JP2007007084A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which enables both a player requiring game performance and a player not requiring the same to perform the desired games. <P>SOLUTION: A slot machine is equipped with a case and a front door. When a start lever disposed in the front door is operated, reels which can be visually recognized through a display window start rotating. Then, when stop switches are operated, the reel corresponding to each the switch stops. Also, an auxiliary display section is disposed in the front door and when the game performance is selected in an internal drawing, the above game performance is executed. The game performance is displayed on the auxiliary display section to the extent of being visually recognized by the specific operation of the stop switch. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  An example of a gaming machine that stops after rotating a plurality of reels is a slot machine. In the slot machine, a plurality of symbols are given to the outer peripheral portion of each reel, and a part of the symbols given to each reel is visible through the display window. Each player starts rotating by inserting a medal and operating the start lever. After each reel starts rotating, each reel is operated by operating a stop switch or elapse of a predetermined time. Stop one by one and finish one game. In addition, lottery is performed inside the slot machine on the condition of medal insertion and start lever operation, and if the result of the lottery is winning and the combination of symbols that are won on the preset active line stops A privilege such that a predetermined number of medals are paid out is given to the player, or the game state shifts to a bonus game (special game state) advantageous to the player such as a big bonus game or a regular bonus game.

  In recent years, an auxiliary display unit such as a liquid crystal display is provided in the slot machine, and a game effect is performed by the auxiliary display unit. Examples of game effects include the following. When the result of the lottery is a bonus game winning, the game effect is such that the auxiliary display unit notifies the result (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in this game effect, in addition to the case where the bonus game is won, the same notice effect is also given to other winning combinations. As a result, a player who does not fully understand the gameability (hereinafter referred to as a beginner player) in a game round in which a role other than the big win (so-called small role, for example, watermelon or cherry) is won. It is possible to know that the small winning combination has been won even if the predetermined small winning combination is not prepared by each stopped reel. Therefore, it can be said that the above-mentioned game effect supports the game of the beginner player. Furthermore, the game production has an effect of making the player enjoy the game.

  However, the above-mentioned game effects will have a sufficient effect for beginner players and players who enjoy the game effects, but a player who fully understands the game characteristics (hereinafter also referred to as an advanced player). May interfere with good-tempo gaming. In other words, even if there are no role symbols on the active line, the advanced player can know what role has been won from the reel symbols displayed in a stopped state without relying on the above game effects. . Further, in addition to the advanced player, performing the game effect on a player who is not interested in the game effect may be a factor that hinders a game with a good tempo.

  As described above, a slot machine that does not perform a game effect is harsh for beginners and players who are looking forward to a game effect. Conversely, if a slot machine that performs a game effect, This is severe for a player who is not interested in game effects, and there is a possibility that the operating rate of the slot machine may be reduced.

Note that the above problem is not limited to slot machines, and is a gaming machine that performs a game effect, and also applies to other gaming machines that rotate a plurality of reels and then stop the reels based on the player's operation. It is.
JP 2002-355364 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a player who needs a game effect and an unnecessary player can perform a desired game together. is there.

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

Means 1. A plurality of picture display areas (reels 42L, 42M, 42R) provided at positions that are visible from the front of the gaming machine and in which a plurality of kinds of pictures are variably displayed;
Start operation means (start lever 71) operated to start the display of the variation of the pattern in each of the pattern display areas;
A role lottery means (a lottery processing function of the main control device 131) for drawing a role based on the operation of the start operation means;
A plurality of stop operation means (stop switches 72 to 74) provided for each of the pattern display areas and operated to stop the variable display of the pattern in the pattern display area;
Based on the operation of the start operation means, to start the variation of the pattern in the pattern display area, to stop the variation display of the pattern in the corresponding pattern display area based on the operation of the stop operation means, In addition, when the winning combination is selected, display control is performed so that a predetermined pattern or a combination of predetermined patterns (combination of the same pattern) corresponding to the combination can stop at an effective position (effective line) of the pattern display area. Display control means (reel control processing function of the main controller 131);
When the predetermined picture or combination of predetermined pictures corresponding to the winning combination is stopped at the effective position, a privilege granting unit (main control device 131) for granting a privilege (medal payout, replay, game state transition) to the player. Hopper device 91),
Auxiliary display means for displaying various information (auxiliary display unit 15);
In a gaming machine comprising auxiliary control means (display control device 111) for controlling display of the auxiliary display means,
The auxiliary control means includes
Determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined specific operation has been performed on the stop operation means (step S1205 performed in the effect display processing of the display control device 111);
When the determination unit determines that the specific operation of the stop operation unit is the auxiliary operation control unit (the effect performed in the display control device 111) that controls the auxiliary display unit so that the auxiliary effect is displayed in a visible level. Display processing steps S1207, S1209, S1210),
When the determination means does not determine that the specific operation of the stop operation means is not visible control control means for controlling the auxiliary display means so that the auxiliary effect is not visible (effect control processing performed in the display control device 111) A series of processing functions of steps S1205, S1212, and S1213).

  In the gaming machine of the means 1, when a predetermined specific operation is performed on the stop operation means, the auxiliary effect is displayed to the extent that it can be visually recognized. Therefore, a player who does not fully understand the gameability (hereinafter also referred to as a beginner player) or a player who is looking forward to an auxiliary performance performs assist operation by performing the specific operation of the stop operation means as described above. You can see the production. As a result, a beginner player or the like can advance the game while being supported by the auxiliary effects, and can enjoy the game with peace of mind. In addition, since an auxiliary effect can be performed for a player who enjoys an auxiliary effect, a desired gaming machine can be provided to the player.

  On the other hand, when the predetermined specific operation is not performed on the stop operation means, the auxiliary effect is not displayed to the extent that it can be visually recognized. Therefore, a player who fully understands the gameability (hereinafter also referred to as an advanced player) can play a game without seeing an auxiliary effect. Thereby, the advanced player can advance the game with good tempo. Further, when the auxiliary effect is not displayed to the extent that it can be visually recognized, it is only necessary to perform a stop operation that is an essential operation of the stop operation means, that is, no special operation is required. Thereby, a game with better tempo can be provided. In the case of a player who is not interested in the auxiliary performance, a game with a good tempo can be performed by operating the stop operation means in the same manner as the advanced player.

  As described above, with this configuration, a player who needs an auxiliary effect and an unnecessary player can play a desired game together. In addition, since the existing stop operation means is used in order to achieve such an effect, it is not necessary to newly provide an operation means in the gaming machine.

