JP2008073176A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the attractiveness of performance to be executed particularly at the opening time of a game parlor while making it harder for players to guess that a permission stage of defining a probability is newly set to determine the permission of deriving the result of prize winning display. <P>SOLUTION: While the data in a RAM of a game control board are backed up, the data of a RAM of a performance control board are not backed up and initialized with the turning off of the power source. When the power source of the slot machine is turned on, the RAM of the game control board is initialized by altering setting according to the prescribed operation but not without the alteration of setting. The performance on the slot machine is carried out following a performance stage selected. But it should be noted that whether or not the performance stage should be altered and the type of the performance stage in the case of alteration are determined when the number of bets for individual games is set. The first game after the turning on of the power source and games following it has a difference in the allotment ratio of the performance stage altered or selected from the preceding performance stage. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly, to setting of an allowable stage for determining a probability that it is determined that derivation of a winning display result is permitted, and to transition of an effect stage to be performed.

  A slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of (usually three) reels having a plurality of types of symbols as identification information drawn on the outer periphery, and each reel has a start lever by a player. Rotation is started by operating, and when the player operates a stop button provided corresponding to each reel, the rotation is stopped within a range of a predetermined maximum delay time from the operation timing. . Then, a prize is generated according to the display mode derived when the rotation of all the reels is stopped. In order for winning of each combination to occur, generally, a winning flag must be set by winning an internal lottery performed in advance (usually when the start lever is operated).

  In the slot machine, the winning probability of the internal lottery greatly affects the number of medals paid out to the player, that is, the profit that the player can receive. In the slot machine, it is common to change the set value of the payout rate calculated based on the winning probability of the internal lottery. As an operation for changing the set value, for example, by inserting a predetermined key (managed at an amusement store) into the keyhole and rotating it by a predetermined angle, the power is turned on while the setting key switch is turned on. Move to the setting change mode. In this setting change mode, operate the setting switch to change the setting value in sequence. After operating the start lever, rotate the key to return the setting key switch to the original OFF state. The procedure for confirming was established.

  Here, the RAM that stores various data related to the progress of the game is normally backed up even when the power is turned off, but when changing to the setting change mode, a new set value is used. The game is initialized under the gist of starting a game (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, in the slot machine, the presentation is performed according to the progress of the game, but when the progress of the game and the execution of the presentation are controlled by separate control circuits, the presentation of the presentation is performed. The RAM that stores various data related to execution includes a RAM that stores data related to the progress of the game, and some of the data that is backed up when the power is turned off. This is because the performance is not absolutely necessary in the progress of the game, and it is not always necessary to back up the data.

  By the way, based on the command sent from the control circuit for controlling the progress of the game, when the execution of the effect is controlled by another control circuit, it is executed when the specific variation command is received. There was one that selected the production data corresponding to the current production stage (production mode) from the production data specified by the command when the production stage (production mode) was switched and the fluctuation pattern command was received. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2). Naturally, the data indicating the effect stage (effect mode) is also stored in a RAM that stores data related to the execution of the effect provided in the effect execution control circuit.

JP 2004-337272 A (paragraph 0062) JP 2005-152336 A (paragraphs 0084 and 0088)

  By the way, since the set value is directly related to the profits that the player can obtain, it is the information that the player wants to know most, but the game store is information that is not desirably detected by the player. Therefore, in many game stores, the set value is changed when there are no players in the store, that is, in the time zone from the closing of the store to the opening of the next day. Also, on the same day, setting values are rarely changed for all slot machines installed in amusement stores, and it is normal to change setting values only for some slot machines. In general, the power is turned off while the store is closed even if the set value is not changed.

  On the other hand, if the data indicating the stage of production as in the slot machine of Patent Document 2 is stored in a RAM that is not backed up when the power is turned off, the power is turned off once between the closing of the game store and the start. Therefore, regardless of whether or not the setting value changing operation was performed during this time, the data indicating the stage of performance (effect mode) is also set to the initial state. In other words, all the production stages (production modes) set when the amusement shop is opened are the same in the initial state. In this way, if all the production stages (production modes) set at the opening of the game store are the same, it is difficult for the player to feel the fun of the production in the game just before opening the store.

  On the other hand, if the data indicating the production stage is stored in a RAM that is backed up when the power is turned off, and the data in this RAM is also initialized by the setting change, for example, the production stage (production mode) at the closing of the previous day However, if the stage was opened at the opening stage and the stage stage (stage mode) was staged, the setting value was changed between the previous day's closing and opening. It will be known to the player. In addition, the stage of production (production mode) is different from the initial state when the store is closed on the previous day, and if the production is performed at the same stage of production (production mode) at the time of opening the store, from the closing of the previous day to the opening of the store During this period, the player is informed that the setting value has not been changed.

  The present invention makes it difficult for the player to understand that an allowable stage for determining the probability of allowing the derivation of the winning display result is set, and in particular, the effect executed when the amusement store is opened. An object is to provide a slot machine that can enhance interest.

To achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention includes:
A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game value (medal), and a variable display device (variable display device 2) that displays a plurality of types of identification information in a variable manner. ) Is a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which one game is completed when a display result is derived and a winning can be generated according to the display result derived to the variable display device,
Prior determination means (step S403) for determining whether or not to allow the derivation of the winning display result before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game;
On the condition that a predetermined operation (setting key switch 92 is turned ON) is performed at the time of starting the slot machine, a winning display is displayed by the predetermining means based on an operation of a predetermined setting operation means (setting switch 91). Permissible stage setting means for selecting and setting any one of the allowable stages (setting values 1 to 6) having different probabilities that it is determined that the result is permitted to be derived (step S112: FIG. 9)
The data for controlling the progress of the game including the data indicating the allowable level set by the allowable level setting means is readable and writable, and the power supply to the slot machine is cut off. Game data storage means (RAM 112) in which stored data is backed up;
Effect data storage means (RAM 122) for storing effect data for executing an effect including data indicating the effect stage of the effect currently being executed among a plurality of types of effect stages (stages 1 to 3). )When,
Effect execution means (steps S916 to S918, S1010, S1014, S1016, S1020, S1021, S1006, S1007) for executing an effect corresponding to the effect stage indicated by the data stored in the effect data storage means;
Game data initializing means (step S110) for initializing data stored in the game data storage means when a new allowable stage is set by the allowable stage setting means;
Regardless of whether or not a new permissible stage is set by the permissible stage setting means when starting the slot machine, the data indicating the stage stage stored in the effect data storage means is set as initial data. Production stage initialization means (no power backup in RAM 122),
An effect stage transition determining means for determining whether or not to shift the effect stage for each predetermined number of games, and updating data indicating the effect stage stored in the effect data storage means according to the determination result (step S902) , S905, S907),
The effect stage transition determining means determines that the effect stage is to be shifted with a higher probability in a game from when the slot machine is activated until a predetermined period elapses than in a game after the predetermined period elapses. It includes a post-start-up production stage transition determining means (step S902, FIG. 6A).

  In the slot machine, the data stored in the game data storage means is backed up even when the power supply is cut off. If the slot machine is started without performing a predetermined operation, the game is resumed according to the backed up data. However, if the slot machine is started by performing a predetermined operation, the data stored in the game data storage means Is initialized, and data indicating the allowable level newly set by the allowable level setting means is stored in the game data storage means, and the game is started.

  On the other hand, the data indicating the production stage stored in the production data storage means is initialized regardless of whether or not a predetermined operation is performed at the time of activation and a new allowable stage is set. However, in the game from when the slot machine is activated until a predetermined period elapses, it is determined that the production stage is to be transferred with a high probability (that is, the production stage is transferred). It is possible to enhance the interest of the performance performed after turning on the (normally included immediately after opening for business on a new day). In addition, there is no case where the stage before the power is turned off is maintained or not maintained depending on whether or not the allowable stage is newly set. Therefore, after the power is turned on again (for business on a new day) In this case, the player is not informed whether or not an allowable stage has been newly set.

The slot machine is
The stage transition determining means includes numerical value updating means (random number generation circuit 125) for updating numerical values according to a predetermined procedure, and the numerical value updating means when the player performs a predetermined operation (BET operation) regarding the progress of the game. The numerical value to be updated may be acquired and the acquired numerical value may be used to determine whether or not to shift the stage. In this case,
The post-activation stage stage determining means determines whether or not to shift the stage using a numerical value acquired when the predetermined operation is performed in a game that is executed first after the slot machine is started. When deciding, it is possible to decide to shift the stage with a higher probability than the next and subsequent games (step S902).

  In this case, when the player performs a predetermined operation for the first game executed after starting, the numerical value updated by the numerical value updating means is acquired. At that timing, the numerical value updating timing of the numerical value updating means is acquired. Is difficult for players to grab. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a bias from occurring in numerical values acquired by a player's intentional operation, and to prevent a bias in determining the stage stage transition. In addition, since it is determined whether or not to shift the stage with a high probability by the operation for the game that is executed first after the start, after the power is newly turned on (opened for business on a new day) Immediately after that, which is usually included), various stage productions can be performed immediately, and the entertainment of the stage can be further enhanced.

  The predetermined operation performed by the player for the game to be executed first is an operation for starting the game itself, that is, an operation for instructing to start the variable display of the identification information on the variable display device. Also good. Alternatively, as an assumption for starting one game, an operation for setting the number of bets for the game may be used.

In the above slot machine,
The pre-determining means includes a special display result (regular bonus, big bonus (1)) that shifts to a special gaming state (regular bonus, big bonus) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state as the winning display result. It is determined whether or not the derivation of the big bonus (2)) is permitted, and data indicating the determination result (winning flag) is written in the game data storage means,
The slot machine is
Derivation of the special display result until the special display result is derived based on the data when the data indicating the determination result indicating that the special display result is permitted to be derived is written in the game data storage means. Special decision carry-over means (step S416) for carrying over the data indicating the decision result to allow

In this case,
The effect stage transition determining means shifts the effect stage with a different probability depending on whether or not data indicating a determination result indicating that the special display result is allowed to be derived is written in the game data storage means. Can be determined (FIGS. 6A and 6B).

  The effect stage transition determining means determines when the effect stage is to be transferred, further determines the type of effect stage to be transferred, and allows the game data storage means to derive the special display result. It is also possible to determine the type of effect stage to be transferred at a different ratio depending on whether data indicating the determination result is written (FIGS. 6A and 6B).

  Since the data stored in the game data storage means is backed up even when the power supply is cut off, if the new allowable stage is not set at the time of start-up, Data indicating the determination result indicating that the derivation of the special display result based on the determination is permitted is carried over. Here, it is decided to shift the stage with different probabilities depending on whether or not the data indicating the decision result indicating that the derivation of the special display result is permitted at the time of activation, or the ratio is shifted at a different ratio. By determining the type of the stage, the determination result indicating that the derivation of the special display result is permitted depending on the difference in whether or not the stage has been transferred and the type of the stage that has been transferred is shown. It is possible to give a player a sense of expectation that data has been carried over.

  Here, the production stage transition determination means other than the post-starting production stage transition determination means has a different probability depending on whether or not data indicating a determination result indicating that the special display result is derived is written. It may be determined that the production stage is shifted, or the type of the stage that is shifted at a different ratio is determined. In this case, even if the production stage is shifted in the game from when the slot machine is activated until a predetermined period elapses, it is completely predicted whether or not it is determined to allow the derivation of the special display result. And the player's expectation can be maintained.

  On the other hand, with the probability that varies depending on whether or not data indicating a determination result indicating that only the post-starting effect stage transition determining means among the effect stage transition determining means allows the derivation of the special display result is written. It may be determined that the stage is shifted, or the type of stage that is shifted at a different ratio is determined. In this case, it is possible to predict whether or not it is determined that the derivation of the special display result is permitted by the transition of the production stage performed with a high probability in the game from when the slot machine is activated until the predetermined period elapses. It becomes like this.

  However, regardless of whether or not data indicating a determination result indicating that the stage display determining unit including the post-starting stage stage determining unit permits the derivation of the special display result is written with the same probability. It may be determined that the production stage is to be transferred, or the type of the stage to be transferred with the same probability is determined.

The slot machine is
A game state is controlled among a plurality of types of game states (regular bonus, big bonus, RT1, RT2, normal game state) having different advantages for the player, and data indicating the controlled game state is the game data. You may further provide the game state control means (step S608, S610, S612, S616, S706, S707, S710, S713, S715) which writes in a memory | storage means.
In this case,
The effect stage transition determining means may determine that the effect stage is shifted with different probabilities according to the control state of the gaming state by the gaming state control means (FIGS. 6A and 6B). )).

  The effect stage transition determining means determines further to the type of effect stage to be transferred when determining that the effect stage is to be transferred, and at different ratios depending on the control state of the game state by the game state control means. It is also possible to determine the type of production stage to be transferred (FIGS. 6A and 6B).

  Since the data stored in the game data storage means is backed up even when the power supply is cut off, if the new allowable stage is not set at the time of start-up, The gaming state will be maintained. Whether or not the production stage has been transferred by determining that the production stage is to be transferred according to the control state of the game state at the time of activation or by determining the type of production stage to be transferred at a different ratio Depending on the difference and the type of the stage effect that has been transferred, the player can be expected to have a gaming state controlled after the slot machine is activated.

  Here, the stage transition determining means other than the post-start stage stage transition determining means determines that the stage is to be shifted with different probabilities according to the control state of the gaming state, or a stage that is shifted at a different ratio It is good also as what determines the kind of. In this case, even if the production stage is shifted in the game from when the slot machine is activated until a predetermined period elapses, the controlled gaming state cannot be predicted depending on this, and the player's expectation The feeling can be maintained.

  On the other hand, only the post-start stage stage transition determining means of the stage stage transition determining means determines that the stage stage is shifted with different probabilities according to the control state of the gaming state, or is shifted at a different ratio. It is good also as what determines the kind of stage. In this case, the controlled gaming state can be predicted by the transition of the effect stage performed with high probability in the game from when the slot machine is activated until a predetermined period elapses.

  Of course, the stage transition determining means including the post-activation stage stage determining means determines that the stage is to be transferred with the same probability regardless of the control state of the gaming state, or a stage that is transferred with the same probability. It is good also as what determines the kind of.

The slot machine is
Image display means (liquid crystal display 4) capable of displaying an image;
An image in which a plurality of types of image effect data respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of effects executed by displaying images on the image display means including a continuous effect that lasts for a continuous effect period longer than at least one game is stored in advance. It further includes production data storage means (ROM123),
The effect data storage means includes an execution effect data area (execution effect data area 112-3) in which image effect data corresponding to an effect being executed among the plurality of types of image effect data is written, and the execution effect data area. It may include an image data area (frame buffer 112-4) in which display image data created based on the image effect data written in is written. In this case,
The production execution means
In the game in which the execution of the continuous effect is started, the continuous effect data writing is performed in which the image effect data of the continuous effect is read from the image effect data storage unit and the read image effect data of the continuous effect is written in the execution effect data area. Means (step S918);
Display image data writing means (steps S921 and S1016) for reading the image effect data written in the execution effect data area, creating display image data based on the read image effect data, and writing it in the image data area ,
Image display control means (CPU 121) for reading the display image data written in the image data area and causing the image display means to display an image corresponding to the read display image data;
After the continuous effect data writing means writes the image effect data of the continuous effect in the execution effect data area until the execution of the continuous effect ends, the effect stage transition determining means moves the effect stage. Production stage transition prohibiting means (steps S920 and S1207) that prohibits the determination of being performed can be included.

