JP2006000179A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control a performance based on a shift destination game state before shifting to the shift destination game state, for example, when the shift destination game state is a game state advantageous for a player such as a game state of winning a special role such as BB (big bonus) or RB (regular bonus). <P>SOLUTION: A main control board 60 is provided with a game state control part 112 controlling a plurality of game states and changing over game states among the plurality of game states, and a next game state transmission part 115 transmitting information related to the shift destination game state determined as the shift destination in a next game by the game state control part 112 at a time of the game. A sub control board 60 receives the information related to the shift destination game state from the next game state transmission part 115 and executes the performance control based on the information related to the shift destination game state at the time of the game. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs switching between a plurality of gaming states, and more particularly to a gaming machine that enables an effect relating to a transitioned gaming state before the gaming state is switched.

  In a conventional gaming machine (slot machine), when a special combination is won in a lottery for a normal game and the combination of the special combination symbols stops on the active line, that is, on the condition that the special combination wins Transitioning from games to special games. The special game is a game that has a larger expected medal number than the normal game and is advantageous to the player.

  Here, as special games, bonus games such as a BB (Big Bonus) game and an RB (Regular Bonus) game are known. In general, players want more medals. Therefore, the player plays a game while wishing to win a prize for BB or RB. However, although BB and RB have a large game value payout, the probability of winning in the lottery is small. Therefore, even if the game is continued for a long time, winnings to BB and RB become sporadic. This is a factor that diminishes the player's willingness to continue playing.

  As a function of the slot machine which has improved the above-mentioned point that winnings to BB and RB become sporadic, there is a so-called bonus stock function. In the bonus stock function, BB or RB is won by lottery, and even if the bonus flag is set, a state where the bonus symbols cannot be aligned on the reel is created to maintain a state where the bonus is not digested.

  The state in which the right to win BB or RB in this way (the state in which the bonus is stocked) is referred to as RT (replay time) or ST (stock time). BBs and RBs won during this replay time are accumulated and stocked. Then, the game continues to be digested, and when a certain condition is satisfied, the game shifts to the normal game. In the base game, the BB and RB accumulated in the replay time can be won.

JP 2002-315873 A

  However, in such a replay time, a slot machine that shifts a gaming state between a plurality of gaming states such as a normal game, even if the previous gaming state to be shifted from the next game is determined at the time of the game, The sub-control board cannot perform control for notifying the player to that effect unless it is after the next game. For example, after the next game, a combination of stop symbols on the reels that makes it possible for the player to enter a gaming state advantageous to the player is confirmed inside the slot machine and makes the player expect it during the game. Even when the sub-control board appears, the sub-control board cannot perform control for notifying that it shifts to an advantageous gaming state, and there is room for improvement in terms of the variety of effects.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to change to a destination game state when a game state advantageous to a player, such as a game state that allows a special role such as BB or RB to be won, is the destination game state. It is to enable production control based on the transfer destination game state before the transfer (when the transfer destination game state is determined).

  The gaming machine according to the present invention controls a plurality of gaming states and a gaming state control means for switching a gaming state between the plurality of gaming states, and is determined as a switching destination in a next game by the gaming state control means. A gaming state information transmitting means for transmitting information relating to the destination gaming state at the time of the game, and an effect based on the information relating to the destination gaming state, receiving information relating to the destination gaming state from the gaming state information transmitting means It has the effect control means which performs control at the time of the said game, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the present invention, when the transition destination game state in the next game is determined by the gaming state control means, for example, information related to the transition destination gaming state such as the type of the transition destination gaming state is sent to the effect control means. The effect control means performs effect control based on information related to the destination game state during the game. For example, when a game state advantageous to a player that is a game state in which a special role such as BB, RB, etc. can be won is the transfer destination game state (before the transfer destination game state) When the game is confirmed), it is possible to perform production control based on the transition destination game state.

  In order for the effect control means to perform effect control according to the transfer destination game state at the time of the game, it is preferable that identification information that can identify the transfer destination game state is included in the information related to the transfer destination game state.

  Further, in the present invention, as one aspect of the effect control based on the identification information by the effect control means, it is possible to perform effect control for notifying that the next game state is reached from the next game during the game. It is.

  The information related to the transfer destination game state further includes game number information indicating the number of games in the transfer destination game state, and the effect control means extends from the next game to the number of games based on the game number information. Effect control according to the number of games is performed.

  The effect control means can perform, for example, an effect that is established as a series of effect patterns with the number of games as effect control according to the number of games based on the received game number information.

  According to the present invention, for example, when a gaming state advantageous to a player such as a gaming state in which a special role such as BB or RB can be won is a transition destination gaming state, the transition is made to the transition destination gaming state. The presentation control based on the destination game state can be performed before (when the destination game state is determined).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, “game” means a series of operations from the insertion of a medal to the insertion of the next medal through the operation of a stop switch.

(Slot machine 10)
A front panel 20 is provided on the front surface of the housing of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, and a transparent display window 21 is provided on the front panel 20. On the other hand, three reels (rotating drums) 31 are arranged inside the housing and behind the display window 21. A left reel 31L, a middle reel 31C, and a right reel 31R are arranged from the left as viewed from the player. The reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are ring-shaped bodies, and a reel tape on which a plurality of winning symbols (designs constituting a winning combination) are printed is affixed to the outer peripheral surface thereof. For example, 21 types of symbols are arranged at equal intervals on one reel. However, the arrangement of symbols differs for each reel. From the inside of the display window 21, three symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R can be seen.

  A stepping motor (not shown) is connected to the center of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, and the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are rotated by driving the stepping motor. Therefore, from the standpoint of the player, the symbols of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R appear to move up and down within the display window 21. Further, a back lamp (not shown) is provided inside the reels 31L, 31C and 31R. Three back lamps are arranged for each reel, and are arranged inside the reels 31L, 31C and 31R so as to correspond to each of nine symbols in total that can be seen from the display window 21 when the reels are stopped. ing. The reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are made of a light-transmitting material, and are configured so that the symbols attached to the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are illuminated when the back lamp is turned on.

  In a portion including the display window 21 of the front panel 20, an effective line group 22 including effective lines 22a, 22b, and 22c is set. The effective line group 22 includes a horizontal effective line 22a in the horizontal direction, two effective lines 22b in the upper and lower horizontal directions, and two effective lines 22c in the diagonally downward and leftward directions. ing. The symbols attached to the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are spaced so that all nine symbols visible from the display window 21 are positioned on these effective line groups 22 when the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are stopped. Is arranged in.

  A medal insertion slot 23 is provided on the lower right side of the front panel 20, and when a player inserts a medal from here, one of the effective lines 22a, 22b and 22c, or one of the effective lines 22a, 22b, and 22c. 5 lines are activated and the activated line lamp 24 is lit. When the number of inserted medals is one, one effective line 22a is effective. When two medals are inserted, three horizontal effective lines 22a and 22b are effective. In total, the five effective lines 22a to 22c including the two effective lines 22c become effective. This control is performed by a main CPU 51 (see FIG. 2) described later. For example, when three medals are inserted, if a combination of specific symbols is stopped on at least one effective line 22a to 22c when the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, the combination depends on the combination. I won the winning role.

