JP2007089863A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suppressing the increase of a data amount relating to stop control while suppressing the increase of processing loads for deciding the stop form of a circulating body. <P>SOLUTION: A slot machine is provided with a main controller 131 for generally managing a game. Signals from various sensors (start detection sensor 71a or the like) are inputted to the main controller 131, and when a prescribed condition is satisfied, a stepping motor 61 is driven and the rotation of respective reels is started. In the meantime, when signals indicating that stop switches 72-74 are operated are inputted from stop detection sensors 72a-74a, the stop form of a corresponding reel is decided on the basis of a table number stored in a table number storage area 153b or on the basis of a retrieved result stored in a retrieved result storage area 153c, and the stepping motor 61 is controlled so as to stop the reel according to the stop form. <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. Then, when the player inserts a medal and operates the start lever, the lottery of the winning combination is performed inside the slot machine and each reel starts to rotate. After each reel starts rotating, the stop switch is operated. Or when a predetermined time elapses, the reels are sequentially stopped to complete one game. At this time, if each reel is won, for example, in the lottery of the winning combination, the predetermined symbol is determined from the timing when the stop switch is operated so that the winning symbol corresponding to the winning combination can stop on the preset effective line. Stop control, such as stopping after rotating the number of symbols, is performed. And when all reels stop rotating, if the winning symbol of each reel stops on the active line, it will win a prize, and a privilege such as a predetermined number of medals will be given to the player, or the gaming state will be a big bonus Or a transition to a bonus game (special game state) advantageous to the player, such as a game or a regular bonus game. Therefore, it is common for a player to watch a changing symbol and operate a stop switch so that the predetermined symbol stops on the active line. In other words, the player can actively participate in the game. This is a feature of slot machines.

  Some slot machines perform so-called program control as the stop control. The slot machine that performs program control searches for a symbol that has reached the active line at the timing when the stop switch is operated, and a symbol assigned within a predetermined number (for example, four) from this symbol. If a symbol exists, the reel is slid so that the winning symbol stops on the active line and then stopped. In other words, in a slot machine that performs program control, the reel stop mode such as how many symbols the reel is rotated before stopping is not determined in advance, and the process of determining the reel stop mode after the stop switch is operated I do. However, in the slot machine, it is necessary to stop the reel before a predetermined time (for example, 190 msec) elapses after the stop switch is operated. Therefore, the stop mode of the reel needs to be determined promptly. For this reason, in the slot machine that performs program control, there has been a concern that the processing load for determining the reel stop mode becomes large.

  Therefore, in recent years, a slot machine that performs so-called table control as the stop control has been proposed to solve such a problem. The slot machine that performs table control wins the stop table in which the relationship between the symbol that has reached the effective line when the stop switch is operated and the symbol that actually stops on the effective line is set. There are more than one for each. Then, a stop table corresponding to the lottery result is selected, and stop control of each reel is performed based on the selected stop table (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In other words, in a slot machine that performs table control, since the relationship between the symbol that has reached the effective line and the symbol that actually stops on the effective line is predetermined, the processing load when determining the reel stop mode is reduced. It becomes possible to reduce. However, in such a configuration, since it is necessary to prepare a plurality of slide tables according to the winning combination, there is a concern about a new problem that the storage capacity is compressed in a slot machine with a limited storage capacity. It became a thing.

The above problem is not limited to the slot machine, but also applies to other gaming machines that display a variety of patterns in a variable manner and then end the variable display.
JP 2004-350887 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a gaming machine capable of suppressing an increase in the amount of data related to stop control while suppressing an increase in the processing load for determining the stop mode of the orbiting body. Is intended to provide.

  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 revolving bodies (reels 42L, 42M, 42R) that circulate in the circumferential direction and are provided with a plurality of types of patterns (designs) in the circumferential direction;
Display windows (display windows 31L, 31M, 31R) that make it possible to visually recognize a part (three) of the patterns for each of the circular bodies,
Start operation means (start lever 71) operated to start the circulation of each of the circuit bodies;
Lottery means (lottery processing function of the main control device 131) for lottery of the role based on the operation of the start operation means;
A driving means (stepping motor 61) provided for each of the rotating bodies, for rotating the rotating bodies;
Starting drive control means (rotation start processing function S901 of the main control device 131) for starting and controlling the driving means so as to start the circulation of the rotating bodies based on the operation of the starting operation means;
A plurality of stop operation means (stop switches 72 to 74) operated to individually stop the circulation of each of the circulating bodies;
Based on the operation of each stop operation means, the corresponding orbiting body is stopped within a specified period (190 msec), the lottery of the combination is won, and the stop operation means is operated at a predetermined timing. A stop drive control means (main control device) for stopping and controlling the drive means so that the winning pattern corresponding to the winning combination stops at an effective position (effective line) visible from the display window. 131 stop control processing functions S902 to S909),
In a gaming machine provided with a privilege granting means (such as a medal payout processing function of the main control device 131) for granting a privilege to a player when the winning picture forms a predetermined combination and stops at the effective position.
When the stop operation means is operated, a reachable pattern that can reach the effective position within the specified period among the patterns attached to the corresponding orbiting body (upstream 4 from the pattern that has reached the effective line) A pattern grasping means (S1305 to S1313 in the slip number determination process of the main control device 131) for grasping a pattern attached to the range of the pattern;
Determination means (S1307 in the slip number determination processing of the main control device 131) for determining whether or not the winning design can be stopped at the effective position based on the grasp result of the design grasping means;
When the stop drive control unit performs stop drive control of each drive unit, a stop mode first determination unit (main control device) that determines a stop mode (slip number) of the corresponding rotating body based on the determination result of the determination unit 131 slip number acquisition function S1311),
Stop information group storage means (ROM 152 of the main controller 131) for storing a plurality of stop information groups (slip table) that can define the relationship between the reaching pattern that has reached the effective position and the stop pattern that stops at the effective position; ,
Stop information group selection means (slave table setting processing function S708 of the main control device 131) for selecting one stop information group from the plurality of stop information groups according to the winning combination in the winning combination;
Stop information group storage means (table number storage area 153b of the main controller 131) for storing the stop information group selected by the stop information group selection means;
When the stop drive control means performs stop drive control of each of the drive means, the corresponding stop mode of the circulating body is determined based on the operation timing of the stop operation means and the stop information group stored in the stop information group storage means. Stop mode second determining means for determining (slip number calculating function S1605 of the main controller 131);
Stop mode selection means for selecting which of the stop mode determination means to determine the stop mode according to the winning combination of the winning combination (slip table setting processing function S708 of the main controller 131 and A gaming machine comprising: S1002 in program control processing; and S1314 in slip number determination processing.

  According to the means 1, the stop mode of the circulating object corresponding to the operated stop operation means is determined based on the stop information group stored in the stop information group storage means, and the winning picture is stopped at the effective position. In some cases, it is determined based on the determination result of whether or not it is possible. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to select a stop mode determination method according to the processing load for determining the stop mode, and to suppress an increase in the processing load for determining the stop mode of the circulating body. It becomes possible. In addition, by adopting a configuration for selecting which method to determine the stop mode according to the winning combination for the winning combination, the stop information group for the combination whose stop mode is determined based on the determination result Becomes unnecessary, and an increase in the amount of data related to stop control can be suppressed. Furthermore, when determining the stop mode based on the stop information group, the increase in the amount of data cannot be denied, but the relationship between the reached pattern that has reached the effective position and the stop pattern that stops at the effective position is the stop information group. Therefore, it is possible to stop the design intended by the designer who designs the gaming machine within a visible range from the display window. Therefore, by selecting a stop mode determination method according to the winning combination, it is possible to efficiently use the storage capacity in a gaming machine with a limited storage capacity. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data related to the stop control while suppressing an increase in the processing load that determines the stop mode of the orbiting body.

  Mean 2. In the above means 1, the stop mode selecting means is a first predetermined combination (re-game, bell that can be stopped by forming the predetermined combination at the effective position regardless of the operation timing of each stop operation means. ), The stop mode first determination means is selected.

  According to the means 2, when only the first predetermined combination that can be stopped by forming a predetermined combination at the effective position regardless of the operation timing of each stop operation means is won, the determination result of the determination means Based on this, the stop mode of the corresponding orbiting body is determined. By adopting such a configuration, the stop information group in the case where only the first predetermined combination is won is unnecessary, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data related to stop control. In such a case, a determination result that the winning picture corresponding to the first predetermined combination can be stopped at the effective position regardless of the operation timing of the stop operation means is made. Therefore, since the process regarding the case where the winning picture cannot be stopped at the effective position is unnecessary, even if the stop mode of the corresponding orbiting body is determined based on the determination result of the determination means, the stop mode of the orbiting body is determined. It is possible to suppress an increase in the processing load to be determined.

Means 3. In the above-mentioned means 2, the stop drive control means has a predetermined number of pictures (1 to 4 figures) that reaches the effective position that reaches the effective position at the operation timing of the stop operating means on the side of the circulating body. It has a stop mode to stop after moving it for minutes,
A gaming machine characterized in that the winning symbol corresponding to the first predetermined role is arranged on each circuit body so that the interval is equal to or less than the maximum number of symbols (four symbols) to which the reaching symbol can move during the specified period. .

  According to the means 3, as a stop mode of the orbiting body, the stop that stops after the reaching pattern that has reached the effective position at the operation timing of the stop operating means has moved by a predetermined number of patterns to the orbiting side of the orbiting body. There are aspects. And the winning design corresponding to the first predetermined combination is arranged on each orbiting body so that the interval is equal to or less than the maximum number of designs that can be reached during the specified period. With this configuration, it is possible to stop the winning design corresponding to the first predetermined combination at the effective position regardless of the operation timing of the stop operation means.

Means 4. In any one of the above means 1 to 3, when a specific pattern ("cherry" design) attached to a specified circulating body (left reel 42L) among the circulating bodies stops at the effective position, Provided with a second privilege grant means (medal payout processing function of the main control device 131) for granting a privilege to the player regardless of the result of the body stoppage,
When the stop mode selection means wins a specific role (cherry) corresponding to the specific design and determines the stop mode of the orbiting body to give a privilege by the second privilege grant means, the stop mode second determination A gaming machine characterized by selecting means.

  According to the means 4, when the specific pattern attached to the prescribed circuit is stopped at the effective position, a privilege is given to the player regardless of the result of stopping the other objects. In such a case, it is possible to set the result of stopping other circulatory bodies relatively freely as compared to a role to which a privilege is granted when the winning pattern is stopped after forming a predetermined combination at an effective position. . Therefore, when determining the stop mode of the orbiting body so as to give a privilege based on the fact that the specific pattern has stopped, the stop mode of the orbiting body is determined based on the stop information group stored in the stop information group storage means. Thus, it is possible to diversify the patterns that stop in a visible range from the display window while suppressing an increase in the processing load that determines the stop mode of the orbiting body.

  Means 5. In any one of the above means 1 to 4, the stop mode selection unit is not capable of causing the determination unit to stop the winning design at the effective position in a situation where the stop mode first determination unit is selected. If it is determined that the stop mode is determined, the change mode determining unit for determining the stop mode is changed from the stop mode first determining unit to the stop mode second determining unit (S1314 in the slip number determination process of the main controller 131). ).

  According to the means 5, when the selection to determine the stop mode is made based on the determination result of the determination means, and it is determined that the winning picture cannot be stopped at the effective position, the stop information group storage means The stop mode is determined based on the stop information group stored in. By setting it as this structure, it becomes possible to suppress that the processing load which determines the stop aspect of a circulating body increases. If it is impossible to stop the winning design at the effective position, it is only necessary to determine the stop mode of the corresponding orbiting body based on the stored stop information group, and any design can be stopped at the effective position. This is because there is no need to perform such processing again.

  Means 6. In the means 5, the stop mode selection means is a second predetermined combination that can be stopped by forming the predetermined combination at the effective position only when the stop operation means is operated at a predetermined timing. When the watermelon, BB) is won, the stop mode first determining means is selected.

  According to the means 6, when the second predetermined combination that can be stopped by forming a predetermined combination at the effective position only when the stop operation means is operated at a predetermined timing, Based on the determination result, the stop mode of the orbiting body is determined. By applying such a configuration to the configuration of the means 5, for example, a stop information group determined so that the winning pattern corresponding to the second predetermined combination can be stopped by forming a predetermined combination at an effective position becomes unnecessary, and the stop is stopped. It is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data related to control.

  Mean 7 In the above means 5 or 6, when the selection changing means makes the change, the change result holding means (control flag of the main control device 131) holds the change result until the stopping modes of all the circulating bodies are determined. A gaming machine having a setting function.

  According to the means 7, when it is determined that it is impossible to stop the winning picture at the effective position, the stop information stored in the stop information group storage means even when the stop mode of another circling body is determined. It is determined based on the information group. If it is determined that the winning picture cannot be stopped at the effective position, at least the winning picture does not form a predetermined combination at the effective position. Therefore, in such a case, it is possible to reduce the processing load for determining the stop mode by determining the stop mode of the other circulating bodies based on the stop information group stored in the stop information group storage unit.

Means 8. In the above means 7, the lottery result of the winning combination is a special winning combination (BB winning), and the special pattern (BB symbol) corresponding to the special winning combination does not stop after forming a predetermined combination at the effective position. , With reservation storage means (main control device 131) for storing the special role winning reservation,
The stop mode selection means selects the stop mode first determination means when winning the other role (small role, replay) in the situation where the reserved storage means reserves and stores the special role winning. ,
The determination means, when the reservation storage means wins another role in the situation where the special role winning is reserved and stored, the winning symbol corresponding to the special symbol or the other role (small role symbol, replay It is determined whether or not it is possible to stop at the effective position for one of the symbols
The stop information group selection means is configured to stop at least the other pattern at the valid position as much as possible when the reservation storage means wins another role in a situation where the special role winning is reserved and stored. A gaming machine characterized by selecting a set stop information group.

