JP2009261637A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of increasing a player's excitement and enjoyment by varying whether or not starting an AT function according to the state of a game. <P>SOLUTION: The Pachinko slot machine 100 is so formed that a ball putout rate means 22 calculates a ratio of the number of putout game media to the number of inserted game media as a ball putout rate, and a notification lottery means 20 determines either of a high probability notification criterion 24 where a probability of displaying information related to an internal winning combination becomes high, and a low probability notification criterion 25 where the probability becomes low according to the calculated putout rate, and draws a lottery for determining whether displaying the information related to the internal winning combination to a notification means 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine.

  Conventionally, it is detected that a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface, a game medal, a coin, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a medal) are operated, and a start lever is operated by the player, A start switch that requests the start of rotation of a plurality of reels and a stop button provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels are detected by the player, and the stop of rotation of the corresponding reel is requested. A stop switch that outputs a signal, a stepping motor that is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels, and that transmits each driving force to each reel, and a stepping motor based on the signals output by the start switch and the stop switch A reel control unit that controls the operation of each reel and rotates and stops each reel. When it is detected, a lottery is performed based on a random number (hereinafter, this lottery is referred to as an internal lottery), and the result of the lottery (hereinafter referred to as an “internal winning combination”) and a stop button are operated. A gaming machine called pachislot is known that stops the rotation of the reel based on the timing at which the signal is detected.

  In such a pachislot, whether or not a winning is determined based on a combination of symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination and a combination of symbols displayed on the display window by reel stop control, A privilege such as payout of medals or the like is given to the player.

  There is also known an assist time function (hereinafter, the assist time is abbreviated as AT) for notifying a player of information related to an internal winning combination for a predetermined number of unit games under a predetermined condition. In the AT function, when a combination of specific symbols is displayed on the display window by the reel stop control, a lottery for determining whether to execute the AT function (hereinafter referred to as an AT lottery) is executed based on a random value. When the AT lottery is won, information related to the internal winning combination, for example, information that the reel should be stopped with a predetermined symbol is notified (for example, see Patent Document 1).

According to the notification based on the AT function, the player can positively stop and display the symbol related to the internal winning combination in the display window by pressing the stop button at a predetermined timing to perform the reel stop operation. Become.
JP 2006-198278 A

  However, in a general pachislot machine having the AT function described above, the symbol corresponding to the AT lottery is stopped and displayed on the display window, the internal winning combination related to the AT lottery is won, and the AT lottery is won in the AT lottery. The AT function is automatically executed by. For this reason, the ratio at which the AT function is started has a characteristic that it does not change much regardless of the state of the game. Therefore, even though the AT function is provided, the player may repeat the monotonous game until the AT function is executed, which may reduce the interest.

  Further, in the invention described in Patent Document 1 described above, the winning probability of the internal winning combination relating to replay is increased, and when the bell wins as the internal winning combination, the stop order for stopping and displaying the combination of symbols related to the bell ART (assist replay time) function is disclosed, and a method for executing the ART function in response to an operation of a player betting a game medium such as a medal is disclosed. However, even if such a method is adopted, the gaming state and the like are not actively taken into account regarding the execution of the ART function, so that the interest improvement based on the ART function is improved in the same manner as the conventional AT function. There was a problem that it was not easy to plan.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a gaming machine capable of enhancing the interest of the player by changing whether or not the AT function is started according to the state of the game. It is an issue to provide.

  In order to solve the above problems, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, a plurality of reels (for example, reels 101L, 101C, and 101R described later) on which a plurality of symbols are arranged, and a part of the plurality of symbols. A plurality of symbol display means (for example, display windows 107L, 107C, 107R, which will be described later) and a game medium input for detecting the number of game media inserted from an input port (for example, a medal insertion port 112, which will be described later) Number detection means (for example, medal sensor 152 described later), start operation detection means for detecting start operation (for example, start switch 151 described later), and stop operation detection means for detecting stop operation (for example, described later). An internal winning combination determining unit for determining an internal winning combination based on the detection of the start switch detected by the stop switch 150) and the start operation detecting means. Stages (for example, a main CPU 141 that performs internal lottery processing shown in FIG. 22 later) and reel rotation control means (for example, described later) that controls rotation of the reels based on the start operation detected by the start operation detecting means. A motor drive circuit 156, stepping motors 131L, 131C, and 131R, a main CPU 141 that performs reel control processing (S163) later in the processing shown in FIG. 26, and a detection timing of the stop operation detected by the stop operation detecting means, Based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, reel stop control means (for example, a motor drive circuit 156, stepping motors 131L, 131C, 131R, which will be described later, which will be described later) A main CPU 141) that performs the reel stop control process shown in FIG. When the combination of symbols related to the internal winning combination is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means by the stop control of the reel by the stop control means, the game medium applying means for applying the game medium according to the internal winning combination (For example, a hopper 134 to be described later, a main CPU 141 that performs a medal payout process (S11) shown in FIG. 20 later), and notification means (for example, a liquid crystal display device to be described later) capable of notifying information about the internal winning combination 106) and, based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, a lottery means for notification (to be described later) for determining whether to notify the information means of the internal winning combination. Sub CPU 165) for performing AT lottery processing shown in FIG. 32, detection of the number of game media paid out by the game media provision means, and detection of the number of game media input Based on the number of inserted game media detected by the stage, a payout rate calculating means for calculating a ratio of the payout number of the game media to the inserted number of game media as a payout rate (for example, FIG. A sub-CPU 165) that performs a short-time payout rate calculation process (S414) and a long-time payout rate calculation process (S415) of the display command reception process shown, and the payout rate calculated by the payout rate calculation means A high probability notification standard (for example, an AT high probability lottery table shown later in FIG. 13A) that increases the probability of notifying the notification means of the information related to the internal winning combination; Notification for determining one of low probability notification criteria (for example, AT low probability lottery table shown in FIG. 13B later) in which the probability of reporting information related to the winning combination is lower than the high probability notification criteria Quasi-determining means (for example, a sub CPU 165 that sets an AT high probability state flag in accordance with the payout rate in the display command reception process shown in FIG. 34 later), and the notifying lottery means A lottery is performed to determine whether or not to notify the information on the internal winning combination based on the notification criterion determined by the determination unit.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the payout rate calculation means calculates the ratio of the number of game media payouts to the number of game media inserted as a payout rate, and in accordance with the calculated payout rate, The notification standard determining means determines either the high probability notification standard that increases the probability of reporting such information or the low probability notification standard that has a lower probability than the high probability notification standard, and the notification lottery means Then, based on the determined notification standard, lottery of whether or not the AT function is started is determined as to whether or not the information related to the internal winning combination is notified to the notification means. For this reason, for example, when a lottery is made on whether or not notification by the notification means is performed based on the high probability notification criterion when the payout rate is high, the AT function starts according to the state of the payout rate It is possible to have a change in the ratio that is performed. Therefore, in order to increase the payout rate and increase the possibility of notification by the notification means, the player concentrates on the game to increase the payout rate, and accordingly, the willingness to play is increased, and in the game It is possible to improve interest.

  In addition, when a high payout rate can be ensured by the game, there is a high possibility that notification is performed by the notification means based on a high notification criterion. For this reason, when a high payout rate is ensured and notification by the notification means becomes possible, in addition to acquiring a large number of game media associated with a high payout rate, the player can acquire a skill related to a stop operation (so-called push operation). It is possible to obtain further benefits by demonstrating skills. Therefore, it becomes easier for the player to obtain much more profits, and it is possible to maintain the interest related to the game even higher.

  In addition, since the notification probability of information related to the internal winning combination varies according to the payout rate, it becomes possible to change the game, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in interest due to the progress of a simple game. .

  Further, in a conventional gaming machine, when a player acquires a certain amount of game media by winning a prize or the like, the game may end with satisfaction of the acquired number. However, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, there is a high possibility that notification by the notification means is performed in response to an increase in the payout rate. Therefore, when a player acquires a certain amount of game media, the game media is acquired by acquisition of the game media. The ball rate increases and the possibility of notification by the notification means increases. For this reason, in order to acquire the profit based on the notification of the notification means, the player has a tendency to continue the game as the game medium is acquired, and as a result, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved. It becomes possible.

  The gaming machine may further include a winning probability setting means capable of setting and changing a probability that an internal winning combination relating to winning is determined in the internal winning combination determining means based on a predetermined set value, and the notification When the determination of the high-probability notification standard is made based on the payout rate in the standard determination unit, the notification criterion is set with the predetermined probability according to the set value set in the winning probability setting unit. Notification standard changing means for changing from the high probability notification standard to the low probability notification standard (for example, sub CPU 165 that performs AT high probability lottery state end lottery processing (S383) later in the AT lottery processing shown in FIG. 32). The notification lottery means, when the notification reference change is performed by the notification reference change means, the information related to the internal winning combination based on the changed notification reference Lottery of whether or not to notify the known means may carry out the.

  In this way, when the determination of the high-probability notification standard is made according to the payout rate, the notification standard for which the determination of the high-probability notification standard is made with a predetermined probability according to the set setting value is performed. And by performing lottery as to whether or not the information related to the internal winning combination is notified to the notification means, the information regarding the internal winning combination is realized once based on the high probability notification standard, and many game media are obtained. Even if it is a case where it will be in an easy state, possibility that an alerting | reporting reference | standard will transfer to a low probability alerting | reporting reference | standard may arise after that. In this way, by changing the notification standard according to the set value, it is possible to change the gaming state and enhance the interest of the player in the game. Furthermore, since it is possible to reduce the possibility that information related to the internal winning combination will continue to be won at a high rate based on the high probability notification standard, excessive gambling performance while aiming for the player's interest It is possible to suppress the improvement of interest and to achieve a balance between interest and gambling.

  According to the game according to the present invention, a high-probability notification standard that increases the notification probability of the information related to the internal winning combination and a low-probability notification standard that has a lower probability than the high-probability notification standard are determined according to the play rate. Then, using the determined notification standard, lottery is performed as to whether or not the information related to the internal winning combination is notified to the notification means. For this reason, for example, when lottery is performed to determine whether or not to notify the information on the internal winning combination based on the high probability notification criterion when the payout rate is high, the AT depends on the status of the payout rate There can be a change in the rate at which the function is initiated. Therefore, the player will concentrate on the game in order to increase the payout rate in order to increase the possibility of notification by the notification means, thereby increasing the game motivation and improving the interest in the game. Become.

  In addition, when a high payout rate can be ensured by the game, there is a high possibility that information relating to the internal winning combination will be notified to the notification means by a high notification standard. In addition to acquiring a large number of game media according to the rate, there is a high possibility of acquiring further profits by demonstrating skills related to the stop operation, and it is possible to maintain high interest regarding games.

  Furthermore, since the possibility of reporting information related to the internal winning combination to the notification means increases as the payout rate increases, as a result, the player continues to play the game as much as the game medium is obtained. It becomes possible to improve the operating rate of gaming machines.

[Functional flow of pachislot]
Embodiments according to the gaming machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a functional flow of a gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a pachislot) in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a player inserts a medal, the game medium insertion number detection means (medal sensor described later) 10 detects the insertion of a medal and records the number of inserted medals. When the player operates the start lever, the start operation is detected by the start operation detecting means (start switch described later) 11, and a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 0) is determined based on the detection timing of the start operation. 65535), one value (hereinafter referred to as a random value) is extracted.

