JP2009178322A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for executing a performance which is easy to understand for a player and improving player's interest. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a pattern determination means for determining a pattern to be displayed by a reel through a pattern display part, and a pattern shielding means for covering the pattern displayed by the pattern display part. When a prescribed condition is established, the covering of the pattern displayed by the pattern display part is started, and the reel is rotated. When it becomes possible to display by the pattern display part the pattern determined by the pattern determination means among the plurality of patterns disposed on the surface, the covering of the pattern displayed by the pattern display part is ended. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a start lever has been operated by a player on condition that a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface are provided side by side, and medals, coins, etc. (hereinafter, medals, etc.) are inserted. (Hereinafter, a start operation) is detected, and a start switch that outputs a signal requesting the start of rotation of all reels and a stop button provided for each of the plurality of reels are pressed by the player. (Hereinafter referred to as stop operation), and a stop switch that outputs a signal for requesting the rotation of the corresponding reel to stop, and a corresponding drive force for each reel. And control the operation of the stepping motor based on the signal output from the start switch and stop switch. Rotation and gaming machine that includes a control unit that performs a stop, the are known. Usually, in such a gaming machine, as a result of all the rotations of a plurality of reels being stopped, a combination of symbols related to winning is determined along a reference line (hereinafter referred to as winning determination line) for determining whether or not a winning is achieved. When displayed, medals and the like are paid out to the player.

  In the above gaming machines, when a stop operation is detected by the player, basically, a control for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel within a specified time (for example, 190 msec) from the detection is performed. It has become mainstream. If the reel rotation is stopped within the specified time, the player will see that the target symbol does not stop immediately after pressing the stop button, but moves down after the stop button is pressed. . This phenomenon is called so-called “sliding” of the reel, and the number of symbols that move with the rotation of the reel that continues within the specified time is called “the number of sliding pieces”.

  Further, in the above gaming machine, when a start operation by the player is detected, a lottery using a random number is performed. Based on this result (hereinafter referred to as an internal winning combination) and the timing at which the stop operation by the player is detected, the reel The position at which the rotation of the motor is stopped is determined. For example, when it is determined as a result of the lottery that an internal winning combination that allows display of a combination of symbols related to winning is determined, the combination of symbols permitted to be displayed is determined using the above-described “slip” of the reel. The position at which the rotation of each reel is stopped is determined so as to be displayed as much as possible on the winning determination line (so-called “retraction”). On the other hand, for example, when “losing” is determined as an internal winning combination, a combination of symbols that is not allowed to be displayed does not appear on the winning determination line using the above-mentioned “slip”. The position at which the rotation of each reel is stopped is determined (so-called “kicking”).

Traditionally, in gaming machines such as those described above, it has been common to make innovative efforts to prevent players from getting bored and to maintain their interests in order to improve their operation. It has been an issue. Recently, for example, the maximum number of the sliding pieces of the reel described above is changed according to the determined internal winning combination (for example, refer to Patent Document 1), or the rotation of the reel is decelerated and then stopped. A method has been proposed in which the excitation pattern for the stepping motor is changed so that the phenomenon such as vibration generated when the rotation of the reel stops is changed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .
JP 2003-175147 A JP 2006-198297 A

  The conventional gaming machine described above is intended to improve the player's interest by performing an effect that associates the reel operation where the player's line of sight is most concentrated with the internal lottery result. However, changes in the number of sliding pieces of reels and changes in phenomena such as vibrations when reel rotation stops are not easy to understand at first glance, and some players feel that they are not interesting. Therefore, the player's interest has not been improved effectively.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that increases the interest of a player in a manner that is easy for the player to understand.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following gaming machines.

  (1) A reel (for example, sub-reels 23L, 23C, and 23R described later) on which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the surface, and a symbol that displays a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the reel to the player A display unit (for example, sub-display windows 24L, 24C, 24R described later), reel control means (for example, sub-reel stepping motors 149L, 149C, 149R described later) for rotating and stopping the rotation of the reels, A symbol determining means for determining a symbol to be displayed by the symbol display section (for example, a start effect lottery process described later) and a symbol shielding means for shielding a symbol displayed by the symbol display section (for example, a smoke film described later, described later). Back lamp, a lamp control task described later, S732 and S733 of a start effect analysis process described later, and a plurality of reels arranged on the surface of the reel Of the patterns, symbol determination means for determining whether or not the symbol determined by the symbol determination means can be displayed by the symbol display unit (for example, sub-reel symbol counter described later, S742 of sub-reel shielding control related processing described later). The symbol shielding means shields the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a later-described start effect number “3” to “6” is determined). The reel is rotated by the reel control means, and the symbols determined by the symbol determining means among the symbols arranged on the surface of the reel by the symbol determining means are displayed by the symbol display section. A game machine characterized in that when it is determined that display is possible, shielding of the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is terminated.

  According to this gaming machine, the symbol determining means for determining the symbol to be displayed by the reel via the symbol display section, and the symbol shielding means for shielding the symbol displayed by the symbol display section, the predetermined condition is When established, shielding of the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is started, the reel is rotated, and the symbol determined by the symbol determining means among the plurality of symbols arranged on the surface can be displayed by the symbol display unit. At this time, the shielding of the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is terminated.

  In other words, while the reel is rotating to draw the symbol determined by the symbol determining means into the symbol display unit, the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is shielded, so that the player can see the changing state. When the symbol determined by the symbol determining means reaches the symbol display part, the symbol is determined by the symbol determining means as a result of making the symbol visible to the player by ending the above shielding. It is possible to show the player as if the displayed pattern appeared suddenly.

  Therefore, it is possible to perform a highly surprising performance that is easy to understand for the player at a glance and has a large impression on the player, so that the player's interest can be improved. For example, when the symbol determining unit determines the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit according to the type of the internal winning combination, the player is notified of the determined internal winning combination. It can be used as a means, and is more suitable for improving the player's interest.

  (2) Position specification for specifying the position of a symbol displayed on the symbol display section (for example, the position of a symbol displayed on a center line 8c described later) among a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the reel The symbol determination among a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the reel based on means (for example, a sub-reel symbol counter managed by a sub-CPU 81 described later) and the position of the symbol specified by the position specifying unit First search means for searching for the position of the symbol determined by the means in accordance with the forward rotation direction of the reel (for example, the direction in which the address is advanced in the order of 0 → 1 →... → 20 described later) The symbol determination among a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the reel based on S724) in the start effect analysis process and the symbol position specified by the position specifying means. Second search means for searching for the position of the symbol determined by the stage in accordance with the reverse rotation direction of the reel (for example, the direction of address advancement in the order of 20 → 19 →... → 0 described later) S725) in the start effect analysis process, and the position of the symbol specified by the position specifying unit among the position of the symbol searched by the first searching unit and the position of the symbol searched by the second searching unit Position determination means for determining one closer to the position (for example, S727 in the start effect analysis process described later), and the reel control means determine the position of the symbol searched by the first search means by the position determination means. In this case, while the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is being shielded by the symbol shielding means, while the reel is rotated in the forward rotation direction, When the position of the symbol searched by the second searching means is determined by the position determining means, the reel is removed while the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is being shielded by the symbol shielding means. The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the gaming machine rotates in a reverse rotation direction.

  According to this gaming machine, the position of the symbol determined by the symbol determining means among the plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the reel is rotated in the normal rotation direction with reference to the position of the symbol specified by the position specifying means. It is determined which one of the case of rotating and the case of rotating in the reverse rotation direction is closer, and as a result, the reel is rotated in one direction determined to be closer.

  That is, the time for rotating the reel in order to draw the symbol determined by the symbol determining means into the symbol display unit is shortened, and as a result, the time for shielding the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit in the meantime is shortened. It becomes possible to plan. Therefore, the above-mentioned phenomenon can be shown without causing the player to wait more than necessary, which is suitable for improving the player's interest.

  (3) A housing (for example, a cabinet 1a described later) in which the reel is provided, and a door body (for example, a main door 1b described later) provided with the symbol display unit and capable of opening and closing the housing. And an opening detection means (for example, a door opening sensor 120 described later) for detecting that the door body is opened, and whether or not the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is shielded by the symbol shielding means. A symbol shielding determining means for determining (for example, S721 and S722 of a start effect analysis process described later), and when the symbol shielding means is determined not to perform the shielding by the symbol shielding determining means, If the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is not shielded while the symbol shielding determining means determines that the shield is to be performed, the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is shielded. The symbol shielding determining means determines that the shielding is not performed when the opening detecting means detects that the door is opened (1) or (2) ) Gaming machine described in.

  According to this gaming machine, the symbol shielding means does not shield the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit when the door body that can open and close the casing in which the reel is provided is opened. . For example, when an employee of a game store opens a door to perform maintenance of a gaming machine or the like, the result of contact with a reel provided inside the housing is the result of The position may shift. In this way, when the position of the symbol on the reel has shifted, if the phenomenon described above is performed, the symbol determined by the symbol determining means may not be displayed after shielding and other symbols may be displayed. Yes, it can lead to confusion for players. However, according to the above configuration, such a situation can be prevented, and the player's trust can be prevented from being impaired.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is provided with a symbol determining means for determining a symbol to be displayed by a reel via a symbol display section, and a symbol shielding means for shielding a symbol displayed by the symbol display section, and a predetermined condition is When established, shielding of the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is started, the reel is rotated, and the symbol determined by the symbol determining means among the plurality of symbols arranged on the surface can be displayed by the symbol display unit. Since the symbol display displayed by the symbol display unit ends when the player becomes a player, it is easy to understand at a glance, and the player has a great impression that the player has a great impression. It becomes possible to improve the player's interest.

  A configuration of a gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “slot machine 1”) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an external structure of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the slot machine 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the main reel display unit 5 and the sub reel display unit 10. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the main reel display unit 5.

  The slot machine 1 is provided with a cabinet 1a as a housing that houses a main control circuit 71 described later and a front door 1b as a door body that is attached to the cabinet 1a so as to be openable and closable. A main reel display portion 5 is provided at the front center of the front door 1b. Three reels (hereinafter referred to as main reels) 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided in a horizontal row behind the main reel display unit 5 and inside the cabinet 1a (not shown).

  The three main reels 3L, 3C, 3R have a cylindrical structure, and rotate and stop vertically in the vertical direction by driving stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described later. A plurality of types of symbols are continuously arranged at predetermined intervals on the peripheral surfaces of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The main reel display section 5 has vertically long rectangular openings (hereinafter referred to as main display windows) 4L, 4C, 4R at positions corresponding to the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. These main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided with a transparent and transparent member such as glass or plastic as a protective member. Through the main display windows 4L, 4C and 4R, the rotation of each main reel provided behind the main display windows and the stop operation thereof can be visually recognized from the player side.

  Further, when the rotation of the corresponding main reel is stopped via the three main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, one symbol is displayed in each of the upper, middle and lower areas in the window frame. Thus, three symbols out of a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the corresponding main reel are displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R has a pseudo line formed by connecting one of predetermined areas among the upper, middle, and lower areas. Is formed, and it is determined whether or not a prize is won based on a combination of symbols displayed along this line (hereinafter referred to as a winning determination line).

  As the types of winning determination lines in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first line 8a, the second line 8b, the third line 8c, the fourth line 8d, the fifth line 8e, the sixth line 8f, Eight types including a seventh line 8g and an eighth line 8h are provided. For example, the first line 8a is a combination of the upper stages of the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and the second line 8b is the upper stage of the left main display window 4L, the lower stage of the middle main display window 4C, and the right main display window. Combining the upper 4R.

  On the other hand, a sub reel display unit 10 is provided in front of the front door 1 b and above the main reel display unit 5. As shown in FIG. 2, three reels (hereinafter referred to as sub-reels) 23L, 23C, and 23R different from the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are arranged in a horizontal row behind the sub-reel display unit 10 and inside the cabinet 1a. Is provided.

  The sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R have a cylindrical structure whose diameter is larger than that of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R described above, and are driven in the vertical direction by driving stepping motors 149L, 149C, 149R described later. Rotate and stop. A plurality of types of symbols are continuously arranged at predetermined intervals on the peripheral surfaces of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. As will be described later, the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R have a larger number of symbols arranged on their peripheral surfaces than the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The sub reel display unit 10 has vertically long rectangular openings (hereinafter referred to as sub display windows) 24L, 24C, 24R at positions corresponding to the three sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R. In addition, when the rotation of the corresponding sub reel is stopped through each of the three sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R, one symbol is displayed in each of the upper, middle, and lower areas in the window frame. As a result, three symbols out of a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the corresponding sub reel are displayed. The sub display window constitutes a symbol display section.

  In the present embodiment, based on the combination of symbols displayed by the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, it is determined whether or not a player is to be given a privilege such as a medal payout. On the other hand, the above determination is not performed for the combination of symbols displayed by the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. That is, the operations such as rotation and stop of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are not targets for determining whether or not to give a privilege to the player, and a combination of symbols related to the grant of the privilege by the main reel. This is mainly performed for the purpose of production, such as informing the player of the fact that is displayed and its type in an easy-to-understand manner. Further, for example, when the left stop button 7L is pressed by the player, the operation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R is basically stopped such that the rotation of the left main reel 3L is stopped and the rotation of the left sub reel 23L is stopped. Is performed in conjunction with the operation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R are provided with transparent and transparent members such as glass and plastic as protective members. Further, on the back side of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, 24R (that is, the inside of the cabinet 1a), a synthetic resin color film having a light transmittance set lower than that of glass or the like employed as the protective member ( Hereinafter, a smoke film is attached (not shown).

  In addition, back lamps are provided in the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R at positions corresponding to the upper, middle, and lower regions of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R (not shown). . As the back lamp, it is preferable to employ a light emitting element having high luminance such as an LED (light emitting diode) or a halogen lamp as a light source. The back lamp has a part of the peripheral surface of each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R located in the upper, middle, and lower regions of each of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R. Can be illuminated.

  According to the above-described configuration, when the back lamp is turned off, the sub reels 23L, 23C, and the rear reels 23L, 23C, provided behind the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R due to the presence of the smoke film. The rotation of 23R and the operation of stopping it become invisible from the player side. On the other hand, when the back lamp is turned on, the amount of light that passes through the smoke film increases, so that each sub-reel 23L, The rotation of 23C and 23R and the stop operation can be visually recognized from the player side. Further, in the present embodiment, the corresponding back lamp is turned on and off in accordance with each sub reel and each area (upper, middle, and lower) of each sub display window. It is possible to create an invisible state and a visible state. The smoke film and the back lamp constitute a symbol shielding means.

  In this embodiment, a transparent member such as glass or plastic is provided as a protective member in the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R, and a smoke film is pasted on the back side thereof. However, the protection member itself may be made of glass or the like (smoke glass or the like) whose light transmittance is set lower than colorless and transparent glass or the like. In addition, for example, a liquid crystal display panel may be adopted, and a visible state and an invisible state may be controlled by adjusting voltage application.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R are formed with pseudo lines each connecting any one of the three regions including the upper stage, the middle stage, and the lower stage. Then, by the combination of symbols displayed along this line (hereinafter referred to as an effect line), an effect is provided informing the player that a winning has been established and its type. There are five production lines, a cross-up line 28a, a top line 28b, a center line 28c, a bottom line 28d, and a cross-down line 28e. For example, the top line 28b is formed by combining the upper stages of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, and 24R.

  As shown in FIG. 1, one reel (hereinafter referred to as 4th reel) 110 different from the main reel and the sub reel is provided above the sub reel display unit 10 and inside the cabinet 1a. The 4th reel 110 basically rotates and stops in the horizontal direction by driving a stepping motor 249 described later. The operations such as the rotation of the 4th reel 110 and the stop thereof are performed mainly for the purpose of production in the same manner as the operations of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R.

  One opening (hereinafter referred to as a 4th display window) 112 is formed above the sub reel display unit 10 and at a position corresponding to the 4th reel 110. The 4th display window 112 is provided with a transparent and transparent member such as glass as a protective member. Then, through the 4th display window 112, the rotation and stop operation of the 4th reel 110 provided behind the 4th display window 112 are visible from the player side.

  On the right side of the main reel display portion 5, a medal slot 22 is provided for receiving medals dropped from the outside by the player's hand. Basically, when one medal is inserted into the medal slot 22, one is counted as the number of medals inserted to obtain the result of one internal lottery (hereinafter referred to as the inserted number). . Then, after the inserted number reaches the maximum number (three or two in the present embodiment), the number of medals dropped into the medal slot 22 is a predetermined number (50 in the present embodiment). As an upper limit, it can be deposited in the slot machine 1 (so-called credit function).

  On the left side of the reel unit 10, a 1-bet button 11 and a maximum-bet button 13 for determining the number of inserted coins out of medals deposited in the slot machine 1 as described above are provided. When each bet button is pressed, a value corresponding to the type of the bet button is counted as the number of inserted sheets (that is, 1 for the 1 bet button 11 and 3 for the maximum bet button 13).

  On the left side of the sub-reel display unit 10, a 7-segment display 18 composed of 7-segment LEDs is provided. The 7-segment display 18 is configured to display the number of medals to be paid out to the player when the combination of symbols related to winning is displayed along the above-described winning determination lines 8a to 8h (hereinafter referred to as payout number), slot machine, The number of medals owned by the player in 1 (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits) is digitally displayed.

  Below the 1-bet button 11, there is provided a settlement button 14 for discharging medals deposited in the slot machine 1 from a medal payout opening 15 provided at the lower front. The medals discharged from the medal payout opening 15 are collected in the medal receiving part 16.

  Further, below the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a start lever 6 for starting rotation of all main reels (and sub reels) is provided. Further, on the right side of the start lever 6, stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are provided corresponding to the respective main reels (and sub reels) and for stopping the rotation of the corresponding main reels (and sub reels). It has been.

  Hereinafter, when all of the three main reels (and sub reels) are rotating, the time when any one of the stop buttons is pressed by the player is referred to as “first stop operation” or “first stop”. Subsequently, when the remaining two of the three main reels (and sub-reels) are rotating, when any one of the corresponding stop buttons is pressed by the player, the “second stop operation” or “second 2 stops ". Furthermore, when the remaining one main reel (and sub reel) is rotating, the time when the corresponding stop button is pressed by the player is referred to as “third stop operation” or “third stop”.