  Since the continuous effect is an effect that lasts for a longer period than the effect that ends only for one game, the image effect data of the continuous effect has a larger data amount than the image effect data of the effect that ends only for one game. Often has become. Here, in the game in which the continuous effect is started, the image effect data of the continuous effect corresponding to the selected effect stage is read from the image effect data storage unit and written in the execution effect data area of the image effect data storage unit. It will be.

  Here, the effect stage to be executed is determined to be one of a plurality of effect stages by the effect stage transition determining means, but the difference in the effect stage does not indicate the progress of the game. . In this case, the image production data of continuous production by any production stage is written in the execution production data area, and the production stage is switched to another production stage until the continuous production corresponding to this is completed. Since it is prohibited, the image effect data by the new effect stage need not be read again from the image effect data storage means and written in the execution effect data area of the image effect data storage means. For this reason, in order to shift the stage of production, which is not related to the progress of the game, generally, the image production data of continuous production having a large amount of data is read from the image production data storage unit and the execution production data of the image production data storage unit It is possible to eliminate the overhead of writing to the area.

  The continuous performance may be capable of forcibly terminating the execution in the middle of execution in accordance with a player instruction. In this case, the effect stage transition prohibiting unit can prohibit the effect stage determining unit from determining that the effect stage is to be transferred until the execution of the continuous effect is forcibly terminated by an instruction from the player. .

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

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

  On the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a plurality of types of mutually distinguishable symbols such as “7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “bell” are arranged in a predetermined order. It is drawn. For any of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, “JAC” and “Bell” are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less at the maximum. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in the upper, middle, and lower three stages.

  In the reel unit 3, for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR (see FIG. 3) for detecting the reference position, and a reel lamp 3LP (see FIG. 3) for irradiating light from the back surface. 3). In this slot machine 1, in any game state, the game can be started only when the bet number is set to 3, and a total of 5 winning lines, 3 in the upper, middle and lower tiers and 2 in the diagonal line, are provided. Is set.

  Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 is configured by a game number display 51 (see FIG. 2) using a 7-segment display, and counts the number of games and the number of winnings in a regular bonus (including a case where it is provided during a big bonus) described later. The counter value to be displayed is displayed. The game number display unit 21 may be used to display the value of a counter that counts the number of medals paid out during a big bonus, which will be described later. Furthermore, the game number display unit 21 is also used to display a code (error code) corresponding to the type of error that has occurred when an error such as a RAM abnormality error described later occurs.

  The credit display unit 22 includes a credit display 52 (see FIG. 2) using a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out coins as will be described later. The payout display unit 23 is composed of a 7-segment display payout display 53 (see FIG. 2), and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is achieved.

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

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

  On the upper side of the variable display device 2, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as a production means. The liquid crystal display 4 displays images for various effects according to the gaming state, the setting status of the winning flag, or the type of symbol derived to the variable display device 2. Various effects to be described later are performed by effects displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game such as a game history.

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

  The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when insertion of a medal is detected by the insertion medal sensor 44 (see FIG. 2) when the insertion instruction display unit 29 is lit, A bet number is set or credits are stored as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 2) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 2), the number of bets from the credit is set. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing to pay out credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 2), medals corresponding to credits accumulated as data are paid out.

  A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 2), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are started to be driven. 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate. When the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R can be operated when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate, operation enable lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R (FIG. 2) provided therein are provided. (See) is lit, and the player is informed.

  The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at a desired timing, respectively, and the operations are stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 2). Is detected, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. The maximum stop delay time from the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R to the stop of rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R is 190 milliseconds.

  The reels 3L, 3C and 3R rotate 80 times per minute and change the design of 80 x 21 (number of symbols per reel) = 1680 frames, so a maximum of 4 symbols in 190 milliseconds Can be pulled in. That is, the stop symbols selected by the stop control table described later are the symbols displayed when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated, and the symbols that are four frames ahead of them, for a total of five frames. It is a design.

  Further, a panel that covers the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is applied as the bonus notification section 36. The bonus notifying unit 36 notifies the player that the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 2) is turned on, so that a regular bonus winning and a big bonus winning to be described later are possible. Further, on the right side of the stop button 12R, there is provided a medal clogging elimination button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.

  On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 (see FIG. 2) to the outside. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 2) installed therein.

  Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R are provided as rendering means on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. The speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output start sounds when the start lever 11 is operated, output sound effects when winning, big bonus entry, and regular bonus entry, and further alarm sounds when abnormal In addition to the output of the above, the sound for various effects according to the gaming state is output.

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

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the control circuit of the slot machine 1. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the slot machine 1 includes a power supply board 100, a game control board 101, an effect control board 102, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, an external output board 105, and an effect relay board 106. It is divided roughly.

  The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 2, only the game control board 101, the hopper 80, and the switches 91 to 94 are connected, but the power supply board 100 also supplies power to other units. The power supply board 100 is provided in the slot machine 1 and is connected to a hopper 80 that includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation and a payout sensor 81 that detects a medal payout operation.

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

  The game control board 101 is a control board on the main side that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1, and includes a control unit 110 including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. It is installed. Further, a random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, a power supply monitoring circuit 117, a reset circuit 118, and other circuits are mounted.

  The CPU 111 has an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibition function) such as a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt, and executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and in the slot machine 1 Control each part of the control circuit directly or indirectly. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The allocation of the addresses of the RAM 112 and the ROM 113 is different between the development model in the manufacturer and the mass production model delivered to the hall. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.

  The random number generation circuit 115 is configured by a counter that counts up and updates the value every time a predetermined number of pulses are generated, as will be described later, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 115. . The random number generation circuit 115 is provided for each type of random number used for the progress of the game, and a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number is determined. The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 according to the processing to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function). As a random number for internal lottery described later, a numerical value obtained by processing a numerical value extracted by the hardware random number function by software is used.

  The power monitoring circuit 117 monitors the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply substrate 100, and outputs a voltage drop signal to the control unit 110 when detecting a voltage drop. Although not particularly shown, the control unit 110 includes an interrupt input terminal connected to the power supply monitoring circuit 117, and an external interrupt is generated in the CPU 111 when a voltage drop signal is input to the interrupt input terminal. The CPU 111 executes a power interruption interrupt process.

  The reset circuit 118 outputs a reset signal when the voltage rises to a level at which the control unit 110 can be activated when the power is turned on to start the control unit 110, and generates a signal periodically output from the control unit 110. When the count is incremented without being cleared based on the reset counter, that is, when the control unit 110 does not operate for a certain time, a reset signal is output to the control unit 110 and the control unit 110 is restarted. .

  The CPU 111 also has a function of updating the numerical value of the specific address in the RAM 112 by timer interrupt processing and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function). The CPU 111 transmits various commands to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114. Note that information (commands) is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 only in one direction, and no information (commands) is sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101.

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

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

  The game control board 101 is connected to reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR via a reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 controls the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR via the reel relay substrate 103 and stops the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to a winning flag set in the RAM 112 by an internal lottery to be described later. An effect control board 102 is further connected to the game control board 101 via an effect relay board 106.

  The effect relay board 106 is a board provided to ensure one-way information transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. The effect relay board 106 does not check the game control board 101 and the effect control board 102 by checking this state, and an illegal signal (especially an external input to the effect control board 102 is input to the control unit 110 of the game control board 101). It is possible to check whether or not a modification has been made such that a signal is input).

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

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

  The effect control board 102 is connected with game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L, 7R, and 7U, a fluorescent lamp 6, a weight lamp 61, and a bonus notification lamp 66. A reel lamp 3LP is connected via a reel lamp relay substrate 104. The control unit 120 of the effect control board 102 performs these effects by controlling these parts.

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

  The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer and receives a big bonus medium signal, regular bonus medium signal, reel control signal, stop signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. The switch signal, medal IN signal, medal OUT signal, and winning status signal are output to the external device.

  Next, the configuration of the RAM 112 of the game control board 101 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the storage area of the RAM 112. As illustrated, the RAM 112 includes an important work 112-1, a general work 112-2, a special work 112-3, a set value work 112-4, a non-saved work 112-5, a stack area 112-6, and an unused area. A plurality of storage areas including 112-7 and a parity storage area 112-8 are provided.

  Among these storage areas, in particular, the set value work 112-4 is an area for storing a set value for determining a winning probability of internal winning to be described later, and the parity storage area 112-8 is a RAM parity when the power is shut off. Is an area for storing An area for setting a winning combination flag to be described later is provided in the general work 112-2. The RAM 112 is supplied with power from a backup power source even in the event of a power failure, and stores stored data.

  The stack area 112-6 is divided into an in-use stack area where data is PUSHed and an unused stack area where data is not yet PUSHed or already POPped. The boundary of the in-use stack area is indicated by a stack pointer (stored in the important work 112-1 or the like). The unused area 112-7 is a storage area that is not used when operating normally according to the specifications of the slot machine 1, and in order to prevent unauthorized data from being written here, The range is also managed.

  The general work 112-2 is cleared for each game, but the important work 112-1 is not cleared for each game. Further, the unused stack area and the unused area 112-7 in the stack area 112-6 are also cleared for each game. The RAM 112 is supplied with power by a backup power source even in the event of a power failure, and the stored data is retained. However, when the set value is changed, the data is cleared. It has become.

  In the slot machine 1, the medal payout rate changes according to the set value, and the winning probability of the internal lottery described later is determined according to the set value. The medal payout rate is calculated by the ratio of the expected value of the number of medals that will be paid out to the small role won in the internal lottery described later to the number of medals that the player inserts to set the number of bets Is done. It is not calculated based on the number of medals that will be paid out for the small role that is actually won. As will be described later, when the gaming state is different, the medal payout rate also changes.

  Here, a setting value changing operation by the setting switch 91 will be described. In order to change the setting value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the slot machine 1 by the main switch 94 after the setting key switch 92 is turned on. When the slot machine 1 is started without changing the setting value, the setting key switch 92 may be turned off and the power may be turned on by the main switch 94.

  When the setting key switch 92 is turned on and the power is turned on, a setting change mode in which a setting value can be changed is entered. When the setting switch 91 is operated in the setting change mode, the setting value is updated one by one (when further operation is performed from the setting 6, the setting is returned to the setting 1). Then, when the setting key switch 92 is turned OFF after the start lever 11 is operated, the determined setting value after the change is stored in the setting value work 112-4. Then, the state shifts to a state in which the game can proceed.

  Further, when the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 detects the voltage drop signal, the power interruption processing is executed. In the power interruption processing, the RAM parity is calculated based on all data other than the data stored in the parity storage area 112-8 of the RAM 112 and stored in the parity storage area 112-8. ing. Here, the RAM parity is the least significant bit of the sum total of data strings (bits at the same position in each address).

  When the control unit 110 of the game control board 101 is activated, the parity storage of the data stored in the RAM 112 is stored except when the setting key switch 92 is in the ON state and the data in the RAM 112 is cleared. The RAM parity is calculated based on all data other than the data stored in the area 112-8, and compared with the RAM parity stored in the parity storage area 112-8.

  If the comparison result of the RAM parity matches when the setting key switch 92 is in the OFF state, the state before the power is turned off is restored based on the state stored in the RAM 112. On the other hand, if the comparison result of the RAM parity does not match, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal again, and the RAM abnormal error code is set to control the RAM abnormal error state, thereby making the progress of the game impossible. ing.

  The RAM abnormal error state is not canceled even if the first reset switch 48 or the second reset switch 93 is operated. The RAM error error processing is canceled by setting the new setting value in the setting change mode after starting the slot machine 1 with the setting key switch 92 turned ON and clearing the data in the RAM 112. Yes. On the other hand, error states other than the RAM abnormal error state are canceled by operating the first reset switch 48 or the second reset switch 93.

  Next, the configuration of the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102. As shown in FIG. The RAM 122 of the effect control board 102 is provided with at least an effect stage storage area 122-1, a game history data area 122-2, an execution effect data area 122-3, and a frame buffer 122-4. Unlike the RAM 112 of the game control board 102, the RAM 122 does not back up data in a state where the power supply is cut off. That is, when the slot machine 1 is powered off, all data is initialized.

  In the effect stage storage area 122-1, data indicating the current effect stage among the effect stages of the effect by displaying the image on the liquid crystal display 4 is stored. Here, there are three stage stages, stage 1 to stage 3, as stage stages. If the stage is different, the type of character appearing in the stage and the type of image used for the background of the stage are different, but the stage execution probability and mode are the same. There will be the same production pattern production. The production stage is determined to be changed from the current production stage when the number of bets is set for each game or to be changed further. However, the stage stage is not changed while a continuous effect or an additional effect, which will be described later, is being executed, or while the game state is a regular bonus or a big bonus.

  The game history data area 122-1 stores the game history so far in the slot machine 1. Examples of the game history stored in the game history data area 122-1 include the number of games executed, regular bonuses, and the number of big bonus winnings. Further, the player may include the number of medals obtained by the player in the regular bonus or the big bonus (subtracting the number of bets set by the player from the number of medals paid out).

  The execution effect data area 122-3 stores at least the effect data (see FIG. 7) of the currently executed effect. As the effects executed in the slot machine 1, there are a continuous effect over a plurality of games and an additional effect that is subsequently executed. In the execution effect data area 122-3, at least continuous effect data and additional effects are added. There is enough capacity to store production data. However, for example, there is not enough capacity to store stage 2 continuous presentation effect data together with stage 1 continuous presentation presentation data. If there is not enough free space to store the effect data for the newly executed effect in the execution effect data area 122-3, the effect data for the effect that has been newly executed has been written so far. The data is overwritten.

  The frame buffer 122-4 is an area where image data of the currently executed effect is developed in accordance with the effect data written in the execution effect data area 122-3. The liquid crystal display 4 displays an image according to the image data developed in the frame buffer 122-4. The frame buffer 122-4 has two frames, and a moving image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 by alternately switching between writing and reading image data for each frame period.

  In this way, the effect data stored in the ROM 123 is read out, written once in the execution effect data area 122-3, and then expanded into the frame buffer 122-4. This is because the speed of reading data from the RAM 122 is faster than the speed of reading from the ROM 123, so that it takes less time to read and write data as a whole.

  In the slot machine 1, a winning is awarded when the winning symbols are arranged on any winning line of the variable display device 2. The types of winning combinations are determined according to the gaming status, but can be broadly divided into special roles with transition to special gaming status (regular bonus, big bonus) and small roles with payout of medals. There is a re-player who can start the next game without setting the bet amount. FIG. 5A is a view for explaining the combination of the types of winning combinations in the slot machine 1 and the symbols in the variable display device 2.

  The regular bonus is awarded when the combination of “BAR-BAR-BAR” is aligned on any of the winning lines (five) in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2. When the regular bonus is won, the gaming state shifts from the normal gaming state to the regular bonus. The regular bonus ends when 12 games are consumed, or when 8 games are won (any kind of combination is possible), whichever comes first. While the game state is in the regular bonus, the regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 (including the case where it is provided during the big bonus described below).

  The big bonus (1) is won when a combination of “7-7-7” is arranged in any of the winning lines (five) in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2. The big bonus (2) is awarded when the combination of “7-7-BAR” is aligned on any of the winning lines (five) in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2. When the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won, the gaming state shifts to the big bonus.

  In the big bonus, the regular bonus described above is repeatedly provided until the end. While the gaming state is the big bonus, the big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112. The big bonus ends when the number of medals paid out to the player exceeds 465. Here, since the maximum payout number per game is 15, the upper limit of the payout medal number in the big bonus is 480.

