JP2008178535A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the taste of a game by awarding a prize by accurately reflecting the game operation skill of a player. <P>SOLUTION: After finishing a big bonus or a challenge bonus, the game state is controlled to RT (Replay Time) continuing for 1000 games at a maximum, however, the RT may be finished by winning a cherry symbol which may win or may not win according to the operation timing of a stop button. In the big bonus or the challenge bonus to be controlled before the game state is controlled to the RT, a command which results in differences in achievement probabilities according to the skills of players is notified. When winning the cherry symbol in the RT game state, the player is notified of the winning of the cherry symbol at a probability corresponding to the achievement relative to the command notified in the previous big bonus or challenge bonus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly, to a slot machine that provides advantageous information to a player in accordance with a player's skill in game operation.

  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 a winning of each combination to occur in a slot machine, generally, a winning flag must be set by winning an internal lottery performed in advance (usually when a start lever is operated). However, depending on the arrangement of symbols on each reel, in addition to the fact that the winning flag is set, there is a role that can be awarded on condition that the stop buttons are operated in a predetermined order and timing. Thereby, the interest of the game is improved by giving the profit according to the skill by the technical intervention of the player without mere luck / bad luck.

  Here, in the slot machine where RT (Replay Time), which is more advantageous than the normal gaming state, ends when winning the bell, which may or may not be won depending on the operation timing of the stop button, the winning of the bell at RT Is reported to the player, and the life of the RT can be extended by the player's technical intervention (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, depending on the result of comparison between the number of medals acquired in the big bonus and the number of instruction medals selected in advance, a special game such as RT or AT (Assist Time) is given (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-175121 A (paragraphs 0183 and 0187) Japanese Patent No. 3805191 (paragraphs 0048 and 0049)

  However, in the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the RT can be extended by the technical intervention of the player by notifying the winning of the bell, that is, according to the skill of the player's game operation. However, the number of times that the winning of the bell was notified at RT was determined by the number of times that the stop button was operated matched the order determined by the lottery. . Although the operation procedure of the stop button is a condition, there is no difference depending on the skill of the player's game operation in the order of simple operation, and the order to be compared is the player's operation It was decided only by irrelevant lottery. That is, whether or not the winning of the bell is notified at RT is completely dependent on luck, and the skill of the player's game operation is not reflected at all.

  In addition, in the slot machine of Patent Document 2, a special game is given according to the difference between the number of medals acquired in the big bonus and the number of designated medals. If it is demonstrated, the difference between the number of medals acquired and the number of designated medals may be increased. On the other hand, there are cases where a player with a low skill level can reduce the difference between the number of acquired medals and the number of designated medals. For this reason, it cannot be said that the skill of the player's game operation is accurately reflected in the control to the special game, and there is a possibility that the highly skilled player may feel dissatisfied.

  An object of this invention is to provide the slot machine which can improve the interest of a game by giving a privilege reflecting the skill of a game operation of a player exactly.

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,
Achievement goal notification means (liquid crystal display 4: steps S507, S511, S513) for notifying the achievement goal in which a difference in achievement probability occurs according to the skill of the player's game operation in a predetermined period during the game;
Achievement target determination means (steps S516 and S517) for determining whether or not the achievement target notified by the achievement target notification means has been achieved in the game in the predetermined period;
When it is determined by the achievement target determination means that the achievement target has been achieved, privilege provision means (step S518) for giving a predetermined privilege to the player is provided.

  In the slot machine, the achievement target in the game is notified to the player during a predetermined period during the game. The probability of achieving the achievement target notified here varies depending on the skill of the player's game operation, and therefore the predetermined privilege granted depending on whether or not the achievement target has been achieved The game is given according to the skill of the game operation of the player. Thereby, the skill of the game operation of the player is sufficiently reflected when the privilege is given, and the interest of the game can be improved.

The slot machine is
Advantageous state control means (steps S407, S412) for controlling the gaming state to an advantageous state (RT) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state after the predetermined period has ended;
In the game in which the gaming state is controlled to the advantageous state, when the predetermined condition (cherry winning) generated according to the player's gaming operation is satisfied, the advantageous state ending means (step for ending the advantageous state) S314) may be further provided. In this case,
The privilege granting means may include advantage information notifying means (step S518) for notifying information relating to a game operation for avoiding the establishment of the predetermined condition as giving the predetermined privilege.

  In this case, even after the information is notified as the provision of the privilege, if the player does not perform a game operation according to the notified information, the special privilege will not be meaningful. In other words, in order to make a given privilege, that is, informed information meaningful, an operation corresponding to the information must be performed even after the information has been informed. Even after the notification, it is possible to continue to give the player a sense of tension and to further improve the interest of the game.

  In addition, it is preferable that a game operation for avoiding the predetermined condition that ends the advantageous state also has a difference in achievement probability according to the skill of the player's game operation. Thus, information is not only notified as a privilege according to the skill of the player's gaming operation, but the game is advantageously advanced according to the skill of the player's gaming operation based on the information notified as the privilege. Since it is possible, the interest of the game can be further improved.

The slot machine is
A game state control means for controlling the gaming state to a predetermined gaming state after the predetermined period has ended (a variation example of controlling to a normal gaming state after the end of the big bonus or challenge bonus);
In a game in which the gaming state is controlled to the predetermined gaming state, an advantageous state that is more advantageous to the player than the predetermined gaming state when a predetermined condition that occurs according to the player's gaming operation is satisfied Further, advantageous state control means for controlling the gaming state (a modified example in which RT is controlled by a cherry winning in a normal gaming state) may be provided. In this case,
The privilege granting means informs information related to a game operation for establishing the predetermined condition as granting the predetermined privilege (a modification in which a cherry is notified when a cherry is won in a normal gaming state) Can be included.

  Even in this case, even after the information is notified as the provision of the privilege, if the player does not perform a game operation according to the notified information, the special privilege will not be meaningful. In other words, in order to make a given privilege, that is, informed information meaningful, an operation corresponding to the information must be performed even after the information has been informed. Even after the notification, it is possible to continue to give the player a sense of tension and to further improve the interest of the game. In addition, since the gaming state is controlled to the advantageous state by performing the gaming operation according to the notified information, it is possible to improve the player's expectation.

Here, the predetermined gaming state may be a normal gaming state or a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal gaming state but is more disadvantageous for the player than the gaming state. In the latter case, the slot machine is
In a game in which the gaming state is controlled to the predetermined gaming state, the gaming state is controlled to the normal gaming state when a specific condition that occurs according to a player's gaming operation different from the predetermined condition is satisfied. And further comprising a normal gaming state control means,
The advantage information notification means may further notify information related to a gaming operation for avoiding the establishment of the second condition as the provision of the predetermined privilege.

  In addition, it is preferable that the game operation for avoiding the predetermined condition to be controlled to the advantageous state also has a difference in achievement probability according to the skill of the game operation of the player. Thus, information is not only notified as a privilege according to the skill of the player's gaming operation, but the game is advantageously advanced according to the skill of the player's gaming operation based on the information notified as the privilege. Since it is possible, the interest of the game can be further improved.

The slot machine is
Whether to allow the derivation of the winning display result including the small part display result (watermelon, bell, cherry) accompanied by the addition of the game value before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game Pre-determining means (step S3) for determining
Stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) operated by the player to stop the variation display of the identification information;
Derivation control means (step S4) for causing the variable display device to derive a display result in accordance with a determination result of the prior determination means and an operation procedure of the stop operation means;
The first special game state control means (step S308) for controlling the game state to a first special game state (challenge bonus) different from the normal game state when the first special transition condition is satisfied may be further provided. Good. In this case,
The derivation control means includes
In the first special gaming state, a second maximum time that is shorter than the first maximum delay time (190 milliseconds) in the normal gaming state is set to the maximum delay time from the operation of the stop operation means to the stop of the variation display of the identification information. It is possible to reduce the delay time (70 milliseconds) and derive the small combination display result within the range of the second maximum delay time regardless of the determination result of the prior determination means. (Step S114)
In the first special gaming state, when the specific small combination display result of the small combination display results can be derived within the second maximum delay time from the operation of the stop operation means, the small combination display result (If you can get it by pulling in one frame, win a small role)
The achievement goal notifying means sets the period controlled to the first special gaming state as the predetermined period, and derives a small role derivation target for deriving the specific small role display result in the period (FIG. 5A: Small role derivation target notifying means for notifying as "achieve the watermelon!", "Make the bell win!", "Stop the cherry in the lower left!" Can be included.

  In the game when the gaming state is controlled to the first special gaming state, the maximum delay time until the stop of the variation display of the identification information is shortened to the second maximum delay time. However, if there is a skill to operate the stop operation means at an appropriate operation timing, it is possible to derive the small role display result regardless of the determination result of the prior determination means. By applying as a goal to derive the small role display result while being controlled in the first special gaming state, the technical intervention in each game in the first special gaming state is enhanced, and the game is more interesting. Can be improved.

here,
When a plurality of stop positions (upper middle and lower stages) are set as stop positions of the identification information in the variable display device,
The achievement target notifying means sets the specific small role display result to a specific stop position among the plurality of stop positions, with the period controlled in the first special gaming state as the predetermined period. The specific position target notifying means for notifying the specific position target to be derived (FIG. 5A: “Stop the cherry in the lower left stage!”) As the achievement target may be included.

  As described above, the first goal is not only to derive the small role display result in the first special gaming state but also to derive the specific display position among the plurality of stop positions of the variable display device as the achievement target. The technical intervention in each game in the special game state is further enhanced, and the interest of the game can be further improved.

The slot machine is
Before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game, the game value is used to set the small role display result (watermelon, bell, cherry) accompanied by the game value and the bet amount. A pre-determining means (step S3) for determining whether or not to allow a derivation of a winning display result including a replay display result (replay) accompanied by a replay that can be performed without a next game;
Stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) operated by the player to stop the variation display of the identification information;
Derivation control means (step S4) for causing the variable display device to derive a display result in accordance with a determination result of the prior determination means and an operation procedure of the stop operation means;
First special game state control means (step S308) for controlling the game state to a first special game state (challenge bonus) different from the normal game state when the first special transition condition is satisfied may be provided. . In this case,
The derivation control means includes
In the first special gaming state, a second maximum time that is shorter than the first maximum delay time (190 milliseconds) in the normal gaming state is set to the maximum delay time from the operation of the stop operation means to the stop of the variation display of the identification information. It is possible to reduce the delay time (75 milliseconds) and to derive the small combination display result within the range of the second maximum delay time regardless of the determination result of the prior determination means. (Step S114)
When it is determined that derivation of the replay display result is allowed in the first special game state, the replay display result is displayed within the second maximum delay time from the operation of the stop operation means. When it is derivable, the replay display result can be derived (if replay is won during the challenge bonus, replay is given priority),
The achievement goal notifying means sets the period controlled to the first special gaming state as the predetermined period, and determines that the re-game display result is allowed to be derived in the period, the re-game display A replay avoidance target notifying means for notifying a replay avoidance target (FIG. 5 (a): “Remove replay!”, “Remove replay! be able to.