  Lamps 101L and 101R made of LEDs are provided on the upper portion of the front door 1b. Speakers 21L and 21R are provided below the front door 1b. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation performed by the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R described above, the operation performed by the 4th reel 110, the light output performed by the lamps 101L and 101R and the back lamp described above, the speakers 21L, An effect is produced by the output of sound performed by 21R or a combination thereof.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the arrangement of symbols arranged on the surface of each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R of the slot machine 1 will be described.

  On the surface of each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R, a plurality of types of symbols are continuously arranged in the rotation direction. More specifically, on the surface of each of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, positions divided by 18 in the rotation direction (positions specified by a symbol counter provided in a RAM 33 described later, symbol position “0”) To "17"), red 7 (design p1), blue 7 (design p2), orange (design p3), watermelon (design p4), plum (design p5), red cherry (design p6), blue cherry (Design p7), bell (design p8), star (design p9), and moon (design p10) are arranged, so that a total of 18 designs are arranged.

  Each main reel 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled by a main control circuit 71 described later so as to rotate at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute) in a direction from the top to the bottom (arrow direction in the figure). In the main display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R vary with the rotation.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the stop button is pressed, basically, the control of stopping the rotation of the corresponding main reel is performed within a specified time (for example, 190 msec) from when the stop button is pressed. That is, from the viewpoint of the player, when the rotation of the main reel is stopped within the lapse of the specified time after pressing the stop button, it appears that the target symbol stops after moving the target symbol downward. This is the so-called “slip” of the reel, and the number of symbols that move with the rotation of the reel within the specified time after the stop button is pressed is called “the number of sliding pieces”. In other words, in the period from when the stop operation is detected by the stop switch 7S until the rotation of the corresponding reel stops, the number of symbols passing the reference position (for example, the middle stage of the main display window) is the number of sliding symbols. Become. Further, stopping the rotation of the reel so as to display the target symbol in the display window using this “slip” is called “retraction”.

  In this embodiment, the maximum value of the number of sliding pieces of the main reel is basically set to “3”. Therefore, when the stop button is pressed, for example, when any of the symbols within the range from the symbol in the middle of the main display window to the next three reaches the middle of the main display window, It is possible to stop the rotation of the reel.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the arrangement of symbols arranged on the surface of each sub reel 23L, 23C, 23R of the slot machine 1 will be described.

  On the surface of each sub reel 23L, 23C, 23R, a plurality of types of symbols are continuously arranged in the rotation direction. More specifically, on the surface of each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, positions divided by 21 in the rotation direction (positions specified by a sub reel symbol counter provided in the SDRAM 83 described later, the symbol position “0 ”To“ 20 ”), red 7 (symbol p11), blue 7 (symbol p12), bell (symbol p13), replay (symbol p14), chance replay (symbol p15), small pouch (symbol p16), A total of 21 symbols are arranged by arranging any of light (design p17), basket (design p18), net (design p19), and large chinoko (design p20).

  In addition to the main reel, the sub reel has a direction from the top to the bottom (in the direction of arrow A in the figure, hereinafter referred to as a forward rotation direction), and a direction from the bottom to the top (in the figure, opposite). It is possible to perform the rotation in the direction of arrow B of FIG. The sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R managed by the sub control circuit 72 to be described later are provided for the purpose of performing effects, and are different from the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R managed by the main control circuit 71 to be described later. No restriction is imposed such as stopping the rotation within the specified time (190 msec) defined by laws and regulations, and the operation can be performed freely. In this embodiment, by changing the number of sliding pieces and the rotation direction when stopping the rotation of the sub-reel, various operations are performed on the sub-reel so that the player has a novel effect on the appearance of the player. Yes.

  Next, the arrangement of symbols arranged on the surface of the 4th reel 110 of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the surface of the 4th reel 110, a plurality of types of symbols are continuously arranged in the rotation direction. More specifically, on the surface of the 4th reel 110, positions divided into 6 in the rotation direction (positions specified by a 4th reel symbol counter provided in the SDRAM 83 described later, symbol positions “0” to “ 5 ”), the goal (symbol p22), the chance (symbol p23), the chance zone (symbol p24), the chance time (symbol p25) and the large chinko (symbol p26) In total, six symbols are arranged. The 4th reel 110 is controlled by a sub-control circuit 72 described later so as to rotate in both directions from right to left and from left to right.

  In this embodiment, the distinction is omitted, but the symbols arranged on the surface of the main reel are “main symbols”, the symbols arranged on the surface of the sub reels are “sub symbols”, and the surface of the 4th reel. The arranged symbols may be rephrased as “4th symbols”.

  Next, a circuit configuration of the slot machine 1 including a main control circuit 71, a sub control circuit 72, a main control circuit 71, and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 and ROM 32 and RAM 33 which are storage means. The ROM 32 has a control program executed by the CPU 31 (for example, see FIGS. 33 to 42 described later), various tables such as an internal lottery table described later (for example, see FIGS. 9 to 27 described later), and a sub control circuit 72. Data for transmitting various control commands (commands) are stored. The RAM 33 is provided with various storage areas (for example, see FIGS. 28 to 32 described later) such as an internal winning combination storage area described later, and stores various data.

  A clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 are connected to the CPU 31. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate a reference clock pulse. Based on the generated reference clock pulse, an interrupt process, which will be described later, is performed. The random number generator 36 generates a certain range of random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts (samples) one value (hereinafter, random number value) from the random number generated by the random number generator 36.

  In the circuit of FIG. 7, as the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30, there are a 7-segment display 18, a hopper 40, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R and the like. Each output port of the microcomputer 30 is connected to each circuit for receiving the control signal output from the CPU 31 and controlling the operation of each actuator described above. Each circuit includes a display unit driving circuit 48, a motor driving circuit 39, and a hopper driving circuit 41.

  The display unit drive circuit 48 controls display of various information (such as the number of payouts) by the 7-segment display 18. The hopper drive circuit 41 controls the driving of the hopper 40 that functions as a medal payout device that can accommodate a large amount of medals and can discharge them one by one, and controls the discharge of medals.

  The motor drive circuit 39 outputs the pulses from the main control circuit 71 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, thereby controlling the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, and the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Controls rotation and its stop. In the present embodiment, gears (not shown) that transmit the rotations of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R to the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R with a predetermined reduction ratio are provided, and the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R are provided. On the other hand, by outputting a predetermined number of pulses (for example, 16 times), the rotation of one symbol arranged on the surface of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed.

  Each input port of the microcomputer 30 is connected to switches and the like, and inputs a predetermined signal that triggers the control of the actuator and the like. Specifically, start switch 6S, stop switch 7S, 1-bet switch 11S, maximum bet switch 13S, settlement switch 14S, setting change switch 19S, reset switch 20S, medal sensor 22S, main reel position detection circuit 50, and payout completion A signal circuit 51 is connected.

  The start switch 6S detects that the start lever 6 has been pushed down by the player. The stop switch 7S detects that each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R has been pressed by the player.

  The 1-bet switch 11S detects that the 1-bet button 11 has been pressed by the player. The maximum bet switch 13S detects that the maximum bet button 13 has been pressed by the player. The medal sensor 22S detects that a medal inserted into the medal slot 22 by the player passes through a selector (not shown). The selector is a device for selecting whether or not a medal is appropriate in material, shape, and the like, and guides an appropriate medal inserted from the medal slot 22 to a hopper 40 having a storage unit capable of storing a large amount of medals. A passage is formed. In the present embodiment, this is referred to as “insertion operation” including that a player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 22 and each bet button is pressed by the player.

  The settlement switch 14S detects that the settlement button 14 has been pressed by the player. The payout completion signal circuit 51 detects whether or not the medals discharged by the hopper 40 have reached the payout number by the operation of the medal detection unit 40S.

  The main reel position detection circuit 50 detects a reel index indicating one rotation according to each main reel, for example, by an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. Here, the number of pulses output to the aforementioned stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted by a pulse counter provided in the RAM 33, and a predetermined number of pulses necessary for the rotation of one symbol as described above. Each time the output is counted by the pulse counter, the main reel symbol counter provided in the RAM 33 is incremented by one. The main reel symbol counter is provided for each of the three main reels, and the value is cleared each time the reel index is detected by the reel position detection circuit 50.

  That is, in this embodiment, by managing the symbol counter, it is possible to manage how many symbols have been rotated since the reel index was detected. It is possible to detect the position of each symbol in the reel rotation direction with reference to the detected position. The number of sliding symbols is managed by the value of the symbol counter that is updated after the stop button is pressed. Similarly, the symbol counter is provided for the sub reel and the 4th reel.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main control circuit 71 and the sub control circuit 72 are electrically connected, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. Then, the sub control circuit 72 performs various processes such as determination and execution of the contents of effects based on various commands (such as a start command described later) transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Sub-reel 23L, 23C, 23R, 4th reel 110, speakers 21L, 21R and lamp 101 (including a back lamp) are connected to sub-control circuit 72 as main actuators whose operations are controlled.

  The sub control circuit 72 basically includes a sub CPU 81, a control ROM 82, and an SDRAM 83 as main components. Based on the various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71, the sub CPU 81 operates the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, the 4th reel 110, the sound output, and the sound according to the control program stored in the control ROM 82. Control the light output. The SDRAM 83 is configured as a temporary storage unit for work when the sub CPU 81 executes a control program. The SDRAM 83 is provided with a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control circuit 71.

  The control ROM 82 basically includes a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area stores a sub CPU control program. Specifically, the main board communication task for controlling the communication with the operating system, the device driver, and the main control circuit 71, the determination of the contents of effects (effect data described later), and the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R Registration of sub reel data for controlling operation, registration of 4th reel data for controlling operation of 4th reel 110, registration of sound data for outputting sound by speakers 21L and 21R, and lamps 101L and 101R Main board communication task for registering lamp data for outputting light, and effect reel control task for rotating and stopping the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R and rotating and stopping the 4th reel 110, respectively. include.

  The data storage area includes a table storage area for storing various tables, an effect data storage area for storing a plurality of types of effect data, a reel data storage area for storing sub-reel data and 4th reel data, a lamp that defines a light lighting pattern, etc. A lamp data storage area for storing data, a sound data storage area for storing sound data such as BGM and sound effects, and the like are included.

  The sub-control circuit 72 is provided with a digital signal processor (hereinafter referred to as DSP) 90, an audio RAM 91, an A / D converter 88, and an amplifier 89 for controlling the sound output from the speakers 21L and 21R.

  The DSP 90 is connected to the sub CPU 81 and outputs designated sound data in accordance with a signal (command) output from the sub CPU 81. Data necessary for a task performed by the DSP 90 is expanded in the audio RAM 91. The A / D converter 88 converts sound data from digital to analog. When analog conversion is performed, the signals are output from the speakers 21L and 21R via an amplifier 89 which is an amplifier.

  The sub CPU 81 is connected to a lamp 101 (including a back lamp). The sub CPU 81 controls the light output from the lamp 101 based on a lamp data storage area that stores a light lighting pattern and the like.

  The sub CPU 81 is connected to a sub reel motor drive circuit 139 and a sub reel position detection circuit 150. Further, a 4th reel motor drive circuit 239 and a 4th reel position detection circuit 250 are connected to the sub CPU 81.

  The sub reel motor drive circuit 139 and the 4th reel motor drive circuit 239 have basically the same functions as the motor drive circuit 39 in the main control circuit 71. The sub reel motor drive circuit 139 outputs pulses to the stepping motors 149L, 149C, and 149R to control driving thereof, and controls rotation and stop of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. The 4th reel motor drive circuit 239 controls the drive of the 4th reel 110 by outputting a pulse to the stepping motor 249, and controls the rotation and stop of the 4th reel 110.

  The sub reel position detection circuit 150 and the 4th reel position detection circuit 250 have basically the same functions as the functions of the reel position detection circuit 50 in the main control circuit 71. The sub reel position detection circuit 150 detects that each sub reel 23L, 23C, 23R has made one rotation. The 4th reel position detection circuit 250 detects that the 4th reel 110 has made one rotation.

  Further, the SDRAM 83 of the sub control circuit 72 is provided with a symbol counter corresponding to each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R and the 4th reel. The position of the symbol can be specified. The sub-reel symbol counter is incremented by one each time the output of a predetermined number of pulses required for rotation of one symbol is counted by the pulse counter when performing normal rotation. When reverse rotation is performed, every time the output of a predetermined number of pulses necessary for rotation for one symbol is counted by the pulse counter, 1 is subtracted.

  In addition, when the sub reels are rotated in reverse, an order reverse to the excitation order used for normal rotation is adopted. In the present embodiment, as the stepping motors 149L, 149C, and 149R provided for each sub reel, four phases including A phase, B phase, C phase, and D phase are driven by the 1-2 phase excitation method. A motor is used, and the excitation pattern for forward rotation is “0 (D · A) → 1 (A) → 2 (A · B) → 3 (B) → 4 (B · C) → 5 (C) → 6 (C · D) → 7 (D) ”, and the excitation pattern for reverse rotation is“ 7 (D) → 6 (D · C) → 5 (C) → 4 (C · B) → 3 (B) → 2 (B · A) → 1 (A) → 0 (A · D) ”is employed.

  Below, with reference to FIGS. 9-20, the various tables memorize | stored in ROM32 of the main control circuit 71 are demonstrated. First, the main reel symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the main reel symbol arrangement table, the positions “0” to “17” of the symbols in the rotation direction of each main reel managed by the main reel symbol counter described above, and the types of symbols arranged at the respective positions. Data (hereinafter referred to as symbol code) are specified. The symbol code is 1-byte data, and each of “1 (00000001B)” to “10 (0000010B)” is assigned according to the ten symbols of red 7 (symbol p1) to month (symbol p10). ing.

  In the main reel symbol arrangement table, the symbol position “0” is the position where the symbol to be displayed in the middle of each main display window when the reel index is detected, and the main reel symbol arrangement table moves in the forward rotation direction of the main reel. Symbol positions “0” to “17” are assigned to the positions of the symbols. Therefore, by referring to the main reel symbol counter and the main reel symbol arrangement table, it is possible to specify the type of symbol displayed at the middle of each main display window.

  Next, the main reel symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the combination of symbols displayed by the main reel along the above-described eight winning determination lines 8a to 8h matches the symbol combination specified by the main reel symbol combination table. In this case, benefits such as paying out medals, re-game operation, bonus game operation, and replay time (hereinafter, “RT”) operation are given to the player.

  The main reel symbol combination table defines data indicating symbol combinations displayed by the main reel, a winning operation flag, a payout number, and storage area identification data. The winning operation flag is data for specifying the type of symbol combination displayed for the winning determination line. The winning action flag is basically 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit, and a display combination storage area described later (more specifically, a display combination consisting of 1 byte each. 1 storage area, display combination 2 storage area, and display combination 3 storage area). If the combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line does not match any of the predetermined symbol combinations defined in the main reel symbol combination table, the winning action flag is “ Is determined.

  The storage area identification data is data for designating the type of display combination storage area in which the corresponding winning action flag is stored. In this embodiment, there are three display combinations, a display combination 1 storage area, a display combination 2 storage area, and a display combination 3 storage area. For convenience of explanation, the data stored in these display combination storage areas is “display combination”. Called. That is, in the present embodiment, since there are more than eight types of symbol combinations defined by the main reel symbol combination table, it is managed as a different kind of display combination with the difference in the area to be stored. Even if they are composed of the same bit pattern, different combinations of symbols can be specified. When the winning operation flag is determined, the winning combination flag is stored in the corresponding storage area and the display combination is determined. Therefore, it can be said that the determination of the winning operation flag and the determination of the display combination are equivalent.

  The payout number is data representing the number of medals to be paid out to the player. Based on the numerical value, medals are discharged by driving the hopper 40 and a credit counter is added. In the present embodiment, when cherries 1 to 3 are determined as the winning operation flags, a numerical value exceeding 0 is determined as the payout number, and medals are paid out. The number of payouts is defined according to whether the number of inserted sheets is 2 or 3 when the number of inserted sheets is 3, and a larger number of paidout sheets is determined when the number of inserted sheets is 2, which is smaller. .

  When normal replay 1 to normal replay 4, falling replay or special replay is determined as the display combination, the replay operation is performed. When the re-game is activated, the same number of medals will be automatically inserted at the next time without being based on the player's insertion operation. You do n’t have to spend.

  In the present embodiment, when the special replay is determined as the display combination, the RT3 is operated in an advantageous state for the player described later, and when the fall replay is determined as the display combination, the player described later is operated. The disadvantageous state RT4 is activated.

  When BB1 or BB2 is determined as the display combination, a later-described big bonus (hereinafter referred to as BB) is operated, and an later-described RT2 operation is performed. When JAC1 or JAC2 is determined as the display combination, a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as RB) described later is activated. When JAC1 is determined as the display combination, the operation of RT1 described later is performed. Further, when MB is determined as the display combination, a middle bonus (hereinafter referred to as MB) described later is activated.

  Next, the bonus operation time table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The bonus operation time table defines data stored in the storage area of the RAM 33 when the operation of bonuses (RB, BB and MB described above) is determined. The bonus operating time table defines, as data stored in the RAM 33, an operating flag, a bonus end number counter, a game possible number counter, and a winning possible number counter.

  The in-operation flag is data for specifying the type of bonus to be operated. The bonus end number counter is data for managing the number of medals to be paid out to the player. The game possible number counter is data for managing the number of times a lottery process (to be described later) is executed based on the detection of the start operation (hereinafter, the number of games). The winning possible number counter is data for managing the number of times that a display combination related to the payout of medals is determined.

  In the present embodiment, when the operation of BB1 is performed or when the operation of BB2 is performed, 345 is set in the bonus end number counter, and 105 is set in the bonus end number counter when the MB operation is performed. As a result of the subtraction of the bonus end number counter, the operation of the bonus game corresponding to the condition that the value is updated to 0 ends.

  Further, when the RB is operated, 12 is set in the possible game number counter, and 8 is set in the possible winning number counter. As a result of subtraction of each counter, one of the values is updated to 0, or as a result of subtraction of the bonus end number counter being updated to 0. The operation of RB ends.

  Note that BB1 and BB2 are positioned as more advantageous bonuses for the player because the number of bonus finishes is larger than that of MB. As will be described later, BB2 is positioned as the most advantageous bonus for the player because the operation of RT3, which will be advantageous to the player, which will be described later, is more easily performed than BB1.

  Next, the internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The internal winning combination determination table defines a hit request flag according to the data pointer. The data pointer is data that is determined with reference to an internal lottery table, which will be described later, and is used to determine the hit request flag. The internal lottery table, which will be described later, defines a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer as data pointers.