  An internal winning combination determining means (main CPU, which will be described later) 12 performs lottery based on the extracted random number value and determines an internal winning combination. By determining the internal winning combination, a combination of symbols that permits display along a winning determination line described later is determined. The types of symbol combinations include those related to “winning” in which benefits such as paying out medals, re-games, bonuses, etc. are given to players, and other so-called “loses”. Is provided.

  Subsequently, after a plurality of reels are rotated by a reel rotation control means (motor drive circuit, stepping motor, main CPU, etc. described later) 13 or the like, when a stop button is pressed by the player, a stop operation detecting means (A stop switch described later) 14 detects a stop operation, and based on the internal winning combination and the detection timing of the stop operation, a reel stop control means (a motor drive circuit, a stepping motor, and a main CPU described later) 15 Control is performed to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel.

  Here, the pachi-slot 100 is basically controlled to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel within a specified time (190 msec) from when the stop button is pressed. In the present embodiment, the number of symbols that move with the rotation of the reel within the specified time is referred to as “the number of sliding symbols”, and the maximum number is determined as four symbols.

  The reel stop control means (a motor drive circuit, stepping motor, main CPU, which will be described later) 15 uses the specified time when an internal winning combination permitting display of a combination of symbols related to winning is determined, The reel rotation is stopped so that the symbol combination is displayed as much as possible along the winning determination line. On the other hand, for the combination of symbols that are not permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination, the reel rotation is stopped so that the combination is not displayed along the winning determination line using the specified time.

  Thus, when all the rotations of the plurality of reels are stopped, the winning determination means (main CPU, which will be described later) 17 determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line is related to winning. Make a decision. When it is determined that the prize is related to a prize, a bonus such as payout of medals is given to the player by the game medium giving means (for example, a hopper or main CPU described later) 18. A series of flows as described above is performed as one game in the pachislot 100.

  Further, in the pachislot 100, in the above-described series of flows, video display performed by the liquid crystal display device, light output performed by various lamps (lamps described later) 120, sound output performed by the speakers 121L and 121R, or these Various effects are performed by the effect execution means (sub CPU described later) 16 using the combination of the above.

  When the start lever is operated by the player, a random number value for performance (hereinafter referred to as a random number value for performance) is extracted separately from the random number value used for determining the internal winning combination. When the effect random number is extracted, the effect content determining means (sub CPU described later) 19 determines, by lottery, what is to be executed this time from among a plurality of types of effect contents associated with the internal winning combination.

  In the pachislot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, a lottery for determining whether or not to perform the AT function is performed by the notifying lottery means (sub CPU described later) 20 based on the determined internal winning combination and the random number for presentation. . Here, the AT function means a function of notifying the player of information related to the internal winning combination using the notification means 21 such as the liquid crystal display device of the pachislot 100. A state in which the AT function is started is referred to as an AT gaming state, and in the AT gaming state, the player can know information related to the internal winning combination, so that it is easy to aim for the symbol related to winning.

  When the production contents are determined, the production execution means 16 is linked to each opportunity such as when the rotation of the reel is started, when the rotation of each reel is stopped, or when the determination of the presence / absence of a prize is made. Let the execution proceed. In this way, in the pachislot machine 100, the player has an opportunity to know or predict the determined internal winning combination (in other words, the combination of symbols to be aimed at) by executing the production contents associated with the internal winning combination. It is provided and the player's interest is improved.

  Also, in the pachislot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the payout rate calculation is based on the number of inserted medals detected by the game medium insertion number detection means 10 and the number of medals paid out by the game medium provision means 18. A means (sub CPU described later) 22 calculates a payout rate. The notification standard determination means (sub CPU described later) 23 uses a high probability notification criterion (AT high probability lottery table described later) 24 and a low probability notification used for lottery of whether or not to perform the notification based on the payout rate. One of the reference (AT low probability lottery table described later) 25 is determined, and the notification lottery means 20 performs lottery based on the determined notification criterion.

  Furthermore, in the pachi-slot 100 according to the present embodiment, a winning probability setting means (a setting change switch and a later-described setting change switch and a probability setting means) can set the probability that the winning combination related to winning is won by the internal winning combination determining means 12. A reset switch) 28, and notification standard changing means (sub CPU) 26 for changing the notification criterion determined as the high probability notification reference 24 to the low probability notification reference 25 with a predetermined probability based on this set value. Is provided. The notification lottery unit 20 performs lottery based on the notification criterion that has been changed when the notification criterion change unit 26 changes the notification criterion. Details of these processes will be described later.

[Pachislot structure]
This completes the description of the functional flow of the pachislot machine. Next, the structure of the pachislot machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<External structure of pachislot>
FIG. 2 shows the external structure of the pachislot machine in the present embodiment.

(Reel and display window)
The pachi-slot 100 includes a cabinet 103 that houses reels 101L, 101C, and 101R, a circuit board, and the like, and a front door 104 that is attached to the cabinet 103 so as to be openable and closable. Inside the cabinet 103, three reels 101L, 101C and 101R are provided side by side. Each of the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R is configured by attaching a belt-like sheet in which a plurality of symbols (for example, 21 pieces) are continuously arranged along the rotation direction to the peripheral surface of a cylindrical frame.

  A liquid crystal display device 106 is provided at the center of the front door 104. The liquid crystal display device 106 includes a display screen 108 including symbol display areas 107L, 107C, and 107R, and is provided so as to be positioned on the near side overlapping with the three reels 101L, 101C, and 101R when viewed from the front. The symbol display areas 107L, 107C, and 107R are provided corresponding to the three reels 101L, 101C, and 101R, respectively, and have a configuration capable of transmitting through the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R provided behind the reels. I have.

  In other words, the symbol display areas 107L, 107C, and 107R serve as display windows, and the player can visually recognize the rotation and stop operations of the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R provided behind the display areas. Become. In the present embodiment, the entire display screen including the symbol display areas 107L, 107C, and 107R is used to display an image and execute an effect.

  Symbol display areas (hereinafter referred to as display windows) 107L, 107C, 107R are arranged on the surfaces of the reels 101L, 101C, 101R when the rotation of the reels 101L, 101C, 101R provided behind them is stopped. Among a plurality of types of symbols, one symbol (three in total) is displayed in each of the upper, middle and lower regions within the frame. In addition, a target for determining whether or not to win a pseudo line that is a combination of any one of the three areas of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the display windows 107L, 107C, and 107R. Is defined as a line (winning determination line) 110.

  In the present embodiment, a top line 110a formed by combining the upper stages of the display windows 107L, 107C, and 107R, a center line 110b formed by combining middle stages of the display windows 107L, 107C, and 107R, and the display windows 107L, 107C, and 107R. The bottom line 110c formed by combining the lower stages, the upper stage of the left display window 107L, the middle stage of the middle display window 107C, and the lower stage of the right display window 107R, the cross-down line 110d, the lower stage of the left display window 107L, and the middle display window 107C. Five of the cross-up lines 110e formed by combining the middle stage and the upper stage of the right display window 107R are provided as the winning determination lines 110.

(Operating device)
The front door 104 is provided with various devices to be operated by the player. The medal slot 112 is provided for receiving a medal dropped from the outside by the player. The medals received in the medal insertion slot 112 are inserted into one game up to a predetermined number (for example, three), and the amount exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited inside the pachislot 100 ( So-called credit function).

  The bet button 113 is provided to determine the number of coins to be inserted into one game from medals deposited inside the pachislot 100. The settlement button 114 is provided in order to draw out medals deposited inside the pachislot 100 to the outside.

  The start lever 115 is provided to start rotation of all the reels 101L, 101C, 101R. Stop buttons 116L, 116C, and 116R are associated with the three reels 101L, 101C, and 101R, respectively, and are provided to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels 101L, 101C, and 101R.

(Other equipment)
The 7-segment display 118 is made up of 7-segment LEDs, and the number of medals inserted in the current game, the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a privilege, , And the number of credits) are digitally displayed to the player.

  The lamp (LED or the like) 120 outputs light in a turn-on / off pattern according to the content of the effect. The speakers 121L and 121R output sound such as sound effects and music according to the contents of the production. The medal payout opening 123 guides medals discharged by driving a medal payout device described later to the outside. The medals discharged from the medal payout opening 123 are stored in the medal tray 124.

  Although not shown, the cabinet 103 includes a power button for turning on the power of the pachislot 100, a setting change button for starting change of setting values described later, and a plurality of predetermined settings. A reset button is provided for determining one of the values.

<Internal structure of pachislot>
FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the pachi-slot 100 in the present embodiment. The state where the front door 104 is opened and the structure on the back surface side of the front door 104 and the structure inside the cabinet 103 appears is shown.

  A board constituting the main control circuit 130 is provided above the cabinet 103. The main control circuit 130 is a circuit that controls the main flow of the game in the pachislot machine 100, such as determination of an internal winning combination, rotation and stop of the reels 101L, 101C, 101R, and determination of the presence or absence of winning. A specific configuration of the main control circuit 130 will be described later.

  Three reels 101L, 101C, and 101R are provided in the center of the cabinet 103. Stepping motors 131L, 131C, and 131R (see FIG. 4) are connected to the respective reels 101L, 101C, and 101R through gears having a predetermined reduction ratio.

  On the left side of the three reels 101L, 101C, 101R, a substrate constituting the sub control circuit 132 is provided. The sub-control circuit 132 is a circuit that controls execution of effects by displaying images. A specific configuration of the sub control circuit 132 will be described later.

  Below the inside of the cabinet 103, a medal payout device (hereinafter referred to as a hopper) 134 having a structure capable of storing a large amount of medals and discharging them one by one is provided. On the left side of the hopper 134, a power supply device 135 for supplying necessary power to each device included in the pachislot 100 is provided.

  A selector 136 is provided at the center of the back side of the front door 104 and below the display windows 107L, 107C, and 107R. The selector 136 is a device for selecting whether or not the medal material or shape is appropriate, and has a role of guiding an appropriate medal received in the medal insertion slot 112 to the hopper 134. Note that a medal sensor 152, which will be described later, is provided on the path through which the medal passes in the selector 136, and detects that an appropriate medal has passed.

[Circuit configuration of pachislot]
This is the end of the description of the structure of the pachislot 100. Next, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a configuration of a circuit included in the pachislot 100 in the present embodiment will be described. The pachi-slot 100 in the present embodiment includes a main control circuit 130, a sub-control circuit 132, and peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected to these.

<Main control circuit>
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the pachislot main control circuit 130 in the present embodiment.

(Microcomputer)
The main control circuit 130 includes a microcomputer 140 installed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 140 includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as main CPU) 141, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as main ROM) 142, and a RAM (hereinafter referred to as main RAM) 143.

  The main ROM 142 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 141, a data table such as an internal lottery table, data for transmitting various control commands (commands) to the sub control circuit 132, and the like. The main RAM 143 is provided with a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination determined by execution of the control program.

(Random number generator etc.)
The main CPU 141 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 145, a frequency divider 146, a random number generator 147, and a sampling circuit 148. The clock pulse generation circuit 145 and the frequency divider 146 generate clock pulses. The main CPU 141 executes a control program based on the generated clock pulse. The random number generator 147 generates a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 148 extracts one value from the generated random number.

(Switch etc.)
A switch or the like is connected to the input port of the microcomputer 140. The main CPU 141 receives an input from a switch or the like and controls the operation of peripheral devices such as stepping motors 131L, 131C, and 131R. The stop switch 150 detects that each of the three stop buttons 116L, 116C, and 116R has been pressed by the player (stop operation). The start switch 151 detects that the start lever 115 has been operated by the player (start operation).