  In a game in which the gaming state is controlled to the first special gaming state, the maximum delay time until the change display of the identification information is stopped is shortened to the second maximum delay time, and the re-game display result can be derived. When it is determined to do so, the re-game display result can be removed depending on the operation timing of the stop operation means. Here, if there is a skill to operate the stop operation means at an operation timing at which the re-game display result can be removed, it is possible to remove it even if it is decided to allow the re-game display result to be derived Become.

  By applying the removal of the re-game display result as an achievement target when it is determined to permit the derivation of the re-game display result under the control of the first special game state, The technical intervention in each game is enhanced, and the interest of the game can be further improved. In addition, the player is given an opportunity to select whether to obtain profits from the re-games or to remove the re-game display result and obtain the benefits from the provision of the benefits, and further improve the interest of the game. it can.

In this case,
The derivation control means is operable when the replay display result cannot be derived within the range of the second maximum delay time from the operation of the stop operation means and the small role display result can be derived. The display result can be derived (if replay is won during the challenge bonus, replay is given priority),
The replay avoidance target notifying means derives the small combination display result without deriving the replay display result when it is determined that the replay display result is allowed to be derived in the predetermined period. The replay avoidance target may be notified (FIG. 5 (a): “Replay is removed and a small role is awarded!”).

  In the game when the gaming state is controlled to the first special gaming state, the maximum delay time until the stop of the variation display of the identification information is shortened to the second maximum delay time. Although it becomes difficult, if there is a skill to operate the stop operation means at an appropriate operation timing, it is possible to derive the small role display result even when it is determined to allow the replay display result to be derived. become.

  By applying the derivation of the small role display result when it is determined to allow the derivation of the replay display result under the control of the first special gaming state, the achievement in the first special gaming state The technical intervention in each game is enhanced, and the interest of the game can be further improved. In addition, the player has an opportunity to select whether to obtain a profit by giving a re-game or to obtain a profit by adding a value for gaming and giving a privilege by deriving a small-game display result by removing the re-game display result. It will be given and can further improve the interest of the game.

In the above slot machine,
The variable display device may include a plurality of variable display units (reels 3L, 3C, and 3R), each of which variably displays a plurality of types of identification information. In this case, the slot machine is
Whether to allow the derivation of the winning display result including the small part display result (watermelon, bell, cherry) accompanied by the addition of the game value before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game Predetermining means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) for determining
A plurality of stop operating means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) provided in correspondence with the plurality of variable display sections, each of which is operated by the player to stop the variable display of the identification information;
Derivation control means (step S4) for causing the variable display device to derive a display result in accordance with a determination result of the prior determination means and an operation procedure of the plurality of stop operation means;
Provided with first special gaming state control means (step S308) for controlling the gaming state to a first special gaming state (challenge bonus) different from the normal gaming state when the first special transition condition is established. Can do. here,
The derivation control means includes
In the first special game state, the maximum delay time from the operation of the corresponding stop operation means to the stop of the variable display of the identification information for the at least one variable display portion (reel 3L) of the plurality of variable display portions is set to the normal The second maximum delay time (75 milliseconds) shorter than the first maximum delay time (190 milliseconds) in the gaming state is shortened, and the range of the second maximum delay time for the at least one variable display unit It is possible to derive the small combination display result regardless of the determination result of the predetermining means on condition that the variable display of the identification information is stopped (step S114),
When the plurality of stop operation means are operated in the first order (the stop button 12L is operated first) in the first special gaming state, the small combination display result is displayed regardless of the operation timing of each stop operation means. When the plurality of stop operation means are operated in a second order different from the first order (the stop button 12L is operated second or third), the operation timing of each stop operation means is predetermined. The small part display result can be derived on condition that it is timing ("watermelon", "bell" or "cherry" is arranged within 4 frames on the reel 3L),
The achievement target notifying means derives the small combination display result while operating the plurality of stop operation means in the second order, with the period controlled in the first special gaming state as the predetermined period. It may include a second procedure target notifying means for notifying a two-procedure target (FIG. 5A: “Let's win a small role by reverse pressing!”) As the achievement target.

  In the game when the gaming state is controlled to the first special gaming state, the maximum delay time until the variable information display of at least one variable display unit is stopped is shortened to the second maximum delay time. However, if a plurality of stop buttons are operated in the first order, the small combination display result can be derived regardless of the operation timing of each stop button, that is, regardless of the skill of the player's game operation. On the other hand, if a plurality of stop buttons are operated in the second order, the operation timing of the stop operation means becomes difficult, but if there is a skill to operate the stop operation means at an appropriate operation timing, a small part display result is derived. Is possible.

  In each game in the first special game state, by applying the result of deriving the small role display result while operating the stop operation means in the second order when being controlled to the first special game state, This increases the technical intervention of the game and can further enhance the interest of the game. In addition, the stop operation means is operated in the first order to reliably derive the small role display result, or the stop operation means is operated in the second order to obtain the benefits of deriving the small role display result and granting the privilege. Such a selection opportunity will be given to the player, and the interest of the game can be further improved.

In this case, in the first special gaming state, whether or not to allow the derivation of the replay display result accompanied by the replay granting that allows the predetermining means to play the next game without using the game value. If it is to decide
When the plurality of stop operation means are operated in the first order when the derivation control means is determined to permit the derivation of the replay display result in the first special gaming state, The replay display result is derived regardless of the operation timing of the operation means, and when the plurality of stop operation means are operated in a second order different from the first order, the operation timing of each stop operation means is determined. The replay display result can be derived on condition that it is a predetermined timing,
The achievement goal is a second procedure for deriving the re-game display result while operating the plurality of stop operation means in the second order, with the period controlled to the first special gaming state as the predetermined period. It can also include goals.

The slot machine is
Whether to allow the derivation of the winning display result including the small part display result (watermelon, bell, cherry) accompanied by the addition of the game value before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game Pre-determining means (step S3) for determining
Stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) operated by the player to stop the variation display of the identification information;
Derivation control means (step S4) for causing the variable display device to derive a display result in accordance with a determination result of the prior determination means and an operation procedure of the stop operation means;
When the second special transition condition is satisfied, it may further include second special gaming state control means (step S310) for controlling the gaming state to a second special gaming state (big bonus) different from the normal gaming state. Good. In this case,
The achievement target notifying means sets the predetermined time period as the period controlled to the second special gaming state, and when it is not determined that the derivation of the small part display result is permitted during the period, Specific display result target notification means for notifying a specific display result target other than the display result (FIG. 5 (b): “put 7 on the left!”) As the achievement target may be included. .

  When the gaming state is controlled to the second special gaming state, there is a game in which it is not determined that the derivation of the small role display result is permitted by the predetermining means (that is, the game in which the small role display result cannot be derived). However, in such a game, deriving a specific display result other than the winning display result is notified as an achievement goal. In this case, if there is a skill to operate the stop operation means at an appropriate operation timing, it is possible to derive a specific display result without deriving the small role display result.

  In the second special gaming state, by applying a specific display result to be derived when it is not determined to permit the derivation of the small role display result under the control of the second special gaming state. Even in a game in which it is not determined that the derivation of the small role display result is permitted, technical intervention occurs, and the interest of the game can be further improved. Further, in accordance with the determination result of the predetermining means, the disadvantage that the derivation of the derivation of the small role display result is not determined in the second special gaming state can be transferred to the advantage of the possibility of granting the privilege. It becomes possible to correct the unfairness that occurs.

In the above slot machine,
The achievement target determination means determines the degree of achievement of the achievement target notified by the achievement target notification means in the game in the predetermined period (step S516: the winning probability of the cherry notification lottery varies depending on the achievement degree) ),
The privilege granting means may include information advantage changing means (steps S516 and S517) for changing the benefit granting benefit according to the achievement degree of the achievement goal determined by the achievement goal determination means. .

  In this case, a privilege with a step-by-step advantage depending on the skill of the player's game operation is given, so that both the player with high skill and the player with low skill have the game operation. It is possible to expect a privilege to be given according to the skill of the person.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have a plurality of mutually distinguishable types such as “7”, “BAR”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “bell”, and “JAC”. Are drawn in a predetermined order. 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.

  Here, in any of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, “JAC” and “Bell” are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less at the maximum. Only one “cherry” is arranged for the left reel 3L. On the other hand, the “watermelon” has a location where the arrangement interval is larger than 5 frames for the left reel 3L, but the middle and right reels 3C and 3R are always arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less. .

  Further, regarding the left reel 3L, there is a place where the arrangement interval of “Bell” is 5 frames, but when considering either “Watermelon”, “Bell” or “Cherry”, the arrangement interval is always 4 frames. It is within. On the left reel 3L, there is a place where the arrangement interval of “JAC” is 5 frames. “7” and “BAR” have locations where the arrangement interval is larger than 5 frames in any one or more of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  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. 3) using a 7-segment display, and displays the value of a counter for counting the number of games and the number of winnings in a regular bonus described later. The game number display unit 21 is also used to display the value of a counter that counts the number of medals paid out during a challenge bonus 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 is constituted by a credit display 52 (see FIG. 3) using a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out coins as will be described later. The payout display unit 23 is composed of a 7-segment display payout display 53 (see FIG. 3), and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is achieved.

  On the left side of the variable display device 2, a one-bet display unit 24, two-bet display units 25 and 26, and three-bet display units 27 and 28 are provided. The 1-sheet, 2-sheet and 3-sheet betting display sections 24 to 28 indicate that the one-sheet, two-sheet and three-sheet betting lamps 54 to 58 (see FIG. 3) are turned on corresponding to the winning line, respectively. The number of bets set in 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. 3). The start display unit 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 (see FIG. 3) is turned on, so that the start can be started, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted. The weight display unit 31 indicates that a weight to be described later is applied when the weight lamp 61 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. The replay display unit 32 indicates that a replay winning that will be described later has been made when the replay lamp 62 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. The game over display unit 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped by turning on the game over lamp 63 (see FIG. 3).

  On the upper side of the variable display device 2, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as a production means. The liquid crystal display 4 displays 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. An effect by an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 indicates an instruction to the player in a big bonus or a challenge bonus described later. In addition, at the RT described later, the player is notified of the winning of the cherry. 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. 3), which are turned on when the number of bets can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data, are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15. Has been.