  Further, a credit number display unit 25, a game number display unit 26 and a payout number display unit 27 are provided below the display window 21 of the front panel 20. The number of credited medals is displayed on the credit number display unit 25. The number-of-games display section 26 displays the number of remaining predetermined games and the number of games already played in special games and the like. The number-of-payout display unit 27 displays the number of medals when the medals are paid out.

  On the upper side of the display window 21 of the front panel 20, an effect display device 40 such as a liquid crystal display panel for displaying a color image is provided so as to be visible to the player. The effect display device 40 displays various images when performing an effect during the game. In addition, various operation switches that are operated by the player to advance the game are provided on the front surface of the housing. For example, in this embodiment, a start switch 41, a stop switch group 42, and a bet switch group 43 are provided. Furthermore, speakers 71 are provided on the left and right of the effect display device 40 and on the lower part of the front panel 20 (near the medal payout opening).

  The start switch 41 is a switch, for example, a lever, that is operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. The stop switch group 42 includes a left stop switch 42L that is operated when stopping the left reel 31L, a middle stop switch 42C that is operated when stopping the middle reel 31C, and a right stop that is operated when stopping the right reel 31R. Switch 42R. These stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R are juxtaposed as buttons, for example. The bet switch group 43 is a switch group for designating the number of bets (the number of bets) when a player inserts a medal in a credit. The bet switch group 43 includes a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a and a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b. It is configured. These bet switches 43a and 43b are also arranged as buttons, for example. Each time the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a is operated, the bet number is switched between 1 and 2, and when the MAX bet switch 43b is operated, the bet number becomes 3. Above the bet switches 43a and 43b, an inserted number display unit 28 is provided, and in accordance with an operation of the bet switches 43a and 43b or insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 23, the inserted number display unit 28 displays a medal. The number of inserted sheets is displayed.

  As will be described in detail later, in the normal game, when the player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 23 or operates the bet switch group 43, the effective lines 22a to 22c are activated according to the number of bets. Further, when the player operates the start switch 41, a lottery for a combination is performed and the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R start to rotate. When the player operates the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R, the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R stops according to the operated button, and a combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line is displayed. When it matches with a predetermined combination of symbols of a combination, a prize is awarded, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination. However, when the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R is stopped, control based on the lottery result of the winning combination is performed.

  Further, during the game (game), various effects such as lighting of the back lamp, image display using the effect display device 40, output of sound from the speaker 71, and the like are performed. Further, as such an effect, a notification effect of the possibility of winning a role may be performed.

  Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Inside the casing of the slot machine 10, a main control board 50, a sub control board 60, a reel board 11, a central display board 12, and a power supply board 13 connected to the main control board 50 are arranged.

(Main control board 50)
The main control board 50 is provided with a main CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 54, which are connected to each other via a bus 55.

  The main CPU 51 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. The main CPU 51 reads out programs, data, and the like stored in the ROM 52, and controls the entire slot machine 10 based on these.

  The ROM 52 stores programs and data necessary for causing the main CPU 51 to execute processing shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 described later and other game controls. The RAM 53 is used when the main CPU 51 performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 54 performs timing control and the like when signals are transmitted and received between the main control board 50, the sub control board 60, the reel board 11, the central display board 12, and the power supply board 13. . However, transmission of signals from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60 is performed between the main control board 50 and the sub control board 60, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50 is not performed. Not done.

(Sub control board 60)
The sub control board 60 is provided with a sub CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, image control processor 64, image data ROM 65, video RAM 66, tone generator circuit 67, amplifier 68 and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 69. The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, control RAM 63, image control processor 64, sound source circuit 67 and I / F circuit 69 are connected to each other via a bus 70. The image data ROM 65 and the video RAM 66 are connected to the image control processor 64, and the amplifier 68 is connected to the sound source circuit 67.

  The sub CPU 61 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes) and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 61 reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 62, and controls the sub control board 60 as a whole, particularly controls the effects for the player. Note that there are no restrictions on the processing capability or development language of the sub CPU 61.

  The ROM 62 stores programs, data, and the like necessary for causing the sub CPU 61 to execute an effect during the game. The RAM 63 is used when the sub CPU 61 performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, and RAM 63 have the same functions as the main CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 provided on the main control board 50, respectively. The ROM 62 and the RAM 63 may be the same as the ROM 52 and the RAM 53, respectively, but those having a capacity larger than these may be used.

  The effect display device 40 described above is connected to an image control processor 64. The image data ROM 65 stores image data such as characters, characters, and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 40. The video RAM 66 is used when the image control processor 64 creates an image to be displayed on the effect display device 40, and image data to be displayed is developed in the video RAM 66 based on data read from the image data ROM 65. .

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a speaker 71, the above-described back lamp, and the like are provided in addition to the effect display device 40 as effect peripheral devices. The speaker 71 is connected to the amplifier 68. These performance peripheral devices are peripheral devices that are not directly related to the game, and output the effects during the game (such as a notification effect of the possibility of winning the role), and are connected only to the sub-control board 60. And is not connected to the main control board 50.

  The I / F circuit 69 performs timing control and the like when receiving a signal from the main control board 50. As described above, the signal is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60, but the signal is not transmitted from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

(Reel board 11)
A stepping motor (not shown) for driving the left reel 31L, the middle reel 31C, and the right reel 31R is connected to the reel substrate 11. Control of the operations of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R is performed by the main CPU 51 through the reel substrate 11.

(Central display board 12)
The central display substrate 12 is attached to, for example, a central portion on the back side of the front panel 20. The central display board 12 includes a selector 81, a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a, a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b, a start switch (lever) 41, a left stop switch (button) 42L, and a middle stop switch (button) 42C. A right stop switch (button) 42R, a setting display section 82, and a setting change switch 83 are connected.

  The selector 81 identifies whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 is a regular one, and removes an illegal medal. The setting display unit 82 is arranged so as to be visible from the back side of the front panel 20, and displays settings relating to probability and payout (for example, settings 1 to 6). The setting change switch 83 is a switch operated when changing the setting related to the probability and the payout.

(Power supply board 13)
A setting change enabling switch 91, a power switch 92, a hopper device 93, and a power device 94 are connected to the power device board 13. The setting change enable switch 91 is a switch that is operated when a setting change using the setting change switch 83 is enabled. That is, the setting change using the setting change switch 83 can be performed only when the setting change enable switch 91 is in the ON state. The power switch 92 is a switch for switching on / off the power supply device 94. The hopper device 93 is a device for storing and paying out medals, and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the stored medals to the player based on an instruction from the main CPU 51 via the power supply device board 13. .

  Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 50 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the main control board 50. In the present embodiment, for example, the following units 101, 102, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 114, and 115 are configured from the programs of the main CPU 51 and ROM 52. The following storage units 103 and 113 are provided. For example, data of the following lottery tables 121 and 122 are stored in the ROM 52.

(Role drawing part 101)
The role lottery unit 101 draws a role (special role, small role, replay, etc.) in accordance with timing control by the timing control unit 102 described later. Here, the special combination is a combination that is a game different from the normal game and is shifted to a plurality of special games that are advantageous to the player. The small combination is a combination for paying out a predetermined number of medals to the player, and for example, a plurality of types are provided. Replay is a role that gives a player the right to replay while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the previous game.