  The winning request flag is data stored in an internal winning combination storing area (more specifically, an internal winning combination 1 storing area, an internal winning combination 2 storing area, and an internal winning combination 3 storing area each consisting of 1 byte). Basically, it is data having a size of 1 byte in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit.

  In the present embodiment, the data stored in the internal winning combination storing area (more specifically, the logical sum of hit request flags) is referred to as “internal winning combination” for convenience of explanation. In other words, in the present embodiment, since there are more than 8 combinations of symbols related to winning a prize, they are managed as different types of internal winning combinations with different storage areas, and are composed of the same bit pattern. Even so, it is possible to allow display of combinations of different symbols. It can be said that the determination of the data pointer, which will be described later, the determination of the hit request flag, and the determination of the internal winning combination are in an equivalent relationship.

  Also, the internal winning combination is a symbol combination type that allows the winning determination lines 8a to 8h to be displayed among the symbol combinations (see FIG. 10) defined by the main reel symbol combination table. For example, when the content is “red cherry 1 to red cherry 3”, display of combinations of symbols relating to red cherry 1, red cherry 2 and red cherry 3 is permitted. The Rukoto. When the data pointer is “0”, the content is “lost”, which indicates that any display of symbol combinations defined by the main reel symbol combination table is not allowed. .

  In the present embodiment, when the stop button is pressed by the player, the combination of symbols allowed by the internal winning combination within the range of the maximum number of sliding pieces “3” is as much as possible along the winning determination line. The rotation of each main reel is stopped as displayed. On the other hand, the combination of symbols that is not allowed by the internal winning combination uses the aforementioned “slip” to stop the rotation of each main reel so that it is not displayed along the winning determination line ( So-called kicking).

  FIG. 12 shows a small combination / replay internal winning combination determination table. The small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table defines a winning request flag relating to the payout of medals or the operation of replay. FIG. 13 shows a bonus internal winning combination determination table. The bonus internal winning combination determination table defines a hit request flag related to the operation of the bonus game.

  Next, the internal lottery table determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal lottery table determination table defines the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries according to the gaming state. The gaming state of the present embodiment is a concept used for convenience of description when identifying the internal lottery table, and is determined based on data stored in an operating flag storage area described later.

  For example, when the BB1 operating flag and the RT1 operating flag are both on (on means that the corresponding bit is set to 1), it is referred to as “BB general gaming state (RT1)”, and the RT1 operating flag “RT1 gaming state” is the time when only “ON” is on. It should be noted that the “general gaming state” is when all the operating flags are off (off means that the corresponding bit is 0). In the present embodiment, the internal lottery table is selectively used according to the illustrated gaming state, thereby changing the type of internal winning combination and the winning probability determined, and as a result, the expectation held by the player is undulated. ing.

  FIG. 15 is a game state transition diagram managed by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 in accordance with a control program to be described later. Although details will be described with reference to a flowchart described later, in the present embodiment, when BB1 or BB2 is determined as the display combination and when JAC1 or JAC2 is determined as the display combination, the corresponding bonus is activated. In addition, the RT is operated.

  Specifically, first, when BB1 or BB2 is determined as the display combination, the operation of RT2 is performed. Thereafter, when JAC2 is determined as the display combination, the operation of RT2 is performed as it is. However, when JAC1 is determined as the display combination, the operation of RT2 is switched to the operation of RT1.

  The operation of RT1 and the operation of RT2 are continued until either the operation of RT3 advantageous to the player or the operation of RT4 disadvantageous to the player is performed even after the operation of the bonus is finished. That is, RT1 and RT2 are positioned as periods in which it is determined whether to perform RT3 operation that is advantageous to the player or to perform RT4 operation that is disadvantageous to the player. In addition, RT1 is more easily operated by RT3, which is advantageous for the player, and is difficult for RT4, which is disadvantageous for the player, than RT2. Therefore, for the player, whether JAC1 is determined as the display combination while the bonus operation is being performed depends on whether the game can proceed in a direction advantageous to the player after the bonus operation is completed. Being involved, players will be able to spend a joyful time while the bonus is active.

  Next, an internal lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The internal lottery table defines lottery values and data pointers according to the winning number. In the present embodiment, a random number extracted from a predetermined range of numerical values “0 to 65535” is a lottery corresponding to each winning number starting with a winning number 1 defined in the internal lottery table. Internal lottery is performed by sequentially subtracting by value and determining whether the result of the subtraction is negative (whether so-called “borrowing” has occurred). The number of lotteries defined by the above-mentioned internal lottery table determination table indicates the number of times that it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned borrowing has occurred for each winning number.

  That is, the lottery value defines the number of random values when the data to which the lottery value is assigned (that is, the data pointer in the internal lottery table and the hit request flag described above) is determined. More specifically, it can be said that it defines the probability that the corresponding data is determined. The probability (winning probability) that the data pointer corresponding to each winning number is determined is expressed by “the lottery value corresponding to each winning number / the number of all random values that may be extracted (ie, 65536)”. Can do. The larger the numerical value defined as the lottery value, the higher the winning probability and the easier the data pointer is determined.

  FIG. 16 shows an internal lottery table for a general gaming state. The internal lottery table for the general gaming state defines lottery values and data pointers corresponding to the winning numbers 1 to 17. FIG. 17 shows an internal lottery table for the BB1 general gaming state (RT1). FIG. 18 shows an internal lottery table for the BB1 general gaming state (RT2). FIG. 19 shows an internal lottery table for the BB2 general gaming state (RT1). FIG. 20 shows an internal lottery table for the BB2 general gaming state (RT2). The four BB general gaming state required internal lottery tables define lottery values and data pointers corresponding to the winning numbers 1 to 6 respectively.

  An internal lottery table (FIGS. 17 and 18) selected when the operation of BB1 is performed and an internal lottery table (FIGS. 19 and 20) selected when the operation of BB2 is performed. In comparison, the latter has a higher probability of determining the hit request flag “JAC1” than the former. Therefore, when the operation of BB2 is performed, the probability that the operation of RT1 is performed is higher than when the operation of BB1 is performed. Therefore, BB2 is more advantageous to the player than BB1. It can be said.

  FIG. 21 shows an internal lottery table for the RB gaming state (RT1). FIG. 22 shows an internal lottery table for the RB gaming state (RT2).

  The two internal lottery tables define lottery values and data pointers corresponding to the winning numbers 1 to 4, respectively. In these internal lottery tables, the probability that the hit request flag “Cherry 1 to Cherry 3” is determined is higher than that of other internal lottery tables.

  FIG. 23 shows an internal lottery table for RT1 gaming state. FIG. 24 shows an internal lottery table for RT2 gaming state. FIG. 25 shows an internal lottery table for RT3 gaming state. FIG. 26 shows an internal lottery table for RT4 gaming state. FIG. 27 shows an internal lottery table for RT5 gaming state.

  The five RT game state internal lottery tables basically have a winning number for determining a hit request flag “normal replay 1 to normal replay 4”, “falling replay” or “special replay” related to re-game operation. Except that the type and the size of the lottery value are different, the configuration is basically the same as that of the internal lottery table for the general gaming state.

  That is, in this embodiment, the internal lottery table for the general gaming state, the internal lottery table for the RT1 gaming state, the internal lottery table for the RT2 gaming state, the internal lottery table for the RT3 gaming state, the internal lottery table for the RT4 gaming state, and the RT5 gaming By properly using each of the state internal lottery tables, the probability that the hit request flag relating to the re-game operation is determined is varied.

  Here, when the probability that the hit request flag related to the operation of the re-game is determined (here, the total probability that each of the normal replay 1 to the normal replay 4, the fall replay and the special replay is determined) is RT3 game The state internal lottery table is the highest, and the RT4 gaming state internal lottery table is the lowest.

  Therefore, for example, when the RT3 gaming state internal lottery table is used, the opportunity for the re-game operation to be performed is increased compared to when the above-described RT4 gaming state internal lottery table is used. Thus, it is possible to enjoy the lottery execution related to the determination of the internal winning combination while suppressing consumption of medals. In other words, the RT3 gaming state of the present embodiment is positioned as the most advantageous state for the player except when the bonus is activated, while the RT4 gaming state is the player. It is positioned as the most unfavorable state.

  Here, in the internal lottery table (FIGS. 17, 19, 21, and 23) selected when the operation of RT1 is performed, the probability that the hit request flag “special replay” is determined is the hit request flag. It is higher than the probability of “falling replay” being determined. In contrast, in the internal lottery table (FIGS. 18, 20, 22, and 24) selected when the operation of RT2 is performed, the probability that the hit request flag “falling replay” is determined is: The probability that the hit request flag “special replay” is determined is higher.

  Hereinafter, various storage areas provided in the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 32. First, the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal winning combination storing area is composed of an internal winning combination 1 storing area, an internal winning combination 2 storing area, and an internal winning combination 3 storing area each consisting of 1 byte. For example, when the data stored in the internal symbol combination 2 storage area is “00100000B” and the data stored in the internal symbol combination 1 storage area and the internal symbol combination 3 storage area is “0”, the contents Becomes "special replay". Further, when the data stored in each storage area is “0”, the content is lost.

  The RAM 33 is provided with a display combination storage area in which the above-described winning action flag is stored. The configuration of the display combination storage area is the same as that of the internal winning combination storage area.

  Next, the structure of the carryover combination storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  When any one of MB, BB1, and BB2 is determined as the winning request flag, this is stored in the carryover combination storage area. The configuration of the carryover combination storage area corresponds to the configuration of the internal winning combination 3 storage area described above.

  Although details will be described with reference to the flowchart, the MB, BB1, or BB2 stored in the carryover combination storage area is held until the corresponding symbol combination is displayed on the winning determination line. That is, while MB, BB1, or BB2 is stored in the carryover combination storage area, it is stored in the internal winning combination 3 storage area regardless of the extracted random number value. This is a so-called “carry-over”, and in the present embodiment, the MB, BB1, or BB2 stored in the carry-over combination storage area is referred to as “carry-over combination”.

  Next, the configuration of the operating flag storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operating flag storage area includes an operating flag 1 storage area and an operating flag 2 storage area each consisting of 1 byte, and a unique type is assigned to each bit of each area.

  For example, when the data stored in the operating flag 1 storage area is “00000010B” and the data stored in the operating flag 2 storage area is “00000001B”, the operation of BB1 and the operation of RT1 are performed. Therefore, the above-mentioned internal lottery table for BB1 general gaming state (RT1) is selected. When the data stored in each in-operation flag storage area is “0”, neither the bonus game nor the RT is operating and the general gaming state is entered. In the present embodiment, for example, “activate” such as BB1, it means that 1 is set in the bit corresponding to the in-operation flag. Further, when “operation is completed”, it means that the bit corresponding to the operating flag is set to 0.

  Next, the configuration of the effective stop button storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  The effective stop button storage area consists of 1 byte, and a unique stop button type is assigned to each bit. Specifically, in the effective stop button storage area, a stop button that can detect a stop operation is used as an effective stop button, and the type of the stop button corresponding to the main reel that is rotating at a constant speed (in other words, Data that can identify the type) is stored.

  The RAM 33 is provided with an operation stop button storage area having the same configuration as the effective stop button storage area. The operation stop button storage area stores data capable of identifying the type of the stop button in which the stop operation corresponding to the effective stop button was detected immediately before.

  Next, the configuration of the main reel symbol storage area will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the main reel symbol storage area, data specifying the symbols of the main reels located on the eight winning determination lines 8a to 8h (that is, the symbol code described above) is stored. For example, in the case of the first line 8a, a symbol code relating to the symbol of the left main reel 3L located on the upper stage of the left display window 4L and a symbol code relating to the symbol of the middle main reel 3C located on the upper stage of the middle display window 4C. And a symbol code related to the symbol of the right main reel 3R located in the upper stage of the right display window 4R is stored.

  In the illustrated storage example, the symbol position of each main reel is “1”. As will be described later with reference to the flowchart, based on the data stored in the main reel symbol storage area, the symbol combinations defined by the main reel symbol combination table are displayed on the winning determination line. It will be determined whether or not.

  Next, the contents of the program executed by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 33, a flowchart according to control of the main CPU will be described. When the slot machine 1 is powered on, first, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1). Next, a storage area for initialization at the end of the game is designated and initialized (S2). For example, the data stored in the internal winning combination storage area or the display combination storage area of the RAM 33 is cleared.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation monitoring process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 34 (S3). Next, the CPU 31 performs a medal acceptance / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 35 (S4). This process constitutes an insertion operation detection means for detecting medals inserted by the player and a start operation detection means for detecting a start operation.

  Next, the CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in a random value storage area (S5). Next, the CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 36 (S6). This process constitutes an internal winning combination determining means. Next, the CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub control circuit 72 (S7). The start command includes information such as an internal winning combination.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the game time management timer is 0 (whether or not 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game) (S8). When the CPU 31 determines that the game time management timer is not 0, the CPU 31 digests the wait time (S9). That is, it waits until the game time management timer is updated to zero. When the CPU 31 determines that the game time management timer is 0 after S9 or at S8, the CPU 31 sets the game time management timer to 4.1 seconds (more specifically, suitable for measuring 4.1 seconds). Value) is set (S10). The game time management timer is decremented by 1 by an interrupt process executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec) which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a reel rotation start command (S11). Next, the CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all main reels (S12). Further, “00000111B (007H)” is stored in the effective stop button storage area, and “000H” is stored in the operation stop button storage area.

  When the start of rotation of all the main reels is requested, the driving of the stepping motor is controlled by the interruption process (FIG. 42 described later) executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec), and the rotation of the main reels is started. . Then, the driving of the stepping motor is controlled by this interruption process, and acceleration is performed until the rotation of the main reel reaches a constant speed.

  Next, the CPU 31 waits for a constant speed of rotation of the main reel (S13). When the rotation of the main reel reaches a constant speed, the driving of the stepping motor is controlled by the above interrupt process, and the rotation of the main reel is maintained at a constant speed.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 37 (S14). Next, the CPU 31 performs a display combination search process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 38 (S15). This process constitutes determination means for determining whether or not a combination of symbols related to the provision of a privilege has been displayed.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a display command to the sub control circuit 72 (S16). The display command includes information such as a display combination. Next, the CPU 31 pays out medals (S17). Specifically, the drive control of the hopper 40 and the update of the credit counter are performed based on the payout number counter. This process constitutes a privilege means for granting a privilege to the player.

  Next, the CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number counter (S18). Specifically, when the bonus end number counter is a numerical value exceeding 0, the numerical value determined as the payout number is subtracted from the counter. Next, the CPU 31 refers to the operating flag storage area and determines whether or not the BB operating flag or the MB operating flag is on (S19).

  When the CPU 31 determines in S19 that the BB operating flag or the MB operating flag is on, it performs a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 40 (S20). When the CPU 31 determines in S19 that the BB operating flag or the MB operating flag is not on, it performs RT control processing described later with reference to FIG. 41 (S21). The CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 39 after S20 or after S21 (S22). When this process ends, the process proceeds to S2.

  Next, the bonus operation monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the MB operating flag is on (S31). When determining that the MB operating flag is not on, the CPU 31 ends the bonus operation monitoring process. On the other hand, when determining that the MB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 turns on the CB operating flag (S32). . When this process ends, the bonus operation monitoring process ends.

  Next, the medal acceptance / start check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the automatic insertion counter is 0 (S51). When it is determined that the automatic insertion counter is 0, the medal passage permission is performed (S52). When determining that the automatic insertion counter is not 0, the CPU 31 copies the automatic insertion counter to the insertion number counter and clears the automatic insertion counter (S53).

  The CPU 31 determines whether or not a medal has been detected after S52 or after S53 (S54). When determining that the passage of medals has been detected, the CPU 31 refers to the operating flag storage area and sets the maximum insertion value (S55). Specifically, the CPU 31 sets 2 as the maximum input value when the CB operating flag is on or when the RB operating flag is on, and sets 3 as the maximum input value otherwise.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter is the maximum insertion value (S56). When determining that the insertion number counter is not the maximum insertion value, the CPU 31 adds 1 to the insertion number counter (S57). Next, the CPU 31 stores 8 in the valid line counter (S58). Next, the CPU 31 transmits a medal insertion command to the sub control circuit 72 (S59). The medal insertion command includes data on the number of inserted coins.

  When the CPU 31 determines in S56 that the insertion number counter is the maximum insertion value, the CPU 31 adds 1 to the credit counter (S60). When determining that the passage of the medal is not detected in S54, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the medal is in the process of passing after S59 or after S60 (S61). When the CPU 31 determines that the medal is not in the middle of passing, the CPU 31 checks the bet switch (S62).

  The CPU 31 determines whether or not the insertion number counter is the maximum insertion value when it is determined in S61 that the medal is being passed or after S62 (S63). When it is determined that the insertion number counter is not the maximum insertion value, the process proceeds to S54, whereas when it is determined that the insertion number counter is the maximum insertion value, it is determined whether or not the start switch 6S is on (S64). . When the CPU 31 determines that the start switch 6S is not turned on, the CPU 31 proceeds to S54, whereas when it is determined that the start switch 6S is turned on, the medal passage is prohibited (S65). When this process ends, the medal acceptance / start check process ends.

  Next, an internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 refers to the internal lottery table determination table and determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries based on the operating flag storage area (S81). In addition, the CPU 31 determines the number of lotteries with reference to the carryover combination storage area. Next, the CPU 31 sets the extracted random number value as a random number value for determination, and sets 1 as the initial value of the winning number (S82).

  Next, the CPU 31 refers to the internal lottery table and acquires a lottery value based on the winning number (S83). Next, the CPU 31 subtracts the lottery value from the determination random number value (S84). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a digit has been made (S85). When the CPU 31 determines that the digit is not performed, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the number of lotteries and adds 1 to the winning number (S86). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (S87).

  When the CPU 31 determines in S87 that the number of lotteries is not 0, the process proceeds to S83. On the other hand, when the number of lotteries is determined to be 0, the CPU 31 sets 0 as the small role / replay data pointer and 0 as the bonus data pointer. Set (S88). That is, the hit request flag is lost.

  When it is determined in S85 that a digit has been made, the CPU 31 obtains a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer according to the current winning number (S89). After S88 or after S89, the CPU 31 designates the address of the corresponding internal winning combination storing area based on the acquired small combination / replay data pointer (S90). Specifically, the CPU 31 stores the address of the internal winning combination 1 storage area when the small combination / replay data pointer is 1, the address of the internal winning combination 2 storage area when 2 or 4, and the internal winning combination at other times. 3 Specify the storage area address.

