JP2008212207A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent waste overhead otherwise generated for executing a demonstration performance with its necessity lower for the progress of the game while dramatizing changes in the chance to derive the specified result of display accompanied with the shift to the specified game state such as RT (replay time). <P>SOLUTION: The maximum number of drawing frames of a left reel is four under the normal game state but one under the challenge bonus. When the single bonus is won under the normal game state, the winning of prize occurs without fail regardless of the stop operation timing. On the other hand, when the single bonus is won under the challenge bonus, the challenge bonus is finished with the end of the game involved. The winning of prize happens to be refused in the maximum drawing range of 1 frame, though expected responding to the stop operation timing and instead, RT figures are derived and the game state is controlled to RT1. In addition, during the bonus state such as challenge bonus state, the demonstration performance is forbidden and this eliminates the overwriting of the performance data for an ongoing bonus performance otherwise caused by the performance date for the demonstration performance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to control to a specific gaming state based on the occurrence of a specific winning and execution of a demonstration effect when a game is not progressing.

  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.

  The types of winning combinations include small roles, bonuses, and replays. Here, in particular, in the case of winning a bonus, the player shifts to a special game state such as a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus from the next game. Can get. Therefore, in order to excite the special gaming state that can obtain such a large profit and improve the interest of the game, in many slot machines, special specials that differ from the normal performance while being controlled in the special gaming state It is intended to produce.

  In addition, in order for a winning combination including a bonus combination to occur, in general, a winning flag must be set by winning an internal lottery performed in advance (usually when the start lever is operated). . Here, using the fact that the player can obtain the benefit of not having to consume medals for setting the number of bets by winning a replay, the normal game state is a role other than replay by a predetermined number of games. There was a slot machine that defined RT (Replay Time) that increases the replay winning probability without changing the winning probability as a specific gaming state other than a special gaming state called a bonus such as a big bonus or a regular bonus (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-131323 (paragraph 0034)

  Although there are things that are not related to the derivation of the display result of the variable display device, such as the end of the big bonus, as an opportunity to control the gaming state to RT, the RT entry pattern was derived to the variable display device There was also an opportunity. When the gaming state is controlled to RT triggered by the derivation of the RT entry symbol, if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to the RT entry symbol, the RT entry symbol will always be derived regardless of the gaming state ( However, there is a case where the operation procedure of the stop button is added as a condition), and the game is not sharp as an opportunity to control the gaming state to RT.

  In addition, the effects executed in the slot machine such as the above-mentioned special effects are performed by the light emission of the light emitting means, the output of sound, the control of the accessory, etc. Many things are done by displaying. When performing an effect by displaying an image, the effect data corresponding to the effect to be executed among the effect data stored in the ROM is transferred to a predetermined area of the RAM (VRAM), and the image data is further stored in the frame buffer of the RAM. A process of unfolding and displaying the image on the image display means must be performed.

  On the other hand, since the special effects described above are performed over a plurality of games during the period in which the special gaming state continues, the effect data of the special effects is a normal effect produced only for one game. The amount of data is generally larger than the data. Therefore, when the effect data of the special effect is transferred from the ROM to the predetermined area of the RAM, a larger overhead is required than when the other effect data is transferred from the ROM to the predetermined area of the RAM. In the conventional slot machine, special effect production data is not handled differently from other production data, and thus such overhead may be a problem.

  The present invention produces a sharpness in the opportunity for deriving a specific display result accompanied by a transition to a specific gaming state such as RT, and has a wasteful overhead for executing a demonstration performance that is less necessary for the progress of the game. An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that prevents the occurrence.

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,
A fluctuation start control means (step S204) for starting the fluctuation display of the identification information in the variable display device when a predetermined fluctuation start condition is satisfied;
Allowing the generation of multiple types of prizes including a predetermined special prize (challenge bonus) and a special prize (single bonus) different from the special prize before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game Pre-decision means (step S3) for deciding whether or not to do;
Derivation control means (steps S205, S208, S215) for performing control for causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to the determination result of the prior determination means;
Special gaming state control means (step S311) for controlling the gaming state to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state when the special winning occurs;
An image display device (liquid crystal display 4) capable of displaying an image;
Special effects that are continuously executed while being controlled in the special game state (effects during the challenge bonus) and demo effects that are executed when the game is not progressing after the game is over (demonstration effect) Image effect data storage means (ROM 123) that stores in advance a plurality of types of image effect data respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of effects by display of images on the image display device including:
Means for storing data in a readable and writable manner, an execution effect data area (execution effect data area 122-3) in which image effect data corresponding to the effect being executed among the plurality of types of image effect data is written; An image data area (frame buffer 122-4) in which display image data indicating a display color of each pixel of an image to be displayed on the image display device created based on the image effect data written in the execution effect data area is written. ) Including image effect data storage means (RAM 122),
According to the display image data written in the image data area, the execution of the effect by displaying the image on the image display device including the special effect and the demonstration effect is controlled, and the display image data written in the image data area A production control means (production control board 102: CPU 121) for outputting a corresponding image signal and displaying an image on the image display device;
The production control means includes
Special effect data writing that reads the image effect data of the special effect from the image effect data storage means and writes the read image effect data of the special effect in the execution effect data area when controlled to the special game state Means (step S515);
Demo effect data writing means (step S529) for reading the image effect data of the demonstration effect from the image effect data storage means after the game is over and writing the read image effect data of the demonstration effect in the execution effect data area. ,
Even after the special effect data writing means writes the image effect data of the special effect in the execution effect data area until the special game state ends, the demonstration effect data writing means keeps the execution effect data. Demo effect prohibiting means for prohibiting writing the image effect data of the demo effect in the area (step S518 (YES): the demo invalid flag is not erased during the bonus),
The derivation control means performs control for deriving a special display result for generating the special prize in the normal gaming state when it is determined to allow the special prize to be generated (steps S205 and S215). ) In the special gaming state, control for deriving the special display result and / or a predetermined specific display result (RT symbol) different from the special display result is performed (steps S205, S208, S215). Including derivation control means,
The slot machine is
In the special gaming state, when it is determined by the pre-determining means that the generation of the special prize is permitted, the special gaming state that ends the special gaming state after the end of the game in which the special prize is allowed to occur. Termination means (step S416);
A specific game state control means for controlling the game state to a specific game state (RT1) advantageous to a player different from the special game state when a predetermined specific display result is derived as the display result of the variable display device; Step S317) is further provided.

  In the slot machine, it is determined whether or not the special winning is permitted in the normal gaming state and the special gaming state. Here, when it is determined that the special winning is permitted in the special gaming state, the specific display result can be derived in addition to the special display result for generating the special winning. When the specific display result is derived to the variable display device, the gaming state is controlled to a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player, which is different from the special gaming state. Thus, when it is determined that the special gaming state allows the occurrence of a special prize, the specific display result can be derived, and the gaming state is assigned to the specific gaming state based on the derivation of the specific display result. By controlling, it is possible to attract the player's attention as to whether or not the occurrence of a special prize is allowed in the special game state, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  Since the special gaming state is clearly different from the normal gaming state according to the progress of the game, it is prohibited to write the demonstration effect image production data while in the special gaming state. Even if the situation where the game is not progressing continues, the demonstration effect is not shifted to, and the player can clearly show that the player is in the special game state. In addition, the special game state often continues over a plurality of games. However, if various effects are to be performed in such a special game state, the amount of image effect data for the special effect will inevitably increase. . By prohibiting the writing of the image effect data of the demonstration effect until the special gaming state is finished, the image effect data of the special effect with a large amount of data is read from the image effect data storage means and the execution effect data area of the image effect data storage means It is possible to eliminate the redundant overhead of writing to.

  In the slot machine, the specific game state is, for example, a replay accompanied by a re-game that allows the pre-determining means to play the next game without using the game value for setting the bet amount. It is possible to set a re-game high probability state in which the probability of determining that the game winning is permitted is higher than the normal game state.

  In addition, the special prize may be a prize accompanied by a transition to a special game state that is advantageous for a player who is different from the special game state and the specific game state. This special gaming state can be a gaming state that ends with only one game. For example, the probability that the pre-determining means decides to allow the occurrence of a small prize winning with a payout of the gaming value is set. The gaming state can be set higher than the normal gaming state.

  In addition, the specific display result may be a display result derived when the special display result cannot be derived when it is determined that the special winning is allowed. Here, the specific display result may be a display result that does not generate a prize. Further, when it is determined to allow the occurrence of the special prize in the special gaming state, when it is also determined to allow the generation of the predetermined type of small prize, the predetermined type of small prize is awarded. The small combination display result to be generated can be used. The specific display result may be a special display result derived to a specific winning line among the plurality of winning lines when a plurality of winning lines are set in the variable display device. Further, the specific display result may be a display result derived only when it is determined that the special winning is allowed in the special gaming state.

  Further, the derivation control means performs control for deriving a display result according to the determination result of the pre-decision means when the stop condition for stopping the variation display of the identification information is satisfied. Deriving the display result according to the determination result on condition that the display state of the identification information is in a state in which the display result according to the determination result of the prior determination means can be derived, and the stop condition is satisfied Depending on the display state of the identification information at the time, the display result corresponding to the determination result of the prior determination means may not necessarily be derived.

  For example, even if the special allowance derivation control means always generates the special prize in the normal gaming state, the special prize may not be generated depending on the display state of the identification information when the stop condition is satisfied. It is good. Also, in the special game state, when the special prize is not generated, a display result that does not become a specific display result (a small role display result (which may not be awarded other than in the special game state) or re-giving It is also possible to derive a replay display result with

  The specific display result may be derived even when it is determined that the special prize is allowed to be generated in the special gaming state (however, in the normal gaming state, the special display result may be derived). It is not derived when it is determined that the winning is allowed). When the specific display result is derived other than when it is determined that the occurrence of the special prize is allowed in the special gaming state, the gaming state may not be controlled to the specific gaming state.

  Further, the demonstration effect data writing means may write the image effect data of the demonstration effect in the execution effect data area when a state in which the game is not progressing after the game is finished continues for a predetermined time. . In this case, the display image data of the demonstration effect is written in the image data area after the image effect data of the demonstration effect is written. On the other hand, the demonstration effect data writing means may write the image effect data of the demonstration effect in the execution effect data area immediately after the game ends. In this case, if the state in which the game is not progressing after the game is finished continues for a predetermined time, the display image data is written in the image data area based on the image effect data of the demonstration effect written immediately after the game is finished. It will be a thing.

  When the demonstration effect data writing means and the demonstration effect prohibiting means are configured to operate by program control, the demonstration effect prohibiting means includes the special effect image effect data in the execution effect data area. The special effect is not limited to that realized by a program that controls to positively prohibit the writing of the image effect data by the demonstration effect data writing means between the time of writing and the end of the special gaming state. A program is created so that a routine for realizing the demonstration effect data writing means is not called between the time when the image effect data is written in the execution effect data area and the end of the special gaming state. Including.

In the above slot machine,
The special game state ending means is a special game state ending means for giving a predetermined number when the number of game values given to the player in the special game state reaches a predetermined number. S414 (CB medium flag deletion)).