  The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when insertion of a medal is detected by the insertion medal sensor 44 (see FIG. 3) 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 it is detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 3) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 3), the bet number from the credit is set. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing to pay out credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 3), medals corresponding to the credits accumulated as data are paid out.

  A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 3), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are started to be driven. 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate. 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. 3) 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. 3). Is detected, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. The maximum stop delay time from the operation of the stop button 12L, 12C, 12R to the stop of rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R is basically 190 milliseconds, but the gaming state becomes a challenge bonus described later. In one game, the maximum stop delay time for the left reel 3L is reduced to 75 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 symbol selected by the stop control table described later in the game in the game state other than the challenge bonus is the symbol displayed when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated, and four frames ahead from there. There are 5 symbols in total.

  On the other hand, for the left reel 3L in the game when the gaming state is the challenge bonus, a maximum of one frame can be drawn in 75 milliseconds. That is, the stop symbol selected by the stop control table described later in the game in the game state of the challenge bonus is a total of two symbols including the symbol displayed when the stop button 12L is operated and the symbol in the next one frame. It is a design of minutes.

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

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

  Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R are provided as rendering means on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output start sound and start effect sound when start lever 11 is operated, and output reel stop sound and stop effect sound when stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated. In addition to outputting sound effects at the time of winning, regular bonus entry, big bonus entry and challenge bonus entry, as well as alarm sound output in the event of abnormalities, and output of various production sounds according to the gaming state I do.

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

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the slot machine 1. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the slot machine 1 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. 3, it is shown that only the game control board 101, the hopper 80, and each of the switches 91 to 94 are connected, but the power supply board 100 also supplies power to other parts. 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 for changing a setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) of a virtual medal payout rate calculated based on the probability. The switch 91 is also 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. A detection 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. One word of data handled by the CPU 111 is 8 bits (1 byte), and the addresses of the RAM 112 and the ROM 113 are also assigned in units of 8 bits.

  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 can be 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 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. An effect mode changeover switch 67 is connected to the effect control board 102, and detection signals of these switches / sensors are input.

  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 regular bonus medium signal, a big bonus medium signal, a challenge bonus medium signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103, The reel control signal, stop switch signal, medal IN signal, medal OUT signal, and winning status signal are output to the external device.

  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, challenge bonus) and medal payout. There are a small role and a re-playing role that allows the next game to be started without setting the bet amount. FIG. 4A is a diagram 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 a combination of “BAR-BAR-BAR” is aligned on any winning line in the normal gaming state or RT. 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 have been consumed or when 8 games have been won (any kind of combination can be used), whichever comes first. While the game state is in the regular bonus, the regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112. When a regular bonus is won in RT, the RT is terminated by the regular bonus.

  The big bonus is awarded when a combination of BAR-7-7 ”is arranged on any winning line in the normal gaming state or RT. When the big bonus is won, the gaming state shifts to the big bonus. If a big bonus is won in RT, RT is terminated.

  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. After the end of the big bonus, the gaming state is controlled to RT that continues for a maximum of 1000 games (but until a regular bonus, a big bonus or a challenge bonus, or a cherry is won).

  The challenge bonus is awarded when a combination of “7-7-7” is arranged on any winning line in the normal gaming state or RT. When a challenge bonus is won, a challenge bonus flag is set in the RAM 112, and the gaming state is controlled to the challenge bonus. When a challenge bonus is won at RT, the RT ends when the challenge bonus is won.

  In a game in which the game state is the challenge bonus, the maximum stop delay time for the left reel 3L is reduced from the normal 190 milliseconds to 75 milliseconds, and the range of symbols that can be drawn from the symbol position when the stop button 12R is operated However, as long as the operation timing of the stop button 12R is appropriate, a small role can be won regardless of the result of the internal lottery (in each game during the challenge bonus, Regardless of the result of the lottery, the winning flags for watermelon, bell and cherry will be set).

  The gaming state of the challenge bonus ends when the game won for the regular bonus ends or when the number of medals paid out to the player exceeds 238. Here, since the maximum payout number per game is 15, the upper limit of the payout medal number in the challenge bonus is 253. Even after the challenge bonus is over, the gaming state is controlled to RT for a maximum of 1000 games (until the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus, or cherry is won).

  Even if you win the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus in the internal lottery to be described later, “7” and “BAR” are not arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less for reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Depending on the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R, there is a case where these combinations are not won.

  A watermelon is awarded when a combination of “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is arranged on any winning line in any gaming state, and 15 medals are paid out. Since “watermelon” is not arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less for all of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, even if the watermelon is won in the internal lottery described later, the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R Depending on the operation timing, there may be no winning.

  The bell is awarded when a combination of “bell-bell-bell” is arranged on any winning line in any gaming state, and nine medals are paid out. “Bells” are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less for all of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Therefore, when a player wins a bell in an internal lottery to be described later in a game state other than the challenge bonus, he / she must win the bell However, since there is a place where the arrangement interval is 5 frames for the left reel 3L, there is a case where in the gaming state of the challenge bonus, even if the bell is won, there is a case where no prize is won.

  Cherry is awarded when the symbol “cherry” is derived to any of the winning lines for the left reel 3L in any gaming state, and one medal is paid out per winning line. In a gaming state other than the regular bonus, when “Cherry” stops at the upper or lower level of the left reel 3L, the derivation is made on two pay lines, so a total of two medals are paid out. When a cherry is won at RT, RT is ended by winning the cherry.

  Since only one “cherry” is arranged for the left reel 3L, even if the cherry is won in an internal lottery to be described later, there is a case where no winning is made depending on the operation timing of the stop button 12L. However, if it is “Cherry”, “Bell” or “Watermelon”, the arrangement interval on the left reel 3L is always within 4 frames, so when the replay is not won in the game state of the challenge bonus As long as the left reel 3L is first stopped, it is always possible to win some kind of small role.

  Replay is awarded when a combination of “JAC-JAC-JAC” is aligned on any winning line in a gaming state other than the regular bonus. 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 at intervals of 5 frames or less for all of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, when a replay is won in a gaming state other than the challenge bonus, the replay is always won.

  When a replay is won in a game in the gaming state of the challenge bonus, the replay winning is given priority, but depending on the operation timing of the stop button 12R, any of the upper, middle and lower tiers of the left reel 3R at the maximum stop delay time of 75 milliseconds. In some cases, the “JAC” cannot be stopped. In such a case, by operating the stop buttons 12L and 12C at a timing at which a prize can be won for the bell or cherry, even if the replay is won, It becomes possible to make a winning prize.

  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. 4B is a view 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.

  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.

  When the game state is a regular bonus, watermelon, bell, and cherry are sequentially read out as the subject combination of the internal lottery. When the gaming state is a challenge bonus, replays are sequentially read out as a target combination for internal lottery. If a replay win is made, a replay win flag is set. However, in a game in a challenge bonus game state, a watermelon win flag, a bell win flag, and a cherry win flag are also set regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Thus, it is possible to win a small role according to the operation procedure (operation order and timing) of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R.

  When the gaming state is normal or RT, the regular bonus, big bonus, challenge bonus, bell, cherry, watermelon, and replay are sequentially read out as the internal lottery target roles. In these game states, if the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus winning flag or challenge bonus winning flag is carried over from the previous game, the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus will not be won, and , Bell, Cherry, Watermelon, and Replay are won, and the winning flags for these roles are also set.

  Here, the same value is registered for each of the set values for the replay determination value in the normal gaming state and RT, but the replay determination value number in the normal gaming state is the same as the replay determination value number in RT. It is larger than the number. 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 RT, the replay winning probability 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 considerably smaller than 1 (that is, winning by internal lottery with respect to the number of medals inserted for setting the bet number). (The smaller number of medals will be paid out for the watermelon with the largest number of paid-out medals during the Challenge Bonus). ing. In RT, the replay winning probability is higher and the medal payout rate is higher than in the normal gaming state, but the medal payout rate is still slightly smaller than 1.

  On the other hand, the medal payout rate for regular bonuses (big bonuses) and challenge bonuses is considerably larger than 1 (that is, a small role that is won in an internal lottery for the number of medals to be inserted for setting the bet number). The larger the number of medals that will be paid out). The relation of the medal payout rate according to the gaming state described here is the same when the set value is any one of 1-6.

  Since the payout rate of medals in each gaming state is set in this way, even if RT continues for a maximum of 1000 games as a gaming state advantageous to the player over the normal gaming state, the regular bonus, The player who wins the big bonus or the challenge bonus is more advantageous to the player. However, with respect to the left reel 3L, “Cherry” is placed three times above “BAR”, one below the two “7” s, so aim for a regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus. Then, there is a high possibility of winning a cherry that is controlled to a normal gaming state that is disadvantageous to RT. In particular, if the stop button 12L is operated at a timing at which “7” or “BAR” can be derived within the pull-in range of 4 frames, a cherry win will always be awarded if only the cherry is won.

  In addition, the probability of winning a regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus is extremely low, about 1/200 to 1/250 in total. If you win a cherry at RT, Although two games will be missed in the game, the RT game status will be gained for the player as a whole, except when the number of remaining RT games is extremely small (for example, about one digit). The profit that will be increased.

  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)). However, in the game in the game state of the challenge bonus, the left reel 3L is stopped within the range of the maximum stop delay time of 75 milliseconds (within the pull-in range of one frame).

  The reels 3L, 3C and 3R stop rotating with a winning line with the winning flag set within the maximum stop delay time of 190 milliseconds (the left reel 3L in the challenge bonus is 75 milliseconds). In addition, the symbols of the winning teams that have no winning flag set within the maximum stop delay time of 190 milliseconds (the left reel 3L during the challenge bonus is 75 milliseconds) are aligned on the winning line. Not to be controlled.

  Here, when the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus winning flag or the challenge bonus winning flag and the replay winning flag are set redundantly, the replay symbols are preferentially arranged on the winning line. When a replay is won, a replay prize is always awarded regardless of the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R except for the gaming state of the challenge bonus. In such a case, the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus is used. There will be no winnings.

  If the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus winning flag or challenge bonus winning flag and watermelon winning flag or bell winning flag are set in duplicate, the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus pattern will be given priority. Controlled to align on line. If you cannot align the regular bonus, big bonus, or challenge bonus symbols on any winning line by operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, and put “Watermelon” or “Bell” on the winning line If they are aligned, the “watermelon” or “bell” can be aligned on the winning line and awarded.