  Next, the CPU 31 refers to the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table, and acquires a hit request flag based on the small winning combination / replay data pointer (S91). Next, the CPU 31 stores the acquired winning request flag in the corresponding internal winning combination storing area (S92). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0 (S93).

  When the CPU 31 determines in S93 that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0, it determines whether or not the bonus data pointer is 0 (S94). When the CPU 31 determines that the bonus data pointer is 0, the CPU 31 refers to the bonus internal winning combination determination table, acquires a winning request flag based on the bonus data pointer, and stores it in the carryover combination storage area ( S95). Next, the CPU 31 clears the RT game number counter, once clears the operating flag 2 storage area, and then sets the RT5 operating flag to ON (S96).

  When the CPU 31 determines that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0 in S93 after S96, or determines that the bonus data pointer is not 0 in S94, the CPU 31 stores the internal carryover combination storage area and the internal winning combination. The logical sum with the combination 3 storage area is stored in the internal winning combination 3 storage area (S97).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the CB operating flag is on (S98). When the CPU 31 determines that the CB operating flag is not on, the CPU 31 ends the internal lottery process. On the other hand, when the CPU 31 determines that the CB operating flag is on, bits 0 to 2 of the internal winning combination 1 storage area. Is set to ON (S99). That is, during the operation of the CB, display of the symbol combinations “Cherry 1” to “Cherry 3” relating to the payout of medals is allowed regardless of the lottery result. When this process ends, the internal lottery process ends.

  Next, the reel stop control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (S111). If the CPU 31 determines that a valid stop button has not been pressed, it repeats S111. When determining that the valid stop button has been pressed, the CPU 31 resets the corresponding bit in the valid stop button storage area and determines the operation stop button (S112). Next, the CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the stop button non-operating counter (S113). Next, the CPU 31 sets 4 as the number of checks (S114). This is because the maximum number of sliding pieces is set to 3.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the CB operating flag is on (S115). When determining that the CB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 determines whether the operation stop button is a left stop button (S116). When determining that the operation stop button is the left stop button, the CPU 31 changes the number of checks to 2 (S117). That is, when the rotation of the left main reel 3L is stopped during the CB operation, the maximum value of the number of sliding pieces is changed to 1.

  After S117, when the CPU 31 determines that the CB operating flag is not on in S115 or determines that the operation stop button is not the left stop button in S116, the CPU 31 stops the stop switch 7S based on the internal winning combination. Within the range of the number of checks including the symbol position (hereinafter referred to as stop start position) corresponding to the symbol counter for the main reel when the operation is detected, the symbol position with the highest priority is searched (S118).

  In S118, the CPU 31 basically sets the symbol position having the highest priority that allows the symbol included in the symbol combination permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination to be displayed along the winning determination line. The symbol position is determined. For example, in the general gaming state, “BB1” is determined as the internal winning combination, and as a result of the rotation of the left main reel 3L and the middle main reel 3C being stopped, the symbol “red 7” is displayed along the eighth line 8h. If the stop start position of the remaining right main reel 3R during rotation is “3” (see FIG. 4), the symbol “red” within the range from symbol position “3” to symbol position “7” The symbol position “4” at which “7” can be displayed along the eighth line 8h is determined as the symbol position with the highest priority.

  In the present embodiment, an internal winning combination (for example, special replay + BB1) that allows both the display of the symbol combination related to the replay operation and the display of the symbol combination related to the bonus operation can be determined. However, at this time, the symbol position is determined so that the display of the symbol combination related to the replay operation is prioritized. In addition, there is a possibility that an internal winning combination (for example, cherry 1 to cherry 3 + BB1) that allows both the display of the symbol combination related to the payout of medals and the display of the symbol combination related to the operation of the bonus may be determined. At this time, the symbol position is determined so that the symbol combination display related to the bonus operation is given priority.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines the number of sliding pieces based on the search result, and sets the planned stop position (S119). The result obtained by adding the numerical value determined as the number of sliding frames to the stop start position is determined as the planned stop position (that is, the symbol position where the reel rotation stops). When the planned stop position is set, the driving of the stepping motor is controlled by an interrupt process (see FIG. 42) at a certain cycle, which will be described later, and the main reel waits for the symbol counter to be updated to the value of the planned stop position. The rotation of is stopped.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub control circuit 72 (S120). In response to the reel stop command, information such as the type of the main reel whose rotation is stopped, the stop start position, and the planned stop position is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72.

  Next, the CPU 31 refers to the symbol arrangement table, acquires a symbol code based on the planned stop position, and stores it in the main reel symbol storage area (S121). For example, when the scheduled stop position of each main reel is “1”, a symbol code is stored as shown in FIG. Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop button non-operation counter is 0 (S122). When the CPU 31 determines that the stop button non-operating counter is not 0, the process proceeds to S111. On the other hand, when the CPU 31 determines that the stop button non-operating counter is 0, the reel stop control process ends.

  Next, the display combination searching process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 clears the display combination storing area and sets the head address of the main reel symbol storing area (S141). As the start address, an address corresponding to the first line 8a is set. Next, the CPU 31 sets the top address of the main reel symbol combination table (S142). An address corresponding to cherry 1 is set as the head address.

  Next, the CPU 31 compares the symbol combination defined by the main reel symbol combination table with the three symbol codes stored in the main reel symbol storage area (S143). That is, according to the address, the combination of the symbol consisting of the symbol of the left main reel, the symbol of the main main reel and the symbol of the right main reel corresponding to the winning determination line, and the symbol specified by the symbol combination table for the main reel The combination is compared.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not both match (S144). When it is determined that they match, the CPU 31 acquires a winning action flag and storage area identification data (S145). Next, the CPU 31 sets the address of the display combination storage area based on the storage area identification data (S146). For example, when the storage area identification data is 1, the address of the display combination 1 storage area is set. Next, the CPU 31 stores the logical sum of the winning action flag and the designated expected display combination storage area in the expected display combination storage area (S147). Next, the CPU 31 obtains the payout number and adds it to the payout number counter (S148).

  The CPU 31 updates the address of the main reel symbol combination table after S148 or when it is determined that they do not match in S144 (S149). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether it is an end code (S150). When the CPU 31 determines that it is not an end code, that is, does not search for all symbol combinations specified by the main reel symbol combination table, the process proceeds to S143, whereas when it is determined that it is an end code. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of times corresponding to the effective line counter has been executed (S151).

  If the CPU 31 determines in S151 that the number of times corresponding to the valid line counter has not been executed, it updates the address of the main reel symbol storage area (S152), and proceeds to S142. When the CPU 31 determines in S151 that the number of times corresponding to the valid line counter has been executed, it determines whether or not the insertion number counter is 3 (S153). When determining that the insertion number counter is 3, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the payout number counter exceeds 15 (S154).

  When the CPU 31 determines in S154 that the payout number counter does not exceed 15, the display combination search process is terminated, whereas when it is determined that the payout number counter exceeds 15, the value of the payout number counter is set to 15. (S155) The display combination search process is terminated. That is, in the present embodiment, when the value of the inserted number counter is 3, the maximum value of the payout number counter is set to 15, for example, a combination of symbols related to the payout of medals on each of a plurality of winning determination lines Even if the payout number counter exceeds 15, the value is changed to 15 which is the maximum value.

  When the CPU 31 determines in S153 that the insertion number counter is not 3, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the payout number counter exceeds 10 (S156). When the CPU 31 determines in S156 that the payout number counter does not exceed 10, the display combination search process is terminated, whereas when it is determined that the payout number counter exceeds 10, the value of the payout number counter is set to 10. (S157) The display combination search process is terminated.

  Next, the bonus operation check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is MB (S171). When determining that the display combination is MB, the CPU 31 performs MB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (S172).

  When determining in S171 that the display combination is not MB, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB1 (S173). When determining that the display combination is BB1, the CPU 31 performs BB1 operation processing based on the bonus operation table (S174).

  When determining in S173 that the display combination is not BB1, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is BB2 (S175). When the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is BB2, the CPU 31 performs a BB2 operation process based on the bonus operation table (S176).

  After S176 or after S174, the CPU 31 once clears the operating flag 2 storage area and sets the RT2 operating flag (S177). The CPU 31 clears the value of the carryover combination storage area after S177 or after S172 (S178). Next, the CPU 31 transmits a bonus start command (S179). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

  When determining that the display combination is not BB2 in S175, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is JAC1 (S180). When it is determined that the display combination is JAC1, the CPU 31 performs RB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (S181). Next, the CPU 31 once clears the operating flag 2 storage area and then sets the RT1 operating flag (S182). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

  When determining that the display combination is not JAC1 in S180, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is JAC2 (S183). When it is determined that the display combination is JAC2, the CPU 31 performs RB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (S184). When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

  When determining that the display combination is not JAC2 in S183, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is replay (S186). When determining that the display combination is not replay, the CPU 31 ends the bonus operation check process. On the other hand, when determining that the display combination is replay, the CPU 31 copies the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion counter (S187). This process constitutes a re-game actuating means. When this process ends, the bonus operation check process ends.

  Next, the bonus end check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operation flag is on (S201). When determining that the RB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a winning is achieved (S202). When the CPU 31 determines in S201 that the RB operation flag is not on or determines that a winning is established in S202, it determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (S203).

  When the CPU 31 determines in S203 that the bonus end number counter is 0, it performs BB / MB end processing (S204). In this process, the operating flag 1 storage area is cleared, and the bonus end number counter, the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter are cleared.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the MB operation has ended (S205). When the CPU 31 determines that the operation of the MB has ended, it sets the RT2 operating flag to ON (S206). The CPU 31 transmits a bonus end command to the sub-control circuit 72 after S206 or when it is determined in S205 that the MB operation has not ended (S207). When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends.

  When the CPU 31 determines in S203 that the bonus end number counter is not 0, the CPU 31 decrements the winning possible number counter by 1 (S208). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the winning possible number counter is 0 (S209). When the CPU 31 determines in S209 that the possible winning number counter is not 0, or when it is determined in S202 that no winning has been established, the CPU 31 decrements the possible game number counter by 1 (S210). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the game possible number counter is 0 (S211). When the CPU 31 determines that the possible game number counter is not 0, the bonus end check process ends.

  When the CPU 31 determines that the possible game number counter is 0 in S211 or determines that the possible game number counter is 0 in S209, the CPU 31 performs an RB end time process (S212). In this process, the RB operating flag is turned off, and the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter are cleared. When this process ends, the bonus end check process ends.

  Next, the RT control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT1 operating flag or the RT2 operating flag is on (S231). When determining that the RT1 operating flag or the RT2 operating flag is on, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the display combination is a fall replay (S232). When determining that the display combination is a fall replay, the CPU 31 once clears the operating flag 2 storage area, turns on the RT4 operating flag, and sets 1000 to the RT game number counter (S233). When this process ends, the RT control process ends. This process constitutes an unfavorable state actuating means for performing an unfavorable state operation for the player.

  If the CPU 31 determines in S232 that the display combination is not a fall replay, it determines whether or not the display combination is a special replay (S234). When determining that the display combination is special replay, the CPU 31 once clears the operating flag 2 storage area, turns on the RT3 operating flag, and sets 3000 to the RT game number counter (S235). When this process ends, the RT control process ends. This process constitutes an advantageous state operation means for performing an operation in a state advantageous for the player.

  When the CPU 31 determines that the RT1 operating flag or the RT2 operating flag is not turned on in S231, or when it is determined that the display combination is not a special replay in S234, the RT3 operating flag or the RT4 operating flag is turned on. It is determined whether or not (S236). When the CPU 31 determines that the RT3 operating flag or the RT4 operating flag is not on, the CPU 31 ends the RT control process, while when determining that the RT3 operating flag or the RT4 operating flag is on, the CPU 31 The value of the number counter is decremented by 1 (S237).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RT game number counter is 0 (S238). When the CPU 31 determines that the value of the RT game number counter is not 0, the CPU 31 ends the RT control process. When the CPU 31 determines that the RT game number counter is 0, the CPU 31 turns off the RT3 operating flag or the RT4 operating flag. (S239). When this process ends, the RT control process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 42, an interrupt process (1.1173 msec) will be described under the control of the main CPU.

  First, the CPU 31 saves the register (step S251). Next, the CPU 31 performs an input port check process (step S252). Specifically, the CPU 31 checks the input of signals from each switch.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs an input state command setting process (S253). For example, when there is an input from the stop switch 7S, the CPU 31 sets a command corresponding to the type of the corresponding stop button. Next, the CPU 31 performs communication data transmission processing (S254). Specifically, the CPU 31 transmits the command set in S253 to the sub control circuit 72.

  Note that the sub control circuit 72 can specify that the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R has been pressed and its type based on the command transmitted in S254, and based on this, the corresponding sub reel 23L, It is also possible to stop the rotation of 23C and 23R. In other words, in the present embodiment, in addition to the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R managed by the main control circuit 71, the sub-reels 23L, 23C, 23R managed by the sub control circuit 72 are also stopped by the player. , 7C, 7R can be stopped based on the timing of pressing.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process (step S255). Specifically, when a request to start rotation of the main reel is made, rotation of each main reel is started, and then rotation at a constant speed is performed. When the planned stop position is determined, the rotation of the symbol counter of the main reel is decelerated and stopped after the symbol counter of the main reel is updated to the same value as the planned stop position.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a lamp and 7SEG driving process (step S256). Next, the CPU 31 performs a timer management process (step S257). Various timers are updated. Next, the CPU 31 restores the register (step S258). When this process ends, the interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms ends.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a result of the rotation of the three main reels 3L, 3C, 3R being stopped, the symbol combination related to BB1 along any of the winning determination lines 8a to 8h. Alternatively, when the symbol combination related to BB2 is displayed, the operation of BB1 or the operation of BB2 is performed and the operation of RT2 is performed. When JAC1 is determined as the display combination when the operation of BB1 or the operation of BB2 is performed, the operation of RB is performed and the operation of RT3 that is relatively advantageous to the player is performed more than RT2. The operation of RT1 that is easy to break was performed.

  More detailed contents will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 43 is a time chart showing on / off transition of each operating flag when JAC1 is determined as a display when the operation of BB1 or the operation of BB2 is performed. FIG. 44 is a time chart showing the on / off transition of each operating flag when JAC1 is not determined as a display combination when the operation of BB1 or the operation of BB2 is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 43, when BB1 or BB2 is determined as the display combination, the BB1 operating flag or the BB2 operating flag is turned on, and the RT2 operating flag is turned on. Thereafter, when JAC1 is determined as a display combination when the operation of BB1 or the operation of BB2 is performed, the RT2 operating flag is turned off, and the RT1 operating flag is turned on instead. Once the RT1 operating flag is turned on, the RT1 operating flag is not turned off even if JAC2 is determined as a display combination thereafter. When the operation of BB1 or the operation of BB2 is completed, the condition in which the operation of RT1 ends is different, so that the state in which the RT1 operating flag is on is continued thereafter.

  On the other hand, if JAC1 is not determined as a display when the operation of BB1 or the operation of BB2 is performed, the RT2 operating flag remains on, and when the operation of BB1 or the operation of BB2 ends ( Since RT2 has different conditions for ending its operation), the state in which the RT2 operating flag is on is continued thereafter.

  As described above, the probability that the internal winning combination “special replay” related to the operation of RT3 advantageous to the player during the operation of RT1 is determined is the internal winning combination “falling replay” related to the operation of RT4 disadvantageous to the player. Is higher than the probability of being determined. When the special replay is determined as the display combination, the RT3 operating flag is turned on. As a result, the player can reduce the consumption of medals, and the internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus game or the bonus game. It becomes possible to wait for the winning combination to be determined, and to gradually increase the number of medals owned.

  The table stored in the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 of the slot machine 1 and the contents of the program executed by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 have been described above. Next, with reference to FIGS. 45 to 115, the table stored in the control ROM 82 of the sub control circuit 72 and the contents of the program executed by the sub CPU 81 of the sub control circuit 72 will be described.

  In the sub control circuit 72, the operation of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R, the operation of the 4th reel 110, the sound output from the speakers 21L, 21R, the back lamp, etc. according to the progress of the program controlled by the main control circuit 71 described above. The content of the effect by the light output by these or the combination of these is determined, and this is performed.

  First, the sub reel symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sub-reel symbol arrangement table represents the arrangement of symbols (see FIG. 5) arranged on the surface of each of the sub-reels 23L, 23C, and 23R by data, and the sub-reel symbols provided corresponding to each of them. In accordance with each position “0” to “20” in the rotation direction of the sub reel managed by the counter, a symbol code indicating the type of symbol placed at each position is defined. The symbol code is 1-byte data, and each of “1 (00000001B)” to “10 (00001010B)” is assigned according to 10 symbols of red 7 (symbol p11) to large chinoko (symbol p20). It has been.

  The symbol arrangement table for sub reels has a symbol position “0” as a position where a symbol to be displayed in the middle stage in each sub display window when a reel index is detected, Symbol positions “0” to “20” are assigned to symbol positions. Therefore, by referring to the sub-reel symbol counter and the sub-reel symbol arrangement table, it is possible to specify the type of symbol displayed at the middle stage of each sub-display window at that time. The sub reel symbol counter managed by the sub CPU 81 constitutes a position specifying means.

  Next, the 4th reel symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The 4th reel symbol arrangement table represents the arrangement of symbols arranged on the surface of the 4th reel 110 (see FIG. 6) by data, and the rotation direction of the 4th reel managed by the 4th reel symbol counter. In accordance with each of the positions “0” to “5”, symbol codes indicating the types of symbols arranged at the respective positions are defined. The symbol code is 1-byte data, and each of “1 (00000001B)” to “6 (00001010B)” corresponds to the six types of symbols (symbol p21) to aiming for large chinoko (symbol p25). Assigned.

  Subsequently, a configuration of a command (hereinafter referred to as a transmission command) transmitted from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIGS. 47 to 51.

  First, the outline of the configuration of the transmission command will be described with reference to FIG. The transmission command includes an area indicating a command type, an area indicating a parameter, an area indicating a gaming state, and an area indicating a BCC (Block Check Cord).

