JP2010155161A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine enhancing amusement of a game in a special game state in consideration of a game in a normal game state subsequent to the special game state. <P>SOLUTION: When a start lever 71 mounted on a slot machine 10 is operated, reels 42L, 42M, 42R visible through display windows 31L, 31M, 31R start to rotate. When stop switches 72-74 are operated, the reels 42L, 42M, 42R corresponding to the respective switches 72-74 are stopped. When a big bonus symbol combination is established on an effective line in the stop state of the reels, a big bonus game is generated. In this big bonus game, when the JAC symbols appear during a small winning combination game, the transition to one round of a JAC game occurs. When the big bonus game is terminated, the transition to one round of an RT game occurs. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  An example of a gaming machine that stops after rotating an endless belt such as a reel is a slot machine. In the slot machine, a plurality of symbols are given to the outer periphery of the reel, and a part of the symbols given to the reel is visible through the display window. Then, when the player inserts a medal and operates the start lever, the reel starts to rotate, and when the stop switch is operated or a predetermined time elapses, the reel stops. Inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that the medal is inserted and the start lever is operated, and the result of the lottery is winning and the symbol that the player has won on the preset active line is stopped. As a condition, a predetermined number of medals are awarded, or a special game state advantageous to a player called a big bonus game is given (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Here, the special game state is generated on condition that the combination of the first specific symbols such as 777 stops on the active line after the winning result that the state is generated is obtained by the internal lottery. .

  Conventionally, the special game state is continued until, for example, 30 games are completed or until a bonus state called a jack game is satisfied, for example, until 3 games are completed. Further, the bonus state is generated on the condition that the combination of the second specific symbol such as the jack-in symbol stops on the active line after the winning result that the state is generated is obtained by the internal lottery. The bonus state is continued until, for example, 12 games are completed or until one of the conditions is satisfied, for example, until the combination of the third specific pattern such as the jack pattern is aligned on the active line, for example, eight times. Then, for example, 15 medals are paid out when the combinations of the third specific patterns are aligned on the effective line.

  Due to the progress of such a special gaming state, the player can acquire many medals at a time. Therefore, the player waits for the occurrence of such a special game state to proceed with the game, and when the special game state is obtained, the player continues the game with a sense of superiority.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-174739

  In conventional gaming machines, various proposals have been made to improve the interest of the game in a special gaming state, such as allowing a large amount of game media to be acquired in the order of stoppages. The current situation is that it remains ingenuity.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a game in a special game state is enhanced in consideration of a game in a normal game state following the special game state.

The invention according to claim 1 includes a plurality of endless belts each having a plurality of kinds of patterns attached in the circumferential direction;
A display window that allows some of the patterns to be visually recognized for each endless belt;
Start operation means operated to start rotation of each endless belt;
A driving means provided for each of the endless belts, for rotating the endless belts;
Stop operation means operated to stop the rotation of each endless belt;
The drive means is controlled to start rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the start operation means and stop rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the stop operation means. Drive control means;
A payout means for paying out a number of game media according to a combination of stop patterns at an effective position visible from the display window when the endless belts are stopped;
A special game state that is continued until a predetermined end condition is established as a necessary condition that the combination of the stop pattern is a combination of the first specific pattern is configured,
In the special game state, a bonus state in which a winning for stopping the third specific picture at the effective position is generated on the condition that the combination of the stop picture is a combination of the second specific picture. The bonus state is configured to continue until a predetermined number of games are executed or until a predetermined number of winnings during which the third specific picture is stopped,
In a gaming machine in which a combination of the fourth specific pattern is set as one of the combinations of the stopped pictures during the normal gaming state other than the special gaming state,
Bonus entry number lottery means for internally drawing in advance the permitted number of appearances of the combination of the second specific pattern in the special gaming state;
An end determination means for determining that the end condition of the special gaming state is satisfied when the combination of the second specific pattern appears as a stop pattern by the number of times the internal number is drawn by the bonus entry number lottery means during the special gaming state;
A normal lottery means for performing an appearance permission lottery of the combination of the fourth specific pattern in the normal gaming state;
Probability varying means for setting the winning probability in the normal lottery means to high and low multiple stages,
After the end of the special gaming state, the probability variation means sets the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific pattern to a high probability, and the second specific pattern and the fourth specific pattern are configured with the same pattern. Features.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to enhance the fun of the game in the special game state in consideration of the game in the normal game state following the special game state.

The front view of the slot machine in one embodiment. The perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. The perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door. The rear view of a front door. The front view of a housing | casing. The assembly perspective view of a left reel. FIG. 3 is a development view of a belt-like belt constituting each reel. The block circuit diagram of a slot machine. The flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. The flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. The flowchart which shows the process at the time of a power failure. The flowchart which shows a main process. The flowchart which shows a normal process. The flowchart which shows a lottery process. The flowchart which shows a reel control process. The flowchart which shows medal payout processing. The flowchart which shows special game state processing. The figure which shows a series of flows from the start of BB game to completion | finish.

  First, invention groups that can be extracted from the present embodiment are shown as means n (n = 1, 2, 3,...), And will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the present embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Means 1. A plurality of endless belts (reels 42L, 42M, 42R) having a plurality of kinds of patterns attached in the circumferential direction;
Display windows (display windows 31L, 31M, 31R) that allow some of the patterns to be visually recognized with respect to the endless belts;
Start operation means (start lever 71) operated to start rotation of each endless belt;
A driving means (stepping motor 61) provided for each of the endless belts for rotating the endless belts;
Stop operation means (stop switches 72 to 74) operated to stop the rotation of each endless belt;
The drive means is controlled to start rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the start operation means and stop rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the stop operation means. Drive control means (main control device 131);
When each of the endless belts stops, a payout means (hopper device 91, main control) for paying out a number of game media (game medals) corresponding to a combination of stop pictures at an effective position (effective line) visible from the display window Device 131),
A special game state (big bonus game) that is continued until a predetermined end condition is established on the condition that the combination of the stop symbols is a combination of the first specific symbols (big bonus symbols),
In the special gaming state, the combination of the stop design is a combination of the second specific design ("Replay" design as a JAC design), and the third specific design (JAC design as It is assumed that a bonus state (JAC game) in which a winning in which a “replay” symbol is stopped occurs can occur, and the bonus state is executed for a predetermined number of games, or a winning in which the third specific symbol stops in the meantime is predetermined. Configured to continue until a few
In a gaming machine in which a combination of a fourth specific design (“replay” design) is set as one of the combinations of the stop design during a normal game status other than the special game status,
A bonus entry number lottery means (main control device 131) for internally drawing in advance the number of permitted appearances of the second specific picture combination in the special gaming state;
End determination means for determining that the end condition of the special gaming state is satisfied when the combination of the second specific picture appears as the stop picture by the number of times the internal number is drawn by the bonus entry number lottery means during the special gaming state (main game) A control device 131);
A normal lottery means (main control device 131) for performing an appearance permission lottery of the combination of the fourth specific pattern in the normal gaming state;
Probability fluctuation means (main control device 131) for setting the winning probability in the normal lottery means in a plurality of stages of high and low,
After the end of the special gaming state, the probability variation means sets the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific pattern to a high probability, and the second specific pattern and the fourth specific pattern are configured with the same pattern. A featured gaming machine.

  According to the means 1, in the normal gaming state, when the combination of the stop picture becomes the combination of the first specific picture, the special gaming state is generated. During the special game state, a bonus state occurs when the combination of the stop pattern becomes the combination of the second specific pattern. In the bonus state, when the combination of stop symbols becomes the third specific symbol, a prize is awarded and a predetermined number of game media are paid out.

  Here, since the number of permitted appearances of the combination of the second specific pattern is preliminarily internal lottery by the bonus entry number lottery means, the number of permitted appearances by the internal lottery is the combination of the second specific pattern in one special gaming state. This is the upper limit value for the stop pattern. However, since it is based on the internal lottery, it is a situation where the player does not know how many times the second specific picture is stopped. When the bonus state is digested by the number of times permitted for appearance, the special game state is ended based on the determination result by the end determination means.

  On the other hand, when the special gaming state is ended and the normal gaming state is reached, the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific pattern is set to a high probability by the probability changing means, so that the fourth specific picture is displayed after the special gaming state ends. It becomes easy to be a stop picture. Here, since the second specific design and the fourth specific design are configured by the same design, if the end of the special gaming state is not clearly communicated to the player, The player is not sure whether the second specific picture has entered the bonus state or the fourth specific picture in the normal gaming state after the special gaming state has already ended. Therefore, for example, when the fourth specific pattern means a low game value for the player, the player means that when the same pattern stops, it means the second specific pattern. I strongly hope.

  In this way, by creating a situation where the boundary between the special gaming state and the subsequent normal gaming state cannot be immediately understood by the player, it is possible to have a strong sense of expectation for the continuation of the special gaming state. Medium games (which may have already entered the normal gaming state in some cases) can be very interesting.

Mean 2. A plurality of endless belts (reels 42L, 42M, 42R) having a plurality of kinds of patterns attached in the circumferential direction;
Display windows (display windows 31L, 31M, 31R) that allow some of the patterns to be visually recognized with respect to the endless belts;
Start operation means (start lever 71) operated to start rotation of each endless belt;
A driving means (stepping motor 61) provided for each of the endless belts for rotating the endless belts;
Stop operation means (stop switches 72 to 74) operated to stop the rotation of each endless belt;
The drive means is controlled to start rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the start operation means and stop rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the stop operation means. Drive control means (main control device 131);
When each of the endless belts stops, a payout means (hopper device 91, main control) for paying out a number of game media (game medals) corresponding to a combination of stop pictures at an effective position (effective line) visible from the display window Device 131),
A special game state (big bonus game) that is continued until a predetermined end condition is established on the condition that the combination of the stop symbols is a combination of the first specific symbols (big bonus symbols),
In the special gaming state, the combination of the stop design is a combination of the second specific design ("Replay" design as a JAC design), and the third specific design (JAC design as It is assumed that a bonus state (JAC game) in which a winning in which a “replay” symbol is stopped occurs can occur, and the bonus state is executed for a predetermined number of games, or a winning in which the third specific symbol stops in the meantime is predetermined. Configured to continue until a few
In a gaming machine in which a combination of a fourth specific design (“replay” design) is set as one of the combinations of the stop design during a normal game status other than the special game status,
Bonus entry lottery means (main control device 131) for performing the appearance permission lottery of the combination of the second specific picture in the special gaming state;
Continuous lottery means (main control device 131) for performing a lottery to determine whether or not it is possible to continue the appearance of the second specific design combination in the special gaming state;
An end determination means (main control device 131) for determining that the end condition of the special gaming state is satisfied when the continuous lottery means is not won during the special gaming state;
A normal lottery means (main control device 131) for performing an appearance permission lottery of the combination of the fourth specific pattern in the normal gaming state;
Probability fluctuation means (main control device 131) for setting the winning probability in the normal lottery means in a plurality of stages of high and low,
After the end of the special gaming state, the probability variation means sets the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific pattern to a high probability, and the second specific pattern and the fourth specific pattern are configured with the same pattern. A featured gaming machine.

