JP2008237549A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine capable of allowing the operation means of a conventional slot machine to output a performance, based on input information concerning the operation means such as a bet switch not to be involved in a game progress, to a notifying means without arranging the new operation means in order to raise the interest and excitement of a player toward a game. <P>SOLUTION: A main control means includes a control signal transmitting means which transmits one control information signal, i.e., the first control information signal and then the second control information signal, to a sub-control means by each unit time concerning a control signal composed of the first and second control information signals, and transmits a special signal to the sub-control means by each prescribed special signal transmission time in priority to a general signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine in which a player inserts a game medium, rotates a reel on which a symbol is displayed, stops the game, and determines a game result by a combination of symbols at the time of stop. In particular, a special signal representing the detected operation information is detected rather than a general signal transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means in order to detect the player's operation regardless of the progress of the game of the slot machine and control the game. The present invention relates to a slot machine having a function capable of preferentially outputting within a range not impairing the progress of the game.

  A slot machine in which a player inserts a game medium, rotates a reel on which a symbol is displayed, stops it, and determines a game result by a combination of symbols at the time of the stop is widely used as one of the gaming machines. In this slot machine, when the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the lottery is stopped and winning, the player can play a game according to the winning winning combination.

  Conventionally, in this type of slot machine, the main control means for controlling the progress of the game causes the sub-control means to execute diversified effects using notification means such as an image display device, a display lamp, and a sound output device. A general signal based on the progress of the game is transmitted as a control signal to the sub-control means. Therefore, as a control signal, information based on the progress of the game, for example, information that the reel has started to rotate, information about the operation of the bet switch for determining the number of bets, and a stop to stop the rotating reel A general signal indicating information related to the operation of the switch or information indicating that it is in a predetermined gaming state is transmitted from the main control means to the sub control means, and the sub control means is a control signal that is a received general signal. Based on the above, the effect is output using the notification means.

For this reason, input information relating to operation means such as a bet switch not involved in the progress of the game, for example, information relating to operation of the start switch and the bet switch during reel rotation has not been transmitted from the main control means to the sub control means. Therefore, in order to allow a player to execute a sub game based on some operation of a player who is not involved in the progress of the game, it is necessary to newly provide operation means dedicated to the sub game in the slot machine. (See Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-141416 A

  Here, in Patent Document 1, in the period from the insertion of the game medium into the slot machine until the start switch is operated, the player's attention is drawn and the expectation is increased by devising the effect. For this purpose, there is described a slot machine that allows a player to perform a sub-game with a newly provided joystick.

  However, since the slot machine described in Patent Document 1 has a separate operation means called a joystick in addition to the operation means of the conventional slot machine, not only the manufacturing cost is required, but also for the player. Due to the increase in the configuration of the operation means, it has not been possible to instantaneously determine which operation means should be operated, and there has been a problem that the player is confused.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and in order to increase the interest and excitement of the player's game, the progress of the game can be achieved by operating means of a conventional slot machine without providing new operating means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine capable of outputting effects based on input information related to operation means such as a bet switch not involved in the notification means to the notification means. Furthermore, a special signal representing the detected operation information is detected rather than a general signal transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means for detecting the player's operation regardless of the progress of the game of the slot machine and controlling the game. An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that can output preferentially within a range that does not impair the progress of the game.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the slot machine according to the present invention, the control signal composed of the first control information signal and the second control information signal is converted into the first control information signal every unit time. A control signal for transmitting one control information signal to the sub-control means in the order of the second control information signal and transmitting the special signal to the sub-control means with priority over the general signal at every predetermined special signal transmission time. The transmission means is included in the main control means.

Specifically, the slot machine according to the present invention is:
A slot machine capable of performing a unit game until processing based on a result of turning and stopping a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed by inserting a game medium,
Main control means for controlling the game and transmitting a control signal including a special signal to the sub-control means;
Sub-control means for receiving the control signal transmitted from the main control means and controlling the production using the received control signal;
Including
The control signal is a signal composed of a first control information signal and a second control information signal,
The main control means includes
For each unit time, one control information signal is transmitted to the sub-control means in the order of the second control information signal following the first control information signal,
Control signal transmitting means for transmitting the special signal to the sub-control means in preference to other control signals every predetermined special signal transmission time;
It is characterized by that.

  According to the above-described invention, since the control signal transmitting means is included, the second control information following the first control information signal for each unit time with respect to the control signal composed of the first control information signal and the second control information signal. One control information signal is transmitted to the sub-control means in the order of signals, and the special signal is transmitted to the sub-control means in preference to the general signal which is another control signal at every predetermined special signal transmission time. Can do. Therefore, the special signal can be transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means at regular intervals, that is, every special signal transmission time.

  As a result, the sub-control means that has received the special signal can output an effect based on the information indicated by the special signal transmitted at regular intervals, and further an effect that has been changed. In order to increase interest and excitement, it is possible to output an effect based on input information relating to operation means such as a bet switch which is not involved in the progress of the game by using the operation means of the conventional slot machine without providing new operation means.

  Here, the “general signal” is a control signal transmitted from the main control unit to the sub control unit, and is transmitted to the sub control unit based on the progress of the game. As a general signal, information based on the progress of the game, for example, information that the reel has started to rotate, information about the operation of the bet switch for determining the number of bets, and a stop switch for stopping the rotating reel Examples of the control signal include information related to operations and information having contents such as a predetermined gaming state.

  The “special signal” is a control signal transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means, and includes input information relating to operation means that does not affect the progress of the game, and is transmitted to the sub-control means. Is. As the special signal, there is a control signal indicating information not related to the progress of the game, for example, information related to operation of the start switch and the bet switch during reel rotation. Therefore, by sending a special signal containing the input information related to the operation means that does not affect the progress of the game from the main control means to the sub control means, and the sub control means outputs an effect based on the received special signal. Thus, it is possible to cause the player to play a game with improved game performance without affecting the progress of the game.

  As the slot machine according to the present invention, the control signal transmitting means transmits the first control information signal of the special signal to the sub-control means and the time of transmitting the second control information signal of the other control signal to the sub-control means. It is preferable to transmit the second control information signal of the other control signal to the sub-control means.

  According to the above-described invention, when the time at which the first control information signal of the special signal is transmitted to the sub-control unit and the time at which the second control information signal of the other control signal is transmitted to the sub-control unit overlap, Since the second control information signal of the control signal is transmitted to the sub-control means, the second control information signal of the other control signal is transmitted following the first control information signal of the other control signal that has already been transmitted. Therefore, the sub-control means can receive other control signals without impairing information indicated by other control signals. As a result, the sub game means can control the effect using other control signals.

  As the slot machine according to the present invention, the main control means is a role lottery means for drawing a role from among the roles including a special role, and a game that advances a process corresponding to the winning combination when winning the winning combination Control means and special game control means for carrying out a special game that advances the game in an advantageous manner for the player when winning the winning special role, and when the control signal transmitting means wins the special role, It is desirable that the special role winning signal is transmitted to the sub-control means, and the sub-control means changes the effect to be output using the notification means based on the special signal when receiving the special role winning signal.

  According to the above-described invention, when the control signal transmitting means wins the special role, the control signal transmitting means transmits the special role winning signal to the sub control means, and the sub control means receives the special role winning signal based on the special signal. Since the output effect is changed using the notification means, the changing effect can be output based on the input information related to the operation means that does not affect the progress of the game indicated by the special signal.

  Here, the “combination” is a “special combination” that can be transferred to a “general combination” that pays out a predetermined number of game media when winning, and a “special game” that advances the game in an advantageous manner for the player. And “re-game” in which a game can be re-executed without inserting a game medium. The “special game” refers to a game that advances the game in an advantageous manner for the player when winning the special combination won by the combination lottery means.

  The “special role” includes a “first special role” that can be transferred to a “first special game” in which a game in which a predetermined role is selected with a high probability in a lottery is performed a predetermined number of times under a certain condition, A “second special role” that can be shifted to a “second special game” in which at least one of the games corresponding to the first special game can be played is included. The “first special combination” is a combination that is transferred to the first special game that is one of the special games, and is a combination called a regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as an RB combination). In the “first special game”, a game in which a predetermined combination is won with a high probability can be performed a predetermined number of times under a certain condition. The “second special combination” is a combination that is transferred to the second special game, which is one of special games, and is a combination called a big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a BB combination). The “second special game” is a game in which at least one of a general game and a game corresponding to the first special game can be performed until a predetermined number of game media payouts is reached.