  The medal sensor 152 detects that a medal received at the medal insertion slot 112 has passed through the selector 136 described above. The bet switch 153 detects that the bet button 113 has been pressed by the player. Further, the settlement switch 154 detects that the settlement button 114 has been pressed by the player.

  The setting change switch 155a detects an operation of the administrator with respect to the setting change button. Further, the reset switch 155b detects an operation of the administrator with respect to the reset button. Each detected operation signal is output to the microcomputer 140. The set value is data serving as an index for distinguishing the degree of advantage for the player. That is, it is data relating to the profits of the player and the game store in relation to the winning probability of the internal winning combination described later. The higher the probability of winning an internal winning combination related to the provision of a privilege, the more chances that more medals can be obtained, which is advantageous to the player. In the pachi-slot 100 according to the present embodiment, four stages of “1”, “4”, “6”, and “H” are provided as set values, and the start switch 151, the setting change switch 155a, and the reset switch 155b Any one of these is stored (stored) in the set value storage area of the main RAM 143 based on the input. Note that, for example, two kinds of values “1” and “6” may be applied as predetermined numerical values, and six kinds of “1” to “6” may be applied. Further, it can be arbitrarily changed.

(Peripheral devices and circuits)
Peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by the microcomputer 140 include stepping motors 131L, 131C, 131R, a 7-segment display 118, and a hopper 134. A circuit for controlling the operation of each peripheral device is connected to the output port of the microcomputer 140.

  The motor driving circuit 156 controls driving of stepping motors 131L, 131C, and 131R provided corresponding to the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R. The reel position detection circuit 157 detects a reel index indicating that the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R have made one rotation by an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, according to each reel 101L, 101C, and 101R.

  The stepping motors 131L, 131C, and 131R have a configuration in which the momentum is proportional to the number of output pulses and the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle. The driving force of the stepping motors 131L, 131C, 131R is transmitted to the reels 101L, 101C, 101R via gears having a predetermined reduction ratio. Each time one pulse is output to the stepping motors 131L, 131C, 131R, the reels 101L, 101C, 101R rotate at a constant angle.

  The main CPU 141 counts the number of times pulses are output to the stepping motors 131L, 131C, and 131R after detecting the reel index, thereby rotating the rotation angles of the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R (mainly the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R). The number of symbols 101R has rotated) is managed, and the positions of the symbols arranged on the surfaces of the reels 101L, 101C, 101R are managed.

  The display unit driving circuit 158 controls the operation of the 7-segment display 118. The hopper drive circuit 159 controls the operation of the hopper 134. The payout completion signal circuit 160 manages the detection of medals performed by the medal detection unit 161 provided in the hopper 134, and checks whether or not the medals discharged from the hopper 134 have reached the payout number.

<Sub control circuit>
FIG. 5 shows a configuration of the pachislot sub-control circuit 132 in the present embodiment.

  The sub control circuit 132 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 130 and performs processing such as determination and execution of effect contents based on a command transmitted from the main control circuit 130. The sub-control circuit 132 basically includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as sub-CPU) 165, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as sub-ROM) 166, a RAM (hereinafter referred to as sub-RAM) 167, a rendering processor 169, a drawing RAM 170, a driver 171 and a DSP 172 ( A digital signal processor), an audio RAM 174, an A / D converter 175, and an amplifier 176.

  The sub CPU 165 controls the output of video, sound, and light according to the control program stored in the sub ROM 166 in accordance with the command transmitted from the main control circuit 130. The sub-RAM 167 is provided with a storage area for registering the determined contents and effects data, and a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control circuit 130. The sub ROM 166 basically includes a program storage area 178 and a data storage area 179.

  The program storage area 178 stores a control program executed by the sub CPU 165. For example, the control program includes a main board communication task for controlling communication with the main control circuit 130, and an effect registration task for extracting effect random numbers and determining and registering the effect contents (effect data). In addition, a drawing control task for controlling the display of video by the liquid crystal display device based on the determined contents of the presentation, a lamp control task for controlling the light output by the lamp, a voice control task for controlling the sound output by the speaker, and the like are included.

  The data storage area 179 stores a storage area for storing various data tables, a storage area for storing effect data constituting each effect content, a storage area for storing animation data related to creation of video, and a sound data related to BGM and sound effects. And a storage area for storing lamp data related to the light on / off pattern.

  The sub-control circuit 132 is connected with a liquid crystal display device 106, speakers 121L and 121R, and a lamp 120 as peripheral devices whose operations are controlled.

  The sub CPU 165, the rendering processor 169, the drawing RAM 170 (including the frame buffer 180), and the driver 171 create a video according to the animation data designated by the contents of the effect, and display the created video on the liquid crystal display device 106.

  Further, the sub CPU 165, the DSP 172, the audio RAM 174, the A / D converter 175, and the amplifier 176 output sounds such as BGM from the speakers 121L and 121R according to the sound data specified by the contents of the presentation. Further, the sub CPU 165 turns on and off the lamp 120 according to the lamp data designated by the contents of the effect.

[Configuration of data table stored in main ROM]
This completes the description of the circuit configuration of the pachislot 100. Next, the configuration of various data tables stored in the main ROM 142 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Design arrangement table]
The symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG. The symbol arrangement table defines the position of each symbol in the rotation direction of each of the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R, and data (hereinafter, symbol code) specifying the type of symbol arranged at each position.

  In the symbol arrangement table, when the reel index is detected, the symbol position in the middle of the display windows 107L, 107C, and 171R is set to “0”, and the symbols are arranged in the order of progress in the rotation direction of the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R. “0” to “20” are respectively assigned to the positions. Accordingly, by referring to the symbol arrangement table while managing how many symbols have been rotated since the reel index was detected, the positions of symbols present mainly in the middle stages of the display windows 107L, 107C, and 171R and It is possible to always manage the type of the symbol.

  In the symbol arrangement table and symbol code according to the present embodiment, symbol positions and data relating to red 7, red cherry, blue cherry, green cherry, bell, watermelon, and replay are recorded. In the symbol arrangement table shown in FIG. 6, red cherry, blue cherry, and green cherry arranged on the left reel 101L are arranged at regular intervals of seven symbols to each adjacent cherry. In addition, the reel stop control allows a maximum of four sliding frames as will be described later. In addition, as described above, in the present embodiment, since the symbol present at the middle position is detected by the reel index, when a specific symbol stopped at the middle position stops at the upper position and stops at the lower position. Even when the position of the symbol position for one frame before and after the case is considered, a specific symbol can be stopped on any of the winning determination lines 110 by the reel stop control. For this reason, by placing red cherry, blue cherry, and green cherry within 6 frames before and after adding 2 shifts in the upper and lower positions to 4 frames for the number of sliding frames, one of the cherries is always displayed as a stop. It becomes possible to make it.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7 to be described later, a small role using a cherry is established by stopping one of red cherry, blue cherry and green cherry as a symbol of the left reel. Depending on the timing of pressing the button, it is possible to realize a small prize winning relating to any of red cherry, blue cherry and green cherry.

[Design combination table]
Next, the symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, when the symbol combination displayed by the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R along the winning determination line 110 matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table, the winning combination is determined. Privileges such as medal payout, replay operation, and bonus game operation are given to the player.

  The symbol combination table defines a symbol combination, a display combination, and a payout number that are predetermined according to the type of privilege. The display combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line 110.

  The display combination is represented as 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit. For example, when the symbol “red cherry” of the left reel 101L is displayed on the winning determination line 110, the symbol “red cherry” is displayed as the display combination regardless of the symbol of the middle reel 101C and the symbol of the right reel 101R. (00000001) "is determined. When the red cherry display combination is determined, 15 medals are paid out when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 6 when the number of inserted medals is 3. The medal is paid out. Thus, the number of payouts is defined according to the number of inserted sheets, and basically a larger number of paidouts is determined when the number of inserted sheets is small.

  When the symbol “blue cherry” of the left reel 101L is displayed on the winning determination line 110, the symbol “blue cherry” can be used as a display combination regardless of the symbol of the middle reel 101C and the symbol of the right reel 101R. (00000010) "is determined. When the display combination of the blue cherry is determined, 15 medals are paid out when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 6 when the number of inserted medals is 3. The medal is paid out.

  Further, when the symbol “green cherry” of the left reel 101L is displayed on the winning determination line 110, “green cherry” is displayed as a display combination regardless of the symbol of the middle reel 101C and the symbol of the right reel 101R. (00000100) "is determined. When the green cherry display combination is determined, 15 medals are paid out when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 6 medals are inserted when the number of inserted medals is 3. The medal is paid out.

  When the symbol “bell” of each reel is displayed along the winning determination line 110, “bell (00001000)” is determined as the display combination. When the bell display combination is determined, 15 medals are paid out when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 10 medals when the number of inserted medals is 3. Is paid out.

  Further, when the symbol “watermelon” of each reel is displayed along the winning determination line 110, “watermelon (00010000)” is determined as the display combination. When the display combination of the watermelon is determined, 15 medals are paid out when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 6 medals when the number of inserted medals is 3. Is paid out.

  When the symbol “replay” of each reel is displayed along the winning determination line 110, “replay (00100000)” is determined as the display combination. When the replay display combination is determined, the replay is activated. That is, the same number of medals as when the replay is determined as a display combination is automatically inserted without being based on the player's insertion operation, and the player consumes the medal he owns next time. It will not be necessary.

  When the symbol “red 7” of each reel is displayed along the winning determination line 110, “BB (Big Bonus) (01000000)” is determined as the display combination. When the display combination of BB is determined, the gaming state shifts from the general gaming state to the BB gaming state indicating a gaming state that is relatively advantageous to the player. Note that when the gaming state shifts to the BB gaming state, an RB (regular bonus) operation is started, and the probability of winning a bell increases. Here, BB means an accessory continuous action device according to the first type special accessory, and RB means a first type special accessory.

  In addition, when the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line 110 does not match any of the symbol combinations defined by the symbol combination table, it is a so-called “losing”.

  The symbol combination table stores end code information that is not associated with profits given to the player. The end code is information defining end information stored in the symbol combination table.

[Bonus operating table]
Next, the bonus operation time table will be described with reference to FIG. The bonus operation time table defines data to be stored in various storage areas provided in the main RAM 143 when the bonus operation is performed.

  The in-operation flag is data for identifying the type of bonus that is activated. In the present embodiment, the above-described BB (Big Bonus) and RB (Regular Bonus) are provided as bonus types. The operation of RB is continuously performed while the operation of BB is performed.

  The operation of BB is ended when the medals that have reached the prescribed number are paid out. The operation of the RB is ended when a game that reaches the specified number of times is performed, when there is a winning that reaches the specified number of times, or when the operation of the BB ends. The bonus end number counter, the possible game number counter, and the possible number-of-games counter are the specified number (specifically, 346 as shown in FIG. 8) that triggers the end of the bonus, or the specified number of times (specifically, Is data for managing whether or not it has reached 8 times as shown in FIG.

  More specifically, numerical values defined by the bonus operation time table are stored in the respective counters, and the subtraction is performed through the operation of the bonus. As a result, the operation of the corresponding bonus is completed on condition that the value of each counter is updated to “0”.

