may be used instead of the variable display device 2 described above.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol in each reel which comprises a variable display apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the structure of a winning condition notification command and a reel stop command. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in a game control board performs for every game. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process of FIG. 5 in detail. 6 is a flowchart showing details of reel fluctuation stop processing of FIG. 5. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in an effect control board performs. It is a figure explaining the 1st example of the double notification effect in the slot machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure explaining the 2nd example of the double notification production in the slot machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure explaining the modification of the double notification effect in the slot machine concerning an embodiment of the invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Variable display device 4 Liquid crystal display 101 Game control board 102 Effect control board

Claims (8)

The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and the display result is displayed on a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable on a plurality of variable display units. In a slot machine where one game is completed by deriving and winning can be generated according to the display result derived on the active line set in the variable display device,
Prior decision means for deciding whether or not to allow each of a plurality of types of winning display results including the first winning display result and the second winning display result to be derived before the display result of the variable display device is derived. When,
First winning notification means for performing an effect in a predetermined first effect mode when the prior determination means determines that the derivation of the first winning display result is permitted;
First winning notification means for performing an effect in a predetermined second effect mode when it is determined by the prior determination means to permit the derivation of the second winning display result;
When it is determined by the pre-determining means that the derivation of the first winning display result is allowed or the derivation of the second winning display result is allowed, the effect in the first effect mode and the second A plurality of notification means for performing a plurality of notification effects for simultaneously performing effects in a performance mode;
Fluctuation stop control means for stopping the variable display of identification information on the plurality of variable display sections based on the determination result of the prior determination means when a predetermined stop condition corresponding to the plurality of variable display sections is established. And
The plurality of notifying means displays the first winning display result on the active line when the variable display in at least a part of the plurality of variable display units is stopped after the execution of the plurality of notification effects is started. A slot machine comprising: normal time continuous execution means for continuously executing the plurality of notification effects when both the identification information constituting and the identification information constituting the second winning display result are derived. . The variable display control means causes the winning display result to be derived to any of a plurality of active lines set in the variable display device,
The plurality of notifying means, when the variation display of the identification information in at least a part of the plurality of variable display parts is stopped, one effective line of the plurality of effective lines in the part of the variable display parts. When the identification information that constitutes the first winning display result is derived above and the identification information that constitutes the second winning display result is derived on another valid line other than the one valid line, The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising a normal-time execution start unit that starts execution of a plurality of notification effects. The plurality of notifying means configures the first and second winning display results on the active line each time the variable display on the plurality of variable display units is stopped after the execution of the plurality of notification effects is started. A normal execution end means for determining whether or not identification information has been respectively derived and terminating an effect corresponding to a winning display result that has become impossible to be derived on the active line is provided. Item 3. The slot machine according to Item 1 or 2. The predetermination means derives a special display result that is a display result different from the first and second winning display results and that is a display result that triggers control to a special gaming state advantageous to the player. Decide whether or not to allow
Special gaming state control for controlling the gaming state to the special gaming state when the special display result is derived to the variable display device based on the determination that the derivation of the special display result is permitted by the predetermining means. Further comprising means,
The plurality of notifying means allow the derivation of the first winning display result and the derivation of the second winning display result when it is determined by the prior deciding means that the derivation of the special display result is allowed. The slot according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising special-time execution start means for starting execution of the plurality of notification effects even when it is not determined to allow the notification. Machine. The plurality of notification means starts the first notification on the active line when it is determined by the prior determination means that the derivation of the special display result is allowed after the execution of the plurality of notification effects. Special time continuous execution means for continuously executing the plurality of notification effects even when at least one of the identification information constituting the display result and the identification information constituting the second winning display result is not derived; The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the slot machine is provided. The plurality of notification means execute the plurality of notification effects in a notification effect mode selected from a plurality of predetermined notification effect modes,
A mode of selecting a notification effect mode for executing the plurality of notification effects from the plurality of types of notification modes at different rates depending on whether or not it is determined by the prior determination means that the derivation of the special display result is permitted. The slot machine according to claim 4, further comprising a selection unit. The pre-determining means determines whether or not to allow a third prize display result to be derived as a prize display result other than the first and second prize display results and the special display result,
When it is determined by the prior determination means that the derivation of the third prize display result is permitted, the system further comprises third prize notification means for performing an effect in a predetermined third effect mode,
The plurality of notification means can simultaneously execute the effect in the first effect mode and the effect in the third mode as the plurality of notification effects,
As the plurality of notification effects, the effect in the first effect mode and the effect in the second effect mode are simultaneously executed, or the effect in the first effect mode and the effect in the third effect mode are simultaneously executed. 7. Type selection means for selecting whether or not to determine whether to permit derivation of the special display result is determined by the pre-determination means. The slot machine according to any one of the above. The pre-determining means determines whether or not to allow a third prize display result to be derived as a prize display result other than the first and second prize display results and the special display result,
When it is determined by the prior determination means that the derivation of the third prize display result is permitted, the system further comprises third prize notification means for performing an effect in a predetermined third effect mode,
The plurality of notification means can simultaneously execute an effect in the first effect mode, an effect in the second effect mode, and an effect in the third mode as the plurality of notification effects,
As the plurality of notification effects, the effect in the first effect mode and the effect in the second effect mode are executed simultaneously, the effect in the first effect mode, the effect in the second effect mode, and the third It is provided with a type selection means for selecting at a different ratio whether or not the presentation in the presentation mode is executed at the same time depending on whether or not it is determined by the prior determination means that the derivation of the special display result is permitted. The slot machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the slot machine is characterized in that:

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