  In this case, the special game state is ended based on the number of game values given to the player, or is ended based on the fact that it is determined that the special prize is allowed to be generated (here, the specific game state is specified). Since the player pays attention to whether the display result is derived and controlled to a specific gaming state), the interest of the game can be improved.

In this case,
The special game state ending means upon granting the predetermined number ends the special game state when the number of gaming values given to the player in the special game state reaches a predetermined number, and the specific game state The second specific gaming state control means (step S414 (RT2 counter ← 100)) for controlling the gaming state may be included in the second specific gaming state (RT2) having a different advantage for the player.

  In this case, the special gaming state is ended based on the number of gaming values given to the player (in this case, controlled to the second specific gaming state having a different advantage from the specific gaming state), or The player pays attention to whether or not to end based on the decision to allow the occurrence of a special prize (in this case, a specific display result may be derived and controlled to a specific gaming state). Therefore, the interest of the game can be improved.

  The second specific gaming state is such that when the specific gaming state control means controls the replaying high probability state as the specific gaming state, the pre-determining means is in the normal gaming state. A probability state during replay in which the probability of determining whether to allow the occurrence of the replay prize is lower than the high probability state of replay as the specific gaming state, although the probability is higher than the probability of determining that the occurrence of the replay is allowed It is good. Further, the second specific gaming state has an advantage over the normal gaming state by a number of games smaller than the predetermined number of games when the specific gaming state continues a state advantageous for the player by a predetermined number of games. It is also possible to continue the state.

The slot machine is
In addition, according to the player's operation, it further comprises stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) for instructing to derive the display result of the variable display device,
The derivation control means is a control for causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to an operation procedure of the stop operation means and a determination result of the prior determination means when the stop operation means is operated. (Steps S205, S208, S215). In this case,
When it is determined that the special winning state is allowed to be generated in the special gaming state, the special permission time derivation control means determines that the stop operation means performs a specific operation procedure (fourth “ The specific display result may be derived on the condition that the stop button 12L is operated in a state where “7” is positioned and the stop button 12L is not operated).

  In this case, it is not only determined that the special winning is allowed in the special game state, but the specific display result is not derived unless the player operates the stop operation means in a specific operation procedure. Thus, the interest of the game can be improved by causing the player to perform technical intervention in the control from the derivation of the specific display result to the specific game state.

The slot machine is
Stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) for instructing to derive the display result of the variable display device according to the player's operation;
It may further comprise time measuring means (step S203) for measuring a time that has elapsed since the time measurement start condition that can be satisfied after the predetermined variation start condition is satisfied. In this case,
The special permissible time derivation control means derives the specific display result when the time measuring means times a predetermined time without operating the stop operation means (especially the stop button 12L) in the special gaming state. (Step S208).

  In this case, if the player is willing to derive the specific display result, the specific display result can be derived with a simple technical intervention that does not actively operate the stop operation means. It becomes possible to control the gaming state to the specific gaming state regardless of the skill of the player.

The slot machine is
Allowable notification means for performing a predetermined notification at a predetermined rate when it is determined that the special winning is permitted in the special gaming state and when the special winning is not determined. (Liquid Crystal Display 4: Step S513)
The variable display device may include a plurality of variable display portions (reels 3L, 3C, and 3R), each of which variably displays a plurality of types of identification information. In this case, the special permissible time derivation control means performs the predetermined variable display until identification information is derived to a predetermined variable display portion (reel 3L) of the plurality of variable display portions in the special gaming state. Identification information that cannot be specified as to whether or not to allow the occurrence of the special prize is determined in the variable display portions (reels 3C and 3R) other than the portion.

  In this case, it is determined by the notification from the permission notification means that it is determined that the special winning state is allowed to occur in the special gaming state, that is, the player expects that the specific display result is derived and controlled to the specific gaming state. It will be possible to further improve the interest of the game. Here, even if the occurrence of a special prize is not allowed, it is decided that the other variable display part is allowed to generate a special prize until the identification information is derived to the predetermined variable display part. Since identification information that cannot be specified whether or not it has been determined is derived, the player knows whether or not it has been determined to allow the occurrence of a special prize until the identification information is derived on a predetermined variable display section. Without losing the player's expectation for allowing the special prize to occur.

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

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

  Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 includes a game number display 51 (see FIG. 3) using a 7-segment display, and counts the number of games and the number of winnings in a regular bonus (including a case where it is provided during a big bonus) described later. The counter value to be displayed is displayed. The game number display unit 21 may be used to display the value of a counter that counts the number of medals paid out at the time of a big bonus or 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 has occurred.

  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 are set in each game by turning on the 1-sheet, 2-sheet and 3-sheet betting lamps 54 to 58 (see FIG. 3), respectively. Show the number of bets 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. In the slot machine 1, as an effect by an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, when a single bonus is won in a challenge bonus described later, a winning notification effect is performed.

  In addition, bonus winning effects will be performed when a regular bonus, big bonus, or challenge bonus, which will be described later, is won, and bonus bonus effects will be performed in each game whose gaming state is controlled by the regular bonus, big bonus, or challenge bonus. . In addition, a demonstration effect is performed when a state in which no game is performed continues for a predetermined time or more, and a history display effect is performed when display of a game history is instructed by the player. Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various other information directly or indirectly related to the game.

  Further, a medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, a settlement button 16, and an effect stage switching button 17 are provided on the horizontal surface of the trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2. It has been. Is provided. 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 checkout button 16 is a button for instructing the payout of credit (and the payout of medals already set as the bet number). When an operation is detected by the checkout switch 47 (see FIG. 3), it is accumulated as data. Medals according to the credit (and the number of bets already set) are paid out.

  The effect stage switching button 17 is used to switch the effect stage of the effect performed by displaying the image on the liquid crystal display 4. The effect stage switching button 17 is also used for displaying the game history on the liquid crystal display 4. When an operation for a short time is detected by the effect stage changeover switch 67, an instruction to change the effect stage is given. When an operation of the effect stage change button 17 that has continued for a predetermined time or more is detected, the game history is changed. The display is instructed.

  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 buttons 12L, 12C, 12R to the stop of rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R is 190 milliseconds.

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

  However, in the challenge bonus described later, the maximum stop delay time for the left reel 3L is shortened from the normal 190 milliseconds to 75 milliseconds. The number of frames that can be drawn during the 75 ms maximum stop delay time at the time of the challenge bonus is one frame, that is, only one of the symbols displayed during the stop operation and the next symbol can be derived. The maximum stop delay time for the middle and right reels 3C and 3R is 190 milliseconds, which is the same as the other gaming states in the challenge bonus, and a maximum of four symbols can be drawn.

  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 bonus bonus lamp 66 (see FIG. 3) is in a lit state, so that a regular bonus winning and a big bonus winning, which will be described later, are possible. Further, on the right side of the stop button 12R, there is provided a medal clogging elimination button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.

  On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 (see FIG. 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. The speakers 7U, 7L and 7R output start sounds when the start lever 11 is operated, output sound effects at the time of winning, big bonus entry, challenge bonus entry, and regular bonus entry, and In addition to outputting an alarm sound in the event of an abnormality, it outputs various production sounds according to the gaming state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Connected to the effect control board 102 are game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L, 7R, and 7U, a fluorescent lamp 6, a weight lamp 61, a bonus notification lamp 66, and an effect stage changeover switch 67. A reel lamp 3LP is connected via a reel lamp relay substrate 104. The control unit 120 of the effect control board 102 performs these effects by controlling these parts.

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

  The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer, and receives a big bonus medium signal, a challenge bonus medium signal, a regular 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.

  Next, the configuration of the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102. As shown in FIG. The RAM 122 of the effect control board 102 is provided with at least an effect stage storage area 122-1, a game history data area 122-2, an execution effect data area 122-3, and a frame buffer 122-4.

  In the effect stage storage area 122-1, data indicating the currently selected effect stage among the effect stages of the effect by displaying the image on the liquid crystal display 4 is stored. Here, there are two types of production stages, stage 1 and stage 2. In stage 1 and stage 2, the type of character appearing in the production and the type of image used for the production background are different. However, since the execution probabilities and execution modes of the effects are the same, there are effects of the same effect pattern for stage 1 and stage 2 respectively.

  Further, the effect stage is switched alternately between the stage 1 and the stage 2 by the operation of the effect stage switching button 17 by the player. Of course, when the game from the operation of the start lever 11 to the derivation of the display result to the variable display device 2 is being played, and when the bonus effect is being executed (described later) even if the game is not being played, the effect stage is switched. Since the operation of the button 17 is invalidated, the production stage cannot be switched.

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

  The execution effect data area 122-3 stores at least the effect data (see FIG. 7) of the currently executed effect. As the effects executed in the slot machine 1, a bonus winning effect that is performed when a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus is won, and each game when the gaming state is controlled by the regular bonus, the big bonus, or the challenge bonus are performed. The execution effect data area 122-3 has a capacity sufficient to store at least bonus effect data and bonus effect data in which the bonus effect is integrated.

  However, the execution effect data area 122-3 does not have enough capacity to store the effect data of the demonstration effect or the history display effect (both described later) together with the bonus effect data. If there is not enough free space to store the effect data for the newly executed effect in the execution effect data area 122-3, the effect data for the effect that has been newly executed has been written so far. The data is overwritten.

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

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

  In the slot machine 1, a winning is awarded when the winning symbols are arranged on any winning line of the variable display device 2. The types of winning combinations are determined according to the gaming status, but can be broadly divided into special roles with transition to special gaming status (regular bonus, big bonus, 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. 5A is a view for explaining the combination of the types of winning combinations in the slot machine 1 and the symbols in the variable display device 2.

  The single bonus (SB) is won when a combination of “JAC-watermelon-watermelon” is arranged in any of the winning lines in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2, or the challenge bonus. When a single bonus is won, the game state shifts to a single bonus for the next one game. When the gaming state is the single bonus, the single bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112, and the winning combination probability (especially bell) of the small role becomes higher than the normal gaming state.

  The “JAC” for the left reel 3L and the “watermelon” for the middle and right reels 3C, 3R are all arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less, so when a single bonus is won in the normal gaming state, be sure to A single bonus will be awarded, but when the game state is a challenge bonus, the number of frames drawn on the left reel 3L is limited to a maximum of one frame, so that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R will be described later. Depending on the procedure, it is not always possible to win a single bonus.

  The regular bonus (RB) is awarded when the combination of “BAR-BAR-BAR” is aligned on either of the winning lines in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2. When the regular bonus is won, the gaming state shifts from the normal gaming state to the regular bonus. The regular bonus ends when 12 games are consumed, or when 8 games are won (any kind of combination is possible), whichever comes first. While the gaming state is in the regular bonus, the regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 (including the case where it is provided during the big bonus described below). The regular bonus gameplay is the same as the single bonus except that the game is continued for a plurality of games without ending one game.