  According to the means 2, in the normal gaming state, when the combination of the stop pattern becomes the combination of the first specific pattern, the special gaming state is generated. During the special game state, a bonus state occurs when the combination of the stop design is the combination of the second specific design after winning by the bonus entry lottery means. In the bonus state, when the combination of stop symbols becomes the third specific symbol, a prize is awarded and a predetermined number of game media are paid out.

  Here, when the appearance continuation lottery of the combination of the second specific picture by the continuation lottery means is not won, the special gaming state is ended based on the determination result by the ending determination means. However, since it is based on an internal lottery, it is not possible for the player to know whether or not there is a possibility of entering the next bonus state.

  On the other hand, when the special gaming state is ended and the normal gaming state is reached, the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific pattern is set to a high probability by the probability changing means, so that the fourth specific picture is displayed after the special gaming state ends. It becomes easy to be a stop picture. Here, since the second specific design and the fourth specific design are configured by the same design, if the end of the special gaming state is not clearly communicated to the player, The player is not sure whether the second specific picture has entered the bonus state or the fourth specific picture in the normal gaming state after the special gaming state has already ended. Therefore, for example, when the fourth specific pattern means a low game value for the player, the player means that when the same pattern stops, it means the second specific pattern. I strongly hope.

  In this way, by creating a situation where the boundary between the special gaming state and the subsequent normal gaming state cannot be immediately understood by the player, it is possible to have a strong sense of expectation for the continuation of the special gaming state. Medium games (which may have already entered the normal gaming state in some cases) can be very interesting.

  Means 3. In the above means 1 or 2, both the case where the combination of the second specific picture is stopped at the effective position and the case where the combination of the fourth specific picture is stopped at the effective position are both game media by the payout means. The gaming machine is characterized in that the number of payouts differs from each other, or only one of the game media is paid out by the payout means.

  According to the means 3, the second specific pattern and the fourth specific pattern are the same pattern, and the game medium payout mode is different between when the second specific pattern is stopped and when the fourth specific pattern is stopped. The difference between them can be known for the first time. Therefore, when the second or fourth specific picture is stopped, the player understands only after the stop whether this is the second specific picture in the special gaming state or the fourth specific picture in the normal gaming state. The tension of the player at the time of the stop can be increased.

  Means 4. In the above means 3, the combination of the fourth specific picture is set as a re-playing picture that can play the next game without charge.

  In general, as a pattern for entering the bonus state in the special gaming state, a replay pattern called a replay symbol is often used in the normal gaming state. By setting this as the fourth specific picture (the second specific picture if in the special gaming state), if the second specific picture is stopped during the special gaming state, the bonus state is entered, and the normal gaming state If a fourth specific picture that is the same picture as the second specific picture is stopped, a so-called bet is automatically made so that a re-game can be performed. As described above, the game value is extremely different between the second specific picture and the fourth specific picture, so that the player's tension described in the means 3 can be extremely enhanced. Since the fourth specific picture does not pay out game media in particular, even if the probability is changed, the number of game media paid out directly to the player is not changed, and as a result, the probability change is flexibly executed. There are benefits to get.

  Means 5. In any one of the above means 1 to 4, the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific picture by the probability changing means after the end of the special gaming state is set as the appearance probability of the second specific picture in the special gaming state. A gaming machine characterized by being set to be almost the same.

  According to the means 5, by making both probabilities substantially the same, the second specific picture in the special gaming state and the fourth specific picture in the normal gaming state (high probability) after the special gaming state ends. However, it is expected to appear at the same frequency, and as a result, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the two, so that the player's tension can be further enhanced.

  Means 6. In any one of the above means 1 to 4, the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific picture by the probability changing means after the end of the special gaming state is determined from the appearance probability of the second specific picture in the special gaming state. A gaming machine characterized by a high setting.

  According to the means 6, by increasing the winning probability of the fourth specific picture set to a high probability higher than the appearance probability of the second specific picture in the special gaming state, the fourth specific picture is immediately obtained after the special gaming state ends. As a result, it becomes difficult to discriminate between the two, and the boundary between the special gaming state and the subsequent normal gaming state becomes less obvious, further enhancing the above-mentioned player's tension. be able to.

  Mean 7 The gaming machine according to any one of the above means 1 to 6, wherein the bonus state is set to end when a winning is made once for the third specific picture to stop.

  According to the means 7, the bonus state is ended only by a single winning in which the third specific picture is stopped. Therefore, the time from bonus entry to bonus end is shortened. If the bonus state is short as described above, the number of times of entering the bonus state during the special game state can be made relatively large. As a result, the bonus entry probability can be increased, and the bonus state can occur frequently during one special game state, and the special game state and the normal game state in which the subsequent fourth specific pattern is likely to appear. It becomes difficult to distinguish, and the effect of the means 1 or 2 becomes remarkable.

  Means 8. In the means 7, the second specific design and the third specific design are made the same design, and the same number of game media are paid out by the paying-out means even when the design is stopped at any design. A gaming machine that is configured as described above.

  According to the means 8, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the bonus state entry time and the bonus state, and as a result of the combination with the means 7, the distinction between the special gaming state and the normal gaming state in which the subsequent fourth specific picture is likely to appear. Can hardly be achieved, and the effect of the means 1 or 2 becomes more remarkable.

  Means 9. In any one of the above means 1 to 8, the special game state notifying unit determines whether or not the end of the special game state and the subsequent normal game state in which the fourth specific pattern is likely to appear cannot be determined by the player. A gaming machine that is configured to be difficult.

  According to the means 9, the special game state notifying means is configured so that the player cannot distinguish between the end of the special game state and the normal game state in which the subsequent fourth specific picture is likely to appear, or it is difficult to distinguish. Therefore, the player hardly realizes the distinction between the two by the notification means, and the various effects are not spoiled by the presence of the notification means.

  Here, in order to prevent the player from discriminating, for example, even if the occurrence notification of the special gaming state is performed, it is not notified that the special gaming state is in progress, or that the special gaming state has ended. The notification may be made as if it is a non-notification or a special game state straddles the special game state and the normal game state in which the subsequent fourth specific pattern is likely to appear. In addition, as to make it difficult for the player to discriminate, for example, although the special gaming state is informed, the notification itself is very insignificant, For example, a situation in which it is difficult for a player to identify the notification due to being misled by the meaning notification is given.

  Means 10. In any one of the above means 1 to 9, from the first game after the end of the special gaming state, the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific picture is set to a high probability by the probability changing means. A gaming machine characterized by

  According to the means 10, the fourth specific picture is likely to appear immediately after the end of the special game state, and it becomes more difficult to distinguish between the end of the special game state and the subsequent normal game state.

  Means 11. In any one of the above means 1 to 10, the state in which the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific pattern is set to a high probability by the probability changing means after the end of the special gaming state is at least once A gaming machine that is continued until it is won in a lottery that allows the appearance of a specific pattern.

  According to the means 11, the fourth specific picture appears surely at an early stage after the end of the special gaming state, so that the intended effects can be surely performed in the above means. In addition, when the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific pattern is set to a high probability by the probability changing means, if the probability is set to greatly exceed 1/2 such as 80%, for example, most In this case, the fourth specific picture appears in the first game after the special gaming state is completed, and an optimal production situation can be created.

  Means 12. In any one of means 1 to 11, the end determination means determines whether or not the number of game media paid out by the payout means from the start of the special gaming state has reached a predetermined number, and is predetermined. A game machine characterized by determining that the end condition of the special gaming state is satisfied even when the number reaches a certain number.

  According to the means 12, the number of game media paid out by one special game state can be limited, and excessive gambling can be suppressed.

  In addition, as a gaming machine to which each of the above means can be applied, in addition to a slot machine or a similar gaming machine, “a picture string composed of a plurality of pictures (specifically, a reel with a figure attached) is displayed in a variable manner (specifically In particular, it includes variable display means (specifically, a reel unit) for confirming and stopping display of the pattern sequence after the reel has been rotated), and the pattern is caused by the operation of the start operating means (specifically, the start lever). The change of the pattern is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the fixed pattern at the time of the stop is the specific pattern As a necessary condition, a special game state (bonus game, etc.) that is advantageous to the player is given a privilege, etc., and a ball receiving tray (top plate, etc.) is provided and a game ball is taken in from the ball receiving tray. I do A gaming machine comprising an insertion device and a payout device for paying out a game ball to the ball receiving tray, and the operation of the starting operation means is made effective when the game ball is inserted by the input device. There is also a type of gaming machine that combines a slot machine and a pachinko machine.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in the case of application to a spinning cylinder type gaming machine which is a kind of gaming machine, specifically, a slot machine will be described in detail based on the drawings. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 closed, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the door 12, and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 that forms an outer shell thereof. The casing 11 includes a top plate 11a, a bottom plate 11b, a back plate 11c, a left plate 11d, and a right plate 11e formed in a wooden plate shape, and the adjacent plates 11a to 11e are fixed by a fixing means such as adhesion. Thus, it is formed in a box shape with the front surface opened as a whole. In addition, each board 11a-11e may be comprised with a synthetic resin panel or a metal panel other than being comprised with a wooden panel, or it is comprised by forming in the box shape integral with a synthetic resin material or a metal material. May be. The casing 11 configured as described above is attached by, for example, driving nails against a so-called island facility at the time of installation in the game hall.