  In the “lottery” for determining one combination, for example, it is desirable to generate a random number and determine one winning combination based on the value. Regarding the generation of random numbers, it is conceivable to use a random number generator or to generate them on software using a computer or the like.

  Therefore, according to the above-mentioned invention, the special control winning signal is received by the sub control means when the special control winning signal which is a general signal transmitted from the main control means by winning either the RB role or the BB role. A special signal indicating information on the operation of the bet switch that does not affect the progress of the game during the reel rotation is started based on the number of bet switch operations and the BB role is won. An effect that changes the reliability can be output. As a result, a special signal indicating information related to the operation of the bet switch that does not affect the progress of the game can cause the player to play a game with improved game performance without affecting the progress of the game.

  According to the above-described invention, since the control signal transmitting means is included, the second control information following the first control information signal for each unit time with respect to the control signal composed of the first control information signal and the second control information signal. One control information signal is transmitted to the sub-control means in the order of signals, and the special signal is transmitted to the sub-control means in preference to the general signal which is another control signal at every predetermined special signal transmission time. Can do. Therefore, the special signal can be transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means at regular intervals, that is, every special signal transmission time.

  The sub-control means that has received the special signal can output an effect based on information indicated by the special signal transmitted at regular intervals, and further an effect that has been changed. In order to increase excitement, it is possible to output an effect based on input information relating to operation means such as a bet switch that is not involved in the progress of the game by using the operation means of the conventional slot machine without providing new operation means. As a result, a special signal containing input information relating to operation means that does not affect the progress of the game is transmitted from the main control means to the sub control means, and the sub control means outputs an effect based on the received special signal. Thus, it is possible to cause the player to play a game with improved game performance without affecting the progress of the game.

<< Configuration >>
<Configuration of slot machine 10>
FIG. 1 is a view showing an appearance of a slot machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a front panel 20 is provided on the front surface of the housing of the slot machine 10. In the front panel 20, three vertically long rectangular display windows 22L, 22C and 22R are formed.

  Five winning lines are defined in front of these three display windows 22L, 22C and 22R. These five winning lines include three horizontal winning lines (center L1, upper and lower L2A, L2B) and two diagonal winning lines (diagonally downward L3A, obliquely upward L3B). A winning line (hereinafter referred to as an effective line) that is activated by the number of game media (in the present embodiment, medals are used) is displayed.

  A substantially horizontal operation panel 30 is provided below the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R. On the left side of the operation panel 30, a 1-bet switch 32, a 2-bet switch 34, and a maximum bet switch 36 are provided. In addition, on the right side of the operation panel 30, a game medium insertion port 38 through which a game medium can be inserted is provided.

  When a game medium is inserted from the game medium insertion port 38, the number of game media is counted by a game medium counter (not shown), and when a predetermined number or more of game media are input, the number of the specified number or more. Is stored in the RAM 110 described later as the number of credits.

  The 1-bet switch 32 is a switch for setting a game bet on only one of the credits. The 2-bet switch 34 is a switch for targeting only two of the credits for game betting. The maximum bet switch 36 is a switch for setting three medals out of the number of credits as a game bet.

  In the following, the number of game media to be bet is referred to as “the number of bets” and set as a bet object by the player by operating the 1-bet switch 32, the 2-bet switch 34 or the maximum bet switch 36 described above. The number of medals won is referred to as “set bet number”.

  When the player operates the 1-bet switch 32, one of the five winning lines, for example, the winning line L1 is activated. When the 2-bet switch 34 is operated, three of the five pay lines, for example, the pay lines L1, L2A and L2B are activated. Further, when the maximum bet switch 36 is operated, all of the five pay lines, that is, L1, L2A, L2B, L3A and L3B are activated.

  Further, an image display device 70 composed of a liquid crystal display panel is provided above the casing of the slot machine 10. The display device 70 is not limited to the above-described liquid crystal display panel, and any other image display device can be used as long as the player can visually recognize image information and text information during the game. The display device 70 can display a game history, an effect image in a special game, an effect image according to a lottery of a combination, an effect image according to the progress of the game, and the like.

  Inside the casing of the slot machine 10, three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are rotatably provided. The reels 40L, 40C, and 40R have a ring shape, and a reel tape on which a pattern is printed is attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. For example, 21 symbols are arranged at regular intervals on each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. Each of these reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is provided so as to be visible through the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R described above. When the reel is stopped, three consecutive symbols of one reel can be visually recognized in one display window. For this reason, a total of nine symbols can be visually recognized from all the three display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R. As will be described later, each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), and the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R in the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R. Moves from top to bottom.

  A start switch 50 is tiltably provided on the left side of the front surface of the operation panel 30. Three stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R are provided at the center of the front surface of the operation panel 30. The stop switch 52L corresponds to the left reel 40L, the stop switch 52C corresponds to the middle reel 40C, and the stop switch 52R corresponds to the right reel 40R.

  When the player tilts the start switch 50 described above, the three 40L, 40C, and 40R described above start rotating all at once. When the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R rotate, the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are moved and displayed from the top to the bottom in each of the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R. The

  When the rotational speeds of the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R described above reach a constant speed, the operation of the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R by the player is effective. When the player pushes the stop switch 52L, the left reel 40L stops. When the player pushes the stop switch 52C, the middle reel 40C stops, and the player pushes the stop switch 52R. When the moving operation is performed, the right reel 40R stops.

  When the reels 40L, 40C, or 40R are stopped, the three reels 40L, 40L, Each of 40C or 40R is controlled to stop.

  A sound output device (not shown, corresponding to a sound output device 64 shown in FIG. 2 described later) housed in the housing is emitted on the right side below the housing of the slot machine 10. A sound transmission hole 60 is provided for outputting sound to the outside of the housing. A game medium payout port 62 is provided at the lower center of the housing of the slot machine 10. When the reels 40L, 40C or 40R are stopped, the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the active line becomes a predetermined combination, that is, a combination of symbols constituting a combination. A predetermined number of game media are paid out from the game media payout port 62.

  Display lamps 90 are provided on both the left and right sides above the housing of the slot machine 10. The display lamp 90 is composed of a plurality of LED lamps and the like, and in the case of a normal game, a constant lighting is performed, but in the case of producing the possibility of winning a combination, it is lit in a specific pattern.

  As described above, the game in the slot machine 10 is a game in which a game result is determined by a combination of symbols determined by the stopped positions of the stopped reels 40L, 40C, or 40R. Also, in this game, after inserting the game media and operating any of the bet switches 32, 34, 36, the player tilts the start switch 50 to rotate the reels 40L, 40C and 40R. It is a game that can be repeated as a single game until the process is stopped.

<< Explanation of functional block diagram >>
FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram related to the control of the slot machine 10. As a control circuit, the main control circuit 100 and the sub-control circuit 200 are electrically connected, and the operation means 300 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 100, and is provided in each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. The motors 80L, 80C, and 80R are electrically connected. The sub-control circuit 200 is electrically connected to notification means 610 including a display device 70, a display lamp 90, and a sound output device 64.

  The stop operation means 310 is composed of the three stop switches 52L, 52C and 52R, and the stop operation means 310, the bet means 320 composed of the start switch 50, and the bet switches 32, 34 and 36, are operated. 300 is configured. The operation means 300 is not limited to a switch, and any means can be applied as long as it generates an operation signal based on an operation using the player's limbs.

<Description of Main Control Circuit 100>
The main control circuit 100 includes a role lottery means 410, a reel control means 420, a game control means 430, a storage means 440, and a control signal transmission means 450.

  The role lottery means 410 performs lottery of a role (a first special role and a second special role, which are special roles, a general role, and a replay role) by a role lottery process. The role lottery unit 410 includes, for example, a random number generation unit 412 (hard random number or the like) for a lottery, a random number extraction unit 414 that extracts a random number generated by the random number generation unit 412, and a random value extracted by the random number extraction unit 414 And random number determination means 416 for determining the presence / absence of a winning combination and a winning combination based on the winning combination.

  The reel control means 420 controls the motors 80L, 80C, 80R by receiving the reel rotation start signal transmitted by operating the start switch 50, rotates the reels 40L, 40C, 40R, and the stop switch. By receiving a stop switch operation signal transmitted by operating 52L, 52C, and 52R, control related to reel operation for stopping the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is performed.

  The game control means 430 wins the special combination, the general combination, and the re-playing combination in the combination lottery process, and when it is determined that the symbol corresponding to each combination is complete by the winning symbol determination regarding the stopped symbol, the winning combination Proceed with the process corresponding to. The game control means includes special game control means 432 in addition to paying out a predetermined number of game media. The special game control means 432 performs a special game in which the game proceeds in an advantageous manner for the player.