  According to the means 8, when the special role winning is won in the situation where the special role winning is reserved and stored, the stop mode is selected based on the determination result of the determining means, and the special pattern or the other role is selected. It is determined whether or not one of the corresponding winning designs can be stopped at the effective position. On the other hand, the stop information group storage means stores a stop information group set so as to stop at least the other pattern at the effective position as much as possible. With this configuration, when it is determined that one of the pictures can be stopped at the effective position, a stop mode is determined so that the one picture stops at the effective position, and the one picture is When it is determined that it is impossible to stop at the effective position, the stop mode is determined based on the stop information group stored in the stop information group storage means so that the other pattern can stop at the effective position. Is possible. Therefore, it becomes possible to determine the stop mode of the orbiting body without determining whether or not the other pattern can be stopped at the effective position, and the processing load for determining the stop mode of the orbiting body increases. This can be suitably suppressed. In the case of a gaming machine in which a plurality of effective positions can be set, the determination means sets the one of the plurality of effective positions to the effective position where both the special picture and the other winning pictures stop at the effective position. If it is determined whether or not it is possible to stop the design, and if it is determined that it is impossible, it is possible to determine whether it is possible to stop one of the designs at the other effective position. It is possible to reduce the chance of occurrence of a problem that neither the combination of the pattern nor the combination of the other winning design is formed at the effective position.

  Means 9. In any one of the above means 5 to 8, the stop information group selecting means is configured such that the plurality of pieces of stop information according to a lottery result of the lottery means before the start drive control means starts the start drive control. A gaming machine, wherein one stop information group is selected from the group.

  According to the means 9, one stop information group is selected before each circuit body starts the circuit. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to determine the stop mode of the orbiting body relatively quickly when the determination unit determines that it is impossible to stop the winning pattern at the effective position.

  Means 10. In any one of the means 1 to 9, the determination means determines in order from the design reaching the effective position whether or not the winning design can be stopped at the effective position, and the stop When the determination unit determines that the winning pattern can be stopped at the effective position, the first determination unit determines the stop mode so that the pattern subjected to the determination stops at the effective position. A gaming machine characterized by deciding.

  According to the means 10, whether or not the winning pattern can be stopped at the effective position is determined in order from the pattern that has reached the effective position. When it is determined that the winning design can be stopped at the effective position, the stop mode is determined so that the determined pattern stops at the effective position. By adopting such a configuration, when it is determined that the winning picture can be stopped at the effective position, it is not necessary to determine other reachable pictures, and the processing load for determining the stop mode of the circulating body increases. This makes it possible to determine the stop mode of the orbiting body relatively quickly while suppressing this.

  In addition, as a gaming machine to which each of the above means can be applied, “a picture row made up of a plurality of pictures (specifically, a reel to which a picture is attached) is variably displayed (specifically, the reel is rotated). Variable display means (specifically a reel unit) for confirming and stopping display of the columns is provided, and the variation of the picture is started due to the operation of the start operation means (specifically the start lever), and the stop operation means ( Specifically, a special game that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the picture is stopped due to the operation of the stop button) or after the elapse of a predetermined time, and the confirmed picture at the time of the stop is a specific picture A privilege such as occurrence of a state (bonus game, etc.) is given, a ball receiving tray (top plate, etc.) is provided, a charging device for performing a loading process for taking in a game ball from the ball receiving plate, and a game on the ball receiving plate Paying out a ball A game machine in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused, such as a game machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means is made effective when a game ball is thrown in by a throw-in device. Also mentioned.

  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 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 semi-transparent 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 recognized which symbols are visible from the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R, and arbitrary symbols are displayed on the display window. Control to make it visible from 31L, 31M, 31R can be performed.

  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. In other words, it can be said that the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R are formed so that the three symbols of the upper, middle, and lower stages are visible. 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. In addition, numbers 0 to 20 are assigned to the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, and these numbers are used for the main controller 131 to recognize the symbols that are visible from the display window. It is a number and is not actually attached to the reels 42L, 42M, 42R. However, in the following description, the number is used for explanation.

  The symbols include “Replay” symbol (for example, left belt 20th), “Bell” symbol (for example, left belt 19th), “Youth” symbol (for example, left belt 18th), “7” symbol (for example, (Left belt 17th), “Cherry” design (eg, left belt 13th), “Chance” design (eg, left belt 12th), “Watermelon” design (eg, left belt 9th), “Reach” design ( For example, there are nine types: 6th left belt) and “Lucky” designs (eg 1st left belt). 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 a configuration other than this as long as the symbol is variably displayed in the circumferential direction. For example, other mechanical reel configurations such as a type in which the belt is rotated instead of rotating may be used. In addition to the mechanical reel configuration, an electric display such as a liquid crystal display or a dot matrix display may be used. A device for variably displaying the identification information may be provided, and in this case, it is possible to give abundant variations in the display form.

  A total of five combination lines are attached to the game panel 30 so as to connect the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R, three in parallel in the horizontal direction and two in the diagonal direction. Of course, the maximum number of combination lines may be 6 or more, or less than 5, and the maximum number of combination lines may be changed according to a predetermined condition. Corresponding to 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 (middle 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. And, when the combination line that has been activated, that is, the symbol has been stopped in a predetermined combination on the activated line, a prize is awarded, and a payout process for a predetermined medal number or a bonus game such as a BB game that is in a special gaming state is awarded. Migration processing etc. are executed.

  FIG. 8 shows a combination of symbols for winning and the number of medals to be paid out when winning.

  Small prizes for which medals are paid out include a watermelon prize, a bell prize, and a cherry prize. If you stop alongside the “Watermelon” symbol, “Watermelon” symbol, and “Watermelon” symbol from the left on the active line, 15 medals will be paid out as a watermelon prize, and “Bell” symbol from the left on the active line, “Bell” In the case of stopping alongside the symbol and the “bell” symbol, eleven medals are paid out as a bell prize. Further, when the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 42L stops on the active line, two medals are paid out as a cherry prize. That is, in the case of a cherry winning, any symbol that stops on the active line of the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R may be any symbol. Therefore, when the “cherry” symbol stops at the position where the plurality of effective lines of the left reel 42L overlap (specifically, the upper stage or the lower stage), a cherry winning is established on each active line, and the overlapping effective The medal payout is made by multiplying the number of lines. As a result, in this embodiment, four medals are paid out.

  Further, there is a BB winning as a state transition winning in which the gaming state shifts. When the “7” symbol, “7” symbol, and “7” symbol are stopped from the left on the active line, the game state shifts to the BB game where the gaming state is the special gaming state as a BB winning. However, even if the “7” symbol stops along the left, middle and right on the active line, the medal payout is not performed. That is, when the combination of the “7” symbols is established on the active line, only the BB game is entered. In other words, it can be said that the “7” symbol is a state transition symbol for shifting the gaming state to the BB game.

  Furthermore, when the “replay” symbol, “replay” symbol, and “replay” symbol are stopped along the active line from the left, a re-game win is awarded. When the re-game winning is established, the medal payout and the state transition are not performed, but the player can play the next game without reducing the medal possessed and without inserting the medal.

  In addition, only when the gaming state is an RB game, which will be described later, when stopped alongside the “Replay” symbol, “Replay” symbol, “Chance” symbol from the left on the active line, and from the left on the active line When the “replay” symbol, “replay” symbol, and “lucky” symbol are stopped alongside, 15 medals are paid out as a JAC prize.

  In other cases, that is, when the “cherry” symbol of the left reel 42L does not stop on the active line and the combination of the symbols described above does not stop on the active line, the medal payout, the transition of the gaming state, etc. Not done at all. That is, the “chance” symbol and “lucky” symbol of the left reel 42L, the “cherry” symbol of the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R, the “youth” symbol and the “reach” symbol of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R Not involved at all. In other words, it can be said that each of the above-mentioned symbols is a no-benefits symbol unrelated to the privilege given to the player. As described above, each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is provided with a bonus symbol related to winning such as a “bell” symbol and a non-privileged symbol unrelated to winning such as a “young” symbol, for example. In the following, a combination of symbols corresponding to each prize is also referred to as a combination of winning symbols. For example, the BB symbol combination is a symbol BB winning combination, that is, a combination of “7” symbol, “7” symbol, and “7” symbol.

  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. That is, when the left stop switch 72 is operated, the rotation of the left reel 42L is stopped. When the middle stop switch 73 is operated, the rotation of the middle reel 42M is stopped and the right stop switch 74 is operated. In this case, the rotation of the right reel 42R is 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.

  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 is accompanied by the operation of directly inserting the 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 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.

  On the left side of the start lever 71, a button-like settlement switch 80 is provided. That is, the slot machine 10 has a credit function for storing and storing surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (for 50 medals) and winning medals as virtual medals. The virtual medal is paid out as an actual medal when the settlement switch 80 is pressed while stored and stored. In this case, if paying attention to the function of paying out the credited virtual medal as an actual medal, it can be said that the checkout switch 80 constitutes a checkout operation means for actually paying out the stored game value.

  It should be noted that the surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (for example, 50 medals) and the “credit mode” set to store and memorize the winning medals as virtual medals, the surplus inserted medals, In the case of a slot machine that can be switched to “direct mode” set so that the winning medal at the time of winning is paid out as an actual medal, the settlement switch 80 has a function as a changeover switch for mode switching. May be added. In this case, the settlement switch (changeover switch) 80 is turned on when pressed once, turned off when pressed again, and switched on / off every time a pressing operation is performed. When the settlement switch 80 is on, the credit mode is selected. When the settlement switch 80 is off, the direct mode is selected. If there are virtual medals when the credit mode is switched to the direct mode, the virtual medals corresponding to the virtual medals are paid out as real medals. Thereby, 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 settlement switch 80 constitutes a switching operation means for switching the input value and game value handling formats.

  Below the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R of the game panel 30, a credit display unit 35 that displays the number of virtual medals stored and stored, and the remaining number of acquired medals that displays the number of remaining medals that can be acquired before the BB game is over. A display unit 36 and an acquired number display unit 37 for displaying the number of medals acquired at the time of winning 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. If a medal is inserted from the medal slot 75 at the start of the game, a bet is placed.

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

  When four or more medals are inserted into the medal slot 75, surplus medals exceeding three are stored inside the slot machine if the number of virtual medals stored and stored at that time is less than 50. At the same time, the number of virtual medals on the credit display unit 35 is added and displayed. On the other hand, when the number of virtual medals is 50 or reaches 50, the selector 84 switches from the storage passage 81 to the discharge passage 82, and the surplus medals are returned from the medal discharge port 17 to the medal tray 18. Is done.

  Further, when the stored number is displayed on the credit display unit 35, a virtual medal is inserted even when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 is pressed, and a bet is made. .

  When the third credit insertion switch 79 is pressed, one numerical value displayed on the credit display unit 35 is subtracted as one virtual medal is inserted, and the first effective line display unit 32 is lit. The middle line becomes the active line. When the second credit insertion switch 78 is pressed, two numerical values displayed on the credit display unit 35 as two virtual medals are inserted are subtracted, and the first valid line display unit 32 and the second The effective line display unit 33 is turned on, 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 credit display unit 35 are subtracted as three virtual medals are inserted, and all the effective line display units 32 to 34 are displayed. 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 credit display unit 35 is 2, the first credit For example, when the insertion switch 77 is pressed, all the numerical values in the credit display unit 35 are subtracted to 0, and a bet is placed for the virtual medal 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 an error state of the slot machine 10. Further, the setting key insertion hole 124 is used by a hole manager or the like to adjust the medal appearance. That is, the hall manager or the like can set the winning probability of the slot machine 10 by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion hole 124 and performing an ON operation. The reset switch 123 is operated not only when resetting the error state but also when changing the winning probability of the slot machine 10.

  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. 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 a settlement for detecting an operation of the settlement 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 to setting key insertion hole 124 Various sensors such as a setting key detection sensor 124a for detecting that a key is inserted and turned on are connected, and signals from these various sensors are output to the CPU 151 via the input / output port 155. ing.

  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 that is used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 131 even when the output voltage drops below 10 volts. As a time for outputting the stabilization voltage, 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 of the effective line display units 32, 33, 34, the credit display unit 35, the remaining acquired number display unit 36, the acquired number display unit 37, and the reels 42L, 42M, 42R is rotated. Stepping motors 61 (61L, 61M, 61R), a medal passage 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 a storage unit, and a program for executing various processes shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 10 and subsequent figures is stored in the ROM 152 described above as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 153 is configured to hold (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage 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. In the RAM 153, a memory for temporarily storing various data, a winning number storage area 153a, a table number storage area 153b for use in performing processing for stopping the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, a search In addition to the storage area such as the result storage area 153c, a backup area is provided.

  The backup area is an area for storing the value of the stack pointer when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like (including power shutdown by operating the power switch 122; the same applies hereinafter). Yes, when the power failure is resolved (including power-on by operating the power switch 122; the same applies hereinafter), the slot machine 10 can be restored to the state before power-off based on the backup area information. . Writing to the backup area is executed when the power is cut off by the power failure process (see FIG. 12), and the restoration of each value written in the backup area is executed in the main process (see FIG. 13) 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.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 151 in the main control device 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. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the NMI interrupt process. When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b of the power supply device 161 generates a power failure signal and outputs it to the main controller 131. In the main controller 131 that has received the power failure signal via the NMI terminal, NMI interrupt processing is executed.

  In the NMI interrupt processing, first, in step 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. 11 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, this 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 not 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. Incidentally, although a detailed description is omitted, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is output even under an infinite loop.

  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 is performed to enable the next timer interrupt to be set for the CPU 151 itself. 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, the state of various sensors (see FIG. 9) connected to the input / output port 155 is read, and sensor monitoring processing is performed to monitor whether the read result is normal. In step S208, timer calculation processing for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed. In step S209, a counter process for outputting the bet number of medals and the result of counting the number of payouts to the external concentration terminal board 171 is performed.