  In addition, “invisible” of the auxiliary effect here means not only transparent display and non-display, but also display that the auxiliary effect is displayed at high speed and the auxiliary effect cannot be identified. To do.

Mean 2. In means 1, the auxiliary control means comprises:
Production lottery means (rendering lottery processing of the display control device 111) for lottery whether to perform the auxiliary production,
The auxiliary effect control means displays the auxiliary effect so that it can be visually recognized when the lottery by the effect lottery means is a win and the determination means determines that the specific operation of the stop operation means. Controlling the auxiliary display means;
If the lottery by the effect lottery means is a win, the visualizing disablement control means makes the auxiliary effect invisible if the judgment means does not determine the specific operation of the stop operation means. A gaming machine characterized by controlling auxiliary display means.

  According to the means 2, whether or not the auxiliary effect is performed is determined by lottery. Thereby, since the auxiliary effect is not always performed, it is possible to prevent the auxiliary effect from being bored. Furthermore, even if the result of lottery of the auxiliary effect is a win, if the stop operation means is not specifically operated, the auxiliary effect is not displayed to the extent that it can be visually recognized. Can do. As a result, it is possible to prevent the auxiliary performance from getting bored.

Means 3. Means 2 includes notifying means (speaker 14) for notifying the lottery result of the effect lottery means,
The auxiliary control means, when the lottery by the production lottery means is a win, performs notification control of the notification means to notify.

  According to the means 3, when the auxiliary effect is displayed so as to be visible, it is notified by the notifying means. Thus, a person who desires an auxiliary effect such as a beginner player can view the auxiliary effect only by performing the specific operation of the stop operation means for the notified game number, and does not need to perform the specific operation for each game. Examples of the notification means include a light emitting device such as a lamp and a sound device such as a speaker.

Means 4. In any one of the means 1 to 3, a start detection means (stop detection sensors 72a to 74a) for detecting a stop operation start of the stop operation means is provided,
Further, the auxiliary control means includes a time measuring means (step S1204 of effect display processing performed in the display control device 111) for measuring the operation time of the stop operation means from detection by the start detection means,
The gaming machine characterized in that operating the stop operation means until the time measuring means passes a predetermined time (time T) is a specific operation of the stop operation.

  According to the means 4, as the specific operation of the stop operation means for displaying the auxiliary effect so as to be visible, the stop operation means needs to be operated for a predetermined time. By setting the specific operation of the stop operation means in this way, this specific operation can be performed continuously from the essential operation of the stop operation means, that is, the operation for stopping and displaying the picture to be displayed in a variable manner. Therefore, the player can easily operate the stop operation means in order to display the auxiliary effect to the extent that it can be visually recognized. If the stop operation means is a switch that is pressed, the specific operation of the switch is a long press operation for a predetermined time.

Means 5. The means 4 includes end detection means (stop detection sensors 72a to 74a) for detecting the stop operation end of the stop operation means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the end detecting means is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed by the time measuring means, the auxiliary effect ends at that timing.

  According to the means 5, the auxiliary effect is performed after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the stop operation of the stop operation means, and when the operation of the stop operation means is thereafter ended, the auxiliary effect ends at that timing. Thereby, the beginner-level player or the like can end the auxiliary performance with his own intention. As a result, it is possible to provide a desired game to various players such as a player who wants to see the auxiliary effect only at the beginning and a player who wants to see all of the auxiliary effects.

  Means 6. In the means 4 or 5, the display control means controls the display of the variable display in the corresponding picture display area to be stopped and displayed by the detection of the start detection means.

  Generally, an advanced player or the like only needs to be able to visually recognize a stopped and displayed pattern in the pattern display area. Therefore, as in the present configuration, the pattern that is variably displayed at the timing when the stop operation means is operated is stopped and displayed, so that an advanced player or the like can cancel the auxiliary effect without particular awareness. .

Mean 7 In any one of the means 1 to 6, the auxiliary control means is
Storage means (ROM of the display control device 111) that subdivides the contents of the auxiliary effects by the number of the stop operation means and stores them in order according to the contents of the effects;
Counting means for counting the number of operations of the plurality of stop operation means (step S1203 of effect display processing performed in the display control device 111);
An operation order determining means (steps S1206 and S1208 of effect display processing performed in the display control device 111) for determining the operation number of the stop operation means by the counting means;
The auxiliary effect control means controls the auxiliary display means so as to display the subdivided auxiliary effects corresponding to the operation order of the stop operation means determined by the operation order determination means so as to be visible,
The invisibility disable control means controls the auxiliary display means so that the subdivided auxiliary effect corresponding to the operation order of the stop operation means determined by the operation order determination means becomes invisible. A gaming machine.

  According to the means 7, the contents of the auxiliary effects are subdivided by the number of stop operation means. And the subdivision auxiliary | assistant effect corresponds to the order in which the stop operation means was operated. That is, when the stop operation means is specifically operated in a situation where the patterns in all the pattern display areas are variably displayed, the operation becomes the first, and the first auxiliary effect corresponding thereto is visible. Can be displayed. Further, when the stop operation means is specified and operated in a situation in which the picture of one picture display area that is stopped is stopped and the pictures of other picture display areas are variably displayed, the operation is performed. Becomes the second, and the second auxiliary effect corresponding to it can be displayed so as to be visible. Thus, for example, if you do not want to see the first auxiliary effect but want to see the second auxiliary effect, the stop operation means that is operated second is not specified and the stop operation means that is operated first is not specified. A specific operation may be performed. With this configuration, the player can see a desired auxiliary effect in units of stop operation means.

  Means 8. In any one of the means 1 to 7, a main control means (main control device 131) for overall management of the game and a sub-control means (display control device 111) that plays an auxiliary role for the main control means are provided. A gaming machine characterized in that the sub-control means includes the auxiliary control means.

  According to the means 8, the sub control means includes the auxiliary control means. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the load on the main control means for overall management of the game.

Means 9. In any one of the means 1 to 8, a circulating body (reels 42L, 42M, 42R) in which a plurality of kinds of patterns are arranged in the circumferential direction is provided.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the variation display of the pattern in the pattern display area is a variation display of the pattern by the circulation of the orbiting body.