  A front door 12 as a front open / close door is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable. That is, the left side plate 11d of the housing 11 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 25a and 25b. Each of the support shafts 25a and 25b includes a tapered shaft portion that protrudes upward. On the other hand, the front door 12 is provided with support fittings 26a and 26b having insertion holes into which the shaft portions of the support shafts 25a and 25b are inserted corresponding to the support shafts 25a and 25b. Then, the support brackets 26a and 26b are arranged above the support shafts 25a and 25b, and the front door 12 is lowered, whereby the shaft portions of the support shafts 25a and 25b are inserted into the insertion holes of the support brackets 26a and 26b. It is assumed that it was done. Thereby, the front door 12 is supported so as to be rotatable about an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the both support shafts 25a and 25b with respect to the housing 11, and the front opening side of the housing 11 is opened by the rotation. It can be closed or closed.

  The front door 12 is brought into a locked state that cannot be opened by a locking device provided on the rear surface. Further, a key cylinder 20 serving as an unlocking operation unit is provided at the upper right side of the front door 12. The key cylinder 20 is integrated with a locking device, and is configured such that the locked state is released by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 20. Therefore, an outline of the lock mechanism including the locking device will be described.

  On the right end side of the front door 12, that is, on the opposite side of the opening / closing axis of the front door 12, a locking device is provided on the back surface. The locking device extends vertically and is fixed to the front door 12, a key cylinder 20 provided so as to extend from the upper part of the base frame to the front of the front door 12, and moves vertically with respect to the base frame. It is provided with a long interlocking rod 21 assembled as possible. And only the key cylinder 20 is provided in the state which protruded ahead of the front door 12 among the locking devices. The position where the key cylinder 20 is provided is the thin upper portion of the front door 12, and as a result, a versatile key cylinder 20 having a short overall length can be employed. In the present embodiment, Omlock (trade name) having a high function of preventing unauthorized unlocking is used as the key cylinder 20. The interlocking rod 21 is moved downward by operating the key inserted into the key cylinder 20 clockwise. The interlocking saddle 21 is provided with a pair of upper and lower saddle fittings 22 having a bowl shape. When the front door 12 is closed with respect to the casing 11, the saddle fitting 22 is supported on the casing 11 side. Is locked. In addition, the urging member 22 is provided with an urging member such as a coil spring for urging to the side maintaining the locked state. When the key is operated clockwise with respect to the key cylinder 20, the interlocking rod 21 moves downward, and the saddle fitting 22 is moved against the biasing force of the biasing member. The locked state with the support fitting 23 is released, and the locked state of the front door 12 with respect to the housing 11 is released.

  A game panel 30 for notifying the player of the game state is provided above the center of the front door 12. In the game panel 30, three vertically long display windows 31L, 31M, 31R are formed side by side. The display windows 31L, 31M, 31R are made of a transparent or translucent material, and the inside of the slot machine 10 is visible through the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R. The display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R may be combined into a single display window.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the housing 11 is vertically divided into two by a partition plate 40, and a reel unit 41 constituting variable display means is attached to the upper portion of the partition plate 40. The reel unit 41 includes a left reel 42L, a middle reel 42M, and a right reel 42R each formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape). The reels 42L, 42M, and 42R may be configured as at least an endless belt, and are not limited to a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is rotatably supported so that the central axis thereof is the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are arranged on the same axis extending in the substantially horizontal direction, and the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R correspond to the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R on a one-to-one basis. . Accordingly, a part of the surface of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is visible through the corresponding display windows 31L, 31M, 31R. Further, when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are rotated forward, the surfaces of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are projected as if moving from top to bottom through the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R.

  Each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is coupled to the stepping motors 61L, 61M, and 61R, and each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is individually, that is, independently, driven by the stepping motors 61L, 61M, and 61R. Thus, it can be rotationally driven. Since these reels 42L, 42M, and 42R have the same configuration, here, the left reel 42L will be described as an example with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view of the left reel 42L.

  The left reel 42L includes a cylindrical skeleton member 50 that forms a cylindrical cage, and a belt-like belt wound endlessly on the outer peripheral surface thereof. And it is affixed on the cylindrical skeleton member 50 through a pair of seal parts formed along the both sides of the long side of the belt so as to maintain the wound state. A large number of symbols as identification information are printed at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the belt. In addition, it is good also as a structure which forms the cylindrical frame member 50 and a belt integrally, and affixes a symbol separately on the outer peripheral surface of this belt. In such a case, the integrally formed outer peripheral surface corresponds to an endless belt. A boss 51 is formed at the center of the cylindrical skeleton member 50, and is attached to the drive shaft of the left reel stepping motor 61L via a disc-shaped boss reinforcing plate 52. Accordingly, when the drive shaft of the left reel stepping motor 61L is rotated, the cylindrical skeleton member 50 is rotated around the drive shaft so that the left reel 42L circulates along the annular reel surface. It has become.

  The left reel stepping motor 61L is fixed to the side surface of the motor plate 53 arranged in an upright state in the reel unit 41 (FIG. 3) with screws 54. The motor plate 53 is provided with a reel index sensor (rotational position detection sensor) 55 in which a light emitting element 55a and a light receiving element 55b are held at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, the base end portion 56b of the sensor cut bun 56 extending in the radial direction is fixed to the boss reinforcing plate 52 integrated with the left reel 42L with a screw 57. The front end portion 56a of the sensor cut bun 56 is bent at a substantially right angle and is positioned so as to pass between both elements 55a and 55b of the reel index sensor 55. Each time the left reel 42L makes one rotation, the reel index sensor 55 detects the passage of the front end portion 56a of the sensor cut bun 56, and a detection signal is output to the main controller 131 described later each time the detection is made. Therefore, main controller 131 can confirm and correct the angular position of left reel 42L for each rotation based on this detection signal.

  The stepping motor 61L is set to rotate once by giving, for example, a drive signal of 504 pulses (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse; the same applies hereinafter), and the rotation position of the stepping motor 61L, that is, left The rotational position of the reel 42L is controlled.

  On each belt of each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, a plurality of, specifically, 21 symbols are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction). Therefore, 24 pulses (= 504 pulses ÷ 21 symbols) are required to switch from one symbol to the next symbol at a predetermined position. Based on the number of pulses from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor 55 is output, it is possible to recognize which symbol is visible from the display window 31L, or to visually recognize an arbitrary symbol from the exposure window 31L. It is possible to perform control to achieve a proper state.

  Of the symbols attached to the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, the number of symbols that can be visually recognized through the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R is mainly determined by the vertical lengths of the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. Is limited to a predetermined number. In this embodiment, three reels are provided. For this reason, when all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols are visible to the player.

  Here, the symbols attached to the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R will be described. FIG. 7 shows a symbol arrangement drawn on the belt wound around each of the left reel 42L, the middle reel 42M, and the right reel 42R. As shown in the figure, each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is provided with 21 symbols in a row. Although numbers 1 to 21 are assigned to the respective reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, these are given for convenience of explanation, and are not actually attached to the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. . However, in the following description, the number is used for explanation.

  As the symbols, “7” symbol (for example, the 14th left belt), “youth” symbol (for example, the 10th left belt) and “BAR” for shifting to a big bonus (hereinafter also referred to as “BB”) game. There is a design (for example, left belt 4th). In addition, there is a “replay” symbol (for example, the third left belt) for shifting to a replay game. In addition, the “watermelon” symbol (for example, the 18th left belt), the “bell” symbol (for example, the 16th left belt), and the “cherry” symbol (for example, the left) as the small character symbols from which the small character is paid out. Belt 9th). As shown in FIG. 7, the number of various symbols and the arrangement order are completely different in the belt wound around each reel 42L, 42M, 42R.

  Each reel 42L, 42M, 42R of the reel unit 41 is an example of variable display means for variably displaying the identification information, and constitutes a main display unit. However, the variable display means may have other configurations. For example, other mechanical reel configurations such as a type in which the belt is rotated instead of rotating may be used, and instead of or in addition to the mechanical reel configuration, a liquid crystal display or a dot matrix display It is also possible to provide a display that variably displays the identification information by electrical display such as, and in this case, it is possible to provide a variety of display forms.

  A total of five combination lines are attached to the game panel 30 such that three display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R are connected to each other and three in parallel in the horizontal direction and two in diagonal directions. Of course, the maximum number of combined lines may be 6 or more, or less than 5, and the maximum number of combined lines may be changed according to a predetermined condition. Corresponding to each of these combination lines, effective line display sections 32, 33, and 34 are provided on the left side when viewed from the front of the display windows 31L, 31M, and 31R. The first effective line display unit 32 is notified by lighting or the like when the central horizontal line (center line) of the combination lines is activated. When the upper and lower horizontal lines (upper line and lower line) of the combination lines are activated, the second effective line display unit 33 is displayed and notified by lighting or the like. The third effective line display unit 34 is notified by lighting or the like when a pair of diagonal lines (downward right line and upward right line) of the combination lines is activated. Then, when an activated combination line, that is, when a symbol is stopped in a predetermined combination on the activated line, a winning is won and a predetermined game medal (hereinafter also referred to as “medal”) is paid out or to a specific game. The migration process is executed.

  Here, the payout number regarding each symbol when winning is explained. Regarding the small role design, when the “Watermelon” design is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line, 6 medals will be paid out. When the “Bell” design is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line If nine medals are paid out and the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 42L is stopped on the active line, four medals are paid out. That is, the “cherry” symbols of the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R are irrelevant to the medal payout. In addition, for the “cherry” symbol, the medal payout is performed regardless of the combination with other symbols, and therefore, a plurality of effective lines of the left reel 42L overlap (specifically, the upper or lower row) with “ When the “cherry” symbol is stopped, medals are paid out by the amount multiplied by the number of overlapping active lines. As a result, in this embodiment, eight medals are paid out.

  As for other symbols, “7” symbol, “Youth” symbol, or “BAR” symbol, which is a combination of big bonus symbols, is 15 when the same symbol is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line. A medal is paid out. In the present embodiment, for example, there may be a case where the “youth” symbol and the “cherry” symbol are established simultaneously, but in this case, 15 medals are paid out. This is because the upper limit number for one medal payout is set to 15.

  Further, when the “replay” symbol is aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, no medal is paid out. In other cases, that is, when the “cherry” symbol of the left reel 42L does not stop on the active line and the same symbols as the left, middle, and right are not aligned on the active line, no medal payout is performed.

  On the lower left side of the game panel 30, a start lever 71 is provided that is operated to start rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R all at once (not necessarily simultaneously). The start lever 71 constitutes start operation means or start operation means operated to start rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, that is, to start variable display. The start lever 71 is a lever that is pushed by the hand when the player starts the game, and automatically returns to the original position after the hand is released. When the start lever 52 is operated while a medal is inserted, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R start to rotate all at once.