  In step S210, command output processing for transmitting various commands to the display control device 111 is performed. In step S211, segment data setting processing for setting segment data to be displayed on the credit display unit 35, the remaining acquired 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. 13 is a flowchart showing a main process in the main controller 131 that is 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, in step S402, whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 124 and is turned ON, more specifically, whether or not the ON signal is received from the setting key detection sensor 124a. Determine. If the setting key has been turned ON, the process proceeds to step S403, and all data stored in the RAM 153 is cleared as a forced RAM clear process. In the subsequent step S404, a winning probability setting process is performed.

  Here, the winning probability setting process will be described with reference to FIG. The slot machine 10 is prepared in advance with six stages of winning probabilities from “Setting 1” to “Setting 6”, and the winning probability setting process sets which of the winning probabilities is used to execute internal processing. It is a process to do.

  In step S501, it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted and the ON operation is performed. If it is ON, the next timer interrupt is permitted in step S502. Thereafter, the current set value is read in step S503, and the current set value is displayed on the credit display unit 35 in step S504. However, in the process immediately after the setting key is inserted and turned ON, the data in the RAM 153 is cleared by the previous forced RAM clear process, so the set value displayed on the credit display unit 35 is “1”. is there.

  In step S505, it is determined whether or not the start lever 71 has been operated. If the start lever 71 has not been operated, setting update processing shown in steps S506 to S507 is performed. In step S506, it is determined whether or not the reset switch 123 has been operated. If the reset switch 123 is not operated, the process directly returns to step S504. If the reset switch 123 is operated, the set value is updated by 1 in step S507, and then the process returns to step S504. That is, in the setting update process, every time the reset switch 123 is operated, the setting value is updated by 1, and the updated setting value is displayed on the credit display unit 35. When the reset switch 123 is operated when the set value is “6”, the set value is updated to “1”.

  If the start lever 71 is operated in step S505, it is determined in step S508 whether the setting key is continuously turned on. If the ON operation of the setting key is continued, the process waits as it is, and if the ON operation is ended, the next timer interruption is prohibited in step S509. Thereafter, the set value is stored in step S510, data other than the set value stored in the RAM 153 is cleared in step S511, and this process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of the main process, after performing the winning probability setting process in step S404, a normal process for performing main control relating to the game is executed in step S405.

  On the other hand, when the setting key is not inserted in step S402, power recovery processing shown in step S406 and subsequent steps is performed. The power recovery process is a process for restoring the state of the slot machine 10 to the state before the power is shut off. Therefore, in the power recovery process, it is necessary to first check whether the data in the RAM 153 is normal.

  Therefore, in step S406, it is determined whether or not the set value is normal. Specifically, when the set value is any one of 1 to 6, it is determined to be normal, and when it is 0 or 7 or more, it is determined to be abnormal. If the set value is normal, it is confirmed in step S407 whether or not a power failure flag is set. If the power failure flag is set, it is further confirmed in step S408 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 it is determined in step S408 that the RAM determination value is normal, the process proceeds to step S409, where the stack pointer value stored in the backup area is written into the stack pointer of the CPU 151, and the stack state before the power is shut off. Return to the state. Next, in step S <b> 410, a power recovery command that tells execution of power recovery processing is transmitted to the display control device 111. After that, in step S411, the game state is stopped and automatic settlement setting storage processing is performed, and in step S412, 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 S413, 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.

  On the other hand, if any of step S406 to step S408 is NO, that is, the set value is abnormal, the power failure flag that is set when the power is shut off is not set, or the RAM determination value is abnormal, There is a high possibility that the data in the RAM 153 has been destroyed. In such a case, the operation prohibiting process shown in steps S414 to S416 is performed. As the operation prohibition process, first, the next timer interrupt process is prohibited in step S414, and in step S415, all output ports in the input / output port 155 are cleared, so that all actuators connected to the input / output port 155 are removed. Control to off state. Thereafter, in step S416, an error notification process for notifying the hole manager or the like of the occurrence of an error is performed. This operation prohibition state is maintained until the above-described winning probability setting process is performed.

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

  First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not a medal is bet. If a medal is bet, it is determined in step S602 whether the start lever 71 has been operated. If both step S601 and step S602 are YES, the lottery process in step S603, the reel control process in step S604, the medal payout process in step S605, and the bonus game process in step S606 are executed in order, and the process returns to step S601. On the other hand, if no medal is bet in step S601 or the start lever 71 is not operated in step S602, the process returns to step S601.

  Next, the lottery process of step S603 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S701, a lottery table for determining success / failure is selected based on the current setting state of the slot machine 10, the number of medals bet, and the like. Here, the setting state of the slot machine 10 is any one of “Setting 1” to “Setting 6”. When “Setting 1” is selected, the lottery table having the lowest BB winning probability is selected, and when “Setting 6” is selected. The lottery table with the highest BB winning probability is selected. Further, the number of medals to bet is any one of 1 to 3, and a lottery table is selected such that the winning probability of winning combination increases as the number of bets 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. Here, the lottery table will be briefly described. FIG. 17 is a lottery table that is selected when three bets are placed under the normal state of “Setting 1”. In the lottery table, the same number of index values IV as the number of winning combinations is set. That is, under the normal state, five types of winnings of replay, cherry, bell, watermelon, and BB can occur (see FIG. 8), so five index values IV of 1 to 5 are set. Each index value IV is uniquely associated with a winning combination, and a point value PV is set. In each lottery table in the slot machine 10, the point value PV corresponding to the BB combination is set larger as the lottery table has a higher set value, and the point value PV is set larger as the bet number increases.

  In step S702, the index value IV is set to 1, and in the subsequent step S703, a determination value DV used for determining whether or not the winning combination is determined is set. In the determination value setting process, a new determination value DV is set by adding a point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV to the current determination value DV. In the first determination value setting process, the random value latched by the random number counter when the start lever 71 is operated is set as the current determination value DV, and this random value is a point corresponding to 1 that is the current index value IV. The value PV is added to obtain a new determination value DV. Here, the random number counter will be briefly described. In the slot machine 10, random numbers from 0 to 65535 are generated using two 8-bit shift registers. Each shift register is updated one by one periodically (for example, every 100 ns), a value obtained by switching the upper bit and the lower bit of each shift register is input to the CPU 151, and the start lever 71 is operated (that is, the start detection sensor 71a). (When the ON signal is received) is latched as a random value. This is a device for making the random value used in the initial determination value setting process irregular. For example, a value obtained by randomly replacing the bits of each shift register is latched as a random value. Also good.

  Thereafter, in step S704, whether or not a combination corresponding to the index value IV is determined is determined. In the determination of whether or not a winning combination is made, it is determined whether or not the determination value DV exceeds 65535. If the determining value DV exceeds 65535, a winning flag corresponding to the index value IV at that time is set in step S705. 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 the BB winning flag, the BB winning flag is reset as one of the conditions that the combination of the BB symbols is established on the active line. That is, the BB winning flag may be valid over a plurality of games. In addition, in the success / failure determination of the winning combination after the next game carrying over the BB winning flag, whether or not the small combination or replay is determined is determined, but the determination of whether or not the BB is related is not performed.

  If the determination value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S704, it means that the combination corresponding to the index value IV is lost. In such a case, 1 is added to the index value IV in step S706, and in the subsequent step S707, it is determined whether or not there is a role corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a role to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV added by 1 exceeds the maximum value of the index values IV set in the lottery table. If there is a winning combination to be judged, the process returns to step S703 and the winning judgment is continued. At this time, in step S703, a point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the determination value DV (that is, the current determination value DV) used to determine whether or not the previous winning combination is a new determination value DV. In step S704, the winning combination determination is performed based on the determination value DV. Incidentally, when the lottery table shown in FIG. 17 is selected, the BB winning probability is about 1/300. On the other hand, the replay and small role winning probabilities are set higher than the BB winning probability, the replay winning probability is about 7.3, the bell winning probability is about 7.0, Cherry and watermelon winning The probability is 1/128.

  After setting the winning flag in step S705, or if it is determined in step S707 that there is no winning combination, a slip table for setting a reel stop control (stop table) is set in step S708. A table setting process is performed and this process is terminated. Here, the slip table is a table in which it is determined how much the reel is slid (rotated) and stopped after the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed. In other words, the slip table has a relationship between a reaching symbol that has reached the base point position (lower stage in the present embodiment) when the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed and a stop symbol that actually stops at the base point position. It is a set of stop data.

  Since this embodiment has a feature in the data structure related to the sliding table, this point will be described.

  In the slot machine 10, when the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated, when the reaching symbol is stopped as it is, when the corresponding reel is stopped after sliding for one symbol, it is stopped after sliding for two symbols. In this case, five patterns are prepared as a reel stop mode when the slider is stopped after being slid by three symbols and when the slider is stopped after being slid by four symbols. This closely matches the timing at which the player operates the stop switches 72 to 74 and the symbol arrangement (hereinafter referred to as “stop appearance”) that stops in a visible range from each display window 32L, 32M, 32R. It is a device for associating. That is, by stopping the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R until the specified time (190 msec) has elapsed from the timing at which the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated, it is as if the stop outcome has been determined by the player's operation. It is possible to make a player have a good impression. In addition, by making it possible to slide up to 4 symbols, it is possible to reduce the occurrence frequency of so-called missing that the combination of the winning combination and the corresponding symbol does not stop on the effective line, It is possible to avoid the problem that the combination of winning symbols stops on the active line even though the winning combination has not been won.

  There are five types of stop data related to such a stop mode (no slip, one frame slip, two frames slip, three frames slip, four frames slip), five types for the middle reel 42M, and five types for the right reel 42R. is necessary. In this case, if the stop data related to each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is allocated in units of bits, 3 bits of stop data are required for each reel 42L, 42M, 42R, and cannot be stored in one byte.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, since five types of stop data are required, the compressed data is created assuming that the stop data is collectively a hexadecimal number. That is, the stop data is configured as “(data of the left reel 42L) × 36 + (data of the middle reel 42M) × 6 + (data of the right reel 42R)”. In this case, the maximum number of stop data that can be prepared for each reel 42L, 42M, and 42R is six, and there are 6 × 6 × 6 = 216 combination patterns for the stop data as a whole. The maximum value that can be expressed is 256 or less. As a result, the stop data for all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R can be stored in one byte even though there are five types of stop data for each reel 42L, 42M, and 42R. Each reel 42L, 42M, 42R has 21 symbols, so one slide table can be composed of 21 bytes, and the storage capacity of the main controller 131 can be reduced. It becomes. Incidentally, in this embodiment, approximately 60 types of 21-byte sliding tables are stored in the ROM 152 in advance.

  Further, in the slot machine 10 that stores each piece of stop data as compressed data, a predetermined decompression process is performed when each piece of stop data is used. Specifically, the compressed data corresponding to the symbol number of the reaching symbol is divided by “36” (= 6 × 6), and the obtained quotient is grasped as stop data of the left reel 42L. Further, the remainder obtained by the division is divided by “6”, and the obtained quotient is grasped as stop data for the middle reel 42M, and the remainder is grasped as stop data for the right reel 42R.

  Through the processing described above, the CPU 151 can grasp the stop data of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R as decompressed data. The stop data for all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R may be configured so as to be accommodated in one byte. For example, the stop data may be combined into a quintic number to create compressed data. . As a condition for stopping data to fall within 1 byte, a value obtained by multiplying the maximum number that can be prepared as stop data for each reel 42L, 42M, 42R may be 256 or less. Therefore, the maximum number of stop data that can be prepared for each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is not necessarily the same. For example, even when 6 types of stop data can be prepared for the left reel 42L, 8 types for the middle reel 42M, and 4 types of stop data for the right reel 42R, the combination pattern of the entire stop data is 6 × 8 × 4 = 192. Since the maximum value is 256 or less that can be expressed in 1 byte, stop data for all reels 42L, 42M, and 42R can be stored in 1 byte. Incidentally, in such a case, the compressed data is “(data of the right reel 42R) × 48 + (data of the middle reel 42M) × 6 + (data of the left reel 42L)”, and the decompression process corresponds to the symbol number of the reaching symbol. The quotient obtained by dividing the compressed data to be divided by “48” is used as stop data for the right reel 42R, and the quotient obtained by dividing the remainder obtained by dividing by “6” is the stop for the middle reel 42M. The remaining data is grasped as stop data of the left reel 42L.

  FIG. 18 is an example of a sliding table that is set when the watermelon symbol is stopped on the active line. The symbol with the number of slips of 0 is the symbol that actually stops in the lower stage. For example, if the left stop switch 72 is pressed when the “bell” symbol which is the seventh symbol of the left reel 42L has reached the lower stage, the left reel 42L stops without slipping, and the “watermelon” which is the ninth symbol "The symbol stops at the top. In addition, a symbol with a number whose slip number is not 0 means that the reel slides by the number of symbols described. For example, when the left stop switch 72 is pressed while the “replay” symbol that is the eighth symbol of the left reel 42L has reached the lower stage, the left reel 42L slides by one symbol and the “watermelon” that is the ninth symbol The symbol stops at the bottom. That is, if a stop switch is pressed when a symbol with a number of non-slip numbers reaches the lower stage, the corresponding reel stops after sliding until the symbol with a zero slip number reaches the lower stage. As described above, in the sliding table, the number of slips when the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed at the timing when the symbols attached to the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R reach the lower stage is set for each symbol number. For example, stop data with a left slip number of 2, a middle slip number of 0, and a right slip number of 3 for symbol number 0 is defined as 1-byte compressed data. The table is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in the slip table setting process, first, in step S801, it is determined whether or not BB is won. If BB is not won, the process proceeds to step S802, and the first winning number uniquely corresponding to the winning combination is set in the winning number storage area 153a of the RAM 153. The winning number is the number used when setting the slip table, etc. When the first winning number is set, no winning combination is won or only one winning combination is won Means that In subsequent steps S803 and S804, a winning combination determination process is performed. That is, in step S803, it is determined whether or not a re-game has been won, and in step S804, it is determined whether or not a bell has been won. If it is determined that neither the replay nor the bell has been won (if the determination result in step S803 and step S805 is NO), the process proceeds to step S805 and is uniquely determined from the value of the first winning number. The table number is set in the table number storage area 153b of the RAM 153, and this process ends. At this time, in the slot machine 10, the symbols corresponding to the winning combination of the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R are stopped in the middle so that the symbol corresponding to the winning combination of the left reel 42L stops at either the upper or lower level. The table number corresponding to the sliding table set to be set is set. In addition, when the winning combination is neither winning nor winning, a table number corresponding to a sliding table in which no winning mode is established is set. Here, the table number is a number assigned to each of the sliding tables stored in the ROM 152. Although details will be described later, when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped based on the slip table, the stop is performed by decompressing the slip table corresponding to the table number set in the table number storage area 153b. The reel stop mode, that is, the number of slips is determined. On the other hand, if it is determined that the re-game or the bell is won, the process proceeds to step S806, where “FFH” is set in the table number storage area 153b, and this process is terminated. Although details will be described later, in the slot machine 10, when determining the reel stop mode, there are a case where it is determined based on a sliding table (table control) and a case where it is determined based on a predetermined program (program control). is there. The table number “FFH” is a table number for which there is no corresponding sliding table. When at least such a table number is set, the reel stop mode is determined based on a predetermined program.