  Next, the configuration of the command type included in the transmission command will be described with reference to FIG. The command type is data for identifying the type of transmission command. This consists of 1-byte data, and a unique command is associated with each of “01H” to “0BH”. For example, when the command type is “04H”, the start command is specified.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 49, the configuration of the gaming state included in the transmission command will be described. The gaming state is data for identifying the type of gaming state managed by the main control circuit 71 (more specifically, the contents of the operating flag storage area). This consists of 1-byte data, and a unique gaming state is associated with each bit. For example, when bit 7 is on, it is specified that RB is operating.

  Next, the configuration of parameters included in the transmission command will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 50 shows the configuration of the parameters of the start command. The parameters of the start command are data for specifying an internal winning combination, an RT operating flag, and an RT game number managed in the main control circuit 71. This consists of 1-byte parameter 1, parameter 2, parameter 3 and parameter 4, respectively. Parameter 1 and parameter 2 are associated with the RT operating flag type and the number of RT games, and parameter 3 and parameter 4 are associated with an internal winning combination.

  FIG. 51 shows the configuration of parameters of the input state command. The parameter of the input state command is data for specifying the type of the input device (start lever 6 and each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R) whose operation is detected by the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71. This consists of 1-byte data, and a unique input device is associated with each bit. For example, when bit 0 is on, it is specified that the left stop button 7L has been pressed by the player.

  Next, the main flag correspondence table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main flag correspondence table defines the main flag according to the internal winning combination included in the parameter of the above-mentioned start command. Of the bits of parameter 3 and parameter 4, the main flag associated with the bit that is turned on is determined.

  For example, when both bit 5 of parameter 3 and bit 4 of parameter 4 are on, “01 (falling replay)” and “05 (BB2)” are determined as the main flags. When only the bit corresponding to the bonus (bit 2 to bit 4 of parameter 4) is on, the types (“05” to “07”) and “00” ) ”Is determined (when the bonus is carried over in the main control circuit 71, it is possible to specify when the hit request flag is lost). When all bits are off, “00 (lost)” is determined as the main flag.

  Next, the stop state lottery table determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The stop state lottery table determination table defines the stop state lottery table according to the gaming state and the previous sub flag. If the bonus is won while the bonus is not in operation, the stop state lottery table 1 is determined. If the bonus is not activated while the bonus is not activated, if the previously determined subflag is “01 (chance replay)”, the stop state lottery table 2 is determined, and the previously determined subflag is “01 (chance replay). If it is other than “Replay”, the stop state lottery table 3 is determined.

  Next, the stop state lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 54 shows the stop state lottery table 1. FIG. 55 shows the stop state lottery table 2. FIG. 56 shows the stop state lottery table 3.

  The stop state lottery table defines a plurality of types of stop states, and the lottery value when each stop state is determined according to the main flag (except for “05” to “07” corresponding to the bonus). It prescribes. The stop state is data used for determination of a sub flag described later and determination of a slip lottery table described later. There are four types of stop states: normal stop state, special stop state 1, special stop state 2, and special stop state 3.

  Next, the sub reel symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sub-reel symbol combination table defines data indicating a combination of symbols displayed by each sub-reel along the effect lines 28a to 28e, and sub-display combination and storage area identification data. The sub display combination is data for identifying a combination of the above symbols. The sub display combination is basically 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. The sub display combination storage area (more specifically, each sub display combination consisting of 1 byte). 1 storage area and sub display combination 2 storage area). The storage area identification data is data for designating the type of the sub display combination storage area in which the sub display combination is stored.

  Further, as will be described in detail later, when the symbol combination “light-ANY-ANY” relating to the sub display combination “light” is displayed (ANY means that the symbol does not matter, the left sub reel 23L When the symbol combination “ANY-Kago-ANY” related to the sub display combination “Kago” is displayed, and the symbol combination “ANY” related to the sub display combination “Ami”. When “-ANY-Ami” is displayed, a predetermined effect (an end effect, which will be described later) is executed accordingly. That is, when a specific symbol (hereinafter referred to as an item symbol) such as a light, a basket, and a letter arranged on each sub reel is displayed, an effect based on the type of the item symbol is executed.

  Next, the flag conversion table will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The flag conversion table specifies a plurality of types of sub-flags, and specifies the lottery value when each sub-flag is determined according to the main flag (excluding “05” to “07” corresponding to the bonus). Yes. The sub flag is data for designating the type of symbol combination that is allowed to be displayed by each sub reel along the effect lines 28a to 28e among the symbol combinations basically defined by the symbol combination table for sub reels. It is. That is, the relationship between the sub flag in the sub control circuit 72 and the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R corresponds to the relationship between the internal winning combination in the main control circuit 71 and the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  FIG. 58 shows a bonus non-winning / normal stop state flag conversion table. FIG. 59 shows a flag conversion table for bonus non-winning / special stop states 1 and 2. FIG. 60 shows a flag conversion table for bonus non-winning / special stop state 3.

  In the bonus non-winning / normal stop state flag conversion table, when the main flag is “00 (losing)”, there is a possibility that the sub-flag (04 to 10) that allows the display of the item symbol is determined. On the other hand, in the bonus non-winning / special stop state 1-2 flag conversion table, when the main flag is “00 (lost)”, the sub-flag that allows the display of the item symbol is not determined. Further, the bonus non-winning / special stop state 3 flag conversion table has a higher probability than the bonus non-winning / normal stop state flag conversion table when the main flag is “00 (losing)”. There is a possibility that a sub-flag that allows display is determined.

  FIG. 61 shows a BB2 winning flag conversion table. FIG. 62 shows a BB1 winning flag conversion table. FIG. 63 shows an MB winning flag conversion table.

  In these bonus winning flag conversion tables, when the main flag is “00 (losing)”, a sub-flag that allows display of item symbols is determined with a higher probability than the bonus non-winning flag conversion table described above. there is a possibility.

  Also, the BB2 winning flag conversion table indicates that when the main flag is “00 (losing)”, the sub-flag “13” that allows the display of the symbol combination related to the stop appearance for BB2 and the stop appearance for BB1 There is a possibility that one of the sub-flag “14” that allows the display of the symbol combination and the sub-flag “15” that allows the display of the symbol combination related to the stop event for MB may be determined. That is, the subflag “13” associated with the BB2 determined as the internal winning combination is determined, and also associated with the subflag “14” and the MB associated with BB1, which is less advantageous than the BB2. The assigned subflag “15” may be determined.

  Also, the BB1 winning flag conversion table indicates that when the main flag is “00 (losing)”, the sub flag “14” that allows the display of the symbol combination related to the BB1 stop event and the MB stop event is displayed. There is a possibility that any of the sub-flags “15” that allow display of the symbol combination is determined. That is, the subflag “14” corresponding to the BB1 determined as the internal winning combination is determined, and the subflag “15” associated with the MB having a lower advantage than the BB1 may be determined. .

  As will be described in detail later, this configuration temporarily displays a combination of symbols associated with a privilege that is less advantageous than a privilege (for example, a bonus) determined as an internal winning combination. After re-rotating each sub-reel based on the detection of the start operation, an effect for displaying a combination of symbols associated with the privilege finally determined as an internal winning combination (re-rotation effect described later) is performed. Is. When this re-rotation effect is performed, the player can be expected to receive a privilege with a higher degree of advantage than the displayed privilege, and the player's interest can be improved. .

  FIG. 64 shows an MB gaming state flag conversion table. FIG. 65 shows a BB general gaming state flag conversion table. FIG. 66 shows an RB gaming state flag conversion table. In these bonus game state flag conversion tables, unique subflags corresponding to each main flag are determined as shown in the figure.

  Next, the sliding lottery table determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sliding lottery table determination table corresponds to a case where the item is low, the item counter is high, the item counter is high, the special stop state 1, and the special stop state 2 when the bonus is not activated. The sliding lottery table determined when the bonus is won and the sliding lottery table determined when the bonus is not won are defined.

  The item counter is data serving as an index of the frequency with which the above-described item symbol is displayed by each sub reel. As will be described later with reference to the flowchart, “30” is added when the above-mentioned item symbol is displayed by each sub-reel, and is subtracted by one when the above-mentioned item symbol is not displayed by each sub-reel. When the value of the item counter is a negative value smaller than 0, “item counter is low”, and when the value of the item counter is 0 or more, “item counter is high”. In the sliding lottery table determination table, when the special stop state 1 and the special stop state 2 are not established, the item lottery table is determined by referring to the item counter.

  Next, the sliding lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The sliding lottery table defines a plurality of types of slip numbers, and the lottery value when each slip number is determined according to the sub flag. The slip number is data used to select a stop table, which will be described later, and is also data used to determine a method for searching for the number of slide pieces performed with reference to the selected stop table.

  When the slip number is “00 (normal stop)”, the rotation of each sub-reel is stopped so as not to exceed the range of “4” that is the reference number of slide pieces. On the other hand, when the slip numbers are “01” to “08”, the rotation of each sub-reel may be stopped beyond the range of “4” which is the reference number of slide pieces.

  The slip numbers “01” and “02” correspond to “forced slip”. Forced slip may be determined when the sub-flag is one that allows display of item symbols (04-10). When forced slip is determined, even if there is no item symbol within the range of “4” that is the reference number of slides from the stop start position of the target sub-reel, items that are outside that range The number of sliding pieces is determined so that the symbol can be drawn.

  The slip numbers “03” to “05” correspond to “large slip”. When the major slip is determined, the symbol that is allowed to be displayed by the sub flag is in the range of “4” that is the reference number of sliding pieces from the stop start position of the target sub reel. In addition, the number of sliding pieces is determined so as to draw in any of the above-described symbols existing outside the range. The slip numbers “06” to “08” correspond to “blind”. As for the blind, the number of sliding pieces is basically determined in the same manner as the above-mentioned large sliding, but as the drawing is performed, the effect of shielding the target sub display window by turning off the back lamp and the smoke film is performed. .

  FIG. 68 shows the sliding lottery table 1. The sliding lottery table 1 is referred to when the item counter is low and the bonus is won. The sliding lottery table 1 is determined with a probability that the slip number “00 (normal stop)” is higher than the other slip numbers.

  FIG. 69 shows the sliding lottery table 5. The sliding lottery table 5 is referred to in the special stop state 1 when the bonus is won. In the sliding lottery table 5, the slip number “00 (normal stop)” is not determined, and the slip number corresponding to “forced slip” or “large slip” is determined.

  FIG. 70 shows the sliding lottery table 7. The sliding lottery table 7 is referred to in the special stop state 2 when the bonus is won. In the sliding lottery table 7, the slip number “00 (normal stop)” is not determined, and the slip number corresponding to “forced slip (blind)” or “blind” is determined.

  In addition, although illustration about the sliding lottery table 2, the sliding lottery table 3, the sliding lottery table 4, the sliding lottery table 6, and the sliding lottery table 8 is omitted, the item counter high is more than the item counter low. Is easier to determine the slip numbers corresponding to the above “forced slip” and “large slip”, and the “forced slip” and “large slip” are more when the bonus is won than when the bonus is not won. The slip number corresponding to “slip” is easily determined.

  Next, the sub reel stop initial setting table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sub reel stop initial setting table defines a left sub reel stop table and a normal stop table according to the sub flag and the slip number. The stop table is a data table used for determining the number of sliding symbols, in other words, determining the position of the symbol at which the rotation of the sub reel is stopped.

  In the present embodiment, the stop table to be referred to is selectively used depending on whether the first stop target is the left sub reel 23L or the first stop target is another sub reel. In the former case, the left sub-reel stop table is referred to during the first stop, and the normal stop table is referred to during the second stop and the third stop. On the other hand, in the latter case, the normal stop table is referred to in all of the first stop, the second stop, and the third stop.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the stop table for the left sub reel and the normal stop table will be described by taking as an example the case where “07 (light + car)” is determined as the sub flag. Although the stop table referred to according to other subflags is omitted, the basic configuration is the same.

  When “07 (light + cage)” is determined as the sub flag, when the slip number is “00” corresponding to “normal stop”, “TBL07A1 (normal stop)” is selected as the left sub reel stop table, In addition, “TBL07B1 (normal stop / slip)” is selected as the normal stop table.

  When the slip number is “01” or “02” corresponding to “forced slip”, “TBL07A2 (forced)” is selected as the stop table for the left sub reel and “TBL07B2 (forced)” is selected as the normal stop table. Is selected.

  Further, when the slip number is “03” to “08” corresponding to “Large slip”, “TBL07A3 (Large slip)” is selected as the stop table for the left sub reel, and “TBL07B1 (Normal) is selected as the normal stop table. Stop / Large slip) ”is selected. The normal stop table selected at the time of “large slip” is the same as the normal stop table selected at the time of “normal stop”.

  Next, the left sub-reel stop table will be described with reference to FIGS. 72 to 74.

  The left sub-reel stop table defines the number of pieces of sliding pieces according to the symbol positions (that is, stop start positions) “0” to “20” of the left sub-reel 23L. In the stop table for the left sub-reel, each symbol position is associated with the number of pieces of sliding pieces on a one-to-one basis, and the number of pieces of sliding pieces is uniquely acquired according to the stop start position. Note that the normal stop table described later employs a different configuration.

  FIG. 72 shows the left sub-reel stop table “TBL07A1 (normal stop)”.

  TBL07A1 (normal stop) slips so that the reference number of slides “4” is the maximum value, and the item symbol “light” of the left sub reel 23L is displayed as much as possible in the sub display window 24L. The number of frames data is specified. In TBL07A1 (normal stop), the number of sliding symbols exceeding the reference number of sliding symbols “4” is not defined, and therefore the symbol position (0 to 2, 19) where the item symbol “light” cannot be drawn within this range. And 20).

  FIG. 73 shows the left sub-reel stop table “TBL07A2 (forced slip)”.

  TBL07A2 (forced slip) defines the number of pieces of sliding pieces so that the item symbol “light” of the left sub reel 23L is always displayed in the sub display window 24L. In TBL07A2 (forced slip), the symbol position (0 to 2, 19 and 20) where the item symbol “light” cannot be drawn within the range of “4” which is the reference number of sliding pieces in the above-described TBL07A1 (normal stop). On the other hand, the item symbol “light” can be drawn by defining a value exceeding “4” which is the reference number of sliding pieces as the number of sliding pieces data.

  FIG. 74 shows the left sub-reel stop table “TBL07A3 (large slip)”.

  In the above-mentioned TBL07A1 (normal stop) and TBL07A2 (forced slip), the number of sliding symbols corresponding to each symbol position is set to the symbol position closest to each symbol position among the symbol positions where the item symbol “light” is arranged. It stipulates that something is drawn in. On the other hand, TBL07A3 (large slip), the number of sliding piece data corresponding to each symbol position, exceeding the symbol position closest to each symbol position among the symbol positions where the item symbol "light" is arranged, It is stipulated to draw in any of the symbol positions ahead of it.

  For example, for the symbol position “9”, the item symbol “light” at the symbol position “12” can be drawn by defining “3”, which is within the range of the reference sliding symbol number, as the sliding symbol number data. However, in TBL07A3, the value “8” exceeding the reference sliding frame number “4” is set to the sliding frame number data so as to draw the item symbol “light” at the next symbol position “17” that has jumped over this. It is prescribed as

  Next, the line mask data table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The line mask data table defines line mask data according to the type of the operation stop button. The line mask data consists of 1 byte, and is search data used to determine the number of sliding frames performed with reference to a later-described normal stop table.

  Next, the normal stop table will be described with reference to FIGS. 76 and 77. FIG.

  The normal stop table defines 1-byte stop data in accordance with each of symbol positions (that is, stop start positions) “0” to “20”. The stop data includes information on whether or not the symbol position associated with the stop data is determined as a position at which the rotation of the sub reel is stopped.

  The stop data includes information indicating whether or not the corresponding symbol position is determined as the position at which the sub-reel rotation stops, the bit corresponding to the column “A line” and the bit corresponding to the column “B line”. By assigning, there are two types. In other words, it can be said that there are two ways to determine the position where rotation of the sub-reel stops (in other words, the number of sliding pieces from the stop start position to that position). It is possible to determine a different position as a position where the rotation of the sub reels stops. The stop data defines information about which of these two types of information should be adopted by assigning a bit corresponding to the “line change” column. Such a configuration is intended to compress information while making various determinations of the position at which the sub-reel rotation stops.

  The contents of the stop data in the normal stop table will be specifically described. Bit 1 corresponds to a column of “right sub reel A line”, and bit 0 corresponds to a column of “right sub reel B line”. Bit 2 corresponds to a “right sub reel line change” column for designating whether or not to change the bit string to be referred to from “right sub reel A line” to “right sub reel B line”.

  Bit 4 corresponds to a column of “middle sub reel A line”, and bit 3 corresponds to a column of “middle sub reel B line”. Bit 5 corresponds to a column of “medium sub reel line change” for designating whether or not to change the bit string to be referred to from “medium sub reel A line” to “medium sub reel B line”.

  Further, bit 7 corresponds to a column of “left sub reel A line”, and bit 6 corresponds to a column of “left sub reel B line”. As will be described later with reference to the flowchart, since it is determined at the time of the first stop whether the “A line” or the “B line” is referred to, the first stop in the normal stop table. For the left sub-reel that is not subject to stop, the “line change” column is not provided.

  The above-described line mask data is data that designates which bit string of the above-described stop data is referred to. The line mask data defined by the line mask data table is structured so as to designate the “A line” column of each sub reel.

  Basically, the line mask data corresponding to the operation stop button (when the line is changed, the bit pattern is shifted to the right so as to correspond to the column “B line”) and the stop The logical product of stop data corresponding to each symbol position advanced in the predetermined search direction from the start position is sequentially taken, and as a result, the symbol position corresponding to the stop data whose logical product is not 0 Search is performed. Then, the number of symbols from the stop start position to the symbol position obtained as a result of this search is determined as the number of sliding pieces data.

  When deciding whether or not to change the line, processing is performed to shift the bit pattern to the left so as to correspond to the above-mentioned “line change” column, and logic with the stop data corresponding to the stop start position is performed. When the product does not become 0, it is decided to change the line.

  FIG. 76 shows a normal stop table “TBL07B1 (normal stop / large slip)”.