  The big bonus (BB) is awarded when the combination of “7-7-7” is aligned on either of the winning lines in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2. When the big bonus is won, the gaming state shifts to the big bonus. In the big bonus, the regular bonus described above is repeatedly provided until the end. While the gaming state is the big bonus, the big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112. The big bonus ends when the number of medals paid out to the player exceeds 345. After the end of the big bonus, all operations of the player are invalid except for the payment of credits, and the game is controlled to a freeze state in which the game cannot be progressed for a certain period of time.

  The challenge bonus (CB) is awarded when the combination of “BAR-7-7” is aligned on either of the winning lines in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2. When a challenge bonus is won, the gaming state shifts to a challenge bonus. While the gaming state is in the challenge bonus, a challenge bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112. When the gaming state is the challenge bonus, the maximum stop delay time for the left reel 3L is shortened from the usual 190 milliseconds to 75 milliseconds, and only one frame can be drawn, but depending on the result of the internal lottery It is possible to win watermelons, bells, and cherries (that is, the winning flags for these roles are set regardless of the internal lottery).

  However, even when the game state is the challenge bonus, the single bonus may be won by internal lottery, and when the single bonus is won, the single reel is within the maximum stop delay of 75 milliseconds for the left reel 3L. If it is possible to win a bonus, the single bonus will be given priority over watermelon, bell, and cherry. If you cannot win a single bonus when you win a single bonus, and you cannot win other small roles, you can use an RT symbol (7-watermelon-watermelon) that is not defined as a winning role. Sometimes it can be derived.

  For example, when the left reel 3L is stopped as the first reel (the first reel to be stopped), the upper side is the same as when the stop button 12L is operated at the timing when the fourth “7” is in the lower stage. Since “JAC” can be derived to any one of the middle and lower stages, and “watermelon” can be derived on the winning line from which the middle and right reels 3C and 3R are derived, a single bonus is awarded. When the stop button 12L is operated at the timing when the fourth "7" is in the lower stage, the "bell" can be derived to the upper stage, and the "bell" is displayed on the winning line from which the middle and right reels 3C and 3R are derived. Can be derived, so win the bell.

  When the left reel 3L is stopped as the third reel (the third reel to be stopped), the single bonus winning is given priority, so “watermelon” is placed on the winning line for the middle and right reels 3C and 3R. To temper. When the stop button 12L is operated at the timing when the second to fourth "7" is positioned on the winning line where the "watermelon" is tempered, the "7-watermelon-watermelon" combination can be derived on the winning line. It will be a thing. However, when the left reel 3L is stopped as the second reel (the second reel to be stopped), even if “7” and “watermelon” stop side by side on the pay line, they become the third reel. Alternatively, a lost symbol that is not an RT symbol is derived by controlling the right reels 3C and 3R.

  However, if the stop buttons 12L, 12C and / or 12R are not operated for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the rotation of the reels that have not been stopped is automatically stopped. Will be. In the case of automatic stop, there is no limit on the maximum stop delay time of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. In the case of automatic stop, the winning combination is not derived regardless of the gaming state and the setting status of the winning flag, but the RT symbol is not defined as a winning combination, so the single bonus is won in the gaming state of the challenge bonus. When the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is automatically stopped during the operation, the RT symbol is derived when only the left reel 3L remains and is automatically stopped.

  When the single bonus is won in the internal lottery, the challenge bonus ends after waiting for the result of the game to be derived to the variable display device 2 (that is, the challenge bonus of the game won the single bonus is still Will remain in the gaming state). In this case, the gaming state is controlled to RT1 after the end of the challenge bonus. The challenge bonus is also ended when the number of medals paid out to the player exceeds 238. In this case, the gaming state is controlled to RT2 after the end of the challenge bonus.

  Even if a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus is won in an internal lottery that will be described later, if the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are not operated according to an appropriate operation procedure that makes it possible to win these roles, There will be no winnings. Of course, if you don't win any of these roles without operating in the proper operating procedure, you will be able to derive only when you win these roles (in terms of winning, ), Or chances (in terms of winning, lost) that can be derived when these roles are won or not. In the display result of the losing, there is a losing that can be derived only when the regular bonus, the big bonus, and the challenge bonus are not won.

  The watermelon is awarded when a combination of “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is aligned on any winning line in any gaming state, and 15 medals are paid out. “Watermelons” for the reels 3C and 3R are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less, but since only one “watermelon” is arranged for the left reel 3L, the watermelons in the gaming state other than the challenge bonus Even if winning is won, depending on the operation timing of the stop button 12L, the watermelon is not necessarily won.

  The bell is awarded when a combination of “bell-bell-bell” is arranged on any winning line in any gaming state, and five medals are paid out. Since “bells” are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less for all of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, when a bell is won in a gaming state other than the challenge bonus, the bell is always 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 two medals are paid out per winning line. When “cherry” is stopped at the upper or lower stage of the left reel 3L, the derivation is made on two pay lines, so that a total of four medals are paid out.

  Replay is awarded when the combination of “JAC-JAC-JAC” is aligned on either of the winning lines in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2. In other gaming states, even if this combination is complete, there will be no replay prize. When winning a replay, there is no payout of medals, but the next game can be started again without setting the number of bets, so three medals corresponding to the number of bets 3 that became unnecessary in the next game are paid out. This is essentially the same as. 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, the replay is always won.

  Note that RT1 controlled by derivation of the RT symbol and RT2 that is terminated after the challenge bonus is ended without winning the single bonus are both gaming states in which the winning probability of replay is higher than the normal gaming state. RT1 has a higher replay win probability. In RT1, since the replay winning probability is extremely high, the expected value of the number of medals to be paid out for the small role won in the internal lottery with respect to the number of medals inserted by the player for setting the bet number The payout rate of medals calculated as a percentage exceeds 1, and it is expected that more medals can be obtained at RT1 than the number of medals that can be expected with a single bonus. On the other hand, in RT2, the replay winning probability is higher than in the normal gaming state, and the medal payout rate is higher than in the normal gaming state, but the medal payout rate does not exceed 1.

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

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

  When the gaming state is a single bonus or a regular bonus (including a case in which the bonus is provided during a big bonus), watermelon, bell, and cherry are sequentially read out as the internal lottery target roles. When the gaming state is the challenge bonus, only the single bonus is read out as an internal lottery target role. When in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2, a single bonus, regular bonus, big bonus, challenge bonus, watermelon, bell, cherry, and replay are sequentially read out as the internal lottery target roles.

  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.

  Note that the number of replay determination values in RT2 is larger than the number of replay determination values in the normal gaming state, and the number of replay determination values in RT1 is larger than the number of replay determination values in RT2. Thereby, the replay winning probability in RT2 is higher than that in the normal gaming state, and the replay winning probability in RT1 is further higher than that in RT2. Note that the number of determination values of the bell in the normal gaming state, RT1, RT2 is relatively small, and the winning probability in the normal gaming state is only about 1/6. On the other hand, the number of determination values of the bell in the single bonus and regular bonus (including the case where the bonus is provided during the big bonus) is relatively large, which is 5/6 or more. In the single bonus or regular bonus, the winning probabilities of watermelon and cherry are combined to win some kind of small role in most games.

  Next, storage of results of internal lottery and management of winning combinations will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an area for storing the results of the internal lottery and an area for managing winnings. That is, in the RAM 112, the winning flag storage register (2 bytes) shown in FIG. 6A, the special role temporary storage register (1 byte) shown in FIG. 6B, and the general role shown in FIG. A temporary storage register (1 byte), an index search register (1 byte) shown in FIG. 6D, and a winning flag storage register (2 bytes) shown in FIG. 6E are provided.

  Here, the winning flag storage register and the winning flag storage register are always cleared at the end of one game, but the special role temporary storage register is cleared by winning a special role and is cleared every game. Absent. In addition, the bits that are “unused” in the winning flag storage register and the winning flag storage register are bits that do not correspond to any combination, and the value thereof is always 0 (provided that the illegal winning determination is made) Except when the data in the winning flag storage register is inverted).

  The winning flag of the lottery role determined to be won in the internal lottery is first set in the winning flag storage register. Here, the fact that the winning flag is set means that the corresponding bit changes from 0 to 1. For example, when the regular bonus is won, the regular bonus winning flag in the most significant bit of the upper byte of the winning flag storage register is set. When a cherry is won, a cherry winning flag is set in the winning flag storage register.

  When the winning flag for a special role (regular bonus, big bonus, challenge bonus or single bonus) is set in the winning flag storage register by internal lottery, the value corresponding to the special role for which the winning flag is set is the special role temporary storage register Is written to. If data indicating that the special combination is won (that is, data other than 0) is written in the special combination temporary storage register in the normal gaming state, the special combination lottery is not performed and the contents are not rewritten. In this case, the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus winning flag or the challenge bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag storing register according to the value of the special role temporary storing register (in a game in which the single bonus winning flag is set). Since the special combination temporary storage data is erased in the game, the single bonus winning flag is not set according to the value of the special combination temporary storage register in the next game).

  In addition, when the winning flag of the general role (small role or replay) is set in the winning flag storage register by internal lottery (in addition, in the case of the challenge bonus, all kinds of small role winning flags are stored in the winning flag storage register regardless of the lottery. When set to), a numerical value corresponding to the general combination for which the winning flag is set is written into the general combination temporary storage register. The data in the general combination temporary storage register is overwritten and updated for each game according to the general combination winning flag set in the lower byte of the winning flag storage register according to the result of the internal lottery in each game. That is, data corresponding to the result of the internal lottery in the previous game is not written here.

  In the index search register, data in the special role temporary storage register is written in the upper 4 bits, and data in the general role temporary storage register is written in the lower 4 bits. It corresponds directly to the data in the flag storage register. When creating a stop control table to be described later, the stop control table is created according to the data in the index search register.

  The winning flag storing register has the same configuration as the winning flag storing register, and if a display mode of a winning combination is derived on any winning line as a display result of the variable display device 2, it corresponds. A winning flag is set. Again, the winning flag is set when the corresponding bit changes from 0 to 1. For example, when a symbol combination of “BAR-BAR-BAR” is derived on any winning line, a regular bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag storage register. When the symbol combination “cherry-ANY-ANY” is derived, a cherry winning flag is set in the winning flag storage register.

  When a winning flag is set in the winning flag storage register, it is determined whether or not there is an illegal winning of a role for which no winning flag is set, using data in the winning flag storing register and data in the winning flag storing register. . Specifically, all the data of each bit of the winning flag storage register is logically inverted, and this and the data of the winning flag storage register are ANDed for each bit. If the result of the logical product operation is 0, it is determined that there has been no illegal winning, and if it is not 0, it is determined that an illegal winning has occurred.

  For example, consider a case where a replay symbol is derived on a winning line in a state where the regular bonus winning flag and the replay winning flag are set. The data in the winning flag storage register before the logic inversion is “10000000 10000000”. The data in the winning flag storage register after examining the display result of the variable display device 2 is “00000000 10000000”, and logical operation is performed for each bit with “01111111 01111111” obtained by logically inverting the data in the winning flag storage register. The result is “00000000 000000000”, which indicates that no illegal winning has occurred.