  The slip table shown in FIG. 18 is a slip table that is set based on the first winning number in the case of watermelon winning. In other words, it can be said that it is a sliding table set first in the case of winning a watermelon. In such a slide table, for example, when the middle stop switch 73 is pressed while the “cherry” symbol, which is the fourth symbol of the middle reel 42M, has reached the lower stage, the middle reel 42M stops as it is without slipping. The “watermelon” symbol as a symbol stops in the middle. If the middle stop switch 73 is pressed while the “watermelon” symbol, which is the fifth symbol of the middle reel 42M, has reached the lower stage, the middle reel 42M slides by three symbols and “reach” is the eighth symbol. The symbol stops at the lower stage, and the “Watermelon” symbol, which is the ninth symbol, stops at the middle stage. The same applies to the right reel 42R. For example, when the right stop switch 74 is pressed when the “watermelon” symbol, which is the fourth symbol of the right reel 42R, has reached the lower stage, the right reel 42R slips by three symbols. The “reach” symbol as the 7th symbol stops at the lower level, and the “watermelon” symbol as the 8th symbol stops at the middle level. As described above, the “watermelon” symbol is set to stop at the middle stage for the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R.

  However, the left reel 42L is set so that the “watermelon” symbol stops at either the upper stage or the lower stage. That is, if the left stop switch 72 is pressed while the 7th “bell” symbol has reached the lower level, the 9th “watermelon” symbol stops at the upper level and the 8th “replay” symbol or 9 If the left stop switch 72 is pressed while the number “watermelon” symbol has reached the lower level, the number 9 “watermelon” symbol stops at the lower level. This is a device for diversifying the stop output in consideration of the fact that the stop switches 72 to 74 are generally operated to stop the rotation in the order of the left reel 42L → the middle reel 42M → the right reel 42R. .

  Even when the sliding table is set for the first time, depending on the timing when the stop switch is pressed, the “watermelon” symbol does not stop on the active line, and the overwriting may occur. This is because the range that can be slid is predetermined within 190 msec (maximum of 4 symbols) from the timing of pressing the stop switch, and the “watermelon” that reaches the lower row from the “watermelon” symbol that reaches the lower row This is because an interval in which the interval to the symbol is 5 symbols or more is set. For example, in the case of the middle reel 42M, from the “Watermelon” symbol of No. 5 to the “Watermelon” symbol of No. 9 is only 3 symbols separated, from the “Watermelon” symbol of No. 9 to the “Watermelon” symbol of No. 5 Are separated by 16 symbols. For this reason, for example, when the middle stop switch 73 is pressed at the timing when the 11th “replay” symbol of the middle reel 42M reaches the lower stage, even if the middle reel 42M is slid by four symbols, the “watermelon” symbol Cannot be stopped in any of the upper, middle, and lower stages, resulting in a loss of data. In the slot machine 10, in addition to the “watermelon” symbol, the “7” symbol and the “cherry” symbol are set at intervals of five symbols or more. That is, in the case of a watermelon prize, a BB prize, or a cherry prize, a failure may occur due to the timing when the stop switch is pressed.

  Returning to the description of the slip table setting process, if it is determined in step S801 that BB has been won, it is further determined in step S807 whether another combination has been won. If no other combination has been won, it means that only BB has been won. Therefore, the processing in steps S802 to S806 described above is performed, and this processing is terminated. On the other hand, in the case of winning another winning combination, it means that the winning combination is a small role or replay in a state where the BB winning is carried over. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S808 to determine whether or not the other winning combination is a replay. If the other winning combination is a re-game, the process proceeds to step S802, a first winning number indicating a re-game win is set, and the processes of steps S803 to S806 are performed, and this process is terminated. In other words, when BB and re-game are won, the same processing as when only re-game is won is performed, and BB win is not considered. If a negative determination is made in step S808, it means that the other winning combination is a small combination. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S809, and the second winning number uniquely corresponding to the winning combination is set in the winning number storage area 153a of the RAM 153. When the second winning number is set, it means that two roles, BB and a small role, are won. In the subsequent step S810, a table number uniquely determined from the value of the second winning number is set in the table number storage area 153b of the RAM 153, and this process is terminated. At this time, the slot machine 10 sets a table number corresponding to a sliding table set so that a symbol corresponding to at least one of BB or a selected small combination is stopped on one of the active lines. More specifically, if the symbol “7” stops on the active line with priority, and if the symbol “7” cannot be stopped on the active line, the symbol corresponding to the selected small role is the active line Set the table number corresponding to the sliding table set to stop above. Further, when the winning small role is a bell, in addition to the above-described setting, when both the “7” symbol and the “bell” symbol can be stopped on the active line, The table number corresponding to the sliding table set so that both the “bell” symbols stop on the active line is set.

  Next, the reel control processing in step S604 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In order to facilitate understanding, explanation will be given here in accordance with the progress of the actual game. In the following, a case where three medals are bet and all five combination lines are valid lines will be described. The case where one bet is placed and the case where two bets are placed are the same as the case where three bets are made except that the effective line for establishing a winning is limited, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the reel control process, first, in step S901, a rotation start process for starting rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is performed. In the rotation start 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. The rotation of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is started. 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 S902, it is determined whether or not any of the stop switches 72 to 74 has been operated to generate a reel stop command, and more specifically whether or not an ON signal has been received from the stop detection sensors 72a to 74a. If the stop command is not generated, the process waits until the stop command is generated. 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˜ Even if 74 is operated, 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 operated in step S902 to generate a stop command, the stop control process shown in steps S903 to S907 is performed. If a stop command is generated under the situation where all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are rotating, it means that the current stop command is the first stop command. In the stop control process based on the first stop command, first, in step S903, it is determined whether or not the control flag is 0, that is, whether or not the control flag is set. Here, the control flag is a flag for selecting whether to determine the reel stop mode based on the slip table or the program, and is a flag set during the stop control process. Therefore, in the determination process based on the first stop command, an affirmative determination is made because the control flag is not set, and in the subsequent step S904, a program control process for determining the reel stop mode is performed.

  Here, the program control process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The outline of the program control process prior to the detailed description is that each symbol that has reached a position (upper, middle, lower) visible from the display window at the timing when the stop command is generated, and its upstream side This is a control process for searching for symbols assigned within the range of 4 symbols and determining the number of slips of the reel to stop the symbol on the effective line if there is a symbol corresponding to the winning combination within the range. .

  First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is a first stop command. Since the current stop command is the first stop command, the process proceeds to step S1002, and it is confirmed whether or not the first winning number meaning cherry winning is set. If the first winning number is set, the process proceeds to step S1003, the control flag is set, and the process is terminated. That is, when the cherry is won in a situation where BB is not won, the program control process is terminated without determining the number of slips of the reels, and the process proceeds to a table control process described later. In other words, in the slot machine 10, it can be said that one of table control and program control is selected according to the winning combination. In addition, even if it is a cherry winning, in the situation where the BB winning is carried over (that is, in the situation where the second winning number is set), an affirmative determination is not made in step S1002, so that the gaming state or gaming It can be said that either table control or program control is selected according to the situation.

  If the first winning number meaning cherry winning is not set in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1004, and a table number changing process for changing the table number is performed.

  Here, the table number changing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the stop command is a left stop command based on the operation of the left stop switch 72. If the stop command is a left stop command, the process is terminated. This is because the slip table is set on the assumption that the left stop switch 72 is operated first in the previous slip table setting process (see FIG. 19).

  On the other hand, when a stop switch other than the left stop switch 72 is operated, the stop switches are operated in an order different from the assumed order (that is, the order of the left stop switch 72 → the middle stop switch 73 → the right stop switch 74). Means. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1102, and it is determined whether or not the table number stored in the table number storage area 153b is “FFH”. When the table number is “FFH”, this means that the reel stop mode is determined based on the program control, and thus this process is terminated without changing the table number. If the table number is not “FFH”, that is, if the table number corresponding to the sliding table is set, the process proceeds to step S1103, and the winning number set in the winning number storage area 153a of the RAM 153 is confirmed. In the subsequent step S1104, the table number set in the table number storage area 153b of the RAM 153 is changed to the irregular pressing table number uniquely corresponding to the winning number and the operated stop switch, and the process is terminated.

  In the slot machine 10, as with the slip table set in the slip table setting process, a slide table in which a plurality of positions where the symbol corresponding to the winning combination can be stopped is set for each of the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R. It is prepared. When a stop switch other than the left stop switch 72 is first operated, the stop switch operated from the slide table in which a plurality of positions where the symbol corresponding to the winning combination can be stopped is set on the left reel 42L. The table number is changed to change to a plurality of sliding tables set for the corresponding reel. This is a contrivance for reducing the frequency of occurrence of missing items. The slip table shown in FIG. 18 will be described as an example. For example, when the middle stop switch 73 is operated at the timing when the “watermelon” symbol, which is the ninth symbol of the middle reel 42M, reaches the lower stage, The “Young” symbol of the ”stops at the bottom, and the“ Watermelon ”symbol does not stop on the active line. That is, when the middle reel 42M is stopped based on the sliding table shown in FIG. 18, the middle stop switch 73 is operated at a timing at which the “watermelon” symbol can be stopped on the effective line. You will miss the watermelon prize. Therefore, when a stop switch other than the left stop switch 72 is operated for the first time in order to suppress the occurrence of such a problem, the table number is changed to an irregular pressing table number (that is, changed to an irregular pressing sliding table). Yes.

  Returning to the description of the program control process, when the table number changing process is completed, it is checked in step S1005 whether or not the winning number stored in the winning number storage area 153a of the RAM 153 is the second winning number. If the first winning number is set instead of the second winning number, it means that no winning combination has been won or only one winning combination has been won. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1006, and a winning symbol corresponding to the first winning number is acquired as a target symbol (hereinafter referred to as “TGT symbol”) used when performing symbol search. For example, in the case where the first winning number indicating the bell winning is set, the “bell” symbol is acquired as the TGT symbol. Further, when the second winning number is set, it means that the BB and the small role are won. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1007, and “7” symbol is acquired as the TGT symbol regardless of the value of the set second winning number. That is, when the BB and the small combination are won, the “7” symbol is preferentially searched.

  After obtaining the TGT symbol, symbol retrieval processing is performed in step S1008. The symbol search process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1201, the target reel to be stopped is confirmed based on the stop command, and in subsequent step S1202, the arrangement data of the symbols attached to the target reel is acquired. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing array data that is obtained when the left reel 42L is the target reel. The sequence data is data storing which symbol is attached to each symbol number.

  After obtaining the arrangement data of the target reels, the value of the bit counter N is set to 1 in step S1203. In subsequent step S1204, the symbol number of the reaching symbol reaching the lower stage of the target reel is confirmed, and in step S1205, the reaching symbol number is set to the reference number RN.

  Steps S <b> 1206 to S <b> 1211 are a symbol grasping first process for grasping whether or not a TGT symbol exists within the range of the upstream seven symbols including the reaching symbol. In the present slot machine 10, the search result storage area 153c is configured with 8 bits, and the design grasp result is stored in the lower 7 bits.

  Specifically, in step S1206, it is determined whether or not the RN symbol corresponding to the reference number RN matches the TGT symbol based on the array data acquired in the previous step S1202. If the RN symbol matches the TGT symbol, the process advances to step S1207 to set 1 to bit 1 which is the least significant bit of the search result storage area 153c. On the other hand, if the RN symbol does not match the TGT symbol, the process proceeds to step S1208, and 0 is set to bit 1 of the search result storage area 153c. That is, if the arrival symbol is a TGT symbol, 1 is set to bit 1, and if it is not a TGT symbol, 0 is set to bit 1.

  Thereafter, in step S1209, the value of the bit counter N is incremented by 1, and in step S1210, it is determined whether or not the current value of the bit counter N has become 8. Since the current value of the bit counter N is 2, the process proceeds to step S1211, where the value of the reference number RN is incremented by 1, and the process returns to step S1206. In step S1206, it is determined whether or not the RN symbol corresponding to the current reference number RN, that is, the symbol reaching the middle stage matches the TGT symbol. If they match, the search result storage area 153c is searched in step S1207. If bit 2 which is the upper bit is 1 and it does not match, 0 is set to bit 2 of the search result storage area 153c in step S1208.

  As described above, it is sequentially determined whether or not the symbols from the reaching symbol to the upstream six symbols match the TGT symbol, and when the determination result is stored in bit 1 to bit 7, the bit counter is determined in step S1210. The value of N is 8. In such a case, it means that the first symbol grasping process has been completed, and thus this process is terminated.