  The storage unit 440 includes a readable storage unit and a readable and writable storage unit, and stores programs and data necessary for the progress of the game. For example, the readable storage means stores a control program for controlling the entire flow of the slot machine and initial data for executing the control program. The readable and writable storage means can temporarily store flags, variable values, and control signal information used in the control program.

  The control signal transmission unit 450 reads a signal related to the control signal stored in the storage unit 440 from the storage unit 440 at every predetermined unit interrupt interval time, and transmits the read signal to the sub-control circuit 200.

<Description of Sub Control Circuit 200>
The sub control circuit 200 is provided with an effect control means 510 including an image control means 520, a lamp control means 522, and a sound output control means 524. Here, the image control means 520 reads out the image data stored in the ROM 208 based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100, controls the display driving device 220, and controls the image display device 70 of the notification means 610 to have a predetermined value. An image can be displayed. Further, the lamp control means 522 reads the lamp lighting data stored in the ROM 208 based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100, controls the lamp driving circuit 218, and lights the display lamp 90 in the notification means 610. be able to. Further, the sound output control means 524 reads out sound data stored in the ROM 208 based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100 and controls the sound output drive circuit 222 to output the sound data from the sound output device 64 of the notification means 610. A predetermined sound can be emitted. The display driving device 220, the lamp driving circuit 218, and the sound output driving circuit 222 will be described later.

<< Description of Control Unit of Slot Machine 10 >>
Control means for controlling the slot machine 10 includes a main control circuit 100 and a sub-control circuit 200. Here, FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the main control circuit 100, and FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the sub control circuit 200 electrically connected to the main control circuit 100.

<Main control circuit 100>
The start switch 50 described above is connected to the interface circuit 102 of the main control circuit 100, and the interface circuit 102 is connected to the input / output bus 104. The input / output bus 104 is configured to input / output data signals, address signals, or control signals to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 106. Here, the “control signal” is a control signal whose contents include that the rotation of the reel has been started, a switch such as a bet switch or a stop switch has been operated, or a predetermined gaming state. Say.

  For example, when the reel is rotated by operating the start switch 50, a signal is generated and supplied to the interface circuit 102. Then, it is converted into a reel rotation start signal whose control signal indicates that the reel has been rotated by operating the start switch 50, and then supplied to the input / output bus 104 as a control signal.

  In addition, stop switches 52L, 52C and 52R, a 1-bet switch 32, a 2-bet switch 34 and a maximum bet switch 36 are also connected to the interface circuit 102 described above. Signals generated from these switches are also supplied to the interface circuit 102, and a control signal indicating that one of the bet switches has been operated or one of the stop switches has been operated. After being converted into a stop switch operation signal having the contents of (1), it is supplied to the input / output bus 104 as a control signal.

  A ROM (read only memory) 108 and a RAM (random access memory) 110 are also connected to the input / output bus 104 described above. The ROM 108 stores a control program for controlling the entire flow of the slot machine and initial data for executing the control program. The RAM 110 can temporarily store a flag, a variable value, and a control signal used in the above-described control program by a predetermined storage method.

  A random number generator 112 for generating random numbers is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The random number generator 112 generates a random number included in a certain range of numerical values, for example, 0 to 65535 (2 to the 16th power). Note that a random number may be generated by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 106.

  A motor drive circuit 114 (not shown) is connected to the input / output bus 104. The motor driving circuit 114 is connected to stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R that rotationally drive each of the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. Each of the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R is provided inside the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, and the rotation shafts of the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R are the rotation centers of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. It is attached to stepping motors 80L, 80C and 80R.

  A drive control command issued from the CPU 106 is converted into a drive signal by the motor drive circuit 114, and the drive signal is supplied to the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R. The drive control command includes a rotation speed command, and performs rotation control and stop control of the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R, and also performs rotation speed control.

  Each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is provided with a rotation angle position sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation angle position of each reel. The rotation angle position sensor is a reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116. It is connected to the. When a signal indicating the rotation angle position of each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is issued from the rotation angle position sensor, it is supplied to a reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116 (not shown) and converted into a predetermined signal. Are supplied to the input / output bus 104. The CPU 106 identifies a number representing a symbol display position from the supplied rotation angle position, and determines a symbol combination displayed on each of the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R.

  Further, a connection line 118 is also connected to the interface circuit 102. The main control circuit 100 is electrically connected to the sub control circuit 200 through the connection line 118.

<Sub control circuit 200>
The connection line 118 described above is connected to the interface circuit 202 of the sub-control circuit 200, and the interface circuit 202 is connected to the input / output bus 204. A signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 200 is converted into a desired signal by the interface circuit 202 and then supplied to the input / output bus 204. The input / output bus 204 is configured to input / output data signals or address signals to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 206.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 208 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 210 are also connected to the input / output bus 204 described above. The ROM 208 stores initial data for executing a lamp driving circuit 218, a display driving device 220, a sound output driving circuit 222, and a control program, which will be described later. For example, various image data to be displayed on the display device 70, lighting pattern data of the display lamp 90, and sound data to be emitted from the sound output device 64 are also stored.

  A lamp driving circuit 218 for driving the display lamp 90 is also connected to the input / output bus 204. The CPU 206 issues a drive command to the lamp drive circuit 218 in accordance with the control information supplied from the main control circuit 100, and turns on the display lamp 90 in response to the drive command.

  A display driving device 220 that drives the display device 70 is also connected to the input / output bus 204. The CPU 206 reads image data, character data, and the like stored in the ROM 208 in accordance with the control information supplied from the main control circuit 100 and supplies the data to the display driving device 220. By doing so, the display device 70 displays the image data as an effect screen and the character data as a message.

  Also connected to the input / output bus 204 is a sound output drive circuit 222 for driving the sound output device 64. The CPU 206 reads sound data stored in the ROM 208 in accordance with the control information supplied from the main control circuit 100 and supplies the data to the sound output drive circuit 222. By doing so, a predetermined sound is emitted from the sound output device 64.

<< Description of Control Signal Transmission Processing >>
In the present embodiment, the control signal is a signal representing control information expressed by a combination of the first control information and the second control information, and the first control information is converted into the second control information by the first control information signal. Is a signal transmitted from the control signal transmitting means 450 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub-control circuit 200 at every unit interruption interval time by the second control information signal. Here, both the first control information signal and the second control information signal are set to a 1-byte length. The unit interruption interval time is set to 1.49 milliseconds.

  In the present embodiment, a control signal that is transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 based on the progress of the game controlled by the main control circuit 100 is defined as a “general signal”. The general signal is, for example, a signal indicating the bet switch operation transmitted when the bet switch is operated to determine the number of bets before the reels rotate, a signal indicating the winning result of the combination, and stopping the rotating reels It is a signal transmitted based on the progress of the game, such as a signal indicating a stop switch operation for the purpose of playing. Therefore, the general signal is not necessarily transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 200 at every unit interruption interval time.

  In addition to the general signal, although not directly related to the progress of the game controlled in the main control circuit 100, what is transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 is defined as a “special signal”. The special signal is transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means without affecting the progress of the game, such as a signal indicating the bet switch operation during the reel rotation and a signal indicating the start switch operation during the reel rotation. Signal. The special interrupt interval time, which is the special signal transmission interval, is set to 14.90 msec (= unit interrupt interval time * 10).

  In the present embodiment, a control signal transmission process and an effect control process, which will be described later, will be described using a special signal indicating a bet switch operation during reel rotation. The special signal is a signal that is always transmitted at every special interrupt interval time during reel rotation, and indicates whether the bet switch is in the pressed state or in the released state.

  The control signal transmission means 450 of the main control circuit 100 transmits one control information signal to the sub control circuit 200 for every control signal including the special signal for each unit interruption interval time. Here, both the unit interrupt interval time for transmitting a general signal and the special interrupt interval time for transmitting a special signal are measured starting from the power-on of the slot machine. Since the interval time is 10 times the unit interruption interval time, the timing for transmitting the control information signal for the general signal may overlap with the timing for transmitting the control information signal for the special signal. Therefore, in the present embodiment, after storing the control information signal in the control information storage area provided in the storage means 440, the special signal is sent to the general signal by controlling the storage position of the stored control information. Prioritize transmission from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 200.

  In this embodiment, in order to facilitate control signal analysis after the control information signal is received by the sub-control circuit 200, any control signal from the control signal transmission unit 450 transmits the first control information signal. After the unit interruption interval time, the second control information signal of the transmitted control signal of the first control information signal is continuously transmitted.