[Internal lottery table]
Next, the internal lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The internal lottery table defines a data pointer and a lottery value according to the winning number. The data pointer is data acquired as a result of lottery performed with reference to the internal lottery table, and is data for designating an internal winning combination defined by an internal winning combination determination table described later. The data pointer is provided with a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer.

  In the present embodiment, random numbers extracted from a predetermined numerical range “0 to 65535” are sequentially subtracted by lottery values corresponding to each winning number, and whether or not the result of the subtraction is negative ( An internal lottery is performed by determining whether or not a so-called “digit” has occurred.

  Therefore, the larger the numerical value defined as the lottery value, the higher the probability that the data (that is, the data pointer) to which it is assigned will be determined. The winning probability of each winning number can be represented by “the lottery value corresponding to each winning number / the number of all random numbers that may be extracted (65536)”.

  FIG. 9 shows an internal lottery table for a general gaming state. FIG. 10 shows an internal lottery table for RB operation. In the present embodiment, depending on the situation such as whether or not the bonus is activated, the type of internal winning combination and the winning probability that are determined are varied by using different types of internal lottery tables. , The expectation that the player holds is undulating.

  Note that the RB operating internal lottery table shown in FIG. 10 has a higher probability of winning the bell than the general gaming state internal lottery table shown in FIG. More specifically, as shown in the internal lottery table for RB operation, when the internal winning is performed in the RB gaming state, the bell is won with a probability of 100% (65536/65536 probability). Furthermore, as shown in the symbol arrangement table shown in FIG. 6, the interval between the adjacent bell symbols is arranged so that the interval between the bell symbols is within 4 symbols. By the control processing, it is possible to always stop the bell symbol on any winning determination line 110.

[Internal winning combination determination table]
Next, the internal winning combination determination table will be described with reference to FIGS. The internal winning combination determination table defines an internal winning combination in accordance with the data pointer. When the data pointer is determined, the internal winning combination is uniquely acquired.

  The internal winning combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols of each reel 101L, 101C, 101R that is permitted to be displayed along the winning determination line 110. Like the display combination, the internal winning combination is represented as 1-byte data in which a unique symbol combination is assigned to each bit.

  FIG. 11 shows an internal winning combination determination table for a small combination / replay. The small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table defines an internal winning combination relating to the payout of medals or an internal winning combination relating to the operation of replay.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the data pointer is “1”, the content of the internal winning combination is “red cherry”, and (00000001) is determined as data. When the data pointer is “2”, the content of the internal winning combination is “blue cherry” and (00000010) is determined as data. Further, when the data pointer is “3”, the content of the internal winning combination is “green cherry”, and (00000100) is determined as data. When the data pointer is “4”, the content of the internal winning combination is “bell” and (00001000) is determined as data.

  Further, when the data pointer is “5”, the content of the internal winning combination is “watermelon”, and (00010000) is determined as data. When the data pointer is “6”, the content of the internal winning combination is “replay”, and (00100000) is determined as data. When the data pointer is “0”, the content of the internal winning combination is “lost”, and (00000000) is determined as the data. This is a display of the symbol combination specified by the symbol combination table described above. Indicates that neither is allowed.

  FIG. 12 shows a bonus internal winning combination determination table. The bonus internal winning combination determination table defines internal winning combinations related to the operation of the bonus. As shown in FIG. 12, when the data pointer is “0”, the content of the internal winning combination is “lost” and (00000000) is determined as the data. When the data pointer is “1”, the content of the internal winning combination is “BB”, and (01000000) is determined as the data.

[AT lottery table]
This completes the description of the contents of the data table stored in the main ROM 142. Next, the contents of the data table stored in the sub ROM 166 of the sub control circuit 132 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

  First, an AT (assist time) lottery table will be described with reference to FIG. The AT lottery table is a table used when the sub CPU 165 lotteries the number of games (unit game number) for executing the AT function.

  Here, the AT function means a function for displaying information on the internal winning combination on the liquid crystal display device 106, and the AT function is continuously performed as many times as the number of games lottered by the AT lottery table. A gaming state in which this AT function is executed is called an AT gaming state. In the AT gaming state, the symbol information relating to the internal winning combination is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 106 during the rotation of the reel. For this reason, the player can know the symbol related to the internal winning combination during the reel stop operation, and by performing the stop operation so that the notified symbol is stopped and displayed along the winning determination line 110, It is possible to aim for a prize.

  The AT lottery table includes an AT high probability lottery table (FIG. 13A) having a high winning probability of a large number of ATs (indicating the number of unit games until the AT gaming state is completed) and an AT high probability lottery table. An AT low probability lottery table (FIG. 13 (b)) having a high winning probability of the number of ATs having a lower number is provided. Whether or not the lottery is performed based on the AT high probability lottery table or the AT low probability lottery table when the AT lottery is performed depends on whether an AT high probability state flag described later is on / off. Is judged by. The AT high probability state flag is recorded in a predetermined area of the sub RAM 167 of the sub control circuit 132.

  In the AT lottery table, lottery values are defined for each AT number corresponding to the internal winning combination. When the sub CPU 165 receives the start command, the sub CPU 165 acquires a random number value extracted from a predetermined numerical range “0 to 1023”, and uses the acquired random number value as an internal winning combination included in the start command. The number of ATs is determined by sequentially subtracting the corresponding lottery values and determining whether the result of the subtraction is negative (whether a so-called “digit” has occurred).

  When the number of ATs other than 0 is won, the AT notification state flag is set to ON, and a numerical value corresponding to the number of ATs won in the AT number counter is set. When the unit game is performed for the corresponding AT number, more specifically, when the value of the AT number counter becomes 0, the AT notification state flag is set to OFF. The AT notification state flag and the AT number counter are recorded in a predetermined area of the sub RAM 167.

[Direction number lottery table]
Next, the effect number lottery table will be described with reference to FIG. The effect number lottery table is a table used when the sub CPU 165 determines the content of the effect for performing the effect using the liquid crystal display device 106, the speakers 121L and 121R, the lamp 120, and the like. Recorded in the ROM 166.

  As the effect number lottery table, different lottery tables are used depending on a state in which an AT game is performed (AT notification state) and a state in which an AT game is not performed (AT non-notification state). Specifically, when the AT notification state flag is set to ON, an effect number lottery table for the AT notification state (see FIG. 14A) is used, and the AT notification state flag is set to OFF. If it is, an effect number lottery table (see FIG. 14B) for the AT non-notification state is used.

  In the production number lottery table for the AT notification state, the contents of the production include “losing”, “red cherry notification”, “blue cherry notification”, “green cherry notification”, “bell notification”, “watermelon notification”, “replay” “Notification” and “Bonus Notification” are defined. “Lose” indicates the content of the notification without any special effects, and “Red Cherry Notification”, “Blue Cherry Notification”, and “Green Cherry Notification” are “Aim Red Cherry !!” and “Aim Blue Cherry!” ! ”And“ Aim at the green cherry! ”Are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 106.

  As shown in the symbol combination table of FIG. 7, the display combination relating to each cherry is established by stopping and displaying the symbol relating to red cherry, the symbol relating to blue cherry, or the symbol relating to green cherry on the left reel 101L. . However, the symbol related to red cherry, the symbol related to blue cherry, and the symbol related to green cherry can be stopped and displayed only at an equal ratio (probability of one third). If the symbol for red cherry is not displayed, the small role related to red cherry cannot be established unless the symbol related to red cherry is stopped. If the symbol related to the green cherry cannot be established unless the symbol related to the stop is displayed, and the internal symbol combination related to the green cherry is drawn, the symbol related to the green cherry is not displayed unless the symbol related to the green cherry is stopped. A small role cannot be established. Since it is impossible to know the internal winning combination in the normal gaming state, it is not easy for the player to determine which cherry should be aimed for the stop operation. However, in the AT gaming state, the display indicating that the symbol related to the internal winning combination is aimed is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 106 as described above, so that the player performs a stop operation so that the displayed symbol is stopped. By doing so, it is possible to actively aim to establish a small role.

  Similarly, “Bell Notification”, “Watermelon Notification”, “Replay Notification”, and “Bonus Notification” shown in the production contents are “Aim for the Bell!”, “Aim for the Watermelon!” “!” And “Aim for Red 7!” Are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 106. The player can establish a winning corresponding to the internal winning combination by performing a stop operation according to the comment displayed on the liquid crystal display device 106.

  These effects are determined for each internal winning combination according to the random value. In the pachi-slot 100 according to the present embodiment, the production content corresponding to each internal winning combination is determined with a probability of 100% (in the random value range of 0 to 1023, the digit for each value of 1024 is determined. Therefore, a comment corresponding to the internal winning combination is always displayed in the AT notification state. The determination of the content of the production is not necessarily limited to the one realized with a probability of 100%, but the probability that the content of the production is determined by changing the lottery value defined in the production number lottery table. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that varies. Further, in the pachislot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the internal winning combination corresponding to all internal winning combinations is displayed, but only the comments corresponding to some internal winning combinations are displayed. It may be configured as described above.

  For example, in the case of performing the “replay notification” effect, the comment “Replay is established!” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 106. However, the replay symbol is based on the symbol arrangement table shown in FIG. As will be apparent, the bell symbols are arranged so that the interval between the bell symbols is within 4 symbols. It is possible to always stop display on the determination line 110. Therefore, the player can easily establish a prize for replay without actively displaying a comment “replay established!” On the liquid crystal display device 106, and “replay established !!!!”. Even if the comment is not displayed, there is no risk of losing the profit that the player can obtain.

  In the effect number lottery table for the AT non-notification state, the contents of the effect are “losing”, “1 extinguishing effect”, “2 extinguishing effect”, “3 extinguishing effect”, “sound effect 1”, “sound effect 2”. “Character effect (winning)” and “Character effect (losing)” are defined. “Lose” indicates a notification content that does not give a special effect, “1 light-off effect” means content that turns off the left stop button 116L, and “2 light-off effect” means content that turns off the middle stop button 116C. “3 lights off effect” means the content of turning off the right stop button 116R.

  In addition, “sound effect 1” and “sound effect 2” have a role to excite the game by performing different sound outputs. More specifically, “sound production 1” is a sound production generally performed when “red cherry”, “blue cherry”, “green cherry”, “watermelon”, and the like are determined as internal winning combinations. “Sound effect 2” is a sound effect that is generally performed in the case of a loss or when “Bell”, “Replay” or the like is determined as an internal winning combination.

  Furthermore, “Character effect (winning)” and “Character effect (losing)” indicate the contents of performing visual effects by displaying an animation using the character on the liquid crystal display device 106. More specifically, “character effect (win)” is an effect performed when BB (red 7) is won as an internal winning combination, and “character effect (losing)” is BB (red 7) as an internal winning combination. This is an effect that is performed when anything other than) is won.

  Even when the AT game is not performed, the player can predict the internal winning combination based on the contents of these effects.

[Configuration of storage area provided in main RAM]
This completes the description of the contents of the data table stored in the sub-ROM 166. Next, the configuration of various storage areas provided in the main RAM 143 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Internal winning combination storage area]
The configuration of the internal winning combination storing area will be described with reference to FIG. The internal winning combination storing area stores the internal winning combination represented by the above-mentioned 1-byte data. When the bit is set to “1”, display of the corresponding symbol combination is permitted. When all bits are “0”, the content is lost.

  Further, the main RAM 143 is provided with a display combination storage area in which the display combination described above is stored. The configuration of the display combination storing area is the same as the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area. When “1” is set in the bit, the corresponding symbol combination is displayed along the winning determination line 110.