  By performing the symbol grasping first process, it is possible to grasp whether or not a TGT symbol is included in a symbol that can reach a visible range from the display window. For example, when the arrival symbol is the first symbol, the first to third symbols have reached the range visible from the display window. When the target reel is slid by one symbol, the second to fourth symbols reach the visible range from the display window, and when the target reel is slid by two symbols, the third to fifth symbols are displayed. Reach a visible range from the window. When the target reel is slid by 4 symbols, the 5th to 7th symbols reach a range that can be visually recognized from the display window. The array data stores 27 symbols even though only 21 symbols are attached to the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R (see FIG. 24). Specifically, symbols from No. 15 to No. 20 are stored in duplicate, and a total of 27 symbols, 6 symbols from No. 15 to No. 20 and 21 symbols from No. 0 to No. 20, are stored as a series of arrays. ing. This is a device for easily comparing the RN symbol and the TGT symbol when the symbol grasping first process is performed. Assuming that 21 symbols from 0 to 20 are stored as array data, for example, when 19 symbols are confirmed as arrival symbols, RN symbols can be grasped only for 19 symbols and 20 symbols. It is not possible.

  Returning to the description of the program control process, when the symbol search process is completed, in step S1009, whether or not the current stop command is the second stop command, that is, whether any one of the reels is stopped has the stop switch operated. Determine whether or not. Since the current stop command is the first stop command, a negative determination is made, and it is determined in step S1010 whether or not all the values of bits 1 to 7 in the search result storage area 153c are 0. If the values of bit 1 to bit 7 are all 0, it means that the TGT symbol is not included in the symbol that can reach the visible range from the display window, and the TGT symbol can be stopped at any stage. It means you can't. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1011 to set a control flag and end the present process. That is, when the TGT symbol cannot be stopped on the effective line, the program control process is terminated without determining the number of slips of the reel, and the process proceeds to a table control process described later. On the other hand, if any of the values of bit 1 to bit 7 is 1, it means that a TGT symbol is included in a symbol that can reach a visible range from the display window. In such a case, a slip number determination process for determining the slip number of the reel is performed in step S1012, and the present process is terminated.

  Here, the slip number determination process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is a first stop command. Since the current stop command is the first stop command, the process proceeds to step S1302, and the set winning number and the target reel to be stopped are confirmed. In the subsequent step S1303, line data uniquely corresponding to the winning number and the target reel is acquired.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the line data is composed of first data referred to in the case of the first stop command and second data referred to in the case of the second and third stop commands. In the first data, a position where the TGT symbol is stopped is set. In the second data, an effective line for stopping the TGT symbols attached to the other reels is set according to the position where the TGT symbol is stopped. FIG. 26A is line data acquired when a left stop command is generated as the first stop command in a situation where the second winning number indicating BB and bell winning is set, and FIG. ) Is line data acquired when a left stop command is generated as a first stop command in a situation where a first winning number meaning a bell winning is set.

  For example, in the case of the line data shown in FIG. 26A, when the TGT symbol (ie, “7” symbol) of the left reel 42L is stopped based on the first stop command, the line data is stopped in the order of priority from upper to lower to middle. Is set to In addition, when the TGT symbol stops in the upper stage when the left reel 42L is stopped, when the other reels 42M and 42R are stopped based on the stop command after the second stop command, the TGT symbol is displayed on the upper line. If the TGT symbol cannot be stopped on the upper line so as to stop, the TGT symbol is set to stop on the lower right line. In other words, when the left stop switch 72 is operated for the first time in the situation where BB and Bell are won, the BB winning is established in the priority order of the upper line → the lower right line → the upper right line → the lower line → the middle line. It can be said that the effective line to be set is set. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is provided with one "7" symbol, and the left reel 42L and the middle reel 42M are separated from the "7" symbol by one symbol. "Bell" design is attached. Therefore, by setting the highest priority for the upper line, the “bell” symbol can be stopped on the lower line when the “7” symbol can be stopped on the upper line. In other words, it is possible to leave room for both the BB winning and the Bell winning, and even if the stop switch is operated at a timing when it is impossible to stop the “7” symbol on the active line, It becomes possible to establish a Bell prize. Therefore, by setting the highest priority for the upper line, it is possible to reduce the frequency of missing both the BB winning and the Bell winning.

  On the other hand, in the line data shown in FIG. 26 (b), when the left reel 42L is stopped based on the first stop command, only the lower stage is set as the position for stopping the TGT symbol (that is, the “bell” symbol). . Accordingly, only the lower line and the lower right line are set as the effective lines when stopping the other reels 42M and 42R based on the stop command after the second stop command. This is because the “bell” symbol cannot be stopped on the set effective line because the “bell” symbol is attached to each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R so that the interval is within 4 symbols. This is because no occurrence occurs.

  Incidentally, the slot machine 10 is configured to store the data of each effective line as compressed data, similarly to the sliding table. That is, the stop position data of each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is assumed to be a hexadecimal number, and the effective line data is “(the stop position of the left reel 42L) × 36 + (the stop position of the middle reel 42M) × 6 + (the right reel). 42R stop position) ”. With this configuration, each valid line data can be stored in one byte, and the above-described smoothing table decompression processing and decompression processing for determining the stop position after the second stop command can be shared. Thus, the storage capacity of the main controller 131 can be reduced. In the slot machine 10, the lower position number of each reel 42L, 42M, and 42R is defined as “1”, the middle position number as “2”, and the upper position number as “3”. I remember it. For example, if it is upper line data, “3 × 36 + 3 × 6 + 3 (= 129)” is stored.

  Returning to the description of the slip number determination process, the priority is set to 1 in step S1304. In subsequent steps S1305 to S1310, a symbol grasping second process for grasping whether or not a TGT symbol is present within the range of the five upstream symbols including the symbol reaching the stop position is performed.

  In step S1305, the position number of the stop position corresponding to priority 1 is set in the bit counter N. In the subsequent step S1306, the value of the slip counter SC is set to 0, and then in step S1307, it is determined whether or not the value of the bit N is 0. When the value of bit N is 0, it means that the TGT symbol has not reached the stop position corresponding to priority 1. In such a case, 1 is added to the value of the bit counter N in step S1308, and 1 is added to the value of the slip counter SC in step S1309. Thereafter, in step S1310, it is determined whether or not the value of the slip counter SC has become 5. Since the current value of the slip counter SC is 1, a negative determination is made in step S1310, and the flow returns to step S1307.

  As described above, whether the TGT symbol is included in the symbols from the symbol reaching the stop position corresponding to the priority 1 to the upstream four symbols is the value of the bit N in the search result storage area 153c. Gradually grasp based on. If it is determined in step S1307 that the value of bit N is 1 instead of 0, it means that the TGT symbol has reached the position upstream from the stop position by the value of the slip counter SC. . That is, the TGT symbol can be stopped at the stop position by sliding the target reel by the value of the slip counter SC. Therefore, in such a case, the process proceeds to step S1311, where the current value of the slip counter SC is acquired as the number of slips, and this process ends.

  On the other hand, when the value of the slip counter SC becomes 5 in step S1310, the symbols from the symbol reaching the stop position corresponding to the priority 1 to the symbols on the upstream side 4 symbols do not include the TGT symbol. Means. That is, the TGT symbol cannot be stopped at the stop position corresponding to the priority 1. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1312, and 1 is added to the priority value. In step S1313, it is determined whether or not a stop position corresponding to the current priority is set. If so, a range of five upstream symbols including a symbol reaching the stop position. In order to ascertain whether or not a TGT symbol is present, the symbol grasping second process in steps S1305 to S1310 is performed.

  In the case of the slip number determination process based on the first stop command, a negative determination is not made in step S1313, and the slip number is always acquired in step S1311 and this process is terminated. This is because in step S1010 of the program control process described above, the slip number determination process is performed after confirming that the TGT symbol is included in the symbol that can reach the visible range from the display window. .

  Returning to the description of the reel control process, when the program control process in step S904 is completed, a table control process is performed in the subsequent step S905. Although details will be described later, when the slip number is acquired by the program control process, the table control process ends without determining the slip number. Therefore, in order to facilitate understanding, the table control process will be described after describing the case where the game has progressed based on the program control process.

  In step S906, it is determined whether or not the target reel has slipped by the acquired number of slips. If the target reel slips, the target reel is stopped in step S907. In step S908, it is determined whether all reels have stopped. When the stop control process in steps S903 to S907 described above is performed based on the first stop command, the two reels are still rotating. In such a case, a negative determination is made in step S908, and in a subsequent step S909, it is determined whether or not the control flag is 0. When the slip number of the target reel is acquired based on the program control, the control flag is not set, so the process returns to step S902, and one of the stop switches corresponding to the rotating reel is operated, and the next stop command is issued. Wait until it occurs.

  If any stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel is operated in step S902 and a stop command is generated, stop control processing shown in steps S903 to S907 is performed. If the stop switch is operated when any one of the reels is stopped, it means that the current stop command is the second stop command. In the stop control process based on the second stop command, it is first determined in step S903 whether or not the control flag is zero. When the slip number is acquired based on the program control at the time of the first stop command, the control flag is not set. Accordingly, an affirmative determination is made in step S903, and program control processing for determining a reel stop mode is performed in the subsequent step S904.

  Here, the program control process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is a first stop command. Since the current stop command is the second stop command, a negative determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, it is confirmed whether or not the winning number stored in the winning number storage area 153a of the RAM 153 is the second winning number. If the winning number is not the second winning number, a winning symbol corresponding to the first winning number is acquired as a TGT symbol in step S1006. If the winning number is the second winning number, “ 7 ”Acquire the symbol.

  In subsequent step S1008, a symbol search process is performed, and it is grasped whether or not a TGT symbol is included in a symbol that can reach a visible range from the display window.

  When the symbol search process ends, it is determined in step S1009 whether the current stop command is a second stop command. Since the current stop command is the second stop command, the process proceeds to step S1013, and search result change processing for changing the value of the search result storage area 153c is performed.

  Here, the search result changing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the stop command is a middle stop command based on the operation of the middle stop switch 73. On the other hand, if the stop command is a middle stop command, the process proceeds to step S1402, and the stop position of the TGT symbol stopped based on the first stop command is confirmed. In subsequent step S1403, it is determined whether or not the stop position of the TGT symbol is in the lower stage. If the TGT symbol is stopped in the lower stage, the value of bit 7 is changed to 0 in step S1404, and this process is terminated. If the stop position of the TGT symbol is not the lower stage, the value of bit 1 is changed to 0 in step S1405, and this process is terminated.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a case where an intermediate stop command is issued under the situation where the TGT symbol is stopped at the lower stage of the left reel 42L. When the middle stop command is generated, a search is performed as to whether or not the symbol reaching the first position to the seventh position of the middle reel 42M is a TGT symbol in the previous symbol search process. Further, when the TGT symbol is stopped at the lower stage of the left reel 42L, in order to establish a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol, it is necessary to stop the TGT symbol of the middle reel 42M at the lower stage or the middle stage. The symbols that can reach the lower level are symbols that have reached positions 1 to 5, and the symbols that can be reached to the middle level are symbols that have reached positions 2 to 6. is there. That is, when the TGT symbol is stopped at the lower stage of the left reel 42L, the symbol reaching the seventh position of the middle reel 42M is a symbol irrelevant to the winning. Therefore, in such a case, the value of bit 7 is changed to 0 in the search result change process. Similarly, when the TGT symbol of the left reel 42L is stopped at the middle stage or the upper stage, it is necessary to stop the TGT symbol of the middle reel 42M at the middle stage or the upper stage in order to establish a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol. The symbols that can reach the middle level are symbols that have reached positions 2 to 6, and the symbols that can reach the upper level are symbols that have reached positions 3 to 7. is there. That is, when the TGT symbol is stopped other than the lower stage of the left reel 42L, the symbol reaching the first position of the middle reel 42M is a symbol irrelevant to the winning. Therefore, in such a case, the value of bit 1 is changed to 0 in the search result change process. The same applies when the right reel 42R is stopped based on the first stop command.

  Returning to the description of the program control process, after the search result change process is completed, in step S1010, it is determined whether or not all the values of bits 1 to 7 of the search result storage area 153c are 0. When the values of bit 1 to bit 7 are all 0, it means that the TGT symbol attached to the target reel cannot be stopped on the effective line including the TGT symbol stopped based on the first stop command. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1011 to set a control flag and end the present process. That is, when a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established, the program control process is terminated without determining the number of slips of the reels, and the process proceeds to a table control process described later. On the other hand, if any of the values of bit 1 to bit 7 is 1, it means that the TGT symbol attached to the target reel can be stopped on the active line including the TGT symbol stopped based on the first stop command. To do. In such a case, a slip number determination process for determining the slip number of the reel is performed in step S1012, and the present process is terminated. Here, by changing the value of bit 1 or bit 7 to 0 as appropriate in the search result changing process, there is an opportunity to shift to the slip number determining process even though the winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established. It can be reduced.

  The slip number determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is a first stop command. Since the current stop command is the second stop command, the process advances to step S1315 to perform an effective line setting process.

  In the effective line setting process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 29, it is determined in step S1501 whether or not the current stop command is the second stop command. Since the current stop command is the second stop command, the process advances to step S1502 to check which stop switch is used to generate the first stop command and the second stop command, that is, the operation sequence of the stop switches. In the subsequent step S1503, it is determined whether or not the operation order is the scissor press operated in the order of the left stop switch 72 → the right stop switch 74. Perform priority change processing.