  When the big bonus ends, the gaming state is controlled to RT (Replay Time) 1 only for the subsequent 100 games. In addition, when a regular bonus, a big bonus (1) or a big bonus (2) is won in an internal lottery described later (including a case where a winning combination with a cherry is won as will be described later), the gaming state is RT2 only for the subsequent three games. To be controlled. If the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won, even if the prescribed number of games remains, RT1 and RT2 are terminated at that time.

  Even if the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won in the internal lottery described later, “7” and “BAR” are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less for the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Because there is no reason, there is a case where these winning combinations are not won depending on the operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. However, as will be described later, when the winning combination with the cherry is won, the winning may be won even if the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) that is won is missed.

  A watermelon is awarded when a combination of “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is aligned on any winning line (5 or 1) in any gaming state, and 15 medals are paid out. Bell is awarded when any combination of “Bell-Bell-Bell” is aligned on any winning line (5 or 1) in any gaming state, and 9 medals are paid out. Since the “bells” are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less for all of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, when a bell is won in an internal lottery to be described later, the bell is always won.

  In any game state, the cherry is awarded when the “cherry” symbol is derived on any of the winning lines (5 or 1) for the left reel 3L, and one cherry is awarded per winning line. Medals will be paid out. When “cherry” is stopped at the upper or lower stage of the left reel 3L, derivation is made on two pay lines, so a total of two medals are paid out. However, even if the cherry tree is not won in the proper operation procedure and the cherry tree is not won, the same chance as that which can be derived when the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is missed is derived. Sometimes. Even when winning a cherry and when a chance is derived, the gaming state is controlled to RT2 only for the subsequent three games.

  Replay is awarded when the combination of “JAC-JAC-JAC” is aligned on any of the winning lines (five) in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2. With regular bonuses (including those inside big bonuses), even if this combination is complete, no replay prize will be awarded. When you win the replay, there will be no payout of medals, but you can start the next game without setting the number of wagers again, so you will pay out three medals corresponding to the number of bets that you no longer need to set in the next game. Is essentially the same. Since “JAC” is arranged with an interval of 5 frames or less for all of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, when a replay is won in an internal lottery described later, the replay is always won.

  In addition, when winning the cherry at the same time as the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), or the winning of the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is carried over as will be described later May win a small role or replay. The replay is derived in preference to the regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2), so there is no loss, but Bell is the regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) Priority is given to the derivation of, which may be missed exceptionally.

  Whether the gaming state is in RT1 or RT2 is indicated by the values of the RT1 counter and RT2 counter provided in the RAM 112. That is, when the big bonus medium flag and / or the regular bonus medium flag are not set, when both the RT1 counter and the RT2 counter are 0, the game state is normal, and the RT2 counter value is 0 and the RT1 counter When the counter value is 1 or more, it is RT1, and when the value of the RT2 counter is 1 or more, it is RT2. Although the values of both the RT1 counter and the RT2 counter are sometimes 1 or more, in this case, it is preferentially determined that the value of the RT2 counter is 1 or more, and the gaming state becomes RT2.

  Hereinafter, the internal lottery will be described. The internal lottery is to determine whether or not the winning of each combination described above is permitted before the display result of the variable display device 2 is derived and displayed (actually, when the start lever 11 is operated). . In the internal lottery, a random number for internal lottery (an integer from 0 to 65535) is acquired from the random number generation circuit 115. Then, for each combination determined according to the gaming state, the acquired random number for internal lottery, the number of bets set by the player, and each combination determined according to the set value set by the setting switch 91 This is performed according to the number of judgment values. Winning in the internal lottery is exclusive.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a winning combination table by gaming state. The winning combination table according to gaming state is stored in advance in the ROM 113 and is used to determine the winning combination determined in the internal lottery. The registered content of the winning combination table according to gaming state depends on the gaming state. It shows the role that has been determined. In the game state of each game, a combination that is a lottery target is referred. Here, a plurality of winning combinations may be subject to lottery at the same time.

  When the gaming state is a regular bonus (including a case where the bonus is provided during a big bonus), watermelon, bell, and cherry are sequentially read out as a target for internal lottery. When in normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2, regular bonus, regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1), big bonus (1) + cherry, big bonus (2), big bonus (2) + cherry, watermelon, Bell, cherry, and replay are sequentially read out as the subject combination of the internal lottery.

  In the internal lottery, the number of judgment values registered for each gaming state and set value for the target part of the internal lottery is sequentially added to the random number for internal lottery. It is determined that the winning role is won. If the winning combination is determined, the winning flag of the combination is set in the RAM 112. The number of determination values is registered in a role table stored in the ROM 113 in advance.

  Here, the same value is registered for each of the set values for the replay determination value in the normal gaming state and RT1 or RT2, but the replay determination value number in RT1 is the replay determination value number in the normal gaming state. It is larger than the number of judgment values. The number of replay determination values in RT2 is larger than the number of replay determination values in RT1. For example, in the normal gaming state, the replay determination value number is 2245 and the replay winning probability is approximately 1 / 7.3, whereas in RT1, the replay determination value number is 5213 and the replay winning probability is approximately In 1 / 3.14 and RT2, the number of replay determination values is 12652, and the replay winning probability is approximately 1 / 1.4.

  By setting the replay winning probability in this way, in the normal gaming state, the medal payout rate is smaller than 1 (that is, the internal lottery with respect to the number of medals inserted for setting the bet number). The smaller the number of medals that will be paid out for the small role won in In RT1, the replay winning probability increases, so that the medal payout rate becomes larger than that in the normal gaming state, but slightly smaller than 1. In other words, in the game in the normal gaming state, the number of medals held by the player decreases as much as can be seen, whereas in the game in RT1, the player does not feel the decrease in medals so much.

  Also, in RT2, the replay winning probability is increased, so that the medal payout rate becomes larger than 1 (that is, for the small part winning in the internal lottery with respect to the number of medals inserted for setting the bet number). Since the number of medals to be paid out is larger), the number of medals held by the player is not greatly affected. However, the medal payout rate when the gaming state is a regular bonus (including a big bonus) is higher than the medal payout rate in RT2, and the number of medals held by the player increases. The relationship of the medal payout rates according to the gaming state described here is the same when the set value is any of 1-6.

  Next, stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described. The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R constituting the variable display device 2 rotate on condition that the start lever 11 is operated and a predetermined time has passed since the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the previous game. Be started. When the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated by the player, the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are within the maximum stop delay time range of 190 milliseconds (4 frames pull-in range). In)).

  The reels 3L, 3C and 3R stop rotating so that the winning symbol set in the winning line is aligned on the winning line within the range of the maximum stop delay time of 190 milliseconds, and the maximum stop of 190 milliseconds It is controlled so that the symbol of the combination for which the winning flag is not set within the delay time is not aligned on the winning line.

  Here, when only the bell winning flag or the replay winning flag is set, the maximum stop delay time of 190 milliseconds is set regardless of the operation procedure (operation order, operation timing) of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. Within the range, you can always align the design on the winning line. On the other hand, when only the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, the big bonus (2) winning flag, the watermelon winning flag or the cherry winning flag are set, depending on the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. Corresponding symbols may not be aligned on the winning line, which may result in missing.

  In games where the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag or big bonus (2) winning flag has been carried over due to the previous game being missed, and the replay winning flag is set by replay winning, The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are controlled so as to be preferentially aligned on the winning line. If the replay winning flag is set, even if the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag or big bonus (2) winning flag is set, the player will always win the replay, and the regular bonus, big No bonus (1) or big bonus (2) will be won.

  The regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag or big bonus (2) winning flag is carried over by the previous game overtaken, and the small role winning flag is set by winning the small role (watermelon, bell or cherry) Or a regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1) + cherry or big bonus (2) + cherry won, regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag or big bonus (2) winning flag In addition, in the game in which the cherry winning flag is set, stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is performed so that the symbols of the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2) are preferentially aligned on the winning line. Made.

  However, the symbols of regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) are aligned on the winning line even if the winning flag is set depending on the operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. I can't. If the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) cannot be won by the operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, the winning flag is set by the operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. If the symbols of the set small role can be aligned on the winning line (in the case of cherry, it can be derived to the left reel 3L), the reel is set so that the small role for which the winning flag is set is won. 3L, 3C, 3R stop control is performed.

  The stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is performed according to the stop operation position and stop position of the reels that have not yet stopped according to the setting state of the winning flag (and the symbols derived for the reels that have already stopped). A reel control table that defines the relationship is created in advance for unstopped reels, and when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated, the corresponding reels are rotated with reference to the reel control table created in advance. It is good also as what stops.

  On the game control board 101 side, the internal lottery is performed as described above. As a result, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped according to the game state and the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, and the prize is won. Will occur. As a result of winning a prize, a medal is paid out or a game state is transferred as a payout. In this way, depending on the progress of the game on the game control board 101 side, an original effect is performed on the effect control board 102 side. Is called. In order to perform such an effect, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 must be able to recognize the progress of the game on the game control board 101 side. Is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102.

  The commands transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 include at least a BET command, a winning status notification command, a winning information command, a gaming state command, a normal activation command, and a setting change command. The commands transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 include other commands, but since they are not directly related to the present invention, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The BET command indicates the number of bets set at the present time, and is transmitted when the number of bets for each game is confirmed (that is, becomes 3). The winning status notification command indicates the setting status of the winning flag in the RAM 112, and is transmitted when the start lever 11 is operated and an internal lottery is performed. The winning information command indicates a type of a winning generated according to the display result of the variable display device 2, and is transmitted when the display result is derived to the variable display device 2 and a winning determination is made. The gaming state command indicates a gaming state applied in the next game (until the number of remaining games is 50 or more for RT1 and up to the remaining number of games for RT2), and is transmitted at the end of one game. Is done.

  When the slot machine 1 is started without the setting key switch 92 being turned on, that is, the slot machine 1 continues the game from the state before the power is turned off without changing the setting value. Sent when is started. The normal activation command includes information that can specify the setting value, the setting state of the winning flag, and the gaming state (until the number of remaining games is 50 or more for RT1 or less than 50 for RT2). . The setting change command is used when the setting key switch 92 is turned on and the slot machine 1 is activated, that is, the setting value is changed, the data in the RAM 112 is cleared, and the game is started from the initial state with the new setting value. Sent when the slot machine 1 is activated.

  In addition, in the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102, a winning is generated based on the winning status of each role and the display result of the variable display device 2 based on the game state command, the winning information command, the winning status notification command, and the normal activation command. An area for storing information indicating the presence / absence of a game, and a game state applied in a game progressing on the side of the game control board 101 (for the winning situation, two times) is provided.

  The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs various effects based on the commands sent from the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 as described above. As an effect executed by the control of the CPU 121, especially as an effect performed on the liquid crystal display 4, the winning of the cherry (excluding those based on the winning combination with the bonus) based on the gaming state being controlled to RT, There are continuous effects and additional effects that are executed over a plurality of games based on derivation of chances or winning of only a bonus.

  Further, there are regular bonus medium effects and big bonus medium effects (hereinafter collectively referred to as bonus medium effects) that are executed when the game state is a regular bonus or a big bonus, respectively. Furthermore, there is also a one-time effect that is executed only for one game in a game in which neither a continuous effect, an additional effect, nor a bonus effect is performed. Execution modes of the continuous effect, the additional effect, the bonus effect, and the single effect vary depending on the effect stage stored in the effect stage storage area 122-1.

  For these effects, effect data stored in the ROM 123 is written into the execution effect data area 122-3, image data corresponding to the written effect data is expanded in the frame buffer 122-4, and the effect data is in accordance with the expanded image data. This is performed by displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4.

  Here, the selection of the production stage will be described in detail. When the stage number is set for each game, whether or not to change the stage stage is determined, and if changed, the type of stage stage after the change is determined (however, if the stage stage is not changed) Even if it is not done, the stage of the same type as the stage of the previous stage is selected, and as a result, the stage of the stage may not be changed).

  Whether or not to change the production stage and the selection of the type of production stage are the first game (starting game) to be executed after the slot machine 1 is turned on (regardless of whether or not the setting value has been changed). ) Or a bet number for a later game (non-starting game). Then, the stage is assigned using different tables depending on whether the game is a start game or a non-start game. In addition, a random number (0 to 255) is acquired from the random number generation circuit 125 for distribution of the production stage, and distribution is performed based on the acquired random number value.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a start game table for distributing the production stages in the start game. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a non-starting game table for performing the stage distribution in the non-starting game. In both the start game and the non-start game, the stage distribution is different depending on whether the set value is set to 1-6. In both the start game and the non-start game, the stage is allocated according to the progress of the game (regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) wins, bonus bonus wins and RT1 remaining games are 50 games) As described above, the number of remaining RT1 games not winning a bonus is less than 50 games, or varies depending on the normal gaming state where the bonus is not won and RT2) not controlled by RT1.

  Within each frame of the starting game table and the non-starting game table, the first to fourth stages are the number of determination values corresponding to the stage stage change, stage 1 selection, stage 2 selection, and stage 3 selection, respectively. Is shown. Immediately after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the RAM 122 is initialized and there is no setting of the stage, so there is no number of determination values for selecting no stage change.

  For example, in the start game when the set value is 6 and the bonus is won, the game is distributed to stage 1 at a rate of 64/256, to stage 2 at a rate of 64/256, and to stage 3 at a rate of 128/256. On the other hand, even if the bonus is won with the setting value of 6, in the non-starting game, there is no change in the production stage at the rate of 103/256, and at the rate of 57/256, the stage 1 is changed to the rate of 32/256. The stage 2 is distributed to the stage 3 at a ratio of 64/256.

  Even if it is a start game when a bonus is won, if the set value is 5, it is stage 1 at a ratio of 64/256, stage 2 at a ratio of 96/256, stage at a ratio of 96/256 It is assigned to 3. Similarly, when the set values are 1 to 4, the ratios assigned to the respective stage stages are different. Also, even if it is a non-starting game when the bonus is won, if the setting value is 5, there is no change in the production stage at the ratio of 108/256, and the stage 1 is 48/256 at the ratio of 52/256. Is distributed to stage 2 at a rate of 48/256 and to stage 3 at a rate of 48/256. Similarly, when the set value is 1 to 4, the ratio at which the stage is not changed and the ratio to be distributed to each stage are different.

  Furthermore, even if it is a start game when the setting value is set to 6, if the number of remaining RT1 games is 50 games or more without winning a bonus, it will be stage 1/32/64 at a rate of 160/256 They are assigned to stage 2 at a rate and to stage 3 at a rate of 64/256. Similarly, when the number of remaining RT1 games is less than 50 without winning a bonus or when the bonus is not won and is not RT1, the ratio of distribution to each stage is different.

  Also, even if it is a non-starting game when the set value is set to 6, if the RT1 remaining game number is 50 games or more without winning a bonus, there is no change in the stage of production at a rate of 167/256 Stage 1 at a rate of 41/256 and Stage 2 at a rate of 16/256. The stage 3 is distributed at a ratio of 32/256. Similarly, when the number of remaining RT1 games is less than 50 without winning a bonus, or when the bonus is not won and not RT1, the ratio of the stage not being changed and the ratio allocated to each stage Is different.

  In comparison with the stage stage that was assigned in the start game and the stage stage that was selected immediately before the power was turned off, the stage stage where the start game was selected with a higher probability than the non-start game so far It can be seen that, even when the stage is distributed to a different stage, and the stage is changed to a stage different from the previous stage, the ratio of the stage to be distributed to each type of stage is different between the start game and the non-start game.

  It can also be seen that the higher the set value is, the higher the probability that the stage is changed, and the proportions assigned to each type of stage are different depending on the set value. In addition, when the bonus winning flag is set, the stage of the stage is changed in the order of when the remaining RT1 game number is 50 or more, when the remaining RT1 game number is less than 50, or when the RT1 is not controlled. It can be seen that the probability of being distributed is different, and the proportion of each stage is different according to the difference in the progress of these games.