  Further, consider a case where a regular bonus symbol is derived on the winning line in a state where only the replay winning flag is set. The data in the winning flag storage register before the logic inversion is “00000000 10000000”. The data of the winning flag storage register after examining the display result of the variable display device 2 is “10000000 00000000”, and “11111111 01111111” obtained by logically inverting the data of the winning flag storage register is logically calculated bit by bit. The result is “10000000 00000000”, indicating that an illegal prize has occurred.

  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).

  However, even if the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are not operated, a reel that has not stopped even if a predetermined automatic stop time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is The automatic stop table is created in the order of the reel 3L, the right reel 3C, and the middle reel 3R. The automatic stop table is created according to the gaming state and the winning situation, and the stop position of the corresponding reel is determined without restriction on the number of drawn-in frames. When the automatic stop table is created, control is performed to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the created table.

  The automatic stop table created when the single bonus is won is determined in the normal gaming state, in the RT1 or RT2, the stop positions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are determined so as to derive the RT symbol. Although not created, except for those created in the game state of the challenge bonus, unless the RT symbol is no longer derived from the symbols derived to some of the reels that have been stopped so far Thus, the stop positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are determined so as to derive the RT symbol.

  Next, stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R not based on automatic stop will be described in detail. 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 the replay is won, the replay winning is always performed regardless of the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. In such a case, the regular bonus, the big bonus, or the challenge bonus is not won.

  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, the bell winning flag, and the cherry winning flag are duplicated and the single bonus winning flag is not set, the symbol with the large payout medal number is given priority. It is controlled to align on the winning line. 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.

  In the game state of the challenge bonus, if the watermelon winning flag, the bell winning flag, and the cherry winning flag are duplicated and the single bonus winning flag is set, the single bonus symbol is used instead of the small bonus symbol. It is controlled to preferentially align on the winning line. If the single bonus symbol cannot be aligned on the winning line, it is controlled to give priority to the small role symbol with a large number of payout medals on the winning line, just as when the single bonus winning flag is not set. The The symbol of the small part cannot be aligned on the winning line, but if the RT symbol can be aligned, the control is performed so that the RT symbol is aligned on the winning line.

  For example, when the left stop button 12L is operated first, if the fourth reel “7” has a timing other than the timing at which the fourth reel “7” is positioned at the lower stage, the left reel 3L is derived with the highest priority. The left reel 3L is stopped by pulling in the same position or one frame so that "JAC" which is a single bonus symbol is derived. Thereafter, when the stop buttons 12C and 12R are operated, “watermelon” is drawn on the winning line where “JAC” is stopped for the left reel 3L, the reels 3C and 3R are stopped, and a single bonus is won.

  If the operation timing of the left stop button 12L is the timing at which the fourth “7” is positioned in the lower row for the left reel 3L, the “JAC”, which is a single bonus symbol derived with the highest priority, is left. However, since the first “bell” can be stopped at the upper stage, the first “bell” is stopped at the upper stage. Thereafter, when the stop buttons 12C and 12R are operated, “bell” is drawn on the winning line where “bell” is stopped for the left reel 3L, the reels 3C and 3R are stopped, and the bell is won.

  Also, assuming that the left stop button 12L is operated third, the middle and right reels 3C, 3R that are stopped first and second are always "watermelon" in order to give priority to the single bonus. "Is stopped (tempered) side by side on the winning line. Here, from the relationship of the symbol arrangement of the middle and right reels 3L and 3C, “bell” other than “watermelon” does not double-temper. 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 "Watermelon" is tempered, a single bonus is won.

  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 “Watermelon” is tempered, no single bonus is won. Here, at a timing at which “cherry” can be derived for the left reel 3L, “cherry” is derived to the left reel 3L and the cherry is won. If the timing at which the stop button 12L is operated is a timing at which “cherry” cannot be derived, it is possible that “watermelon” and “bell” are double-tempered for the middle and right reels 3C and 3R. Because there is no, I won't win any role.

  However, the timing at which the stop button 12L is operated is that the 2nd to 4th "7" of the left reel 3L is positioned on the winning line where the "watermelon" is tempered for the middle and right reels 3C and 3R. If the timing is reached, the left reel 3L is stopped at that position. Thereafter, when the stop buttons 12C and 12R are operated, “watermelon” is drawn on the winning line of “7” for the left reel 3L, the reels 3C and 3R are stopped, and the RT symbol is derived. The

  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 the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped according to the result and the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, and a prize is generated. It will be a thing. 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, a winning information command, and a gaming 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 is a prize information command, which indicates the type of a prize generated according to the display result of the variable display device 2 and the number of medals to be paid out with the prize, and the display result is derived to the variable display device 2. Sent when a winning determination is made. The game state command indicates a game state applied in the next 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. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when it is determined that the gaming state is the challenge bonus based on the gaming state command and it is determined that the single bonus is won based on the winning status notification command, a predetermined winning notification is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. Will be done in

  In the liquid crystal display 4, when the game state is a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus, a bonus medium effect according to the type of bonus is performed. An effect during bonus is performed by updating an image displayed every time each game ends until the bonus ends. When a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus is won, a bonus winning effect is performed according to the stage selected separately from the bonus bonus stage and the type of bonus received. The execution mode of the bonus winning effect and the bonus medium effect varies depending on the effect stage stored in the effect stage storage area 122-1.

  Further, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs a history display effect for displaying the game history stored in the game history data area 122-2 on the liquid crystal display 4 based on the operation of the player's effect stage switching button 17. It is. In the history display effect, not only the game history is simply displayed as information, but the CPU 121 further performs an operation for advancing the game for a predetermined period or longer (however, the reel 3L, The liquid crystal display 4 performs a predetermined demonstration effect except when the game is in progress from the start of rotation to the stop of 3C and 3R).

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

  Data corresponding to the type of each bonus for causing the liquid crystal display 4 to display images in the bonus winning effect and the bonus medium effect for each effect stage is stored in advance in the ROM 123 as bonus effect data. Further, the effect data of the history display effect and the effect data of the demonstration effect are stored in the ROM 123 in advance. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of various effect data stored in the ROM 123.

  As shown in the figure, regular bonus production data for performing regular bonus prize production and regular bonus production, big bonus production data for performing big bonus prize production and big bonus production, and challenge bonus prize production and challenge bonus Challenge bonus effect data for effecting is prepared for each effect stage of stage 1 and stage 2 and stored in the ROM 123. In addition, demonstration effect data and history display effect data are prepared in common with stage 1 and stage 2 and stored in ROM 123.

  Here, since the regular bonus effect, the big bonus effect data, and the challenge bonus effect data are effects that are continuously executed over a period of a plurality of games of each game during the bonus from the time of winning the bonus, the winning notification is made. The data amount is larger than the production data of the production, or the production data of the demonstration production and the history display production.

  The RAM 122 of the effect control board 102 has a demonstration effect in an area other than the effect stage storage area 122-1, the game history data area 122-2, the execution effect data area 122-3, and the frame buffer 122-4. An area for setting a demo invalid flag for prohibiting execution of the history display effect is provided. In addition, an area for storing a game state applied in a game progressing on the game control board 101 side indicated by the game state command is also provided in the RAM 122.

  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. 8 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). Here, when 3 is set as the bet number (a bet number larger than this is not set), 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). In the lottery process, a winning status notification command indicating the setting status of the winning flag in the RAM 112 is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Details of the lottery process will be described later.

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

  When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped, a winning determination process is performed to determine 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. Here, a winning information command indicating a winning determination result is sent to the effect control board 102. Details of the winning determination process will be described later.

  When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step 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, a process related to the end control of the big bonus and the deletion of a winning flag that does not carry over) are also performed. At the end of the payout process, that is, at the end of one game, a game state command indicating the game state of the next game is sent to the effect control board 102. Details of the payout process will be described later. Then, the process for one game ends, and the process for the next one game starts.

  Next, the lottery process in step S3 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 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, random number acquisition processing is performed, and by outputting a sampling command, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 115 is extracted by the sampling circuit 116 and stored in 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. 5B 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 acquired number of determination values is added to the internal lottery random value stored in the determination area of the RAM 112, and the result of the addition is used as a new internal lottery random value (step S107). 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 is a regular bonus, a big bonus challenge bonus, or a single bonus (step S110). If the lottery target is neither a regular bonus, a big bonus, a challenge bonus, or a single bonus, the process proceeds to step S112.

  If the bonus is a regular bonus, big bonus, challenge bonus or single bonus, whether the value of the special role temporary storage register is 0, that is, a regular bonus winning flag, a big bonus winning flag, or a challenge bonus from the previous game It is determined whether or not the winning flag is carried over (step S111). If the value of the special role temporary storage register is not 0, the process proceeds to step S113 as it is. If the value of the special role temporary storage register is 0, the process proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the winning flag of the lottery object combination is set in the winning flag storage register. Then, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, it is determined whether or not the game state of the current game is a challenge bonus depending on whether or not the challenge bonus flag is set in the RAM 112. If the gaming state is not a challenge bonus, the process proceeds to step S115 as it is. If it is a challenge bonus, a watermelon winning flag, a bell winning flag, and a cherry winning flag are set in the winning flag storage register. When the single bonus winning flag is set, the watermelon winning flag, the bell winning flag, the cherry winning flag, and the single bonus winning flag are set in the winning flag storage register (step S114). ). Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S115, the lower byte of the winning flag storage register, that is, a value corresponding to the setting status of the winning flag for the general combination is stored in the general combination temporary storage register. Next, it is determined whether or not the upper byte of the winning flag storage register is 0, that is, whether the regular bonus or the big bonus is not won in this game (step S116). If the upper byte of the winning flag storage register is not 0, the upper byte of the winning flag storage register, that is, a value corresponding to the setting state of the winning flag of the special role is stored in the special role temporary storage register (step S117). Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

  If the upper byte of the winning flag storage register is 0, whether the value of the special role temporary storage register is 0, that is, the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus winning flag, or the challenge bonus winning flag is carried over from the previous game. It is determined whether it is not (step S118). If the value of the special role temporary storage register is not 0, the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus winning flag, or the challenge bonus winning flag is set in the upper byte of the winning flag storing register according to the value (step S119). Then, the process proceeds to step S120. If the value of the special role temporary storage register is 0, the process proceeds to step S120 as it is.

  In step S120, the value stored in the special role temporary storage register is written in the accumulator of the CPU 111. Further, the value of the lower 4 bits of the accumulator is shifted to the upper 4 bits (step S121). Next, the value stored in the general combination temporary storage register is added to the value stored in the accumulator, and this is stored in the accumulator (step S122). Then, the value stored in the accumulator is stored in the index search register (step S123).

  Further, a winning status notification command is generated according to the setting status of the winning flag of each combination indicated by the winning flag storage register or the index search register, and is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S124). 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. 10 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). Also, the timing of the reel stop timer is newly started (step S203).

  Next, a work initialization code at the start of reel motor rotation is set in the register, and reel rotation is started (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 the reel stop timer timed in step S203 has timed a predetermined automatic stop time (for example, 30 seconds) (step S207). If the automatic stop time is counted, among the reels that are still rotating, the game state of the game, the internal winning situation, the other reels in the order of the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R An automatic stop table that defines the number of stop steps of the reel corresponding to the stop state is created (step S208). After that, it waits until the rotation of the reel (3L, 3C, 3R) corresponding to the created automatic stop table stops (step S209).