  Explaining an example of the priority changing process, for example, when a left stop command is generated as a first stop command in a situation where a first winning number meaning a bell winning is set, the “bell” symbol of the left reel 42L is: Based on the first data of the line data shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the middle stop command is generated as the second stop command, the “bell” symbol of the middle reel 42M stops at the lower stage so that a bell winning is established on the lower line based on the second data. On the other hand, when the right stop command is generated as the second stop command, the line data in which the right rising line is set to the priority 1 of the second data is set so that the bell winning is established not on the lower line but on the right rising line. The process to change is performed, and the “bell” symbol of the right reel 42R is stopped in the upper stage. This is a contrivance for forming a stop-out which can achieve a plurality of winnings when two reels stop.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the “replay” symbol is attached to the left reel 42L and the middle reel 42M so as to be adjacent to the upstream side of the “bell” symbol. Further, the “replay” symbols are attached to the 19th, 10th and 6th “bell” symbols of the right reel 42R so as to be adjacent to the downstream side. Therefore, when the reels are stopped in the order of the left reel 42L → the middle reel 42M, the “bell” symbols attached to the respective reels are stopped in the lower stage, and the “replay” symbols attached to the respective reels are stopped in the middle stage. Can be made. As a result, until the right stop switch 74 is operated as the third stop command, it is possible to make the player expect whether a bell prize will be established on the lower line or a re-game prize will be established on the middle line. Further, when the reels are stopped in the order of the left reel 42L → the right reel 42R, the “bell” design of the left reel 42L is stopped at the lower stage, and the “bell” design of the right reel 42R is stopped at the upper stage, respectively. The chance that the attached “replay” symbol stops in the middle can be increased. As a result, until the middle stop switch 73 is operated as the third stop command, it is possible to cause the player to expect whether a bell prize will be established on the right-up line or a re-game prize will be established on the middle line. .

  If it is determined in step S1503 that the operation order is not scissor press, or if priority order change processing is performed in step S1504, the priority is set to 1 in step S1505, and this processing ends.

  Returning to the description of the slip number determination process, when the effective line setting process is completed in step S1315, the above-described symbol grasping second process of steps S1305 to S1310 is performed. However, in the symbol grasping second process based on the second stop command, when the position number is set in the bit counter N in step S1305, the position of the stop position of the target reel from the compressed data of the effective line corresponding to the priority 1 The number is calculated, and the calculation result is set in the bit counter N.

  Then, based on the value of bit N in the search result storage area 153c, whether or not TGT symbols are included in the symbols from the symbol reaching the stop position corresponding to the priority 1 to the upstream four symbols. To grasp. If it is determined in step S1307 that the value of bit N is 1 instead of 0, it means that the TGT symbol has reached the position upstream from the stop position by the value of the slip counter SC. . That is, if the target reel is slid by the value of the slip counter SC, the TGT symbol can be stopped on the effective line corresponding to the priority 1. Therefore, in such a case, the process proceeds to step S1311, where the current value of the slip counter SC is acquired as the number of slips, and this process ends.

  On the other hand, when the value of the slip counter SC becomes 5 in step S1310, the symbols from the symbol reaching the stop position corresponding to the priority 1 to the symbols on the upstream side 4 symbols do not include the TGT symbol. Means. That is, it means that a winning based on the TGT symbol cannot be established on the active line corresponding to the priority 1. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1312, and 1 is added to the priority value. In step S1313, it is determined whether or not an effective line corresponding to priority 2 is set. If it is set, can a winning based on the TGT symbol be established on the effective line? In order to grasp whether or not, the symbol grasping second processing of step S1305 to step S1310 is performed.

  In the case of the slip number determination process based on the second stop command, a negative determination may be made in step S1313. For example, when the TGT symbol of the left reel 42L is stopped at the middle stage based on the first stop command, the effective line where the winning is established is limited to the middle line. When a middle stop command is generated as the second stop command under such circumstances, only the symbol reaching the seventh position (see FIG. 28) is the TGT symbol (that is, only the value of bit 7 is 1). In step S1010, a negative determination is made, and the process proceeds to the slip number determination process. However, since the second symbol grasping process shown in steps S1305 to S1310 is performed based on the values of bits 2 to 6, the value of the slip counter SC becomes 5 in step S1310 and corresponds to priority 2 in step S1313. It is determined that there is no valid line data to be processed. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1314, the control flag is set, and this process is terminated. That is, when the TGT symbol cannot be stopped on the effective line, the program control process is terminated without determining the number of slips of the reel, and the process proceeds to a table control process described later.

  Returning to the description of the reel control process, when the program control process in step S904 is completed, a table control process is performed in the subsequent step S905. However, when the number of slips is acquired by the program control process, the table control process ends without determining the number of slips.

  In the subsequent step S906, it is determined whether or not the target reel has slipped by the acquired number of slips. If the target reel has slipped, the target reel is stopped in step S907. In step S908, it is determined whether all reels have stopped. When the stop control process in steps S903 to S907 described above is performed based on the second stop command, one reel is still rotating. In such a case, a negative determination is made in step S908, and in subsequent step S909, it is determined whether or not the control flag is set. When the slip number of the target reel is acquired based on the program control, since the control flag is not set, an affirmative determination is made in step S909 and the process returns to step S902.

  When the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel is operated and a stop command is generated in step S902, stop control processing shown in steps S903 to S907 is performed. If the stop switch is operated when only one of the reels is rotating, it means that the current stop command is the third stop command. In the stop control process based on the third stop command, it is first determined in step S903 whether or not the control flag is zero. When the slip number is acquired based on the program control at the time of the second stop command, the control flag is not set. Accordingly, an affirmative determination is made in step S903, and program control processing for determining a reel stop mode is performed in the subsequent step S904.

  Here, the program control process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is a first stop command. Since the current stop command is the third stop command, a negative determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, it is confirmed whether or not the winning number stored in the winning number storage area 153a of the RAM 153 is the second winning number. If the winning number is not the second winning number, a winning symbol corresponding to the first winning number is acquired as a TGT symbol in step S1006. If the winning number is the second winning number, “ 7 ”Acquire the symbol.

  In subsequent step S1008, a symbol search process is performed, and it is grasped whether or not a TGT symbol is included in a symbol that can reach a visible range from the display window.

  When the symbol search process ends, it is determined in step S1009 whether the current stop command is a second stop command. Since the current stop command is the third stop command, the process proceeds to step S1010, and it is determined whether or not all the values of bits 1 to 7 in the search result storage area 153c are 0. When the values of bit 1 to bit 7 are all 0, it means that the TGT symbol attached to the target reel cannot be stopped at least on the active line where the TGT symbols are stopped side by side. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1012, the control flag is set, and this process ends. That is, when a winning based on the TGT symbol cannot be established, the program control process is terminated without determining the number of slips of the reels, and the process proceeds to a table control process described later. On the other hand, if any of the values of bit 1 to bit 7 is 1, it means that a TGT symbol is included in a symbol that can reach a visible range from the display window. In such a case, a slip number determining process for determining the number of slips of the reel is performed in step S1013, and this process is terminated.

  Here, the slip number determination process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is a first stop command. Since the current stop command is the third stop command, the process advances to step S1315 to perform an effective line setting process. However, in the effective line setting process based on the third stop command, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 29, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the second stop command, and a negative determination is made. . Therefore, in the effective line setting process based on the third stop command, this process is terminated without changing the priority order of the effective lines.

  When the effective line setting process is completed in step S1315, the symbol recognition second process in steps S1305 to S1310 described above is performed. However, in the symbol grasping second process based on the third stop command, when the position number is set in the bit counter N in step S1305, the compression of the effective line corresponding to the priority at which the slip number is acquired at the second stop command is performed. The position number of the stop position of the target reel is calculated from the data, and the calculation result is set in the bit counter N.

  Then, a search result storage area 153c determines whether or not TGT symbols are included in the symbols from the symbol reaching the stop position corresponding to the priority at which the number of slips was acquired at the time of the second stop command to the upstream four symbols. Are sequentially grasped based on the value of bit N. If it is determined in step S1307 that the value of bit N is 1 instead of 0, it means that the TGT symbol has reached the position upstream from the stop position by the value of the slip counter SC. . That is, if the target reel is slid by the value of the slip counter SC, the TGT symbol can be stopped on the effective line where the winning is established. Therefore, in such a case, the process proceeds to step S1311, where the current value of the slip counter SC is acquired as the number of slips, and this process ends.

  On the other hand, when the value of the slip counter SC becomes 5 in step S1310, the symbols from the symbol that has reached the stop position corresponding to the priority at which the number of slips was acquired at the time of the second stop command to the symbols on the upstream side of four symbols. Means that no TGT symbol is included. That is, it means that a winning based on the TGT symbol cannot be established. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1312, and 1 is added to the priority value. In step S1313, it is determined whether an effective line corresponding to the current priority is set. As described above, in the case of the third stop command, it means that the winning based on the TGT symbol cannot be established at the time of reaching step S1313. Accordingly, in step S1313, a negative determination is made regardless of whether or not an effective line is set, and in step S1314, a control flag is set and the present process is terminated. That is, when a winning based on the TGT symbol cannot be established, the program control process is terminated without determining the number of slips of the reels, and the process proceeds to a table control process described later.

  Returning to the description of the reel control process, when the program control process in step S904 is completed, a table control process is performed in the subsequent step S905. However, when the number of slips is acquired by the program control process, the table control process ends without determining the number of slips.

  In the subsequent step S906, it is determined whether or not the target reel has slipped by the acquired number of slips. If the target reel has slipped, the target reel is stopped in step S907. In step S908, it is determined whether all reels have stopped. When the stop control process in steps S903 to S907 described above is performed based on the third stop command, all reels stop rotating. In such a case, an affirmative determination is made in step S908, the control flag is cleared in step S911, a payout determination process is performed in step S912, and this process ends. The payout determination process is a process of setting a payout number of medals as one of the conditions that a combination of winning symbols is formed on an 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. In the re-game process, the number of bets in the game is confirmed, and the same number of bets as the confirmation result is set again. Therefore, when a re-game winning is established, the player can play the next game without reducing the medals owned and without inserting medals.

  Next, the case where the reel stop mode is determined by table control will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In order to facilitate understanding, the case where each stop command is generated will be described step by step.

  If a stop command is generated in step S902, it is determined in step S903 whether or not a control flag is set. As described above, the control flag is not set in the determination process based on the first stop command. Therefore, in the stop control process based on the first stop command, the table control process in step S905 is performed after the program control process described above in step S904.

  In the table control process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30, it is first determined in step S1601 whether or not the control flag is set. If the control flag is not set at this time, it means that the slip number of the target reel has been determined by program control. Therefore, if the control flag is not set, this process is terminated without determining the number of slips of the reel.

  On the other hand, if the control flag is set in step S1601, it means that the slip number of the target reel is not determined by the program control. In the previous program control process, when the first winning number meaning cherry winning is set (YES in step S1002), the TGT symbol cannot be stopped in the visible range from the display window (step S1010). YES), the control flag is set without determining the number of slips of the target reel. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1602, and it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command. Since the current stop command is the first stop command, the process proceeds to step S1603, and a slide table corresponding to the table number stored in the table number storage area 153b is acquired. In the subsequent step S1604, the symbol number of the reaching symbol reaching the lower stage of the target reel is confirmed. In step S1605, the number of slips of the target reel is calculated from the compressed data corresponding to the symbol number of the reaching symbol in the acquired sliding table, and this process is terminated.

  When the number of slips of the target reel is calculated by the table control process, in step S906, it is determined whether or not the target reel has slipped by the calculated number of slips, and if it slips, the target reel is stopped in step S907. In step S908, it is determined whether all reels have stopped. When the stop control process in steps S903 to S907 described above is performed based on the first stop command, the two reels are still rotating. In such a case, a negative determination is made in step S908, and in a subsequent step S909, it is determined whether or not the control flag is 0. Since the control flag is set when the slip number of the target reel is calculated based on the table control, after the stop post-processing is performed in step S910, the process returns to step S902.

  Here, the post-stop processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the post-stop processing, it is checked in step S1701 whether BB and a second winning number meaning a small role winning are set. If not set, the processing is terminated as it is. If the second winning number is set, the process proceeds to step S1702, and the table number set in the table number storage area 153b of the RAM 153 is set to the smooth table set so that the selected small role winning can be established. The corresponding small role winning table number is changed to end this processing. This is a contrivance for reducing the frequency of occurrence of missing items.

  When the second winning number is set, in the previous program control process, it is determined whether or not it is possible to stop the “7” symbol within a visible range from the display window, and the number of slips is acquired. That is, in the program control process under the situation where the second winning number is set, it is not considered whether or not the small winning combination can be established. Also, in the previous smooth table setting process and table number changing process, “7” symbol is preferentially stopped on the active line, and “7” symbol is not stopped on the active line, and is won. The table number corresponding to the sliding table set so that the symbol corresponding to the small role stops on the active line is set. However, there is no possibility that a BB prize will be established when the number of slips of the target reel is calculated in the table control process. Therefore, when the second winning number is set, it is possible to leave room for winning corresponding to the winning small role by changing to the table number for winning the small role in post-stop processing. Become.

  When the next stop command is generated in step S902, it is determined in step S903 whether or not the control flag is set. Here, in the determination process based on the second stop command, a control flag may be set. That is, when the slip number of the target reel is calculated by the table control process at the time of the first stop command, the control flag is set. That is, in the second stop command, there are a case where the process proceeds to the table control process of step S905 without going through the program control process of step S904, and a case where the process proceeds to the table control process after the end of the program control process.

  In the table control process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30, it is first determined in step S1601 whether or not the control flag is set. If the control flag is not set at this time, it means that the slip number of the target reel has been determined by program control. Therefore, if the control flag is not set, this process is terminated without determining the number of slips of the reel.

  On the other hand, if the control flag is set in step S1601, it means that the slip number of the target reel is not determined by the program control. In the program control process based on the second stop command, when the TGT symbol cannot be stopped in a visible range from the display window (YES in step S1010), the TGT symbol cannot be stopped on the active line (step S1010). When S1313 is NO), the control flag is set without determining the slip number of the target reel. The control flag is also set when the slip number of the target reel is calculated by table control at the time of the first stop command.