  Next, the continuous production will be described in detail. The continuous performance starts with a game in which the RT2 gaming state is started based on winning a cherry, winning a chance, or winning a bonus, and continues for a period of 3 or 2 games until RT2 ends. Done. However, if a bonus is won before the end of the continuous performance, the continuous performance is forcibly terminated at that time. However, during the period in which the continuous production is performed, the gaming state is controlled to RT2, and replay is won with a fairly high probability (replay is won without being missed), so there is little chance of winning a bonus during the continuous production.

  The continuous production is performed according to the production pattern selected according to whether or not the production stage and the bonus are won at the start. Since the continuous effect is performed according to the effect pattern selected at the start, there is a possibility that a bonus is newly won in the game until the continuous effect ends. In this case, an additional effect is executed after the continuous effect is executed to the end with the first selected pattern, or a part of the effect pattern of the continuous effect is replaced. The additional effect continues for two games or one game (but until the bonus winning), and is performed by displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display 4 in the same manner as the continuous effect. In the final game of the additional effect (the game in the case of a one-game pattern) or the effect that has been replaced, the confirmation of bonus winning is notified.

  Production for each individual game in the continuous production and the additional production starts when the start lever 11 is operated, and ends when all the rotations of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped. In the production of games other than the last game among individual games, information indicating whether or not a bonus is won is not notified. In the final game production, you can see if the bonus is won or not. In the continuous effect in the case where the additional effect is performed, the losing is notified once in the last game effect, but the confirmation of the bonus winning is notified in the additional effect that is subsequently performed. Then, the player is informed at the end of the continuous performance whether or not the bonus has been won by the loss notification or the bonus confirmation notification.

  Further, the bonus medium effect is performed according to the effect pattern selected according to the effect stage and the type of bonus that was won when winning the regular bonus or the big bonus. The bonus effect is performed by first performing a bonus winning effect at the time of winning, and then updating an image displayed each time the game is completed until the bonus ends. The single production is also performed according to the production pattern selected according to the production stage when it is determined to execute the single production.

  Data for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4 with each effect pattern for each effect stage is stored in advance in the ROM 123 as effect data. Further, the effect data of the history display effect and the effect data of the demonstration effect are stored in the ROM 123 in advance. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of various effect data stored in the ROM 123.

  As shown in the figure, single effects 1 to l, continuous effects (losing) 1 to m, continuous effects (determined) 1 to n, additional effects 1 to n, replacement effects 1, replacement effects 2, regular bonus effects, And the effect data of the effect during the big bonus is prepared for each effect stage of stages 1 to 3 and stored in the ROM 123. Further, demonstration effect production data and history display production effect data are prepared and stored in the ROM 123.

  Here, the production data of the continuous production (losing) 1 to m is a series prepared for each pattern selected in a state where none of the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) and the big bonus (2) is won. It is production data of production. The production data of the continuous production (determined) 1 to n is the continuous production prepared for each pattern selected in the state of winning either the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2). Production data.

  The effect data of the additional effects 1 to n is effect data prepared for each pattern of the additional effects that are performed after the continuous effects 1 to n are finished. The effect data of the replacement effect 1 and the replacement effect 2 is effect data that is replaced according to the pattern of the continuous effect being executed. It should be noted that the production data of continuous production (losing) 1 to m and the production data of continuous production (determined) 1 to n are productions in which the continuous production is continuously executed over a period of a plurality of games. The amount of data is larger than the production data of 1 to l. The production data for the regular bonus production and the big bonus production is also a production in which the bonus production is continuously executed over a period of a plurality of games. It has become a big thing.

  In addition, the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102 is provided with a continuous counter indicating the number of remaining games of the continuous effect and an additional counter indicating the number of remaining games of the additional effect, and the initial value according to the selected effect pattern. Is set. The RAM 122 is provided with an effect stage area 122-1 for storing data indicating the current effect stage, and an area for setting an effect stage change prohibition flag for prohibiting the change of the effect stage. .

  Hereinafter, processing in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the slot machine 1, the game is progressed by repeatedly performing the game process one game at a time. For this purpose, the game must be in a state where the game can be progressed. In order to be able to advance the game, the setting value of the normal range is stored in the setting value work 112-4 with the control unit 110 including the CPU 111 activated, and the data stored in the RAM 112 is stored in the data stored in the RAM 112. The condition is that there is no abnormality.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a startup process executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. This activation process is a process performed when a reset signal is input from the reset circuit 118 of the game control board 101 and the control unit 110 is activated. Since the reset signal is a signal that is output when the power is turned on and when the operation of the control unit 110 is stagnant, the activation process is accompanied by the activation of the control unit 110 that accompanies power-on and a malfunction of the control unit 110. This process is performed when restarting.

  In the startup process, first, the built-in device, peripheral IC, stack pointer, and the like are initialized (step S101), and access to the RAM 112 is permitted (step S102). Then, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 92 is in an ON state (step S103). If the setting key switch 92 is not ON, the RAM parity is calculated based on all the data stored in the RAM 112 except the parity storage area 112-8 (step S104).

  Next, the RAM parity calculated here is compared with the RAM parity stored in the parity storage area 112-8, that is, the RAM parity calculated and stored at the previous power-off (step S105). Whether or not the data stored in the RAM is normal (step S106). In this embodiment, whether or not the RAM 112 is normal based on the RAM parity is determined only in the startup process.

  If the RAM parities do not match in step S106, the data stored in the RAM 112 is not normal, and the process proceeds to the RAM abnormality error process shown in FIG. If the RAM parities match, the data stored in the RAM 112 is normal, so the register stored in the stack area 112-6 is restored (step S107), and the interrupt prohibition is canceled (step S108). ). Then, the setting key switch 92 is turned OFF to indicate that the slot machine 1 has been activated, and a normal activation command indicating the setting value, the setting state of the winning flag, and the gaming state is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102. (Step S109). Thereafter, the process returns to the state before the power is turned off.

  If the setting key switch 92 is ON in step S103, all the data stored in the RAM 112 is initialized except for the area in use in the stack area 112-6 (other than the setting value work 112-4). Is rewritten to 0, and the set value work 112-4 is rewritten to 1 (step S110), the prohibition of interruption is canceled (step S111), and the process proceeds to the setting change process shown in FIG. 9 (step S112). Then, after the setting change process is completed, the game can be progressed and the process proceeds to the game control process.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the setting change process executed by the CPU 111 in step S111. In the setting change process, first, a setting changing flag indicating that the setting changing mode is being set is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 112 (step S201), and the setting value (setting change) stored in the setting value work 112-4 is set. Before shifting to the processing, the value of the set value work 112-4 has been rewritten to 1, so it is 1 here) (step S202).

  Thereafter, the operation waits for detection of the operation of the setting switch 91 and the start switch 41 (steps S203 and S204). When the operation of the setting switch 91 is detected in step S203, 1 is added to the setting value read in step S202 (step S205), and whether or not the setting value after the addition is 7, that is, whether the normal range has been exceeded. It is determined whether or not (step S206). If the set value after the addition is not 7, the process returns to the detection waiting state for the operation of the setting switch 91 and the start switch 41 in steps S203 and S204. If the set value after addition is 7, the set value is corrected to 1 (step S207), and the process returns to the state of waiting for detection of the operation of the setting switch 91 and the start switch 41 in steps S203 and S204.

  When the operation of the start switch 41 is detected in step S204, the changed set value selected at that time is stored in the set value work 112-4 and the set value is confirmed (step S208). Thereafter, the process waits until the setting key switch 92 is turned off (step S209). If it is determined in step S209 that the setting key switch 92 has been turned off, the setting changing flag set in step S201 is cleared (step S210).

  Further, the setting machine switch 92 is turned on to activate the slot machine 1, and a setting change command indicating that a new setting value has been set is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S211). Then, when returning to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the game can be progressed and the game control process is started.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the RAM abnormality error process executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. In the RAM abnormality error process, the game number display unit 51 is controlled to display the RAM abnormality error code on the game number display unit 21 (step S301), and then the process proceeds to a loop process in which no process is performed.

  As described above, in the startup process, when the setting key switch 92 is not in the ON state, the data stored in the RAM 112 is compared by comparing the RAM parity calculated at the time of power-off with the RAM parity calculated at the time of startup. It is determined whether or not it is normal, and the routine proceeds to RAM abnormality error processing. In the RAM abnormality error process, since the RAM abnormality error code is displayed on the game number display unit 21, the process proceeds to a loop process in which no process is performed, so that the progress of the game is disabled.

  If the RAM parity does not match, the interrupt is not permitted. Therefore, once the process proceeds to the RAM abnormality error process, the setting key switch 92 is activated in the ON state until the interrupt prohibition is canceled. Even if the power is cut off, no power interruption processing is performed. In other words, since no new RAM parity is calculated and stored in the power interruption process, the RAM parity is always set except when the setting key switch 92 is activated even when the control unit 110 is activated. Since they do not match, the control unit 110 cannot be activated to start (resume) the game.

  Once the RAM abnormal error state is entered, the setting key switch 92 is turned on, the setting key switch 92 is turned on, setting change processing is performed, and a new set value is selected and set by operating the setting switch 91 until the game is played. It becomes impossible to progress. In other words, in the state that has shifted to the RAM abnormal error state, the state in which the game cannot be progressed is released on the condition that a new set value is selected and set by operating the setting switch 91, and the game is started (resumed). It becomes possible to make it. In the error state other than the RAM abnormal error, there is no problem of the RAM parity mismatch, so that the state where the game cannot be progressed is canceled only by the operation of the first reset switch 48 or the second reset switch 93, and the game is resumed. Can be made.

  As described above, when the game can be progressed, the game processing is repeated one by one in the slot machine 1. Hereinafter, each game in the slot machine 1 will be described. The “game” in the slot machine 1 is, in a narrow sense, from the operation of the start lever 11 to the stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Since the bet number before the operation is set, the medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped, these accompanying processes are also included in the “game” in a broad sense. . It should be noted that the transmission of commands from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 will be described only for those necessary for the description of the present invention, and the description of the transmission of other commands will be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a game control process performed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 for each game. This process is also executed after the power is turned on and a predetermined boot process is performed, or immediately after the setting is changed by operating the setting switch 91. When the process of one game is started, first, an initial process including a process of clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 112 is performed (step S401).

  Next, the number of bets is set by operating one BET button 14 or MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and operating the start lever 11 to substantially change the game. BET processing for instructing start is performed (step S402). If the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same number of bets as in the previous game (3 in this embodiment) is automatically set by the replay game flag (the replay game flag is erased at this stage). ). When the bet number is confirmed by the BET process, a BET command is transmitted to the effect control board 102.

  When the number of bets is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, a random number for internal lottery is extracted, and winning to each combination determined according to the gaming state is allowed based on the extracted random number value A lottery process for determining whether or not to perform is performed (step S403). In the lottery process, a winning status notification command indicating the setting status of the winning flag in the RAM 112 is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Details of the lottery process will be described later.

  When the lottery process is completed, a reel rotation process is performed (step S404). In the reel rotation process, the reel motor is operated on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the previous game. 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to start rotation of all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. When predetermined conditions (detection of the reference position by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed) from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are satisfied, the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R Is enabled. Thereafter, when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated by the player, the driving of the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR is stopped according to the setting state of the winning flag, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped. .

  When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped, a winning determination process is performed for determining whether any of the above-described role symbols is derived and displayed on the winning line in the display mode at the time of stopping (step S405). ). If it is determined in this winning determination process that a winning combination has been won, various processes corresponding to the winnings generated on the game control board 101 are performed. Here, a winning information command indicating a winning determination result is sent to the effect control board 102. Details of the winning determination process will be described later.

  When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step S406). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of payouts set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the hopper motor 82 is driven to pay out an excess number of medals from the medal payout slot 71. Various processes not related to winning are also performed. At the end of the payout process, that is, at the end of one game, a game state command indicating the game state of the next game is sent to the effect control board 102. Details of the payout process will be described later. Then, the process for one game ends, and the process for the next one game starts.

  Next, the lottery process in step S403 will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the lottery process executed by the CPU 111 in step S403. In the lottery process, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the big bonus depending on whether or not the big bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S501). If the gaming state is not the big bonus, the process proceeds to step S504 as it is.

  If the gaming state is in the big bonus, it is determined whether the gaming state is in the regular bonus depending on whether the regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S502). If the game state is not in the regular bonus, it is the first game of the big bonus, or the game is a game when the regular bonus for one set in the big bonus has ended and the big bonus has not ended yet. The regular bonus medium flag is set to the game state, and the gaming state is controlled to the regular bonus (step S503). Then, the process proceeds to step S504. If the gaming state is in the regular bonus, the process proceeds to step S504 as it is.

  In step S504, by outputting a sampling command, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 115 is extracted by the sampling circuit 116 and stored in a random number storage area for internal lottery in the RAM 112. The random numbers for the internal lottery may be used after being processed in a predetermined procedure by software instead of using the random numbers extracted from the random number generation circuit 115 as they are.

  Next, in correspondence with the current gaming state, the lottery target combination registered in the winning combination table according to gaming state in FIG. 5B is sequentially read (step S505). Next, the number of determination values stored in the address registered in the role-specific table corresponding to the gaming state and setting value read for the lottery target is acquired (step S506). Then, the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the number of determination values acquired in step S506 is added to the internal lottery random value stored in the determination area of the RAM 112, and the result of the addition is used as a new internal lottery random value. Here, it is determined whether or not an overflow has occurred when the number of determination values is added to the value of the random number for internal lottery (step S508).

  If no overflow has occurred, it is determined whether there is a combination that has not yet been processed among the lottery targets in the gaming state (step S509). If there is something that has not yet been processed, the process returns to the process of step S505, and the processing is continued with the next lottery target registered in the winning combination table by gaming state as the processing target. If there is nothing not to be processed, the process proceeds to step S519.

  When an overflow occurs, it is determined whether or not the lottery target combination read in the previous step S505 is any of regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1) + cherry or big bonus (2) + cherry ( Step S510). In the case of regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1) + cherry or big bonus (2) + cherry, at least the game state in the current game is a regular bonus (if provided during the big bonus) Not included).

  Here, it is determined whether the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, or the big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S511). If none of the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag, and big bonus (2) winning flag is set, the RT2 counter is set to 4 as the initial value, and the game is played for the next 3 games. The state is controlled to RT2. Here, the reason why 4 instead of 3 is set as the initial value is that the value of the RT2 counter is subtracted by 1 in the current game in step S715 (described later) (step S512).

  In addition, a regular bonus winning flag, a big bonus (1) winning flag or a big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112 according to the read lottery object combination, and a cherry winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S513). Then, the process proceeds to step S519.

  If the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag or the big bonus (2) winning flag is already set in the RAM 112 in step S511, only the cherry winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S514). Then, the process proceeds to step S519.

  In step S510, if the lottery target is neither regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1) + cherry or big bonus (2) + cherry, the lottery target is regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big It is determined whether the bonus is (2) (step S515). If the lottery target is neither a regular bonus, a big bonus (1), or a big bonus (2), the process proceeds to step S518.

  When the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2) is selected, the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, or the big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112. It is determined whether or not (step S516). If any of the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, and the big bonus (2) winning flag is set, the process directly proceeds to step S519.