  On the right side of the start lever 71, button-like stop switches 72, 73, 74 that are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 42L, 42M, 42R are provided. Each of the stop switches 72, 73, 74 is arranged directly below the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R corresponding to the reels 42L, 42M, 42R to be stopped. The stop switches 72, 73, 74 constitute stop operation means operated to stop variable display based on the rotation of the reels 42L, 42M, 42R. Each of the stop switches 72, 73, 74 can be stopped when each of the reels 42L, 42M, 42R is rotated at a constant speed, and a stop operation is performed by lighting a lamp (not shown) during such a state. It is notified that this is possible, and is turned off when the rotation stops.

  On the lower right side of the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R, there is provided a medal slot 75 for inserting a medal as an investment value. The medal slot 75 constitutes an input means for inputting the investment value. Further, if attention is paid to the point that the medal insertion slot 75 is accompanied by the operation of directly inserting the medal by the player, it can be said that the medal insertion slot 75 constitutes a direct input means for directly inputting the investment value.

  The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 75 are guided to either the storage passage 81 or the discharge passage 82 by the selector 84 as passage switching means provided on the back surface of the front door 12. That is, the selector 84 is provided with a medal path switching solenoid 83, which is set to the discharge path 82 side when the medal path switching solenoid 83 is not excited, and switched to the storage path 81 side when excited. The medal guided to the storage passage 81 is guided to the hopper device 91 housed in the housing 11. On the other hand, the medal guided to the discharge passage 82 is guided to the medal tray 18 from the medal discharge port 17 provided in the lower front portion of the front door 12 and returned to the player.

  A hopper device 91 as a payout means for giving a medal to a player is composed of a storage tank 92 for storing the medal and a payout device 93 for paying out the medal to the player. The payout device 93 rotates a medal payout rotating plate (not shown) to discharge the medal to the opening 94 provided in the central right part of the discharge passage 82 and to the medal tray 18 through the discharge passage 82. To come out. Further, a reserve tank 95 is provided on the right side of the hopper device 91 in order to avoid storing a predetermined amount or more of medals in the storage tank 92. A guide plate 96 for discharging medals from the storage tank 92 to the reserve tank 95 is provided inside the storage tank 92 of the hopper device 91. Therefore, when medals are stored more than the height at which the guide plate 96 is provided, the medals are stored in the reserve tank 95.

  A button-like return switch 76 is provided below the medal slot 75. The return switch 76 is a switch that is pressed when a medal inserted into the medal slot 75 is jammed in the selector 84. When this switch is pressed, the selector 84 is mechanically operated to operate the selector 84. The medals packed in 84 are returned from the medal discharge port 17.

  On the lower left side of the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R, there is provided a button-like first credit insertion switch 77 for inserting three virtual medals credited as investment values at a time. Further, on the left side of the first credit insertion switch 77, a second credit insertion switch 78 and a third credit insertion switch 79 are provided as button switches smaller than the switch 77. The second credit insertion switch 78 is for inserting two credited virtual medals at a time, and the third credit insertion switch 79 is for inserting one virtual medal. Each of the credit insertion switches 77 to 79, together with the medal insertion slot 75, constitutes an input means for inputting an investment value. Further, if the medal insertion slot 75 is accompanied by an operation of directly inserting a medal by the player, each credit insertion switch 77 to 79 is only accompanied by an operation of inserting a virtual medal based on the storage memory. It can also be said that it constitutes an indirect input means for indirectly inputting the investment value.

  The first credit insertion switch 77 has a built-in lamp as a light emitting member (not shown) to urge that the maximum number of medals that can be inserted per game (three) has not been reached. The lamp is turned on when the switch operation of the first credit insertion switch 77 is valid and prompts the operation of the switch 77. However, when there is no credited virtual medal or three medals have already been inserted. It is turned off under the circumstances. Here, instead of the above-described lighting, the player may make it easier to understand the prompt for medal insertion by blinking.

  A button-like changeover switch 80 is provided on the left side of the start lever 71. The change-over switch 80 is configured to be a toggle type that is turned on when pressed once, turned off when pressed again, and turned on / off every time the pressing operation is performed. The changeover switch 80 is operated to change the handling format of inserted medals inserted into the medal slot 75 more than necessary, or acquired medals returned to the player as a result of a predetermined game.

  When the change-over switch 80 is in the ON state, the “credit mode” is set so that surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (for example, 50 medals) and winning medals are stored and stored as credit medals. " When the changeover switch 80 is in the OFF state, the “direct mode” is set so that surplus inserted medals and winning medals are paid out as actual medals. If there is a credit medal when the credit mode is switched to the direct mode, the corresponding credit medal is paid out as an actual medal. Thus, the player can execute the game in a format according to his / her preference by switching between the credit mode and the direct mode. The changeover switch 80 constitutes a changeover operation means for changing over the input value and game value handling formats. Further, if paying attention to the function of paying out a credited virtual medal as an actual medal, it can be said that the changeover switch 80 constitutes a settlement operation means for actually paying out the stored game value. In addition to being configured to switch between the “credit mode” and the “direct mode” by operating the changeover switch 80, the virtual medal stored and stored is paid out when the changeover switch 80 is operated by always setting the “credit mode”. It may be made to function as only a settlement switch.

  Below the display windows 31L, 31M, 31R of the gaming panel 30, for example, a remaining number display section 35 for displaying the number of medals activated and stored in the credit mode, and for example in a special gaming state such as a big bonus A game number display unit 36 for displaying the number of received games and an acquired number display unit 37 for displaying the number of acquired medals are provided. Although these display parts 35-37 are comprised by the 7 segment display, it is naturally possible to substitute by a liquid crystal display etc. FIG.

  Here, a procedure for betting medals will be described. In both the direct mode and the credit mode, a bet is placed when a medal is inserted from the medal slot 75 at the start of the game.

  That is, when the first medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 75, the first effective line display section 32 is turned on, and the corresponding center line becomes the effective line, and the second medal is the medal insertion slot. When the number 75 is inserted, the second effective line display section 33 is turned on, and a total of three combination lines including the upper line and the lower line corresponding to the second effective line display section 33 become effective lines, respectively, and the third medal is a medal. When it is inserted into the insertion port 75, the third effective line display unit 34 is further turned on, and a total of five combination lines including a pair of diagonal lines corresponding thereto become effective lines.

  When four or more medals are inserted into the medal slot 75, the surplus medals exceeding three are switched to the discharge passage 82 by the selector 84 if the current mode is the direct mode. It is returned from the outlet 17 to the medal tray 18. On the other hand, in the credit mode, it is stored inside the slot machine, and the number of stored sheets is displayed on the remaining number display unit 35. An upper limit number is determined for the number of stored sheets (for example, 50), and when a medal exceeding the number is inserted, it is returned from the medal discharge port 17 to the medal tray 18.

  In addition, when a game is played in the credit mode and the number of stored items is displayed on the remaining number display unit 35, the virtual number is displayed even when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 is pressed. A medal is inserted and a bet is placed.

  When the third credit insertion switch 79 is pressed, the numerical value displayed on the remaining number display section 35 is decremented by one as a virtual medal is inserted, and the first effective line display section 32 is displayed. Illuminates and the center line becomes the active line. When the second credit insertion switch 78 is pressed, two numerical values displayed on the remaining number display unit 35 are decremented as two virtual medals are inserted, and the first valid line display unit 32 and The second effective line display section 33 is lit and a total of three combination lines become effective lines. When the first credit insertion switch 77 is pressed, three numerical values displayed on the remaining number display unit 35 are decremented as three virtual medals are inserted, and all the effective line display units 32 to 32 are decremented. 34 lights up and a total of five combination lines become effective lines.

  In addition, when the virtual medal to be inserted when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 is pressed is not stored, for example, when the display of the remaining number display unit 35 is 2, the first For example, when the credit insertion switch 77 is pressed, all the values in the remaining number display section 35 are decremented to 0, and a bet is made for the amount of virtual medals that can be inserted.

  On the upper part of the front door 12, there are an upper lamp 13 that lights up or flashes as the game progresses, and a pair of left and right sounds that make various sound effects as the game progresses and inform the player of the game state Speaker 14 and an auxiliary display unit 15 for giving various information to the player. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary display unit 15 is configured by a liquid crystal display for the purpose of diversifying display contents and increasing the display effect. However, other displays such as a dot matrix display may be used. Good. The auxiliary display unit 15 is for executing various display effects as the game progresses, and it can be considered that the game by the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is caused by the main display unit. This is referred to as an auxiliary display unit 15. On the back surface of the auxiliary display unit 15, an upper lamp 13, a speaker 14, and a display control device 111 for driving the auxiliary display unit 15 are provided. The positions and numbers of the upper lamp 13 and the speakers 14 are not limited to those described above.

  A lower plate 16 on which a model name, a character related to a game, and the like are displayed is mounted above the medal tray 18. In addition, an ashtray 19 that can be reversed to the lower side on the front side is provided on the left side of the medal tray 18.

  A power supply box 121 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 91 inside the housing 11. The power supply box 121 includes a power switch 122, a reset switch 123, a setting key insertion hole 124, and the like. The power switch 122 is a start switch for supplying power to each unit including the main controller 131.

  The reset switch 123 is a switch for resetting various states of the slot machine 10. This slot machine 10 has a backup function for various data, and even if a power failure occurs, it retains the state at the time of the power failure and returns to the state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from power failure (power recovery). It can be done. Therefore, for example, when the power supply is shut down by a normal procedure, such as when the game hall is closed, the state before the power shut-off is stored, but if the power switch 122 is turned on while pressing the reset switch 123, the backup data is reset. It has become so. If the reset switch 123 is pressed while the power switch 122 is on, the error state is reset.

  The setting key insertion hole 124 is used by a hole manager or the like to adjust the appearance of medals. That is, the setting state (winning probability setting process) of the slot machine 10 can be changed from “setting 1” to “setting 6” by operating the hole manager or the like by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion hole 124. It has become.