  Further, the control signal transmission unit 450 cannot transmit a plurality of control information signals for each unit interruption interval time. Therefore, when the control information signal to be transmitted exists in the control information storage area, one control information signal is transmitted every unit interruption interval time, and when the control information signal to be transmitted does not exist in the control information storage area The control information signal is not transmitted.

  Hereinafter, the control signal storage area of the storage unit 440 will be described with reference to FIG. 5, and then the control signal transmission process executed by the control signal transmission unit 450 will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 6 is a main routine of control signal transmission processing executed in the control signal transmission means 450. 7 to 9 show subroutines of special signal processing, general signal processing, and control information signal transmission processing performed in the main routine. FIG. 7 shows a special signal processing subroutine for storing a special signal generated every special interrupt interval time in the control information storage area. FIG. 8 shows a general signal processing subroutine for storing the generated general signal in the control information storage area. FIG. 9 shows a control information signal transmission processing subroutine for transmitting the control information signal stored in the control information storage area to the sub-control circuit 200.

<Control information storage area>
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the control signal storage area. As shown in FIG. 5, the control information storage is composed of N storage areas, and the storage areas are configured to have the same capacity. Each storage area has a one-to-one correspondence between the address and the number of the storage area, the storage area corresponding to the address “1” is stored in the storage area (1), and the storage area corresponding to the address “2” is stored. Similarly, in the area (2), the storage area corresponding to the address “N” is set as the storage area (N), and the numbers and addresses of the storage areas adjacent to the storage area are set to be serial numbers. . Therefore, since the storage area can be uniquely indicated by the address, the control information of the control signal can be written into and read from the storage area by specifying the address.

  By setting the storage area address and the storage area in a one-to-one correspondence, the storage areas do not necessarily have to be physically adjacent to each other, and the addresses indicating the storage areas are logically numbered as serial numbers. It is also possible to configure a control signal storage area. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently use the storage area of the RAM that functions as a ring buffer and has a limited storage capacity.

<Description of Control Signal Transmission Processing Main Routine>
FIG. 6 shows a main routine of processing performed by the control signal transmission unit 450 of the main control circuit 100. Control signal transmission processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The main routine stores the control information signal of the control signal including the special signal in the control information storage area of the storage area provided in the storage unit 440, and then controls the storage position of the stored control information signal. As a result, the special signal is given priority over the general signal and is transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub-control circuit 200. The control signal transmission process is automatically executed after the power of the slot machine 10 is set to ON until it is set to OFF. In addition, variables used in the main control circuit 100 and the like are initialized to predetermined values and are steadily operated.

  First, it is determined whether or not the power of the slot machine 10 is set to ON (step S10). If it is determined in step S10 that the power is not set to ON (NO), that is, it is set to OFF, the determination in step S10 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the power is turned on (YES), “NUL” is set in all the control information storage areas to initialize the control information storage areas, and the number of stored control information signals is calculated. The number (N) of storage control information to be represented is set to “0” (step S11). Then, the timer TM1 used for generating the special signal and the TM2 used for transmitting the control information signal of the control signal including the special signal are activated (step S12), and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, since a special signal is always generated every special interrupt interval time, whether the operation time of the timer TM1 has reached the special interrupt interval time, specifically, the operation time of the timer TM1 is It is determined whether or not it is an interval time (step S13). In step S13, when it is determined that the operating time of the timer TM1 has reached the special interrupt interval time (YES), the operating time of the timer TM1 is reset, and then measurement of the operating time is started (step S14). After performing signal processing (step S15), general signal processing is performed (step S16). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S13 that the operating time of the timer TM1 has not reached the special interrupt interval time (NO), a special signal is not generated, so only general signal processing (step S16) is performed. The special signal processing (step S15) will be described using a special signal processing subroutine (FIG. 7), and the general signal processing (step S16) will be described using a general signal processing subroutine (FIG. 8).

  After performing the general signal processing (step S16), the general signal processing is performed only once per unit interrupt interval time, so whether or not the operating time of the timer TM2 has reached the unit interrupt interval time, specifically Specifically, it is determined whether or not the operating time of the timer TM2 is a unit interruption interval time (step S17). If it is determined in step S17 that the operating time of the timer TM2 has not reached the unit interruption interval time (NO), the process of step S17 is repeated. As a result, general signal processing and special signal processing, if necessary, are performed once every unit interruption interval time.

  In step S17, when it is determined that the operation time of the timer TM2 has reached the unit interruption interval time (YES), the operation time of the timer TM2 is reset, and then measurement of the operation time is started (step S18). Information signal transmission processing is performed (step S19), and it is determined whether or not the power of the slot machine 10 is set to off (step S20). If it is determined in step S20 that the power is set to off (YES), the control signal transmission processing main routine is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the power is not set to off (NO), that is, it is set to on, the process returns to step S13 and the processes of steps S13 to S20 are repeated. As a result, not only one control information signal is transmitted every unit interruption interval time, but also special signal processing can be performed every special interruption interval time.

<Explanation of special signal processing subroutine>
A special signal process for storing a special signal generated at each special interrupt interval time in the control information storage area will be described with reference to a special signal processing subroutine (FIG. 7).

  Since the special signal processing (step S15) is performed when the operation time of the timer TM1 reaches the special interruption time (step S13), a special signal is always generated. Therefore, first, the first control information signal and A special signal composed of the second control information signal is generated (step S21). Then, the current storage control information number (N) is set in a setting counter (NA) used for setting the control information signal of the special signal in the control information storage means (step S22).

  In step S22, after setting the current storage control information number (N) in the setting counter (NA), after the unit interruption interval time for transmitting the first control information signal, the control signal of the transmitted first control information signal The second control information signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 with priority over the general signal, so that the signal set in the control information storage area (1) is the second control information signal. Whether or not (step S23). If it is determined in step S23 that the signal set in the control information storage area (1) is the second control information signal (YES), it is determined whether or not the setting counter (NA) is “1”. Judgment is made (step S24).

  In step S24, when it is determined that the setting counter (NA) is “1” (YES), the control information storage area includes only the control information storage area (1), specifically, the control information signal. Since the second control information signal is stored and NUL is stored in the other control information storage area, the first control information signal of the special signal generated in the control information storage area (2) is transferred to the control information storage area. The second control information signal of the special signal generated in (3) is stored (step S25), the value of the number of storage control information (N) is added by 2 (step S26), and the special signal processing subroutine is terminated. Therefore, since the second control information signal stored in the control information storage area (1) remains stored, the transmitted second control information signal is transmitted after the unit interruption interval time for transmitting the first transmitted control information signal. The second control information signal of the control signal of one control information signal can be transmitted continuously. As a result, the sub-control circuit 200 that has received the transmitted control signal can analyze the contents of the control signal without error.

  When it is determined in step S24 that the setting counter (NA) is not “1” (NO), the second control information signal is stored in the control information storage area (1) in the control information storage area. Since the control information is also stored in the control information storage area, control information signals stored in the control information storage area (2) to the control information storage area (N) are transferred to the control information storage area (4). To the control information storage area (N + 2) (steps S24, S27 to S28), and the first control information signal of the special signal generated in the control information storage area (2) is generated in the control information storage area (3). The second control information signal of the special signal is stored (step S25), the value of the number of stored control information (N) is added by 2 (step S26), and the special signal processing subroutine is terminated. Therefore, since the second control information signal stored in the control information storage area (1) remains stored, the transmitted second control information signal is transmitted after the unit interruption interval time for transmitting the first transmitted control information signal. The second control information signal of the control signal of one control information signal can be transmitted continuously. Further, the control information signals stored from the control information storage area (2) to the control information storage area (N) are stored in the control information storage area (4) to the control information storage area (N + 2), and then controlled. Since the first control information signal of the special signal generated in the information storage area (2) and the second control information signal of the special signal generated in the control information storage area (3) are stored, the special signal has priority over the general signal. Can be sent. As described above, since the second control information signal is transmitted after the first control information signal, the sub-control circuit 200 that has received the transmitted control signal analyzes the content of the control signal without error. be able to.

  When it is determined in step S23 that the signal set in the control information storage area (1) is not the second control information signal (NO), it is determined whether or not the setting counter (NA) is “0”. (Step S29).