  If none of the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag, and big bonus (2) winning flag is set, the RT2 counter is set to 4 as the initial value, and the game is played for the next 3 games. The state is controlled to RT2. Here, 4 is set as the initial value instead of 3, because the value of the RT2 counter is subtracted by 1 in the current game in step S715 (described later) (step S517). Then, the process proceeds to step S518.

  In step S518, the winning flag of the lottery object combination is set in the RAM 112. Here, the lottery is not a regular bonus, a big bonus (1), or a big bonus (2), and is already a regular bonus winning flag, a big bonus (1) winning flag or a big bonus (2) winning flag. Is set, the winning flag of the current lottery target role is set over the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag or the big bonus (2) winning flag already set. Then, the process proceeds to step S519.

  In step S519, a winning status notification command is generated according to the setting status of the winning flag in the RAM 112, and is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Then, the lottery process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the winning determination process in step S405 will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the winning determination process executed by the CPU 111 in step S405. In the winning determination process, winning combinations corresponding to the gaming state are read in order from the beginning (step S601). Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination of the read combination is aligned with any one of the five winning lines of the variable display device 2 (step S602).

  If the symbol combination of the combination is complete, the winning flag of the combination is set in the RAM 112 (step S603), and the process proceeds to step S604. If the symbol combination of the combination is not complete, the process proceeds to step S604 as it is. In step S604, it is determined whether there is a combination that has not yet been determined as a winning determination among the combinations corresponding to the gaming state. If there is a winning combination that has not yet been determined for winning, the process returns to step S601 and the next winning combination corresponding to the gaming state is read out.

  If all of the winning combinations corresponding to the game state are targeted for winning determination, it is next determined whether or not a replay winning is made based on whether or not a replay winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S605). If a replay prize has been won, a replay game in-progress flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S606). The replay game in-progress flag is deleted when the bet number is automatically set in the next game. Then, the process proceeds to step S617.

  If no replay winning is made, it is determined whether or not the big bonus (1) is won according to whether or not the big bonus (1) winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S607). If the big bonus (1) has been won, the big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 and the big bonus (1) winning flag set in the RAM 112 is erased. Also, the values of the RT1 counter and the RT2 counter in the RAM 112 are initialized to 0 (step S608). Then, the process proceeds to step S617.

  If the big bonus (1) has not been won, it is determined whether or not the big bonus (2) has been won depending on whether or not the big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S609). If the big bonus (2) is won, the big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 and the big bonus (2) winning flag set in the RAM 112 is deleted. Further, the values of the RT1 counter and the RT2 counter in the RAM 112 are each initialized to 0 (step S610). Then, the process proceeds to step S617.

  If the big bonus (2) has not been won, it is determined whether or not the regular bonus has been won depending on whether or not the regular bonus winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S611). If the regular bonus is won, the regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 and the regular bonus winning flag set in the RAM 112 is erased. Also, the values of the RT1 counter and the RT2 counter in the RAM 112 are initialized to 0 (step S612). Then, the process proceeds to step S617.

  If there is no regular bonus winning, whether the cherry winning is determined according to whether or not the cherry winning flag is set in the RAM 112, or no winning flag of any combination is set, but a chance is derived to the variable display device 2. It is determined whether it has been performed (step S613). If the cherry is won or the chance is derived, the game state in this game is a regular bonus or big bonus depending on whether the regular bonus flag or big bonus flag is set in the RAM 112. It is determined whether or not there has been (step S614).

  If the game state in this game is not a regular bonus or a big bonus, it is further determined whether a regular bonus winning flag, a big bonus (1) winning flag or a big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112. (Step S615). If the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag or big bonus (2) winning flag is not set, 4 is set as the initial value of the RT2 counter, and the gaming state is only for 3 games from the next game. It is controlled by RT2. Here, 4 is set as the initial value instead of 3, because the value of the RT2 counter is decremented by 1 in the current game in step S715 (described later) (step S616). Then, the process proceeds to step S617.

  If no cherry wins and chances are derived, if a cherry win or chance win is in regular bonus or big bonus, regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag or big If the bonus (2) winning flag is set, the gaming state is not controlled to RT2, and the process directly proceeds to step S617.

  If the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, or the big bonus (2) winning flag is set even if the cherry is won other than the regular bonus or the big bonus, the RT2 counter is initialized in step S616. The value is never set. In the case of a cherry winning based on the double winning with the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), the RT2 counter is set to 4 as the initial value at the time of winning. There is no need to set a value.

  If you win a cherry with the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag or big bonus (2) winning flag carried over, the previous regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) Based on the winning, the gaming state is controlled to RT2, and the liquid crystal display 4 has already been continuously produced. If the continuous production has already ended, the bonus confirmation is notified, so there is no need to perform the continuous production again. If the continuous production is being executed, the bonus confirmation will be notified by the continuous production. Therefore, it is based on the fact that it is not necessary to start a new continuous production here.

  In step S617, a winning information command indicating the type of the winning combination is generated based on the winning flag set in the RAM 112 (however, if the game is lost, the winning flag is not set), and transmitted to the effect control board 102. To do. Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the payout process in step S406 will be described in detail. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout process executed by the CPU 111 in step S406. In the payout process, it is determined whether or not there has been a small prize winning accompanied by a medal payout depending on whether or not a winning flag of watermelon, bell, or cherry is set in the RAM 112 (step S701). If the small role is not won, the process proceeds to step S703 as it is.

  If the small role winning is achieved, the number of medals is sequentially paid out by controlling the hopper 80. However, until the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, instead of paying out medals, the number of credits is increased (step S702). Then, the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S703, whether or not the game state of the game is a big bonus is determined based on whether or not the big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112. However, when the big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112, it is a big bonus (1) winning or a big bonus (2) winning in the game, and the game Since the game state is not a big bonus, even if the big bonus medium flag is set, it is not determined that the big bonus is being performed. If the game state of the game is not a big bonus, the process proceeds to step S708.

  If it is determined that the big bonus is in progress, the counter provided in the RAM 112 counts the total number of medals paid out after the big bonus starts (step S704). As a result of this counting, it is determined whether or not the total number of paid-out medals exceeds 465 (step S705). If the total number of medals paid out does not exceed 465, the process proceeds to step S708.

  When the total number of paid-out medals exceeds 465, the big bonus medium flag set in the RAM 112 is erased and the value of the counter for counting the total number of paid-out medals is initialized to 0 (step S706). ). Further, in order to set the gaming state after the end of the big bonus to RT1, 100 is set as the initial value of the RT1 counter of the RAM 112 (step S707). Then, the process proceeds to step S711.

  In step S708, it is determined whether or not the game state of the game is a regular bonus (including a case where a big bonus is provided) depending on whether or not the regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112. However, if the regular bonus winning flag is set in the RAM 112, it is a regular bonus winning in the game, and the game state of the game is not a regular bonus, so the regular bonus flag is set. Even if it is, it is not determined that the regular bonus was in effect.

  If the game state of the game is a regular bonus, the counter provided in the RAM 112 starts the regular bonus (after a new regular bonus starts in the big bonus) The number of digest games and the number of winning games are counted (step S709). As a result of this count, it is determined whether the number of winning games in the regular bonus has reached 8 or the number of digest games in the regular bonus has reached 12 (step S710).

  When the number of winning games in the regular bonus is 8 or the number of digested games in the regular bonus is 12, the process proceeds to step S711. If the number of winning games in the regular bonus is not eight and the number of digest games in the regular bonus is not twelve, the process proceeds to step S716. In step S711, the regular bonus flag set in the RAM 112 is erased, and the counter values for counting the number of digest games and the number of winning games in the regular bonus are both initialized to zero. Then, the process proceeds to step S716.

  If the game state of the game is not a regular bonus in step S708, it is determined whether the RT1 counter value in the RAM 112 is 0 (step S712). If the RT1 counter value is not 0, the RT1 counter value is subtracted by 1 (step S713), and the process proceeds to step S714. If the value of the RT1 counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S714 as it is. In step S714, it is determined whether the value of the RT2 counter in the RAM 112 is zero. If the RT2 counter value is not 0, the RT2 counter value is decremented by 1 (step S715), and the process proceeds to step S716. If the value of the RT2 counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S716 as it is.

  In step S716, if the watermelon winning flag, the bell winning flag, the cherry winning flag, and the replay winning flag are set in the RAM 112, these are deleted. The big bonus (1) winning flag, the big bonus (2) winning flag, and the regular bonus winning flag are not erased here and are carried over to the next game. If a winning flag is set in the RAM 112 in step S603, it is deleted.

  Next, based on the big bonus medium flag and the regular bonus medium flag in the RAM 112 and the value of the RT counter, a game state command indicating a game state applied in the next game is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102. (Step S717). Then, the payout process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. Here, when returning to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the process in the current one game ends.

  In the repetition of the game as described above, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 shifts the game state between the normal game state, RT1, RT2, big bonus, and regular bonus, and according to the progress of the game. A command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. On the other hand, based on the command received from the game control board 101, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs original effects including a continuous effect, an additional effect, a demo effect, and a history display effect. In addition, whether or not to change the production stage for each game, and in the case of changing, the changed production stage is determined. Hereinafter, the process of the effect performed by the control on the effect control board 102 side will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. On the side of the effect control board 102, it is determined whether or not the command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S801). When any command is received from the game control board 101, it is determined what kind of the received command is (step S802).

  If the received command type is the normal start command transmitted in step S109, it means that no game has been played since the slot machine 1 was turned on. The RAM 122 not to be processed is in a state in which data is initialized. In this case, first, a start game flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S803). Next, the setting value indicated by the received normal activation command, the setting state of the winning flag, and the gaming state are stored in predetermined areas of the RAM 122 (step S804).

  Next, with reference to the game state stored here, it is determined whether or not the game state of the game to be started is a regular bonus or a big bonus (step S805). If the game state of the game to be started is neither a regular bonus nor a big bonus, the process directly returns to step S801. If the game state of the game to be started is a regular bonus or a big bonus, an effect stage change prohibition flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S806). Further, the effect data of the effect during bonus corresponding to the type of bonus in the game to be started is read from the ROM 122 and written in the execution effect data area 122-3 (step S807). Then, the process returns to step S801.

  If the received command type is the setting change command transmitted in step S211, this means that no game has been played since the slot machine 1 is turned on. The RAM 122 that is not backed up is in a state in which data is initialized. Also in this case, first, a start game flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S808). Next, the setting value indicated by the received setting change command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S809). Then, the process returns to step S801.

  If the type of the received command is the BET command transmitted in step S402, a BET process that will be described in detail later is performed (step S810). When the BET process is terminated, the process returns to step S801.

  If the type of the received command is the winning status notification command transmitted in step S519, a start process described in detail later is performed (step S811). When the start process is completed, the process returns to step S801.

  If the received command type is the winning information command transmitted in step S617, a winning determination process described in detail later is performed (step S812). When the winning determination process is terminated, the process returns to step S801.

  If the received command type is the gaming state command transmitted in step S717, a game end process, which will be described in detail later, is performed (step S813). When the game end process ends, the process returns to step S801.

  If the received command type is another command, processing corresponding to each command type is executed (step S814). Since the processing here is not related to the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted. Thereafter, the process returns to step S801.

  Next, the BET processing in step S810 will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail the BET processing executed by the CPU 121 in step S810. In the BET process, first, it is determined whether or not the start game flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S901). When the start game flag is set, the bet number is set for the first game after the slot machine 1 is turned on.

  In this case, the random number (0-255) generated by the random number generation circuit 125 is sampled by the sampling circuit 126, the sampled random number value and the set value (stored in the RAM 122 in step S809), and the game progress (saved in the RAM 122). Based on the winning state indicated by the gaming state and the setting status of the winning flag, the RT1 remaining game number is 50 games or more, the RT1 remaining game number is less than 50 games, or the normal gaming state or RT2 not controlled by RT1), An effect stage is selected with reference to the start game table shown in FIG. 6A (step S902). Then, the start game flag is erased (step S903), and the process proceeds to step S906.

  If the start game flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the effect stage change prohibition flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S904). If the effect stage change prohibition flag is set, the effect stage is not changed, and the process proceeds to step S908 as it is.

  When the stage stage prohibition flag is not set, the random number (0-255) generated by the random number generation circuit 125 is sampled by the sampling circuit 126, and based on the sampled random number value, the set value, and the progress of the game Then, an effect stage is selected with reference to the non-starting game table shown in FIG. 6B (step S905). Then, the process proceeds to step S906.

  In step S906, it is determined whether any production stage is selected in step S902 or S905 (that is, other than the production stage is not changed). If no change in the production stage has been selected, the process directly proceeds to step S908. If any production stage has been selected, the selected production stage is written into the production stage area 122-1 of the RAM 122 (step S907). Then, the process proceeds to step S908.

  In step S908, it is determined whether or not a fixed notification flag is set in the RAM 122. If the confirmation notification flag is set, when all the rotations of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped in the previous game, the continuous effect or the additional effect is finished and the confirmation of the bonus winning is notified. It will be. In this case, a random number for type notification lottery is extracted by the software random number function, and a type notification lottery for determining whether or not to notify the type of bonus won by the extracted random number according to the value is performed (step S909). Then, it is determined whether or not notification of the bonus type is determined in this type notification lottery (step S910). If it is determined not to notify the bonus type, the process directly proceeds to step S912.

  When it is determined that the bonus type is to be notified, the winning situation stored in the RAM 122 in the process (described later) of step S1001 of the previous game is referred to, and the regular display is performed by displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4. It is notified whether the bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won (step S911). Then, the BET processing is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the confirmation notification flag is not set in step S908, it is determined whether the value of the continuous counter in the RAM 122 is 0 (step S912). If the value of the continuous counter is not 0, the continuous effect has already been executed, so the BET processing is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the value of the continuous counter is 0, it is further determined whether or not the value of the additional counter in the RAM 122 is 0 (step S913).

  If the value of the additional counter is 0, neither the continuous effect nor the additional effect has been executed yet. In this case, referring to the gaming state stored in the RAM 122 in the process of step S804 or the process of step S1201 of the previous game (described later), whether the RT2 remaining game number is 3 in the current game, that is, the previous game It is determined whether RT2 is started in the current game based on the bonus winning, the cherry winning or the derivation of the chance (step S914). If the number of remaining RT2 games is not 3 in this game, the BET process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the number of remaining RT2 games is 3 in the current game, the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the bonus according to the winning situation stored in the RAM 122 in the process of step S804 or the process of step S1001 (described later) of the previous game. It is determined whether or not one of the big bonuses (2) is won (step S915).

  If the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won, a random number for selecting a continuous effect pattern is extracted by the software random number function, and the continuous stored in the ROM 123 according to the extracted random number value. From the production (confirmation) patterns corresponding to the production stage stored in the production stage storage area 122-1, a continuous production pattern to be started is selected (step S916). Then, the process proceeds to step S918.

  If none of the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), and the big bonus (2) is won, a random number for selecting a continuous effect pattern is extracted by the software random number function and stored in the ROM 123 according to the extracted random number value. A continuous production pattern to be started is selected from the continuous production (losing) patterns corresponding to the production stage stored in the production stage storage area 122-1 (step S917). Then, the process proceeds to step S918.

  In step S918, the effect data of the continuous effect by the effect pattern selected in step S916 or S917 is read from the ROM 123 and written in the execution effect data area 112-3. Further, a value corresponding to the effect pattern selected in step S916 or step S917 is set as an initial value in the continuous counter of the RAM 122 (step S919).