  According to the means 9, the pattern attached in the circumferential direction is variably displayed as the circulating body circulates. As such gaming machines, there are, for example, a slot machine or a combination of a slot machine and a pachinko machine, and each of the above means can be suitably embodied in these gaming machines.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As a symbol, a “7” symbol (for example, the left belt 20th) and “youth” as a first special symbol for shifting to a big bonus (hereinafter also referred to as “BB”) game which is one type of bonus game. There is a design (for example, the left belt 19th). Further, there is a “BAR” symbol (for example, the 14th left belt) as a second special symbol for shifting to a regular bonus (hereinafter also referred to as “RB”) game which is one type of bonus game. In addition, a “watermelon” symbol (for example, the left belt ninth), a “bell” symbol (for example, the left belt eighth), and a “cherry” symbol (for example, the left belt) as small role symbols from which medals are paid out. (4th) and a “replay” symbol (for example, the eleventh left belt) as a replay symbol that enables replay. As shown in FIG. 7, the number of various symbols and the arrangement order are completely different in the belt wound around each reel 42L, 42M, 42R.

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

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

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

  As for other symbols, the “7” symbol and “Youth” symbol as the first special symbol and the “BAR” symbol as the second special symbol are aligned on the active line in the same pattern as the left, middle and right symbols. However, no medals are paid out. That is, when these symbols are aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, only the corresponding bonus game is entered. In other words, it can be said that the “7” symbol, the “youth” symbol, and the “BAR” symbol are state transition symbols (bonus symbols) for shifting the gaming state to the bonus game.

  Further, when the “replay” symbol as the replay symbol is aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, the medal payout is not performed. However, in this case, the player can play the game again without reducing the medals owned.

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

  In the present embodiment, a predetermined medal is paid out when the same symbol combination is aligned on the active line. However, this may be changed as follows. For example, the medal may be paid out using a combination of symbols such as a combination of “replay”, “bell”, and “watermelon” in order from the left on the active line.

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

  On the right side of the start lever 71, button-like stop switches 72, 73, 74 that are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 42L, 42M, 42R are provided. Each of the stop switches 72, 73, 74 is arranged directly below the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R corresponding to the reels 42L, 42M, 42R to be stopped. The stop switches 72, 73, 74 constitute stop operation means operated to stop variable display based on the rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, 42R. Each of the stop switches 72, 73, 74 can be stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the left reel 42L starts rotating, and is stopped by lighting a lamp (not shown) during such a state. It is notified that the operation is possible and is turned off when the rotation stops. Further, an urging means (spring or the like) (not shown) is provided in the back of each of the stop switches 72, 73, 74, and when the pressing operation of the stop switches 72, 73, 74 is released, the urging means Thus, the stop switches 72, 73, 74 are returned to their initial positions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The power failure monitoring circuit 161b is for monitoring the power-off state and generating a power failure signal not only at the time of power failure but also at the time of power-off by the power switch 122. Therefore, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 12 volts DC in this example output from the power supply unit 161a, and determines that the power supply is shut off when the drive voltage drops below, for example, 10 volts. Power outage signal is output. The power failure signal is supplied to each of the CPU 151 and the input / output port 155, and the CPU 151 recognizes this power failure signal and executes a power failure process described later.

  The power supply unit 161a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 131 even when the output voltage is reduced to less than 10 volts. As a time during which the stabilization voltage is output, a time sufficient for executing the power failure process by the main controller 131 is secured.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the NMI interrupt processing, first, in step S101, the data of the used register provided in the CPU 151 is saved in the backup area provided in the RAM 153. Subsequently, in step S102, a power failure flag is set in a power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 153. Thereafter, the data saved in the backup area of the RAM 153 in step S103 is restored to the use register of the CPU 151 again. With this return processing, the NMI interrupt processing ends. If the power failure flag can be set without destroying the data in the register used by the CPU 151, the save and restore processing to the backup area can be omitted.

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

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

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

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

  If step S301 is YES, that is, if the command transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S302, and the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 151 is stored in the backup area in the RAM 153. Thereafter, in step S303, a RAM determination value, which will be described later, is cleared as a stop process, and the output state of the output port in the input / output port 155 is cleared, and all actuators not shown are turned off. In step S304, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area. The RAM determination value is specifically a 2's complement of the checksum at the work area address of the RAM 153. By storing the RAM determination value in the backup area, the checksum of the RAM 153 becomes zero. By setting the checksum of the RAM 153 to 0, subsequent RAM access is prohibited in step S305. After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed. In consideration of, for example, the case where the power failure flag is set erroneously due to noise or the like, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is output until the infinite loop is entered. If the power failure signal is not output, the power failure state is restored, so that writing to the RAM 153 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. If the power outage signal is continuously output, the infinite loop is entered.

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

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

  That is, in step S204, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S205, an interrupt end declaration process for giving an interrupt permission to the CPU 151 itself is performed. In step S206, in order to rotate the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, a stepping motor control process for driving the stepping motors 61L to 61R, which are the respective rotary drive motors, is performed. In step S207, sensor monitoring processing is performed to monitor the state of various sensors (see FIG. 8) connected to the input / output port 155. In step S208, timer calculation processing for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed. In step S209, a counter process for outputting the bet number of medals and the result of counting the number of payouts to the external concentration terminal board 171 is performed.

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

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

  First, in step S401, as initialization processing, the value of the stack pointer is set in the CPU 151, and an interrupt mode that permits interrupt processing is set. And so on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S601, the random number table for determination of success / failure is selected based on the current setting state of the slot machine 10, the number of medals bet, and the small / probable combination probability. Here, the setting state of the slot machine 10 is any one of “setting 1” to “setting 6” set using a setting key (not shown), and the random number table having the lowest bonus winning probability when “setting 1” is set. When “Setting 6” is selected, the random number table having the highest bonus winning probability is selected. The number of medals bet is any one of 1 to 3, and a random number table is selected such that as the number of bets increases, the winning probability of winning combination increases. For example, the winning probability of a winning combination when three bets are higher than the winning probability of winning when a single bet is three times. Furthermore, there are two kinds of high and low types of small role probabilities regardless of the setting state, and when the current payout rate is below a predetermined expected value, a random number table with a high small role winning probability is selected, and a predetermined expected value is set. When the number is higher, a random number table having a low winning role winning probability is selected. Incidentally, for example, the bonus winning probability of setting 6 is about 1/240 of the BB winning probability of setting 6 and about 1/360 of the RB winning probability. On the other hand, the small role winning probability is set higher than the bonus winning probability. For example, the winning probability of the combination corresponding to the combination of the bell symbols is about 1/8 in the state where the small role winning probability is high. Is about 1/10 in a low state.