  If it is determined in step S29 that the setting counter (NA) is “0” (YES), no control information signal is stored in the control information storage area, and all control information storage areas are NUL. Is stored, the first control information signal of the special signal generated in the control information storage area (1) is stored, and the second control information signal of the special signal generated in the control information storage area (2) is stored ( In step S30), 2 is added to the value of the number of storage control information (N) (step S26), and the special signal processing subroutine is terminated. Therefore, for the generated special signal, the second control information signal can be continuously transmitted after the unit interruption interval time when the first control information signal is transmitted.

  If it is determined in step S29 that the setting counter (NA) is not “0” (NO), the first control information signal is stored in the control information storage area (1) in the control information storage area. Since the second control information signal is stored in the information storage area (2) and the control information is also stored in the other control information storage areas, from the control information storage area (1) to the control information storage area (NA) Is stored in the control information storage area (3) to the control information storage area (NA + 2) (steps S29, S31 to S32), and the special signal generated in the control information storage area (1) is stored. The second control information signal of the special signal generated in the control information storage area (2) is stored in the first control information signal (step S30), and the value of the number of storage control information (N) is added by two (step S30). S26) To end the special signal processing subroutine. Further, the control information signal stored from the control information storage area (1) to the control information storage area (N) is stored in the control information storage area (N + 2) and then controlled. Since the first control information signal of the special signal generated in the information storage area (1) and the second control information signal of the special signal generated in the control information storage area (2) are stored, the special signal has priority over the general signal. Can be sent.

<Description of general signal processing subroutine>
General signal processing for storing the generated control information signal of the general signal in the control information storage area when a general signal is generated will be described using a general signal processing subroutine (FIG. 8).

  First, in order to determine whether or not it is necessary to store the control information signal of the general signal in the control information storage area, it is determined whether or not the general signal is generated (step S41). If it is determined in step S41 that a general signal is not generated (NO), the general signal processing subroutine is terminated as it is. When it is determined in step S41 that a general signal is generated (YES), since “N (number of stored control information)” control information signals are stored in the control information storage area, the control information storage is performed. The first control information signal of the general signal generated in the area (N + 1) is stored, and the second control information signal of the general signal generated in the control information storage area (2) is stored (step S42), and the number of storage control information (N) Is incremented by 2 (step S43), and the general signal processing subroutine is terminated. Accordingly, for the generated general signal, the second control information signal can be continuously transmitted after the unit interruption interval time when the first control information signal is transmitted.

<Description of Control Information Signal Transmission Processing Subroutine>
Control information signal transmission processing for transmitting the control information signal stored in the control information storage area to the sub-control circuit 200 will be described using a control information signal transmission processing subroutine (FIG. 9).

  First, in order to determine whether or not a control information signal needs to be transmitted, it is determined whether or not NUL is stored in the control information storage area (1) (step S51). When it is determined in step S51 that NUL is stored in the control information storage area (1) (NO), the control information signal transmission processing subroutine is terminated as it is. In step S51, when it is determined that NUL is not stored in the control information storage area (1) (YES), the control information signal stored in the control information storage area (1) is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200. Information signal transmission processing is performed (step S52). Therefore, the control information signal stored in the control information storage area (1) can be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 at every unit interruption interval time.

  To transmit the control information signal stored in the control information area (2) by the control information signal transmission process (step S52) after the unit interruption interval time after performing the control information signal transmission process in step S52. The control information signal stored in the control information storage area (N) from the control information storage area (2) needs to be stored in the control information storage area (N-1) from the control information storage area (1). Therefore, the setting counter (NN) is set to “2” (step S53), and the control information signal stored from the control information storage area (2) to the control information storage area (N) is used using the NN. After storing from the control information storage area (1) to the control information storage area (N-1) (steps S54 to S56), NUL is set in the control information storage area (N) (step S57), and storage control information is stored. The value (N) is decremented by 1 (step S58), and the control information signal transmission process is terminated. Therefore, the above-described special signal processing (step S15) and general signal processing (step S16) can be performed only by transmitting the control information signal stored in the control information storage area (1) to the sub-control circuit 200 every unit interrupt interval time. ), The second control information signal can be continuously transmitted after the unit interruption interval time when the first control information signal is transmitted. In addition, the special signal can be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 with priority over the general signal at every special interrupt interval time. Further, even when only the first control information signal has already been transmitted, the control signal of the transmitted first control information signal after the unit interruption interval time when the already transmitted first control information signal is transmitted. After the second control information signal is continuously transmitted, the special signal can be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 with priority over the general signal.

  As a result, since the second control information signal is transmitted continuously to the first control information signal, the sub-control circuit 200 that has received the transmitted control signal analyzes without damaging the information indicated by the control signal. be able to.

<< Description of Control Information Signal Transmission >>
The flow of the above control signal transmission process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram in which a general signal is generated at a certain timing in the unit interrupt interval time and a special signal is generated for each special interrupt interval time. The unit interruption interval time is 1.49 msec, and the special interruption interval time is 14.90 msec. Therefore, since a special signal is generated every special interrupt interval time, the timing at which the special signal is generated may overlap with the timing at which the general signal is generated.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a case where only the special signal is generated and the general signal is not generated at the timing (T1) of the special interrupt interval time. Therefore, since no control information is stored in the control information storage area (step S29), the first control information signal of the special signal is stored in the control information storage area (1), and the special information is stored in the control information storage area (2). The second control information signal of the signal is stored (step S30), the first control information signal of the special signal is transmitted at T1, and the second control information signal of the special signal is transmitted after the unit interruption interval time from T1. (Step S52).

  FIG. 10B shows a case where a special signal is generated at the timing (T1) of the special interrupt interval time, and a general signal is generated when a general signal is generated at T1, or after a unit interrupt interval time from T1. It is a figure which shows the case where a general signal generate | occur | produces after 2 unit interruption interval time from T1. When a general signal is generated after two unit interruption intervals from T1, the flow of transmitting the control information signal in FIG. 10 (a) is the same.

  On the other hand, when a special signal is generated at the timing (T1) of the special interrupt interval time and a general signal is generated at T1, the special signal processing subroutine (FIG. 7) is used as in FIG. The first control information signal of the special signal is stored in the control information storage area (1), the second control information signal of the special signal is stored in the control information storage area (2) (step S30), and the number of stored control information is “ 2 ”(step S26), the first control information signal of the general signal is stored in the control information storage area (3), and the second control information signal of the general signal is stored in the control information storage area (4). Then, the number of storage control information is set to “4” (step S43). Therefore, the first control information signal of the special signal is transmitted at T1, the second control information signal of the special signal is transmitted after the unit interruption interval time from T1, and the general signal of the general signal is transmitted after the two unit interruption interval time from T1. The first control information signal is transmitted, and the second control information signal of the general signal is transmitted after 3 unit interruption interval time from T1 (step S52).

  Furthermore, a special signal is generated at the timing (T1) of the special interrupt interval time, and if a general signal is generated after the unit interrupt time from T1, the first control information signal of the special signal is transmitted at T1. After the second control information signal of the special signal is stored in the control information storage area (1) and the number of storage control information is set to “1”, the general signal is generated. Therefore, the first control information signal of the general signal is stored in the control information storage area (2), the second control information signal of the general signal is stored in the control information storage area (3) (step S42), and the number of stored control information Is set to “3” (step S43). As a result, the first control information signal of the special signal is transmitted at T1, the second control information signal of the special signal is transmitted after the unit interruption interval time from T1, and the general signal is transmitted after the two unit interruption interval time from T1. The first control information signal is transmitted, and the second control information signal of the general signal is transmitted after 3 unit interruption interval time from T1 (step S52).

  FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a case where a general signal is generated before the unit interrupt interval time of the timing (T1) of the special interrupt interval time and a special signal is generated at T1. At T1, the second control information signal of the general signal is stored in the control information storage area (1), and the special signal is generated after the number of storage control information is set to “1”. Accordingly, the first control information signal of the special signal is stored in the control information storage area (2), the second control information signal of the special signal is stored in the control information storage area (3) (step S25), and the number of stored control information Is set to "3" (step S26). As a result, the second control information signal of the general signal is transmitted at T1, the first control information signal of the special signal is transmitted after the unit interruption interval time from T1, and the special signal is transmitted after the two unit interruption interval time from T1. The second control information signal is transmitted (step S52).

<< Example of application to production control process >>
The effect control process using a special signal will be described below using a special signal indicating a start switch operation during reel rotation. Note that the special signal in the present embodiment is a signal that is always transmitted at every special interruption interval during reel rotation, and is a signal that indicates whether the bet switch is in the pressed state or in the released state. In order to describe the effect control process, a game control process performed by the main control circuit 100 and an effect control process performed by the sub control circuit 200 will be described.