  If the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus winning flag or challenge bonus winning flag and cherry winning flag are set in duplicate, the regular bonus, big bonus, or challenge bonus symbol is given priority on the winning line. To be controlled. If the symbols of regular bonus, big bonus, or challenge bonus cannot be aligned on any winning line due to the operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, “Cherry” is placed on the upper or lower part of the left reel 3L. If “Cherry” can be derived, the “cherry” is derived to the upper or lower stage and the cherry is awarded.

  In the game state of the challenge bonus, if the watermelon winning flag, bell winning flag, and cherry flag are duplicated and the replay winning flag is not set, the winning line with priority on the symbol with the large payout medal number Controlled to align to the top. For example, in a game in the game state of the challenge bonus, when “watermelon” can be aligned on the winning line by operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R, “watermelon” is aligned on the winning line and the watermelon is awarded. If “watermelon” cannot be aligned on the winning line and “bell” can be aligned on the winning line, “bell” is aligned on the winning line and the bell is awarded. If “bell” cannot be aligned on the winning line, “cherry” is derived to the left reel 3L.

  Here, regarding the left reel 3L, “watermelon”, “bell”, or “cherry” is arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less. For the middle and right reels 3L and 3C, “watermelon” and “bell” are both arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less. Therefore, if the left reel 3L is stopped first in the game in the gaming state of the challenge bonus, one of “watermelon”, “bell” or “cherry” is always derived, and the middle and right reels As for 3C and 3R, “watermelon” and “bell” can be stopped at arbitrary positions, so that a small role is always won.

  However, if the left reel 3L is not stopped first, any kind of small combination may be missed. For example, when the left reel 3L is stopped for the third time, the “watermelon” is placed on the winning line because priority is given to the symbol with the largest payout medal for the middle and right reels 3C, 3R. However, depending on the operation timing of the stop button 12L, there may occur a case where “watermelon” cannot be derived on the winning line where “watermelon” is tempered for the left reel 3L.

  In the game state of the challenge bonus, if the replay winning flag is set by winning the replay, and if the watermelon winning flag, the bell winning flag, and the cherry flag are set to overlap with this, the replay will be replayed rather than the small role symbol It is controlled so that the symbols are prioritized and aligned on the winning line. However, when the left stop button 12L is not operated first, there is a case where the small play is not won by giving priority to the replay.

  For example, when the left stop button 12L is operated first, if it is the timing when the fourth “cherry” is positioned at the lower stage, “JAC” is stopped at any of the upper, middle and lower stages for the left reel 3L. In order to give priority to a small role with a large number of payouts, the first “bell” is pulled up in the range of 75 milliseconds and stopped. In this case, when the middle and right stop buttons 12C and 12R are operated, the possibility of replay winning has already disappeared, so the upper winning line or the lower right winning line for the middle and right reels 3C and 3R. One of them will stop the “bell” and win a bell.

  If the left stop button 12L is operated third, the middle and right reels 3C and 3R that are stopped first and second are always “JAC” in order to give priority to replay. Will be stopped (tempered) side by side on the winning line. In this case, if the left stop button 12L is operated at a timing at which “JAC” can be derived for the left reel 3L on the winning line where “JAC” is tempered, a replay prize is awarded.

  However, if the left stop button 12L is operated at a timing at which “JAC” cannot be derived for the left reel 3L on the winning line where “JAC” is tempered, no replay will be won. Even in this case, if “cherry” is derived for the left reel 3L, or if it is a “JAC” and “bell” double template for the middle and right reels 3C, 3R, the operation timing of the left stop button 12L Depending on the case, you may win a cherry or bell.

  Further, when the left stop button 12L is to be operated secondly, first, the replay winning is given priority, but the symbols derived from the reels that have been stopped first and the operation timing of the stop button 12L. Depending on the game, there is a possibility of winning any of watermelon, bell and cherry in addition to replay.

  Note that the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R described above is based on the stop operation position of the reels that have not yet stopped according to the gaming state and the setting state of the winning flag (and the symbols derived for the reels that have already stopped). A stop control table that defines the relationship between the stop position and the stop position is created in advance for unreacted reels, and when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated, the stop control table created in advance is referred to and The rotation of the reel to be stopped is to be stopped. In the stop control table, the stop position is uniquely determined with respect to the stop operation position.

  On the game control board 101 side, the internal lottery is performed as described above, and is determined according to the gaming state in accordance with the winning flag set according to the result and the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R stop rotating within the range of the maximum stop delay time, whereby a winning is generated according to the symbol derived to the variable display device 2. 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 winning status notification command and a game state 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 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 reel rotation command indicates the timing at which the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate, and is transmitted when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is actually started. The reel stop command indicates the number of symbols stopped at the middle and the other of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and is transmitted when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped.

  The winning information command indicates the type of winning generated according to the display result of the variable display device 2 and the number of medals to be paid out with the winning. The display result is derived to the variable display device 2 and the winning determination is made. Sent when done. The gaming state command indicates a gaming state applied in the next game, and is transmitted at the end of one game.

  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 such an effect, when the gaming state is a big bonus or a challenge bonus, the player is instructed about the symbol to be derived to the variable display device 2, and is notified at RT after the end of the big bonus or the challenge bonus. There are those that announce the winning of cherry according to the degree of achievement of the instruction.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a table for registering instructions and achievements in a challenge bonus. In this table, the instruction content, the instructed flag, and the success / failure flag are registered in association with each other. The instruction content indicates the content of the instruction displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. The instructed flag is a flag indicating whether a corresponding instruction in the challenge bonus has already been notified, and the success / failure flag is a flag indicating whether the instruction has been achieved.

  As described above, in the challenge bonus, there are cases where the replay is won by internal lottery, and different instructions are notified depending on whether or not the replay is won. If you have not won the replay, the instructions are: “Let's win the watermelon!”, “Let the bell win!”, “Stop the cherry on the lower left!”, “Reversely press and win the small role!” There are different types of games that will be notified in turn in games that are not selected for replay in the challenge bonus. If all four have been informed, the player will not be further instructed even if the replay is not won in the challenge bonus.

  On the other hand, there are two types of instructions for not winning replay: “Remove Replay!” And “Remove Replay! To be notified. If both of these have been notified, the player will not be further instructed even if replay is won in the challenge bonus.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a table for registering instructions and achievements in the big bonus. In this table, the instruction content, the instruction count, and the success count are registered in association with each other. The instruction content indicates the content of the instruction displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. In the big bonus, an instruction is notified to the player only when no winning combination is won, and there is only one kind of instruction content, “Take 7 to the left!”. The number of instructions indicates the number of times the instruction is notified to the player in one big bonus, and is notified six times at the maximum. The number of successes indicates the number of times that the instruction has been achieved.

  Whether the game state is the big bonus or the challenge bonus, in order for the player to achieve the informed instruction, the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are operated in a specific order, and the stop button 12L is It must be operated at a specific timing. In particular, operating the stop button 12L at a specific timing requires a certain skill in consideration of the rotational speed of the reel 3L. In other words, a player with a high skill level can achieve an instruction with a relatively high probability, but a probability that a player with a low skill level achieves the informed instruction is low.

  In addition, the RT gaming state controlled after the end of the big bonus or the challenge bonus is terminated by the completion of 1000 games, or the regular bonus, the big bonus or the challenge bonus, and the winning of the cherry. Cherry is a role that may not be won depending on the operation timing of the stop button 12L even if winning in the internal lottery. Therefore, if it is known that the player has won the cherry, it is possible to actively avoid the winning of the cherry, that is, the end of the RT.

  Here, in the game that won the cherry in RT, the cherry notification lottery with the winning probability according to the achievement degree of the instruction with the big bonus or the challenge bonus controlled before the RT is performed, and if this is won, The winning of the cherry is announced in the liquid crystal display 4. In other words, a player who has achieved a higher degree of instruction with a big bonus or a challenge bonus is more likely to be notified of winning a cherry, so the probability of avoiding winning of the cherry, that is, the end of RT, is higher. .

  Depending on the number of replay winning games in the challenge bonus, the challenge bonus may end without notifying all of the replay winning instructions registered in the table of FIG. 5A. Depending on the number of games won in the small role while winning the replay, the challenge bonus may end without notifying all of the replay non-winning instructions registered in the table of FIG. 5A. Also, depending on the number of games that have not won any combination in the big bonus, the big bonus may end without notifying the instruction content registered in the table of FIG. 5B up to six times. Even in such a case, the denominator for obtaining the degree of achievement of the notified instruction content is 6 and remains unchanged.

  In the effect control board 102, a stop symbol table for determining the display mode of the variable display device 2 based on the reel stop command is provided in the RAM 122. The stop symbol table also stores the order in which the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in each game. However, since the reel stop command includes only the type of the stopped reel and the number of the symbol stopped in the middle as information, it is impossible to determine what symbol is stopped by this alone. Tables indicating all symbols arranged in 3C, 3R are stored in advance, and symbols stopped on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are registered in the stop symbol table with reference to this table.

  Further, the RAM 122 stores the winning status of each combination indicated by the winning status notification command received from the game control board 101, the area for saving the winning status indicated by the winning information command, and the gaming status indicated by the gaming status command. These areas are also provided. Further, in a game in which an instruction is notified to the player in the big bonus or challenge bonus game state, an area for storing information indicating the content of the notified instruction is also provided in the RAM 122.

  The RT that is controlled after the Big Bonus or Challenge Bonus ends will be terminated if you win the Cherry even if you have not digested 1000 games. The player is notified of the winning of the cherry so that it is possible to avoid winning the prize (you do not have to operate the left stop button 12L when the 4th to 10th symbols are located in the lower stage). Sometimes.

  However, the notification of winning of cherry in RT is not necessarily made, but with a probability according to the number of times the player has achieved instructions in the big bonus or challenge bonus before the gaming state is controlled by RT. Winning the cherry notification lottery to win is a condition. The probability of winning the cherry notification lottery increases as the number of instructions is increased. For example, if all six instructions are achieved, the winning probability is almost 100%. If the instruction is not achieved once, the probability is 0%. Will be the winning probability.

  On the side of the production control board 102, the regular bonus, big bonus, or challenge bonus is notified to the player by lighting of the bonus notification lamp 66. In the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the regular bonus is announced. The probability that the bonus notification lamp 66 is lit when the big bonus or challenge bonus is won is set low (for example, about 1/10), and even if the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus is won, the bonus There will be an extremely large number of games in which the notification lamp 66 is not lit.

  Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the term “game” means, in a narrow sense, from the operation of the start lever 11 until the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. However, when a game is played, the number of bets before the operation of the start lever 11 is set, and medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. Is also included in the “game” in a broad sense. In the following description, descriptions of processes not related to the present invention may be omitted.

  FIG. 6 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 S1).