  TBL07B1 (normal stop / slip) is such that “4”, which is the reference sliding frame number, is the maximum value of the sliding frame number data for each of the “left sub reel A line” and the “left sub reel B line”, and The stop data is defined according to each symbol position so that the item symbol “light” of the left sub reel 23L is displayed in the sub display window 24L as much as possible. TBL07B1 (normal stop / large slip) prevents the number of sliding symbols from exceeding “4”, which is the standard number of sliding symbols, so that the symbol “light” cannot be drawn within this range. A position exists. The symbol positions are “0” to “2”, “19” and “20” for the “left sub-reel A line”, and symbol positions “0” to “5” and “20” for the “left sub-reel B line”. 19 ”and“ 20 ”.

  In addition, TBL07B1 (normal stop / large slip) is set such that the reference number of sliding pieces “4” is the maximum value of the number of sliding pieces for each of “medium sub reel A line” and “medium sub reel B line”. In addition, stop data is defined according to each symbol position so that the item symbol “cage” of the middle sub reel 23C is displayed in the sub display window 24C as much as possible. Also for the item symbol “Kago” of the middle sub reel 23C, there is a symbol position that cannot be drawn within the range of “4” that is the reference number of sliding symbols. The symbol positions are “0” to “6” in the “medium sub reel A line”, and the symbol positions “0” to “9” in the “medium sub reel B line”.

  Note that TBL07B1 (normal stop / slip) defines “1” for all symbol positions in the column of “change of middle sub-reel line”, and the line mask data regardless of the stop start position. So that the logical product of and does not become “0”. That is, when the first stop target is the middle sub reel 23C, the bit string referred to for each sub reel is changed from “A line” to “B line”.

  In addition, TBL07B1 (normal stop / large slip) is set such that the reference number of sliding pieces “4” is the maximum value of the number of sliding pieces for each of the “right sub reel A line” and the “right sub reel B line”. The stop data is defined according to each symbol position. Since the display of the item symbol “Ami” on the right sub reel 23R is not permitted by the sub flag, the symbol “Bell” refers to the “A line”, and the symbol “Replay” refers to the “B line”. It is displayed in the middle of the sub display window 24R.

  Here, the normal stop table “TBL07B1 (normal stop / slip)” is used in common for both the “normal stop” and “slip” described above. By making the start position different from the search direction in which the search is performed, even if the stop start position is the same, the size of the sliding piece number data determined by each is made different.

  The details will be described later with reference to a flowchart. In the case of “normal stop”, a direction in accordance with a predetermined search direction from the stop start position, that is, a forward rotation direction of the sub reel (“0” → “1”). → → → the direction of advancement to “20”), while in the case of “slippery”, a predetermined value “15” is added to the stop start position from the symbol position. The search is performed in a search direction different from the search direction (direction to advance from “20” → “19” →... → “0”).

  For example, when referring to the column of “left sub reel A line”, if the stop start position is “5”, if it is “normal stop”, from the stop start position “5” to the predetermined search direction. The search is performed ("5"-> "6"-> "7"), and as a result of the search, the symbol position "7" is determined. Then, the difference “2” between the stop start position “5” and the symbol position “7” is determined as the sliding piece number data.

  On the other hand, in the case of “slippery”, the search is performed in the search direction opposite to the predetermined search direction from the symbol position “20” obtained by adding the predetermined value “15” to the stop start position “5”. (“20” → “19” → “18” is advanced), and as a result of the search, the symbol position “18” is determined. Then, the difference “13” between the stop start position “5” and the symbol position “18” is determined as the sliding piece number data. As a result, the symbol position “7” that is closest to the stop start position “5” and the symbol position “12” that is closest to the stop position are skipped, and the item symbol “light” at the symbol position “18” ahead of the symbol position “18” is drawn. become.

  FIG. 77 shows a normal stop table “TBL07B2 (forced slip)”.

  TBL07B2 (forced slip) defines stop data according to each symbol position so that the item symbol “light” of the left sub reel 23L is always displayed in the sub display window 24L for the “left sub reel A line”. . In TBL07B2 (forced slip), the bit corresponding to the symbol position “2” is set to “0”. As a result, the symbol positions (0 to 2, 19 and 20) in which the item symbol “light” cannot be drawn within the range of “4” which is the reference sliding piece number in the above-described TBL07B1 (normal stop / large slip) are also obtained. A value exceeding “4”, which is the reference number of sliding symbols, is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and the item symbol “light” can be drawn.

  TBL07B2 (forced slip) defines stop data according to each symbol position so that the item symbol “basket” of the middle sub reel 23C is always displayed in the sub display window 24C for the “middle sub reel A line”. ing. TBL07B2 (forced slip) sets the bits corresponding to the symbol position “1” and the symbol position “6” to “0”. As a result, the reference sliding piece (0-6) where the item symbol “cage” cannot be drawn within the range of the reference sliding piece number “4” in the above-described TBL07B1 (normal stop / large slip) is also provided. A value exceeding the number “4” is determined as the sliding piece number data, and the item symbol “Kago” can be drawn.

  Since the display of the item symbol “Ami” on the right sub reel 23R is not permitted by the sub flag, the symbol “Bell” is displayed in the middle of the sub display window 24R when the “right sub reel A line” is referred to. It has become.

  In TBL07B2 (forced slip), a configuration in which line change is not performed is employed. However, in a similar manner to TBL07B1 (normal stop / large slip), a configuration in which line change is performed may be employed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 78, the structure of the sub reel symbol storage area will be described.

  In the sub-reel symbol storage area, data (that is, the above-described symbol code) specifying the symbols of the sub-reels located in the five effect lines 28a to 28e is stored. For example, in the case of the center line 28c, the symbol code relating to the symbol of each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, 23R located in the middle stage of each of the sub display windows 24L, 24C, 24R is stored. In the illustrated storage example, the symbol positions of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R are “0”.

  Next, the start effect lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS. 79 to 81.

  The start effect lottery table prescribes a plurality of types of start effect numbers, and prescribes lottery values when each start effect number is determined according to the subflag. The start effect number is data for designating effect data related to an effect (start effect) to be executed as the rotation of each sub reel is started. The start effect is performed for the purpose of notifying the player of the symbol that the player should aim before the stop operation is performed by the symbol displayed by the 4th reel 110 or the symbols displayed by the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R. Is called.

  For example, in the “large chinoko cut-in notice” corresponding to the start effect number “6”, the symbol “large chinoko” is determined as the symbol displayed by each sub reel. More specifically, the symbol position “3” of each of the sub reels 23L, 23C, and 23R is determined as a position to temporarily stop the rotation (scheduled stop position). After the rotation is temporarily stopped, the effect is executed such that the rotation is resumed.

  Further, as will be described in detail later with reference to the flowchart, the back lamp is turned off and the smoke film exists between the start of rotation of each sub-reel and the stop of the rotation at the temporary stop position. Are used to shield the symbols displayed in each sub display window from the player's eyes. Then, when the rotation is stopped at the position where the temporary stop is scheduled and the symbol “large chinoko” of each sub-reel can be displayed to the player, the back lamp is turned on to end the shielding. In this way, it is possible to show the player as if the symbol “Otsuchi no Moko” on each sub-reel appears suddenly in each sub-display window, and it is possible to produce an effect with a great impact. For example, when the start effect number “6 (large chinoko cut-in notice)” is determined, the start effect is executed in a manner as shown in FIG.

  This will also be described in detail later with reference to the flowchart. When the symbol “large chinoko” placed at symbol position “3” of each sub reel is pulled in, it is displayed in the middle of the sub display window at that time. With reference to the position of the symbol, it is determined which of the case where each sub-reel is rotated in the forward rotation direction and the case where it is rotated in the reverse rotation direction is closer to the symbol position “3”. The reel is rotated in one direction determined as follows. The purpose of this is to shorten the time to rotate each sub-reel in order to draw the symbol “large chinoko”, and in turn to shorten the time to shield the sub display window during this time. . For example, when the symbol “chance replay” at the symbol position “6” of the left sub reel 23L is displayed in the middle of the left sub display window 24L, if rotation is to be made in the forward rotation direction, 18 symbols are rotated. Although it is necessary, if rotation is performed in the reverse rotation direction, it is only necessary to perform rotation for three symbols.

  In addition, for the start effect numbers “3 (replay notification)”, “4 (bell notification)” and “5 (small chinko passing notification)”, the symbols “normal replay” and “ “Bell” and the symbol “small chinoko” are determined, and the effect is executed in the same manner as the start effect number “6 (large chinoko cut-in notice)”.

  In addition, when the start production number “2 (aims for big chinoko)” is determined, the symbol “aiming for big chinoko” placed at the symbol position “5” of the 4th reel 110 is displayed in the 4th display window 112. Thus, the 4th reel 110 is rotated and stopped. When the start effect number “1 (none)” is determined, the start effect as described above is not performed, and each sub reel is rotated.

  FIG. 79 shows the start effect lottery table 1 (bonus non-winning). FIG. 80 shows the start effect lottery table 2 (bonus winning). FIG. 81 shows the start effect lottery table 3 (BB general game state). The start effect lottery table 2 (bonus winning) referred to when the bonus is won is more than the start effect lottery table 1 (bonus non-winning) referred to when the bonus is not won. “2” to “6” are easily determined.

  Next, the end effect lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The end effect lottery table prescribes a plurality of types of end effect numbers, and prescribes lottery values when each end effect number is determined according to the subflag. The end effect number designates effect data related to an effect (end effect) to be executed when item symbols such as “light” of the left sub reel 23L, “cage” of the middle sub reel 23C, and “ami” of the right sub reel 23R are displayed. It is data to do. The end effect is performed for the purpose of notifying the player whether the bonus is won or not according to the operation contents of various effect devices such as the sub reel, the back lamp, and the 4th reel. That is, the player can obtain an opportunity to know the presence / absence of the bonus by displaying the item symbol.

  As will be described later, for each of the item symbol “light”, the item symbol “cage”, and the item symbol “ami”, an end effect is executed among various effect devices such as a sub reel, a back lamp, and a 4th reel. The production device used at the time is associated.

  For example, as shown in the end effect numbers “4” to “7”, for the sub flag “04 (light)” that allows the display of the item symbol “light”, an effect mainly using the operation of the sub reel is determined. The

  Further, as shown in the end effect numbers “8” and “9”, for the sub flag “05 (cage)” that allows the display of the item symbol “Kago”, an effect that mainly uses the operation of the back lamp is determined. Is done.

  Further, as shown in the end effect numbers “2” and “3”, for the sub flag “06 (Ami)” that allows the display of the item symbol “Ami”, an effect mainly using the operation of the 4th reel is determined. Is done.

  For the sub flag that allows display of any two or more of the item symbol “light”, the item symbol “cage”, and the item symbol “ami”, any two or more of the sub reel, the back lamp, and the 4th reel are displayed. An effect that combines actions is determined. For example, as shown in the end effect numbers “10” and “11”, for the sub flag “08 (light + ami)” that allows the display of the item symbol “light” and the item symbol “ami”, the sub reel The production is determined by combining the above operation and the 4th reel operation.

  FIG. 82 shows the end effect lottery table 1 (bonus non-winning). FIG. 83 shows the end effect lottery table 2 (bonus winning).

  The end effect lottery table 2 (bonus win) that is referred to when the bonus is won defines an end effect number whose contents are determined so as to notify the player that the bonus is won. ing. On the other hand, the content of the end effect lottery table 1 (bonus non-winning) referred to when the bonus is not won is determined so as to notify the player that the bonus is not won. The end production number is defined.

  For example, in the case of the sub flag “04 (light)”, in the end effect lottery table 2, the end effect number “7 (Tuchinoko search reach 2)” may be determined. When the end effect number “7” is determined, the end effect is executed in the manner shown in FIG. For example, when the sub flag is “05 (cage)”, the end effect number “9 (smoke effect 2)” is determined in the end effect lottery table 2. When the end effect number “9” is determined, the end effect is executed in a manner as shown in FIG. Furthermore, for example, in the case of the sub flag “06 (Ami)”, in the end effect lottery table 2, the end effect number “3 (chance → bonus confirmation)” is determined. Although illustration is omitted, when the end effect number “3” is determined, the symbol “chance” on the 4th reel is displayed once, and finally the symbol “bonus confirmation” is displayed to the player. An effect of rotating and stopping is executed.

  In the end effect lottery table, the item symbol is displayed even if it is a subflag (00-03 and 11-15) other than the subflag that allows the display of the item symbol, or even if it is a subflag that permits the display of the item symbol. If not, the end effect number “1 (normal effect)” is determined, and the end effect is not executed.

  Next, the re-rotation effect lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The re-rotation effect lottery table defines a plurality of types of re-rotation effect numbers, and lottery values when each re-rotation effect number is determined according to a main flag (more specifically, a main flag corresponding to a bonus). Is stipulated. The re-rotation effect number is data for designating effect data related to the re-rotation effect. As described above, the re-rotation effect stops the rotation of each sub-reel so that a combination of symbols associated with a bonus that is less advantageous than the bonus determined as an internal winning combination is once displayed. In the next game, after each sub-reel is rotated again, the combination of symbols associated with the bonus finally determined as an internal winning combination is displayed.

  FIG. 84 shows the re-rotation effect lottery table 1 (MB display). This is referred to when the symbol combination “blue 7-blue 7-red 7” related to the MB stop appearance is displayed by a plurality of sub reels.

  In the re-rotation effect lottery table 1 (MB display), when the main flag is “05 (BB2)”, as shown in the re-rotation effect number “3” and the re-rotation effect number “6”, the re-rotation of each sub reel is performed. Is performed, the effect whose rotation is stopped is determined so that the symbol combination “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” relating to the stop event for BB2 is displayed. For example, when the re-rotation effect number “6 (slow → blue 7)” is determined, the re-rotation effect is executed in a manner as shown in FIG.

  Further, when the main flag is “06 (BB1)”, as shown in the re-rotation effect number “2” and the re-rotation effect number “5”, after each sub-reel is re-rotated, the stop output for BB 1 is performed. The effect of stopping the rotation is determined so that the symbol combination “red 7-red 7-red 7” is displayed.

  When the main flag is “07 (MB)”, as shown in the re-rotation effect number “1” and the re-rotation effect number “4”, the sub-reel is re-rotated and then the MB stop. The effect of stopping the rotation is determined so that the symbol combination “blue 7-blue 7-red 7” relating to the appearance is displayed. In this case, the combination of symbols associated with the bonus determined as an internal winning combination has already been displayed, and the same display will be displayed again even after re-rotation. It is possible to maintain it until the next time while keeping it high.

  There are two types of rotation modes when each sub-reel is rotated again. Specifically, as shown in the re-rotation effect numbers “1” to “3”, the rotation is performed so that the symbols arranged on each sub-reel are frame-fed, and the re-rotation effect number “4”. To “6”, there is a case where the symbols arranged on each sub-reel are rotated so as to fluctuate at a slower speed than usual. These are realized by changing the output interval of pulses supplied to the sub-reel stepping motors 149L, 149C, and 149R and the excitation pattern.

  FIG. 84 shows the re-rotation effect lottery table 2 (displayed in red 7). This is referred to when the symbol combination “red 7-red 7-red 7” related to the stop appearance for BB1 is displayed by a plurality of sub reels. FIG. 85 shows the re-rotation effect lottery table 3 (small chinoko display). FIG. 86 shows the re-rotation effect lottery table 4 (large chinoko display).

  For these re-rotation effect lottery tables 2 to 4, after each sub-reel is re-rotated, the main flags “05 (BB2)”, “ “06 (BB1)” and “07 (MB)” according to the combination of symbols (that is, the combination of symbols associated with the bonus determined as the internal winning combination) is stopped. The production to be performed is determined.

  In addition, when the symbol combination related to the stop appearance for BB2 is displayed, the re-rotation effect is not performed. This is because BB2 has the highest degree of advantage for the player and is not necessary because the player's wishes are satisfied. In addition, by performing the re-rotation effect, it is not necessary to give an additional anxiety that a bonus disadvantageous to BB2 may be displayed.

  Next, the contents of the effect data defined by the effect configuration table and the effect configuration table will be described with reference to FIGS. 88 to 94.

  FIG. 88 shows the effect configuration table 1.

  The effect composition table 1 defines the effect data to be selected when each of the medal insertion command and the start command is received according to the start effect number. Further, sub reel data, 4th reel data and back lamp data are defined as effect data. By selecting the sub reel data, 4th reel data and back lamp data associated with each start effect number, and controlling the operation of the sub reel, 4 th reel and back lamp based on these, it corresponds to the start effect number. It is possible to execute the start effect of the content.

  The detailed structure of the sub reel data when the start command shown in FIG. 88 is received is as shown in FIG. The specific contents of the 4th reel data are as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the specific contents of the backlamp data are as shown in FIG. The back lamp data to be selected when the start command is received is determined according to whether or not the above-mentioned sub display window is shielded. When the shield is performed, data for turning off the back lamp is set. Is done.

  FIG. 89 shows a detailed configuration of the sub reel data selected when the start command is received in the effect configuration table 1. The specific contents of the sub reel data shown in FIG. 89 are as shown in FIG.

  The sub reel data selected at the time of receiving the start command includes rotation data during shielding, temporary stop data, and re-rotation start data, which are selected according to a timer. Each of these three data consists of rotation data and rotation direction data.

  When the start effect number is “3” to “6”, as the rotation data of the shielded rotation data, the data for rotating and stopping each sub reel to the symbol position where the symbol corresponding to the start effect number is arranged. Set. Further, as rotation direction data of the rotation data during shielding, as a result of searching for each sub reel, data in a direction closer to the symbol position where the symbol corresponding to the start effect number is arranged (forward rotation data or reverse rotation data) Is set.

  FIG. 90 shows the effect composition table 2.

  The effect composition table 2 defines effect data to be selected when a display command is received according to the end effect number. In addition, sub-reel data, 4th reel data, and back lamp data are defined as effect data. By selecting the sub reel data, 4th reel data and back lamp data associated with each end effect number, and controlling the operations of the sub reel, 4 th reel and back lamp based on these, it corresponds to the end effect number. It is possible to execute a content end effect.

  The specific contents of the sub reel data shown in FIG. 90 are as shown in FIG. The specific contents of the 4th reel data are as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the specific contents of the backlamp data are as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 91 shows the effect configuration table 3.

  The effect composition table 3 defines the effect data to be selected when the start command is received according to the re-rotation effect number. Sub-reel data is defined as effect data. By selecting sub-reel data associated with each re-rotation effect number and controlling the operation of the sub-reel based on this data, it is possible to execute the re-rotation effect with the content corresponding to the re-rotation effect number It has become.

  The specific contents of the sub reel data shown in FIG. 91 are as shown in FIG. In the re-rotation effect, the rotation of each sub-reel is automatically stopped.