  The role lottery unit 101 obtains one random number after generating a random number internally for each game. Further, it functions as a lottery table changing means for selecting one appropriate table from the normal gaming table 121 and the internal lottery table 122 stored in the ROM 52, and the area to which the acquired random number in the selected lottery table belongs. Based on the above, the presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination are determined. In addition, you may make it provide the lottery table change means which fulfill | performs the said function separately from the role lottery part 101. FIG.

  The role lottery unit 101 generates random numbers in a predetermined area (decimal 0 to 65535), for example, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the start switch 41 is operated, Get the numeric value. In the lottery table, a special role winning area, a small role winning area, a replay winning area, a non-winning (losing) area, etc. are set at a predetermined ratio with respect to random numbers that can be acquired by the role lottery unit 101. Yes. In other words, the lottery table defines the relationship between random numbers and each combination. For example, a random value (a + α) is assigned to a special combination (BB) from a random value (a), From the random value (a + α + 1), another random value (a + α + 1 + β) is assigned to the special role (RB), and the random value is similarly assigned to the small role winning area and the like. Then, the winning combination in the area including the random value acquired by the winning lottery unit 101 becomes the winning winning combination as a result of the winning lottery.

  4A and 4B are diagrams showing the configuration of each table, in which FIG. 4A shows the configuration of the normal game table 121 referred to by the role lottery unit 101 during normal games, and FIG. 4B shows the role lottery unit 101. Shows the configuration of the internal medium lottery table 122 referred to during replay time. In the present embodiment, among the combinations shown in FIG. 4, BB and RB correspond to special combinations, cherry, watermelon, and bell correspond to small combinations, and RP (replay) corresponds to a re-lottery combination. The normal game lottery table 121 is a lottery table used in the normal gaming state, and is set with a special combination winning area, a small combination winning area, a replay winning area, and a lost area. The internal lottery table 122 is a lottery table used in a replay time state, and has a wider replay winning area than the normal game lottery table 121.

  Then, the combination lottery unit 101 determines an area to which the random number value belongs by comparing the acquired random number value with an appropriate lottery table, and determines a combination corresponding to the area to which the random value belongs. For example, when the extracted random number value belongs to the special combination winning area, it is determined that the special combination is won, and when it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be lost. If any combination is won, the flag for the combination is turned on.

  Further, the combination lottery unit 101 transmits information indicating the result of the lottery, for example, information indicating which combination is won to the sub-control board 60.

(Timing control unit 102)
The timing control unit 102 controls the operation timing of the combination lottery unit 101, a reel control unit 106 and a winning determination unit 107, which will be described later. For example, the timing control unit 102 causes the role lottery unit 101 to perform a lottery on the condition that the start switch 41 is operated, causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reel group 31, and stops The reel control unit 106 is controlled to stop the reel group 31 on the condition that the switch group 42 is operated, and further, the winning determination unit 107 is made to determine the winning on the condition that the reel group 31 is stopped. . Note that the operation of the timing control unit 102 is not limited to these.

(Flag information storage unit 103, special role winning possible number storage unit 104)
The flag information storage unit 103 stores the type of the winning combination and the fact that the flag is turned on when a flag for any combination is turned on by the combination lottery unit 101. Further, the flag information storage unit 103 includes a special role winning possible number storage unit 104. The special role winning count storage unit 104 is a number determined based on the number of stocks in the ST machine, that is, the number of times that the special role has already been won, and the number of times that the special role can be won (after this, The number of times that the game can be won) is stored. As described above, since the special role includes two types of roles, BB and RB, the special role winning count storage unit 104 individually sets the BB special role possible count and the RB special role win count separately. To remember.

(Special part winning possible number addition part 105)
The special part winning possible number adding part 105 is stored in the special part winning possible number storage part 104 when the special part winning flag is turned on by the part lottery part 101, that is, when a special part is won. “1” is added to the number of possible winning combinations (the number of stocks is increased by “1”).

(Special role winning possible number subtraction unit 109)
When the special combination winning number subtraction unit 109 determines that the special combination has been won by the winning determination unit 107, the special combination winning number subtraction unit 109 subtracts 1 from the number of possible special combination winnings stored in the special combination winning number storage unit 104. That is, when it is determined by the winning determination unit 107 that the special role BB has won, the number of BB special roles that can be won is decremented by 1, and the winning determination unit 107 determines that the special role RB has won. In this case, 1 is subtracted from the number of RB special role winnings possible.

(Production pattern instruction unit 111)
The effect pattern instructing unit 111 instructs an effect pattern to be executed on the sub control board 60 according to, for example, a lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery unit 101 from a plurality of effect patterns to be executed on the sub control board 60.

(Game state control unit 112)
The gaming state control unit 112 controls a plurality of gaming states, which will be described later, and controls switching of the gaming state between the plurality of gaming states. Further, the gaming state control unit 112 functionally includes an RT selection number lottery unit 1121, an RT number lottery unit 1122, an RT selection number selection unit 1123, and an RT number selection unit 1124.

(RT selection number lottery section 1121)
The RT selection number lottery unit 1121 determines the game state to be transferred from the game state by lottery. The RT selection number lottery unit 1121 generates, for example, random numbers in a predetermined area (0 to 127 in decimal notation), acquires one of the random numbers, and for each gaming state that becomes a transition destination as shown in FIG. The transfer destination RT lottery table provided with a predetermined winning area is compared with the acquired random value, and the game state of the area to which the random value belongs is determined as the transfer destination game state.

(RT number lottery section 1122)
The RT number lottery unit 1122 draws the RT number in the transfer destination gaming state won by the lottery process by the RT selection number lottery unit 1121. The RT number lottery unit 1122 generates, for example, random numbers in a predetermined area (0 to 251 in decimal notation), obtains one of the random values, and is provided corresponding to each gaming state. The RT number lottery table (not shown) having the winning area is compared with the acquired random number value, and the RT number of the area to which the random number value belongs is determined as the RT number in the transfer destination gaming state.

(RT selection number selection unit 1123)
The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects a previous game state to be transferred from the game state based on the type of the game state, the effect pattern instructed by the effect pattern instruction unit 111, and the like.

(RT number selection unit 1124)
The RT number selection unit 1124 selects the RT number in the transfer destination gaming state selected by the RT number number selection unit 1123. The number of RTs selected here is selected based on the game state that is the transfer source game state, the transfer destination game state, and the like. The number of RTs is the maximum number of games in the transfer destination game state, and when this number of games is consumed, the game state shifts to another game state.

(RT count storage unit 113)
The RT number storage unit 113 stores the RT number won by the lottery process by the RT number lottery unit 1122 or the RT number selected by the RT number selection unit 1124.

(RT count subtraction unit 114)
The RT number subtracting unit 114 subtracts 1 from the RT number stored in the RT number storage unit 113 every time a part lottery is performed by the part lottery unit 101.

(Next game state transmission unit 115)
The next game state transmission unit 115 transmits state information (hereinafter referred to as game state information) of a game state to be transferred to the next game to the sub control board 60. As the game state information, for example, as a result of the lottery by the RT selection number lottery unit 1121, the identification information of the selected RT (selection number information), the identification information of the RT selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1121 (selection number information) As a result of the lottery by the RT number lottery unit, the RT number won, the RT number selected by the RT number selection unit 1124, and the like can be mentioned.