  Next, the number of bets is set by operating one BET button 14 or MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and operating the start lever 11 to substantially change the game. A BET process for instructing the start is performed (step S2). After 3 is set as the bet number by the player's operation, the start lever 11 becomes effective. Further, if the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same bet number (3 in this embodiment) as the previous game is automatically set by the replay game flag (the replay game flag is erased at this stage). The start lever 11 becomes effective as it is.

  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 S3). Details of the lottery process will be described later.

  When the lottery process is completed, a reel rotation process is performed (step S4). 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. After that, when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated by the player, the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are stopped according to the gaming state and the setting state of the winning flag, and the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated. Stop. Details of the reel rotation process will be described later.

  When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, a winning determination process is performed for determining whether any of the above-mentioned role symbols is derived and displayed on any winning line in the display mode at the time of stopping ( Step S5). 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. Details of the winning determination process will be described later.

  When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step S6). 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. In addition, various processes that are not related to winning (for example, processes related to control of gaming state, deletion of winning flags that are not carried over), and the like are also performed. Details of the payout process will be described later. When the payout process ends, the process for one game ends, and the process for the next one game starts.

  Next, the lottery process in step S3 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the lottery process executed by the CPU 111 in step S3. 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 S101). If the gaming state is not the big bonus, the process proceeds to step S104 as it is.

  If the gaming state is a big bonus, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a regular bonus depending on whether or not the regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S102). 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. A regular bonus medium flag is set to control the gaming state to a regular bonus (step S103). Then, the process proceeds to step S104. If the gaming state is a regular bonus, the process proceeds to step S104 as it is.

  In step S104, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 115 is output to the sampling circuit 116 by outputting a sampling command, and stored in the 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. 4B is sequentially read (step S105). Next, the number of determination values stored in the address registered in the role-specific table corresponding to the gaming state and set value read for the lottery target is acquired (step S106). Then, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the number of determination values acquired in step S106 is added to the internal lottery random value stored in the determination area of the RAM 112, and the result of 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 S108).

  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 S109). If there is something that has not yet been processed, the process returns to step S105, and the process continues 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 S113.

  If an overflow has occurred, it is determined whether the lottery target combination read in the previous step S105 is a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus (step S110). If it is not any of the regular bonus, the big bonus, and the challenge bonus, the process proceeds to step S112 as it is. If the bonus is a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus, a regular bonus winning flag, a big bonus winning flag, or a challenge bonus winning flag is already set in the RAM 112 (that is, it has been carried over from the previous game). Whether or not (step S111).

  If any of the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus winning flag, or the challenge bonus winning flag is set, the game state in the current game is not CT, and the process directly proceeds to step S115. If neither the challenge bonus winning flag nor the regular bonus winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, the winning flag of the lottery target combination read in the previous step S105 is set in the RAM 112. Here, if the role to be drawn is neither a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus, and if the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus winning flag or challenge bonus winning flag is already set, the regular bonus winning already set The winning flag of the current winning lottery is set over the flag, the big bonus winning flag or the challenge bonus winning flag. Then, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, whether or not the gaming state in the current game is a challenge bonus is determined based on whether or not the challenge bonus flag is set in the RAM 112. If the game state in the current game is not a challenge bonus, the process proceeds directly to step S115. If the game state in the current game is a challenge bonus, a watermelon winning flag, a bell winning flag, and a cherry winning flag are set in the RAM 112 (overlap if another winning flag is already set) ( Step S114). Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S115, 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 reel rotation process in step S4 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the reel rotation process executed by the CPU 111 in step S4. In the reel rotation process, first, it is determined whether or not a wait time (for example, about 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the reel rotation start time of the previous game (step S201). If the wait time has not elapsed, Wait until the wait time has elapsed. If the wait time has elapsed, timing of the wait time is newly started (step S202).

  Next, a work initialization code at the start of reel motor rotation is set in the register, and reel rotation is started (step S203). At this time, a reel rotation command indicating that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R have started to rotate is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S204).

  Then, with reference to the table index, the table creation data is identified, and based on the identified table creation data, a stop control table corresponding to the game state of the game, the internal winning situation, and the other reels stop situation is created. Then, a reel is created for each rotating reel (step S205), and a work initialization code at the completion of stop preparation is set in the register (step S206). Thereby, the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R becomes valid.

  Next, it is determined whether or not any valid operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R has been detected (step S207). If no stop button operation is detected, it is determined whether or not a reel rotation error (an error determined when the reel reference position is not detected by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR for a certain period or more) has occurred. (Step S208). If no reel rotation error has occurred, the process returns to step S207.

  If it is determined in step S207 that a reel rotation error has occurred, an error code indicating a reel rotation error is set in the register (step S209), and the process proceeds to a predetermined error process (step S210). Along with this, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is also temporarily stopped. When the error is released, the process returns to step S203 again, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is resumed.

  If operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is detected in step S206, the reel motor (any of 3ML, 3MC, 3MR) corresponding to the operated stop button from the reel reference position at that time is detected. The number of steps (the number of steps at the stop operation position) is acquired and set to the work corresponding to the stop reel (step S211). Here, a reel stop command indicating the type and order of reels to be stopped and the symbols to be stopped for the reels is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S212). Thereafter, the process waits until the rotation of the reel (3L, 3C, or 3R) corresponding to the operated stop button stops (step S213).

  When the rotation of the reel (3L, 3C, or 3R) corresponding to the operated stop button stops, it is determined whether or not all of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have stopped (step S214). If the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is not stopped, the process returns to step S204. If the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the reel rotation process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the winning determination process in step S5 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the winning determination process executed by the CPU 111 in step S5. In the winning determination process, the winning combination corresponding to the gaming state is read in order from the beginning (step S301). Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination of the read combination is aligned with any of the five winning lines of the variable display device 2 (step S302).

  If the combination of symbols for the combination is complete, a winning flag for the combination is set in the RAM 112 (step S303), and the process proceeds to step S304. If the symbol combination of the combination is not complete, the process proceeds to step S304 as it is. In step S304, 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 S301, and the next winning combination corresponding to the gaming state is read out.

  If all of the 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 S305). If a replay prize has been won, a replay game flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S306). 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 S315.

  If no replay prize has been won, it is determined whether or not a challenge bonus prize has been won depending on whether or not a challenge bonus prize flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S307). If a challenge bonus has been won, a challenge bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 and the challenge bonus winning flag set in the RAM 112 is erased. Also, the value of the RT counter in the RAM 112 is initialized to 0 (step S308). Then, the process proceeds to step S315.

  If the challenge bonus has not been won, whether or not the big bonus has been won is determined based on whether or not the big bonus winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S309). If the big bonus is won, the big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 and the big bonus winning flag set in the RAM 112 is deleted. Further, the value of the RT counter in the RAM 112 is initialized to 0 (step S310). Then, the process proceeds to step S315.

  If the big bonus has not been won, whether or not the regular bonus has been won is determined based on whether or not the regular bonus winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S311). 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. Further, the RT counter value of the RAM 112 is initialized to 0 (step S312). Then, the process proceeds to step S315.

  If the regular bonus has not been won, it is determined whether or not the cherry has been won according to whether or not the cherry winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S313). If the cherry is won, the RT counter value in the RAM 112 is initialized to zero. As a result, when a cherry win is made in the gaming state of RT, the RT ends (step S314). Then, the process proceeds to step S315. If the cherry tree has not been won in step S313, the process proceeds to step S315 as it is.

  In step S315, winning information indicating the type of winning combination based on the winning flag set in the RAM 112 (however, in the case of losing, the winning flag is not set) and the number of medals to be paid out with the winning. A command is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102. Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the payout process in step S6 will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout process executed by the CPU 111 in step S6. In the payout process, it is determined whether or not there is 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 S401). If the small role is not won, the process proceeds to step S403 as it is.

  If the small role winning is achieved, the number of medals is sequentially paid out by controlling the hopper 80. However, the number of credits is increased instead of paying out medals until the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50 (step S402). Then, the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, whether or not the gaming state of the game is a challenge bonus is determined based on whether or not the challenge bonus flag is set in the RAM 112. However, when the challenge bonus winning flag is set in the RAM 112, the challenge bonus winning in the game is not a game bonus and the game state is not a challenge bonus. Even if it is set, it is not determined that it was during the challenge bonus. If the game state of the game is not a challenge bonus, the process proceeds to step S408.

  If it is determined that the challenge bonus is in effect, the counter provided in the RAM 112 counts the total number of medals paid out after the challenge bonus is started (step S404). As a result of this counting, it is determined whether or not the total number of medals paid out has exceeded 238 (step S405). If the total number of medals paid out does not exceed 238, the process proceeds to step S419.

  If the total number of medals paid out exceeds 238, the gaming state of the challenge bonus is ended in any case as long as the current game, so the challenge bonus flag set in the RAM 112 is erased and the medal A counter value for counting the total number of payouts is initialized to 0 (step S406). After the challenge bonus, 1000 RTs are provided at maximum, so 1000 is set as the initial value of the RT counter in the RAM 122 (step S407). Then, the process proceeds to step S419.

  In step S408, 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 winning flag is set in the RAM 112, it is a big bonus winning in the game, and the game state of the game is not a big bonus. Even if it is set, it is not determined that it was during the big bonus. If the game state of the game is not a big bonus, the process proceeds to step S413.

  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 S409). As a result of this counting, it is determined whether or not the total number of medals paid out has exceeded 465 (step S410). If the total number of medals paid out does not exceed 465, the process proceeds to step S413.

  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 S411). ). Further, after the end of the big bonus, since a maximum of 1000 games RT is provided, 1000 is set as the initial value of the RT counter of the RAM 122 (step S412). Then, the process proceeds to step S416.

  In step S413, 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 digested games and the number of winning games are counted (step S414). As a result of this counting, it is determined whether the number of winning games in the regular bonus has become 8 or the number of digested games in the regular bonus has become 12 (step S415).

  If the number of winning games in the regular bonus is 8 or the number of digest games in the regular bonus is 12, the process proceeds to step S416. If the number of winning games in the regular bonus is not eight and the number of digested games in the regular bonus is not twelve, the process proceeds to step S419. In step S416, 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 S419.

  If the game state of the game is not a regular bonus in step S413, it is determined whether the RT counter value in the RAM 112 is 0 (step S417). If the RT counter value is not 0, the RT counter value is decremented by 1 (step S418), and the process proceeds to step S419. If the value of the RT counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S419 as it is.

  In step S419, if a watermelon winning flag, a bell winning flag, a cherry winning flag, or a replay winning flag is set in the RAM 112, these are deleted. The regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus winning flag, and the challenge bonus winning flag are carried over to the next game without being erased here. If a winning flag is set in the RAM 112 in step S303, it is deleted.