  In step S602, a random number table selected in this way is used for lottery in light of the random numbers latched by the random number counter when the start lever 71 is operated. In step S603, it is determined whether or not any of the winning combinations has been won. If any of the winning combinations has been won, in step S604, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set and the effective line to be aligned. To decide. Incidentally, when the winning flag is the small role winning flag or the replay winning flag, these winning flags are reset at the end of the game in which the corresponding winning flag is set. On the other hand, when the winning flag is a BB winning flag or an RB winning flag, these winning flags are reset on the condition that the corresponding symbol combination is established on the active line. That is, the BB winning flag and the RB winning flag may be valid over a plurality of games. Note that in the lottery process after the next game carrying over the BB winning flag or the RB winning flag, a lottery regarding whether or not to win a small role or replay is performed, but a lottery regarding BB and RB is not performed. Further, when a small combination or replay is won in a state where the BB winning flag or the RB winning flag is carried over, an effective line is determined so that the small combination or replay is preferentially arranged. If the winning flag is set in step S604 or if the winning combination is not winning in step S602 (NO in step S603), the process proceeds to step S605, and a lottery result command indicating the lottery result of the winning combination is set. That is, in step S602, if the “Bell” role is won, a lottery result command indicating “Bell” win is set, and if the winning combination is not selected, the lottery result indicating non-winning (losing) is determined. A command is set. Then, after setting the lottery result command, in the subsequent step S606, a reel table for reel stop control is determined and stored in the slip table storage area of the RAM 153. Here, the sliding table is a table in which it is determined how much the reel is slid and stopped after the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed. More specifically, when the winning flag is set, a sliding table determined so that the combination of the symbol corresponding to the winning flag can be stopped on the active line determined in step S604. Store. If the winning flag is not set, a sliding table is stored that is determined so that the winning symbol combination does not stop on the active line.

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

  In the reel control process, first, in step S701, a reel rotation process for rotating the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is performed. In the reel rotation process, it is confirmed whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the start of reel rotation in the previous game, and after performing a wait process that waits until the time elapses. Each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is rotated. For this reason, even if the player bets a medal and operates the start lever 71, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R may not immediately start rotating. In the subsequent step S702, whether or not any of the stop switches 72 to 74 is pressed to generate a reel stop command, more specifically, whether or not an ON signal is received from the stop detection sensors 72a to 74a. Determine whether. However, in this embodiment, the period from the start of rotation of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R to the constant speed rotation at a predetermined speed is set as an invalid period, and the stop switches 72 to Even if 74 is pressed, the ON signals from the stop detection sensors 72a to 74a are invalidated. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, a period from when each reel 42L, 42M, 42R starts to rotate until 0.5 seconds elapses is set as an invalid period.

  If any of the stop switches 72 to 74 is pressed in step S702 and a stop command is generated, the process proceeds to step S703 and a start command is set. The start command is a command transmitted to the display control device 111. By receiving the command, the display control device 111 recognizes that the stop switch has been pressed to stop any of the reels. Thereafter, in step S704, a reel stop process is performed. In this reel stop process, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop switch is stopped based on the slide table stored in the slide table storage area of the RAM 153. For example, when the winning flag is set, the reels are stopped so that the winning combination as much as possible is arranged on a predetermined effective line. Specifically, if the “watermelon” symbol is lined up on the lower line, and the stop switch is pressed at the timing when the “watermelon” symbol stops on the upper line, it will stop on the lower line. As you do, slide the reel by two symbols to stop. However, since the range that can be slid is determined in advance (up to four symbols), the “watermelon” symbol may not stop on the lower line depending on the timing of pressing the stop switch. If the winning flag is not set, the reels are stopped so that the winning symbol combinations are not lined up on the active line. Specifically, if no winning combination is selected and the stop switch 72 is pressed when the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 42L stops on the upper line, the “cherry” symbol is valid. Slide the reel by 3 symbols to stop it so that it does not stop on the line. In a succeeding step S705, it is determined whether or not the stop command is finished, and the process waits until the stop command is finished. Here, whether or not the stop command has ended is determined based on whether or not the detection signal from the stop detection sensor corresponding to the pressed stop switch has been switched from on to off. That is, in step S705, it is confirmed whether or not the pressed stop switch has been pulled back, and waits until the pull back operation is performed.

  When the stop command is completed, the process proceeds to step S706, where it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command, that is, whether or not the stop switch has been pressed when all three reels are rotating. . In the case of the first stop command, the process proceeds to step S707 and the slip table changing process is performed. In this slide table change process, for example, it is determined whether or not a combination of roles is generated when trying to align the winning combination on the active line. Change to a slide table that matches the active line after the change. Here, “combination of a combination” means that, for example, when a “watermelon” symbol is arranged on the upper line, a “cherry” symbol appears on the lower line when the “cherry” symbol appears on the lower line. Refers to cases. The slip table changing process is performed not only when avoiding the combination of combinations, but also when the symbol corresponding to the winning flag is not stopped on the active line determined by the lottery process, for example.

  On the other hand, if the current stop command is not the first stop command in step S706, the process proceeds to step S708 to determine whether the second stop command is present, that is, one of the three reels is stopped and the two reels are rotating. It is determined whether or not the stop switch has been pressed. If it is the second stop command, the process proceeds to step S709 to perform stop eye determination processing. In the stop eye determination process, when two reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not the state transition symbols such as “7” symbols attached to the two reels are aligned on the effective line. Sometimes the process proceeds directly to the next step. When the state transition symbols are ready, a sound effect command transmitted to the display control device 111 is set to generate a sound effect or the like from the speaker 14, and the process proceeds to the next step. In the stop eye determination process, it may be determined whether another condition other than two state transition symbols is satisfied.

  After the slip table changing process in step S707, when the current stop command is not the second stop command in step S708, or after the stop eye determination process in step S709 is performed, an end command is issued in step S710. Set. The end command is a command transmitted to the display control device 111. By receiving the command, the display control device 111 recognizes that the pressed stop switch has been pulled back. In the subsequent step S711, it is determined whether or not all rotations of the left, middle, and right reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped. If there is a rotating reel, the process returns to step S702.

  If no stop command is issued in step S702, the process advances to step S712 to determine whether or not a predetermined maximum rotation time (for example, 40 seconds) of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R has elapsed. If the maximum rotation time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S702. If the maximum rotation time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S713 to perform a forced stop process for forcibly stopping all the rotating reels sequentially. In such a forced stop process, it is considered that a stop command has been issued to the rotating reel, and the series of processes from step S702 to step S711 described above are performed.