  Next, the contents of the program executed by the sub CPU 81 of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, a main flowchart performed by the sub CPU will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the power is turned on to the slot machine 1, the sub CPU 81 performs an initialization process (S301). In the initialization process, error checking of the SDRAM 83, initialization of the task system, and the like are performed. The sub control circuit 72 employs a multi-thread multi-task operation system.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 activates a lamp control task which will be described later with reference to FIG. 96 (S302). Next, the sub CPU 81 activates a sound control task which will be described later with reference to FIG. 97 (S303). Next, the sub CPU 81 activates an effect reel control task which will be described later with reference to FIG. 98 (S304). Next, the sub CPU 81 activates a door monitoring task which will be described later with reference to FIG. 99 (S305). These tasks are included in the task group for timer interrupt synchronization, and are sequentially executed according to the priority order.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 activates a main board communication task which will be described later with reference to FIG. 100 (S306). This task executes a corresponding process in response to receiving a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71.

  Next, the lamp control task will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 performs lamp related data initialization processing (S321). Next, the sub CPU 81 waits for a 2 ms event (S322). Other tasks are executed until an event message is received. Next, the sub CPU 81 executes a task (sound control task) having the next priority in the task group for timer interrupt synchronization (S323).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 extracts lamp data from the lamp data storage area (S324). The lamp data includes the above-described back lamp data. Next, the sub CPU 81 performs lamp data analysis processing (S325). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a lamp lighting control process (S326). Based on the above-described back lamp data, the back lamp is turned on and off. When this process ends, the process proceeds to S322.

  Next, the sound control task will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 performs initialization processing of sound related data (S331). Next, the sub CPU 81 executes a task (effect reel control task) having the next priority in the task group for timer interrupt synchronization (S332).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 extracts sound data from the sound data storage area (S333). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs sound data analysis processing (S334). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a sound output control process (S335). Sound is output from the speakers 21L and 21R. When this process ends, the process proceeds to S332.

  Next, the effect reel control task will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 performs an initialization process of related data of the sub reel and the 4th reel (S341). Next, the sub CPU 81 executes a task (door monitoring task) having the next priority in the task group for timer interrupt synchronization (S342).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 takes out the sub reel data and the 4th reel data from the reel data storage area (S343). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs analysis processing of the sub reel data and the 4th reel data (S344). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a sub reel control process (S345). Each sub reel is rotated and stopped based on the above-described sub reel data. This process constitutes a reel control means. Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a sub reel shielding control related process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 113 (S346). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a 4th reel control process (S347). The 4th reel is rotated and stopped based on the aforementioned 4th reel data. When this process ends, the process proceeds to S342.

  Next, the door monitoring task will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 performs door related data initialization processing (S351). Next, the sub CPU 81 executes a task (lamp control task) in the next priority order of the task group for timer interrupt synchronization (S352).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the main door 1b is opened by the door opening sensor 120 (S353). This process constitutes an open detection means. When determining that the main door 1b is not opened, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to S352, whereas when determining that the main door 1b is opened, the sub CPU 81 turns on the door opening detection flag (S354). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets lamp data and sound data for door opening warning (S355). When this process ends, the process proceeds to S352.

  Next, the main board communication task will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 initializes the communication message queue (S361). Next, the sub CPU 81 checks reception of the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 (S362). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not a command different from the previous one has been received (S363). If the sub CPU 81 determines that it has not received a command different from the previous one, it moves to S362.

  When determining that a command different from the previous command has been received, the sub CPU 81 creates game information (such as an internal winning combination) from the command (S364). The parameters included in the command are referenced. Next, the sub CPU 81 stores the game information in the game data storage area (S365). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a received command analysis process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 101 (S366). When this process ends, the process proceeds to S362.

  Next, received command analysis processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not a start command is received (S381). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the start command is received, the sub CPU 81 performs a start command reception process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 102 (S382). When this process ends, the received command analysis process ends.

  When determining that the start command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the reel rotation start command is received (S383). When determining that it is time to receive a reel rotation start command, the sub CPU 81 performs a process at the time of receiving a reel rotation start command (S384). For example, sub reel data is set to request the start of rotation of each sub reel. Note that, as a result of executing the re-rotation effect, the sub CPU 81 displays a combination of symbols associated with the bonus by the sub reels, but the main control circuit 71 is not operating the bonus. (In other words, when the combination of symbols related to the bonus is not displayed by the main reel), until this is done, the sub-reel is not started rotating but is kept on standby. When this process ends, the received command analysis process ends.

  When determining that the reel rotation start command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the reel stop command is received (S385). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the reel stop command is received, the sub CPU 81 performs a reel stop command reception process described later with reference to FIG. 107 (S386). When this process ends, the received command analysis process ends.

  When determining that the reel stop command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the display command is received (S387). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the display command is received, the sub CPU 81 performs a display command reception process described later with reference to FIG. 114 (S388). When this process ends, the received command analysis process ends.

  When determining that the display command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the bonus start command is received (S389). When the sub CPU 81 determines that it is a bonus start command reception time, it performs a bonus start command reception time processing (S390). Production data for performing production according to the type of bonus is set. When this process ends, the received command analysis process ends.

  When determining that the bonus start command is not received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the bonus end command is received (S391). When the sub CPU 81 determines that it is a bonus end command reception time, it performs a bonus end command reception time process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 115 (S392). When this process ends, the received command analysis process ends.

  When the sub CPU 81 determines that it is not at the time of receiving the bonus end command, it performs processing corresponding to the other received command (S393). For example, when a medal insertion command is received, back lamp data for turning on all the back lamps is set. When this process ends, the received command analysis process ends.

  Next, the start command reception process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 performs update processing of various game number counters (S401). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the bonus symbol (except blue 7) has been stopped in the previous game (S402). That is, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination related to the stop appearance for BB1, the combination of symbols related to the stop appearance for MB, the combination of symbols related to the small edge, or the combination of symbols related to the large edge is displayed by the sub reel. The

  When the sub CPU 81 determines that the bonus symbol (except for the blue 7) has not stopped in the previous game, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not it is in the sub reel stop maintaining state after the re-rotation effect (S403). Specifically, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the sub reel stop maintaining flag is on. When the sub-rotation stop flag is executed in the sub-control circuit 72 and the symbol combination related to the bonus is not displayed by the main reel in the main control circuit 71, the sub-reel stop maintaining flag is set to ON. When the sub CPU 81 determines that it is in the sub reel stop maintaining state after the re-rotation effect, the sub CPU 81 ends the start command receiving process without performing the process of starting effect lottery described below.

  When the sub CPU 81 determines that it is not in the sub reel stop maintaining state after the re-rotation effect, the sub CPU 81 performs a stop state determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 103 (S404). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a sub flag determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 104 (S405). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a sliding lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 105 (S406). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a sub reel stop initial setting process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 106 (S407).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a start effect lottery process (S408). The sub CPU 81 selects the start effect lottery table shown in FIGS. 79 to 81 based on the presence / absence of a bonus winning or the like. Then, with reference to the selected start effect lottery table, the start effect number is determined based on the subflag and the lottery value, and is registered. This process constitutes symbol determination means. Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a start effect analysis process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 112 (S409).

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 81 determines in S402 that the bonus symbol (excluding blue 7) has been stopped in the previous game, it performs a re-rotation effect determination process (S410). The sub CPU 81 selects the re-rotation effect lottery table shown in FIGS. 84 to 87 based on the type of symbol combination previously displayed by the sub reel. Then, with reference to the selected re-rotation effect lottery table, the re-rotation effect number is determined based on the type of bonus determined as the internal winning combination (ie, main flags “05” to “07”) and the lottery value. And register this. The sub CPU 81 turns on the sub reel stop maintaining flag when the bonus operation is not performed in the main control circuit 71. The sub reel stop maintaining flag is turned off when a bonus operation is performed in the main control circuit 71.

  Sub CPU81 registers the effect data at the time of start based on the registered effect number after S409 or S410 (S411). The sub CPU 81 refers to the effect configuration table shown in FIGS. 88 to 91 and registers effect data such as sub reel data, back lamp data, and 4th reel data. When this process ends, the start command reception process ends.

  Next, the stop state determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 extracts a random value for determining the stop state (S431). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a stop state lottery table determination process (S432). The sub CPU 81 refers to the stop state lottery table determination table shown in FIG. 53 and determines the stop state lottery table shown in FIGS. 54 to 56 according to the gaming state and the sub flag determined last time. Next, the sub CPU 81 refers to the determined stop state lottery table and determines the stop state based on the extracted random number value and the main flag (S433). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets the determined stop state (S434). When this process ends, the stop state determination process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 104, the subflag determination process will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 extracts a random value for determining a sub flag (S451). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs flag conversion table determination processing (S452). When the bonus is won, the sub CPU 81 depends on the type, when the bonus is not won, according to the stop state, and when the bonus is activated, according to the type. The flag conversion table shown in FIGS. 58 to 66 is determined. Next, the sub CPU 81 refers to the determined flag conversion table and determines a sub flag based on the extracted random number value and the main flag (S453). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets the determined sub flag (S454). When this process ends, the subflag determination process ends.

  Next, the sliding lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not a bonus is being operated (S471). When determining that the bonus is being operated, the sub CPU 81 determines “00 (normal stop)” as the slip number (S472).

  When the sub CPU 81 determines that the bonus operation is not being performed, the sub CPU 81 extracts a random number value for determining the slip number (S473). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not it is in the special stop state 1 or the special stop state 2 (S474). When the sub CPU 81 determines that it is in the special stop state 1 or the special stop state 2, the sub CPU 81 refers to the slip lottery table determination table shown in FIG. The sliding lottery table shown in FIG. 70 is determined (S475). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the special stop state 1 or the special stop state 2, for example, the sliding lottery table shown in FIG. 68 is determined based on the item counter and the presence / absence of the bonus winning (S476).

  After S475 or S476, the determined slip lottery table is referred to, and the slip number is determined based on the extracted random value and the subflag (S477). After S472 or S477, the determined slip number is set (S478). When this process ends, the sliding lottery process ends.

  Next, the sub reel stop initial setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 refers to the sub reel stop initial setting table shown in FIG. 71, selects a stop table group (that is, the left sub reel stop table and the normal stop table) based on the sub flag and the slip number, and stores them (see FIG. 71). S491).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the slip number is any one of “03” to “08” (S492). The slip numbers “03” to “05” correspond to “large slip”, and the slip numbers “06” to “08” correspond to “blind”. When the sub CPU 81 determines that the slip number is any one of “03” to “08”, the sub CPU 81 sets the number of special searches according to the slip number (S492). The number of special searches is data for managing the number of sub-reels for performing the “large slip” control. For example, when the slip number is “03” or “06” that controls “large slip” for the first stop, 1 is set to the number of special searches. Similarly, 2 is set when the slip number is “04” or “07”, and 3 is set when the slip number is “05” or “08”.

  Sub-CPU 81 determines that each sub-reel is rotating in the sub-reel symbol storage area shown in FIG. 78 after S493 or when it is determined in S492 that the slip number is not any of “03” to “08”. The identifier (FFH) indicated is stored (S494). Next, the sub CPU 81 stores 3 in the stop button non-operation counter (S495). Further, the sub CPU 81 stores “00000111B (007H)” in the effective stop button storage area (same configuration as in FIG. 31) provided in the SDRAM 83 and stores “000H” in the operation stop button storage area. When this process ends, the sub reel stop initial setting process ends.

  Next, the reel stop command reception process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the registered re-rotation effect numbers are “1” to “6” (S601). That is, it is determined whether or not a re-rotation effect is being performed. When the sub CPU 81 determines that the registered re-rotation effect numbers are “1” to “6”, the sub CPU 81 ends the reel stop command reception process without performing the sub reel stop control process described later.

  When determining that the registered re-rotation effect number is not “1” to “6”, the sub CPU 81 performs a sub reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 108 (S602). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets effect data corresponding to the scheduled stop position (S603). When this process ends, the reel stop command reception process ends.

  Next, the sub reel stop control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 acquires the type of the operation stop button (S621). Next, the sub CPU 81 clears the corresponding bit in the effective stop button storage area, and subtracts 1 from the stop button non-operating counter (S622). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a sliding piece number determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 109 (S623). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines and sets a planned stop position based on the sub reel symbol counter (that is, the stop start position) and the number of sliding symbols when the stop button is pressed (S624). When the planned stop position is set, the rotation of the corresponding sub reel is stopped at the planned stop position in the sub reel control process of the effect reel control task described above.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 refers to the sub reel symbol arrangement table, acquires a symbol code based on the planned stop position, and stores it in the sub reel symbol storage area (S625). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the stop button non-operation counter is 0 (S626). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the stop button non-operating counter is not 0, the process proceeds to S621. On the other hand, when the sub CPU 81 determines that the stop button non-operating counter is 0, the sub reel stop control process is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 109, the number of sliding symbols determination process will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 refers to the line mask data table shown in FIG. 75 and selects line mask data corresponding to the operation stop button (S641). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the stop button non-operation counter is 2 (S642). That is, it is determined whether or not it is the first stop.

  When determining that the stop button non-operation counter is 2, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the operation stop button is a left stop button (S643). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the operation stop button is the left stop button, the sub CPU 81 refers to the left sub reel stop table shown in FIGS. 72 to 74 and acquires the number of pieces of sliding symbols according to the sub reel symbol counter (S644). ). The sub CPU 81 decrements the number of special searches by 1 when referring to a table corresponding to “large slip” as the left sub reel stop table. When this process ends, the sliding piece number determination process ends.

  When the sub CPU 81 determines that the operation stop button is not the left stop button, the sub CPU 81 refers to the normal stop table shown in FIG. 76 or 77 and acquires stop data according to the sub reel symbol counter (S645). Next, the sub CPU 81 calculates the logical product of the data obtained by rotating the line mask data to the left and the stop data (S646). That is, it is determined whether or not to change the line. Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether the logical product is 0 (S647). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the logical product is not 0, the sub CPU 81 sets the line change valid flag to ON (S648). Thereafter, the "B line" column of each sub reel is referred to until the third stop.

  The sub CPU 81 performs a sliding frame number search process that will be described later with reference to FIG. 110 after S648 or when it is determined in S647 that the logical product is 0 (S649). When this process ends, the sliding piece number determination process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 110, the slip piece number search process will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the line change valid flag is on (S661). When determining that the line change valid flag is on, the sub CPU 81 rotates the line mask data to the right (S662). The sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the number of special searches is 1 or more after S 662 or when it is determined in S 661 that the line change valid flag is not on (S 663). That is, it is determined whether or not to perform control related to “large slip”.

  When determining that the number of special searches is 0, the sub CPU 81 sets the value (stop start position) of the sub reel symbol counter as search position data (S664). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets 0 as the initial value of the sliding frame number search data (S665).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 refers to the normal stop table and acquires stop data at the symbol position corresponding to the search position data (S666). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the logical product of the line mask data and the stop data is 0 (S667). When the logical product is not 0, the position is a position where the rotation of the sub reel is stopped.

  When the sub CPU 81 determines that the logical product of the line mask data and the stop data is 0, the sub CPU 81 adds 1 to the search position data and adds 1 to the slip frame number search data (S668). That is, the search for stop data is performed with respect to a predetermined search direction according to the normal rotation direction of the sub reel with reference to the planned stop position. When 1 is added when the search position data is “20”, the result is set to “0”. When this process ends, the process moves to S666.

  When the sub CPU 81 determines in S663 that the number of special searches is 1 or more, the sub CPU 81 performs a sliding frame number special search process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 111 (S669). Next, the sub CPU 81 subtracts 1 from the number of special searches (S670). After S670 or when determining in S667 that the logical product of the line mask data and the stop data is not 0, the sub CPU 81 determines the value of the sliding frame number search data as the sliding frame number data (S671). . When this process ends, the sliding frame number search process ends.

  Next, the sliding frame number special search process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 sets a value obtained by adding “15” to the value of the sub reel symbol counter (stop start position) as search position data (S681). That is, the search for stop data is started from the symbol position 15 points ahead of the stop start position. If the result of adding 15 to the value of the symbol counter exceeds 20, the search position data is calculated by subtracting 21 therefrom. For example, when the stop start position is “10”, the symbol position is “4 (= 10 + 15-21)”. Next, the sub CPU 81 sets 15 as the initial value of the sliding frame number search data (S682).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 refers to the normal stop table and acquires stop data at the symbol position corresponding to the search position data (S683). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the logical product of the line mask data and the stop data is 0 (S684). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the logical product of the line mask data and the stop data is not 0, since the position is a position at which the rotation of the sub reel is stopped, the sliding frame number search process ends.

  When the sub CPU 81 determines that the logical product of the line mask data and the stop data is 0, the sub CPU 81 subtracts 1 from the search position data and subtracts 1 from the sliding frame number search data (S685). That is, search for stop data is performed in a search direction opposite to the above-described predetermined search direction of the sub reels with reference to a symbol position 15 points ahead of the stop start position. When the search position data is “0”, when 1 is subtracted, the result is set to “20”. When this process ends, the process moves to S683.

  Next, the start effect analysis process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the door opening detection flag is on (S721). This process constitutes symbol shielding determining means. When determining that the door opening detection flag is on, the sub CPU 81 sets the start effect number to “1 (no start effect)” (S722). That is, even when it is determined to perform the start effect, this is not performed when the main door 1b is opened. This is because, for example, when a game shop employee performs maintenance of a gaming machine by opening a door, the reel that is stopped as a result of contact with the reel provided inside the housing This is performed in order to prevent a situation in which the target symbol is not displayed well due to a shift in the position of the symbol.

  After S722, or when determining that the door opening detection flag is not on in S721, the sub CPU 81 has the start effect number “1 (no start effect)” or “2 (4th reel: aim for the large chinko)”. It is discriminate | determined whether it is (S723). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the start effect number is “1” or “2”, the start effect analysis process ends.

  When the sub CPU 81 determines that the start effect number is not “1” or “2”, the symbol corresponding to the start effect number is rotated forward from the symbol position corresponding to the current sub reel symbol counter according to each sub reel. The number of sliding symbols up to the symbol position where the corresponding symbol is arranged is calculated (S724). This process constitutes first search means.