  When the rotation of the reel (3L, 3C, 3R) corresponding to the created automatic stop table stops, it is determined whether all of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R have stopped (step S210). If the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is not stopped, the process returns to step S208. 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.

  If the reel stop timer has not counted the automatic stop time, it is determined whether any one of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R has been detected (step S211). If no stop button operation is detected, it is determined whether 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 S212). If no reel rotation error has occurred, the process returns to step S207.

  If it is determined in step S212 that a reel rotation error has occurred, an error code indicating a reel rotation error is set in the register (step S213), and the process proceeds to a predetermined error process (step S214). Along with this, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is also temporarily stopped. If the error is released, the process returns to step S204 again, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is resumed.

  If the operation of the stop button 12L, 12C, or 12R is detected in step S211, the reel motor (3ML, 3MC, or 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 S215). Then, it waits until the rotation of the reel (any one of 3L, 3C, 3R) corresponding to the operated stop button stops (step S216).

  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 S217). If the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is not stopped, the process returns to step S205. 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. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail the winning determination process executed by the CPU 111 in step S5. In the winning determination process, a winning flag corresponding to the role symbol derived on any winning line of the display result of the variable display device 2 is set in the winning flag storage register of the RAM 112. For example, when the regular bonus symbols are arranged on the winning line of the variable display device 2, the value of the most significant bit of the upper byte of the winning flag storage register is 1 and the values of the other bits are 0 (step) S301).

  Next, the value of each bit in the winning flag storage register of the RAM 112 is inverted. For example, when only the regular bonus winning flag is set, the value of the most significant bit of the upper byte of the winning flag storage register is 0 and the value of the other bits is 1. Then, the data of the winning flag storage register and the data of the winning flag storage register are logically ORed for each bit (step S302). Then, it is determined whether or not the result of the logical sum operation in step S302 is 0 (step S303). If the result of the logical sum operation in step S302 is not 0, it means that the winning combination for which the winning flag has not been set has been won. In this case, the routine proceeds to predetermined error processing.

  If the result of the logical sum operation in step S302 is 0, it is determined whether or not a replay winning is made based on whether or not a replay winning flag is set in the winning flag storage register (step S304). If a replay prize has been won, a replay game flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S305). The replay game in-progress flag is deleted when the bet number is automatically set in the next game. Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the replay winning is not made, it is determined whether or not the regular bonus is won depending on whether or not the regular bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag storage register (step S306). If the regular bonus has been won, the regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112, the special role temporary storage register value is initialized to 0, and the RT1 and RT2 counter values in the RAM 112 are cleared to 0 (step S307). . Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the regular bonus has not been won, it is determined whether or not the big bonus has been won depending on whether or not the big bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag storage register (step S308). If the big bonus has been won, the big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112, the special role temporary storage register value is initialized to 0, and the RT1 and RT2 counter values in the RAM 112 are cleared to 0 (step S309). . Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the big bonus has not been won, it is determined whether or not the challenge bonus has been won based on whether or not a challenge bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag storage register (step S310). If the challenge bonus has been won, the challenge bonus flag is set in the RAM 112, the special role temporary storage register value is initialized to 0, and the RT1 and RT2 counter values in the RAM 112 are cleared to 0 (step S311). . Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the challenge bonus is not won, it is determined whether or not the single bonus is won in the current game, depending on whether or not the single bonus winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S312). If no single bonus is won in this game, it is impossible to win a single bonus or derive an RT symbol, so the winning determination process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the single bonus is won in this game, the challenge bonus flag is erased from the RAM 112, and the value of the special role temporary storage register is initialized to 0 (step S313). Next, it is determined whether or not a single bonus is won based on whether or not a single bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag storage register (step S314). Here, if a single bonus is won in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2, a single bonus will always be won. If a single bonus has been won, a single bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S315). Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If no single bonus is won in step S314, the game state of the current game is a challenge bonus, and it is determined whether or not an RT symbol is derived on the variable display device 2 (step S316). If the RT symbol is not derived, the winning determination process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the RT symbol is derived, 101 is set as the initial value of the RT1 counter. The reason why the initial value set here is 101 instead of 100 is that the value of the RT1 counter is decremented by 1 in step S418 (described later) until the processing of this game ends (step S317). 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. 12 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 any of the watermelon, bell, and cherry winning flags 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.

  Here, it is determined in step S401 that the small role is not won, or the medal payout in step S402 is ended, so that it is determined that one game is ended. That is, when the small role is won, it is determined that the game is over when the payout of the medal is completed. When the small role is not won, the variable display device 2 displays the medal without paying out the medal. This is the same as determining that the game is over when the result is derived. The operation of the checkout button 16 is effective here, but the operations of the single BET button 14 and the MAXBET button 15 are not yet effective.

  In step S403, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a regular bonus (including those provided during the big bonus) depending on whether or not the regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112. If the current gaming state is not a regular bonus, the process proceeds to step S407. If the current gaming state is a regular bonus, the number of games and winnings in the regular bonus are counted using the counter of the RAM 112 (step S404).

  As a result of the count, it is determined whether or not a regular bonus end condition has been met (step S405). If the regular bonus end condition is satisfied, the regular bonus medium flag in the RAM 112 is deleted. Also, a counter value for counting the number of games and the number of winnings in the regular bonus is initialized (step S406). Then, the process proceeds to step S407. If the regular bonus end condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S407, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a big bonus depending on whether or not the big bonus flag is set in the RAM 112. If the current gaming state is a big bonus, the number of payout medals in the big bonus is counted using the counter of the RAM 112 (step S408). The number of payout medals counted here exceeds 345, and it is determined whether or not the big bonus end condition is satisfied (step S409). If the big bonus end condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S421.

  If the big bonus end condition is satisfied, the big bonus medium flag in the RAM 112 is deleted. If the regular bonus medium flag is set, it is also deleted. Also, a counter value for counting the number of payout medals in the big bonus is initialized. Also, a counter value for counting the number of games and the number of winnings in the regular bonus is initialized (step S410). Then, the process proceeds to step S421.

  If the current gaming state is not a big bonus in step S407, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a challenge bonus depending on whether or not the challenge bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S411). If the current gaming state is a challenge bonus, the number of payout medals in the challenge bonus is counted using the counter of the RAM 112 (step S412). The number of payout medals counted here exceeds 238, and it is determined whether or not the challenge bonus end condition is satisfied (step S413). If the end condition for the challenge bonus is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S421 as it is.

  If the challenge bonus end condition is satisfied, the challenge bonus flag in the RAM 112 is erased. Also, a counter value for counting the number of medals paid out in the challenge bonus is initialized. Further, the challenge bonus ends on condition of the number of paid-out medals, and 100 is set as the initial value of the RT2 counter in the RAM 122 in order to control the gaming state to RT2 from the next game (step S414). Then, the process proceeds to step S421.

  If the current gaming state is not a challenge bonus in step S411, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a single bonus depending on whether or not the single bonus flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S415). If the current gaming state is a single bonus, the single bonus medium flag in the RAM 112 is erased (step S416). Then, the process proceeds to step S421.

  If the current gaming state is not a single bonus, whether or not the current gaming state is RT1 (or whether it will be RT1 from the next game) depending on whether the value of the RT1 counter in the RAM 112 is 1 or more. ) Is determined (step S417). If the current gaming state is RT1, the value of the RT1 counter is decremented by 1 (step S418). Then, the process proceeds to step S421.

  If the current gaming state is not also RT1, whether or not the current gaming state is RT2 is determined based on whether the value of the RT2 counter in the RAM 112 is 1 or more (step S419). If the current gaming state is RT2, the value of the RT2 counter is decremented by 1 (step S420). Then, the process proceeds to step S421. If the current gaming state is not also RT2, the process proceeds to step S421 as it is.

  In step S421, based on the state of the big bonus medium flag, the regular bonus medium flag, and the challenge bonus medium flag in the RAM 112, the gaming state applied in the next game (here, the normal gaming state, the challenge bonus, or the big bonus) A game state command indicating a regular bonus that is not in bonus is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102.

  Further, the winning flag set in the winning flag storage register and the winning flag set in the winning flag storage register are all erased. Even if the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus winning flag or challenge bonus winning flag is set in this game and the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus is not won, the value of the special role temporary storage register will be Since it is not cleared, the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus winning flag or the challenge bonus winning flag is carried over to the next game. Even if it is a special role, the single bonus winning flag is erased in step S416 and is not carried over to the next game. On the other hand, since the value of the general combination temporary storage register is always rewritten according to the result of the internal lottery of the next game, the winning flag of the general combination is not carried over to the next game (step S422). Then, the payout process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. Here, when returning to the flowchart of FIG. 8, 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 performs the transition of the game state among the normal game state, RT1, RT2, single bonus, regular bonus, big bonus, challenge bonus. A command is transmitted to the effect control board 102 in accordance with the progress status of. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an original effect based on the 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. 13 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, the time measurement by the internal timer of the CPU 121 is started again from 0 (step S502).

  Next, demonstration effect data is stored in the execution effect data area 122-3, and based on this, it is determined whether the demonstration effect is being executed (step S503). If the demonstration effect is being executed, the demonstration effect is terminated (step S504), and the process proceeds to step S507. If the demonstration effect is not being executed, the effect data of the history display effect is stored in the execution effect data area 122-3, and based on this, it is determined whether the history display effect is being executed (step S505). If the history display effect is being executed, the history display effect is terminated (step S506), and the process proceeds to step S507. If the history display effect is not being executed, the process directly proceeds to step S507. In step S507, when any command is received from the game control board 101, the type of the received command is determined.

  If the received command type is the winning status notification command transmitted in step S124, one game is started here, so that the history regardless of whether or not the bonus effect is being executed. In order to prevent the display effect and the effect stage from being switched, a demonstration invalid flag is set in the RAM 122 and the operation of the effect stage switching button 17 is invalidated. (Step S508). If the gaming state is a regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus, the state where the demonstration invalid flag is set is continued as it is, so the situation where the demonstration performance etc. is not performed is continued only after the game starts. It is.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the gaming state received at the end of the previous game and stored in the RAM 122 (that is, the gaming state of the current game) indicates a challenge bonus (step S509). If the game state of the current game does not indicate that it is in the challenge bonus, the process returns to step S501 as it is.

  If the game state of the current game indicates that it is in the challenge bonus, it is determined whether or not the received winning status notification command indicates that the single bonus has been won (step S510). If the winning of the single bonus is not indicated, the process returns to step S501 as it is.

  If the winning of the single bonus is indicated, the effect data of the winning notification effect corresponding to the effect stage stored in the effect stage storage area 122-1 is read from the ROM 122 and written in the execution effect data area 122-3 (step S511). ). Next, according to the effect data of the winning notification effect written here, a predetermined winning notification is performed on the liquid crystal display 4 (step S512). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If the received command type is the winning information command transmitted in step S317, the game history data area 122-2 is determined according to the result of the current game (especially the winning information indicated by the received winning information command). The game history stored in is updated (step S513).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the winning information indicated by the received winning information command indicates that a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus has been won (step S514). If there is no indication that the regular bonus, the big bonus, or the challenge bonus has been won, the process returns to step S501.