  If all the rotations of the reels are stopped in step S711, or after the forced stop process is performed in step S713, the payout determination process is performed in step S714, and then this process ends. The payout determination process is a process for setting a payout number of medals as one of the conditions that the winning combinations are arranged on the active line. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the small role winning is established on the active line, and when the small role winning is not established on the active line, the small role winning flag is reset and the expected payout amount of the RAM 153 is stored. Set 0 in the area. When the small role winning is established on the active line, it is determined whether or not the small role winning is a combination of symbols corresponding to the small role winning flag, and when they do not match, an error is displayed by the upper lamp 13 or the like. At the same time, 0 is set in the payout amount storage area. When they match, the small combination winning flag is reset, and the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination is set in the payout planned number storage area of the RAM 153. Further, when the re-game winning is established on the active line, the re-game winning flag is reset and 0 is set in the planned payout number storage area, and the re-game process enabling the re-game is performed.

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

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

  On the other hand, when the game is performed in the direct mode, or when the count value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit, the medal payout rotary plate is driven in step S805 to remove the medal from the hopper device 91 to the medal discharge port. 17 through the medal tray 18. At this time, in step S806, the number of payouts is incremented by 1 in accordance with the medal detection signal of the payout detection sensor 91a attached to the hopper device 91. As a result, the number of acquired number display section 37 is incremented by one. Then, after the payout number is incremented by 1 in step S804 or step S806, the process returns to step S801 again. When the number of payouts matches the planned number of payouts in step S801, the medal payout rotating plate of the hopper device 91 is stopped in step S807. Thereafter, a payout end process is performed in step S808, and this process ends. In the payout end process, the payout number storage area and the payout counter value are reset to zero. Note that the value of the acquired number display section 37 is reset when a medal is bet to start the next game.

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

  Prior to the description of the bonus game process, the bonus game will be described. The RB game is composed of 12 JAC games. The JAC game is a game in which only one bet is allowed, and is a game with a very high probability that the JAC symbols (replay symbols in this case) are aligned on the active line, that is, the probability of establishment of the JAC symbols. When a JAC symbol is established in a JAC game, the maximum number (15 in this case) of medals is paid out. When the JAC symbol is established 8 times, the RB game is ended even before the JAC game reaches 12 times. On the other hand, the BB game is composed of 30 small role games and 3 JAC ins. A small role game is a game in which a small role is elected with a high probability (“Bell” symbols and the like are arranged on the active line), and JAC in means that the game shifts to 12 JAC games. When JAC symbols are aligned on the active line, JAC in is established. The JAC game is the same as that of the RB game. That is, when the JAC symbol is established eight times, the JAC game is ended and returned to the small role game even before the JAC game reaches twelve times. Therefore, it can be said that the BB game is composed of 30 small role games and 3 RB games. However, when the JAC game by the third JAC in is finished, the BB game is finished even before the small role game reaches 30 times, and before the JAC in reaches 3 times after the 30 small role games are finished. Even if there is, the BB game ends.

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

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

  19 and 20, the remaining small role game counter represents the remaining number of small role games (also referred to as the remaining small role game number), and the remaining JAC in counter represents the remaining number of remaining JAC in (remaining JAC in number). The remaining JAC establishment counter represents the remaining number of times that the JAC symbol can be established (also referred to as the number of remaining JAC formations), and the remaining JAC game counter represents the number of remaining JAC games (also referred to as the number of remaining JAC games). To express. The number of remaining small role games, the number of remaining JAC ins, the number of remaining JACs established, and the number of remaining JAC games are displayed on the game number display unit 36 as appropriate.

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

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

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

  Next, the effect lottery process performed by the display control device 111 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the effect lottery process.

  First, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not a lottery result command has been received from the main controller 131. As described above, the lottery result command is a command indicating the lottery result in the lottery of the combination performed in the lottery process of the main controller 131 (see step S605 in FIG. 14). If the lottery result command has not been received, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if a lottery result command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1102, and a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to perform a teaching effect. In this teaching effect lottery, a teaching effect random number counter is used. More specifically, when the display control device 111 receives a lottery result command from the main control device 131, the display control device 111 compares the random number latched by the teaching effect random number counter with the teaching effect random number table set in advance. Make a lottery. Here, the teaching effect is that when the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated for a predetermined time, the teaching symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 and whether the winning combination is won or not in the game round. This is an effect taught to a player or the like. In step S1103, it is determined whether or not the teaching effect has been won. If the teaching effect has not been won, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the teaching effect is won, the process proceeds to step S1104, and the teaching effect flag is set. In the subsequent step S1105, teaching symbol setting processing is performed. In the present embodiment, three teaching symbols are used as one set in one teaching effect. That is, the number of teaching symbols for one set is determined by the number of stop switches. A plurality of teaching symbols in this set are prepared for each combination and stored in the ROM of the CPU of the display control device 111. In addition, three teaching symbols constituting one set are stored in the ROM in a predetermined order. In the following, the first (first) teaching symbol is the first symbol, the second teaching symbol is the second symbol, and the last is the last symbol. The (third) teaching symbol is referred to as the third symbol. In the teaching symbol setting process, one set of teaching symbols (three teaching symbols) is selected and determined from the plurality of teaching symbols. In the selection, first, a teaching effect symbol table corresponding to the contents indicated by the lottery result command is used. That is, when the content indicated by the detection result command is “BELL” winning, a teaching symbol table for bell winning is selected. Then, the selected teaching symbol table is illuminated with the random number of the teaching effect random number counter latched in step S1102, and the teaching symbol for winning the bell is determined. After determining the teaching symbol in this way, the process proceeds to step S1106, where the effect notification process is performed, and this process ends. In the effect notification process, a process of controlling the speaker 14 to generate a sound indicating an effect winning (notification sound) is performed. Accordingly, the player can know that the lottery for teaching effects has been won.

  Next, a specific procedure of the effect display process by the display control device 111 when the teaching effect is performed will be outlined. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the effect display process executed by the CPU in the display control device 111.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not a teaching effect flag has been set in the effect lottery process. If there is a teaching effect flag, the process proceeds to step S1202 to determine whether or not a start command has been received from the main control device 131. If there is no teaching effect flag in step S1201, or if a start command has not been received, this processing is terminated. If a start command has been received, the process advances to step S1203 to increment the start counter for storing the number of times of reception of the start command provided in the RAM by one. Receiving the start command means that any one of the stop switches 72 to 74 has been pressed, and in the subsequent step S1204, a timer for measuring the time during which the stop switch has been pressed is set. In step S1205, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T (for example, 2 s) has elapsed for the time that the stop switch is pressed. That is, it is determined whether or not the stop switch has been pressed for a predetermined time T. If the predetermined time T has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1206. In step S1206, it is determined whether or not the value of the start counter is 1. Whether or not the value of the start counter is 1 is whether or not the pressing operation of the stop switch is the first stop operation, that is, under the situation where the three reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are rotating, It means whether any of them is pressed. When the value of the start counter is 1 (when it is the first stop operation), the process proceeds to step S1207, and the first symbol display process is performed. The first symbol display process refers to controlling the auxiliary display unit 15 so as to display the first symbol from the teaching symbols determined in the effect lottery process.