(Reel control unit 106)
The reel control unit 106 controls the start and stop of rotation of the reel group 31 (reels 31L, 31C, and 31R) according to the timing control by the timing control unit 102. More specifically, the reel control unit 106 includes a gaming state (for example, a normal gaming state, a special gaming state, etc.), a result of lottery by the combination lottery unit 101, and a stop switch group 42 (stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R). The stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are determined based on the operation timing, and the driving of the stepping motor is controlled to stop the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R at the determined positions.

  For example, as a result of the lottery by the part lottery unit 101, when no part is won, the reels 31L, 31C, and 31C are arranged so as not to stop the combination of symbols of any part on the active line that is valid. A stop position of 31R is determined. On the other hand, when any combination is won, the stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are determined so that the combination of symbols of the winning combination is stopped on the activated effective line.

  In addition, the reel control unit 106 performs reel control so that a special role is not won even if the special role flag is set at the stock time, and if the special role is stocked during normal game, the special role can be won. The reel control is performed. Such control when stopping the reels 31L, 31C and 31R may be performed using a reel control table.

(Winning determination unit 107)
The winning determination unit 107 determines whether or not a combination of symbols in the effective line group 22 is arranged on any of the effective lines in the effective line group 22 according to the timing control by the timing control unit 102, If there is something in line, it is determined that the game has won the role. At this time, the winning determination unit 107 determines, for example, the symbol positioned on the effective line by detecting the angle, the number of steps, or the like when the stepping motor is stopped, and based on this, determines the presence / absence of a winning combination. . When a table is used for control when stopping the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, the winning determination unit 107 does not determine the combination of symbols after the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R actually stop. Instead, when the stop position of the reel group 31 is determined by the reel control unit 106 using a table, the combination of symbols that stop on the effective line may be determined.

(Special game control unit 108)
As a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 107, the special game control unit 108 controls the special game during a predetermined number of games from the next game when winning a special role. For example, the reel control unit 106 performs reel control for special games, or causes the sub-control board 60 to perform special game effects.

(Special role winning possible number subtraction unit 109)
The special part winning possible number subtraction unit 109 determines that “1” is obtained from the special part winning possible number stored in the special part winning possible number storage unit 104 when the special determination part 107 has won the special part as a result of the determination. "Is subtracted. That is, the stock number is decreased by “1”.

(Payout control unit 110)
The payout control unit 110 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 107.

  Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 60 will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sub control board 60. In the present embodiment, for example, the following units (functional blocks) are configured from the programs of the sub CPU 61 and the ROM 62, for example.

(In-game production pattern selection unit 201)
The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 performs main control on the effect pattern that is performed after the start switch 41 is operated and until the third stop switch is operated and all the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped. The selection is made based on the combination of the effect pattern information and the next game state information transmitted from the board 50. That is, the game selection effect pattern selection unit 201 selects one effect pattern determined based on the combination of the effect pattern information and the next game state information from the effect pattern group stored in the ROM 62. Therefore, since the effect pattern selected here is selected based on the next game state information or the like, the effect pattern is based on the game state of the transfer destination. Further, the in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 can also select an effect pattern based on the winning combination information transmitted from the main control board 50.

(Post-winning effect pattern selection unit 202)
The post-winning effect pattern selection unit 202 displays an effect pattern to be performed when a winning combination is made when all the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped by operating the third stop switch. Select according to the type. The effect pattern is stored in the ROM 62, for example. The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 and the post-winning effect pattern selection unit 202 may be integrally configured.

(Production control unit 203)
The effect control unit 203 controls the effect based on the pattern selected by the game effect pattern selection unit 201 and the post-winning effect pattern selection unit 202. Then, based on control by the effect control unit 203, the image control processor 64 creates image data to be displayed on the effect display device 40, and after the sound signal generated by the sound source circuit 67 is amplified by the amplifier 68, Output from the speaker 71.

  The main control board 50 and the sub control board 60 may be provided with functions other than these functions.

  Next, the operation of the slot machine according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the game state transition relationship between the game states shown in FIG. 6 and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine according to the present embodiment, if a special combination is won, RT0 which is a normal gaming state in which the special combination can be won, gaming states RT1 to RT6 during the stock time, etc. There are a plurality of gaming states, for example, there is a transition relationship between gaming states as shown in FIG. However, the transition relationship of the gaming state shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example until it gets tired, and there may be another transition relationship. By the way, the gaming state of RT5 is a gaming state that shifts to RT0 where the reel control is performed so that the special combination can be won, compared with other gaming states (RT1 to RT4) with higher probability. Here, at RT5, when watermelon is won, 1/2 when cherry is won, 1/2 when replay is won, 1/4700 when bell is won, when lost is won The winning lottery to RT0 is won with 1/6500 probability (combination probability: 1/20), while on RT1-RT4 1/200 when watermelon is won, 1/256 when cherry is won, The winning lottery to RT0 is won with a probability of 1/1300 to 1/6500 (combination probability: 1/1500 to 1/4500) in the case of losing. When RT5 and RT1 to RT4 move to RT0, they may move to RT0 via RT6. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the game content having seven game states of RT0 to RT6 is assumed, but in the present invention, the present invention is applied to other than the transition relationship between the game states exemplified here. Is possible. Hereinafter, the operation in each gaming state will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operation in RT0 which is a normal gaming state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The processing of the game state RT0 (ordinary game) shown in FIG. 7 is performed even when the special game in the RT0 is completed, when both the BB and RB stocks are 0 at that time, that is, when the special game ends. This process is executed when the number of BB and RB special winnings that can be won (stock number) stored in the bonus winnings storage unit is 0, and the process shown in FIG. 7 is won by BB or RB. Repeat until.

-RT0 (normal game)-
The timing control unit 102 monitors the insertion of medals, and determines that a medal has been inserted when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 or when the bet switch 43a or 43b is operated when there is a credit. To do.

  Subsequently, when the start switch 41 is operated by the player, the timing control unit 102 detects that the start switch 41 is turned on (step S701 / YES), and the combination lottery unit 101 acquires a random number. The timing control unit 102 repeats the detection in step S701 until the start switch 41 is operated.

  The combination lottery unit 101 compares the acquired random number with the normal game lottery table 121 and performs a combination lottery process (step S702). As a result of the lottery, the winning combination flag is turned on (step S703).

  When BB is won by the lottery process in step S702 and the BB flag is turned on (step S704 / YES), the special part winning possible number adding part 105 is stored in the special part winning possible number storing part. “1” is added to the number of BB special roles that can be won, and the number of BB stock is set to “1” here.

  Subsequently, BB is set in a storage unit (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as the next winning special combination storage unit) as a special combination to be won next time (step S705), and the RT selection number lottery unit 1121 shifts from the gaming state RT0. The previous gaming state is drawn out of the gaming states RT1 to RT4 (step S706). This lottery process for the transfer destination game state is performed using, for example, a transfer destination RT lottery table as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the RT number lottery unit 1122 draws the RT number in the gaming state won by the lottery process of the transfer destination gaming state (step S707). The RT number lottery process is performed using, for example, a lottery table having a predetermined winning area for each RT number from 1 to 460, and the RT number lottery unit 1122 acquires the random number and the lottery table. The number of RTs is drawn by drawing. The number of RTs won is stored in the RT number storage unit 113 as the number of RTs in the gaming state won by the lottery process for the destination game state.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S708).