  Further, the effect stage change prohibition flag is set in the RAM 122 so that the effect stage is not changed until the end of the continuous effect (step S920). Then, according to the effect data of the continuous effect written in step S918, the liquid crystal display 4 starts the continuous effect (step S921). Then, the BET processing is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In addition, when the value of the additional counter is not 0 in step S913, the additional effect is already performed, or the additional effect is performed instead of the continuous effect. Here, it is determined whether or not the restart flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S922). If the resume flag is not set, the additional effect has already been executed, so the BET processing is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the resume flag is set, an additional effect is executed instead of the continuous effect from the current game. Here, in accordance with the effect data of the additional effect written in the execution effect data area 112-3 in step S1012, the resumption effect is displayed by displaying a predetermined image indicating the start of the additional effect (resume of the once completed continuous effect). This is performed (step S923). Further, the restart flag set in the RAM 122 is erased (step S924). Then, the BET processing is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the start process in step S811 will be described in detail. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing in detail the start process executed by the CPU 121 in step S811. In the start process, first, the winning situation saved in the storage area for the winning situation of the latest game in the previous game (that is, the setting state of the winning flag in the previous game) of the winning situation of the previous game provided in the RAM 122 is displayed. The game is moved to the storage area, and the winning situation indicated by the received winning situation notification command (that is, the setting situation of the winning flag in the current game) is saved in the winning area saving area of the latest game provided in the RAM 122 (step S1001).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the continuous counter in the RAM 122 is 0 (step S1002). If the value of the continuous counter is not 0, the continuous effect has already started or at least the start effect has been performed. In this case, first, it is determined whether or not the continuous effect pattern being executed is a pattern for informing confirmation of the bonus winning (step S1003). If it is not a pattern for notifying the confirmation of bonus winning, it is determined whether or not the value of the continuous counter in the RAM 122 is 1 (step S1004).

  If the value of the continuous counter is 1, the continuous production will end in the game, and the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) is further stored in the RAM 112 of the game control board 101 based on the winning situation stored in the RAM 122. ) It is determined whether a winning flag or a big bonus (2) a winning flag is set (step S1005).

  If the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, or the big bonus (2) winning flag is not set in the RAM 112 in step S1005, the process proceeds to step S1014. If it is a pattern informing that the bonus winning is confirmed in step S1003, and if the value of the continuous counter is not 1 in step S1004, the process proceeds to step S1014 as it is.

  When the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag or the big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112, these winning flags were not set at the start of the continuous performance. A new regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) is won during execution of the continuous performance, and the winning flags of these combinations are set. In this case, a predetermined random number is extracted by the software random number function, and it is determined whether to replace the content of the effect in the final game of the continuous effect according to the value of the random number or to perform the additional effect after the end of the continuous effect A replacement / addition determination lottery is performed (step S1006). As a result of the lottery, it is determined whether replacement of the content of the effect of the final game has been determined or execution of the additional effect has been determined (step S1007).

  When the replacement of the content of the effect in the final game of the continuous effect is determined, an effect replacement flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S1008). Further, from the ROM 123, the data corresponding to the effect stage stored in the effect stage storage area 122-1 is read out from the effect data indicating the content of the effect in the final game, which is replaced according to the pattern of the continuous effect stored in the RAM 122. Then, it is written in the execution effect data area 122-3 (step S1009). Further, an image corresponding to the effect after replacement is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the effect data written here, and the effect in the final game of the continuous effect is started (step S1010). Then, the start time process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the execution of the additional effect is determined, the additional effect patterns stored in the ROM 123 are stored in the effect stage storage area 122-1 according to the continuous effect pattern stored in the RAM 122. The one corresponding to the produced stage is selected (step S1011). Furthermore, the effect data of the additional effect by the selected effect pattern is read from the ROM 123 and written in the execution effect data area 122-3 (step S1012). In addition, a value corresponding to the selected additional effect pattern is set as an initial value in the additional counter of the RAM 122 (step S1013). Then, the process proceeds to step S1014.

  In step S1014, image data corresponding to the value of the continuous counter in the RAM 122 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the effect data of the continuous effect written in the execution effect data area 122-3. Start production for this game. Then, the start time process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the value of the continuous counter is 0 in step S1002, it is further determined whether or not the value of the additional counter in the RAM 122 is 0 (step S1015). If the value of the additional counter is not 0, an image corresponding to the value of the additional counter in the RAM 122 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 in accordance with the effect data of the additional effect written in the execution effect data area 122-3. Among the additional effects, an effect for the current game is started (step S1016). If the value of the continuous counter is not 0, the process of step S1016 is not executed even if the value of the additional counter is not 0, so the additional effect is performed after the end of the continuous effect. . Then, the start time process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the value of the additional counter is also 0, it is determined whether an effect during bonus is being executed (step S1017). Whether or not the effect during bonus is being executed can be determined by whether or not the game state saved in step S1201 (described later) of the previous game is a regular bonus or a big bonus. If the effect during bonus is being executed, the process at the start is ended as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the bonus effect is not executed, the game progress status (for example, the winning status saved in step S1001, the game status saved in step S1201 (described later) of the previous game), and the random number extracted by the software random number function In accordance with the above, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to execute a single effect that ends only for the current game (step S1018). As a result of the lottery, it is determined whether or not it is determined that any one-shot effect is to be executed (step S1019).

  When it is determined that any one-time effect is to be executed, the effect data corresponding to the effect stage stored in the effect stage area 122-1 among the effect data of the one-time effect of the type determined here is stored in the ROM 123. Are written in the execution effect data area 122-3 (step S1020). Furthermore, the single-shot effect is started on the liquid crystal display 4 in accordance with the written single-shot effect data (step S1021). Then, the start time process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When it is determined not to execute the single effect, a predetermined image corresponding to the effect stage stored in the effect stage area 122-1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (step S1023). Then, the start time process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the winning determination process in step S812 will be described in detail. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing in detail the winning determination process executed by the CPU 121 in step S812. In the winning determination process, the winning information indicated by the received winning information command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S1101). Next, it is determined whether or not the winning information stored here indicates that the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) has been won (step S1102).

  If it indicates that a regular bonus, a big bonus (1), or a big bonus (2) has been won, the effect being executed (continuous effect, additional effect, bonus confirmation notification, or stage counter value) The display of the corresponding image) is forcibly terminated (step S1103). Further, the value of the continuous counter in the RAM 122 is initialized to 0, and the value of the additional counter is also initialized to 0 (step S1104). Furthermore, if a fixed notification flag is set in the RAM 122, it is deleted (step S1105). Further, an effect stage change prohibition flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S1106).

  After that, the effect data of the effect during bonus corresponding to the effect stage stored in the effect stage storage area 122-1 and the type of bonus won is read from the ROM 122 and written to the execution effect data area 122-3 (step S1107). Next, the bonus winning effect of the bonus bonus effects is performed on the liquid crystal display 4 in accordance with the bonus bonus effect data written here. This bonus winning effect can be performed using the speakers 7L, 7R, 7U and the game effect lamps 75A to 75M (step S1108). Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If it is indicated that none of the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) and the big bonus (2) is won, it is determined whether or not the value of the continuous counter in the RAM 122 is 0 (step S1109). If the value of the continuous counter is not 0, it is determined whether the replacement flag is set in the RAM 122 because the continuous production is being executed at this time (step S1110).

  If the replacement flag is set, the image data corresponding to the content of the effect after replacement is developed in the frame buffer 122-4 according to the effect data of the replacement effect written in the execution effect data area 122-3. A corresponding image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 to notify the result of the effect in the final game of the continuous effect (step S1111). Further, the replacement flag set in the RAM 122 is deleted, and the value of the continuous counter is initialized to 0 (step S1112). Then, the process proceeds to step S1125.

  If the replacement flag is not set in step S1110, according to the effect data of the continuous effect written in the execution effect data area 122-3 and the value of the continuous counter, the current game portion of the series of continuous effects. The image data indicating the result of the effect is developed in the frame buffer 122-4, and the corresponding image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (step S1113). Further, 1 is subtracted from the value of the continuous counter in the RAM 122 (step S1114). Here, as a result of the subtraction, it is determined whether or not the value of the continuous counter has become 0 (step S1115). If the value of the continuous counter does not become 0, in any case, the presence / absence of a bonus winning is not notified at the time of BET in the next game, so the winning determination processing is terminated as it is, and FIG. Return to the flowchart.

  If the value of the continuous counter becomes 0, it is determined whether or not the continuous production pattern being executed is a pattern for informing the confirmation of bonus winning (step S1116). If the continuous production pattern being executed is a pattern for informing confirmation of the bonus winning, the process proceeds to step S1125.

  An image of information indicating that the bonus is lost according to the effect data of the continuous effect written in the execution effect data area 122-3 if the pattern of the continuous effect being executed is not a pattern notifying the confirmation of the bonus winning. The data is developed in the frame buffer 122-4, and the corresponding image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (step S1117). Further, a loss notification flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S1118).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the additional counter in the RAM 122 is 0 (step S1119). If the value of the additional counter is 0, the continuous effect is ended without performing the additional effect, so the winning determination process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the value of the additional counter is not 0, an additional effect is performed after the end of the continuous effect, so a restart flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S1120). Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the value of the continuous counter is 0 in step S1109, it is determined whether or not the value of the additional counter in the RAM 122 is 0 (step S1121). If the value of the additional counter is 0, the winning determination process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the value of the additional counter is not 0, the additional effect is being executed at this point, so a series of additions are performed according to the additional effect effect data written in the execution effect data area 122-3 and the value of the additional counter. Among the effects, the image data indicating the result of the effect for the current game is developed in the frame buffer 122-4, and the corresponding image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (step S1122).

  Further, the value of the additional counter in the RAM 122 is decremented by 1 (step S1123). Here, it is determined whether or not the value of the additional counter has become 0 as a result of the subtraction (step S1124). If the value of the additional counter becomes 0, the process proceeds to step S1125. If the value of the additional counter is not 0, the winning determination process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1125, a fixed notification flag is set in the RAM 122. Furthermore, image data of information indicating that the bonus is won is developed in the frame buffer 122-4 in accordance with the effect data of the continuous effect written in the execution effect data area 122-3, and the corresponding image is displayed on the liquid crystal display. 4 is displayed (step S1126). Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the game end process in step S813 will be described in detail. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing in detail the game end process executed by the CPU 121 in step S813. In the game end process, first, the gaming state indicated by the gaming state command (that is, the gaming state applied in the next game) is stored in the gaming state storage area provided in the RAM 122 (step S1201). Further, the game history stored in the game history data area 122-2 is updated according to the result of the current game (especially, the winning information saved in step S1101) (step S1202).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the gaming state stored in step S1201 indicates that the gaming state applied in the next game is a regular bonus or a big bonus, that is, whether or not the gaming state is currently in a bonus state ( Step S1203). If it is in a bonus state at the present time, an effect corresponding to the progress status of the bonus is started in accordance with the regular bonus or big bonus effect data written in the execution effect data area 122-3 (step S1204). Then, the game end process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If it is not in the bonus state at the present time, it is determined whether or not the value of the continuous counter in the RAM 122 is 0, that is, whether or not the continuous effect is currently being executed (step S1205). If the value of the continuous counter is 0, it is determined whether or not the value of the additional counter in the RAM 122 is 0, that is, whether or not an additional effect is currently being executed (step S1206). If the value of the continuous counter and / or the additional counter is not 0, the game end process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the value of the continuous counter and the value of the additional counter are both 0, it means that the gaming state is neither a regular bonus nor a big bonus, and neither a continuous effect nor an additional effect is executed (or the game has ended). The effect stage change prohibition flag set in the RAM 122 is deleted, and the effect stage can be changed (step S1207). Then, the game end process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the data stored in the RAM 112 of the game control board 101 is backed up even when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off. If the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on without operating the setting key switch 92, a new game is started according to the data backed up in the RAM 112. That is, the game is continued from the state before the power is turned off. On the other hand, if the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on by operating the setting key switch 92, the data stored in the RAM 112 is initialized, and data indicating a setting value newly set by the operation of the setting switch 91 is displayed. It is stored in the set value work 112-4 of the RAM 112 and a new game is started. That is, the game is advanced without taking over the state before the power is turned off.

  On the other hand, the data stored in the RAM 112 of the effect control board 102 is not backed up when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, and the slot machine regardless of whether or not the setting key switch 92 is operated. When the power source 1 is newly turned on, the data is initialized. Here, when the player sets the number of bets in the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, regardless of whether or not the setting value has been changed, a new effect stage is created according to the start game table. Is selected, and the effect is performed by the effect means such as the liquid crystal display 4 in accordance with the effect stage newly selected here.

  In general, the slot machine 1 is turned off after the amusement store is closed until the next day's opening, and the setting value is changed during this period. Therefore, in a game immediately after opening a store, a new stage is always determined regardless of whether or not the set value has been changed. For this reason, even if a player who knew the stage of the production performed at the closing of the previous day played a game from the opening of the next day, was the setting value changed due to the stage difference? The player will never know whether or not.

  In addition, in a game immediately after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on (generally, a game immediately after the opening of an amusement store corresponds to this), if a setting value change operation has not been performed, the normal start command changes the setting value. If the operation has been performed, the setting change command transmits information indicating the setting value stored in the setting value work 112-4, and this is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122.

  Here, in the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, when the stage is distributed according to the start game table, the ratio of the stage to be distributed differs depending on the set value. The probability of determining to change the effect stage according to the non-starting game table in the game after the first game after turning on the power of the slot machine 1 also differs depending on the set value. Furthermore, when changing the production stage, the ratio of distribution to any of the stages 1 to 3 varies depending on the set value.

  In this way, the player is set to any one of the setting values 1 to 6 depending on how often the stage is changed and how much the stage of the stage to be distributed is. Although it is not completely known whether or not it is, the player is given a clue to estimate the set value, and the player can expect what setting value is set. Thereby, the interest of the game can be improved.

  In addition, the random number for selecting whether to change the stage or whether to sort to any type of stage is a numerical value periodically updated by the random number generation circuit 125. Is extracted at a timing at which the bet number of each game is set. Since the random number generation circuit 125 periodically updates the numerical value, it is not completely impossible to predict how many numerical values will be extracted according to the timing. In the first game after the power is turned on, it is practically impossible for the player to synchronize with the update of the numerical value by the random number generation circuit 125. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a bias from occurring in numerical values acquired by a player's intentional operation, and to prevent a bias in determining the stage stage transition.

  Also, by setting the number of bets for the first game executed after turning on the power of the slot machine 1 (generally, this is the game immediately after the opening of an amusement store), the allocation to a new stage is always performed. As a result, the stage stage of the presentation executed from the first game after turning on the power of the slot machine 1 becomes various, and the entertainment can be further enhanced.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, a special bonus accompanying transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player, such as a regular bonus, a big bonus (1), or a big bonus (2) is defined. The winning combination flag (bonus winning flag) is carried over until winning a prize, unlike the winning flags for small roles and replays. Here, since the data of the RAM 112 of the game control board 101 is backed up even when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, the setting value is changed when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on. If not, the bonus winning flag that was carried over immediately before the power was turned off remains carried over.

  Here, in the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the ratio of which of the stages 1 to 3 is distributed depends on whether or not the bonus winning flag is set according to the start game table. It will be. Also in the subsequent games, the ratio of whether to change the stage depending on whether the bonus winning flag is set according to the non-starting game table, and whether to change to stage 1 to 3 if changed The ratio of is different. In this way, the player can be given a sense of expectation that the bonus winning flag is set according to the difference in whether or not the stage is changed and the type of stage to be distributed. The fun of gaming can be improved.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, a plurality of types of game states having different advantages for the player, such as a normal game state, RT1, RT2, regular bonus, and big bonus, are defined. Here, since the data of the RAM 112 of the game control board 101 is backed up even when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, the setting value is changed when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on. If not, a new game is started taking over the gaming state at the time when the power was turned off immediately before.