  A main controller 131 is attached to the back plate 11 c of the housing 11 above the reel unit 41. The main control device 131 includes a CPU that controls the main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that temporarily stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port that communicates with various devices, time counting and synchronization. A main board including a clock circuit and the like used in the case of planning is provided, and the main board is accommodated in a board box as an encapsulating means made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other so as not to be opened by a sealing unit as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box is sealed. In addition, it is good also as a structure which connects a box base and a box cover so that opening is impossible using a key member.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  The main control device 131 is equipped with a microcomputer centering on a CPU 151 as arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply device 161 provided in the power supply box 121, the CPU 151 is connected to a clock circuit 154 that outputs a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 155, and the like via an internal bus. The main control device 131 functions as a main base incorporated in the slot machine 10.

  On the input side of the main controller 131, there are a start detection sensor 71a for detecting the operation of the start lever 71, stop detection sensors 72a, 73a, 74a for individually detecting the operations of the stop switches 72, 73, 74, and a medal slot. The inserted medal detection sensor 75a for detecting a medal inserted from 75, the credit insertion detection sensors 77a, 78a, 79a for individually detecting the operations of the respective credit insertion switches 77, 78, 79, and the switching for detecting the operation of the changeover switch 80. Detection sensor 80 a, reel index sensor 55 that individually detects the rotational position (origin position) of each reel 42, payout detection sensor 91 a that detects medals paid out from the hopper device 91, and reset detection sensor that detects the operation of the reset switch 123 123a, set to setting key insertion hole 124 Chromatography are connected various sensors such as setting the key detection sensor 124a for detecting that it has been inserted, the signals from these various sensors are outputted to the CPU151 through the input and output ports 155.

  The inserted medal detection sensor 75a is actually composed of a plurality of sensors. That is, the storage passage 81 extending from the medal insertion slot 75 to the hopper device 91 is configured such that medals can pass in one row. The storage passage 81 is provided with a first sensor, and the second sensor and the third sensor are close to each other on the downstream side more than the width of the medal. The inserted medal detection sensor 75a is constituted by each of the first to third sensors. The main control device 131 monitors the time from the first sensor to the second sensor, and if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, the main control device 131 considers that there has been a medal clogging or fraud and makes an error. If an error occurs, an error notification is performed and an operation by the player until the error is canceled is invalidated. The main controller 131 also monitors the order in which the second sensor and the third sensor are turned on and off, both the second and third sensors are off, only the second sensor is on, and both the second and third sensors are on. Only when the third sensor is turned on, both the second and third sensors are turned off, and when the time for switching to each on / off switching is within a predetermined time, it is determined that the medal has been normally taken in. Otherwise, an error is assumed. The reason for this is to prevent injustice that the medal is reciprocated in the vicinity of the inserted medal detection sensor 75a and misidentified as the medal inserted in addition to the clogging of the medal in the storage passage 81.

  Further, a power failure monitoring circuit 161 b provided in the power supply device 161 is connected to the input side of the main control device 131 via the input / output port 155. The power supply device 161 includes a power supply unit 161 a that supplies driving power to the electronic devices of the slot machine 10 including the main control device 131, the power failure monitoring circuit 161 b described above, and the like.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 161b is for monitoring the power-off state and generating a power failure signal not only at the time of power failure but also at the time of power-off by the power switch 122. For this reason, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 12 VDC in this example output from the power supply unit 161a, and determines that the power supply is shut off when the drive voltage drops below, for example, 10 volts. Power outage signal is output. The power failure signal is supplied to each of the CPU 151 and the input / output port 155, and the CPU 151 recognizes this power failure signal and executes a power failure process described later.

  The power supply unit 161a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 131 even when the output voltage is reduced to less than 10 volts. As the time during which the stabilization voltage is output, sufficient time is secured to execute the power failure process by the main controller 131.

  On the output side of the main control device 131, each active line display section 32, 33, 34, remaining number display section 35, game number display section 36, acquired number display section 37, and each reel 42L, 42M, 42R are rotated. Stepping motors 61 (61L, 61M, 61R), a medal path switching solenoid 83 provided in the selector 84, a hopper device 91, a display control device 111, an external concentration terminal plate 171 capable of transmitting information to a hall management device (not shown), etc. Are connected via the input / output port 155.

  The display control device 111 is a control device for driving the upper lamp 13, the speaker 14, and the auxiliary display unit 15, and includes a substrate in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for driving these are integrated. Then, after receiving a signal from the main control device 131, the display control device 111 independently drives and controls the upper lamp 13, the speaker 14, and the auxiliary display unit 15. Therefore, the display control device 111 is a sub-base that executes auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 131 that is a main base that manages and manages games. In other words, the sub-base is provided for voice, lamp, and display related to indirect games, thereby reducing the burden on the main base. In addition, it is good also as a structure which the display control apparatus 111 controls the various display parts 32-37.

  The CPU 151 described above stores various control programs executed by the CPU 151 and a ROM 152 storing fixed value data, and temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 152 is executed. In addition to the RAM 153 for securing the area, although not shown, various processing circuits necessary for the slot machine 10 such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit, as well known, and a credit counter for counting the number of credits are known. Various counters such as are built-in. The ROM 152 and the RAM 153 constitute a main memory as storage means, and a program for executing the processes shown in various flowcharts shown in FIG. 9 and subsequent figures is stored in the ROM 152 described above as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 153 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 161 provided in the power supply box 121 and data can be held (backed up) even after the power of the slot machine 10 is cut off. In addition to a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data and the like, a backup area is provided.

  In the backup area, when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the values of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc. when the power is shut down (including power shutdown by operating the power switch 122; the same applies hereinafter) When the power failure is resolved (including power-on by operating the power switch 122. The same applies hereinafter), the slot machine 10 is in the state before power-off based on the backup area information. It is possible to return to the state. Writing to the backup area is executed when the power is cut off by the power failure process (see FIG. 11), and the restoration of each value written in the backup area is executed in the main process (see FIG. 12) when the power is turned on. Note that a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 161b is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 151 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. NMI interrupt processing as flag generation processing is immediately executed.

  Subsequently, each control process executed by the CPU 151 in the main controller 131 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the CPU 151 is broadly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in a cycle of 1.49 msec in the present embodiment), and an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the NMI interrupt process and the timer interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the NMI interrupt process. When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b of the power supply device 161 generates a power failure signal and outputs it to the main controller 131. In the main controller 131 that has received the power failure signal via the NMI terminal, NMI interrupt processing is executed.

  In the NMI interrupt processing, first, in step S 101, the data of the used register provided in the CPU 151 is saved in the backup area provided in the RAM 153. Subsequently, in step S102, the power failure flag is set in a power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 153. Thereafter, the data saved in the backup area of the RAM 153 in step S103 is restored to the use register of the CPU 151 again. With this return processing, the NMI interrupt processing ends. If the power failure flag can be set without destroying the data in the register used by the CPU 151, the saving and restoring processing to the backup area can be omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt process periodically executed by the main controller 131. A timer interrupt is generated by the CPU 151 of the main controller 131 every 1.49 msec, for example.

  First, in the register saving process shown in step S201, the values of all the registers in the CPU 151 used in the normal process described later are saved in the backup area of the RAM 153. In step S202, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set. If the power failure flag is set, the process proceeds to step S203, and a power failure process is executed.

  Here, the power failure process will be described with reference to FIG. Since the power failure process is performed immediately after the register saving process in the timer interrupt process, other interrupt processes can be executed without interruption. Therefore, for example, during the process of transmitting various commands, during the process of reading the switch state (on / off), the process at the time of power failure is not executed by interrupting each process. It is no longer necessary to create a power failure processing program that also takes into account This simplifies the processing program for power failure processing and reduces the program capacity. This also applies to a processing program for power recovery processing described later.

  In step S301, it is determined whether command transmission has been completed. If the transmission has not been completed, the process is terminated and the process returns to the timer interrupt process to terminate the command transmission. In this way, it is determined whether or not the command transmission is completed at the initial stage of the power failure process, the transmission process is prioritized when the transmission is incomplete, and the power failure process is executed after the unit command transmission process is completed. By doing so, it is no longer necessary to construct a power failure processing program that takes into account that power failure processing is executed during command transmission. As a result, the power failure processing program can be simplified and the ROM 152 can be reduced in capacity.

  If step S301 is YES, that is, if the command transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S302, and the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 151 is stored in the backup area in the RAM 153. Thereafter, in step S303, a RAM determination value, which will be described later, is cleared as a stop process and the output state of the output port in the input / output port 155 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. In step S304, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area. The RAM determination value is specifically a 2's complement of the checksum at the work area address of the RAM 153. By storing the RAM determination value in the backup area, the checksum of the RAM 153 becomes zero. By setting the checksum of the RAM 153 to 0, subsequent RAM access is prohibited in step S305. After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed. In consideration of, for example, the case where the power failure flag is set erroneously due to noise or the like, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is output until the infinite loop is entered. If the power failure signal is not output, the power failure state is restored, so that writing to the RAM 153 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. If the power outage signal is continuously output, the infinite loop is entered.

  The power supply unit 161a of the power supply device 161 holds the output of the stabilization voltage (5 volts) used as the drive voltage for the control system for a time sufficient to execute the above-described NMI interrupt processing and power failure processing. It is comprised so that. In the present embodiment, the drive voltage is continuously output for 30 msec.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process, if the power failure flag is not set in step S202, various processes after step S204 are performed.

  That is, in step S204, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S205, an interrupt end declaration process for giving an interrupt permission to the CPU 151 itself is performed. In step S206, in order to rotate the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, a stepping motor control process for driving the stepping motors 61L to 61R, which are the respective rotary drive motors, is performed. In step S207, sensor monitoring processing is performed to monitor the state of various sensors (see FIG. 8) connected to the input / output port 155. In step S208, timer calculation processing for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed. In step S209, a counter process for outputting the bet number of medals and the result of counting the number of payouts to the external concentration terminal board 171 is performed.

  In step S210, command output processing for transmitting a command or the like to the display control apparatus 111 is performed. In step S211, a segment data setting process for setting segment data displayed on the remaining number display unit 35, the game number display unit 36, and the acquired number display unit 37 is performed. In step S212, segment data set processing in the segment data setting processing is supplied to the display units 35 to 37, and segment data display processing for displaying corresponding numbers, symbols, and the like is performed. In step S213, port output processing for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port 155 is performed. In step S214, the value of each register saved in the backup area in the previous step S201 is restored to the corresponding register in the CPU 151. Thereafter, in step S215, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a main process in the main controller 131 executed after the power is turned on. The main process is executed when the power is turned on by recovery from a power failure or by turning on the power switch 122.