  If it indicates that a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus has been won, bonus stage data corresponding to the stage and the type of bonus that has been won are stored in the stage stage storage area 122-1. The data is read from the ROM 122 and written in the execution effect data area 122-3 (step S515). Next, according to the bonus effect data written here, a bonus winning effect among the bonus effects is performed on the liquid crystal display 4. This bonus winning effect can be performed using the speakers 7L, 7R, 7U and the game effect lamps 75A to 75M (step S516). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If the received command type is the gaming state command transmitted in step S421, 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 S517). Next, it is determined whether or not the game state applied in the next game indicated by the received game state command indicates a regular bonus, a big bonus, or a challenge bonus, that is, whether or not a bonus state is currently in effect. (Step S518).

  If it is in a bonus state at the present time, a bonus medium effect corresponding to the progress status of the bonus is started in accordance with the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus effect data written in the execution effect data area 122-3 (step S519). Then, the process returns to step S501. If it is in a bonus state at this time, the bonus mid-stage production is being executed, the demonstration invalid flag is not erased, and the operation of the production stage switching button 17 remains invalidated, so the game ends. Even in such a case, it is impossible to switch the effect stage and to execute the history display effect, and the demonstration effect is not executed even if the game operation is not performed for a predetermined time or more.

  If it is not in a bonus state at this time, it means that an effect during bonus is not executed (or ended in the game), so the demonstration invalid flag set in the RAM 122 is deleted, and the effect stage switch button 17 The operation is also validated (step S520). Then, the process returns to step S501. Thereby, it is possible to execute the stage switching and the history display effect according to the player's operation until the start of the next game, and the demonstration effect is executed if the game operation is not performed for a predetermined time or more. It will be.

  If the received command type is another type of command, processing corresponding to each command type is executed (step S521). Since the processing here is not related to the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted. Thereafter, the process returns to step S501.

  If it is determined in step S501 that a command has not been received, it is determined whether a demo invalid flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S522). As described later, the demonstration invalid flag indicates that a bonus effect is executed when the game is in a narrow sense from the operation of the start lever 11 until the display result is derived to the variable display device 2, or even if the game is not in progress. If it is, it will be set. If the demonstration invalid flag is set, the operation of the effect stage changeover switch 17 is also invalid, and the process returns to step S501 as it is without performing the effect stage switching and the history display effect as well as the demonstration effect.

  If the demonstration invalid flag is not set, it is determined whether a short-term operation of the effect stage changeover switch 17 is detected and the player has instructed to change the effect stage (step S523). When switching of the production stage is instructed, the production stage stored in the production stage storage area 122-1 is different from the current stage (for example, if the current production stage is stage 1, the stage 2) (step S524). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  If the instruction stage switching is not instructed, it is determined whether or not a long-term operation of the effect stage changeover switch 17 has been detected and the player has instructed execution of the history display effect (step S525). When the execution of the history display effect is instructed, the effect data of the history display effect is read from the ROM 123 and written in the execution effect data area 122-3 (step S526). Further, the history display effect is started on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the effect data of the history display effect and the game history stored in the game history data area 122-2 (step S527). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  Note that starting the history display effect means that the history display effect is designated as an effect that is being executed, and thereafter, an image corresponding to the execution progress is executed by an image display routine that is started every frame period different from this flowchart. Data is developed in the frame buffer 122-4, and an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the developed image data. This is the same for other effects.

  If execution of the history display effect is not instructed in step S525, it is determined whether or not the internal timer of the CPU 121 has timed a predetermined time (step S528). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S501. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the demonstration effect effect data is read from the ROM 123 and written in the execution effect data area 112-3 (step S529). Furthermore, the demonstration effect is started on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the written demonstration effect data (step S530). Then, the process returns to step S501.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, a single bonus may be won regardless of whether there is a game state in the normal game state, RT1 or RT2, or if there is a game state in the challenge bonus. is there. Here, when there is a game state in the challenge bonus, the number of drawn frames for the left reel 3L is only one frame at a maximum, and a single bonus that is not missed in the normal game state, RT1 or RT2, may be missed. When a single bonus is missed in the challenge bonus, a normal gaming state, an RT symbol that is not derived in RT1 or RT2, may be derived, so that the gaming state is controlled by RT1 only for the next 100 games. .

  Thus, the gaming state is controlled to RT1 by limiting the chance that the gaming state is controlled to RT1 based on the derivation of the RT symbol only when the single bonus is won and the gaming state is the challenge bonus. There will be a sharpening of opportunities. On the other hand, the RT symbol for controlling the gaming state to RT1 is not determined as a winning combination display mode, and is not an object of internal lottery. For this reason, since the RT symbol is derived only when the challenge bonus is present, the other winning combinations are not derived. Also, an opportunity to win a single bonus, which is a premise for deriving an RT symbol, can be given not only when the gaming state is the challenge bonus but also when it is in the normal gaming state, RT1 or RT2.

  Further, when the single bonus is won in the challenge bonus, the challenge bonus is terminated after the game ends, but the challenge bonus is also terminated when the number of payout medals exceeds 238. In this case, the gaming state is controlled to RT2 having a lower replay winning probability (but higher than the normal gaming state) than RT1 when the RT symbol is derived based on the winning of the single bonus. Even if the single bonus is won, if the prize is won as it is, the challenge bonus is ended, and the game is controlled to the normal game state through the single bonus of one game. As described above, the player pays attention also to the end condition of the challenge bonus, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

  In addition, when a single bonus is won in the challenge bonus, the challenge bonus, which is a game state advantageous to the player, ends, but here, the game state is advantageous to the player different from the challenge bonus. An opportunity to let RT1 control is given. The single bonus ends when the number of paid out medals exceeds 238 even if the challenge bonus is not won, so if you win a watermelon with a large number of paid out medals each time, the game will end with fewer games. As a result, the chance of winning the single bonus and allowing RT1 to control the gaming state is reduced.

  On the other hand, if the single bonus is not won in the challenge bonus, priority is given to the derivation of a watermelon with a large number of paid-out medals, but depending on the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, only 5 paid-out medals are obtained. You can also win the bell of By winning the bell, it is possible to increase the chances of winning the single bonus by increasing the number of challenge bonus games while maintaining a positive increase / decrease in medals. Thereby, the strategy of the game in the single bonus is further increased, and the interest of the game can be further improved.

  By the way, even if a single bonus is won in the challenge bonus, the RT symbol cannot always be derived, and the RT symbol cannot be derived unless the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated in a certain procedure. . That is, since it is necessary for the player to intervene in the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R with the intention of deriving the RT symbol, the interest of the game can be further improved.

  However, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, if there is a reel that has not stopped rotating even after 30 seconds from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, such a reel is automatically stopped. The Rukoto. If the single bonus is won in the challenge bonus, the RT symbol can be derived simply by automatically stopping. In this way, as long as the player has an intention to derive the RT symbol in the challenge bonus, the RT symbol can be derived by a simple intervention method in which the aggressive stop operation is not performed. Regardless of the skill level, RT1 can control the gaming state.

  Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the symbol combination of the single bonus is “JAC-watermelon-watermelon”, the symbol combination of the watermelon having the largest number of payout medals is “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon”, and the symbol of the RT symbol. The combination is “7-watermelon-watermelon”. Here, in order to derive the RT symbol without depending on the automatic stop, the left reel 3L needs to be the third reel. However, if the left reel 3L is the third reel, any symbol is derived. Even so, the control for the right and middle reels 3C and 3R is performed in the same manner.

  Thus, until the left reel 3L is stopped as the third reel, the RT symbol can be derived only by looking at the stop control of the reels 3C and 3R, that is, it is not known whether the single bonus is won or not. The expectation of the person is not lost. However, when the single bonus is won during the challenge bonus, the fact is notified so that the player can expect that the RT symbol will be derived and the gaming state will be controlled to RT, and the game will be more interesting. Can be improved.

  Also, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, when a single bonus that will end the challenge bonus when winning is won in the gaming state of the challenge bonus, a winning notification effect is performed. When the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus is won, the gaming state is controlled to the regular bonus or big bonus, but when winning these roles, the bonus winning effect is the regular bonus, big bonus or challenge bonus playing In each game when is controlled, a bonus medium effect is executed. These winning notification effects, bonus winning effects, and bonus bonus effects are executed at either stage 1 or stage 2 according to the player's selection, but the progress of the game regardless of the player's selection. It does not mean that there is a difference in the stage of production.

  Further, although it is not an effect indicating the current progress of the game, it is not a period during the game from the operation of the start lever 11 to the derivation of the display result of the variable display device 2, and in a predetermined period, If no game operation is performed, a demonstration effect is executed. When the player instructs execution of a history display effect by long-pressing the effect stage switching button 17, the history display effect is executed. Furthermore, the stage can be switched by operating the stage switch button 17 (except for a long press) during the period between the games.

  When performing an effect performed by displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4, it is first necessary to read the effect data of the effect to be executed from the ROM 123 and write it in the execution effect data area 122-3 of the RAM 122. There is a processing overhead required to read / write the effect data. Since the bonus effect data for performing the bonus winning effect and the effect during the bonus needs to be performed over a plurality of games, the data amount is larger than the effect data of the winning notification effect, the demonstration effect or the history display effect. And the overhead required for reading / writing increases compared to the effect data of the winning notification effect or the demonstration effect and the history display effect.

  Here, it is assumed that the demonstration effect is executed when the game operation is not performed for a predetermined period in the period between the games even when the bonus effect is being executed. Must be read out and written into the execution effect data area 122-3. In this case, since the demonstration effect production data must be overwritten on the bonus production data, if the demonstration production is ended due to some game operation, if the original bonus production production is resumed, the bonus production will be resumed. Data must be read from the ROM 123 and written to the execution effect data area 122-3. In addition to this, data indicating how far the bonus effect has been executed at the start of the demonstration effect must be saved and restored at the end of the demonstration effect. The same applies when a history display effect is about to be executed by a long press operation of the effect stage switching button 17 by the player.

  In addition, even if the effect during the bonus is being executed, the effect stage is switched during the period between the games, and the effect stage during the bonus can be switched from there by operating the effect stage switching button 17. The production data corresponding to the new production stage must be read from the ROM 123 and written in the execution production data area 122-3. If this is allowed, the same process must be performed many times each time the effect stage switching button 17 is operated.

  On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the demonstration invalid flag is not erased even if one game is finished during the execution of the bonus effect, and the operation of the effect stage switching button 17 is also performed. It remains disabled. In other words, the demonstration effect data and the history display effect data are prohibited from being read out from the ROM 123 and written into the execution effect data area 122-3. It is not overwritten by the demonstration data of the demonstration effect or the history display effect and is not deleted from the execution effect data area 122-3. Since it is not erased, it is not necessary to read out bonus effect data from the ROM 123 and write it into the execution effect data area 122-3.