  Next, based on the regular bonus medium flag, the big bonus medium flag and the challenge bonus medium flag in the RAM 112, and the RT counter value, a game state command indicating a game state applied in the next game is generated, and the effect control is performed. It transmits to the board | substrate 102 (step S420). Then, the payout process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. Here, when returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6, 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 among the normal game state, RT, challenge bonus, big bonus, and regular bonus, depending on the progress of the game. The command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an original effect including output of a specific start sound and control of the AT game state based on a command received from the game control board 101. Hereinafter, the process of the effect performed by the control on the effect control board 102 side will be described.

  FIG. 11 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 S501). When any command is received from the game control board 101, it is determined what kind of the received command is (step S502).

  If the type of the received command is the winning status notification command transmitted in step S115, the setting status of the winning flag in the current game indicated by the received winning status notification command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 ( Step S503). Next, with reference to the gaming state stored in step S529 of the previous game, it is determined whether or not the gaming state in the current game is a big bonus (step S504).

  If the game state in this game is a big bonus, the winning situation stored in the RAM 122 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the winning flag of any winning combination is set, that is, all the winning combinations are lost. (Step S505). If no winning flag for any combination is set, it is determined with reference to the table in FIG. 5B whether or not six instructions have already been notified in the current big bonus (step S506).

  If the instruction for the instruction has not been made six times in the current big bonus, the instruction content “put 7 on the left!” Registered in the table of FIG. 5B is used as an instruction for the player in the current game. Displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 to inform the player. Further, the instruction count in the table of FIG. Further, information indicating the notified instruction content is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S507). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If the winning flag of any combination is set in the current game, or if the notification of six instructions has already been made in the current big bonus, the process directly returns to step S501.

  If the gaming state in the current game is not a big bonus, it is further determined whether or not the gaming state in the current game is a challenge bonus (step S508). If the game state in the current game is a challenge bonus, it is determined whether or not the replay winning flag is set with reference to the winning situation stored in the RAM 122 (step S509).

  If the replay winning flag has not been set, it is determined whether or not the instructed flag has been set for all of the instruction contents at the time of replay non-winning registered in the table of FIG. 5A (step S510). . If the instructed flag is set for all of the instruction contents when the replay is not won, the process directly returns to step S501.

  If there is an instruction that has not been set in the replay non-winning instruction contents, the first one is read out and displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 as an instruction for the player in the current game, Inform the player. For example, if the instructed flag of “Let me win a watermelon!” Is set, but if the instructed flag of “Let me win a bell!” Is not set, the instruction content “Let me win a bell!” Displayed on the display 4. In addition, an instructed flag corresponding to the instruction content displayed in the table of FIG. Further, information indicating the notified instruction content is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S512). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If the replay winning flag is set, it is determined whether or not the instructed flag is set for all the instruction contents at the time of the replay winning registered in the table of FIG. 5A (step S512). If the instructed flag is set for all of the instruction contents at the time of winning the replay, the process directly returns to step S501.

  If there are instructions for which the instructed flag is not set in the replay winning instructions, the first one is read and displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 as an instruction for the player in the current game. Inform the person. For example, if the instructed flag is not set for any instruction content, the instruction content “Remove Replay!” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. In addition, an instructed flag corresponding to the instruction content displayed in the table of FIG. Further, information indicating the notified instruction content is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S513). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If the gaming state in the current game is not a challenge bonus, it is further determined whether or not the gaming state in the current game is RT (step S514). If the game state in this game is RT, the winning status saved in step S503 is referred to, and the cherry winning flag is set in this game (regular bonus, big bonus, challenge bonus winning) It is determined whether or not the flag is carried over (step S515).

  If you win the cherry in this game, refer to the table in Fig. 5 (a) or Fig. 5 (b) and notify the big bonus or challenge bonus that was controlled before the current RT. The cherry notification lottery is performed with the winning probability corresponding to the ratio of the achieved instruction content (step S516). It is determined whether or not the cherry notification lottery is won (step S517). If the cherry notification lottery is won, the fact that the cherry is won is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 to notify the player (step S518). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If the game state in the current game is not RT, if it is RT and the cherry win flag is not set in the current game, or if the result of the cherry notification lottery is lost, the process proceeds to step S501. Return to processing.

  If the received command type is the reel rotation command transmitted in step S204, the information about the stop symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the reel stop order stored in the RAM 122 in the previous game is cleared ( Step S519). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  When the type of the received command is the reel stop command transmitted in step S212, the symbol is identified by referring to the table of the ROM 123 according to the received reel stop command, and the reel indicated by the reel stop command is stopped. The symbol is stored in the stop symbol table of the RAM 122. Information about the reel stop order indicated by the reel stop command is also stored in the stop symbol table (step S520). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If the received command type is the winning information command transmitted in step S315, the gaming state in the current game is referred to as the big bonus or challenge bonus with reference to the gaming state saved in step S529 of the previous game. It is determined whether or not (step S521). If the game state in the current game is a big bonus or a challenge bonus, it is determined whether or not information indicating the notified content is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S522). If the information indicating the notified instruction content is not stored, the process returns to step S501 as it is.

  If the information indicating the notified instruction content is stored, the information indicating the stored instruction content is registered in the winning status in the current game stored in the RAM 122 in step S503, and the stop symbol table of the RAM 122. The symbol and the winning situation indicated by the received winning information command are compared (step S523). As a result of the comparison, it is determined whether or not the notified instruction content has been achieved in the current game (step S524).

  If the notified instruction content is achieved in the current game, the success / failure flag is set or the number of successes is added (step S525) in the tables of FIGS. 5A and 5B, and the process of step S526 is performed. Proceed to If the notified instruction content is not achieved in the current game, the process directly proceeds to step S526. In step S526, information indicating the notified instruction content stored in a predetermined area of RAM 122 is deleted. Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If it is determined in step S521 that the gaming state of the current game is neither a big bonus nor a challenge bonus, it is determined whether or not the received winning information command indicates winning of a big bonus or a challenge bonus (step S527). . If the received winning information command does not indicate winning of a big bonus or a challenge bonus, the process directly returns to step S501.

  If the received winning information command indicates a big bonus or challenge bonus winning, the instructed flag, instructed count, success / failure flag, and successful count in the tables of FIGS. 5A and 5B are initialized (step S528). ). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If the received command type is the gaming state command transmitted in step S420, the gaming state indicated by the received gaming state command (that is, the gaming state applied in the next game) is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. (Step S529). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If the received command type is another command, processing corresponding to each command type is executed (step S530). The processing here includes determination of whether or not to turn on the bonus notification lamp 66 and lighting of the bonus notification lamp 66 based on the determination, but other detailed processing is related to the present invention. There is no detailed description of the processing here. Thereafter, the process returns to step S501.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the gaming state is controlled to RT that continues for 1000 games at the maximum after the end of the big bonus or the challenge bonus. The RT gaming state can be terminated by winning 1000 cherries in addition to winning 1000 games or winning a regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus. However, even if the player wins the cherry in the internal lottery of the game in RT, the RT can be continued without winning the cherry depending on the operation timing of the stop button 12L.

  By the way, when a cherry is won in the RT gaming state, the player may be notified of the winning. Here, the notification of winning of the cherry is made when the winning of the cherry notification lottery with the winning probability according to the achievement degree of the instruction notified to the player in the big bonus or the regular bonus controlled before the RT is performed. Is called. Each instruction that will change the winning probability of the cherry notification lottery according to the achievement level is an instruction that requires at least one operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R to be a specific timing, There are only differences in achievement probabilities depending on the skill of the player.

  Therefore, when the cherry is won in the RT gaming state, the probability that this will be notified to the player also varies depending on the skill of the player. For this reason, it is possible to sufficiently reflect the player's skill in the information notification for enabling the avoidance operation for continuing the RT after the end of the big bonus or the challenge bonus, The interest of the game can be improved.

  In addition, even if the winning of the cherry is announced, it is necessary to operate the stop button 12L at a specific timing in order to continue the RT while avoiding the winning of the cherry, depending on the skill of the player There is a difference in the probability of avoiding the cherry prize. This makes it possible to continue to give players a sense of tension after announcing the winning of cherry as a privilege according to the degree of achievement of instructions notified by big bonus or challenge bonus, further improving the interest of the game Can be made. In addition, the probability of avoiding the end of RT based on the announcement of the winning of cherry also varies depending on the skill of the player, so it is possible to enhance technical intervention and further improve the interest of the game it can.

  In addition, if the winning cherries are not awarded to avoid the end of RT, the player will have the benefit of continuing the RT, but if the cherries are missed, the medal will be paid out. You will lose the profit of being ecstatic. However, Cherry is the role with the fewest payout medals among small roles, and only 2 medals are paid out when “Cherry” is stopped at the top or bottom of the left reel 3L, so the remaining RT game Unless the number is very small, the continuation of RT will be more profitable than the profit lost by losing cherries.

  By the way, the cherry notification, which is necessary information for avoiding the termination of RT, is performed by winning the cherry notification lottery, and the winning probability is controlled by the big bonus that was controlled immediately before the RT is controlled. Alternatively, it is determined according to the achievement level of the instruction notified in the challenge bonus. For this reason, it is expected that a player with a very high skill will have a very high probability, and a player with a low skill will also receive a reasonable chance to receive a cherry win at RT controlled after the end of the big bonus or challenge bonus. To be able to.

  Here, instructed to be notified to the player in the challenge bonus, when the replay is not won, “Please win the watermelon!”, “Let the bell win!”, “Stop the cherry in the lower left row. ! "," Let me win a small role by pressing it in reverse! " In the challenge bonus, the maximum stop delay time of the left reel 3L is shortened to 75 milliseconds at the maximum from the operation of the stop button 12L, and the number of drawn frames is limited to one frame. Although it becomes difficult, since each small role winning flag is set regardless of lottery, if the stop button 12 can be operated at an appropriate timing, it is possible to win a small role in any game.

  Since all instructions given when the replay is not won in the challenge bonus are to instruct the small role to win, technical intervention is also made in the challenge bonus for the subsequent RT notification of the cherry. As a result, the interest of the game can be further improved. In particular, the instruction “Stop the cherry in the lower left!” Makes the operation timing of the stop button 12L more strict than the case of simply winning the cherry, so the technical intervention is further enhanced and the fun of the game is improved. be able to.