  First, in step S401, as initialization processing, the value of the stack pointer is set in the CPU 151, and an interrupt mode that permits interrupt processing is set. Thereafter, various settings for the register group in the CPU 151, the I / O device, and the like are set. And so on.

  When these initialization processes are completed, it is next determined in step S402 whether or not the reset switch 123 has been turned on. If the reset switch 123 has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S403, and all data stored in the RAM 153 is cleared as a RAM clear process.

  After confirming that the reset switch has not been operated in step S402 or performing a RAM clear process in step S403, it is determined in step S404 whether or not a setting key has been inserted into the setting key insertion hole 124. To do. If the setting key has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S405 to perform setting change processing. As the setting change process, first, all data stored in the RAM 153 is cleared. Then, after determining which setting state is selected from the six preset setting states (“Setting 1” to “Setting 6”), internal processing corresponding to the selected setting state is executed. .

  In step S406, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set. When the power failure flag is not set, that is, when the data in the RAM 153 is cleared in the previous step S403 or step S405, the process proceeds to a normal process in step S407 to be described later, and this process ends.

  When the power failure flag is set in step S406, the process proceeds to the power recovery process shown in step S408 and thereafter. The fact that the power failure flag is set means that subroutine processing such as RAM clear processing in step S403 and setting change processing in step S405 is not executed at all. Therefore, the data in the RAM 153 is not rewritten at all, and the power recovery process requires confirmation processing such as whether or not the data in the RAM 153 is normal.

  For this purpose, first, in step S408, it is confirmed whether or not the RAM determination value is normal. Specifically, the value of the checksum in the RAM 153 is checked to check whether the value is normal, that is, whether the value of the checksum including the RAM determination value is 0. If the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0, it is determined that the data in the RAM 153 is normal.

  If the RAM determination value is abnormal in step S408, that is, if the checksum value is not 0, there is a high possibility that the data in the RAM 153 has been destroyed. Therefore, in such a case, an error display process is performed in step S409. As error display processing, interrupt processing is first prohibited and all output ports in the input / output port 155 are cleared to control all actuators connected to the input / output port 155 to an off state. Thereafter, an error display for notifying the occurrence of an error to the hall manager or the like is performed, and this state is maintained until the reset switch 123 is turned on.

  If it is determined in step S408 that the RAM determination value is normal, the process proceeds to step S410, the stack pointer value stored in the backup area is written to the stack pointer of the CPU 151, and the stack state before the power is shut off is written. Return to the state. Next, in step S411, a power recovery command that tells execution of power recovery processing is transmitted to the display control device 111. Thereafter, in step S412, the game state is stopped and automatic settlement setting storage processing is performed. In step S413, various sensors such as the start detection sensor 71a are initialized. After the above processing is completed, the power failure flag is reset in step S414, and the processing returns to the address before the power is shut off. Specifically, the process returns to the timer interrupt process described above, and the watchdog timer clear process (step S204) is executed.

  Next, normal processing for performing main control related to the game will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S501, it is determined whether or not a medal is bet. If a medal is bet, it is subsequently determined in step S502 whether the start lever 71 has been operated. If both step S501 and step S502 are YES, the lottery process in step S503, the reel control process in step S504, the medal payout process in step S505, and the special game state process in step S506 are executed in order, and the process returns to step S501. On the other hand, if no medal is bet in step S501 or the start lever 71 is not operated in step S502, the process returns to step S501.

  Next, the lottery process in step S503 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S601, a random number table for determining success / failure is selected based on the current setting state and gaming state of the slot machine 10 and the number of medals bet. Here, the setting state of the slot machine 10 is any one of “setting 1” to “setting 6” set using a setting key (not shown), and the random number having the lowest winning probability of the combination when “setting 1” is set. A table is selected, and when “setting 6” is selected, the random number table having the highest winning probability of the combination is selected. Here, the outline of the random number table will be described. In the present embodiment, the BB winning probability is formed so as to be different in the random number table in each setting state. For example, the winning probability of BB is about 1/300 in the random table of “setting 1” and about 1/240 in the random table of “setting 6”. On the other hand, the other small role probabilities are formed so as to have the same probability in each of the random number tables. For example, the role corresponding to the “Watermelon” symbol is won by about 1/150, the role corresponding to the “Bell” symbol is won by about 1/9, and the role corresponding to the “Cherry” symbol is selected. Win about 1/90. In addition, the winning combination corresponding to the “replay” symbol is won in about 1/7. The number of medals bet is any one of 1 to 3, and a random number table is selected such that as the number of bets increases, the winning probability of winning combination increases. For example, the winning probability of a winning combination when three bets are as described above, but the winning probability of a winning combination when betting one is a probability that is three times lower than the winning probability described above. Further, if the gaming state is a BB state described later, a random number table dedicated to the BB game is selected, and if the gaming state is an RT state described later, a random number table dedicated to the RT game is selected.

  In step S602, a random number table selected in this way is used for lottery in light of the random numbers latched by the random number counter when the start lever 71 is operated. In step S603, it is determined whether or not any of the winning combinations has been won. If any of the winning combinations has not been won, the process is terminated. If any of the winning combinations is won, the process proceeds to step S604, where a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set and an effective line to be aligned is determined. In step S605, a slip table for reel stop control is determined and stored in the slip table storage area of the RAM 153. Here, when the symbols on the predetermined effective line at the timing when the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed are different from the symbols to be stopped on the effective line, the slip table is a predetermined symbol to be stopped. It is a table that defines how much the reel slides so as to stop on the active line.

  Next, the reel control processing in step S504 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the reel control process, first, a wait process is performed in step S701. This wait process is a process of waiting without starting the reel rotation in the current game until a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the time when the reel rotation is started in the previous game. Therefore, even if the player bets a medal and operates the start lever 71, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R may not immediately rotate. Following the wait process, the reel rotation process in step S702 is performed to rotate the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S703, and it is determined whether or not any of the stop switches 72 to 74 is pressed to generate a reel stop command. If no stop command has been issued, the process advances to step S704 to determine whether or not a predetermined maximum rotation time (for example, 40 seconds) of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R has elapsed. If the maximum rotation time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S703. If the maximum rotation time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S705 to perform a forced stop process for forcibly stopping all the rotating reels.

  On the other hand, if any of the stop switches 72 to 74 is pressed in step S703 and a stop command is generated, that is, if an ON signal is received from the stop detection sensor accompanying the pressing operation of the stop switch, the process proceeds to step S706. Proceed and perform reel stop processing. In this reel stop process, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop switch is stopped. If a winning combination is won in the winning lottery and the winning flag is set, the reel is stored in the sliding table storage area of the RAM 153. With reference to the sliding table, control is performed so that the winning combinations are arranged on a predetermined effective line as much as possible. For example, when the “watermelon” symbol is lined up on the lower line and the stop switch is pressed at the timing when the “watermelon” symbol stops on the upper line, the symbol 2 is set so that it stops on the lower line. Slide the reel as much as you can. However, since the range that can be slid is determined in advance (for example, up to four symbols), the “watermelon” symbol may not stop on the lower line depending on the timing of pressing the stop switch. Even in the forced stop process in step S705, if the winning flag is set, the same process is performed.

  Subsequently, in step S707, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command, that is, whether or not the stop switch has been pressed when all three reels are rotating. In the case of the first stop command, the process proceeds to step S708, and the slip table changing process is performed. In this slide table change process, for example, it is determined whether or not a combination of combinations occurs when trying to align a combination on the selected active line, and when a combination of combinations does not occur, the process proceeds to the next step as it is. When a combination of combinations occurs, the selected effective line is changed to another effective line, and after changing to a sliding table suitable for the changed effective line, the process proceeds to the next step. Here, the combination of combinations means that a plurality of combinations are generated at the same time, for example, when the “Cherry” symbol appears on the lower line when the “Bell” symbols are aligned on the upper line. Refers to cases. The slip table changing process may be performed other than when avoiding the combination of the combinations.

  On the other hand, if the current stop command is not the first stop command in step S707, the process proceeds to step S709 to determine whether the second stop command is present, that is, one of the three reels is stopped and the two reels are rotating. It is determined whether or not the stop switch has been pressed. If it is the second stop command, the process proceeds to step S710 and a stop eye determination process is performed. In this stop eye determination process, when the two reels stop, it is determined whether or not the two are aligned with the BB symbol such as “7” symbol. If they are not aligned, the process proceeds to the next step as it is. When sound effects are generated from the speaker 14, the process proceeds to the next step. In the stop eye determination process, it may be determined whether another condition other than two bonus symbols is satisfied, or an effect using the auxiliary display unit 15 may be performed in addition to the sound effect.

  Then, after the forced stop process in step S705, after the slip table change process in step S708, when the current stop command is not the second stop command in step S709, or the stop eye determination process in step S710 is performed. Thereafter, in step S711, it is determined whether or not all rotations of the left, middle, and right reels 42L, 42M, and 42R have stopped. If NO in step S711, the process returns to step S703. If YES, the payout determination process is performed in subsequent step S712. In the payout determination process, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is arranged on the effective line. When the winning combination is not aligned on the effective line, 0 is set in the payout number storage area of the RAM 153, and the winning combination is aligned on the effective line. When it is, it is determined whether or not the winning combination matches the winning combination, and if not, an error is displayed by the upper lamp 13 or the like and 0 is set in the scheduled payout number storage area. If they match, the number of payouts corresponding to the combinations arranged in the payout amount storage area is set. In addition, when the winning combination arranged on the active line is a BB symbol such as “7” symbol, the BB game flag is set and the subsequent gaming state is set to the BB game state. In the subsequent step S713, an operation completion process is performed to confirm whether or not the stop switch pressing operation has been completed. More specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the ON signal from the stop detection sensor is continuously received. When the ON signal is received, it means that the player continues to press down the stop switch, and the apparatus waits until the ON signal is not received. When the player stops receiving the ON signal, it means that the player has finished pressing the stop switch, that is, the player has released his / her finger from the stop switch. A series of processing such as payout processing is performed.

  Next, the medal payout process in step S505 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the medal payout process, first, it is determined whether or not the payout number counted by the payout number counter in step S801 matches the planned payout number stored in the payout planned number storage area. If the number of payouts does not match the planned payout number, it is determined in step S802 whether or not the game is being performed in the credit mode. If it is in the credit mode, it is determined in step S803 whether or not the count value of the credit counter has reached the upper limit (the number of stored medals is 50). If the upper limit is not reached, the count value of the credit counter and the number of payouts are each incremented by 1 in step S804. Accordingly, the remaining number display unit 35 and the acquired number display unit 37 are each incremented by one.