  For this reason, in order to execute a demonstration effect or a history display effect that is not directly related to the current game progress, bonus effect data with a large amount of data is read from the ROM 123 and the execution effect data area 122-3 of the RAM 122 is read. The overhead of the process of writing to the file is not duplicated. Further, there is no processing overhead of saving data indicating how far the bonus medium effect has been executed at the start of the demonstration effect and the history display effect, and returning the data when the demonstration effect ends.

  In addition, since the operation of the effect stage switching button 17 is also disabled during execution of the effect during bonus, the effect stage is not switched, and the effect data corresponding to the same situation can be obtained only by the effect stage being different. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of overhead that has to be read from the ROM 123 and written to the execution effect data area 122-3 of the RAM 122.

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

  In the above embodiment, the RT symbol is the display mode of the loss when the symbol combination “7-watermelon-watermelon” is aligned on any winning line, but is not limited thereto. In the normal gaming state, the winning combination is a display mode of a small role with a winning probability of 0 (or very close to 0), and is awarded only when a single bonus is won in the challenge bonus and the single bonus cannot be won. It may be a display mode. When the RT symbol is displayed in the small role display mode, when winning a small role that also serves as the RT symbol, the same number of medals as other small roles with the largest number of payout medals are paid out, or the RT symbol is also used. A single bonus can be won without winning a small role, and a medal equivalent to the expected value of the number of medals obtained in the single bonus of the next game can be paid out.

  In addition, the RT symbol may not be a display mode of a symbol combination which may be derived on any winning line, but may be a display mode of a symbol combination derived on a specific winning line. A display mode in which a single bonus symbol combination is derived on a specific winning line (in a normal gaming state, in RT1 and RT2, a display mode in which a single bonus symbol combination is not derived on the specific winning line) may be adopted. .

  In addition, there are two types of symbol combinations for single bonus (for example, “JAC-watermelon-watermelon” and “BAR-watermelon-watermelon”), and one of them (for example, “BAR-watermelon-watermelon”) also serves as an RT symbol. It may be a thing. In this example, when the single bonus winning flag is set, the symbol combination “JAC-watermelon-watermelon” is given priority over the symbol combination “BAR-watermelon-watermelon”. In the state, the number of frames drawn in the left reel 3L is 4, so the symbol combination of “BAR-watermelon-watermelon” that also serves as the RT symbol cannot be derived, but the challenge bonus has the number of frames drawn in, so the stop buttons 12L, 12C Depending on the operation procedure of 12R, it becomes possible to derive a symbol combination of “BAR-watermelon-watermelon” which also serves as an RT symbol.

  Note that the single bonus that does not double the RT symbol of “JAC-Watermelon-Watermelon” and the single bonus that also doubles the RT symbol of “BAR-Watermelon-Watermelon” are display results derived based on separate winning flags. However, when the single bonus is won, only the former winning flag may be set in the normal gaming state, and both the former and latter winning flags may be set in the challenge bonus. Alternatively, a single bonus winning flag is set as a single bonus, and when a single bonus is won, a single bonus winning flag is set for only one type in both the normal gaming state and the challenge bonus. The display result that can be derived based on the bonus winning flag may be only the display result of the former, and the display result that can be derived based on the single bonus winning flag of the challenge bonus may be the display result of both the former and the latter.

  In the above embodiment, the RT symbol is derived by missing the single bonus when the single bonus is won in the challenge bonus. However, the RT symbol may be derived in other cases. Good. For example, the RT symbol may be derived when no winning combination is won in the challenge bonus (the small winning combination flag is set) or when a replay is won. Furthermore, RT symbols may be derived even in a gaming state other than the challenge bonus. Here, even if the RT symbol is derived except when the single bonus is won in the challenge bonus, the gaming state may not be controlled by RT1. The same applies when the symbol of the small role is the RT symbol.

  In the above embodiment, when a single bonus is won in the challenge bonus, the game bonus state flag is controlled to the challenge bonus, assuming that the challenge bonus flag is deleted at the end of the game. It was supposed to be. However, if the control with the challenge bonus is performed as the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the deletion of the mid-challenge flag does not necessarily have to wait for the end of the game. For example, if a single bonus is won in the challenge bonus, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are still stopped if the data for selecting the stop control table is set in the gaming state of the challenge bonus and in the state of winning the single bonus. Even before the game, the flag during the challenge bonus may be deleted.

  In the embodiment described above, when the challenge bonus is terminated by winning the single bonus, the gaming state is controlled to RT1 only for the next 100 games on condition that the RT symbol is derived, and the challenge bonus is determined by the number of medals paid out. When the game is ended, the gaming state is controlled to RT2 having a lower replay win probability than RT1 only for the next 100 games. On the other hand, for example, when the challenge bonus is terminated by the number of paid-out medals, the gaming state may be controlled to RT1 only for the next 50 games. Or it is good also as what controls to a normal game state as it is.

  In the above embodiment, the gaming state controlled based on the RT symbol that can be derived only when the single bonus is won in the challenge bonus, the RT (the winning probability of replay is higher than the normal gaming state) In particular, RT1), an AT (Assist Time) for notifying the operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R for winning the type of the selected small combination and winning the selected small combination, or RT And AR combined with AT.

  In the above embodiment, when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is automatically stopped according to the elapsed time from the start of the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, the number of symbols to be drawn is not limited. A limit of the number of frames that can be drawn up to a maximum of 4 frames (a maximum of 1 frame for the left reel 3L in the challenge bonus) may be provided. If the number of frames to be drawn in the left reel 3L is a maximum of 4, it is possible to control so as not to derive the RT symbol.

  In the above embodiment, when the single bonus is won in the challenge bonus, among the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the middle and right reels 3C, 3R are stopped by operating the stop buttons 12C, 12R, and left If the reel 3L is automatically stopped, the RT symbol is always derived. However, even in such a case, it is possible not to derive RT symbols at a predetermined rate. Further, the number of frames drawn on the left reel 3L is limited to a predetermined number of frames (for example, 4 frames), and “7” is placed on the winning line where the “watermelon” is tempered with the number of frames drawn when the automatic stop condition is satisfied. The RT symbol can be derived only when it can be withdrawn. In this case, when the single bonus is won in the challenge bonus, the RT symbol may not be derived even if the left reel 3L is automatically stopped. It is necessary to perform an appropriate stop operation, and the technical intervention for deriving the RT symbol is not impaired.

  In the above embodiment, the reel whose maximum stop delay time is reduced to 75 milliseconds in the challenge bonus, that is, the reel whose number of drawn frames is limited to one frame is the left reel 3L. It may be 3C or the right reel 3R. For example, when the maximum stop delay time of the right reel 3R is shortened, the symbol arrangement of the left reel 3L and the right reel 3R shown in FIG. 2 may be interchanged. In this case, when the single bonus is won in the game state of the challenge bonus, the RT symbol can be derived even by a forward push operation (performing a stop operation in order of left → middle → right).

  In the above embodiment, in the game state of the challenge bonus, the watermelon winning flag, the bell winning flag, and the cherry winning flag are set in the winning flag storing register regardless of the single bonus lottery result (single bonus winning flag). If so, the single bonus winning flag is also set). On the other hand, in the challenge bonus, a single bonus lottery is performed with a predetermined winning probability, and a watermelon, bell and cherry lottery is performed with a winning probability of 100%. The winning flag may be set in the winning flag storage register.

  Alternatively, in addition to a single bonus, watermelon, bell, and cherry are also lottery with a predetermined winning probability that is not 100%, and the winning flag of the winning combination determined based on the lottery result is set in the winning flag storage register. However, the watermelon winning flag, the bell winning flag, and the cherry winning flag may be overwritten and set in the winning flag storage register thereafter. In addition, in the challenge bonus, the watermelon, bell and cherry are not drawn other than the single bonus, and no winning flag other than the single bonus winning flag is set, but depending on the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C and 12R A stop control table that wins in priority order of watermelon, bell, and cherry (in addition, if a single bonus is won, a win is given in preference to these single bonuses) is generated, and reels 3L, 3C are generated according to this stop control table 3R stop control may be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the winning notification is performed only when the single bonus is won in the challenge bonus. In this case, the middle and right reels 3C, 3R are stopped at any timing with the stop buttons 12C, 12R. If the left reel 3L is automatically stopped while operating to stop the RT symbol, the RT symbol is always derived. On the other hand, in the challenge bonus, even when the single bonus is not won, a winning notification similar to that at the time of winning the single bonus may be performed at a predetermined rate.

  In this case, when the winning notification is made in the challenge bonus, the player is expected to derive the RT symbol and control the gaming state to RT1, regardless of whether or not the single bonus is actually won. And the interests of the game can be further improved. Here, in order to derive the RT symbol, it is necessary to stop the left reel 3L as the third reel, but the middle and right reels 3C and 3R, which are the first and second reels, have a single symbol. Regardless of whether or not the bonus is won, “Watermelon” will be tempered. Whether or not the single bonus has been won is actually known when the rotation of the left reel 3L, which is the third reel, has stopped. For this reason, the player's expectation heightened by winning notification is not lost before the first and second reels are stopped.

  In such a case, when the winning notification is made without winning the single bonus, if the left reel 3L is automatically stopped, the small part that can be won with the challenge bonus will be missed. Become. In this way, there is a risk of missing a small role if the player automatically stops the reel without actively stopping it, so the player actively stops the operation for deriving the RT symbol. It can be directed to do so and does not impair the technical intervention for the derivation of RT symbols.

  In the above embodiment, in the game state of the challenge bonus, it was assumed that only the single bonus lottery was performed, but if a replay lottery is performed and this is won, the replay winning flag is set. Also good. In this case, when the single bonus or the replay is won in the gaming state of the challenge bonus, the winning notification can be made on the liquid crystal display 4.

  In the above embodiment, the operation means for the player to instruct execution of the history display effect is also used as the effect stage switching button 17 for instructing to switch the effect stage, but is separate from the effect stage switching button 17. Operation means may be provided. In addition, the production stages that are switched by operating the production stage switching button 17 are not limited to the two types of stages 1 and 2, and there may be three or more types of stages. In this case, effect data such as a bonus medium effect may be prepared for each type of effect stage and stored in the ROM 123 in advance.

  Further, the difference in the production stage is not limited to the type of character appearing in the production and the type of background image used in the production. Only one of the type of character appearing in the production and the type of background used in the production may be different depending on the production stage. For example, only the character appearing in the production and / or the background color used for the production may be different depending on the production stage. Moreover, the difference in effect stage can also cause a difference in the execution probability of the effect and the execution mode of the effect. For example, the execution probability of the winning notification effect may be different depending on whether stage 1 or stage 2 is selected.

  Furthermore, the images displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 may be exactly the same even if the performance stages are different. In addition to displaying images on the liquid crystal display 4, the effects in the slot machine are not only the display of images but also the sound output from the speakers 7L, 7R, 7U, the reel lamp 3LP and the game effect lamp. Many of them are performed by combining lighting of 75A to 75M. Therefore, for example, the images displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 in the stage 1 and the stage 2 are the same, but the BGM (Back Ground Music) of the effect may be different.