[Coverage storage area]
With reference to FIG. 16, the structure of the carryover combination storage area will be described.

  When an internal winning combination (BB) related to the operation of the bonus is determined as a result of the lottery described above, this is stored in the carryover combination storing area. The internal winning combination (hereinafter referred to as a carryover combination) related to the operation of the bonus stored in the carryover combination storage area is retained without clearing the contents until the corresponding symbol combination is displayed along the winning determination line 110. It becomes the composition which is done. While the carryover combination is stored in the carryover combination storage area, this is stored in the internal winning combination storage area regardless of the result of the lottery described above. In pachislot 100 according to the present embodiment, “1” is stored in bit 6 when a carryover combination is stored, and “0” is stored in bit 6 when a carryover combination is cleared. Is done.

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

  The operating flag storage area stores an operating flag consisting of 1 byte. The operating flag has a unique bonus assigned to each bit. When “1” is set in the bit, the corresponding bonus is activated. The state when all bits are “0” is defined as a general gaming state. In the pachi-slot 100 according to the present embodiment, “1” is stored in bit 0 when the BB operation is performed, and “0” is stored in bit 0 when the BB operation is not performed. Is stored. Further, “1” is stored in bit 1 when the RB operation is performed, and “0” is stored in bit 1 when the RB operation is not performed.

[Configuration of send command]
The description of the configuration of the various storage areas provided in the main RAM 143 has been described above. Next, the configuration of a transmission command transmitted from the main control circuit 130 to the sub control circuit 132 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, the transmission command includes data indicating a command type, data indicating a parameter associated with the command type, data indicating a gaming state, and data (BCC: Block Check Character). The main CPU 141 of the main control circuit 130 sets a predetermined transmission command in the communication storage area of the main RAM 143 (set (stores) for seven commands in the communication storage area) at a predetermined transmission time (when a transmission event occurs). Then, a transmission command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 132 by an interrupt process of the main CPU 141 which will be described later with reference to FIG. The sub control circuit 132 executes various effect processes according to the contents of the received transmission command.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18B, the main CPU 141 issues an “initialization command” for updating the setting value when the setting value of the pachislot 100 is changed by the setting change switch 155a. Set, when 10 seconds have elapsed from the end of the game and no new game process is started, a “demonstration display command” for displaying a demonstration video or the like on the liquid crystal display device 106 is set, and a medal insertion process Is executed, the medal insertion command is set when the insertion number counter increases. When the main CPU 141 obtains the result of the internal lottery performed based on the start operation by the start lever 115, the main CPU 141 sets a “start command” and starts the rotation operation of the reels 101L, 101C, 101R. “Reel rotation start command” is set, and “Reel stop command” is set when rotation of the reels 101L, 101C, 101R is stopped.

  Further, when the symbols related to winning are stopped and displayed along one effective line by stopping the reels 101L, 101C, and 101R, the main CPU 141 displays a “display command” indicating the contents of the display combination based on the corresponding symbols. When the payout of medals (game media) based on winning is completed, the “payout end command” is set. Further, the main CPU 141 sets a “bonus start command” when the symbols related to the BB are stopped and displayed along one active line and the bonus game is started (at the start of the bonus), and the bonus game state is set. When a predetermined number of medals are paid out and the bonus game state is ended (at the end of the bonus), a “bonus end command” is set. The main CPU 141 sets an “input state command” when the start lever 115 or the stop button 116L is operated and an input operation is detected by the start switch 151 and the stop switch 150.

  For each command, the type of command content is defined in advance by 1-byte data. As shown in FIG. 18B, the initialization command is “01H”, the demonstration display command is “02H”, and the medal insertion command. Is “03H”, start command is “04H”, reel rotation start command is “05H”, reel stop command is “06H”, display command is “07H”, payout end command is “08H”, bonus end command is “09H” ”, The bonus start command is defined as“ 0AH ”, and the input state command is defined as“ 0BH ”.

  The parameters associated with the command type of the send command are composed of 3-byte data (parameter 1, parameter 2 and parameter 3 each consisting of 1 byte), and the data contents are defined according to each command type. Yes.

  FIG. 19 (1) shows an example of parameters set in the start command. In the parameter of the start command, data relating to the RB gaming state is recorded in bit 0 of parameter 1, and data relating to the BB gaming state is recorded in bit 1 of parameter 1.

  In parameter 3, information related to the internal winning combination is recorded. Specifically, when red cherry is won as an internal winning combination, “1” is recorded in bit 0, and when blue cherry is won, “1” is recorded in bit 1 and green cherry is won. In this case, “1” is recorded in bit 2, “1” is recorded in bit 3 when the bell is won, and “1” is recorded in bit 4 when the watermelon is won. When the replay is won, “1” is recorded in bit 5, and when red 7 is won, “1” is recorded in bit 7.

  It should be noted that bit 2 to bit 7 of parameter 1, bit 0 to bit 7 of parameter 2, and bit 6 of parameter 3 are unused.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19 (2), each transmission command can indicate five kinds of gaming states, and data of the corresponding gaming state is added. The gaming state data is composed of 1-byte data, and five types of data are defined. The gaming state is determined in association with bit 0 to bit 4. Specifically, when bit 0 is on, it indicates that RB is operating, when bit 1 is on, it indicates that BB is operating, and when bit 2 is on, it indicates that replaying is in progress. When bit 3 is on, it indicates that an error has occurred in the game and is in error, and when bit 4 is on, it indicates that the game is being stopped. Bits 5 to 7 are unused.

[Program flow executed in pachislot]
This completes the description of the configuration of the transmission command transmitted from the main control circuit 130 to the sub control circuit 132. Next, the contents of a program executed by the main CPU 141 of the main control circuit 130 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 20, the main flowchart by control of the main CPU 141 is demonstrated.

  When power is turned on to the pachi-slot 100, first, the main CPU 141 performs an initialization process (S1). Next, the main CPU 141 clears the designated storage area in the main RAM 143 (S2). For example, data stored in a storage area that needs to be deleted for each game, such as an internal winning combination storage area or a display combination storage area, is cleared.

  Next, the main CPU 141 performs a medal acceptance / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 (S3). In this processing, input checks of the medal sensor 152 and the start switch 151 are performed.

  Next, the main CPU 141 extracts a random value and stores it in a random value storage area provided in the main RAM 143 (S4). Next, the main CPU 141 performs an internal lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 (S5). In this process, the internal winning combination is determined by lottery based on a random value. Next, the main CPU 141 transmits a start command to the sub-control circuit 132 (S6). As described with reference to FIG. 19A, the start command is configured to include a parameter for specifying an internal winning combination or the like.

  Next, the main CPU 141 requests rotation start of all the reels 101L, 101C, 101R (S7). When the start of rotation of all reels 101L, 101C, and 101R is requested, the stepping motors 131L, 131C, and 131R are driven by an interrupt process (see FIG. 26 described later) executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec). Is controlled, and the rotation of the reels 101L, 101C, 101R is started.

  Next, the main CPU 141 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 23 (S8). In this process, the input of the stop switch 150 is checked, and the rotation of the corresponding reels 101L, 101C, 101R is stopped based on the timing when the stop buttons 116L, 116C, 116R are pressed and the internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 141 searches for a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line 110, and determines a payout number or the like based on the result (S9). As a result of the search, if the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line 110 matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table, the corresponding display combination and the number of payouts are determined. Next, the main CPU 141 transmits a display command to the sub control circuit (S10). The display command includes parameters that specify the display combination, the number of payouts, and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 141 performs medal payout processing (S11). Based on the determined payout number, the hopper 134 is driven and the credit number is updated. Next, the main CPU 141 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (S12). The numerical value determined as the payout number is subtracted from the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the bonus operating flag is on (S13). When the main CPU 141 determines that the bonus operating flag is on, the main CPU 141 performs a bonus end check process described later with reference to FIG. 25 (S14). With this process, it is checked whether or not the bonus operation is to be ended with reference to various counters for managing the bonus end timing.

  The main CPU 141 performs a bonus operation check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 24 after S14 or when it is determined in S13 that the bonus operating flag is not on (S15). By this process, it is checked whether or not the bonus operation is started. When this process ends, the main CPU 141 shifts the process to S2.

[Medal reception / start check processing]
Next, the medal acceptance / start check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the automatic insertion number counter is 0 (S31). When determining that the automatic insertion number counter is 0, the main CPU 141 permits medal passage (S32). With the medal passage permission, the solenoid of the selector 136 is driven, and the passage of the medal in the selector 136 is prompted.

  When determining that the automatic insertion number counter is not 0, the main CPU 141 copies the automatic insertion number counter to the insertion number counter (S33). Next, the main CPU 141 clears the automatic insertion number counter (S34). S33 and S34 are processes for replaying.

  The main CPU 141 sets 3 as the maximum value of the insertion number counter after S32 or S34 (S35). Next, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the bonus operating flag is on (S36). When determining that the bonus operating flag is on, the main CPU 141 changes the maximum value of the insertion number counter to 2 (S37).

  The main CPU 141 determines whether or not the passing of medals has been detected after S37 or when it is determined in S36 that the bonus operating flag is not on (S38). When determining that the passage of medals has been detected, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the insertion number counter has reached the maximum value (S39). When determining that the insertion number counter has not reached the maximum value, the main CPU 141 increments the insertion number counter by 1 (S40). Next, the main CPU 141 stores 5 in the valid line counter (S41). Next, the main CPU 141 transmits a medal insertion command to the sub control circuit 132 (S42). The medal insertion command includes a parameter for specifying the number of inserted coins.

  When the main CPU 141 determines in S39 that the inserted number counter is the maximum value, the main CPU 141 adds 1 to the credit counter (S43). The main CPU 141 checks the bet switch 153 after S43, after S42, or when it is determined that the passage of medals is not detected in S38 (S44). When it is detected by the check processing of the bet switch 153 that the bet button 113 is pressed, the main CPU 141 adds a numerical value corresponding to the bet button 113 to the inserted number counter while subtracting it from the credit counter.

  Next, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the insertion number counter has reached the maximum value (S45). When the main CPU 141 determines that the insertion number counter has not reached the maximum value, the main CPU 141 shifts the process to S38. On the other hand, if the main CPU 141 determines that the insertion number counter has reached the maximum value, is the start switch 151 turned on? It is determined whether or not (S46).

  When determining that the start switch 151 is not on, the main CPU 141 shifts the process to S38, and when determining that the start switch 151 is on, the main CPU 141 prohibits medal passage (S47). In the medal passage prohibition process (S47), the solenoid of the selector 136 is not driven, and the ejection of medals is prompted. When this process ends, the medal acceptance / start check process ends.

[Internal lottery processing]
Next, the internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 141 determines the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries (S61). In this process, the operating flag storage area is referred to, and the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries are determined according to whether or not the bonus is activated. The number of lotteries indicates the number of times of lottery value subtraction and determination of whether or not a digit has occurred for each winning number defined by the internal lottery table.

  Next, the main CPU 141 acquires a random value stored in the random value storage area and sets it as a determination random value (S62). Next, the main CPU 141 sets 1 as the initial value of the winning number (S63).

  Next, the main CPU 141 refers to the internal lottery table and acquires a lottery value corresponding to the winning number (S64). Next, the main CPU 141 subtracts the lottery value from the determination random number value (S65). Next, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not a digit has been made (S66). When the main CPU 141 determines that there is no digit, the main CPU 141 subtracts 1 from the number of lotteries and adds 1 to the winning number (S67).