  On the other hand, when the game is performed in the direct mode, or when the count value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit, the medal payout rotary plate is driven in step S805 and the medal is discharged from the hopper device 91 to the medal discharge port. 17 through the medal tray 18. At this time, in step S806, the number of payouts is incremented by 1 according to the medal detection signal of the payout detection sensor 91a attached to the hopper device 91. As a result, the number of acquired number display section 37 is incremented by one. Then, after the payout number is incremented by 1 in step S804 or step S806, the process returns to step S801 again. When the number of payouts and the planned number of payouts match in step S801, the medal payout rotating plate of the hopper device 91 is stopped in step S807, and this process is terminated. The payout number / acquired number display section 37 is reset when the start lever 71 is operated next time.

  Next, the special game state process of step S506 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  Prior to the description of the special game state process, the BB game will be described.

  The BB game is composed of a small role game and a JAC game. A small role game is a game in which a small role or JAC symbol (replay symbol substitute here) is won with a high probability (“Bell” symbols etc. are aligned on the active line), and the JAC symbol is valid during the small character game When aligned on the line, the maximum number (15 in this case) of medals is paid out and the game proceeds to the JAC game. The JAC game is a game that is played only once. When the JAC game is played once, the game returns to the small role game again. During the small-combination game, the lottery is performed based on the random-number table for the small-combination game in the lottery process described above. For example, the “Watermelon” symbol and the corresponding role are won in about 150 times, About 1/9 for the corresponding role, and about 1/90 for the role corresponding to the “Cherry” design, and about 1 / 1.1 for the role corresponding to the JAC design. Win. In other words, during the small role game, the small role winning probability of the “watermelon” symbol or the like is not different from the winning probability during the normal game other than during the BB game. It can be said. By the way, when a small role symbol such as a “watermelon” symbol is arranged during the small role game, the same number of medals as that in the normal game are paid out. A JAC game is a game in which only one bet is allowed, and is a game with a very high probability that JAC symbols (in this case, substitutes for replay symbols) are aligned on an active line, that is, the probability of establishment of a JAC symbol. That is, in the above-described lottery process, a winning combination is made based on the random number table for JAC game, and in this embodiment, a winning combination corresponding to the JAC symbol is established in about 1/1. When a JAC symbol is established in a JAC game, the maximum number (15 in this case) of medals is paid out. As described above, the small role game and the JAC game are repeatedly performed, and when the total payout number of medals exceeds a predetermined number (450 in this embodiment), the BB game continuous lottery performed during the JAC game is won. The BB game ends when there is no such event.

  In the special game state process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the BB game flag is 1, that is, whether or not the game state is in the BB game. When the BB game is not in progress, this process is terminated.

  If the gaming state is a BB game in step S901, it is determined in step S902 whether the BB game is a JAC game. If it is not a JAC game, it means that a small role game is in progress, and thus the process proceeds to step S903, where it is determined whether JAC symbols are aligned on the active line. If the JAC symbols are not aligned on the active line during the small role game, the process proceeds to step S904 to check whether the small role symbols such as the “watermelon” symbol and the “bell” symbol are aligned on the active line. If none of the symbols are available, the process is terminated. When the small role symbols are prepared, the process proceeds to step S905, and the value of the payout number corresponding to the aligned small roles is added to the total payout number counter for counting the total payout number of medals paid out during the BB game. To do. In the subsequent step S906, it is determined whether or not the value of the total payout number counter has reached 450 or more. If the total payout number of medals has not reached 450, this process is terminated.

  If the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line during the small role game (step S903 is YES), the value of 15 is added to the total payout counter in step S907, and the JAC game is played in step S908. A JAC game initial setting process for starting is performed. Thereafter, in step S906, it is determined whether or not the value of the total payout number counter has reached 450 or more. If the total payout number of medals has not reached 450, this process is terminated.

  If the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line during the small role game, the next game will be a JAC game, so an affirmative determination is made in step S902. In this case, it is determined in step S909 whether or not the JAC symbols are aligned. If the JAC symbols are aligned, 15 is added to the value of the total payout number counter and the JAC game is canceled (steps S910 and 911). . If the JAC symbols are not prepared (NO in step S909), the process proceeds to step S911 without adding 15 to the value of the total payout number counter, and the JAC game is canceled. In the subsequent step S912, a BB game continuous lottery process for determining whether or not to continue the BB game is performed. Specifically, the random number table for the BB game continuous lottery provided in advance is illuminated with the random number latched by the random number counter when the start lever 71 is operated (the random number used for the lottery in the previous lottery process). BB game continuous lottery is performed. Since the present embodiment is configured to win the BB game continuous lottery with a probability of about 1.1 times, it can be expected that about 11 JAC games will be played per BB game. In step S913, it is determined whether or not the continuous lottery has been won. If it has been won, it is determined in step S906 whether or not the value of the total payout number counter is 450 or more, and the total payout number of medals is determined. If the number has not reached 450, the process is terminated. Therefore, if the continuous lottery is won and the total payout number of medals in the BB game is less than 450, the BB game is continued.

  When various processes are performed as described above and the value of the total payout number counter becomes 450 or more (when step S906 is YES), or when the BB game continuous lottery is not won (step S913 is NO) In the case), the process proceeds to step S914, and after performing the RT game setting process for ending the BB game and shifting to the RT game, the process is terminated. In the RT game setting process, first, the BB game flag is reset to end the BB game, and the RT game flag is set. As a result, in the lottery process in the next game, a winning combination is drawn based on the RT game random number table. In the present embodiment, in the game in which the BB game is ended, the upper lamp 13 and the auxiliary display unit 15 are not used to notify that the BB game has ended.

  Here, the RT game will be described. The RT game is a game with a higher probability of winning the role corresponding to the “replay” symbol than the normal game, and is a game played only for one game after the end of the BB game. During the RT game, the lottery of the combination is made based on the RT game random number table in the above-described lottery process. For example, the combination corresponding to the “watermelon” symbol is won in about 150 times and corresponds to the “bell” symbol The winning role is won by about 1/9, the winning role corresponding to the “Cherry” symbol is won by approximately 1/90, and the winning role corresponding to the “Replay” symbol is won by about 1 / 1.1. Win. In other words, the RT game can be said to be a game in which the winning probability of the role corresponding to the “replay” symbol is raised from about 1/7 to about 1 / 1.1 when compared with the normal game. In the present embodiment, where the JAC symbol is replaced with the “replay” symbol when compared with the small role game of the BB game, it can be said that the game does not shift to the JAC game even if the “replay” symbol is aligned. .

  Next, a series of flow from the start to the end of the BB game will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of games after the bonus symbols such as “7” symbols are aligned, the symbols aligned on the active line, and the game situation. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy here, the description about the case where small part symbols, such as a "bell" symbol, are prepared is abbreviate | omitted.

  “Replay” symbols are arranged in the first game after the start of the BB game. As described with reference to FIG. 17, since the first game after the start of the BB game is a small role game, 15 medals are paid out as the “replay” symbols are arranged, and the game shifts to the JAC game. In the subsequent second game, “replay” symbols are arranged, but since this game is a JAC game, 15 medals are paid out and the JAC game is canceled. Since the BB game continuous lottery is performed during the JAC game, if the continuous lottery is won, the game returns to the small role game, and if not, the BB game is terminated and the RT game is entered. In the third game, “Replay” symbols are available, but if the BB game is over, the game is an RT game, so the re-game process is performed without paying out 15 medals, and the normal game (Pattern 1). On the other hand, if the BB game has not ended, since the game is a small role game, 15 medals are paid out and the game proceeds to the JAC game (pattern 2 and the like). Since the fourth game is a JAC game, when the “replay” symbols are arranged, 15 medals are paid out, the JAC game is canceled, and the BB game continuous lottery is performed. At this time, if the continuous lottery is won, the game returns to the small role game, and if not won, the BB game is terminated and the RT game is shifted to. Therefore, if the replay process is performed without paying out 15 medals when the “replay” symbols of the fifth game are prepared, the game is an RT game (pattern 2), and 15 medals are paid out. If it is, it will shift to a JAC game (pattern 3 etc.). As described above, the player recognizes that the BB game is continued through the fact that 15 medals are paid out when the “replay” symbols are arranged, and the 15 medals are not paid out again. It is recognized that the BB game has ended through the game process being performed.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  By setting the number of JAC games to be transferred once when a JAC symbol is established during the small role game, it is possible to ensure the soundness of the game and ensure the player's sense of superiority and profit. In a configuration in which an upper limit is set for the total number of medals to be paid out during the BB game in order to ensure the soundness of the game, and when the JAC game is played until JAC symbols are arranged multiple times, It is conceivable that the total payout number reaches the upper limit. In such a case, the profit is not actually lost, but the player has a strong impression that his profit has been taken away for the end of the BB game in the middle of the JAC game. This is because even if the situation is directly related to the end of the BB game, even the intention to continue to play the game may be reduced.

  The BB game continuation lottery is performed during the JAC game. If the continuation lottery is won, the BB game is continued, and if it is not victorious, the game is shifted to the RT game of one game, and the JAC symbol is substituted with the “replay” symbol. By doing so, it is possible to improve the interest of the game. That is, when the “replay” symbols are prepared, it is possible to recognize whether or not the BB game is continued depending on whether or not 15 medals are paid out. This is because the moment when the finger that operated the pressing of the stop switch is released, it is very exciting. Furthermore, by waiting for the completion of the pressing operation of the stop switch and performing a series of processes such as a medal payout process, it is possible to suitably produce such a feeling of sensation. This is because the player may complete the pressing operation of the stop switch after fully enjoying a thrilling feeling or praying for the BB game to continue.

  If the probability that the “replay” symbol (JAC symbol) is aligned on the active line is the same in the small role game, the JAC game, and the RT game, is the game having the “replay” symbol in the small role game? Whether it is during a JAC game or even during an RT game is unclear, and it is possible to dramatically increase the interest of the game.