  By the way, in the challenge bonus, the maximum stop delay time of the left stop button 12L is shortened to 75 milliseconds, and the number of drawn frames is limited to one frame, but the symbol arrangement of the left reel 3L is considered. And, when the replay is not won, as long as the left stop button 12L is operated first, it is always possible to win some kind of small role. On the other hand, when the left stop button 12L is operated second or third, depending on the operation timing, there is a case where no kind of small combination is won.

  On the other hand, the instruction notified to the player when the replay is not won in the challenge bonus includes “Let's win a small role by pressing backwards!”. In order to generate the winning notification of the cherry at a later RT with a high probability, it is necessary to operate the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R in an unreliable order to win a small role, so the technical intervention in the challenge bonus This will further increase the interest of the game. In addition, the player is given an opportunity to select whether to make a small role winning without following the informed instruction, or to increase the probability of winning the cherry at a later RT, although there is no certainty. In addition, the interest of the game can be improved.

  In addition, the instructions that are notified when the replay is won in the challenge bonus are “Remove the replay!” And “Remove the replay and win the small role!”. Here, when the replay is won in the challenge bonus, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped to give priority to the replay winning, but the maximum stop delay time of the left reel 3L is reduced to 75 milliseconds. Therefore, the replay winning cannot be made depending on the order of operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, and particularly the operation timing of the stop button 12L. Furthermore, although the order in which the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated and the operation timing of the stop button 12L become more strict, it is also possible to win a small role without a replay winning.

  Here, when the replay is won in the challenge bonus, the instructions that are notified to the player include “Remov the replay!” And “Remove the replay! The technical intervention in the game will be further enhanced, and the fun of games can be further improved. Players will be given the opportunity to choose whether to make sure they will win the replay without following the informed instructions or to increase the probability of winning the cherry in the later RTs that have no certainty. Can improve the interest of

  In particular, in response to an instruction “Remove replay and win a small role!”, The operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R (especially the operation timing of the stop button 12L) is more strict in order to achieve this. Therefore, the technical intervention is further enhanced, and the entertainment of the game can be further improved. In addition, if the stop button 12L, 12C, 12R is operated according to this instruction and the instruction is achieved, even if the profit due to the replay winning is lost, the profit due to winning the small role (in this embodiment, bell) Therefore, the player can be motivated to achieve the instruction, and the fun of the game can be improved.

  In addition, the informed instruction to be notified to the player in the big bonus is “put 7 to the left!” When all the combinations are missed. In order to derive “7” to the left reel 3L, it is necessary to operate the stop button 12L at a specific timing. Therefore, even when the big bonus is lost, technical intervention occurs. The interest of the game can be improved. In addition, the disadvantage of having lost all the roles in the big bonus can be transferred to the profit that the chance of winning a cherry win in the RT after the end of the big bonus is increased. What is the skill of the player? It becomes possible to correct the unfairness caused by the internal lottery regardless of the situation.

  In addition, the winning probability of the RT announcement lottery is almost 100% if the instruction notified in the big bonus or the challenge bonus that was controlled immediately before the RT is controlled six times. Yes. The probability that the bonus notification lamp 66 according to this embodiment is turned on is low, and even if it is not turned on, the regular bonus, the big bonus, or the challenge bonus is often won, but the instruction can be achieved six times. For high-skilled players, the chances of winning the cherry at RT are almost 100%, so even if the bonus notification lamp 66 is not lit, aiming for a regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus Will be promoted.

  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, in RT, although the payout rate of medals is higher than the normal gaming state, it is still lower than 1, and it is better to win the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus as soon as possible It was advantageous for the player. However, it is better for the player to set the medal payout rate in RT higher than 1 and use the RT to consume as many games as possible without winning even if the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus is won. It may be advantageous.

  In such a case, if the symbol arrangement shown in FIG. 2 is used, the left stop button 12L is operated at a timing at which the regular bonus, big bonus, or challenge bonus can be removed when in the RT gaming state. In this case, it is possible to avoid winning a cherry. Therefore, in such a case, a plurality of “cherries” are arranged on the left reel 3L (at a position away from “7” and “BAR”), and the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus is removed. Of the possible timings, the timing at which the winning of the cherry can be removed may be limited to a narrow range.

  In the above embodiment, in the gaming state of the challenge bonus, the player is notified of different instructions for each game depending on whether or not the replay is won. In addition, in the game state of the big bonus, the player is notified of the instruction in a game that is not won for any combination. On the other hand, one instruction may be notified to the player for the entire challenge bonus and big bonus. Alternatively, an instruction to be achieved by the player during a predetermined number of games between the challenge bonus and the big bonus may be notified.

  For example, “Acquire more than xx medals!” (Acquisition is the number obtained by subtracting the number of bets from the payout) may be notified as an instruction for the entire challenge bonus. In this case, on the side of the effect control board 102, the number of acquired coins in the challenge bonus may be counted by a winning information command received during the challenge bonus. Even when such an instruction is notified to the player, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained, and further, a tension can be given to the player in all the games in the challenge bonus. .

  Further, during the challenge bonus, an instruction “26 payouts in 3 games!” May be notified. This instruction can be achieved only when each of the watermelons (15 cards), bells (9 cards), and cherries (2 cards) is won once every 3 games. Is the same as instructing watermelon, bell and cherry to win once (in no particular order). Even when such an instruction is notified, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above embodiment, and to give a player a sense of tension in a plurality of consecutive games.

  In the above embodiment, in the challenge bonus, if the left stop button 12L is operated first in a game that has not been won by replay, it is always possible to win some small role. On the other hand, if the left stop button 12L is operated first even in the game where the replay is won, the player can always win the replay or some small role, and the left stop button 12L is the second or third. If the operation is performed, there may be a case where no winning combination is awarded depending on the operation timing. Therefore, in the challenge bonus, regardless of whether or not the replay is won, for example, an instruction “reversely press and replay or win a small role!” May be notified.

  In addition, if the arrangement interval of “JAC” is set to 4 frames or less in the left reel 3L in which the maximum stop delay time is reduced to 75 milliseconds in the challenge bonus, If the stop button 12L is operated first, a replay winning can be made without fail, and if the left stop button 12L is operated second or third, a replay winning may not occur depending on the operation timing. Therefore, in such a case, it is possible to notify an instruction of “Replay and win a replay!”.

  In the above embodiment, when a cherry is won at RT after the end of the big bonus or challenge bonus, the probability that the cherry notification will be made depends on the achievement degree of the instruction in the previous big bonus or challenge bonus It was a thing. Thus, instead of changing the probability of notifying the player of information advantageous to the player according to the degree of achievement of the instruction, the content of the information notified to the player may be changed according to the degree of achievement of the instruction. For example, when the achievement level of the instruction is high, the winning of the cherry is notified at RT, but when the achievement level of the instruction is low, when either the cherry or the watermelon is won at the RT, it is notified that either is won. It is good also as what to do.

  In addition, if any small role is elected when the gaming state is in RT, it will notify that either watermelon, bell, or cherry is won, but RT can be terminated in the small role When winning a cherry with a characteristic, it may be notified that only the cherry is won according to the achievement degree of the instruction in the big bonus or the regular bonus. Also, instead of the three choices of watermelons, bells, and cherries, the two types of small choices that will be notified of the winner are two choices. For example, if you are elected to win a cherry, a big bonus or regular The higher the achievement level of the instruction in the bonus, the higher the possibility that the information to be notified is not the three choices but the two choices.

  Furthermore, it is possible to change the period in which the player is notified of the winning of the cherry after the end of the big bonus or the challenge bonus according to the degree of achievement of the instruction. For example, when the achievement level of the instruction is high, the winning of the cherry is announced for all 1000 games until the RT is finished, but when the achievement level of the instruction is low, the winning of the cherry is notified The games to be limited may be limited to 100 games after the end of the big bonus or challenge bonus.

  In this way, the content of the information notified to the player after the end of the big bonus or the challenge bonus differs depending on the achievement level of the instruction, and the period during which the information is notified differs depending on the achievement level of the instruction. In this case, the player's willingness to achieve the notified instruction can be increased. Further, since the player is given different privileges depending on the achievement level of the instruction, the interest of the game can be further improved.

  In the above embodiment, the gaming state is controlled to a maximum of 1000 games RT after the end of the big bonus or the challenge bonus. However, if a cherry is won, the gaming state of the RT is terminated even if 1000 games are not consumed. It was a thing. Of course, the conditions for ending RT after the end of a big bonus or challenge bonus are not limited to winning a cherry, but out of winning other types of small roles (or replays) or losing Then, a predetermined type of outcome may be derived to the variable display device 2. Alternatively, the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R may be operated in a predetermined order.

  Also, after the end of the big bonus or challenge bonus, the normal gaming state is controlled, but when a predetermined condition that occurs in response to the player's operation such as a cherry winning in the normal gaming state is satisfied, the normal state such as RT The game state may be controlled by a predetermined number of games so that the game state is more advantageous to the player than the game state. For example, if the game state is controlled to RT of 30 games when winning a cherry that is won with a probability of 1/50 in the normal game state, the predetermined number of games from the end of the big bonus or challenge bonus Until the game is completed (for example, 300 games), the player can be notified of the winning of the cherry according to the achievement degree of the instruction in the big bonus or the challenge bonus.

  Even in this case, even if the winning of the cherry is notified as a privilege in accordance with the achievement of the instruction notified in the challenge bonus or the big bonus, if the stop button 12L cannot be operated at a timing when the cherry can be won, Precious information will also be meaningless. That is, in order to make the notification of the winning of the cherry meaningful, it is necessary to operate the stop button 12L at an appropriate operation timing even after the notification is made, so that the player continues to feel nervous. Can be given, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, the winning of the cherry that is notified in this case shows the possibility of control to RT that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state currently controlled, so the player's expectation is also improved here In addition, the interest of the game can be improved.

  Also, the RT is controlled after the end of the big bonus or the challenge bonus. However, when a predetermined condition generated in response to the player's operation such as a cherry prize is established in the RT, the normal gaming state is controlled. When a second condition that occurs in response to a player's operation different from that is satisfied, a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than RT (for example, the second RT, RT, and AT having a higher replay win probability than RT) The gaming state may be controlled by a combined AR or the like. Then, information related to an operation for establishing the second condition may be notified as a privilege according to the degree of achievement of the instruction notified in the challenge bonus or the big bonus.

  In this case, it is possible to control the gaming state (normal gaming state) which is more disadvantageous for the player than the gaming state (RT) controlled after the end of the big bonus or challenge bonus. (Second RT, AR) may be controlled. Depending on the achievement level of the instruction notified in the challenge bonus or the big bonus, information for avoiding an unfavorable gaming state and information for controlling an advantageous gaming state are also notified. Giving the person a sense of tension and expectation, the game interest can be further improved.