  In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1602, and it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command. Since the current stop command is the second stop command, the process proceeds to step S1606, and it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the second stop command. Since the current stop command is the second stop command, the process proceeds to step S1607, and the operation order of the first stop command and the second stop command to which stop switches 72 to 74 is determined is confirmed. In a subsequent step S1608, it is determined whether or not the confirmation result is a forward pressing operation operated in the order of the left stop switch 72 → the middle stop switch 73. If the confirmation result is a forward pressing operation, the present process is terminated. If it is determined in step S1608 that the operation is not a forward pressing operation, the process proceeds to step S1609, and the symbol number of the stopped symbol stopped on the lower line of the stopped reel is confirmed based on the first stop command. In step S1610, it is determined whether the symbol number of the stop symbol matches the symbol number of the changed symbol that is uniquely derived from the currently set slip table (table number). This process is terminated without changing the table. If the symbol number of the stop symbol matches the symbol number of the changed symbol, the process proceeds to step S1611, and the table number set in the table number storage area 153b of the RAM 153 is changed to a table number corresponding to the line change smooth table. To end this process. Specifically, in accordance with the stop symbols of the reels stopped based on the first stop command, a plurality of positions where the symbols corresponding to the winning flags can be stopped are set for the reels to be stopped based on the second stop command. Change to the sliding table. For example, when the right stop switch 74 is operated as the second stop command in a situation where the watermelon winning flag is set and the “watermelon” symbol of the left reel 42L is stopped on the upper line, the watermelon winning is established. The “watermelon” symbol of the right reel 42R may be stopped on the upper line or the lower line. Therefore, when the stop switch is operated in the order of the left stop switch 72 → the right stop switch 74, the “watermelon” symbol of the right reel 42R is changed to a sliding table set to stop on the upper line or the lower line. To do.

  When the slip number of the target reel is calculated by the table control process, in step S906, it is determined whether or not the target reel has slipped by the calculated slip number, and if it slips, the target reel is stopped in step S907. In step S908, it is determined whether all reels have stopped. When the stop control process in steps S903 to S907 described above is performed based on the second stop command, one reel is still rotating. In such a case, a negative determination is made in step S908, and in a subsequent step S909, it is determined whether or not the control flag is 0. Since the control flag is set when the slip number of the target reel is calculated based on the table control, the post-stop processing described above is performed in step S910, and then the process returns to step S902.

  When the next stop command is generated in step S902, it is determined in step S903 whether or not the control flag is set. Here, in the determination process based on the third stop command, a control flag may be set. That is, when the slip number of the target reel is calculated by the table control process at the time of the second stop command, the control flag is set. That is, in the third stop command, as in the case of the second stop command, the process proceeds to the table control process in step S905 without going through the program control process in step S904, and the table control process is performed after the program control process ends. There is a case to migrate.

  In the table control process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30, it is first determined in step S1601 whether or not the control flag is set. If the control flag is not set at this time, it means that the slip number of the target reel has been determined by program control. Therefore, if the control flag is not set, this process is terminated without determining the number of slips of the reel.

  On the other hand, if the control flag is set in step S1601, it means that the slip number of the target reel is not determined by the program control. In the previous program control process, when a winning based on the TGT symbol cannot be established (step S1010 is YES or step S1313 is NO), the control flag is set without determining the slip number of the target reel. . In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1602, and it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command. Since the current stop command is the third stop command, the process proceeds to step S1606, and a negative determination is made by determining whether or not it is the second stop command. Thereafter, in step S1603, a slip table corresponding to the table number stored in the table number storage area 153b is acquired. In the subsequent step S1604, the symbol number of the reaching symbol reaching the lower stage of the target reel is confirmed. In step S1605, the number of slips of the target reel is calculated from the compressed data corresponding to the symbol number of the reaching symbol in the acquired sliding table, and this process is terminated.

  When the slip number of the target reel is calculated by the table control process, in step S906, it is determined whether or not the target reel has slipped by the calculated slip number, and if it slips, the target reel is stopped in step S907. In step S908, it is determined whether all reels have stopped. When the stop control process in steps S903 to S907 described above is performed based on the third stop command, all reels stop rotating. In such a case, an affirmative determination is made in step S908, the control flag is cleared in step S911, a payout determination process is performed in step S912, and this process ends.

  Next, the medal payout process in step S605 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 S1801 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 S1802 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 has not been reached, 1 is added to each of the count value of the credit counter and the number of payouts in steps S1803 and S1805. Thereafter, in step S1806, display unit change processing is performed in which the credit display unit 35 and the acquired number display unit 37 are each incremented by one.

  On the other hand, when the count value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit in step S1802, the medal payout rotating plate is driven in step S1804 to pay the medal from the hopper device 91 to the medal tray 18 through the medal discharge port 17. put out. In subsequent step S1805, 1 is added to the number of payouts according to the medal detection signal of the payout detection sensor 91a attached to the hopper device 91. After that, in step S1806, a display unit changing process for adding 1 to the number of acquired number display unit 37 is performed. After performing a display part change process in step S1806, it returns to step S1801 again. If the number of payouts and the number of payouts match in step S1801, it is determined in step S1807 whether the current gaming state is a bonus game. If it is not a bonus game, the process proceeds to step S1809, and after the payout end process is performed, 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. If the current gaming state is a bonus game, the payout number is subtracted from the count value of a remaining acquisition number counter described later in step S1808, and the number of remaining acquisition number display unit 36 is subtracted. . Thereafter, a payout end process is performed in step S1809, and this process ends. Note that the process of subtracting the number of remaining acquisition number display unit 36 may be performed in the display unit changing process in step S1806.

  Next, the bonus game process of step S606 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 BB game is composed of a plurality of RB games. The RB game is composed of 12 JAC games. A JAC game is a game that has a very high probability that a combination of JAC symbols is aligned on an active line, that is, a probability that a JAC winning will be established. When a JAC winning is established in the RB game, the maximum number (15 in this case) of medals is paid out. When the JAC winning is established 8 times, the RB game is ended even before the JAC game is played 12 times. Also, the BB game ends when the number of medals paid out reaches a predetermined number (specifically, 400). When the number of medals paid out reaches a predetermined number during the RB game, not only the BB game but also the RB game is ended. This is a contrivance for suppressing the player's euphoria by giving an upper limit to the number of medals to be paid out during the BB game, and ensuring the soundness of the game. Further, in the present embodiment, a combination of symbols to be transferred to the RB game is not set, and the structure is set to shift to the RB game immediately after the shift to the BB game and immediately after the RB game ends. Therefore, it can be said that the BB game is a game that continuously shifts to the RB game until a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

  In the bonus game process, first, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a bonus game. When it is not during the bonus game, bonus symbol determination processing shown in steps S1902 to S1905 is performed.

  In this bonus symbol determination process, first, in step S1902, it is determined whether or not the BB winning flag is set. If it is not set, this process is terminated. When the BB winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S1903, where it is determined whether or not the combination of BB symbols has been stopped on the current effective line. On the other hand, when the combination of BB symbols on the current effective line stops, BB start processing is performed in step S1904. In the BB start process, the BB winning flag is reset and the BB setting flag is set to be a BB game which is a kind of bonus game. In addition, 400 is set in the remaining acquisition number counter for counting the number of remaining medals that can be paid out during the BB game, and a process of displaying 400 on the remaining acquisition number display unit 36 is performed. Incidentally, whether or not the current gaming state is a bonus game is determined based on whether or not the BB setting flag is set. In subsequent step S1905, RB start processing is performed, and then this processing is terminated. In the RB start process, 8 is set in the remaining JAC winning counter for counting the number of possible JAC winnings, and 12 is set in the remaining JAC game counter for counting the remaining number of JAC games.

  If it is determined in step S1901 that the gaming state is a bonus game, the process advances to step S1906 to determine whether the combination of JAC symbols has stopped on the active line. When the combination of JAC symbols stops on the active line, 1 is subtracted from the value of the remaining JAC winning counter in step S1907. After that, or when the combination of JAC symbols does not stop on the active line in step S1906, one JAC game has been consumed. Therefore, in step S1908, the value of the remaining JAC game counter is decremented by 1. In step S1909, it is determined whether any of the remaining JAC winning counter or the remaining JAC game counter has become zero. If any of them is 0, that is, if the JAC winning is established 8 times or the JAC game is digested 12 times, it means that the RB game end condition is established, so in step S1910 the remaining JAC winning a prize. RB end processing is performed to reset the counter and the remaining JAC game counter values. In a succeeding step S1911, it is confirmed whether or not the count value of the remaining acquisition number counter is zero. If it is not 0, it means that the number of medals paid out during the BB game has not reached the predetermined number and the BB game end condition is not satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S1912, and the RB start described above is started. After performing the processing, the present processing is terminated.

  In step S1909, when neither the remaining JAC winning counter nor the remaining JAC game counter is 0, that is, when the JAC winning is not yet established 8 times and the JAC game is not consumed 12 times, step Proceeding to S1913, it is confirmed whether or not the count value of the remaining acquisition number counter is zero. If it is not 0, it means that the number of medals paid out during the BB game has not reached the predetermined number and the end condition for the BB game is not satisfied. On the other hand, if the count value of the remaining acquisition number counter is 0, it means that the BB game end condition is satisfied, so the special game state end process shown in steps S1914 to S1915 is performed. In the special game state termination process, first, in step S1914, the above-described RB termination process is performed. Thereafter, in step S1915, a BB end process for appropriately resetting a BB setting flag, various counters, and the like or performing an ending process is performed, and this process ends. In addition, even when the count value of the remaining acquisition number counter is 0 in step S1911, it means that the BB game end condition is satisfied. Therefore, in step S1915, the BB end process is performed, and this process ends. To do.

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

  When a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol can be established, the number of sliding tables stored in advance can be reduced by determining the reel stop mode based on program control. It is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data related to stop control. In the present embodiment, the “watermelon” symbol, “7” symbol, and “cherry” symbol are set to be spaced apart by at least five symbols, while the “bell” symbol and the “replay” symbol are spaced apart from each other. Are arranged to be within 4 symbols. That is, when a “bell” symbol or a “replay” symbol is set as the TGT symbol, a bell winning or replay winning can be established regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 72 to 74. Therefore, the sliding table used when only the bell is won or when the replay is won is unnecessary, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the data amount related to the stop control.

  When it is impossible to establish a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol, the reel controller determines the reel stop mode based on the table control, so that the main controller 131 processes the reel stop mode when determining the reel stop mode. It is possible to suppress an increase in load. In general, when it is impossible to establish a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol, unless the BB winning is carried over, each reel 42L, 42M does not stop the combination of symbols that will be a winning symbol on the active line. 42R must be determined. However, in the case of this embodiment, it is only necessary to determine the stop mode of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R based on a pre-stored sliding table, and what symbols can be stopped on the active line, etc. This is because it is not necessary to newly perform processing.

  Before performing the symbol grasping second process, first, by performing the symbol grasping first process for grasping whether or not the TGT symbol is included in the symbols that can reach the visible range from the display window, a plurality of effective lines are set. Even in such a case, it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing load of the main control device 131. If the design grasping second process is performed without performing the symbol grasping first process, each time the stop position is changed, the symbol grasping second process is performed for each stop position set in the line data. It is necessary to obtain reel arrangement data and determine whether or not it matches the TGT symbol. In such a case, an opportunity to repeatedly determine whether or not it matches the TGT symbol may occur, so that the processing load on the main controller 131 may increase. For example, referring to FIG. 28, when the symbol grasping second process is performed for the lower stage of the middle reel 42M, it is necessary to determine whether or not the symbol that has reached the first to fifth positions is a TGT symbol. After that, when the symbol grasping second process is performed for the middle stage, it is necessary to determine whether or not the symbols reaching the 2nd to 6th positions are TGT symbols. For this reason, it is necessary to determine whether or not the symbols reaching the 2nd to 5th positions are TGT symbols, and the processing load on the main control device 131 increases. On the other hand, in the case of the slot machine 10 that performs the first symbol grasping process prior to the second symbol grasping process, the corresponding bit value in the search result storage area 153c is confirmed without determining whether or not it is a TGT symbol. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing load of the main control device 131.

  When the value of each bit in the search result storage area 153c is 0, it is necessary to promptly determine the reel stop mode by adopting a configuration in which the table control process is performed without the slip number determination process. It is possible to reduce the chance of unnecessary processing occurring below. When the value of each bit is 0, it means that the TGT symbol cannot be stopped in a visible range from the display window, that is, a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established. This is because the number of slips cannot be acquired even if the process is shifted. Therefore, when the value of each bit is 0, it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing load of the main controller 131 by calculating the number of slips by the table control process.

  By adopting a configuration in which search result change processing is performed when performing program control based on the second stop command, it is possible to reduce the chance of shifting to slip number determination processing even though a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established. It becomes possible to make it. As a result, it is possible to reduce the chance of useless processing in situations where the reel stop mode must be determined promptly, and to reduce the processing time required to determine the reel stop mode. At the same time, it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing load of the main controller 131.

  Regardless of the number of valid lines set, the number of slips is determined by sequentially determining whether the TGT symbol can be stopped at each stop position according to the priority set in the line data in the slip number determination process. It is possible to determine whether or not the TGT pattern can be stopped on the active line by the same processing, and the processing configuration of the program control can be made relatively simple. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data related to stop control.

  In the symbol grasping second process, it is determined whether or not there is a TGT symbol in order from the symbol reaching the stop position toward the upstream side. If there is a TGT symbol, the slip counter SC at that time By adopting a configuration in which the value is acquired as the number of slips, it becomes possible to shorten the processing time required to determine the reel stop mode, and to suppress an increase in the processing load of the main control device 131. It becomes possible. This is because, when it is determined that a TGT symbol is present, it is not necessary to grasp the symbol that has reached the upstream side.