  Next, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (S68). When the main CPU 141 determines that the number of lotteries is not 0, the process proceeds to S64. On the other hand, if the main CPU 141 determines that the number of lotteries is 0, the main CPU 141 sets 0 as the small role / replay data pointer, and the bonus 0 is set as the data pointer for use (S69).

  When the main CPU 141 determines in S66 that a digit has been made, the main CPU 141 obtains a small role / replay data pointer and a bonus data pointer according to the current winning number (S70). After S70 or S69, the main CPU 141 refers to the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table and acquires the internal winning combination based on the small winning combination / replay data pointer (S71).

  Next, the main CPU 141 stores the acquired internal winning combination in the internal winning combination storing area (S72). Next, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0 (S73). When determining that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is 0, the main CPU 141 refers to the bonus internal winning combination determination table and acquires the internal winning combination based on the bonus data pointer (S74). . Next, the main CPU 141 stores the acquired internal winning combination in the carryover combination storing area (S75).

  The main CPU 141 calculates the logical sum of the carryover combination storage area and the internal winning combination storage area after S75 or when it is determined that the data stored in the carryover combination storage area is not 0 in S73, The result is stored in the internal winning combination storing area (S76). That is, the internal winning combination relating to the bonus operation is carried over. When this process ends, the main CPU 141 ends the internal lottery process.

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

  First, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not an effective stop button 116L, 116C, 116R has been pressed (S101). When the main CPU 141 determines that the effective stop buttons 116L, 116C, and 116R are not pressed, the main CPU 141 stands by until it is pressed.

  When the main CPU 141 determines that the valid stop buttons 116L, 116C, 116R are pressed, the main CPU 141 invalidates the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 116L, 116C, 116R (S102). The valid and invalid states of each stop button 116L, 116C, 116R are managed in a predetermined storage area provided in the main RAM 143.

  Next, the main CPU 141 sets 5 as the number of checks (S103). In the present embodiment, since the maximum number of sliding pieces is “4”, when the stop button 116L, 116C, 116R is pressed, the position of the symbol in the middle of the corresponding display windows 107L, 107C, 107R is set. Including, up to the position of the fourth symbol from there is the target of the check. That is, one of the five numerical values “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” is determined as the number of sliding frames.

  Next, based on the internal winning combination, the main CPU 141 determines the position of the symbol in the middle of the corresponding display window 107L, 107C, 107R (hereinafter referred to as the stop start position) when the stop button 116L, 116C, 116R is pressed. Among the positions of the symbols within the range of the number of checks included, the position of the symbol with the highest priority is searched (S104). In this process, the symbol position where the symbol combination that is permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination can be displayed along the winning determination line 110 is determined as the symbol position having the highest priority.

  Next, the main CPU 141 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the search result (S105). The number of symbols from the stop start position to the symbol position with the highest priority is determined as the number of sliding symbols. Next, the main CPU 141 proceeds to wait for a scheduled stop position (S106). When the process shifts to waiting for the planned stop position, the driving of the stepping motors 131L, 131C, 131R is controlled by an interrupt process described later, and the reels wait for the position of the symbol with the highest priority to reach the middle stage of the corresponding display window. The rotation of 101L, 101C, 101R is stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 141 transmits a reel stop command to the sub-control circuit 132 (S107). The reel stop command includes a parameter for specifying the type of the stopped reels 101L, 101C, 101R.

  Next, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not there is still a stop button whose operation is valid (S108). That is, it is determined whether there is a reel that is still rotating. When the main CPU 141 determines that there is a stop button with an effective operation, the process proceeds to S101. When the main CPU 141 determines that there is no stop button with an effective operation, the main CPU 141 ends the reel stop control process.

[Bonus activation check process]
Next, the bonus operation check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the display combination is BB (S121). When the main CPU 141 determines that the display combination is BB, the main CPU 141 refers to the bonus operation time table and performs the BB operation processing (S122). In this process, the BB operating flag is turned on, and a predetermined value (“346” in the present embodiment) is set in the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 141 clears the carryover combination storage area (S123). Next, the main CPU 141 transmits a bonus start command to the sub-control circuit 132 (S124). When this process ends, the main CPU 141 ends the bonus operation check process.

  When determining that the display combination is not BB in S121, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the display combination is replay (S125). When determining that the display combination is replay, the main CPU 141 copies the value of the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion number counter (S126), and ends the bonus operation check process.

  When determining that the display combination is not replay in S125, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is on (S127). When the main CPU 141 determines that the BB operating flag is not on, the main CPU 141 ends the bonus operation check process. On the other hand, when determining that the BB operating flag is on, the main CPU 141 determines whether the RB operating flag is on (S128).

  When the main CPU 141 determines that the RB operation flag is on, the main CPU 141 ends the bonus operation check process. On the other hand, when the main CPU 141 determines that the RB operating flag is not on, the main CPU 141 refers to the bonus operating table and performs the RB operating process (S129). In this process, the RB operating flag is turned on, and predetermined values (in the present embodiment, “8” respectively) are set in the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter. When this process ends, the main CPU 141 ends the bonus operation check process.

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

  First, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (S141). When determining that the bonus end number counter is 0, the main CPU 141 performs BB end time processing (S142). In this process, the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag are turned off, and various counters for managing the end timing of the bonus are cleared. Next, the main CPU 141 transmits a bonus end command to the sub-control circuit 132 (S143). When this process ends, the main CPU 141 ends the bonus end check process.

  When the main CPU 141 determines in S141 that the bonus end number counter is not 0, the main CPU 141 updates the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter (S144). As a result of this update processing, the game possible number counter is decremented by one, and if there is a win, the winning possible number counter is decremented by one. Next, the main CPU 141 determines whether or not the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter is 0 (S145).

  When the main CPU 141 determines that the prize winning count counter or the game possible count counter is not 0, the bonus end check process ends. On the other hand, when the main CPU 141 determines that the winning possible number counter or the possible gaming number counter is 0, the main CPU 141 performs an RB end process (S146). 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 main CPU 141 ends the bonus end check process.

[Interrupt processing under the control of the main CPU (1.1173 msec)]
Next, an interrupt process (1.1173 msec) controlled by the main CPU 141 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 141 saves the register (S161). Next, the main CPU 141 performs input port check processing (S162). In this processing, signals input from various switches such as the stop switch 150 are checked.

  Next, the main CPU 141 performs a reel control process (S163). In this process, when the rotation start of all the reels 101L, 101C, 101R is requested, the rotation of the reels 101L, 101C, 101R is started, and then the stepping motors 131L, 131C, The drive of 131R is controlled. In addition, when the number of sliding pieces is determined, the stepping motors 131L, 131C, and 131R are driven so that the rotation of the corresponding reels 101L, 101C, and 101R is continued for the number of sliding pieces and the rotation is decelerated and stopped. Is controlled.

  Next, the main CPU 141 performs a lamp and 7-segment driving process (S164). Next, the main CPU 141 restores the register (S165). When this process ends, the main CPU 141 ends the interrupt process.

[Program flow executed by sub CPU of sub control circuit]
This completes the description of the content of the program executed by the main CPU 141 of the main control circuit 130. Next, the contents of a program executed by the sub CPU 165 of the sub control circuit 132 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main board communication task]
With reference to FIG. 27, the main board communication task performed by the sub CPU 165 will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 165 performs a reception check on the command transmitted from the main control circuit 130 (S301). Next, when receiving a command, the sub CPU 165 extracts the type of the command (S302).

  Next, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not a command different from the previous one has been received (S303). When the sub CPU 165 determines that a command different from the previous command has not been received, the process proceeds to S301. On the other hand, when the sub CPU 165 determines that a command different from the previous command has been received, the sub CPU 165 stores the command in the message queue (S304), and moves the process to S301.

[Direction registration task]
Next, an effect registration task performed by the sub CPU 165 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 165 takes out a message from the message queue (S311). Next, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not there is a message (S312). When the sub CPU 165 determines that there is a message, it copies the game information from the message (S313). For example, various data specified by parameters, such as an internal winning combination, a type of reel that has stopped rotating, a display combination, an operating flag, and the like are copied to a storage area provided in the sub-RAM 167.

  When the initialization command is stored in the message queue by receiving the initialization command, the setting information of the pachislot 100 is changed by the setting change switch 155a or the like in the main CPU 141 by copying the game information from the message. It becomes possible to know that. Thus, when the set value of the pachislot 100 is changed, the values of the short-time game number counter and the long-time game number counter, which will be described later, are cleared. Here, the short-time game number counter and the long-time game number counter mean a counter for calculating the number of games of the pachislot 100, and the short-time game number counter has a counter value every 400 games. It is cleared (set to 0), but the long-time game number counter is different in that it is cleared only when the set value of the pachislot 100 is changed. The short time game number counter and the long time game number counter are recorded in the sub RAM 167 of the sub control circuit 132.

  Next, the sub CPU 165 performs an effect content determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 29 (S314). In this process, depending on the type of the received command, the contents of the effect are determined and the effect data is registered.

  The sub CPU 165 registers animation data after S314 or when determining that there is a message in S312 (S315). Next, the sub CPU 165 registers sound data (S316). Next, the sub CPU 165 registers lamp data (S317). The registration of the animation data, the registration of the sound data, and the registration of the ramp data are performed based on the effect data registered in the effect content determination process. When this process ends, the sub CPU 165 moves the process to S311.

[Production content decision processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 29, a flowchart of effect content determination processing executed by the sub CPU 165 will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 165 determines whether a start command is received (S321). When the sub CPU 165 determines that the start command is received, the sub CPU 165 performs a start command reception process described with reference to FIG. 30 (S322). In this process, an AT lottery process and a start data determination / registration process are performed. When this process ends, the sub CPU 165 ends the effect content determination process.

  Next, when determining that the start command is not received, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the reel stop command is received (S323). When the sub CPU 165 determines that the reel stop command is being received, the sub CPU 165 registers the stop effect data based on the registered effect number and the type of the stop buttons 116L, 116C, 116R (S324). When this process ends, the sub CPU 165 ends the effect content determination process.

  Next, when determining that the reel stop command is not received, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the display command is received (S325). When the sub CPU 165 determines that the display command is received, the sub CPU 165 performs a display command reception process described later with reference to FIG. 34 (S326). In this process, calculation processing of a short-time payout rate and a long-time payout rate, which will be described later, is performed, and effect data registration processing at the time of display is performed based on the registered effect number. When this process ends, the sub CPU 165 ends the effect content determination process.

  Next, when determining that the display command is not received, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the bonus start command is received (S327). When the sub CPU 165 determines that the bonus start command is received, the sub CPU 165 registers the bonus start effect data (S328). When this process ends, the sub CPU 165 ends the effect content determination process.

  Next, when determining that the bonus start command is not received, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the bonus end command is received (S329). When the sub CPU 165 determines that the bonus end command is not received, the sub CPU 165 ends the effect content determination process. On the other hand, when determining that the bonus end command is being received, the sub CPU 165 registers the bonus end effect data (S330). When this process ends, the sub CPU 165 ends the effect content determination process.

[Start command reception processing]
Next, a flowchart of start command reception processing executed by the sub CPU 165 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 165 performs various game number counter update processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 31 (S341). In this process, a process for turning off the AT notification state flag, a process for adding a short-time game number counter, a long-time game number counter, and the like are performed. Next, the sub CPU 165 performs AT lottery processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 32 (S342). In this process, the AT number determination process in the AT gaming state is performed.