  Then, the reel control unit 106 performs reel control so that the special combination (BB, RB) is not won here when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S709 / YES). Then, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped (step S710). Steps S709 and S710 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (YES in step S711). Proceed to S712.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S712). As a result, if it is determined that there is any win, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to control the payout of medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S713). Then, the gaming state is switched to the winning gaming state by the lottery process of the transfer destination gaming state in step S706.

  On the other hand, in the lottery process of the combination in step S702, when the RB that is the special combination is won (step S714 / YES), the special combination winning count adding unit 105 is stored in the special combination winning count storage unit. “1” is added to the number of times that the RB can win the special role. That is, the number of RB stocks is “1” here.

  Subsequently, RB is set in the next winning special combination storage unit as a special combination to be won next time (Step S715), and the RT selection number lottery unit 1121 changes the gaming state RT1 to RT4 from the gaming state RT0 to the previous gaming state. A lottery is performed from inside (step S716).

  Subsequently, the RT number lottery unit 1122 draws the RT number in the gaming state won by the lottery process in the transfer destination gaming state (step S717). The number of RTs won here is stored in the RT number storage unit 113 as the number of RTs in the winning game state by the lottery process of the transfer destination game state.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S718).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S719 / YES), the reel control unit 106 is operated by performing reel control so that BB and RB are not won. The rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop switch is stopped (step S720). Steps S719 and S720 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all reels 31L, 31C and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (YES in step S721). The process proceeds to S722.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S722). As a result, if it is determined that there is any win, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S723). Then, the gaming state is switched to the winning gaming state by the lottery process of the transfer destination gaming state in step S716.

  Further, in the lottery process of the combination in step S702, if a combination other than the special combination is won (step S714 / NO), the reels that win the winning combination by the reel control similar to the above steps S718 to S721. Control is performed, and medal payout control according to the winning combination is performed by the same processing as in steps S722 and S723 (steps S724 to S729). Subsequently, the gaming state of RT0 is continued.

-RT1-RT4-
Next, operations in RT1 to RT4 that are gaming states during the stock time will be described with reference to FIG. Since all of RT1 to RT4 perform the operations shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the following description will be given by taking RT1 as an example, and the description of the operations of other gaming states RT2 to RT4 will be omitted. RT1 to RT4 have a high transition probability to RT0 stepwise in the order of RT1, RT2, RT3, and RT4, for example, and RT4 among RT1 to RT4 is in a gaming state that is most advantageous for the player.

  The timing control unit 102 monitors the insertion of medals, and determines that a medal has been inserted when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 or when the bet switch 43a or 43b is operated when there is a credit. To do.

  Subsequently, when the start switch 41 is operated by the player, the timing control unit 102 detects that the start switch 41 is turned on (step S801 / YES), and the combination lottery unit 101 acquires a random number. The timing control unit 102 repeats the detection in step S801 until the start switch 41 is operated.

  The combination lottery unit 101 performs a combination lottery process by comparing the acquired random number and the internal lottery table 122 (step S802). As a result of the lottery, the winning combination flag is turned on (step S803), and this is stored in the flag information storage unit 103. In particular, when BB or RB is won, the special role winning count adding unit 105 adds “1” to the BB or RB special role winning count stored in the special role winning count storage unit 104. . However, even if the special combination is won, the gaming state is a gaming state during the stock time, so reel control is performed so that the special combination is not won.

  Regarding the operation in the subsequent gaming state RT1, first, in the game, a predetermined small combination (for example, watermelon, hereinafter, the predetermined small combination will be described as a watermelon) is won by lottery processing of the combination in step S802, and the current winning combination The case where the watermelon has been won 20 times including the above will be described (step S804 / YES). Whether or not the watermelon has been won 20 times so far can be determined by counting the number of times the watermelon has been won, providing a storage area for storing the count value, and referring to the storage area.

  The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT0, which is a gaming state in which a special role can be won, as the gaming state to which the gaming state RT1 is shifted (step S805).

  Subsequently, the next game state transmission unit 115 transmits the identification information of RT0 selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 to the sub-control board 60 as next game state information (step S806). At the time of the game, an effect pattern (hereinafter referred to as a bonus fixed effect pattern) for notifying that the special game can be won from the next game by the effect pattern instructing unit 111 upon receiving 20 watermelon winnings. Is selected, and the effect pattern information indicating the bonus fixed effect pattern is transmitted to the sub-control board 60 together with the identification information of RT0. The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 of the sub-control board 60 is used for notifying that, for example, a special role can be won in the next game (a bonus is determined) based on the next game state information and effect pattern information. An effect pattern is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game. Note that the bonus confirmed effect pattern and the special effect pattern to be described later are effect patterns instructed by the effect pattern instructing unit 111 when winning as a result of the lottery to RT0.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S807).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S808 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs the reel control to win a watermelon here, and the operated stop switch The rotation of the reel corresponding to is stopped (step S809). Steps S808, S809 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S810 / YES), steps are performed. The process proceeds to S811.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines whether or not there is a winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S811). As a result, when it is determined that the watermelon has won, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the watermelon (step S812). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT0 selected as the destination gaming state in step S805.

  Next, the operation in the gaming state RT1 when the watermelon has not been won 20 times in the game and the bonus confirmed effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 will be described (step S813 / YES).

  The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT0, which is a gaming state in which the special combination can be won, as the gaming state to which the gaming state RT1 is shifted (step S814).

  The next game state transmission unit 115 transmits the identification information of RT0 selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 to the sub-control board 60 as next game state information (step S815). At this time, effect pattern information indicating the bonus confirmed effect pattern selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 is also transmitted to the sub-control board 60. The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 of the sub-control board 60 is used for notifying that, for example, a special role can be won in the next game (a bonus is determined) based on the next game state information and effect pattern information. An effect pattern is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S816).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S817 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs the reel control so that the winning combination is won, and the operated stop switch The rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped (step S818). Steps S817 and S818 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S819 / YES), step Proceed to S820.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of a winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S820). As a result, when it is determined that there is any win, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S821). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT0 selected as the destination gaming state in step S814.

  Next, in the game, the watermelon has not yet been won 20 times, and the player is given a sense of expectation that a special role can be won while digesting several games by the production pattern instruction unit 111. An operation of the gaming state RT1 when an effect pattern (hereinafter referred to as a special effect pattern) is selected will be described (step S822 / YES).

  The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects the gaming state RT6 as the previous gaming state to be transferred from the gaming state RT1 (step S823).

  Next, the RT number selection unit 1124 selects the RT number in RT6 selected as the game state of the transfer destination (step S824). In this embodiment, 20 RTs are selected. The RT number 20 selected here is stored in the RT number storage unit 113 as the RT number in RT6.

  Subsequently, the next game state transmission unit 115 transmits the RT6 identification information selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 and the RT number selected by the RT number selection unit 1124 to the sub-control board 60 as the next game state information. Then, it is transmitted (step S825). At this time, effect pattern information indicating the special effect pattern selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 is also transmitted to the sub-control board 60. The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 of the sub-control board 60 is a series of effect patterns performed over three games from the next game, for example, based on the next game state information and effect pattern information. After that, an effect pattern that causes the player to expect that the special role can be won (the bonus is determined) is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game. To do.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S826).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S827 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs the reel control so that the winning combination can be won, and the operated stop switch. The rotation of the reel corresponding to the switch is stopped (step S828). Steps S827 and S828 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all reels 31L, 31C and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S829 / YES), step S827 is performed. Proceed to S830.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence or absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S830). As a result, if it is determined that there is any winning, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S831). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT6 selected as the destination gaming state in step S823.