  When it is determined in step S1010 in the program control process and in step S1313 in the slip number determination process that the winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established, the stop mode is also controlled for the other reels in addition to the target reel. With this configuration, the processing load on the main control device 131 can be reduced. Even if the stop mode is determined so as to stop the TGT symbol attached to the other rotating reels on the effective line, it may be meaningless processing when a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established. It is. Furthermore, when determining the stop mode of the reel based on the program control, the stop mode of the reel must be determined quickly, so the stop output tends to be monotonous. On the other hand, when determining the reel stop mode based on the table control, it is possible to predetermine the symbol arrangement that stops in the visible range from the display window in the slide table, so diversify the stop appearance. Is possible. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, when the winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established, it is possible to diversify the stop outcome while reducing the processing load of the main control device 131.

  When winning a lottery in a situation where the BB winning is carried over, the program control process determines whether or not a winning corresponding to one winning combination can be established, and corresponds to the other winning combination. By adopting a configuration that does not determine whether or not a winning can be established, it is possible to suitably suppress an increase in the processing load of the main control device 131. When it is impossible to establish a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol, the slot machine 10 that determines the stop mode based on the table control determines whether or not winning can be achieved for each winning combination. This is because the stop mode may be determined so that a winning corresponding to the other winning combination can be established based on the slip table.

  By adopting a configuration in which the slip table setting process is performed before starting the rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, when it is determined in the program control that a winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established, it is relatively quick. It is possible to determine the reel stop mode. Further, when the rotations of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are started, the main controller 131 needs to check whether or not a stop command has been issued while continuing the rotations of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. There is a tremendous amount of processing load by itself. Therefore, by adopting a configuration in which the sliding table is set before starting the rotation of each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, it becomes possible to reduce the processing amount simultaneously applied to the main controller 131 and increase the processing load. This can be suppressed.

  When the first winning number meaning cherry winning is set, the processing load of the main controller 131 is increased by determining the stop mode of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R based on table control. This makes it possible to diversify the stopping points while suppressing this. In the cherry winning, the “cherry” symbol of the left reel 42L may be stopped on the active line, and the stop appearance of the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R is arbitrary. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the stop appearance by setting the stop appearance of the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R in advance in the slide table. On the other hand, when the stop mode of each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is determined based on the program control, the program control determines whether or not the TGT symbol can be stopped on the effective line and determines the stop mode. Therefore, it is necessary to set TGT symbols for the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R. As a result, the stopping appearance of the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R, which should be arbitrary, is restricted by the TGT symbol, and the processing load of the main controller 131 is increased as compared with the table control. There will be a problem that the stoppage is monotonous.

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

  (A) In the above embodiment, the stop mode of each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is determined without performing program control only when the cherry is won in a situation where the BB winning is not carried over. The configuration is not limited to this, and any configuration may be used as long as one of table control and program control is selected according to the winning combination. For example, the program control may be performed when the re-game winning or the bell winning is performed in a situation where the BB winning is not carried over, and the table control may be performed in other cases. In other words, the program control is performed when no spillage occurs, and the table control is performed when spillage can occur. Even in the case of such a configuration, the sliding table that is used when there is no missing data is not necessary, and thus it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data related to stop control. In addition, since the reel stop mode is determined on the basis of the sliding table when missing may occur, the processing load on the main controller 131 in such a case can be reduced.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the slot machine 10 having six types of winning modes has been described. However, when applied to a slot machine having seven or more types of winning modes, the above-described effects become more prominent. This is because, as the number of winning modes increases, the number of slide tables prepared in advance increases, and there is a concern that the storage capacity is insufficient in a slot machine with limited storage capacity.

  (C) In the above embodiment, the symbol grasping first process for grasping whether or not the symbol that can reach the visible range from the display window matches the TGT symbol is performed, and the TGT symbol is visible from the display window. Although the symbol grasping second process is performed when the range can be reached, the symbol grasping second process may be performed without performing the symbol grasping first process. However, since the chance that the winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established despite the symbol grasping second processing is increased as compared with the above embodiment, the processing load of the main controller 131 is increased. Concerned.

  (D) In the above embodiment, when the second winning number is set, the sliding table is set so that the symbol corresponding to at least one of BB or the winning small role stops on any one of the active lines. However, it is also possible to set a sliding table that is set so that the symbol corresponding to the selected small role is stopped on the active line. In the case of determining whether it is possible to stop the “7” symbol on the active line in the program control process, it is not possible to establish a BB winning when the stop mode is determined based on the sliding table. This is because there is no need to consider the “7” symbol because it is possible. In other words, in the slip table setting process when the second winning number is set, a slip table that is set so that the other symbol not grasped by the program control process stops on the active line may be set.

  (E) In the above embodiment, in the search result changing process, the value of bit 7 or bit 1 is changed to 0 according to whether or not the stop position of the TGT symbol stopped based on the first stop command is in the lower stage. However, in addition to this, it may be determined whether or not the stop position of the TGT symbol is in the middle stage, and if the TGT symbol is stopped in the middle stage, the values of both bit 1 and bit 7 may be changed to 0. With such a configuration, it is possible to further reduce the opportunity to shift to the slip number determination process even though the winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the search result change process is performed in the program control process based on the second stop command. In addition to this, the search is also performed when the program control process based on the third stop command is performed. It is good also as a structure which performs result change processing. With such a configuration, it is possible to further reduce the opportunity to shift to the slip number determination process even though the winning corresponding to the TGT symbol cannot be established.

  (G) In the above embodiment, when the reel stop mode is determined based on the slip table, the stop mode of other reels is also determined based on the slip table. However, the TGT symbol is placed on the effective line. A configuration may be adopted in which the reel stop mode is determined based on the slip table only during stop control when it is determined that the stop cannot be performed.

  (H) In the above embodiment, the reel control process in the case where three medals are bet and five valid lines are set has been described. However, one medal is bet and one valid line is set. Needless to say, the same processing is also performed in the case of such a case.

  (I) In the embodiment described above, the slot machine 10 having one type of state transition prize has been described. However, when applied to a slot machine having a plurality of types of state transition prizes, the above-described effects become more prominent.

  Here, as the state transfer winnings, when the “7” symbols of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R stop side by side on the active line, the first BB role that shifts to the first BB game and the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R When the “reach” symbol stops side by side on the active line, the second BB role that shifts to the second BB game and when the “young” symbol of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R stops side by side on the active line A slot machine having a third BB combination that shifts to a 3BB game will be described as an example. Each BB game has different end conditions. Specifically, when the game shifts to the first BB game, the game ends when the number of medals paid out reaches 360, and the game shifts to the second BB game. The process ends when the medal payout number reaches 400, and when the game shifts to the third BB game, the process ends when the medal payout number reaches 460. That is, the game shifts to a bonus game in which the player's degree of advantage is different according to the combination of symbols stopped side by side on the active line. When such a slot machine is configured to determine a stop mode based on table control, in addition to preparing a sliding table corresponding to each BB role in advance, in addition to a small role winning in a situation where BB winning is carried over In this case, the second winning number sliding table used in this case also needs to be prepared in advance for each BB combination, and the number of sliding tables increases dramatically. For this reason, in a slot machine with a limited storage capacity, there is a concern about a shortage of storage capacity.

  On the other hand, it is determined whether or not it is possible to establish a winning BB winning for such a slot machine, and if it can be established, a stop mode can be determined based on program control and established. If it is impossible, when the stop mode is determined based on the table control, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of sliding tables prepared in advance, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data related to the stop control. . This is because it is possible to share a certain number of slide tables used when it is determined that it is impossible to establish a BB winning, and it is possible to reduce the number of slide tables corresponding to each BB combination prepared in advance. is there. Also, if you win any of the BB roles and small roles, it is only necessary to set a sliding table set so that the symbol corresponding to the selected small role will stop on the active line. There is no need to prepare a second winning number sliding table in advance. In the case of determining whether it is possible to establish a winning BB winning in the program control process, establishing a winning BB winning at the time of determining the stop mode based on the sliding table This is because there is no need to consider the BB symbol. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data related to stop control, and it is possible to set multiple types of state transition prizes without causing a shortage of storage capacity in a slot machine with limited storage capacity. Become.

  Such an effect is performed not only in a slot machine having a plurality of state transition prizes for shifting to a special gaming state in which the player's advantage level is different, but also in the auxiliary display unit 15 or the like although the player's advantage level is the same. This is also a problem in a slot machine having a plurality of state transition prizes for transitioning to special game states with different display effects. In addition to the slot machines in which the winning combination for each BB combination is different for each reel 42L, 42M, and 42R, the winning combination is different for any one reel. This is also a problem in a slot machine having a plurality. Such a slot machine includes a first BB role that shifts to the first BB game when stopped alongside the “7” symbol, “7” symbol, and “7” symbol from the left on the active line, and from the left on the active line. “7” symbol, “7” symbol, “7” symbol, “7” symbol, “chance” from the left on the active line, the second BB role that shifts to the second BB game when stopped alongside the “7” symbol, “youth” symbol A typical example is a slot machine having a third BB combination that shifts to the third BB game when stopped alongside the symbol. In this way, in the case of a slot machine that shifts to a different BB game depending on the stop pattern of the right reel, it is possible to share a slide table regarding the stop mode of the left reel and the middle reel, and increase the number of prepared slide tables. Furthermore, it becomes possible to suppress, and it becomes possible to suppress suitably the increase in the data amount regarding stop control. As a result, it is possible to set a plurality of types of state transition winnings without causing a shortage of storage capacity. In addition, it is possible to diversify display effects performed in the auxiliary display unit or the like.

  (J) In the above-described embodiment, it is configured to give a privilege of paying out medals when a small role winning is established, but is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which some privilege is given to a player If it is. For example, a configuration in which prizes other than medals are paid out when a small winning combination is established. Further, in a slot machine that does not have an actual medal insertion or medal payout function and manages credits owned by a player, an increase in credited medals corresponds to provision of a privilege.

  (K) 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, the integrally formed outer peripheral surface corresponds to an endless belt.

  (L) In the above embodiment, the medal payout is not performed when the “7” symbols as the state transition symbols are aligned on the active line. However, the medal payout may be configured.

  (M) 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.

  (N) In the above embodiment, a so-called A type slot machine has been described. However, a B type, a C type, a combined type of A type and C type, a combined type of B type and C type, and further a CT game are provided. The present invention may be applied to any type of slot machine such as the above type, and it is clear that the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained in any case. In addition, examples of bonus winning in each type include BB winning, RB winning, SB winning, CT winning and the like.

  (O) 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).

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

The front view of the slot machine in one embodiment. The perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. The perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door. The rear view of a front door. The front view of a housing | casing. The assembly perspective view of a left reel. FIG. 3 is a development view of a belt-like belt constituting each reel. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a winning mode and a medal payout number. 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 winning probability setting process. The flowchart which shows a normal process. The flowchart which shows a lottery process. The figure which shows an example of a lottery table. The figure which shows an example of a slip table. The flowchart which shows a slip table setting process. The flowchart which shows a reel control process. The flowchart which shows a program control process. The flowchart which shows a table number change process. The flowchart which shows a symbol search process. The figure which shows an example of arrangement | sequence data. The flowchart which shows a slip number determination process. The figure which shows an example of line data. The flowchart which shows a search result change process. The figure explaining search result change processing. The flowchart which shows an effective line setting process. The flowchart which shows a table control process. The flowchart which shows the process after a stop. The flowchart which shows medal payout processing. The flowchart which shows a bonus game process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine as a gaming machine, 11 ... Housing which comprises a part of gaming machine body, 12 ... Front door which constitutes a part of gaming machine body or opening / closing member of gaming machine body, 14 ... Speaker, 15 ... Auxiliary display unit 31... Display window 42... Fluctuation display means and reel as a rotating or rotating body 61. Fluctuation display means and stepping motor as drive means 71. Start lever, 72 to 74... Stop switch as stop operation means, 111... Display control device constituting output control means, 131... Main control device constituting start drive control means and stop drive control means, 151. CPUs constituting various control means such as control means, 152, 153... ROM, RAM as storage means, 161.

Claims (1)

A plurality of circling bodies that circulate in the circumferential direction and that are provided with a plurality of kinds of patterns in the circumferential direction;
A display window that allows a part of the design to be visually recognized with respect to each orbiting body,
Start operation means operated to start the circulation of each of the circulating bodies;
Lottery means for performing a lottery of a role based on the operation of the start operation means;
A driving means provided for each of the rotating bodies, and for rotating the rotating bodies;
Start drive control means for starting and controlling the drive means so as to start the circulation of the revolving bodies based on the operation of the start operation means;
A plurality of stop operation means operated to individually stop the lap of each of the lap members;
Based on the operation of each of the stop operation means, when the lap of the corresponding rotating body is stopped within a specified period, and when the winning combination is selected and the stop operation means is operated at a predetermined timing Is a stop drive control means for stopping and controlling the drive means so that the winning symbol corresponding to the winning combination stops at an effective position visible from the display window;
In the gaming machine provided with a privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the player when the winning picture is stopped at the effective position forming a predetermined combination,
When the stop operation means is operated, a picture grasping means for grasping a reachable picture that can reach the effective position within the specified period among the pictures attached to the corresponding orbiting body,
A determination unit that determines whether or not the winning pattern can be stopped at the effective position based on a grasp result of the pattern grasping unit;
When the stop drive control unit performs stop drive control of each drive unit, a stop mode first determination unit that determines a stop mode of the corresponding circulating body based on a determination result of the determination unit;
Stop information group storage means for storing a plurality of stop information groups that can define the relationship between the reaching pattern that has reached the effective position and the stop pattern that stops at the effective position;
Stop information group selection means for selecting one stop information group from the plurality of stop information groups according to the winning combination of the winning combination;
Stop information group storage means for storing the stop information group selected by the stop information group selection means;
When the stop drive control means performs stop drive control of each of the drive means, the corresponding stop mode of the circulating body is determined based on the operation timing of the stop operation means and the stop information group stored in the stop information group storage means. Stop mode second determining means for determining;
A gaming machine comprising stop mode selection means for selecting which of the stop mode determination means to determine the stop mode according to the winning combination of the winning combination.

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