  Furthermore, the RT is controlled only for a predetermined number of games (for example, 100 games) after the end of the big bonus or challenge bonus, and a predetermined condition that occurs in response to the player's operation such as a cherry prize is established in this RT. In this case, it is possible to control the RT to continue until the next regular bonus, big bonus, or challenge bonus is won without ending with a predetermined number of games. Even if the replay winning probability is the same, the RT controlled by the establishment of the predetermined condition is a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than the RT that ends with the predetermined number of games for a longer continuous game number. Also in this case, information related to the operation for establishing the predetermined condition can be notified according to the achievement level of the instruction notified in the challenge bonus or the big bonus.

  In the above embodiment, in the game state of the challenge bonus, the maximum stop delay time of the left reel 3L has been reduced from the usual 190 milliseconds to 75 milliseconds. The reel to be shortened may be the inner reel 3C or the right reel 3R. Further, the maximum stop delay time may be shortened to 75 milliseconds for two or more of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  In the above embodiment, when some of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are already stopped, the internal winning state for each gaming state and the stop position of the stopped reel are unique. A stop control table that is determined in a specific manner is selected, and reel stop control is performed in accordance with the selected stop control table. Here, instead of the stop position of the stopped reel, the position when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated to stop the reel (that is, the number of steps of the reel) may be applied. Good. Also in this case, similarly to the selection of the stop control table in the above embodiment, it is possible to obtain an effect that the control for stopping the reel does not become complicated.

  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 addition, according to the number of determination values of each combination according to the gaming state, a winning determination table that determines a determination value for determining each combination as winning is created for each game, and the acquired random number for internal lottery is set. It is good also as what performs an internal lottery by comparing with the determination value of each combination.

  In the above embodiment, in any gaming state, the game can be started only by setting 3 as the bet number. However, the number of bets that can be set to start the game can be any number in the range of 1 to 3. The number of bets that can be set for each gaming state may be different. Here, when 1 or 2 is set as the bet number in the normal gaming state or RT, the winning probability of the small part in the internal lottery is lowered and the small part is reduced as compared with the case where 3 is set as the bet number. It is possible to increase the number of medals to be paid out when winning.

  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 exceeded 465, it can be controlled again as a small role game.

  In the above embodiment, the stop control table is selected in advance based on the setting status of the winning flag, the stop position of the symbol is determined with reference to the stop control table when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, and the stop The slot machine that stops the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by the table system that stops the reel at the position has been described as an example. In contrast, based on the current symbol position when the stop condition is satisfied and the setting status of the winning flag, pull-in control is performed so that the symbol of the winning symbol is aligned, or the symbol of the symbol that is not winning The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine that stops the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by a control method in which the removal control is performed so as not to align.

  In the control method, when the operation of the stop button 12L, 12C, 12R is detected, the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R are 190 milliseconds from the currently displayed symbol (the left reel 3L during the challenge bonus) Within the range of the maximum stop delay time of 75 milliseconds (with a total of 5 frames including the displayed symbol and pull-in amount, and during the challenge bonus, the displayed symbol and pull-in amount for the left reel It is determined whether or not there is a symbol of the combination for which the winning flag is set in a total range of 2 frames including).

  If there is a symbol with a winning flag set (determined from the symbol of the role that is given priority for derivation in duplicate wins), select the symbol for winning the winning combination and select the winning line (already stopped) When there is a reel, the winning display mode can be derived along with the symbols on the stopped reel. Otherwise, a symbol for not winning any combination is selected and derived. That is, even when the stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled by this control method, it can be derived by stopping the symbols within the range of the maximum stop delay time after the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is detected. The display mode corresponding to the setting status of the winning flag is derived as the display result of the variable display device 2.

  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 a game ball is used as a game medium, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol on each reel which comprises a variable display apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. (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 shows the example of the table in which the instruction | indication in a challenge bonus and a big bonus and its achievement are registered. 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. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the reel rotation process of FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the winning determination process of FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the payout process of FIG. 6 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in an effect control board performs.

Explanation of symbols

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

Claims (10)

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,
Achievement target notifying means for notifying an achievement target in which a difference in achievement probability occurs according to the skill of the player's gaming operation in a predetermined period during the game;
Achievement target determination means for determining whether or not the achievement target notified by the achievement target notification means has been achieved in the game in the predetermined period;
A slot machine comprising: privilege granting means for granting a player a predetermined privilege when it is determined by the achievement target determination means that the achievement target has been achieved. Advantageous state control means for controlling the gaming state to an advantageous state advantageous to the player over the normal gaming state after the predetermined period has ended;
In the game when the gaming state is controlled to the advantageous state, the game further comprises advantageous state ending means for ending the advantageous state when a predetermined condition generated according to the player's gaming operation is satisfied,
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the privilege granting unit includes an advantage information notifying unit that notifies information related to a game operation for avoiding establishment of the predetermined condition as the granting of the predetermined privilege. . A gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state to a predetermined gaming state after the predetermined period ends;
In a game in which the gaming state is controlled to the predetermined gaming state, an advantageous state that is more advantageous to the player than the predetermined gaming state when a predetermined condition that occurs according to the player's gaming operation is satisfied And an advantageous state control means for controlling the gaming state,
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the privilege granting unit includes an advantage information notifying unit for notifying information relating to a game operation for establishing the predetermined condition as granting of the predetermined privilege. Pre-determining means for deciding whether or not to allow the derivation of the winning display result including the small part display result accompanied by the addition of the game value before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game; ,
Stop operation means operated by a player to stop the variation display of the identification information;
Derivation control means for causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to a determination result of the prior determination means and an operation procedure of the stop operation means;
A first special game state control means for controlling the game state to a first special game state different from the normal game state when the first special transition condition is established;
The derivation control means includes
In the first special gaming state, the maximum delay time from the operation of the stop operation means to the stop of the change display of the identification information is shortened to a second maximum delay time shorter than the first maximum delay time in the normal gaming state. In addition, the small combination display result can be derived within the range of the second maximum delay time regardless of the determination result of the prior determination means,
In the first special gaming state, when the specific small combination display result of the small combination display results can be derived within the second maximum delay time from the operation of the stop operation means, the small combination display result Is derived,
The achievement target notifying means notifies, as the achievement target, a small role derivation target for deriving the specific small role display result in the predetermined period as the period controlled in the first special gaming state. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a small role derivation target notification unit. In the variable display device, a plurality of stop positions are set as stop positions of the identification information,
The achievement target notifying means sets the specific small role display result to a specific stop position among the plurality of stop positions, with the period controlled in the first special gaming state as the predetermined period. The slot machine according to claim 4, further comprising specific position target notifying means for notifying a specific position target to be derived as the achievement target. Before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game, the next game is performed without using the game value for setting the small role display result accompanied with the game value addition and the betting amount. Pre-determining means for deciding whether or not to allow a derivation of a winning display result including a replay display result with granting of a replay that can be performed;
Stop operation means operated by a player to stop the variation display of the identification information;
Derivation control means for causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to a determination result of the prior determination means and an operation procedure of the stop operation means;
A first special gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state to a first special gaming state different from the normal gaming state when the first special transition condition is established;
The derivation control means includes
In the first special gaming state, the maximum delay time from the operation of the stop operation means to the stop of the change display of the identification information is shortened to a second maximum delay time shorter than the first maximum delay time in the normal gaming state. In addition, the small combination display result can be derived within the range of the second maximum delay time regardless of the determination result of the prior determination means,
When it is determined that derivation of the replay display result is allowed in the first special game state, the replay display result is displayed within the second maximum delay time from the operation of the stop operation means. When it can be derived, the replay display result is derived,
The achievement goal notifying means sets the period controlled to the first special gaming state as the predetermined period, and determines that the re-game display result is allowed to be derived in the period, the re-game display The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a re-game avoidance target notifying unit that notifies a re-game avoidance target that does not derive a result as the achievement target. The derivation control means is operable when the replay display result cannot be derived within the range of the second maximum delay time from the operation of the stop operation means and the small role display result can be derived. To derive the display result,
The replay avoidance target notifying means derives the small combination display result without deriving the replay display result when it is determined that the replay display result is allowed to be derived in the predetermined period. The slot machine according to claim 6, which is notified as the replay avoidance target. Each of the variable display devices includes a plurality of variable display units that variably display a plurality of types of identification information,
The slot machine is
Pre-determining means for deciding whether or not to allow the derivation of the winning display result including the small part display result accompanied by the addition of the game value before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game; ,
A plurality of stop operation means provided corresponding to the plurality of variable display sections, each of which is operated by a player to stop the variable display of the identification information;
Derivation control means for causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to a determination result of the prior determination means and an operation procedure of the plurality of stop operation means;
A first special gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state to a first special gaming state different from the normal gaming state when the first special transition condition is established;
The derivation control means includes
In the first special game state, the maximum delay time from the operation of the corresponding stop operation means to the stop of the variable display of the identification information for the at least one variable display unit among the plurality of variable display units is set in the normal game state. On the condition that it is shortened to the second maximum delay time shorter than the maximum delay time of 1, and the variable information display section is stopped to display the variation of the identification information within the range of the second maximum delay time. It is possible to derive the small role display result regardless of the determination result of the prior determination means,
When the plurality of stop operation means are operated in the first order in the first special gaming state, the small combination display result is derived regardless of the operation timing of each stop operation means, and the plurality of stop operation means Is operated in a second order different from the first order, the small combination display result is derived on condition that the operation timing of each stop operation means is a predetermined timing,
The achievement target notifying means derives the small combination display result while operating the plurality of stop operation means in the second order, with the period controlled in the first special gaming state as the predetermined period. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a second procedure target notification unit that notifies a two-procedure target as the achievement target. Pre-determining means for deciding whether or not to allow the derivation of the winning display result including the small part display result accompanied by the addition of the game value before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game; ,
Stop operation means operated by a player to stop the variation display of the identification information;
Derivation control means for causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to a determination result of the prior determination means and an operation procedure of the stop operation means;
A second special gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state to a second special gaming state different from the normal gaming state when the second special transition condition is satisfied;
The achievement target notifying means sets the predetermined time period as the period controlled to the second special gaming state, and when it is not determined that the derivation of the small part display result is permitted during the period, The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a specific display result target notifying unit that notifies a specific display result target for deriving a specific display result other than the display result as the achievement target. . The achievement target determination means determines the degree of achievement of the achievement target notified by the achievement target notification means in the game in the predetermined period,
10. The privilege granting means includes an advantage changing means for changing the benefit granting benefit according to the achievement degree of the achievement goal determined by the achievement goal judging means. The slot machine of any one of Claims.

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