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

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

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

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

  Note that the CPU 121 and the video processor control the reading of the effect data from the ROM 123 and the writing of the effect data to the execution effect data area 122-3 (or the execution effect data area in the VRAM) for each word. You don't have to. For example, the first address and the last address (or data size) of the effect data to be read from the ROM 123 are specified, and the data in the specified range is collected in the execution effect data area 122-3 (or the execution effect data area in the VRAM). Even when the data is transferred and written, the CPU 121 or the video processor controls the reading of the effect data from the ROM 123 and the writing of the effect data in the execution effect data area 122-3 (or the execution effect data area in the VRAM). Will be.

  In the above embodiment, the demonstration effect has been started because the game has not progressed for a predetermined time in a period other than during the game, but this demonstration effect effect data is the first time the execution effect data area of the RAM 122 It was supposed to be written in 122-3. On the other hand, when one game is over (for example, triggered by reception of a winning information command or a gaming state command), demonstration effect effect data may be written in the execution effect data area 122-3. However, the demonstration effect data is not written in the bonus even if one game ends. In this case, when it is determined that the game has not progressed for a predetermined time in a period other than during the game, the demonstration effect is executed using the effect data written in the execution effect data area 122-3 at the end of the game. What should I do?

  Further, in a period other than during the game in which the display result of the variable display device 2 is derived from the operation of the start lever 11, even after the bet number is set for the next game, the start lever 11 is not operated after that for a predetermined time. However, the demonstration effect may not be executed even if a predetermined time elapses without the start lever 11 being operated after the betting number is set. In this case, regardless of whether or not the effect is during the bonus, the demonstration invalid flag is set in response to the reception of the BET command transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 when the bet number is set. It is only necessary to disable the operation of the switching button 17.

  In the above embodiment, the demo is invalid during the period from the bonus winning until the bonus ends even during the period other than during the game from the operation of the start lever 11 to the derivation of the display result to the variable display device 2. By performing aggressive control of setting a flag and disabling the operation of the effect stage switching button 17, switching of the demonstration effect, the history display effect, and the effect stage is prohibited. On the other hand, it is also possible to prohibit the switching of the production stage by not calling the module for rewriting the production stage in the program executed during the period from the bonus winning to the end of the bonus. Furthermore, when the demonstration effect and the history display effect production data are written by a module different from the bonus production data, the demonstration program is executed during the period from the bonus winning until the bonus ends. The demonstration effect and the history display effect can be prohibited from being executed by not calling the module for writing the effect data of the effect and the history display effect.

  In the above embodiment, except for the period from the bonus winning until the bonus ends, the stage switching is performed in the period between the games from the derivation of the display result on the variable display device 2 to the operation of the start lever 11. The stage could be switched between stage 1 and stage 2 by simply operating button 17 for a short time. On the other hand, the stage switching procedure is not realized by a single operation in this way, but first, the stage switching screen for performing stage switching by the first stage operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display. The stage may be switched by performing the second stage operation according to the displayed stage switching screen displayed on the device 4.

  In this case, the ROM 123 further stores effect data for causing the liquid crystal display 4 to display an effect stage switching screen (a type of effect). Further, for example, assuming that three types of stage stages 1 to 3 are prepared, the stage 123 and the stage 2 have the same configuration as stage 1 and stage 2, and the stage 123 winning stage presentation data and various bonus stage data are stored in the ROM 123. Will be stored.

  When the effect stage switching button 17 is operated for a short period of time between the game from the derivation of the display result on the variable display device 2 to the operation of the start lever 11, the ROM 123 displays the effect stage switching screen. It is assumed that the effect data is read and written in the execution effect data area 122-3 of the RAM 122. By operating any of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R according to the effect stage switching screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the effect data of the effect stage switching screen written in the execution effect data area 122-3, the stage Any stage of stage 1 to stage 3 can be selected.

  Even when the stage is selected as described above, the demonstration invalid flag is set and the operation of the stage switching button 17 is disabled during the period from the bonus winning until the bonus is ended. Data is not read from the ROM 123 and written to the execution effect data area 122-3. The effect stage switching screen is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 because the effect stage switching screen is not written in the execution effect data area 122-3, and therefore the operation of the effect stage is performed by operating the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R. It cannot be switched.

  Thus, since the reading of the effect data on the effect stage switching screen from the ROM 123 and the writing to the execution effect data area 122-3 are prohibited, the bonus effect data being executed is the effect during the execution of the effect during the bonus. It is not overwritten by the effect data on the stage switching screen and deleted from the execution effect data area 122-3. Since it is not erased, it is not necessary to read out bonus effect data from the ROM 123 and write it into the execution effect data area 122-3.

  Therefore, in order to display an effect stage switching screen that is not directly related to the current game progress, bonus effect data with a large amount of data is read from the ROM 123 and written in the execution effect data area 122-3 of the RAM 122. Processing overhead is not duplicated. Further, if the effect stage switching screen is not displayed, it is impossible to switch the effect stage. Therefore, the effect data corresponding to the same situation is read from the ROM 123 and only written in the execution effect data area 122-3 of the RAM 122. It is possible to prevent the overhead of not becoming necessary. In addition, there is no processing overhead of saving data indicating how much of the effect during the bonus has been executed when displaying the effect stage switching screen, and returning the data after the effect stage has been switched.

  It should be noted that the modification described here can also be applied to the case where the types of effects that can be executed are set by the same two-stage operation as described above, even if there is no demarcation stage. For example, this modification is also possible when an effect type setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 by the first operation and an effect type that can be executed according to the effect type setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 is set. It is possible to apply the method shown in the example. Moreover, in the modification demonstrated here, even if it is a case where there is no difference in the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 according to the difference in production stage, there exists an effect of this invention.

  In the embodiment described above, when determining an illegal winning, the data of each bit of the winning flag storage register is logically inverted, and the logical product operation is performed on the data of each bit of the winning flag storage register. On the other hand, the data of each bit of the winning flag storage register may be logically inverted, and this and the data of each bit of the winning flag storage register may be ORed. In this case, if the calculation result is 1, there is no illegal prize, and if it is 0, an illegal prize has occurred. Note that these operations can be appropriately changed depending on whether the bit indicating winning or winning is set to 0 or 1 or using positive logic or negative logic for the operation.

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

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

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

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

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

  In the above embodiment, 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 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 ms (with a total of 5 frames including the displayed symbols and pull-in (2 frames for the left reel 3L during the challenge bonus))) Then, it is determined whether or not there is a winning symbol for which the winning flag is set. 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 game balls are used as game media, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls, and when three bets are set in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are used. This is equivalent to setting the number of bets using.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 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. It is a figure which shows the storage area of RAM in an effect control board. (A) is a figure which shows the symbol combination of the winning combination, (b) is a figure which shows the example of the winning combination table according to gaming state. It is a figure which shows the example of the area | region which stores the result of an internal lottery, and the area | region which manages an illegal winning. It is a figure which shows the structure of the various effect data stored in ROM in an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows the 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. 8 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the reel rotation process of FIG. 8 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the winning determination process of FIG. 8 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the payout process of FIG. 8 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 (6)

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,
A fluctuation start control means for starting the fluctuation display of the identification information in the variable display device when a predetermined fluctuation start condition is satisfied;
Prior to deciding whether or not to allow the generation of a plurality of types of prizes including a predetermined special prize and a special prize different from the special prize before the display result of the variable display device is derived for each game A determination means;
Derivation control means for performing control for causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to the determination result of the prior determination means;
Special gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state when the special winning occurs;
An image display device capable of displaying an image;
An image on the image display device including a special effect continuously executed while being controlled to the special game state and a demo effect executed when a state in which the game is not progressing after the game ends Image effect data storage means for storing in advance a plurality of types of image effect data respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of effects by display of;
A means for storing data in a readable and writable manner, and an execution effect data area in which image effect data corresponding to an effect being executed among the plurality of types of image effect data is written, and written in the execution effect data area Image effect data storage means including an image data area in which display image data indicating the display color of each pixel of the image to be displayed on the image display device created based on the image effect data is written;
According to the display image data written in the image data area, the execution of the effect by displaying the image on the image display device including the special effect and the demonstration effect is controlled, and the display image data written in the image data area Production control means for outputting a corresponding image signal and displaying an image on the image display device,
The production control means includes
Special effect data writing that reads the image effect data of the special effect from the image effect data storage means and writes the read image effect data of the special effect in the execution effect data area when controlled to the special game state Means,
Demo effect data writing means for reading the image effect data of the demonstration effect from the image effect data storage means after the game is finished, and writing the read image effect data of the demonstration effect in the execution effect data area;
After the special effect data writing means writes the image effect data of the special effect in the execution effect data area until the special gaming state is ended, the demonstration effect data writing means has the execution effect data area. A demonstration effect prohibiting means for prohibiting writing the image effect data of the demonstration effect on
The derivation control means performs control for deriving a special display result for generating the special prize in the normal gaming state when it is determined that the special prize is allowed to be generated, and the special gaming state Including special permission time derivation control means for performing control for deriving the special display result and / or a predetermined specific display result different from the special display result,
The slot machine is
Special game state ending means for ending the special gaming state after the end of the game in which the special winning is permitted when it is determined that the special winning is permitted in the special gaming state;
When the specific display result is derived when it is determined that the occurrence of the special prize is allowed in the special gaming state, the gaming state is changed to a specific gaming state advantageous for a player different from the special gaming state. A slot machine, further comprising: a specific gaming state control means for controlling. The special gaming state ending means includes a special gaming state ending means for giving a predetermined number of times to end the special gaming state when the number of gaming values given to the player in the special gaming state reaches a predetermined number. The slot machine according to claim 1. The special game state ending means upon granting the predetermined number ends the special game state when the number of gaming values given to the player in the special game state reaches a predetermined number, and the specific game state The slot machine according to claim 2, further comprising second specific game state control means for controlling the game state to a second specific game state having a different advantage for the player. Further comprising stop operation means for instructing to derive the display result of the variable display device according to the player's operation,
The derivation control means is a control for causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to an operation procedure of the stop operation means and a determination result of the prior determination means when the stop operation means is operated. And
4. The special permissible time derivation control means causes the specific display result to be derived on condition that the stop operation means is operated in a specific operation procedure in the special gaming state. The slot machine of any one of Claims. Stop operation means for instructing to derive a display result of the variable display device in accordance with a player's operation;
A timing means for measuring a time elapsed since a timing start condition that can be satisfied after the predetermined variation start condition is satisfied;
The special permissible time derivation control means causes the specific display result to be derived when the time measuring means measures a predetermined time without operating the stop operation means in the special gaming state. Item 5. The slot machine according to any one of Items 1 to 4. Allowable notification means for performing a predetermined notification at a predetermined rate when it is determined that the special winning is permitted in the special gaming state and when the special winning is not determined. Further comprising
The variable display device includes a plurality of variable display units each variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information,
In the special gaming state, the special permission time derivation control means is provided in a variable display unit other than the predetermined variable display unit until identification information is derived in a predetermined variable display unit among the plurality of variable display units. 6. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein identification information that cannot be specified as to whether or not it is determined to allow the occurrence of the special prize is derived.

Images