  For example, if the symbol position corresponding to the current sub-reel symbol counter (in this embodiment, the scheduled stop position of the corresponding sub-reel in the previous game corresponds) is “5”, this is set as the search start position. The search proceeds in a predetermined search direction (5 → 6 →... → 20 → 0 →... → 4) in accordance with the rotation. In addition, as a symbol corresponding to the start effect number, if the start effect number is “3 (replay notification)”, the symbol “normal replay” is selected. If the start effect number is “4 (bell notification)”, the symbol “bell” is specified. ”Is the symbol of the symbol position“ 3 ”if the starting effect number is“ 5 (notice of passing through small chinoko) ”, and the symbol“ 3 ”is noting if the starting effect number is“ 6 (notice of cutting in large chopsticks) ”. “Otsuchi no Moko” is determined.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 searches the symbol corresponding to the start effect number from the symbol position corresponding to the current sub-reel symbol counter according to each reel in accordance with the reverse rotation, up to the symbol position where the corresponding symbol is arranged. The number of sliding pieces is calculated (S725). This process constitutes second search means.

  For example, if the symbol position corresponding to the current sub-reel symbol counter is “5”, this is used as the search start position, and the search direction (5 → 4 →... → 0 → 20) opposite to the predetermined search direction described above. The search proceeds in the order of →→→ 6).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a search result comparison process (S726). For example, when searching for the symbol “Otsuchi no Moko” placed at symbol position “3” and the left sub-reel search start position is “5”, the search is performed in the predetermined search direction. The number of sliding pieces is “19”. On the other hand, if a search is performed in a search direction opposite to the predetermined search direction, the number of sliding symbols is “2”. In this case, the former number of sliding pieces “19” is compared with the latter number of sliding pieces “2”.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the number of sliding pieces at the time of forward rotation calculated at S724 is smaller than the number of sliding pieces at the time of reverse rotation calculated at S725 (S727). As a result, it can be determined whether the target symbol can be drawn at a shorter distance when it is rotated forward or at a shorter distance when it is rotated backward. This process constitutes a position determining means.

  When the sub CPU 81 determines that the number of sliding pieces at the time of forward rotation is smaller than the number of sliding pieces at the time of reverse rotation, the sub CPU 81 sets forward rotation data as the rotation direction data of the rotation data during shielding (S728). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines a temporary stop scheduled position based on the search start position and the number of sliding frames at the time of forward rotation (S729).

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU 81 determines that the number of sliding pieces at the time of reverse rotation is smaller than the number of sliding pieces at the time of forward rotation, the sub CPU 81 sets the reverse rotation data as the rotation direction data of the shielding rotation data (S730). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines a temporary stop scheduled position based on the search start position and the number of sliding frames during reverse rotation (S731).

  The sub CPU 81 turns on the shielding control flag after S729 or S731 (S732). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets shielding back lamp data (light-off) (S733). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets “rotation start” as the rotation data of the shielding rotation data, and sets the scheduled stop position determined in S729 or S731 described above (S734). When this process ends, the start effect analysis process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 113, sub reel shielding control related processing will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the shielding control flag is on (S741). When determining that the shielding control flag is not on, the sub CPU 81 ends the sub reel shielding control-related processing, whereas when determining that the shielding control flag is on, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the position is a scheduled stop position. (S742). More specifically, it is determined whether or not the sub-reel symbol counter has been updated to a value equal to the scheduled stop position. When determining that the position is not the temporary stop position, the sub CPU 81 waits until the temporary stop position is reached. This process constitutes symbol determination means.

  When the sub CPU 81 determines that the position is the scheduled stop position, it sets “rotation stop” to the rotation data of the shielding rotation data (S743). Thereby, the rotation of the sub reel is stopped at the scheduled stop position, and the symbol corresponding to the start effect number can be displayed to the player. Next, the sub CPU 81 clears the shielding back lamp data (light-off) (S744). Instead, back lamp data (lighting) is set. Thereby, the shielding state of the sub display window is canceled, and the symbol corresponding to the start effect number becomes visible to the player. Next, the sub CPU 81 turns off the shielding control flag (S745). When this process ends, the sub reel shielding control related process ends.

  Further, after this processing, the sub CPU 81 sets “rotation start” to the rotation data of the re-rotation start data and forward rotation to the rotation direction data when a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms) is measured by a timer, for example. Set data and resume rotation of each sub-reel. Further, the restarted rotation of each reel is stopped based on a stop operation by the player.

  Next, display command reception processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 81 performs a sub display combination confirmation process (S761). The sub CPU 81 determines a sub display combination based on the sub reel symbol storage area. Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the sub display combination is a light, a basket or a screen (S762). If the sub CPU 81 determines that the sub display combination is light, basket, or half, the sub CPU 81 performs end effect determination processing (S763). The sub CPU 81 selects an end effect lottery table shown in FIG. 82 or 83 depending on whether or not a bonus is won. Then, with reference to the selected end effect lottery table, the end effect number is determined based on the sub flag and the lottery value, and is registered. Next, the sub CPU 81 adds 30 to the item counter (S764).

  When the sub CPU 81 determines in S762 that the sub display combination is not light, basket or half, the item counter is decremented by 1 (S765). Sub CPU81 discriminate | determines whether a door open | release detection flag is ON after S764 or S765 (S766). When determining that the door opening detection flag is on, the sub CPU 81 sets the door opening detection flag to off (S767). Sub CPU81 sets effect data based on the sub display combination after S767 or when it is determined in S766 that the door opening detection flag is not ON (S768). When this process ends, the display command reception process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 115, a bonus end command reception process will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the operation of BB1 or BB2 is completed (S781). When determining that the operation of BB1 or BB2 has ended, the sub CPU 81 sets effect data for BB end (S782). On the other hand, when the sub CPU 81 determines that the operation of the MB has ended, the sub CPU 81 sets the effect data for the end of the MB (S783). The sub CPU 81 resets the item counter after S782 or S783 (S784). When this process ends, the bonus end command reception process ends.

  As described above, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is displayed in each sub display window by the presence of the smoke film attached to each sub display window and the turn-off of the back lamp provided in the cylinder of each sub reel. The operation of each sub-reel can be shielded from the player's eyes. Then, a combination of symbols to be temporarily displayed by a plurality of sub reels (the combination of symbols corresponding to the start effect number described above) is determined, and the determined combination of symbols is drawn into the effect line of each sub display window. Therefore, while the reel is rotating, the above-described shielding is performed so that the rotation operation of each sub-reel is not visible to the player, and the determined combination of symbols can be displayed on the effect line. When the above-mentioned shielding is ended, the start effect is made so that the player can show the player as if the combination of symbols suddenly appears.

  Therefore, it becomes easy for the player to understand at a glance, and a highly unexpected performance can be performed, so that the player's interest can be improved. Further, since the combination of symbols temporarily displayed by the plurality of sub-reels is determined based on the internal winning combination determined by the main control circuit 71, such as whether or not a bonus is won, The start effect can be used as a means for notifying the player of the determined internal winning combination, and is more preferable for improving the player's interest.

  Also, when drawing a combination of symbols temporarily displayed by the plurality of sub-reels, each sub-reel is rotated in the normal rotation direction with reference to the position of the symbol of each sub-reel displayed in each sub-display window at that time. It is determined which is closer to the rotation direction in the reverse rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction, and as a result, the sub reel is rotated in one direction determined to be closer.

  That is, it is possible to shorten the time for rotating the sub-reel in order to draw a combination of symbols to be temporarily displayed by the plurality of sub-reels, and to shorten the time for performing the shielding in the meantime. Become. Therefore, since the start effect can be shown without causing the player to wait more than necessary after the start operation is detected, it is suitable for improving the player's interest.

  Further, whether or not the main door 1b of the slot machine 1 is opened is managed by a door opening sensor, and when the main door 1b is opened, the start effect is not performed. For example, when an employee of a game store or the like opens the main door 1b to perform maintenance of the slot machine 1 or the like, the sub-reel that is stopped as a result of touching the sub-reel provided inside the cabinet 1a. The position of the symbol may shift. In this way, when the position of the sub-reel symbol has shifted, if the above-mentioned start effect is performed, the combination of symbols temporarily displayed by the plurality of sub-reels is not displayed after the end of shielding, As a result of the combination of symbols being displayed, the player may be confused. Therefore, when the main door 1b of the slot machine 1 is opened, such a situation can be prevented by not performing the start effect, and the player's trust is not impaired. it can.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the reel, the symbol display unit, the reel control means, the symbol determination means, the symbol shielding means, the symbol determination means, the position specifying means, the first search means, the second search means, the position determination means, provided in the gaming machine of the present invention, Specific configurations of the housing, the door, the opening detection unit, the symbol shielding determination unit, and the like are not limited to the elements of the present embodiment described above.

  In the present embodiment, a smoke film affixed to each sub display window and a back lamp provided inside each sub reel are adopted as the symbol shielding means, and the change of light transmittance is used to shield each sub display window. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other configurations can be adopted. For example, a door body made of a synthetic resin member or the like is installed in front of the player side of each sub display window (or between each sub display window and each sub reel), and this is opened and closed by driving a solenoid. By being configured so as to be possible, the symbols displayed by the sub display windows may be shielded from the player's eyes.

  Further, in the present embodiment, before starting the rotation of each sub reel (that is, when each sub reel is stopped), the symbol corresponding to the start effect number is searched and the normal rotation or the reverse rotation is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after starting the rotation of each sub-reel, the symbol corresponding to the start effect number is searched and the normal rotation or the reverse rotation is performed. It may be determined.

  Further, in the present embodiment, after it is determined whether to perform forward rotation or reverse rotation to the position of the symbol corresponding to the start effect number, when rotation of each sub reel starts, each sub display window Although shielding is started, the present invention is not limited to this, and shielding may be started before determining whether to perform forward rotation or reverse rotation.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation of the corresponding sub reel is stopped when the symbol corresponding to the start effect number reaches the effect line. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the shielding is finished. The rotation speed of the corresponding sub reel may be reduced to such an extent that the player can visually recognize it.

  Since the number of symbols arranged on the surface of each sub-reel in this embodiment is an odd number (21), the number of sliding symbols when performing normal rotation and the number of sliding symbols when performing reverse rotation are as follows. If they are equal, they do not occur, but if they are even, there are cases where the number of sliding pieces is equal. In this case, for example, in the determination in S727 of the start effect analysis process (FIG. 112), it is determined whether the number of sliding frames at the time of forward rotation is equal to or smaller than the number of sliding frames at the time of reverse rotation. If equal, it can be dealt with by performing forward rotation (note that it is of course possible to perform reverse rotation).

  Further, in the present embodiment, for the purpose of shortening the time for drawing the symbol corresponding to the start effect number, the symbol corresponding to the start effect number is searched according to both the forward and reverse rotation directions, However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if only the purpose of simply drawing the symbol corresponding to the start effect number is satisfied, the symbol is searched only according to the forward rotation direction, and It is sufficient to rotate forward based on the result.

  The apparatus configuration shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 and its peripheral devices, the table configuration shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. The configuration of the storage area of the RAM shown in FIGS. 28 to 32 and the configuration of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 33 to 42 and 95 to 115 can be arbitrarily changed or modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is.

  In addition to the slot machine (cylinder-type game machine) provided with the mechanical reel as in this embodiment, the present invention is also applied to a game machine such as a video slot that displays the reels and symbols arranged on the surface thereof by video. The invention can be applied. Furthermore, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program in which the operation in the slot machine is executed in a pseudo manner for a home game machine. In that case, a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

  The effects described in the present embodiment are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the present embodiment. .

2 is a perspective view showing an overview of the slot machine 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main reel display unit 5 and a sub reel display unit 10 of the slot machine 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main reel display unit 5 of the slot machine 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol distribute | arranged on the surface of a main reel. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol distribute | arranged on the surface of a sub reel. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol distribute | arranged on the surface of a 4th reel. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of the slot machine 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub control circuit 72 of the slot machine 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | positioning table determination table for main reels. It is a figure which shows the symbol combination table for main reels. It is a figure which shows a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. It is a figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. It is a figure which shows an internal winning combination determination table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table determination table. 7 is a transition diagram of gaming states managed by a main control circuit 71. FIG. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal lottery table. It is a figure which shows an internal winning combination storing area. It is a figure which shows a carryover combination storage area. It is a figure which shows the operating flag storage area. It is a figure which shows an effective stop button storage area. It is a figure which shows a symbol storage area. It is a figure which shows the main flowchart performed by CPU31. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a bonus action | operation monitoring process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a medal reception / start check process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of an internal lottery process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a reel stop control process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a display combination search process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a bonus action check process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a bonus completion | finish check process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of RT control processing. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the interruption process by CPU31. It is a figure which shows the time chart regarding the state of each operating flag managed in the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the time chart regarding the state of each operating flag managed in the main control circuit. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | positioning table determination table for sub reels. It is a figure which shows the 4th reel symbol arrangement | positioning table determination table. It is a figure which shows the structure of a transmission command. It is a figure which shows the structure of command classification. It is a figure which shows the structure of a game state. It is a figure which shows the structure of the parameter of a start command. It is a figure which shows the structure of the parameter of an input state command. It is a figure which shows a main flag corresponding | compatible table. It is a figure which shows a stop state lottery table determination table. It is a figure which shows a stop state lottery table. It is a figure which shows a stop state lottery table. It is a figure which shows a stop state lottery table. It is a figure which shows a flag conversion table. It is a figure which shows a flag conversion table. It is a figure which shows a flag conversion table. It is a figure which shows a flag conversion table. It is a figure which shows a flag conversion table. It is a figure which shows a flag conversion table. It is a figure which shows a flag conversion table. It is a figure which shows a flag conversion table. It is a figure which shows a flag conversion table. It is a figure which shows the symbol combination table for sub reels. It is a figure which shows a sliding lottery table determination table. It is a figure which shows a sliding lottery table. It is a figure which shows a sliding lottery table. It is a figure which shows a sliding lottery table. It is a figure which shows a sub reel stop initial setting table. It is a figure which shows the stop table for left sub reels. It is a figure which shows the stop table for left sub reels. It is a figure which shows the stop table for left sub reels. It is a figure which shows a line mask data table. It is a figure which shows a normal stop table. It is a figure which shows a normal stop table. It is a figure which shows the symbol storage area for sub reels. It is a figure which shows a start production | presentation lottery table. It is a figure which shows a start production | presentation lottery table. It is a figure which shows a start production | presentation lottery table. It is a figure which shows an end effect lottery table. It is a figure which shows an end effect lottery table. It is a figure which shows a re-rotation effect lottery table. It is a figure which shows a re-rotation effect lottery table. It is a figure which shows a re-rotation effect lottery table. It is a figure which shows a re-rotation effect lottery table. It is a figure which shows an effect structure table. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of sub reel data. It is a figure which shows an effect structure table. It is a figure which shows an effect structure table. It is a figure which shows the content of sub reel data. It is a figure which shows the content of 4th reel data. It is a figure which shows the content of backramp data. It is a figure which shows the main flowchart performed by sub CPU81. It is a figure which shows a lamp | ramp control task. It is a figure which shows a sound control task. It is a figure which shows an effect reel control task. It is a figure which shows a door monitoring task. It is a figure which shows the main board | substrate communication task. It is a figure which shows a received command analysis process. It is a figure which shows a process at the time of start command reception. It is a figure which shows a stop state determination process. It is a figure which shows a subflag determination process. It is a figure which shows a sliding lottery process. It is a figure which shows a sub reel stop initial setting process. It is a figure which shows a reel stop command reception process. It is a figure which shows a sub reel stop control process. It is a figure which shows a sliding piece number determination process. It is a figure which shows a sliding piece number search process. It is a figure which shows a sliding piece number special search process. It is a figure which shows a start effect analysis process. It is a figure which shows a sub reel shielding control related process. It is a figure which shows a display command reception time process. It is a figure which shows the process at the time of bonus end command reception. It is a figure which shows an example of a start effect. It is a figure which shows an example of an end effect. It is a figure which shows an example of an end effect. It is a figure which shows an example of a re-rotation effect.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine 3L, 3C, 3R main reel 4L, 4C, 4R main display window 5 main reel display section 6 start lever 6S start switch 7L, 7C, 7R stop button 7S stop switch 10 sub reel display section 23L, 23C, 23R sub reel 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 81 Sub CPU
82 Control ROM
83 SDRAM

Claims (3)

A reel with multiple symbols on the surface;
A symbol display unit for displaying a part of a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the reel to the player;
Reel control means for rotating and stopping the rotation of the reel;
A symbol determining means for determining a symbol to be displayed by the symbol display unit;
A symbol shielding means for shielding the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit;
A symbol determination unit that determines whether or not the symbol determined by the symbol determination unit among the plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the reel can be displayed by the symbol display unit;
The symbol shielding means is
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, shielding of the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is started,
The reel is rotated by the reel control means, and the symbols determined by the symbol determining means among the symbols arranged on the surface of the reel by the symbol determining means can be displayed on the symbol display section. When it is determined that the symbol is displayed, the gaming machine displays the symbol displayed on the symbol display unit and ends the shielding of the symbol. Position specifying means for specifying a position of a symbol displayed on the symbol display section among a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the reel;
Based on the position of the symbol specified by the position specifying means, the position of the symbol determined by the symbol determining means among a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the reel is searched according to the forward rotation direction of the reel. First search means to perform,
Based on the position of the symbol specified by the position specifying means, the position of the symbol determined by the symbol determining means among a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of the reel is searched according to the reverse rotation direction of the reel. Second search means for performing,
Position determination for determining one of the positions of the symbols searched by the first searching means and the positions of the symbols searched by the second searching means closer to the position of the symbols specified by the position specifying means. Means,
The reel control means includes
When the position of the symbol searched by the first search means is determined by the position determining means, the reel is removed while the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is being shielded by the symbol shielding means. While rotating in the positive direction,
When the position of the symbol searched by the second searching means is determined by the position determining means, the reel is removed while the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is being shielded by the symbol shielding means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine rotates in a reverse rotation direction. A housing in which the reel is provided;
A door body provided with the symbol display section, and capable of opening and closing the housing;
An opening detecting means for detecting that the door body is opened;
A symbol shielding determining unit that determines whether or not to shield the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit by the symbol shielding unit;
The symbol shielding means is
When it is determined by the symbol shielding determining means that the shielding is not performed, it is determined that the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is not shielded while the symbol shielding determining means performs the shielding. In this case, the symbol displayed by the symbol display unit is shielded.
The symbol shielding determining means
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the opening detection unit detects that the door is opened, it determines that the shielding is not performed.

Images