  Next, the sub CPU 165 performs effect number lottery processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 33 (S343). In this process, a process of determining the production content according to the on / off state of the AT notification state flag is performed. Thereafter, the sub CPU 165 registers the effect data at the start based on the effect number determined and registered by the effect number lottery process (S344). Thereafter, the sub CPU 165 ends the start command reception process.

[Various game number counter update processing]
Next, a flowchart of various game number counter update processing executed by the sub CPU 165 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 165 refers to the value of the AT number counter recorded in the sub RAM 167 and determines whether or not the value of the AT number counter is 0 (S361). When the value of the AT number counter is not 0, the sub CPU 165 subtracts 1 from the value of the AT number counter (S362), and again determines whether or not the value of the AT number counter is 0 (S363).

  When the value of the AT number counter is 0 in S363, the sub CPU 165 sets the AT notification state flag to OFF (S364).

  After S364, when the value of the AT number counter is 0 in S361 and when the value of the AT number counter is not 0 in S363, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the value of the short-time game counter is 400. (S365). If the value of the short-time game counter is 400, the sub CPU 165 clears (sets to 0) the value of the short-time game counter (S366), and then clears the short-time play rate (S367). Here, the short-time payout rate means the payout rate calculated in the display command reception process described later with reference to FIG. The payout rate is obtained by dividing a value corresponding to the number of paid-out medals by a value corresponding to the number of inserted medals.

  After S367 or when it is determined in S365 that the short-time game number counter is not 400, the sub CPU 165 adds 1 to the value of the short-time game number counter (S368). The value is incremented by 1 (S369), and the various game number counter update processing is terminated.

[AT lottery processing]
Next, a flowchart of AT lottery processing executed by the sub CPU 165 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the AT notification state flag is on (S381). When the AT notification state flag is on, the sub CPU 165 ends the AT lottery process. When the AT notification state flag is not on, the sub CPU 165 refers to the AT high probability state flag, and a state in which the AT high probability lottery table is preferentially used as a lottery table used for AT lottery in the AT gaming state (this state) Is referred to as an AT high probability lottery state) (S382). The AT high probability state flag is a flag that is set to ON in the display command reception process that will be described later with reference to FIG. 34, and the output rate when the number of games of 6000 unit games or more is performed (this output rate) The rate is referred to as the long-time payout rate) is 150% or more, and when the number of games of 400 unit games is performed (the payout rate is referred to as the short-time play rate). Is set to ON when is over 300%.

  When in the AT high probability lottery state, the sub CPU 165 performs an end lottery process in the AT high probability lottery state (S383). Specifically, the sub CPU 165 preferentially uses the AT low probability lottery state to the AT low probability lottery state (the AT low probability lottery table as the lottery table) based on the information regarding the set value of the pachislot 100 acquired by the initial command. The probability of changing the lottery state to (state) is determined. For example, when the set value is “1”, the probability is 1/50, when the set value is “4”, the probability is 1/100, and when the set value is “6”, the probability is 1/150. In the case of “H”, the lottery state is changed from the AT high probability lottery state to the AT low probability lottery state with a probability of 1/200. The sub CPU 165 performs end lottery processing to determine whether or not the lottery state changes from the AT high probability lottery state to the AT low probability lottery state using the random number value.

  Then, based on the end lottery process (S383), the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the AT high probability lottery state ends (the lottery state changes from the AT high probability lottery state to the AT low probability lottery state). Is discriminated (S384). When the AT high probability lottery state has not ended, the sub CPU 165 refers to the AT high probability lottery table and determines the number of ATs based on the internal winning combination acquired by the start command (S385). On the other hand, when the AT high probability lottery state ends, the sub CPU 165 sets the AT high probability state flag to OFF (S386). Then, the sub CPU 165 refers to the AT low probability lottery table after S386 or when it is determined in S382 that it is not the AT high probability lottery state, and determines the AT number based on the acquired internal winning combination ( S387). The determined AT number is recorded in the AT number counter.

  Thereafter, the sub CPU 165 refers to the AT number counter to determine whether or not the determined AT number is 0 (S388). If the AT number is 0, the sub CPU 165 ends the AT lottery process as it is, If the AT number is not 0, the AT notification state flag is set to ON (S389), and the AT lottery process is terminated.

[Direction number lottery processing]
Next, a flowchart of the effect number lottery process executed by the sub CPU 165 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the AT notification state flag is on (S401). When the AT notification state flag is ON, the sub CPU 165 determines an effect number for notifying the internal winning combination using the AT notification state effect number lottery table based on the internal winning combination (S402). . On the other hand, when the AT notification state flag is not on, the sub CPU 165 determines the effect number for the normal effect using the effect number lottery table for the AT non-notification state based on the internal winning combination (S403). ).

  Then, the sub CPU 165 stores the determined effect number in a predetermined area of the sub RAM 167 (S404), and ends the effect number lottery process.

[Process when receiving display command]
Next, with reference to FIG. 34, a flowchart of display command reception processing executed by the sub CPU 165 will be described.

  First, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the display combination acquired by the display command is a display combination with payout (S411). In the pachi-slot 100 according to the present embodiment, red cherry, blue cherry, green cherry, bell, and watermelon correspond to the display combination with payout.

  When the display combination has a payout, the sub CPU 165 performs a process of adding a value corresponding to the payout number to the acquired medal counter (S412). Here, the acquired medal counter is a counter recorded in a predetermined area of the sub-RAM 167 and is a counter used for calculating a short-time payout rate and a long-time payout rate, which will be described later.

  After S412, or after determining that the display combination is not paid out in S411, the sub CPU 165 performs a process of adding a value corresponding to the inserted number acquired from the medal insertion command to the inserted medal counter (S413). Here, the inserted medal counter is a counter recorded in a predetermined area of the sub-RAM 167 and is used for calculating a short-time payout rate and a long-time payout rate, which will be described later.

  Next, the sub CPU 165 performs a short-time payout rate calculation process based on the acquired medal counter value and the inserted medal counter value added after the short-time game number counter is cleared (S414). More specifically, the value obtained by dividing the value of the acquired medal counter by the value of the inserted medal counter is represented by% (percentage) as the payout rate. Next, the sub CPU 165 performs a long-time payout rate calculation process based on the acquired medal counter value and the inserted medal counter value added after the long-time game number counter is cleared (S415).

  Thereafter, the sub CPU 165 refers to the value of the long-time game number counter to determine whether or not the number of games played after the long-time game number counter is cleared is equal to or greater than 6000 unit games (S416). ). When the number of games is equal to or greater than 6000 unit games, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the long-time payout rate is 150% or more (S417). The flag is set on (S418).

  After S418, when it is determined in S416 that the number of games is not equal to or greater than 6000 unit games, or when it is determined in S417 that the long-time payout rate is not greater than 150%, the sub CPU 165 determines the number of short-time games With reference to the value of the counter, it is determined whether or not the number of games played after the short-time game number counter is cleared is a 400 unit game number (S419). When the number of games is 400 unit games, the sub CPU 165 determines whether or not the short-time play rate is 300% or more (S420), and if it is 300% or more, the AT high probability state flag. Is set to ON (S421).

  Then, after S421, the sub CPU 165 is registered when it is determined in S419 that the number of games is not a 400 unit game number, or when it is determined in S420 that the short-time payout rate is not 300% or more. On the basis of the effect number, effect data registration processing at the time of display is performed (S422), and the display command receiving time processing is ended.

  As described above, in the pachi-slot 100 according to the present embodiment, the short-time payout rate is calculated every 400 units of the game, and the short-time payout rate is 300% or more. In the AT gaming state, AT lottery is performed using an AT high probability lottery table that increases the probability of winning a large number of ATs. For this reason, in the pachislot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, there is a possibility that an AT lottery with a large number of executions will be performed every 400 games, so the player is given a sense of expectation for an AT game every time a certain game progresses It becomes possible.

  In particular, since the calculation of the short-time payout rate is newly calculated for every 400 unit games, even if the payout rate is less than 300% due to the calculation of one short-time payout rate, the following 400 By improving the payout rate in the unit game, there is a possibility of winning the AT lottery based on the AT high probability lottery table. Therefore, the player may expect the possibility of AT lottery with the AT high probability lottery table with a new feeling in the next 400 game units even if the payout rate does not reach 300% in the first 400 unit games. It is possible to improve the interest in the next game.

  Furthermore, once the AT lottery is performed by the AT high probability lottery table, the AT high probability lottery is set until the AT high probability state flag is set off by the AT high probability lottery state end lottery process based on the set value. The state will be maintained. Accordingly, when the player shifts to the AT high probability lottery state, the player is more likely to continue performing the AT lottery using the AT high probability lottery table, and can continuously obtain more profits. It becomes possible.

  On the other hand, if the AT high-probability lottery state continues for a long time, the player's psychology will normally continue with a high number of ATs, which may lead to a decrease in interest. For this reason, in the pachislot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, even after the transition to the AT high probability lottery state, in the AT lottery process, the lottery state is changed to the AT with a probability of 1/50 to 1/200 according to the set value of the pachislot machine 100. Processing to change from the high probability lottery state to the AT low probability lottery state is performed. For this reason, even after the transition to the AT high probability lottery state, there is still a possibility that the lottery state will subsequently shift to the AT low probability lottery state. The game can be kept higher by the change, and the enjoyment of the game can be enhanced by giving the game a change.

  Furthermore, the transition to the AT high probability lottery state based on the above-mentioned payout rate is not limited to every 400 unit game, but the long-term game implementation state after the initialization process (S1) is performed in the pachislot 100. Judgment is made in consideration. Specifically, when 6000 game units or more have elapsed since the game counter was cleared for a long time and the payout rate is 150% or more, AT lottery using the AT high probability lottery table is performed. Therefore, the probability that the lottery state shifts to the AT high probability lottery state and the number of ATs with a large number is won increases. For this reason, in a gaming machine that is playing a game of 6000 unit games or more, there is a possibility that the long-term payout rate is calculated and the AT high probability state flag is set to ON in the display command reception process. Therefore, a player who is playing many games can easily obtain a profit from the AT high probability lottery state, and can improve the interest of the player according to the number of games.

  In particular, as described above, once the AT high probability lottery state is entered, the AT high probability lottery table is used until the gaming state is changed to the AT low probability lottery state by the AT high probability lottery state end lottery process based on the set value. The AT lottery will continue. Accordingly, in response to the notification of the internal winning combination by the AT function, a stop operation is performed so that the notified internal winning combination symbols are aligned along the winning determination line 110 of the display windows 107L, 107C, and 107R, so that It is possible to positively increase the payout rate and the long-time payout rate, and to increase the payout rate by continuing the game. For this reason, it is possible to increase the player's willingness to play and to enhance the interest by increasing the number of ATs and increasing the number of ATs based on the skill of the player.

  In addition, a player who has played a certain amount of games and obtained a payout of medals may be satisfied with the amount of medals, and may quit the game. If many such short-time games are played, There was also a problem that the operating rate of the pachislot machine 100 in the field was reduced. However, in the pachislot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, there is a possibility that the number of games is shifted to the AT high probability lottery state every 400 units, and further, the game is shifted to the AT high probability lottery state after 6000 unit games or more. Therefore, every time the number of games increases and every time the number of medals increases, it becomes easier to shift to an AT high probability lottery state and to a state advantageous to the player. As a result, it is possible to suppress the player from ending the game in a short time, and to maintain and improve the operating rate of the pachislot 100.