  Next, the watermelon has not yet been won 20 times, the bonus patterning effect pattern or the special effect pattern is not selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 (the game does not shift to RT0 where a special role can be won), and the game The operation of the gaming state RT1 when the number of RTs in the state RT1 is completely consumed with the game will be described (step S832 / YES).

  The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT5 as the game state to which the game state RT1 is transferred (step S833).

  Subsequently, the RT number lottery unit 1122 draws the RT number in RT5 selected as the game state of the transfer destination (step S834). The selected RT number is stored in the RT number storage unit 113 as the RT number in RT5.

  Subsequently, the next gaming state transmission unit 115 sub-controls the RT5 identification information selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 and the RT number selected as a result of the lottery by the RT number lottery unit 1122 as the next gaming state information. It transmits with respect to the board | substrate 60 (step S835). At this time, effect pattern information indicating the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 (an effect pattern other than the bonus confirmed effect pattern and the special effect pattern) is also transmitted. Based on the next game state information and the effect pattern information, the effect pattern selection unit 201 during the game of the sub-control board 60 displays, for example, character information “chance” or the like that means a transition from the next game to RT5. Select a production pattern to be displayed above. The effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S836).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S837 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs reel control so that the winning combination can be won, and the operated stop switch The rotation of the reel corresponding to the switch is stopped (step S838). Steps S837 and S838 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all reels 31L, 31C and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S839 / YES), step S837 is performed. Proceed to S840.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence or absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S840). As a result, when it is determined that there is any win, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to control the payout of medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S841). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT5 selected as the destination gaming state in step S833.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S832 that the total number of RTs of RT1 has not been consumed, reel control is performed so that the winning combination is won by reel control similar to steps S836 to S839 described above. Dull payout control corresponding to the winning combination is performed by the same processing as steps S840 and S841 (steps S842 to S847). Subsequently, the gaming state of RT1 is continued.

-RT5-
Next, the operation in RT5 which is a gaming state during the stock time will be described with reference to FIG. The gaming state of RT5 is a gaming state that shifts to RT0 where the reel control is performed so that a special role can be won, compared with other gaming states (RT1 to RT4), and is advantageous to the player. is there.

  The timing control unit 102 monitors the insertion of medals, and determines that a medal has been inserted when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 or when the bet switch 43a or 43b is operated when there is a credit. To do.

  Subsequently, when the start switch 41 is operated for the player, the timing control unit 102 detects that the start switch 41 is turned on (step S901 / YES), and the combination lottery unit 101 acquires a random number. The timing control unit 102 repeats the detection in step S901 until the start switch 41 is operated.

  The combination lottery unit 101 performs a combination lottery process by comparing the acquired random number and the internal lottery table 122 (step S902). As a result of the lottery, the winning combination flag is turned on (step S903), and this is stored in the flag information storage unit 103. When BB or RB is won, the special part winning possible number adding unit 105 adds “1” to the BB or RB special part winning possible number stored in the special part winning possible number storage unit 104. However, even if the special combination is won, the gaming state is a gaming state during the stock time, and therefore reel control is performed so that the special combination does not win. The RT number subtracting unit 114 receives the lottery process of the combination by the combination lottery unit, and subtracts the RT number of RT5 stored in the RT number storage unit 113.

  The operation in the subsequent gaming state RT5 will be described first in the case where a watermelon as a predetermined small role is won by the lottery process of the role in step S902, and the watermelon has been won 20 times including the current win. (Step S904 / YES).

  The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT0, which is a gaming state in which a special role can be won, as the gaming state to which the gaming state RT5 is shifted (step S905).

  Subsequently, the next game state transmission unit 115 transmits the identification information of RT0 selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 to the sub-control board 60 as next game state information (step S906). At the time of the game, the bonus confirmed effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern instructing unit 111 after receiving the 20th watermelon winning, and the effect pattern information indicating the bonus confirmed effect pattern is also sub together with the identification information of RT0. It is transmitted to the control board 60. The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 of the sub-control board 60 is used for notifying that, for example, a special role can be won in the next game (a bonus is determined) based on the next game state information and effect pattern information. An effect pattern is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S907).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S908 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs a reel control to win a watermelon here, and operates the stop The rotation of the reel corresponding to the switch is stopped (step S909). Steps S908 and S909 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all reels 31L, 31C and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S910 / YES), The process proceeds to S911.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S911). As a result, if it is determined that there is any winning, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to control the payout of medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S912). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT0 selected as the destination gaming state in step S905.

  Next, the operation of the gaming state RT5 when the watermelon has not been won 20 times yet and the bonus confirmed effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 will be described (step S913 / YES).

  The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT0, which is a gaming state in which a special combination can be won, as the gaming state to which the gaming state RT5 is shifted (step S914).

  Subsequently, the next game state transmission unit 115 transmits the identification information of RT0 selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 to the sub-control board 60 as the next game state information (step S915). At this time, effect pattern information indicating the bonus confirmed effect pattern selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 is also transmitted to the sub-control board 60. The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 of the sub-control board 60 is used for notifying that, for example, a special role can be won in the next game (a bonus is determined) based on the next game state information and effect pattern information. An effect pattern is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S916).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S917 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs the reel control so that the winning combination is won, and the operated stop switch The rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped (step S918). Steps S917, S918 and the corresponding stop control of the corresponding reels are executed for each stop switch until all the reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S919 / YES), steps are performed. Proceed to S920.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of a winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S920). As a result, if it is determined that there is any winning, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to control the payout of medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S921). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT0 selected as the transition destination gaming state in step S914.

  Next, the operation of the gaming state RT5 when the watermelon has not been won 20 times in the game and the special effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 will be described (step S922 / YES). The special effect pattern selected here is a series of effect patterns established in three games, and the winning of the special role is notified to the player at the end (establishment) of this effect.

  When the game is the first game in RT5 (step S923 / YES), the RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT6 as the game state to which the game state RT5 is transferred (step S924). Whether or not the game is the first game in RT5 is whether or not the RT number stored in the RT number storage unit 113 for the gaming state is a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the initial RT number. It can be determined by

  Next, the RT number selecting unit 1124 selects the RT number in RT6 selected as the game state of the transfer destination (step S925). In the present embodiment, two RT times are selected in order to cause the remaining games of the special effect pattern to be played in RT6 which is the transfer destination game state. The selected RT number is stored in the RT number storage unit 113 as the RT number in RT6.

  Subsequently, the next game state transmission unit 115 uses the RT6 identification information selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 and the RT number in RT6 selected by the RT number selection unit 1124 as the next game state information. 60 (step S926). At this time, the production pattern information selected by the production pattern instruction unit 111 is also transmitted to the sub-control board 60. Based on the next game state information and the effect pattern information, the in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 of the sub-control board 60 determines that the second effect is the next effect among a series of effects performed over three games from the next game, for example. An effect pattern for notifying the player of what is being done in the game is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S927).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S928 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs the reel control so that the winning combination is won, and the operated stop switch The rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped (step S929). Steps S928 and S929 and the corresponding stop control of the corresponding reels are executed for each stop switch until it is confirmed that all the reels are stopped. When it is confirmed that all the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are stopped (step S930 / YES), steps are performed. Proceed to S931.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S931). As a result, if it is determined that there is any win, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to control the payout of medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S932). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT6 selected as the destination gaming state in step S924.