  Here, when the bonus winning flag is not set in the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the number of remaining RT1 games is 50 games or more according to the start game table, and the remaining RT1 number of games is 50 games. Depending on the difference in RT2 which is less than RT1 or in RT1 or the normal gaming state, the ratio of the distribution to stages 1 to 3 will be different. Also, even if the bonus winning flag is not set in the subsequent game, the RT1 remaining game count is 50 games or more, the RT1 remaining game count is less than 50 games, or RT2 which is not in RT1 or normal game according to the non-start game table The ratio of whether or not to change the production stage in accordance with the difference in state differs from the ratio of whether the stage is assigned to the stage 1 to 3 when changing the stage. As a result, in the game where the gaming state being controlled is difficult to understand, such as a game immediately after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the stage of production is expected to change to which gaming state is controlled. It can be given to the player according to the difference in the difference or the kind of the stage to be distributed, and the interest of the game can be further improved.

  Also, when a winning or chance chance is derived for Cherry without winning the regular bonus, big bonus (1) and big bonus (2), or regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) When the game is won, the gaming state is controlled to RT2, and a continuous effect corresponding to the selected effect stage is continuously executed over a period of a plurality of games. When a regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) is newly won after the start of the continuous production, the content of the continuous production may be replaced, or an additional production may be performed following the continuous production. is there.

  In addition, when the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won, the gaming state is controlled to the regular bonus or the big bonus, and the bonus medium performance according to the selected stage is regularly changed from the bonus winning. The game is executed over a period of a plurality of games until the end of the bonus or big bonus. In other cases, a single-shot effect corresponding to the selected production stage may be executed only for one game, and an image corresponding to the selected production stage is displayed when no single-shot production is performed. Displayed on the display 4.

  When performing an effect performed by displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4, it is first necessary to read the effect data of the effect to be executed from the ROM 123 and write it in the execution effect data area 122-3 of the RAM 122. There is a processing overhead required to read / write the effect data. The effect data for continuous effects and the effect data for bonus effects are executed over a plurality of games, so the data amount is larger than the effect data for single effects. The overhead required for reading / writing becomes larger than the effect data for only displaying the image corresponding to the effect stage.

  If the number of bets is set even when the continuous production or the bonus production is being executed, the production stage of the continuous production or the bonus production can be switched. Corresponding effect data must be read from the ROM 123 and written to the execution effect data 122-3. If this is allowed, the same process must be performed many times each time it is determined to change the production stage.

  On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the effect stage change prohibition flag is set in the RAM 122 during execution of the continuous effect and the additional effect, or during the effect during bonus, and the bet number is set. It is assumed that sometimes the stage of production is not changed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the overhead that the effect data corresponding to the same situation must be read from the ROM 123 and written in the execution effect data area 122-3 of the RAM 122 only by the effect stage being different.

  Also, in the normal gaming state, regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1) + cherry, big bonus (2) + cherry are determined as internal lotteries in the internal lottery. Bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) may be won. In other words, the winning of Cherry indicates that there is a possibility of winning the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) in the game, which can give the player a sense of expectation, The interest of the game can be improved. Furthermore, the winning of the cherry is also an opportunity to start the continuous production by controlling the gaming state to RT2, not limited to the game winning the cherry, regular bonus to the player over the subsequent multiple games, The big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) can be expected to win, and the fun of the game can be improved.

  The chance is derived as the display result of the variable display device 2 only when the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is missed, when the cherry is missed, or when both are missed. It has become a died. In other words, the derivation of the chance indicates that there is a possibility that the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) has been won in the game, thereby giving the player a sense of expectation. , You can improve the fun of the game. Furthermore, since the derivation of the chance is also an opportunity to start the continuous production by controlling the gaming state to RT2, it is not limited to the game where the chance is derived, but to the player over the subsequent multiple games The regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) can be expected to win, and the fun of the game can be improved.

  As described above, the continuous performance is a regular game, a ceremonial winning or derivation of chances when a regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) has not been won yet, or a continuous performance is performed. When the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2) is won, there will be an opportunity. That is, the continuous effect is performed both when the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), and the big bonus (2) are won, or when they are not won.

  In the former case, the continuous performance is the content of winning either the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), and the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won as it is. Otherwise, at the end of the continuous performance, the confirmation of bonus winning is notified. On the other hand, the continuous production in the latter case is a content that has not won any of the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2), and the regular bonus and the big bonus ( If 1) or the big bonus (2) is not won, the confirmation of the loss is informed.

  In this way, at the end of the continuous performance, the player will be notified whether the bonus winning is confirmed or lost, so that the player's interest can be increased at the end of the continuous performance, and the interest of the game is improved. Can do. In addition to simply notifying whether the bonus winning or losing is confirmed in the game where the continuous production ends, the continuous production started from the previous game will be used to raise the player's expectation. Therefore, the interest of the game can be further improved.

  However, a regular bonus, a big bonus (1) or a big bonus (2) is newly added in a game after a continuous performance is started when the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is not won. May be won. Therefore, if a continuous production is being triggered by winning a cherry or winning a chance, the regular bonus that was not won at the start of the continuous production after the internal lottery ended in the game where the continuous production ends The winning of the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is determined. If it is determined that the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2) is won, the additional effect is executed after the continuous effect is finished or continuously according to the result of the replacement / addition determination lottery. The content of the production in the final game of the production is to be changed.

  In this way, the winning of the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is determined only in the game in which the continuous production ends, that is, the game in which the RT2 ends, to determine the winning of these roles. The processing load is not increased. In addition, it is not necessary to give the player information that is different from the actual winning result by performing additional effects or replacing the contents of the effects in the final game of the continuous effects, so that the player does not feel distrust. It will be over.

  When execution of the additional effect is selected, the continuous effect must be performed to the end with the effect pattern selected first, so that the control load does not increase. Even when the replacement of the contents of the effect is selected, only the last game is required, so the control load does not increase. Furthermore, by making it possible to select either the execution of the additional effects or the replacement of the contents of the effects, the aspect of the effects becomes rich, and the entertainment of the game can be further improved.

  In addition, the winning of the cherry winning, the chance derivation, and the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), which are the triggers for starting the continuous production, are all the triggers for the RT2 to control the gaming state. . In other words, during the execution of the continuous production, the winning state probability of the replay that is derived in preference to the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) with the gaming state controlled by RT2 is extremely high. Even if the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2) is won, the possibility of winning these roles, or the possibility of the player knowing the loss in the case of a loss is reduced. For this reason, the player is unaware of whether the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) has been won, and the player continues to feel the expectation during the continuous performance. Will be able to give.

  In addition, the derivation of the chance opportunity, which is one of the triggers for starting the continuous production, is caused by losing cherries (including duplicate winnings), but even if the player is won without losing cherries, The number of medals to be paid out is only one or two, which is less than the bet number set in one game in the normal gaming state. For this reason, even if there is a possibility that the player's profit has been lost due to losing the cherry, the expected value of the lost profit is very small. It is possible to enhance the effect of expecting the player to win a regular bonus, a big bonus (1) or a big bonus (2) that has a large profit for the player.

  By the way, the big bonus ends when the number of medals paid out exceeds 465, regardless of the number of digest games. Here, in a game with a big bonus (including a small role game and a regular bonus), since replay is not defined as a target character for internal lottery, no replay is won. Replay does not reduce the number of medals held by the player, but does not accompany the payout of medals, and therefore does not affect the number of payout medals, which is a condition for terminating the big bonus. In other words, even if you make a replay win during the big bonus, it will only increase the number of big bonus games unnecessarily, so by not defining the replay as a target for internal lottery in the big bonus, The game can be efficiently advanced without unnecessarily prolonging the state.

  Further, when the gaming state is controlled to the big bonus, if the regular bonus medium flag is not set in the RAM 112 when the start lever 11 is operated, the regular bonus medium flag is newly set at this time, and the gaming state Is controlled to a regular bonus. Thus, the big bonus can be provided by repeating the regular bonus until the number of payout medals reaches the specified number, and the player can obtain the maximum profit in the big bonus. Moreover, even when the regular bonus is controlled first after the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won, the regular bonus is controlled again when the regular bonus for one time has ended and the big bonus has not ended yet. In this case, the same processing is performed.

  In addition, the internal lottery adds the number of judgment values of each role referred from the role-specific table to the acquired random number for internal lottery, and depending on whether or not the result of the addition overflows, Judgment is made on whether or not there is a win. For this reason, an internal lottery can be performed using the number of determination values of each combination as it is. It should be noted that when the winning determination table is generated before the actual winning determination is made, the loop processing is required twice, but according to this embodiment, the loop processing in the lottery processing is only required once. Thus, the processing efficiency in the entire lottery process is high.

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

  In the above embodiment, the RAM 112 of the game control board 101 was backed up even when the power of the slot machine 1 was turned off, but the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102 was not backed up. . On the other hand, the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102 may be one in which data is backed up even when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off. In this case, at least the effect stage stored in the effect stage area 122-1 is initially set according to the normal activation command or the setting change command transmitted from when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on until the first game is started. What is necessary is just to make it.

  In the above-described embodiment, whether or not to change the effect stage, and the selection of the effect stage to be distributed when changing the effect stage are performed when the number of bets is determined in each game. On the other hand, when setting the first bet number until the specified bet number is reached (for example, inserting the first medal), it is determined whether or not to change the effect stage and the distribution of the effect stage. It may be a thing. Furthermore, when a player performs a predetermined operation other than the setting of the bet number, such as an operation of the start lever 11, whether or not to change the effect stage and the distribution of the effect stage may be determined.

  In the above-described embodiment, whether or not to change the production stage, and the selection of the production stage to be distributed when changing the production stage is performed for each game. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. It is good also as what is performed. For example, the predetermined number of games may be a fixed number of games such as 5 games. Further, it may be performed for every predetermined number of games that are won for a specific combination (for example, replay, bell, etc.), or may be performed for all games won for a specific combination. Here, whether or not to change the production stage in the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on may be selected as the production stage to be distributed when the game is changed. This may be done after the game.

  In the above-described embodiment, the start game table is used only in the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, and from the next game, the non-start game table is used for all the power of the slot machine 1. Whether or not to change the stage in the first game after is turned on, the stage to be distributed is selected when changing. On the other hand, for example, each game from when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on until a certain number of games is consumed (or a game to be selected when a selection is made every predetermined number of games). In the above, the stage selection is performed using the start game table, and whether the stage is changed using the non-start game table after digesting a certain number of games, or the stage selection in the case of change is performed. Also good.

  In addition, a game after a predetermined time has elapsed since the slot machine 1 was turned on by using the start game table in a game within a predetermined time (such as 30 minutes) after the power of the slot machine 1 was turned on. Then, a non-starting game table may be used. Further, the start game table is used for the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on and the game within a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) after the first game is performed. A non-start game table may be used in a game after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first game after the power was turned on.

  In the above embodiment, the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, or the big bonus (2) winning flag is set in both the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on and the subsequent games. The type of stage to be distributed at a different rate is selected depending on whether or not it is performed. Further, even if the bonus winning flag is not set, the distribution is performed at a different ratio depending on whether the number of remaining RT1 games is 50 games or more, the number of remaining RT1 games is less than 50 games, or is not controlled by RT1. The type of stage was to be selected. Further, in the game after the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the ratio for determining that the stage is not shifted is the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) the winning flag or the big bonus ( 2) Depending on whether or not the winning flag is set, it further depends on whether the number of remaining RT1 games is 50 games or more, whether the number of remaining RT1 games is less than 50 games, or not controlled by RT1 It was.

  On the other hand, in the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, whether the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag or the big bonus (2) winning flag is set. Alternatively, the type of effect stage to be distributed may be selected at the same rate regardless of the control state of the gaming state. In this case, in the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the player predicts whether the bonus winning flag is set or the controlled gaming state depending on the type of the stage stage assigned. The player's expectation can be maintained.

  On the other hand, whether the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, or the big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the game after the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on. Regardless of the control state of the game state, it may be determined that the stage is not changed at the same rate, or the type of stage to be distributed at the same rate may be selected. That is, only in the first game after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, whether the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag or the big bonus (2) winning flag is set, and further RT1. The type of effect stage to be distributed may be selected at a different ratio depending on whether the number of remaining games is 50 games or more, the number of remaining RT1 games is less than 50, or not controlled by RT1. In this case, the player can predict whether or not the bonus winning flag is set and the controlled gaming state by the stage stage allocation that is always performed in the first game after the power is turned on. become.

  In the above-described embodiment, stages 1 to 3 are determined as the production stage, and one of values 1 to 3 is stored in the production stage area 122-1, but the stage is used as the production stage. It is good also as what defines 1-m (m is an integer greater than or equal to 2). Stages 0 to n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) may be defined as the production stage, and any value of 0 to n may be stored in the production stage area 122-1. In this case, a determination value corresponding to the change of the stage stage may be stored in the start game table. Of course, the number of determination values corresponding to no change in the production stage may be different between the start game table and the non-start game table.

  In the above embodiment, the normal gaming state is controlled after the regular bonus that is not in the big bonus is ended, and the gaming state is controlled to RT1 for 100 games after the big bonus is ended. On the other hand, for example, after the big bonus is ended, the gaming state is controlled to the normal gaming state, and after the big bonus ends, the first winning (derived) role (small role or replay) is selected. Accordingly, the gaming state may be controlled to be advantageous RT (high replay winning probability, large number of continuous games) or disadvantageous RT (replay winning probability is relatively low, continuous games number is small). In this case, it is determined whether or not to change the stage with different probabilities depending on whether it is controlled to the advantageous RT or the disadvantaged RT, and the stage is assigned at a different rate. It is good.

  In the above embodiment, the production of each game in the continuous production or the additional production is started when the winning status notification command is transmitted, that is, when the start lever 11 is operated. However, even if the start lever 11 is operated, if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the previous game, the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is put on standby. The effects of each game in the continuous effect or the additional effect may be started not when the start lever 11 is operated but when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate. In this case, when the winning status notification command is received, only the process of step S1001 is performed, and the processes after step S1002 of FIG. 17 are transmitted from the game control board 101 when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R actually start to rotate. It may be performed when a command to rotate the command is received.

  In the above embodiment, the continuous production is performed by winning the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), winning the cherry, or executing the next game in which the chance is derived. It was supposed to be started when set. On the other hand, when winning a cherry, when a chance is derived, or when a regular bonus, a big bonus (1) or a big bonus (2) is won and a display result of a loss is derived. The production may be started.

  In addition, even when some of the reels of the variable display device 2 are still rotating and before the display result is derived, when it is determined that the winning of the cherry is confirmed, when the chance eye is determined, Alternatively, when it is determined that the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2) is won and the display result of the loss is determined, the continuous effect may be started. For example, if the left reel 3L stops and “cherry” is derived even when the middle and right reels 3C and 3R are rotating, the continuous effect can be started at this point. Note that it can be determined according to the stop symbol indicated by the reel stop command whether or not winning of the cherry is confirmed before the display result is derived to the variable display device 2.

  Furthermore, in the continuous performance, after the next game in which the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won, the winning of the cherry or the chance is derived is started, the game ends (variable). The display result can be started at a timing before the display result is derived on the display device 2. For example, the continuous effect can be started when the start lever 11 is operated, or the continuous effect can be started when the first reel is stopped. In this case, the selection of the pattern of the continuous effect can be performed at the time when the continuous effect is started, but can also be performed in advance when the bet number is set as in the above embodiment. It is. If it is determined that the continuous production is to be executed, it is also possible to select a continuous production pattern at a further earlier time.