  The player's disadvantage is minimized by adopting a structure in which 15 medals are paid out both when the JAC symbol is established during the small role game and when the JAC symbol is established during the JAC game. It becomes possible. This is because even if the total number of medals to be paid out is 450 or more and the BB game is finished without shifting to the JAC game, it is possible to suppress the impression that one JAC game, that is, a maximum of 15 medals has been taken away. . In addition, by substituting the same symbol (“replay” symbol) for the symbol that shifts from the small role game to the JAC game and the symbol that is arranged during the JAC game, the player's sense of superiority and profit will be further impaired. Can be prevented. This is because in the game flow during the BB game, the player's consciousness about whether the game when the symbols are arranged is a small role game or a JAC game is lowered.

  By making the winning probability in the BB game continuous lottery about 1/1, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game. In this case, since about 11 JAC games can be expected for each BB game, the number of medal payouts that can be expected in one BB win is about 330. In other words, if the player is lucky, 450 or more medals are paid out to end the BB game. Normally, the BB game ends without reaching 450. In general, since a player plays a BB game while expecting to receive more medals, such a configuration makes it possible to stimulate the player's willingness to challenge and enhance the interest of the game. Become. Furthermore, by setting the number of JAC games to one, the player can play the game while expecting that the BB game will continue each time the “replay” symbols are aligned, and that the upper limit of the number of payouts will be reached and the BB game will end. As a result, it will be possible to further improve the amusement of the game.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) In the above embodiment, the BB game continuous lottery is performed in the special game state process. However, the lottery process may be employed. Alternatively, it may be performed when a JAC symbol is won in a lottery process during a small role game. That is, the timing for performing the continuous lottery is arbitrary. Moreover, the structure which determines the completion | finish opportunity of a BB game when it becomes BB winning by the lottery process may be sufficient. For example, it is configured to determine the number of JAC symbols that are arranged in the small role game when the BB winning is made in the lottery process, that is, the number of times to shift to the JAC game. Even in such a configuration, the player can recognize only how long the BB game will continue from the presence / absence of medal payout when the “replay” symbols are arranged, so that the same effect as the above embodiment can be achieved.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the number of JAC games in the BB game is one game. However, this may be changed. For example, a configuration in which a plurality of JAC games are set such as two games, three games, or four or more games, and the JAC game is ended when a game of the set number of games is performed or the JAC symbols are arranged once. It is good. In this case, even if the JAC symbols are not aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line in the first game of the JAC game, the JAC symbols are aligned with the left, middle, and right on the effective line after the next game. A medal is paid out. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to increase the probability that JAC symbols are aligned during the JAC game, and it is possible to increase the thrilling feeling during the BB game. Alternatively, the JAC game may be composed of a plurality of games such as twelve times, and the JAC game may be terminated when the number of such games is played or the JAC symbols are arranged a plurality of times such as eight times. However, it is preferable to set the number of times that the JAC symbols are arranged in the JAC game is small in order to suitably produce a scene where the user feels the thrill when the “replay” symbols are arranged.

  (C) In the above embodiment, the probability that the “replay” symbols are aligned is the same in the small role game, in the JAC game, and in the RT game, but different configurations may be used. In such a case, a game interval having “replay” symbols is opened, and it is possible to maintain a sense of expectation as to whether or not the BB game continues over a plurality of games. However, it is desirable that the probability that the “replay” symbols of each game are aligned is at least higher than the probability that the “replay” symbols are aligned in the normal game. This is because, during the BB game, the player's possessed medal number does not increase so much, and the effect of setting the RT game is diminished. Therefore, it is preferable that the probability of having “replay” symbols in these games exceeds at least half.

  (D) In the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not the total payout number of medals in the BB game is 450 or more, and when the number is 450 or more, the BB game ends. However, the value of the total payout number serving as the reference for the determination may be an arbitrary value. For example, it may be 300 sheets or more, or 500 sheets or more. In other words, any value that can ensure the soundness of the game without excessive gambling is sufficient.

  (E) In the above-described embodiment, the BB game can be recognized from the presence / absence of medal payout when the “replay” symbols are arranged, but in addition to or instead of this, the auxiliary display unit 15 It is good also as a structure which alert | reports.

  For example, a boy character holding a golf club is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 during the BB game and the RT game. Then, it is displayed that the boy character swings the golf club in accordance with the pressing operation of the first stop switch. The boy character swings down the golf club as the second stop switch is pressed, and the golf ball and the golf club are enlarged as the third stop switch is pressed. When the BB game continues, the boy character who performed the nice shot is displayed at the same time as the pressing operation is completed, and when the BB game is finished, that is, when the RT game is played, the boy character who feels regretful is displayed. In addition, when the BB game is completed and the game is shifted to the RT game with 450 or more medals paid out, a boy character who performs a guts pose with hole-in-one is displayed. With such a configuration, it is possible to recognize the continuation of the BB game from the auxiliary display unit 15 in addition to the presence / absence of the medal payout, thereby enhancing the interest of the game.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the JAC game is a game in which only one bet is allowed. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a game in which three bets are allowed may be used. In this case, the player's consciousness about whether the timing of receiving the 15 medal payouts when the “replay” symbols are aligned is during the small role game or the JAC game is reduced, and the “replay” symbols are further aligned. It is possible to have a thrilling feeling.

  (G) In the above-described embodiment, only one RT game after the end of the BB game is set. However, the RT game may be configured until “replay” symbols are collected once. In this case, even if small symbols such as “Bell” symbols are arranged in the first game after the end of the BB game, “Replay” symbols are arranged with high probability after the next game, and the BB game continues. It is possible to maintain a thrilling feeling of whether or not there is.

  (H) In addition to the above embodiment, when the bonus symbols such as “7” symbols are gathered, the auxiliary display unit 15 notifies that the game is shifted to the BB game, and various effects are auxiliary displayed during the BB game. It is good also as a structure performed in the part 15. FIG. However, it is desirable to continue the effects performed during the BB game at least until the RT game is finished in order to maintain a thrilling feeling when the “replay” symbols are arranged.

  (I) In addition to the above-described embodiment, a configuration may be provided that includes notifying means for notifying whether the game situation is in the BB game or not. However, in order to maintain a thrilling feeling when the “replay” symbols are aligned, it is desirable that the notification means be installed at a position where it is difficult for the player to visually recognize or that the player is difficult to recognize the game situation. . By providing such a notification means, at least the manager of the game hall where the slot machine is installed can grasp the game situation, and the management becomes easy.

  (J) In the above embodiment, a slot machine having three reels arranged in parallel and having five lines as effective lines has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, five reels arranged in parallel It may be a slot machine provided or a slot machine having seven effective lines. Further, the present invention is not limited to the so-called A type slot machine, but can be applied to any slot machine such as B type, C type, A type and C type composite type, and B type and C type composite type. In any case, it is obvious that the same effects as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  (K) The symbols of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are not limited to pictures, numbers, characters, and the like, but may be geometric lines or figures. In addition, the design can be configured by light, color, or the like, the design can be configured by a three-dimensional shape, or the like can be configured by combining these. That is, it is sufficient that the symbol has a function as identification information (identification information).

  (L) Although an example in which a spinning-reel type gaming machine, particularly the slot machine 10 is embodied as a gaming machine is shown, it may be embodied in a pachinko machine having a stop operation function such as a stop switch. Further, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused. That is, in the slot machine, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions, a gaming machine having a ball insertion and ball payout function such as a pachinko machine may be used. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, only a ball can be handled as a gaming value in the gaming hall. Therefore, the gaming value seen in the current gaming hall in which pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed is used. Problems such as the burden on equipment due to the separate handling of medals and balls and restrictions on the location of the gaming machine can be solved. However, in the gaming machine, the game medium is not a medal but a game ball. In this case, assuming that five game balls correspond to one medal in order to improve the ball feeling at the time of a BB game, the number of game media to be inserted into the game machine at the start of the game and the combination are established. The number of game media to be paid out sometimes changes. Specifically, when a winning combination for paying out 15 medals is established in the above embodiment, 75 game balls are paid out. In the above embodiment, the BB game is ended when it is determined that the total payout number of medals exceeds 450. In this configuration, the total payout number of game balls is 2250. If it is determined that the number has been exceeded, then the BB game ends.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine as a gaming machine, 11 ... Housing which comprises a part of gaming machine body, 12 ... Front door which constitutes a part of gaming machine body or opening / closing member of gaming machine body, 15 ... Auxiliary display part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 42 ... Reel which comprises a rotating drum or an endless belt, 61 ... Stepping motor as a drive means, 71 ... Start lever as a starting operation means, 72-74 ... Stop switch as a stop operation means, 111 ... As sub control means , 131... Main controller constituting various control means such as main control means, 151... CPU constituting various control means such as main control means, 152 and 153... ROM, RAM, 161 as storage means. ... power supply.

Claims (1)

A plurality of endless belts having a plurality of kinds of patterns attached in the circumferential direction;
A display window that allows some of the patterns to be visually recognized for each endless belt;
Start operation means operated to start rotation of each endless belt;
A driving means provided for each of the endless belts, for rotating the endless belts;
Stop operation means operated to stop the rotation of each endless belt;
The drive means is controlled to start rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the start operation means and stop rotation of the endless belts based on the operation of the stop operation means. Drive control means;
A payout means for paying out a number of game media according to a combination of stop patterns at an effective position visible from the display window when the endless belts are stopped;
A special game state that is continued until a predetermined end condition is established as a necessary condition that the combination of the stop pattern is a combination of the first specific pattern is configured,
In the special game state, a bonus state in which a winning for stopping the third specific picture at the effective position is generated on the condition that the combination of the stop picture is a combination of the second specific picture. The bonus state is configured to continue until a predetermined number of games are executed or until a predetermined number of winnings during which the third specific picture is stopped,
In a gaming machine in which a combination of the fourth specific pattern is set as one of the combinations of the stopped pictures during the normal gaming state other than the special gaming state,
Bonus entry number lottery means for internally drawing in advance the permitted number of appearances of the combination of the second specific pattern in the special gaming state;
An end determination means for determining that the end condition of the special gaming state is satisfied when the combination of the second specific pattern appears as a stop pattern by the number of times the internal number is drawn by the bonus entry number lottery means during the special gaming state;
A normal lottery means for performing an appearance permission lottery of the combination of the fourth specific pattern in the normal gaming state;
Probability varying means for setting the winning probability in the normal lottery means to high and low multiple stages,
After the end of the special gaming state, the probability variation means sets the winning probability of the appearance permission lottery of the fourth specific pattern to a high probability, and the second specific pattern and the fourth specific pattern are configured with the same pattern. A featured gaming machine.