  If it is determined in step S1206 that the value of the start counter is not 1, the process proceeds to step S1208, where it is determined whether or not the value of the start counter is 2. Whether or not the value of the start counter is 2 is whether or not the operation of pressing the stop switch is the second stop operation, that is, one of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is stopped and displayed, and the remaining two reels This means whether or not the stop switch has been pressed under the condition that is rotating. If the value of the start counter is 2, the process proceeds to step S1209, and the second symbol display process is performed. The second symbol display process refers to controlling the auxiliary display unit 15 to display the second symbol from the determined teaching symbols.

  If it is determined in step S1208 that the value of the start counter is not 2, the pressing operation of the stop switch is a third stop operation. That is, the stop switch is pressed under the condition that two of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped and the remaining one is rotating, the process proceeds to step S1210, and the third symbol is displayed. Perform display processing. The third symbol display process refers to controlling the auxiliary display unit 15 so as to display the third symbol from the determined teaching symbols.

  After the teaching symbol is displayed in any of steps S1207, S1209, and S1210, the process proceeds to step S1211. In step S1211, it is determined whether or not an end command has been received, that is, whether or not the pressed stop switch has been pulled back. If an end command has not been received, it waits until it is received.

  If it is determined in step S1205 that the predetermined time T has not elapsed, the process advances to step S1212 to determine whether an end command has been received. If an end command has not been received, the process returns to step S1205.

  If an end command is received in step S1211, or if an end command is received before the predetermined time T has elapsed (step S1205 is NO and step S1212 is YES), the process proceeds to step S1213. Therefore, in the effect display process in which the end command is received before the elapse of the predetermined time T, the teaching effect is not displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 even though the lottery of the teaching effect is won. In step S1213, it is determined whether or not the value of the start counter is 3, that is, whether or not all the stop switches 72 to 74 have been stopped. If the value of the start counter is 3, the process advances to step S1214 to reset the command information, timer, start counter, and teaching effect flag, and the present process ends. If the value of the start counter is not 3 in step S1213, the process proceeds to step S1215, the command information and the timer are reset, and this process ends.

  Next, an example of the teaching effect that is performed when the teaching effect flag is set and the pressing operation of the stop switches 72 to 74 has elapsed for a predetermined time T will be described based on a series of fluctuation modes in FIG. In the game times shown in FIG. 23, a case where “watermelon” is won in the role lottery (step S602 of the lottery process performed in the main control device 131) is shown. In FIG. 23, the passage of time is assumed to flow from left to right.

  First, in a game where a teaching effect is performed, a notification sound is generated from the speaker 14 as the start lever 71 is operated (the effect notification process in step S1106 of the effect lottery process). Thereby, the player can know that this game time is won for the teaching effect.

  When the stop switch 72 is turned on, that is, pressed, the left reel 42L is stopped and displayed at the timing A1 of the pressing operation, as shown in the left diagram of (a). On the other hand, at this timing A1, no teaching symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15. Then, at the timing B1 when the time t1 during which the stop switch 72 is pressed and the predetermined time T has passed, the teaching symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 as shown in the left diagram of (b). This teaching symbol is the first symbol out of the three teaching symbols because the operation of the stop switch 72 is the first stopping operation. Therefore, the player can see the teaching effect by continuing to press down the stop switch 72 until at least the time T has elapsed, in other words, pressing and holding the stop switch 72 for at least the time T. And as this 1st symbol, a stationary character in which a boy character who operates a crane with a suspended iron ball, a box with “watermelon” and a box with “cherry blossom” indicating detachment is drawn Is displayed. As a result, the player thinks that the “watermelon” role has been won and tries to stop the “watermelon” symbol on the active line by the second stop operation. Therefore, even a player who does not fully understand the gameability (hereinafter also referred to as a beginner player) can perform the second stop operation to stop the “watermelon”. The teaching effect ends when the stop switch 72 is pulled back.

  Next, when the stop switch 73 is pressed as a second stop operation, the middle reel 42M is stopped and displayed at the timing A2 of the press operation (center view of (a)). Then, the teaching symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 at the timing B2 when the time t2 during which the stop switch 73 is pressed has passed the predetermined time T (center diagram in (b)). This teaching symbol becomes the second symbol because the pressing operation of the stop switch 73 is the second stopping operation. As the second symbol, a stationary symbol indicating a state where the boy character operates the crane and the iron ball is falling is displayed. The reel symbol at the time of the second stop display in FIG. 23 shows a case where the “watermelon” symbol cannot be stopped and displayed on the active line. In addition, the teaching effect ends when the stop switch 73 is pulled back.

  Then, as the third stop operation, the right reel 42R is stopped and displayed at the timing A3 when the stop switch 74 is pressed (the right side diagram of (a)). Then, the teaching symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 at a timing B3 when the predetermined time T has elapsed since the time t3 during which the stop switch 74 is pressed (the figure on the right side of (b)). This teaching symbol becomes the third symbol because the pressing operation of the stop switch 74 is the third stopping operation. As the third symbol, an iron ball that was in the process of dropping in the second symbol falls into a box with “sakura” attached, and a stationary symbol indicating a state in which the box with the “watermelon” symbol remains is displayed. Thus, the player can know that the “watermelon” role has been won in this game round. The teaching effect ends when the stop switch 74 is pulled back.

  Here, a case where the teaching effect as described above is not performed will be described.

  The beginner player often does not realize that when the first stop operation of the stop switch is performed, there is a possibility that the “watermelon” role has been won from the symbol of the stop display. Even if you notice the possibility of winning the “watermelon” role, it is difficult to stop the “watermelon” role as you wish with the second stop operation of the stop switch, so the second stop operation of FIG. It is often the reel design of the time. And even if the third stop operation is performed and all reels are stopped and displayed, the “watermelon” symbols are not aligned on the active line, so the beginner player still thinks that he has not won the “watermelon” role. There is.