  In the above embodiment, when the execution of the continuous effect (and the additional effect) is started, it is not terminated halfway until the execution of the series of effects is completed, and in the meantime, the effect stage is stored in the RAM 122. Even if the change prohibition flag is set and the number of bets for starting the game is set, the production stage is not changed. On the other hand, after a continuous production (and additional production) is started by a predetermined operation of the player (for example, operation of a separately provided production cancellation button), it is forcibly terminated before completion to the end. It is good also as what can do. In this case, when the continuous production (and additional production) is forcibly terminated, the production stage change prohibition flag is deleted, and the production stage can be changed when the bet number is set for the subsequent game. It may be a thing.

  In the embodiment described above, the confirmation of bonus winning is notified in a continuous effect (or additional effect). The notification of the confirmation of the bonus winning may be performed separately from the continuous effect (and the additional effect). Instead of displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4, a predetermined lamp may be turned on. A predetermined lamp may be turned on in a series of continuous effects (and additional effects) to notify the player that the bonus has been won.

  In the above embodiment, the regular bonus, big bonus or big bonus (2) is won by the final game in the continuous production that was started without winning the regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2). When the content is not replaced with the final game effect, the additional effect is performed following the end of the continuous effect. On the other hand, even if the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) are not newly won by the end of the continuous performance, the additional performance is performed following the end of the continuous performance at a predetermined rate. It may be done.

  In this case, if the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2) is not newly won by the final game of the additional effect, the confirmation of the loss is notified as a result of the additional effect. When a regular bonus, big bonus (1), or big bonus (2) is newly won by the final game of the additional production, the content of the production in the final game of the additional production will be replaced or a further extended production will be performed. Also good.

  In this way, even if the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2) is not won, the additional effect is started after the end of the continuous effect by causing the case where the additional effect is performed. Even in such a case, the player's interest in winning the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is not reduced. Thereby, the interest of a game can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, only one CPU 121 is mounted on the effect control board 102, and the CPU 121 reads the effect data from the ROM 123 and stores the effect data to the execution effect data area 122-3 in the RAM 122. The writing, the development of the image data in the frame buffer 122-4, and the display on the liquid crystal display 4 of the image corresponding to the image data developed in the frame buffer 122-4 are all controlled. On the other hand, a video processor that controls display of an image on the liquid crystal display 4 may be provided separately from the CPU 121. Here, the video processor may have its own memory (VRAM) separately from the RAM 122.

  When the video processor has its own VRAM, only the frame buffer can be provided in the VRAM, or both the execution effect data area and the frame buffer can be provided in the VRAM. In the former case, the CPU 121 performs reading data from the ROM 123 to the execution effect data area 122-3 and sends a command to the video processor. The video processor transmits the effect data from the execution effect data area 122-3. And the image data can be developed in a frame buffer in the VRAM.

  In the latter case, the CPU 121 may read the effect data from the ROM 123 and pass it to the video processor, and the video processor may write the effect data passed to the execution effect data area in the VRAM. The image data may be developed in a frame buffer in the VRAM based on the effect data written in the execution effect data area in the VRAM.

  On the other hand, if the video processor does not have its own VRAM, both the CPU 121 and the video processor may write data to the RAM 122. In this case, the CPU 121 controls from the reading of the effect data to the ROM 123 to the writing to the execution effect data area 122-3 to the frame buffer 122-4 based on the effect data written in the execution effect data area 122-3. The video processor can control the development of the image data and the display of the image on the liquid crystal display 4.

  Note that the CPU 121 and the frame buffer may not read out the effect data from the ROM 123 and write the effect data into the execution effect data area (122-3). For example, the start address and the last address (or data size) of the effect data to be read from the ROM 123 are specified, and the data in the specified range is collectively transferred and written to the execution effect data area (122-3). Also in this case, the reading of the effect data from the ROM 123 and the writing of the effect data in the execution effect data area (122-3) are controlled by the CPU 121 or the video processor.

  In the above embodiment, the replay winning probability is the same between RT2 controlled according to bonus winning including duplicate winning and RT2 controlled according to cherry winning or derivation of chances. On the other hand, the replay winning probability may be changed between the former RT2 and the latter RT2. In this case, even if the replay winning probability is different when the continuous performance is performed, the player can know the possibility of winning the bonus to some extent, and the difference can give the player a sense of expectation. In particular, when the number of continuous games in RT2 is increased, the effect of giving the player a sense of expectation is increased by changing the replay winning probability in RT2.

  In the above embodiment, the winning combination that may be won in the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2) in one game is a cherry that is a kind of small role in which medals are paid out by winning. Furthermore, the gaming state is controlled to RT by winning a cherry. The gaming state is also controlled to RT2 by derivation of a regular bonus, a big bonus (1) or a big bonus (2) and / or a chance item that can be derived when a cherry is won. However, since RT2 is a gaming state that is controlled only to make it difficult for bonus winnings to occur during the continuous performance, the gaming state is not controlled to RT2 even if a cherry is won or a chance is derived. It is good. Even in the case of bonus winning (including overlapping winning with cherry), the gaming state may not be controlled to RT2.

  In addition, a replay can be applied to a combination that may be won in combination with a bonus in addition to a small combination. There may be a plurality of types of replays, and one of them may serve as a bonus that may be won in combination with a bonus. In addition, a combination that may be won in combination with a bonus is a combination that only causes the gaming state to be controlled by RT2 by winning a prize, and is a combination that does not involve a dividend other than a change in the gaming state, such as a small combination or replay. Also good.

  In the above embodiment, the game can be started only by setting 3 as the bet number in any gaming state. On the other hand, in the regular bonus, the game may be started by setting 1 as the bet number. Furthermore, the number of bets that can be set to start a game in any gaming state can be any number within the range of 1-3. Here, when 1 or 2 is set as the bet number in the normal gaming state, the winning probability of the small combination in the internal lottery can be reduced as compared to when 3 is set as the bet number. Also, if the number of regular bets is less than in other gaming states, and if a small number of bets corresponding to the regular bonus is set, the winning probability of the small role and / or the medal when winning the small role The number of payouts can be increased.

  Further, when the game can be started by setting 1 or 2 as the bet number, the number of winning lines set in the variable display device 2 may be changed according to the set bet number. For example, in a game in which 3 is set as the bet number, two diagonal pay lines are set in addition to the three horizontal pay lines in the upper, middle, and lower three stages, but 3 is set as the bet number. In the game, only three winning lines in the horizontal direction of the upper, middle, and lower three stages may be set, and in a game in which 1 is set as the bet number, only one winning line in the middle stage may be set.

  In the above embodiment, all the data in the RAM 112 is initialized when the set value is changed. However, in order to initialize the data in the RAM 112, a separate initialization operation (for example, when the power is turned on with the setting key switch 92 turned on) is also performed when the set value is changed. It may be necessary to perform (operation). From the RAM abnormal error state, it may be possible to recover by initializing the data in the RAM 112 by performing not only a setting value changing operation but also an initialization operation.

  In the above embodiment, the number of determination values for the lottery target determined according to the gaming state is sequentially added to the random number for internal lottery, and is read as the lottery target at the time when an overflow occurs as a result of the addition. He was supposed to win the role that had been put out. On the other hand, the number of determination values may be sequentially subtracted from the internal lottery random value, and the result of the subtraction may be used as a new internal lottery random value. When the number of determination values is subtracted from the random number value for internal lottery, it can be determined whether or not an overflow has occurred in the subtraction result (here, the subtraction result becomes negative).

  In the above embodiment, the internal lottery sequentially adds the number of judgment values for each combination according to the gaming state to the acquired random number for internal lottery, and the combination is won when the addition result overflows. It was supposed to be judged. On the other hand, a winning determination table in which a determination value for determining each combination as winning is determined for each game according to the number of determination values for each combination in accordance with the gaming state, and the internal random number for internal lottery acquired It is good also as what performs an internal lottery by comparing this value with the determination value of each combination.

  In the above embodiment, in a game in which the gaming state is the big bonus and the big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112, it is determined whether or not the regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 when the start lever 11 is operated. If the regular bonus medium flag is not set, this is set to control the regular bonus. In this way, the same processing may be performed when the regular bonus is controlled for the first time after winning the big bonus, or when the regular bonus is completed and the regular bonus is controlled again when the big bonus has not yet ended. I was supposed to.

  On the other hand, when the big bonus is won, a regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 together with the big bonus medium flag, and when the regular bonus end condition is established in the big bonus, the regular bonus medium flag is erased. Here, when the regular bonus medium flag is deleted, if it is determined that the big bonus end condition is not satisfied and the big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112, the regular bonus medium is again set. The flag may be set in the RAM 112 and controlled to a new regular bonus as it is. In this case, when the big bonus is controlled by winning the big bonus, it can be controlled to the regular bonus at the same time, and when the regular bonus for one time is finished and the big bonus is not finished yet, Will be able to return to regular bonus.

  In addition, the big bonus game state is that a small bonus game is provided by winning a big bonus, and a JACIN (for example, “BELL-JAC-JAC” is used in the small bonus game based on JACIN winning in the small bonus game. It is also possible to provide a regular bonus in a big bonus game state by winning a prize. If the regular bonus for one set is completed during the big bonus and the number of payout medals has not yet exceeded 345, it can be controlled again as a small role game.

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

  In the above-described embodiment, the slot machine to which medals are applied as a game medium used for setting the number of bets and giving game value associated with winning is described as an example. However, the slot machine embodying the present invention may be a slot machine (so-called parrot) to which a game ball used in a pachinko gaming machine is applied as a game medium. When game balls are used as game media, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls, and when three bets are set in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are used. This is equivalent to setting the number of bets using.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the storage area of RAM in a game control board. It is a figure which shows the storage area of RAM in an effect control board. (A) is a figure which shows the symbol combination of the winning combination, (b) is a figure which shows the example of the winning combination table according to gaming state. It is a figure which each shows the start game table and non-start game for distributing production stage. It is a figure which shows the structure of the various effect data stored in ROM in an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows the starting process which the control part in a game control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the setting change process which the control part in a game control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the RAM abnormality error process which the control part in a game control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process which the control part in a game control board performs for every game. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process of FIG. 11 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the winning determination process of FIG. 11 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the payout process of FIG. 11 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in an effect control board performs. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail the BET processing in FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of a start time process of FIG. 15. FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating in detail a winning determination process of FIG. 15. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the game end of FIG. 15 in detail.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Variable display device 4 Liquid crystal display 91 Setting switch 92 Setting key switch 101 Game control board 111 CPU
112 RAM
113 ROM
102 Production control board 121 CPU
122 RAM
123 ROM

Claims (7)

The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using the game value, and the display result is derived to a variable display device that displays a plurality of types of identification information in a variable manner. 1 is a slot machine in which one game is completed and a winning can be generated according to the display result derived to the variable display device,
Prior determination means for determining whether or not to allow the derivation of the winning display result before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game;
On the condition that a predetermined operation is performed at the time of starting the slot machine, there is a probability that, based on an operation of a predetermined setting operation unit, the prior determination unit determines that the derivation of the winning display result is permitted. An allowable stage setting means for selecting and setting one of the allowable stages from a plurality of different allowable stages;
The data for controlling the progress of the game including the data indicating the allowable level set by the allowable level setting means is readable and writable, and the power supply to the slot machine is cut off. Game data storage means for backing up stored data;
Effect data storage means for storing the effect data for executing the effect including the data indicating the effect stage of the effect currently being executed among the plurality of effect stages;
Effect execution means for executing an effect corresponding to the effect stage indicated by the data stored in the effect data storage means;
Game data initializing means for initializing data stored in the game data storage means when a new allowable stage is set by the allowable stage setting means;
Regardless of whether or not a new permissible stage is set by the permissible stage setting means when starting the slot machine, the data indicating the stage stage stored in the effect data storage means is set as initial data. Production stage initialization means,
It is determined whether or not to shift the effect stage for each predetermined number of games, and includes an effect stage shift determining means for updating data indicating the effect stage stored in the effect data storage means according to the determination result. ,
The effect stage transition determining means determines that the effect stage is shifted with a higher probability in a game from when the slot machine is activated until a predetermined period elapses than in a game after the predetermined period elapses. A slot machine comprising post-start stage stage determining means. The stage transition determining means includes numerical value updating means for updating a numerical value according to a predetermined procedure, and acquires and acquires the numerical value updated by the numerical value updating means when the player performs a predetermined operation regarding the progress of the game. Decide whether to shift the stage using the numerical value
The post-activation stage stage determining means determines whether or not to shift the stage using a numerical value acquired when the predetermined operation is performed in a game that is executed first after the slot machine is started. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein when deciding, it is decided that the stage is shifted with a higher probability than in the next and subsequent games. The pre-determining means determines whether or not to allow the derivation of a special display result with a transition to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state as the winning display result, and indicates the determination result Write data to the game data storage means,
Derivation of the special display result until the special display result is derived based on the data when the data indicating the determination result indicating that the special display result is permitted to be derived is written in the game data storage means. A special decision carry-over means for carrying over the data indicating the decision result to allow
The effect stage transition determining means shifts the effect stage with a different probability depending on whether or not data indicating a determination result indicating that the special display result is allowed to be derived is written in the game data storage means. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the slot machine is determined. The pre-determining means determines whether or not to allow the derivation of a special display result with a transition to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state as the winning display result, and indicates the determination result Write data to the game data storage means,
Derivation of the special display result until the special display result is derived based on the data when the data indicating the determination result indicating that the special display result is permitted to be derived is written in the game data storage means. A special decision carry-over means for carrying over the data indicating the decision result to allow
The effect stage transition determining means determines when the effect stage is to be transferred, further determines the type of effect stage to be transferred, and allows the game data storage means to derive the special display result. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the type of effect stage to be shifted at a different ratio is determined depending on whether data indicating a determination result is written. A game state control means for controlling the game state among a plurality of types of game states having different advantages for the player, and writing data indicating the controlled game state in the game data storage means;
The said stage production | generation determination means determines to transfer the said production stage with a different probability according to the control condition of the game state by the said game state control means, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The slot machine described in. A game state control means for controlling the game state among a plurality of types of game states having different advantages for the player, and writing data indicating the controlled game state in the game data storage means;
The effect stage transition determining means determines further to the type of effect stage to be transferred when determining that the effect stage is to be transferred, and at different ratios depending on the control state of the game state by the game state control means. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the type of stage to be transferred is determined. Image display means capable of displaying an image;
An image in which a plurality of types of image effect data respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of effects executed by displaying images on the image display means including a continuous effect that lasts for a continuous effect period longer than at least one game is stored in advance. Production data storage means,
The effect data storage means is based on an execution effect data area in which image effect data corresponding to an effect being executed among the plurality of types of image effect data is written, and image effect data written in the execution effect data area. Including an image data area in which display image data created by
The production execution means
In the game in which the execution of the continuous effect is started, the continuous effect data writing is performed in which the image effect data of the continuous effect is read from the image effect data storage unit and the read image effect data of the continuous effect is written in the execution effect data area. Means,
Display image data writing means for reading the image effect data written in the execution effect data area, creating display image data based on the read image effect data, and writing the display image data in the image data area;
Image display control means for reading display image data written in the image data area and causing the image display means to display an image corresponding to the read display image data;
After the continuous effect data writing means writes the image effect data of the continuous effect in the execution effect data area until the execution of the continuous effect ends, the effect stage transition determining means moves the effect stage. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a production stage transition prohibiting unit that prohibits the determination of being performed.

Images