  On the other hand, if the watermelon has not been won 20 times and the special effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111, and the game is the second game in RT5 (step S933 / YES) The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT6 as the game state to which the game state RT5 is transferred (step S934). Whether or not the game is the second game in RT5 is whether or not the RT number stored in the RT number storage unit 113 for the gaming state is a value obtained by subtracting 2 from the initial RT number. It can be determined by

  Next, the RT number selection unit 1124 selects the RT number in RT6 selected as the game state of the transfer destination (step S935). In the present embodiment, one RT number is selected in order to cause the remaining games of the special effect pattern to be played in RT6 which is the transfer destination game state. The selected RT number is stored in the RT number storage unit 113 as the RT number in RT6.

  Subsequently, the RT6 identification information selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 and the RT number selected by the RT number selection unit 1124 are transmitted as the next game state information to the sub-control board 60 (step S936). . At this time, the production pattern information selected by the production pattern instruction unit 111 is also transmitted to the sub-control board 60. The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 of the sub-control board 60 is based on the next game state information and effect pattern information, for example, the third (last) out of a series of effects performed over three games from the next game. An effect pattern for notifying the player that the effect is to be performed in the next game is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S937).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S938 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs the reel control so that the winning combination is won, and the operated stop switch The rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped (step S939). Steps S938, S939 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S940 / YES), steps are performed. The process proceeds to S941.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of a winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S941). As a result, when it is determined that there is any winning, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to pay out the medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S942). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT6 selected as the destination gaming state in step S1031.

  The third game at RT5 where the watermelon has not been won 20 times and the special effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 and the special effect pattern ends (establishes). If this is the case (step S933 / NO), the RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT0 as the game state to which the game state RT5 is transferred (step S943). Whether or not the game is the third game in RT5 is whether or not the RT count stored in the RT count storage unit 113 for the game state is a value obtained by subtracting 3 from the initial RT count. It can be determined by

  Subsequently, the identification information of RT0 selected by the RT selection number selection unit 115 is transmitted to the sub-control board 60 as the next game state information (step S944). At this time, the production pattern information selected by the production pattern instruction unit 111 is also transmitted to the sub-control board 60. Based on the next game state information and the effect pattern information, the effect pattern selection unit 201 in the game of the sub-control board 60 ends a series of effects performed for three games from the next game, for example. An effect pattern for notifying that the game is shifted to a gaming state (RT0) in which a special role can be won from the game is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game. .

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S945).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S946 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs the reel control so that the winning combination is won, and the operated stop switch The rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped (step S947). Steps S946, S947 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S948 / YES), step S946 is performed. Proceed to S949.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S949). As a result, when it is determined that there is some winning, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to pay out the medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S950). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT0 selected as the destination gaming state in step S943.

  The operation of the gaming state RT5 when the watermelon has not been won 20 times in the game and the bonus confirmed effect pattern and the special effect pattern are not selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 will be described (step S922 / NO).

  When all the RT counts in the gaming state are digested by the game, that is, when the RT count stored in the RT count storage unit 113 is “0” (step S951 / YES), the RT selection number lottery unit 1121 The game state to which the state RT5 is to be transferred is selected from the game states RT1 to RT4 (step S952).

  Subsequently, a lottery process for a special role to be won next time is performed by a next prize special role lottery unit (not shown) (step S953). The next-time winning special combination lottery section performs, for example, a lottery process for a special combination to be won next time by comparing a lottery table (not shown) having a predetermined winning area for each of BB and RB with a random number to be acquired. The winning special combination is stored in the next winning special combination storage unit as a special combination to be won next time.

  Subsequently, the RT number lottery unit 1122 draws the RT number in the gaming state won by the lottery process of the transfer destination gaming state (step S954). The RT number selected here is stored in the RT number storage unit 113.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S955).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S956 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs the reel control so that the winning combination is won, and the operated stop switch The rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped (step S957). Steps S956, S957 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S958 / YES), step Proceed to S959.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S959). As a result, if it is determined that there is any win, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to control the payout of medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S960). Then, the gaming state is switched to the winning gaming state by the lottery process of the transfer destination gaming state in step S952.

  On the other hand, if the watermelon has not been won 20 times in the game, and the bonus confirmed effect pattern and the special effect pattern are not selected by the effect pattern instructing unit 111 (the game does not shift to RT0 where a special role can be won). If the RT count in the gaming state is not yet digested, that is, the RT count stored in the RT count storage unit 113 is not “0” (step S951 / NO), the above steps are performed. Reel control for winning winning is performed in the same manner as in steps S955 to S958, and if a winning combination is present, medal payout control is performed in the same manner as in steps S959 and S960 (steps S961 to S966). Subsequently, the gaming state of RT5 is continued.

-RT6-
Next, an operation in RT6 that is a gaming state during the stock time will be described with reference to FIG. This gaming state is a gaming state that always shifts to the gaming state of RT0 in which reel control is performed so that a special combination can be won.

  The timing control unit 102 monitors the insertion of medals, and determines that a medal has been inserted when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 or when the bet switch 43a or 43b is operated when there is a credit. To do.

  Subsequently, when the start switch 41 is operated by the player, the timing control unit 102 detects that the start switch 41 is turned on (step S1001 / YES), and the combination lottery unit 101 acquires a random number. Note that the timing control unit 102 repeats the detection in step S1001 until the start switch 41 is operated.

  The combination lottery unit 101 performs a combination lottery process by comparing the acquired random number and the internal lottery table 122 (step S1002). As a result of the lottery, the winning combination flag is turned on and stored in the flag information storage unit 103 (step S1003). When BB or RB is won, the special role winning possible number adding unit 105 adds “1” to the BB or RB special winning possible number stored in the special role winning possible number storing unit. However, even if the special combination is won, the gaming state is a gaming state during the stock time, and therefore reel control is performed so that the special combination does not win. The RT number subtracting unit 114 receives the lottery process of the combination by the combination lottery unit, and subtracts the RT number of RT6 stored in the RT number storage unit 113.

  Regarding the operation of the subsequent gaming state RT6, first, in the game, a case where a watermelon as a predetermined small role has been won by the lottery process of the role in step S1002, and the watermelon has been won 20 times including the current winning so far. (Step S1004 / YES).

  The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT0, which is a gaming state in which a special combination can be won, as the gaming state to which the gaming state RT1 is shifted (step S1005).

  Subsequently, the next game state transmission unit 115 transmits the identification information of RT0 selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 to the sub-control board 60 (step S1106). At the time of the game, the bonus confirmed effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern instructing unit 111 after receiving the 20th watermelon winning, and the effect pattern information indicating the bonus confirmed effect pattern is also sub together with the identification information of RT0. It is transmitted to the control board 60. The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 of the sub-control board 60 is used for notifying that, for example, a special role can be won in the next game (a bonus is determined) based on the next game state information and effect pattern information. An effect pattern is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S1107).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S1108 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs a reel control to win a watermelon here, and operates the stop The rotation of the reel corresponding to the switch is stopped (step S1109). Steps S1008, S1009 and the corresponding reel stop control are executed for each stop switch until all reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S1010 / YES), steps are performed. The process proceeds to S1011.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S1011). As a result, when it is determined that there is some winning, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to pay out the medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S1012). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT0 selected as the destination gaming state in step S1005.