  In this regard, by performing the teaching effect as in this configuration, even if the “watermelon” symbol is not arranged on the effective line as a result, the beginner player can know that the “watermelon” role has been won. Therefore, even if the winning combination cannot be stopped and displayed on the active line, at least the winning result can be known, so that the beginner player can enjoy the game. Also, if the winning game is a jackpot, even if the “youth” symbol or the “BAR” symbol cannot be arranged in the game times, the beginner player knows that he has won the jackpot. For this reason, the player tries to align the “youth” symbol or the “BAR” symbol on the effective line in the next game round.

  Next, the case where the teaching effect flag is set but the teaching effect is not displayed will be described in comparison with the case where the series of teaching effects (three teaching symbols) described above are displayed based on FIG.

  First, in a game in which a teaching effect can be performed as described above, a sound effect is generated from the speaker 14 as the start lever 71 is operated.

  When the stop switch 72 is pressed, the left reel 42L is stopped and displayed at the timing A of the pressing operation. Then, the time t1 during which the pressing operation is performed is made shorter than the predetermined time T (when performing the teaching effect, t1 is longer than T). That is, if the pull-back operation (OFF operation) is performed before the predetermined time T has elapsed since the stop switch 72 was pressed, the first symbol of the teaching effect is not displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15. Similarly, the second symbol and the third symbol of the teaching effect are not displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 by performing the pressing operation and the pulling back operation of the stop switches 73 and 74. Therefore, a player who fully understands the gameability (hereinafter also referred to as an advanced player), a player who is not interested in the game effect, etc. before the predetermined time T elapses from the pressing operation of the stop switches 72-74. By performing the retraction operation, the game can be advanced without seeing any teaching effect. As a result, it is possible to provide a high-tempo game to an advanced player or the like.

  Also, for example, a player who wants to know only the winning combination can see only the third symbol without looking at the first symbol and the second symbol of the teaching effect. In this case, in the first stop operation and the second stop operation of the stop switches 72 to 74, the player performs a pull-back operation before elapse of a predetermined time T from the pressing operation, and then in the third stop operation, A pull back operation may be performed after a predetermined time T has elapsed from the pressing operation. Note that even when only the first symbol of the teaching effect is to be viewed or when the first symbol and the third symbol are to be viewed, the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated based on the relationship between t1 to t2 and T. By doing so, it is possible to obtain a desired teaching effect.

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

  When the lottery result of the teaching effect is a win, the teaching effect is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 by performing a specific operation of the stop switches 72 to 74, and when the specific operation is not performed, the teaching effect is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15. The configuration was not. Thereby, a beginner player, a player who likes game effects, and the like can view the teaching effects by performing specific operations on the stop switches 72-74. Thereby, the beginner player can advance the game while receiving the support of the teaching effect, and the player who likes the game effect can enjoy the game by watching the desired effect. On the other hand, a player who does not require a teaching effect such as an advanced player can advance the game without seeing the teaching effect by not performing a specific operation of the stop switches 72 to 74. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high-tempo game to an advanced player or the like while having a configuration for performing a teaching effect. Furthermore, since the existing stop switches 72 to 74 are used as a device for selecting display or non-display of the teaching effect, it is not necessary to provide a new device for the selection.

  Moreover, it was set as the structure which draws lots whether teaching direction is performed. Thereby, since the teaching effect is not always performed, it is possible to prevent the teaching effect from being bored. Furthermore, even if the game effect lottery result is a win, the game effect is not displayed unless the stop operation means is specifically operated, so that the frequency at which the player can visually recognize the game effect can be changed. As a result, it can be prevented that the game effect is further bored.

  Further, in the lottery of the teaching effect, when winning, the notification sound indicating the winning is generated from the speaker 14 when the start lever 71 is operated. Thus, the player can know that the teaching effect has been won in the game round. As a result, the beginner player can see the teaching effect by performing the specific operation of the stop switches 72 to 74 when the notification sound is generated, and does not need to perform the specific operation for each game.

  Under the situation where the teaching effect is winning, the specific operation of the stop switches 72 to 74 for displaying the teaching effect is a long press operation of the stop switches 72 to 74. Thereby, the operation for displaying the teaching effect can be performed continuously with the operation of stopping the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, and the series of operations becomes easy. Further, since the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped and displayed when the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed, the advanced player or the like presses the stop switches 72 to 74 only for the stop operation. Just operate. Therefore, the teaching effect can be canceled without performing a special operation.

  Three teaching symbols for teaching effects are set as one set, and the three teaching symbols are stored in the ROM of the display control device 111 as a first symbol, a second symbol, and a third symbol in a predetermined order. Then, it is determined which operation is the stop operation of the stop switches 72 to 74, the first symbol is displayed in the case of the first stop operation, the second symbol is displayed in the case of the second stop operation, In the case of the third stop operation, the third symbol is displayed. As a result, in the teaching effect, the player can select the first symbol from the first symbol to the third symbol on the auxiliary display unit 15 by his / her own intention.

  The display control device 111 is configured to execute various processes in the teaching effect. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the main control device that performs overall management of the game.

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

  (A) In the embodiment described above, the teaching effect is performed only when the teaching effect is selected by lottery. However, the teaching effect may be performed every game. With this configuration, the beginner player can always receive support for teaching effects, and can proceed with the game with peace of mind. Even in this configuration, the advanced player can cancel the teaching effect by stopping the stop switches 72 to 74 as in the present embodiment. For this reason, a game with a good tempo is not spoiled like this embodiment.

  (B) In the above embodiment, when the teaching effect lottery is won, a notification sound is generated from the speaker 14 when the start lever 71 of the game is operated. The lamp 13 may be turned on. Even in this configuration, the player can know from the upper lamp 13 that the teaching effect has been won.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which does not alert | report by changing the structure alert | reported by the speaker 14 or the upper lamp 13 as mentioned above that the teaching effect is elected. Even with this configuration, the advanced player or the like operates the stop switches 72 to 74 for a short time (shorter than the predetermined time T), so that the game can proceed without seeing the teaching effect. On the other hand, since it is not known in which game times a teaching effect is displayed for an elementary player or the like, it is possible to play a game while expecting a teaching effect to be displayed every game time.

  In addition to the configuration in which a notification sound is generated from the speaker 14 in the lottery for determining whether or not the teaching effect is to be won, the notification sound may be generated from the speaker 14 in the case that the lottery is not winning. good. In this case, the player can know whether the lottery of the teaching effect is winning or not by setting two types of sounds generated by winning and non-winning.