<Game Control Process Performed by Main Control Circuit 100>
Game control processing performed in the main control circuit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 shows a main control main routine of control processing performed by the main control circuit 100. 12 to 14 show each subroutine of control processing performed in the main control main routine. FIG. 12 shows a part lottery processing subroutine for performing part lottery performed by the part lottery means 410 and flag-on processing performed following the part lottery. FIG. 13 shows a reel variation / stop subroutine in which the reel control means 420 performs control for rotating and stopping the reel. FIG. 14 shows a flag-off process subroutine which is a control process after the symbol is stopped by the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine.

<Description of main control main routine>
The main control main routine (FIG. 11) shows a control process when a unit game is performed once until a process based on the result of rotating and stopping a plurality of reels displaying a plurality of symbols. First, it is determined whether or not the re-gaming state is set and the re-gaming state is set (step S100).

  If it is determined in step S100 that the re-gaming state is not set (NO), it is determined whether or not the player has operated any of the bet switches 32, 34, or 36 (step S101). When it is determined that the player has operated any of the bet switches (YES), the set bet number is determined based on the signal generated by operating the bet switch (step S102). This set bet number indicates the number of game media to be betted for one game. Furthermore, the set bet number is not limited to the number of game media that are betted after being temporarily accumulated as the credit amount described above, and the game that is inserted from the game media slot 38 and directly targeted for bet. Includes the number of media. When a game medium is inserted, the inserted number counted by the game medium counter installed below the game medium insertion port 38 is detected as the bet number. However, when the number of game media exceeding the specified number (three in this embodiment) is inserted, the game media exceeding the specified number is stored in the RAM 110 as the number of credits. On the other hand, when it is determined that no game medium is inserted, the presence / absence of a credited game medium is determined. If there is no credited game medium, the set bet number cannot be determined in step S12. In addition, when there is a credited game medium, it is determined whether or not a signal transmitted when the player operates any one of the bet switches 32, 34 or 36 is received, and the received signal is When the number of bets is detected and the detected bet number is stored in the RAM 110 as a new bet number in either case of inserting a game medium or using a credited game medium, and using a credited game medium At the same time, the number of credits of the game medium is reduced by the number of detected bets. In step S102, after determining the set bet number, the process proceeds to step S104.

  If it is determined in step S100 that the re-gaming state is set (YES), the re-gaming state setting is canceled (step S103), and the process proceeds to step S104. As a result, since the processing of steps S101 to S102 is not performed, the same processing as that in which the game medium is automatically inserted is performed without newly inserting a game medium or consuming the credited game medium, and the game is performed again. It can be performed. Further, since the bet number stored in the RAM 110 is used as the bet number in the re-game, the bet number of the game when the re-game player is won is used according to the bet number in the game performed immediately before.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the start switch 50 has been turned on by the player (step S104). If it is determined that the start switch 50 is not turned on (NO), the process of step S104 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the start switch 50 is turned on (YES), the process proceeds to step S105.

  In the combination lottery processing subroutine of step S105, combination lottery processing by the combination lottery means 410 is performed, and flag-on processing for turning on the RB flag, BB flag, replay flag, and corresponding general combination flag is performed according to the winning combination. Done.

  Subsequent to the role lottery processing subroutine (step S105), a reel variation / stop subroutine (step S106) for performing a control process related to the movement of the reels to be stopped after rotating the reels 40L, 40C, 40R based on the result of the role lottery is performed. It is. This reel fluctuation / stop subroutine is performed by the reel control means 420.

  Next, after the reels are stopped by the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine (step S106), a winning symbol determination is performed, and a flag-off processing subroutine (step S107) for performing flag-off processing based on the determination result is performed.

  Then, based on the result of the lottery drawing and winning symbol determination, a payout process (step S108) of paying out a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the winning combination is performed. In this payout process, it is possible to actually pay out game media from the game media payout port 62, but instead of paying out, it is also possible to credit a predetermined number of game media. The unit game is completed by the above control process. Then, by repeating the control process shown in this main routine, the player can play a plurality of unit games.

<Role lottery processing subroutine>
FIG. 12 shows a part lottery processing subroutine for performing part lottery performed by the part lottery means 410 and flag-on processing performed following the part lottery. The combination lottery processing and flag-on processing will be described using the combination lottery processing subroutine of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not an RB game is being played (step S111). If it is determined in step S111 that the RB game is being played (YES), the RB lottery table stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S112). Here, an example of the RB lottery table is shown in FIG.

  In the RB lottery table, the general combination of symbol numbers 1 to 3 and the offset of symbol number 4 are set. For example, in the case of general combination 1, the symbols of bells on the first, second and third reels are set. It is set to win a prize when it is complete. Here, since the probability that the general combination 1 wins is set to a very high value of 1 / 1.03, the possibility of winning the general combination 1 is very high during the RB game. . On the contrary, the probability of loss is set as low as about 1 / 212.5.

  If it is determined in step S111 that the RB game is not being played (NO), it is determined whether or not the BB game is being played (step S113). If it is determined in step S113 that the BB game is being played (YES), the lottery table for BB operation stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S114). Here, FIG. 17 shows an example of the BB operation lottery table.

  In the BB operation lottery table, an RB combination of symbol number 1, a general combination of symbol numbers 2 to 4, and a deviation of symbol number 5 are set. Here, in comparison with the BB non-operating general lottery table (FIG. 18), the BB operating lottery table is set to have no BB combination and re-game combination.

  The RB combination with symbol number 1 is set to win when the winning probability in the combination lottery is 1/4 and the BAR symbols are aligned on all reels of the first to third reels. In the BB non-operating general lottery table (FIG. 18), the winning probability of the RB combination in the combination lottery is 1 / 312.0, and during the BB game, the RB combination is won in comparison with the normal general game. The probability is set very high. Further, the general combination 1 with the symbol number 2 is set to win if the winning probability in the combination lottery is 1 / 20.0 and all three reels have the same bell symbol. The general combination 2 with the symbol number 3 is set to win when the winning probability in the combination lottery is 1 / 81.9 and the three reels have the same watermelon symbol. If the winning combination in the combination lottery has a winning probability of 1 / 81.9 and the symbol of the first reel is cherry, the general combination 3 of symbol number 4 will win regardless of the symbol of the remaining symbols. Is set to

  If it is determined in step S113 that the BB game is not in progress (NO), the general lottery table when the BB is not operating stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S115). An example of the general lottery table when the BB is not operating is shown in FIG.

  The BB non-operating general lottery table is a lottery table used in a general game that is not a special game (RB game, BB game). The BB role of symbol number 1, the RB role of symbol number 2, and the symbol number The general combination of 3-5, the re-game combination of symbol number 6, and the losing of the symbol number 6 are set, and the winning probability of the re-game combination is set to 1 / 7.3. Furthermore, for the BB combination of symbol number 1, in addition to the setting of the winning probability and symbol combination in the combination lottery, a maximum payout number of 451 is set as an end condition.

  As described above, after the lottery table corresponding to the state of the game is read out, the role lottery for acquiring the random number and performing the lottery determination is performed (step S116). If a winning combination such as the BB winning combination is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the corresponding flag is set to ON, and it is determined using the flag that the gaming state is won for the winning combination.

  Then, as a determination result, it is determined whether or not the RB combination is won (step S117). When it is determined that the RB combination is won (YES), the RB flag is set to ON (step S118), and the RB combination selection signal is transmitted to the effect control means 510 of the sub-control circuit 200 (step S119). Then, after transmitting the RB winning combination signal, the process proceeds to step S120. Here, the “RB winning signal” is a signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub-control circuit 200 when the RB winning is won by the winning lottery, and the sub-control circuit that has received the RB winning signal. In 200 effect control means 510, it is determined that RB combination is won.

  If it is determined in step S117 that the RB combination is not won (NO), it is determined whether or not the BB combination is won (step S121). If it is determined in step S121 that the BB combination is won (YES), the BB flag is set to on (step S122), and a BB combination selection signal is transmitted to the effect control means 510 of the sub-control circuit 200 (step S121). S123). Then, after transmitting the BB winning combination signal, the process proceeds to step S120. Here, the “BB role winning signal” is a signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub-control circuit 200 when the BB role is won by the role lottery in a normal general game that is not in the BB game, The effect control means 510 of the sub-control circuit 200 that has received the BB winning combination signal determines that the BB winning combination has been won.

  If it is determined in step S121 that the BB combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not any of the general combinations 1 to 3 has been won (step S124). When it is determined that any of the general combinations is won (YES), the corresponding general combination flag is set to ON (step S125), and the process proceeds to step S120.