  Next, the watermelon has not yet been won 20 times in the game, and all the RT counts in the game state are digested, that is, the RT count stored for the game state in the RT count storage unit 113 is “0”. The operation of the gaming state RT7 in this case will be described (step S1013 / YES).

  The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT0, which is a gaming state in which a special role can be won, as the gaming state to which the gaming state RT7 is shifted (step S1014).

  Subsequently, the next gaming state transmission unit 115 transmits the identification information of RT7 selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 to the sub-control board 60 as next gaming state information (step S1015). At the time of the game, the bonus confirmed effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern instructing unit 111 in response to the fact that the RT count of the game state (RT6) has been exhausted, and the bonus confirmed effect is combined with the identification information of RT0. Production pattern information indicating the pattern is also transmitted to the sub-control board 60. The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 of the sub-control board 60 is used for notifying that, for example, a special role can be won in the next game (a bonus is determined) based on the next game state information and effect pattern information. An effect pattern is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S1016).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S1017 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs reel control so that the winning combination is won, and the operated stop switch The rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped (step S1018). Steps S1017 and S1018 and the corresponding stop control of the corresponding reels are executed for each stop switch until it is confirmed that all the reels are stopped. When it is confirmed that all the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are stopped (step S1019 / YES), The process proceeds to S1020.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of a winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S1020). As a result, if it is determined that there is any win, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to control the payout of medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S1021). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT0 selected as the destination gaming state in step S1013.

  Further, in the game, the watermelon has not been won 20 times, and the RT count in the game state has not been digested yet, that is, the RT count stored for the game state in the RT count storage unit 113 is “0”. The operation in the gaming state RT6 when the bonus confirmed effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 will be described (step S1022 / YES).

  The RT selection number selection unit 1123 selects RT0, which is a gaming state in which a special combination can be won, as the gaming state to which the gaming state RT7 is shifted (step S1023).

  The next game state transmission unit 115 transmits the identification information of RT0 selected by the RT selection number selection unit 1123 to the sub-control board 60 (step S1024). At this time, effect pattern information indicating the bonus confirmed effect pattern selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 is also transmitted to the sub-control board 60. The in-game effect pattern selection unit 201 of the sub-control board 60 is used for notifying that, for example, a special role can be won in the next game (a bonus is determined) based on the next game state information and effect pattern information. An effect pattern is selected, and the effect control unit 203 executes effect control based on the selected effect pattern during the game.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 102 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S1025).

  Then, when each stop switch of the stop switch group 42 is operated by the player (step S1026 / YES), the reel control unit 106 performs the reel control so that the winning combination is won, and the operated stop switch The rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped (step S1027). Steps S1026 and S1027 and the corresponding stop control of the corresponding reels are executed for each stop switch until all the reels are confirmed to be stopped, and when all the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are confirmed to be stopped (step S1028 / YES), The process proceeds to S1029.

  Subsequently, the winning determination unit 107 determines whether or not there is a winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S1029). As a result, when it is determined that there is any winning, the payout control unit 110 controls the hopper device 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the winning combination (step S1030). Then, the gaming state is switched to RT0 selected as the destination gaming state in step S1023.

  Furthermore, when the watermelon has not been won 20 times in the game, and the number of RTs in the game state has not yet been digested, and the bonus confirmed effect pattern is not selected by the effect pattern instruction unit 111 In the case of not shifting to RT0 where the special combination can be won, the reel control is performed so that the winning combination is won by the reel control similar to the above step S1025 to step S1028, and steps S1029 and S1030 are performed. The medal payout control corresponding to the winning combination is performed by the same processing (steps S1031 to S1036). Subsequently, the gaming state of RT6 is continued.

-RT0 (bonus control)-
RT0 performs reel control that can win a special combination set in the next winning special combination storage unit when the game state is changed from another gaming state. At RT0, the reel control unit 106 is within the range of stop control of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (for example, the symbol when operated) so that the combination of symbols of special roles is stopped on the activated effective line. (Within 5 symbols), pull-in control is performed so that the symbols related to the special role are aligned as much as possible. When the winning determination unit 107 determines that the special combination has been won, the special combination game control unit 108 controls the special combination from the next game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the gaming state to be transferred to the next game is determined by the gaming state control unit 112, the next gaming state transmission unit 115 sends the state information of the next gaming state to the sub-control board 60. By transmitting to the sub-control board 60, it is possible to perform effect control based on the destination game state based on the received state information of the destination game state before the game that actually shifts to the destination game state. The production can be diversified.

  The embodiment of the present invention can be realized by a computer executing a program. Examples of means for supplying the program to the computer include a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded and a transmission medium such as the Internet for transmitting the program.

It is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of a main control board. It is a figure which shows the structure of a lottery table. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of a sub control board. It is a figure which shows the transition relationship of the game state between game states. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of transfer destination RT lottery table.

Explanation of symbols

10: Slot machine 11: Reel board 12: Central display board 13: Power supply board 20: Front panel 21: Display window 22a, 22b, 22c: Effective line 23: Medal slot 24: Effective line lamp 25: Credit insertion number display Part 26: game number display part 27: payout number display part 28: inserted number display part 31L, 31C, 31R: reel 40: effect display device 41: start switch 42L, 42C, 42R: stop switch 43a, 43b: bet switch 50 : Main control board 51: Main CPU
52, 62: ROM
53, 63: RAM
54, 69: I / F circuit 60: Sub control board 61: Sub CPU
71: Speaker 101: Role lottery part 102: Timing control part 103: Flag information storage part 104: Special part winning possible number storage part 105: Special part winning possible number addition part 106: Reel control part 107: Prize determination part 108: Special Game control unit 109: Special role winning possible number subtraction unit 110: Payout control unit 111: Production pattern instruction unit 112: Game state control unit 113: RT number storage unit 114: RT number subtraction unit 115: Next game state transmission unit 1121: RT selection number lottery section 1122: RT number lottery section 1123: RT selection number selection section 1124: RT number selection section 121: Normal game lottery table 122: Internal medium lottery table

Claims (4)

Game state control means for controlling a plurality of gaming states and switching a gaming state between the plurality of gaming states;
Gaming state information transmitting means for transmitting information related to the destination gaming state determined as the switching destination in the next game by the gaming state control means at the time of the game;
A gaming machine comprising: an effect control unit that receives information related to the transfer destination game state from the game state information transmission unit and performs effect control based on the information related to the transfer destination game state during the game.   The information related to the transfer destination game state includes identification information that can identify the transfer destination game state, and the effect control means performs the effect control according to the transfer destination game state based on the identification information. The gaming machine according to claim 1, which is sometimes performed.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the effect control means performs effect control for notifying that the next game state is reached from the next game based on the identification information during the game.   The information related to the transfer destination game state further includes game number information indicating the number of games in the transfer destination game state, and the effect control means extends from the next game to the number of games based on the game number information. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the production control according to the number of games is performed.

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