  (C) In the above embodiment, as the teaching effect, the still symbols of the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol are displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15. However, as the teaching effect, a moving image is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15. May be configured to be displayed. In this case, the moving image is divided into three parts, which are a first moving image, a second moving image, and a third moving image, respectively. Then, as in the present embodiment, the first moving image, the second moving image, and the third moving image are set according to the order in which the stop switches 72 to 74 are stopped. As a result, the same effects as in the present embodiment are achieved.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the teaching effect is an effect of teaching the player whether the winning combination is won or not, but this may be changed. For example, it may be an effect that teaches the type of winning combination. In other words, the “watermelon” symbol and the “bell” symbol are displayed as teaching effects, and then the “watermelon” symbol is displayed, so that the player can be instructed of the type of winning combination. Further, the content taught by the teaching effect is not limited to the role, and may be content teaching that the current gaming state is an opportunity.

  (E) In the embodiment described above, the teaching effect is not displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 if the stop switches 72 to 74 are not pressed for a long time even if the teaching effect is selected. It may be changed as follows. For example, in the game times in which the teaching effect is won, the teaching effect is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 so as to be invisible. Here, for example, there is a configuration in which the teaching effect is displayed at a high speed so that the teaching effect can be switched at a high speed and the teaching effect cannot be identified. In this case, if the stop switches 72 to 74 are not pressed for a long time, the teaching effect is always displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 at a high speed, so that the player does not visually recognize the teaching effect. On the other hand, when it is desired to view the teaching effect, the teaching symbols are displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 in a slow manner or a still image is displayed by, for example, pressing and holding the stop switches 72 to 74 as in the present embodiment. It is displayed. As a result, similar to the present embodiment, a beginner player or the like can see the teaching effect. Further, as another configuration of “displaying the teaching effect in an invisible degree”, the configuration in which the teaching effect is displayed in a transparent manner, or the configuration in which the teaching effect is not identified by displaying the teaching effect in a minimum Also good.

  (F) In the above-described embodiment, the teaching effect is displayed by the long press operation of the stop switches 72 to 74. However, an operation other than the long press operation may be used. For example, a configuration in which a teaching effect is displayed when the same stop switch is pressed twice within a predetermined time, or a configuration in which a teaching effect is displayed when another stop switch is pressed during the pressing operation of the stop switch. It is. In these cases, since the existing stop switch is used, there is no need to provide a new device for selecting whether to display or hide the teaching effect.

  (G) In the above embodiment, the display control device 111 performs lottery to determine whether or not to perform the teaching effect. However, the main control device 131 may perform lottery. Further, the display control device 111 is simply a control device that performs display control of the auxiliary display unit 15, and other processing related to the teaching effect (for example, time measurement from the pressing operation of the stop switch to the pulling back operation) is performed on the main control device 131. May be configured.

  (H) In the above-described embodiment, the symbols 42L, 42M, and 42R are used to display the symbols in a variable manner. However, instead of the reels, a pattern display device having a display unit may be used. In this case, the display unit is a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and the display unit is configured to display the symbols in a variable manner. Moreover, the structure which united the display part of this pattern display apparatus and the auxiliary | assistant display part 15 in the said embodiment may be sufficient. In other words, the display unit of the picture display device may be configured to display a variation of the symbol and display a game effect.

  (I) In the above embodiment, the belt on which the design is printed is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical skeleton member 50. However, the cylindrical skeleton member and the belt are integrally formed, and the design is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the belt. It is good also as a structure which sticks separately. In such a case, this integral formation corresponds to the rotating body.

  (J) In the above embodiment, a slot machine having three reels arranged in parallel and having five lines as effective lines has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, five reels arranged in parallel It may be a slot machine provided or a slot machine having seven effective lines.

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

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

The front view of the slot machine in one embodiment. The perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. The perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door. The rear view of a front door. The front view of a housing | casing. The assembly perspective view of a left reel. FIG. 3 is a development view of a belt-like belt constituting each reel. The block circuit diagram of a slot machine. The flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. The flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. The flowchart which shows the process at the time of a power failure. The flowchart which shows a main process. The flowchart which shows a normal process. The flowchart which shows a lottery process. The flowchart which shows a reel control process. The flowchart which shows medal payout processing. The flowchart which shows a bonus game process. The flowchart which shows a bonus symbol determination process. Explanatory drawing which shows the counter setting at the time of RB game initial setting process. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the counter setting at the time of a BB game initial setting process, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the counter setting at the time of a JAC game initial setting process in BB game. The flowchart which shows an effect lottery process. The flowchart which shows production | presentation display processing. Explanatory drawing which shows one embodiment of a teaching effect.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Speaker as notification means, 15 ... Auxiliary display part as auxiliary display means, 42 ... Reel as picture display area, 71 ... Start lever as start operation means, 72-74 ... Stop switch as stop operation means, 72a to 74a: stop detection sensor as start detection means and end detection means, 91: hopper device as privilege grant means, 111: display control device constituting display control means, determination means, etc., 131: role lottery means, etc. Main control device to be configured.

Claims (1)

A plurality of design display areas provided at positions that can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and a plurality of types of designs are variably displayed;
Start operation means operated to start the display of the variation of the pattern in each of the pattern display areas,
Role lottery means for performing lottery of a role based on the operation of the start operation means;
A plurality of stop operation means provided for each of the pattern display areas and operated to stop the display of the variation of the pattern in the pattern display area;
Based on the operation of the start operation means, to start the variation of the pattern in each of the pattern display areas, and based on the operation of each of the stop operation means, to stop the variation display of the pattern in the corresponding pattern display area, And when winning the lottery of the combination, display control means for performing display control so that a predetermined pattern or a combination of predetermined patterns corresponding to the combination can stop at an effective position of the pattern display area,
When the predetermined picture or combination of predetermined pictures corresponding to the winning combination is stopped at the effective position, a privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the player;
Auxiliary display means for displaying various information;
In a gaming machine comprising auxiliary control means for controlling display of the auxiliary display means,
The auxiliary control means includes
A determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined specific operation has been performed on the stop operation means;
An auxiliary effect control means for controlling the auxiliary display means so as to display the auxiliary effect to a visible level when the determining means determines that the specific operation of the stop operation means is performed;
A gaming machine comprising: a visual disabling control means for controlling the auxiliary display means so as to make the auxiliary effect invisible when the determining means does not determine the specific operation of the stop operating means. .

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