  Next, when it is determined in step S124 that no general combination has been won (NO), it is determined whether or not a re-game combination has been won (step S126). If it is determined in step S126 that the re-game player has been won (YES), the re-game flag is set to ON (step S127), and the process proceeds to step S120. Furthermore, when it is determined in step S126 that the re-game player is not won (NO), the process proceeds to step S120.

  As described above, after performing a series of processes related to flag-on, in step S120, the symbol number and control symbol data corresponding to the winning combination in the winning lottery are read from the ROM 108 and used in a reel fluctuation / stop subroutine described later. This data is stored in the RAM 110. The combination lottery processing subroutine is thus completed.

<Explanation of reel fluctuation / stop subroutine>
Next, in the main control main routine of FIG. 11, when the combination lottery processing subroutine (step S105) is completed, a reel fluctuation / stop subroutine (step S106) is then performed. The reel fluctuation / stop subroutine will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the symbol number and control symbol data stored in step S120 of FIG. 12 are read (step S131). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined shortest time has elapsed (step S132). When it is determined that the shortest time has not elapsed (NO), the determination process in step S132 is repeatedly executed. As a result, the rotation of the reel, which is the next process, cannot be started until the shortest time has elapsed. By this control, the number of games played in a certain time is controlled to be within a predetermined number.

  When it is determined that the shortest time has elapsed (YES), the motor drive circuit 114 is operated to start the rotation of the motors 80L, 80C, 80R, the reels 40L, 40C, 40R start rotating, and the reel rotation start signal is output. A transmission is made to the sub-control circuit 200 (step S133). Here, the “reel rotation start signal” is a signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 200 when the rotation of the reel is started, and the sub control circuit 200 that has received the reel rotation start signal. The effect control means 510 determines that the reel has started rotating.

  Next, in order to transmit a special signal to the sub-control circuit, a timer TM3 for measuring the unit interrupt interval time and a timer TM4 for measuring the special interrupt interval time are started (step S134). When the timer is started, measurement of the operation times of TM3 and TM4 is started.

  Then, after starting the timers TM3 and TM4 (step S134), it is determined whether or not the stop switch 52 corresponding to each of the reels 40 has been operated by the player in order to stop the rotating reel (step S135). . If it is determined in step S135 that the stop switch has been operated (YES), it is determined whether or not there is a winning combination, and then it is determined that there is a winning combination and the winning combination is within the reel stop possible range. If there is a symbol corresponding to, symbol stop processing for stopping the symbol on the active line is performed (step S136), and the process proceeds to step S137. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S135 that the stop switch has not been operated (NO), the process proceeds to step S137.

  In step S137, in order to determine whether or not a stop switch operation has been performed for each unit interrupt interval time, whether or not the operating time of the timer TM3 has reached the unit interrupt interval time, specifically, It is determined whether or not the operating time of the timer TM3 is a unit interruption interval time (step S137). If it is determined in step S137 that the operating time of the timer TM3 has not reached the unit interruption interval time (NO), the process is repeated in step S137. In step S137, when it is determined that the operating time of the timer TM3 has reached the unit interruption interval time (YES), the operating time of the timer TM3 is reset, and then measurement of the operating time is started (step S138). The process proceeds to step S139. As a result, it is guaranteed that the determination process of whether or not the stop switch operation is performed once every unit interrupt interval time.

  In step S139, in the gaming state in which the reel is rotating, a timer is used to transmit to the sub-control circuit 200 as a special signal whether the bet switch is in the pressed state or the released state at every special interruption interval time. It is determined whether the operating time of TM4 has reached the special interrupt interval time, specifically, whether the operating time of timer TM4 is the special interrupt interval time (step S139).

  If it is determined in step S139 that the operating time of the timer TM4 has not reached the special interrupt interval time (NO), it is determined whether or not all reels have been stopped (step S145). When it is determined that all the reels are stopped (YES), the all-reel stop signal is transmitted as a general signal to the sub-control circuit 200 (step S146), and the timers TM3 and TM4 are stopped (step S147). The reel change / stop subroutine is terminated. Here, the “all reel stop signal” is a signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 200 when the rotation of all the reels is stopped, and the sub control circuit that has received the all reel stop signal. In 200 effect control means 510, it is determined that the rotation of all reels has stopped. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S145 that all the reels are not stopped (NO), the process returns to step S135, and the processes in steps S135 to S145 are repeated until all the reels are stopped.

  In step S139, when it is determined that the operation time of the timer TM4 has reached the special interrupt interval time (YES), the operation time of the timer TM4 is reset, and then measurement of the operation time is started (step S140). In order to determine whether the bet switch is in a pressed state or in a released state, it is determined whether or not the bet switch is in a pressing operation state (step S141). In step S141, when it is determined that the bet switch is in the pressing operation state (YES), a special signal information setting process for setting information indicating that the bet switch is in the pressing operation state as a special signal is performed (step S142). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S141 that the bet switch is not in the pressing operation state (NO), a special signal information setting process for setting information indicating that the bet switch is in the release operation state to a special signal is performed ( In step S143), a special signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 based on the control signal transmission process (FIGS. 6 to 9) described above (step S144).

  Then, the process proceeds to step S145, and after determining whether or not all the reels are stopped (step S145), when it is determined that all the reels are stopped (YES), the all reels stop signal is used as a general signal. This is transmitted to the control circuit 200 (step S146), the timers TM3 and TM4 are stopped (step S147), and the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S145 that all the reels are not stopped (NO), the process returns to step S135, and the processes in steps S135 to S145 are repeated until all the reels are stopped.

  As a result, in the gaming state in which the reel is rotating, a special signal indicating whether the bet switch is in the pressing operation state or the release operation state is given once every special interruption interval time for every special interruption interval time. Can be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200.

<Description of flag off processing subroutine>
In the main control main routine of FIG. 11, when the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine (step S106) is completed, a flag-off process subroutine (step S107) is performed. FIG. 14 shows a flag-off process subroutine which is a control process after the symbol is stopped by the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine.

  First, it is determined whether or not an RB game is in progress (step S151). When it is determined that the RB game is being played (YES), the RB game process (step S152) is performed, and then the flag-off process subroutine is terminated. Here, the “RB game process” is a process for a game using the RB lottery table (FIG. 16) until the number of wins during the RB game or the number of RB games reaches a predetermined number. In this embodiment, since the probability of winning the general combination 1 is set to be very high as 1 / 1.03, the possibility of winning the general combination 1 is very high during the RB game. An advantageous game can be played.

  Next, if it is determined in step S151 that the RB game is not being played (NO), it is determined whether or not the BB game is being played (step S153). When it is determined that the BB game is being played (YES), the BB game process (step S154) is performed, and then the flag-off process subroutine is terminated. Here, the “BB game process” is a process for a game using the BB operation lottery table (FIG. 17) until the BB game end condition (maximum payout game medium number) is reached. In this embodiment, since the probability of winning the RB role is set to be very high as 1 / 4.0, the possibility of winning the RB role that can be transferred to the RB game is very high, and the RB role is won. By winning a prize, the player can play an advantageous game.

  Further, when it is determined in step S153 that the BB game is not being played (NO), it is determined whether or not there is a winning combination (step S155). When it is determined that there is a winning combination (YES), it is determined whether or not the winning combination has been won. If winning, the flag corresponding to each combination is set to OFF, and the RB combination, BB combination or replay When winning a winning combination, the game state is set so that the next game will be in the RB gaming state, the BB gaming state, and the re-gaming state, and the flag-off processing subroutine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S155 that there is no winning combination (NO), the flag-off process subroutine is terminated as it is.

<Description of main control main routine (continued)>
As described above, the flag-off process subroutine shown in FIG. 14 is completed. Here, returning to the main control main routine of FIG. 11, the flag-off process subroutine of step S107 is terminated, the payout process of step S108 is terminated, and the main control main routine is terminated. Thereby, the control process for performing a game in which one process from when the symbol fluctuates until it stops is completed.

<Production control processing performed in sub-control circuit 200>
In the effect control process of the present embodiment, when the start switch 50 is operated and the special combination (RB combination, BB combination) is won, an “initial effect” for notifying the player that the special combination has been won is displayed on the image display device 70. And so on. In the state where the reel is rotating, the reliability indicating that the player has won the BB role is increased based on the reliability display table (FIG. 19) according to the number of times the player operates the bet switch. Is output. Therefore, it is possible to output a “reliability effect” that changes based on the input information related to the operating means that does not affect the progress of the game indicated by the special signal.