  Furthermore, since the transition to the AT high probability lottery state according to the present embodiment is achieved by functioning with a number of games of a predetermined number or more and a payout rate of a predetermined probability or more, it is regulated by laws and regulations. It does not always ensure a high payout rate. For example, in a general game machine conformity test, a suitability determination is made based on a game play rate in a predetermined unit game (for example, 400 unit game), but in the pachislot 100 according to the present embodiment, 400 units. Since there is no transition to the AT high probability lottery state below the game, there is no high payout rate that does not satisfy the conditions of the conformance test. On the other hand, when a player actually plays a game, it is possible to continue playing for 400 units or more, so that the payout rate can be changed to the conventional pachislot machine 100 while satisfying the compliance standards of laws and regulations. Compared to this, it is possible to provide a pachislot machine 100 that is highly playable.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, in the pachislot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, when the display command reception process described with reference to FIG. 34 is a display combination with a payout (Yes in S411), it always corresponds to the payout number. In this way, the gaming machine according to the present invention always obtains a value corresponding to the number of payouts when it is a display combination with a payout. It is not limited to the configuration to add to, and may be configured to add the value of the acquired medal counter only when a specific condition is satisfied.

  For example, before the process of determining whether or not the display combination has a payout (S411), a process of determining whether or not the game state is BB from data indicating the game state of the display command is added to the game state. Can be configured such that a value corresponding to the number of payouts in the BB gaming state is added to the acquired medal counter only when BB corresponds to a display combination with payout.

  In this way, by adding the number of medals paid out in the BB gaming state to the earning medal counter, when a game of 6000 unit games or more is played, the number of medals won in the BB gaming state is used for a long time. The ball rate can be calculated, and the short-time payout rate can be calculated on the basis of the number of medals acquired in the BB gaming state until the end of the 400 unit game. Thus, by calculating the payout rate based on the number of medals acquired in the BB gaming state and setting the AT high probability state flag to ON when the payout rate is a predetermined probability or more, 400 As the number of times of winning BB during a unit game increases, the payout rate increases. Therefore, the more times of winning BB, the easier it is to shift to the AT high probability lottery state.

  By allowing the transition to the AT high probability lottery state based on the number of medals obtained by winning the BB in this way, it is possible to further increase the interest of the game by the AT function by a player who has increased the interest of the game due to the BB winning. It becomes possible to promote the improvement of the interest, and it is possible to maintain the increased interest of the player higher.

  Further, in the pachislot according to the present embodiment, the value of the long-time game number counter is cleared only when the initialization process (S1 shown in FIG. 8) is performed in the pachislot. The clearing process of the number counter is not necessarily limited to the configuration that is performed only during the initialization process, and may be configured to be cleared at different timings.

  For example, in S416 of the display command reception process described with reference to FIG. 34, it is determined whether or not the long-time payout rate is 150% or more only when the number of games is 6000 (S417). Further, it is determined whether or not the long-time game number counter is 6000 before the long-time game counter number addition process (S369) is performed in the various game number counter update processes described with reference to FIG. When the process is added and the long-time game number counter is 6000, a process for clearing the long-time game number counter and the long-time payout rate may be added. In this way, by clearing the long-time game number counter for every 6000 unit games, it is possible to determine the play rate that becomes the basis for the transition to the AT high probability lottery state in the AT gaming state, and to determine the number of games of 6000 unit games. Since it is possible to make a determination based on two criteria: a long-time payout rate determined as a reference and a short-time payout rate determined based on the number of games of 400 unit games, it is possible to enter an AT high probability lottery state in a game. This makes it possible to make various decisions about the transition process and change the game development.

  In addition, since the number of medals acquired before the 6000 unit game has passed, there is a low possibility that the AT high probability state flag will be turned on even if the game is continued after that (after 6000 units). possible. Even in such a case, the long-time game number counter and the long-time payout rate are cleared every 6000 unit games, so that the value of the long-time payout rate does not depend on the number of past payout medals. Since it can be newly calculated, the player can play the game with a new feeling without worrying about the number of medals and the number of games obtained by the previous game.

  It should be noted that the symbol display means, game medium inserted number detection means, start operation detection means, stop operation detection means, internal winning combination determination means, reel rotation control means, reel stop control means, game, which constitute the gaming machine according to the present invention For specific configurations such as medium giving means, notifying means, notifying lottery means, payout rate calculating means, notifying reference determining means, winning probability setting means, notifying reference changing means, etc., each element shown in the present embodiment However, the present invention can be arbitrarily changed.

  Also, the function flow of the pachislot shown in FIG. 1, the device configuration shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, the circuit configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and its peripheral devices, and the peripheral devices applied in the present embodiment, shown in FIGS. The configuration of the table, the configuration of the storage area of the RAM 33 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the configuration of the transmission command shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the configuration of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 20 to 34, etc. depart from the spirit of the present invention. Any change or modification can be made without departing from the scope.

  Further, the technical contents disclosed in the present embodiment can be applied to gaming machines such as slot machines and video slots in addition to pachislot machines. Furthermore, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program in which the above-described operation in the slot machine is simulated 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.

  It should be noted that the effects described in the present embodiment only list 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. .

It is the figure which showed the function flow of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the external structure of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the internal structure of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the structure of the main control circuit of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the structure of the sub control circuit of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the symbol arrangement | positioning table and symbol code | cord | chord of the pachislot which concern on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the symbol combination table of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the table | surface at the time of the bonus action | operation of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the internal lottery table for general game states of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the internal lottery table for RB operation | movement of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the internal winning combination determination table for the small part and replay of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the internal winning combination determination table for pachislot bonuses according to the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed the (a) AT high probability lottery table and (b) AT low probability lottery table of the pachislot which concern on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the effect number lottery table in (a) AT alerting | reporting state of the pachislot which concerns on this Embodiment, and (b) the effect number lottery table in AT non alerting | reporting state. It is the figure which showed the internal winning combination storing area of main RAM in the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the carryover combination storage area of main RAM in the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the operating flag storage area | region of main RAM in the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the structure of the transmission command set by main CPU of the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment, and description of command classification. It is the figure which showed the structure of the parameter of the start command in the transmission command set by main CPU of the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment, and description of a game state structure part. It is the figure which showed the main flowchart performed by main CPU of the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the medal acceptance / start check process performed by main CPU of the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the internal lottery process performed by main CPU of the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the reel stop control process performed by main CPU of the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the bonus action check process performed by main CPU of the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the bonus completion | finish check process performed by main CPU of the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the interruption process of a 1.1173 msec period by main CPU of the main control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the main board | substrate communication task process performed by sub CPU of the sub control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the effect registration task process performed by sub CPU of the sub control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the production content determination process performed by sub CPU of the sub control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the process at the time of the start command reception performed by sub CPU of the sub control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the various game number counter update processing performed by sub CPU of the sub control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of AT lottery processing performed by sub CPU of the sub control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the production number lottery processing performed by sub CPU of the sub control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the process at the time of the display command reception performed by sub CPU of the sub control circuit which concerns on this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game media insertion number detection means 11 ... Start operation detection means 12 ... Internal winning combination determination means 13 ... Reel rotation control means 14 ... Stop operation detection means 15 ... Reel stop control means 16 ... Production execution means 17 ... Winning determination means 18 ... Game medium giving means 19 ... Production content determination means 20 ... Notification lottery means 21 ... Notification means 22 ... Outlet rate calculation means 23 ... Notification standard determination means 24 ... High probability notification standard 25 ... Low probability notification standard 26 ... Notification standard Changing means 28 ... Winning probability setting means 100 ... Pachislot 101L, 101C, 101R ... Reel 103 ... Cabinet 104 ... Front door 106 ... Liquid crystal display device 107L, 107C, 107R ... Display window, symbol display area 108 ... Display screen 110 ... Winning determination Line 110a ... Top line 110b ... Center line 110c ... Line 110d ... Cross-down line 110e ... Cross-up line 112 ... Medal insertion slot 113 ... Bet button 114 ... Settlement button 115 ... Start lever 116L, 116C, 116R ... Stop button 118 ... 7-segment indicator 120 ... Lamp 121L, 121R ... Speaker 123 ... Medal payout outlet 124 ... Medal tray 130 ... Main control circuit 131L, 131C, 131R ... Stepping motor 132 ... Sub control circuit 134 ... Hopper, medal payout device 135 ... Power supply device 136 ... Selector 140 ... Microcomputer 141 ... Main CPU
142 ... Main ROM
143 ... main RAM
145 ... Clock pulse generation circuit 146 ... Frequency divider 147 ... Random number generator 148 ... Sampling circuit 150 ... Stop switch 151 ... Start switch 152 ... Medal sensor 153 ... Bet switch 154 ... Settlement switch 155a ... Setting change switch 155b ... Reset switch 156 ... Motor drive circuit 157 ... Reel position detection circuit 158 ... Display unit drive circuit 159 ... Hopper drive circuit 160 ... Dispensing completion signal circuit 161 ... Medal detection unit 165 ... Sub CPU
166 ... Sub ROM
167 ... Sub RAM
169: Rendering processor 170: Rendering RAM
171 ... Driver 172 ... DSP
174 ... Audio RAM
175 ... A / D converter 176 ... Amplifier 178 ... Program storage area 179 ... Data storage area 180 ... Frame buffer

Claims (2)

Multiple reels with multiple designs,
A plurality of symbol display means for displaying a part of the plurality of symbols;
Game medium input number detection means for detecting the number of game media input from the input port;
Start operation detecting means for detecting the start operation;
Stop operation detecting means for detecting the stop operation;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on detection of the start operation detected by the start operation detecting means;
Reel rotation control means for controlling the rotation of the reel based on the start operation detected by the start operation detection means;
Reel stop control means for performing stop control of the reel based on the detection timing of the stop operation detected by the stop operation detecting means and the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means;
A game medium for providing a game medium according to the internal winning combination when the combination of symbols related to the internal winning combination is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means by the reel stop control by the reel stop control unit Granting means;
An informing means capable of informing information relating to the internal winning combination;
Based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means, a lottery means for notification that performs lottery as to whether or not to inform the notification means of the information related to the internal winning combination;
Based on the number of game media paid out given by the game media giving means and the number of game media thrown in detected by the game medium thrown number detecting means, A payout rate calculating means for calculating a payout number ratio as a payout rate;
According to the payout rate calculated by the payout rate calculating means, a high probability notification standard that increases the probability of notifying the notification means of the information related to the internal winning combination, and the notifying means to the internal winning combination. Notification standard determining means for determining one of a low-probability notification standard in which the probability of reporting such information is lower than the high-probability notification standard;
The notifying lottery means performs a lottery to determine whether or not to notify the notifying means of information related to the internal winning combination based on the notifying standard determined by the notifying reference determining means. A winning probability setting means capable of setting and changing the probability that the internal winning combination relating to winning is determined in the internal winning combination determining means based on a predetermined set value;
When the notification criterion determination unit determines the high probability notification criterion based on the payout rate, the notification criterion has a predetermined probability according to the set value set in the winning probability setting unit. And a notification standard changing means for changing the high probability notification standard to the low probability notification standard,
Whether the notifying lottery means informs the notifying means of the information related to the internal winning combination based on the changed notifying reference when the notifying reference is changed by the notifying reference changing means. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein lottery is performed.

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