  Specifically, the special control winning combination is received when the sub control circuit 200 receives the special winning combination signal which is a general signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 by winning either the RB winning combination or the BB winning combination. An effect that informs the user of the event is started. Then, during the reel rotation, the number of times the bet switch is operated is measured by a special signal indicating information related to the operation of the bet switch that does not affect the progress of the game, and the BB role is selected based on the measured number of times the bet switch is operated. An effect that changes the degree of reliability is output. As a result, a special signal indicating information related to the operation of the bet switch that does not affect the progress of the game can cause the player to play a game with improved game performance without affecting the progress of the game. The effect control process performed by the sub control circuit 200 will be described below using the effect control process subroutine (FIG. 15) and the reliability effect table (FIG. 19).

  First, in order to determine whether or not a special combination has been won, it is determined whether or not an RB combination selection signal or a BB combination selection signal, which is a general signal, has been received (step S201). If it is determined in step S201 that neither an RB winning signal nor a BB winning signal is received (NO), the process of step S201 is repeated. Therefore, by receiving the RB combination winning signal or the BB winning combination signal that is a general signal, it is guaranteed that the presentation control process of the present embodiment is started.

  If it is determined in step S201 that the RB winning combination signal or the BB winning combination signal has been received (YES), an “initial effect” for notifying the player that the special winning combination has been won is output to the image display device 70 or the like. . As a result, the player can recognize that the number of game media that can be acquired can be increased, and the player's interest and expectation can be increased.

  And it is judged whether the reel rotation signal which is a general signal was received (step S203). If it is determined in step S203 that the reel rotation signal has not been received (NO), step S203 is repeated until the reel rotates to measure the number of bet switch operations during reel rotation. It is guaranteed not to proceed to S204.

  If it is determined in step S203 that a reel rotation signal has been received (YES), the number of bet switch operations (during reel rotation) is reset (step S204), and the bet switch operation is performed at each production interruption interval time. In order to output a reliability effect that changes the reliability of winning the BB combination according to the number of times, the timer TM5 is started (step S205).

  After starting the timer TM5 (step S205), the control information signal is received based on the control information signal transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 at every unit interruption interval time by the control information signal transmission processing (step S52). After the control signal is decoded by the control circuit 200, it is determined whether or not a special signal indicating the pressing operation state or the releasing operation state of the bet switch has been received (step S206). If it is determined in step S206 that a special signal has been received (YES), a bet switch operation frequency calculation process for calculating the number of bet switch operations from the start of reel rotation is performed (step S207), and the process proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S206 that no special signal has been received (NO), the process proceeds to step S208. In the bet switch operation number calculation process (step S207), it is calculated that the bet switch is operated once when the bet switch release operation state shifts to the pressing operation state. Therefore, when the special signal indicating the pressing operation state of the bet switch is continuously received, it is determined that the bet switch is continuously in the pressing operation state.

  In step S208, the reliability is determined based on the number of bet switch operations calculated in step S207, the received RB winning signal or BB winning signal, and the reliability presentation table (FIG. 19), and the image The “reliability effect” is output from the display device 70, the LED lamp, the indicator, and the like (step S208).

  Then, it is determined whether or not an all-reel stop signal has been received (step S209). If it is determined that an all-reel stop signal has been received (YES), the timer TM5 is stopped and the effect control processing subroutine is terminated. . On the other hand, when it is determined in step S209 that all reel stop signals have not been received (NO), the timer TM5 is operated so that the reliability effect can be changed at each effect interruption interval time. It is determined whether or not the time has reached the production interruption interval time, specifically, whether or not the operating time of the timer TM5 is the production interruption interval time (step S211).

  If it is determined in step S211 that the operating time of the timer TM5 has reached the production interruption interval time (YES), the operating time of the timer TM5 is reset, and then measurement of the operating time is started (step S212). Returning to step S206, the processes of steps S206 to S209 are repeated until an all-reel stop signal is received. As a result, after outputting an “initial effect” that informs the player that the special role has been won, the effect interruption interval time based on the number of times the player operates the bet switch while the reel is rotating. Each time, the reliability indicating that the BB combination is won is determined from the reliability effect table (FIG. 19), and a “reliability effect” for increasing the reliability can be output for each operation of the bet switch. .

  According to the above embodiment, one control information signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 in the order of the second control information signal following the first control information signal for each unit interruption interval time, and the special signal transmission time Each time, a special signal indicating the operation state of the bet switch during reel rotation that does not affect the progress of the game can be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 with priority over the general signal. Therefore, the special signal can be transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 200 with priority over the general signal within a range that does not impair the progress of the game at every special signal transmission time.

  The effect control means 510 of the sub-control circuit 200 that has received the special signal can output a “reliability effect” that changes based on the information indicated by the special signal transmitted at regular intervals. In order to increase interest and excitement in games, it is possible to output effects based on input information related to operation means such as a bet switch that is not involved in the progress of the game by using the operation means of the conventional slot machine without providing new operation means. it can.

  Furthermore, the slot machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various other embodiments.

It is a front view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing functions of controlling the slot machine according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit 100 for controlling the slot machine according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a sub control circuit 200 for controlling the slot machine according to the present invention. It is the schematic of a control information storage area. 3 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a control signal transmission process related to a control signal performed by a main control circuit 100. It is the flowchart which showed the special signal processing subroutine which is a part of control signal transmission processing main routine of FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the general signal processing subroutine which is a part of control signal transmission processing main routine of FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the control information signal transmission process subroutine which is a part of control signal transmission process main routine of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram in which a general signal is generated at a certain timing in a unit interrupt interval time, and a special signal is generated every special interrupt interval time. 4 is a flowchart showing a main control main routine for controlling the progress of a game executed in the main control circuit 100. It is a flowchart which shows a part lottery process subroutine of a part lottery process and a flag-on process performed subsequently. It is a flowchart which shows the reel fluctuation | variation / stop subroutine which performs control for rotation and a stop of a reel. It is a flowchart which shows the flag-off process subroutine which shows the control process after a symbol stops by the subroutine of FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an effect control processing subroutine of effect control processing executed in the sub-control circuit 200. It is a figure which shows the Example of the lottery table at the time of RB operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the Example of the lottery table at the time of BB operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the Example of the general lottery table at the time of BB non-operation. It is a figure which shows the Example of the reliability production | presentation table | surface used by production control processing.

Explanation of symbols

10 slot machine 32, 34, 36 Bet switch 40L, 40C, 40R Reel 50 Start switch 52L, 52C, 52R Stop switch 64 Sound output device 70 Display device 80L, 80C, 80R Stepping motor 90 Display lamp 100 Main control circuit 200 Sub control Circuit 300 Operation means 310 Stop operation means 320 Bet means 410 Role lottery means 420 Reel control means 430 Game control means 432 Special game control means 440 Storage means 450 Control signal transmission means 510 Effect control means 520 Image control means 522 Lamp control means 524 Sound Output control means 610 Notification means

Claims (6)

A slot machine capable of performing a unit game until processing based on a result of turning and stopping a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed by inserting a game medium,
Main control means for controlling the game and transmitting a control signal including a special signal to the sub-control means;
Sub-control means for receiving the control signal transmitted from the main control means and controlling the production using the received control signal;
Including
The control signal is a signal composed of a first control information signal and a second control information signal,
The main control means includes
For each unit time, one control information signal is transmitted to the sub-control means in the order of the second control information signal following the first control information signal,
Control signal transmitting means for transmitting the special signal to the sub-control means in preference to other control signals every predetermined special signal transmission time;
A slot machine characterized by that. The time at which the control signal transmission means transmits the first control information signal of the special signal to the sub-control means overlaps the time of transmission of the second control information signal of the other control signal to the sub-control means. When transmitting the second control information signal of the other control signal to the sub-control means,
The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein: The special signal is a signal representing information not related to the progress of the game.
The slot machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above-mentioned. The special signal is a signal representing operation information related to the operation means.
The slot machine according to claim 3. The sub-control means changes an effect to be output using the notification means based on the special signal.
5. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein: The main control means includes
Role lottery means for drawing a role from among roles including special roles;
Game control means for proceeding with processing corresponding to the winning combination when winning the winning combination,
A special game control means for executing a special game that advances the game in an advantageous manner for the player when winning the winning special role,
When the control signal transmitting means wins the special role, the special signal winning signal is transmitted to the sub-control means,
The sub-control means, when receiving a special role winning signal, based on the special signal, changes the effect to be output using the notification means,
6. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein:

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