JP2011062568A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suppressing a decrease in the number of games per unit time to suppress a fall in the substantial operation rate of the game machine by suppressing an act of daring to automatically stop the rotation of an endless belt. <P>SOLUTION: A slot machine includes a main control device 131 performing general management of a game. The main control device 131 receives the input of signals from various sensors (a start detecting sensor 71a etc.) and drives a stepping motor 61 to start the rotation of each reel when predetermined conditions are fulfilled. meanwhile, when a signal to the effect of operating stop switches 72-74 is input from stop detecting sensors 72a-74a, or when a maximum rotating time has elapsed, the main control device drives the stepping motor 61 again to stop the rotation of each reel, wherein predominance in the case of operating the stop switches 72-74 is raised. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,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 attached to the outer peripheral portion of the reel, and a part of the symbols attached to the reel is visible through the display window. Then, when a player inserts a medal or when a virtual medal is stored and stored, the bet switch is operated, and the start lever is operated to start the rotation of the reel, and the stop switch is operated. Thus, a game of one game that the reels stop is executed. Also, inside the slot machine, internal lottery is performed on condition that the bet operation of the medal and the operation of the start lever, and the result of the lottery is won, and the player is won on the preset active line When the symbol is stopped, a privilege such as a predetermined number of medals is awarded or a special game state advantageous to a player called a big bonus game is given.

  In the slot machine as described above, if the player does not operate the stop switch for a predetermined time (for example, 40 seconds) after the reel starts to rotate, the reel is set to automatically stop. Is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). For example, when a winning combination corresponding to the big bonus game is won as a result of the internal lottery, there is a case where a combination of symbols corresponding to the big bonus game is aligned on the active line and automatically stops. Therefore, inexperienced players who cannot stop the target symbol on the active line by operating the stop switch in a timely manner (so-called “line-up”) do not operate the stop switch after starting the reel rotation. It is assumed that the player automatically stops and tries to obtain a profit such as a big bonus game.

  However, if the act of not operating the stop switch as described above is frequently performed, the number of games per unit time (game progress speed) may be reduced. In this case, the substantial operating rate of the slot machine is lowered, and there is a problem that the game hall suffers a disadvantage.

  The above problems are not limited to slot machines, but also apply to other gaming machines that rotate a plurality of endless belts and then stop the rotation of reels and other endless belts based on the player's operation. is there.

JP 2003-320074 A

  The present invention suppresses the act of intentionally stopping the rotation of the endless belt, thereby suppressing a decrease in the number of games per unit time, thereby substantially operating the gaming machine. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress a decrease in rate.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is capable of visually recognizing a plurality of endless belts provided with a plurality of types of patterns in the circumferential direction, and a part of the patterns of each endless belt. Display window, starting operation means operated to start the rotation of each endless belt, lottery means for lottery of a combination, and each endless belt, each endless belt Driving means for rotating, stop operating means operated to stop the rotation of each endless belt, rotation of each endless belt based on the operation of the starting operation means, Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means so as to stop the rotation of the endless belts based on the operation, and the winning position is determined by lottery by the lottery means at an effective position visible from the display window. In a gaming machine configured to give a privilege to a player when a specific picture or a combination of specific pictures corresponding to the played role is stopped, the drive control means performs the operation of the stop operation means. The automatic stop control means for stopping and controlling the drive means to stop the endless belts when a predetermined time has elapsed without being interrupted, and the automatic stop control means is won by lottery by the lottery means. It is characterized by comprising establishment prevention control means for stopping and controlling each of the driving means so that a specific picture or a combination of specific pictures corresponding to the combination is not stopped at the effective position.

  According to the present invention, by suppressing the act of automatically stopping the rotation of the endless belt, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of games per unit time, thereby substantially reducing the gaming machine. Reduction of the operating rate can be suppressed.

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 flowchart which shows a bonus symbol determination process. Explanatory drawing which shows the counter setting at the time of RB game initial setting process. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the counter setting at the time of a BB game initial setting process, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the counter setting at the time of a JAC game initial setting process in BB game. The flowchart which shows a forced stop process. The flowchart which shows a winning notification display process. The flowchart which shows another forced stop process. The flowchart which shows another winning notification display process.

  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;
Lottery means (function to perform lottery processing of the main control device 131) for lottery of the role;
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 (function of performing reel control processing of the main controller 131),
Benefits (bonus game, medal payout, etc.) to the player when the specific pattern or combination of specific patterns corresponding to the winning combination by the lottery means is stopped at an effective position visible from the display window In a gaming machine configured to grant
The drive control means is an automatic stop control means for stopping and controlling the drive means so as to stop the endless belts when a predetermined time (maximum rotation time) has passed without the stop operation means being operated. (Function to perform a forced stop process of the main controller 131)
The automatic stop control means is a establishment prevention control means for stopping and controlling each of the drive means so that a specific picture or a combination of specific pictures corresponding to the winning combination by the lottery means does not stop at the effective position. A gaming machine provided with (a function of performing step S1102 in the forced stop process of the main control device 131).

  In the gaming machine, when the specific picture or combination of specific pictures corresponding to the winning combination by the lottery means is stopped at an effective position visible from the display window, a privilege is given to the player. . Each of the endless belts is stopped when the stop operation unit is operated, or when the stop operation unit is not operated, and when the predetermined time elapses without operation. There is.

  Here, according to the means 1, when the establishment prevention control means is provided, when each endless belt automatically stops, a specific picture or a specific picture corresponding to the winning combination by lottery is selected. Each drive means is controlled so that the combination does not stop at the effective position. In this case, even if the winning combination is won, it is possible to prevent the player from obtaining a profit (privilege) at least in the game times. That is, if the stop operation means is not operated within a predetermined time, the player can be disadvantaged. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the act of not intentionally operating the stop operation means, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of games per unit time.

  Mean 2. The means 1 is provided with notifying means (a function for performing a winning notification display process of the display control device 111, an auxiliary display unit 15) for notifying (winning notification display) that a winning combination has been won by lottery by the lottery means. A gaming machine.

  According to the means 2, since the notifying means is provided, it is notified that the winning combination is won by lottery. With the configuration of the means 1, the combination of the specific patterns corresponding to the winning combination does not stop at the effective position unless the stop operation means is operated within a predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the stop operation means.

  In addition, as a structure of an alerting | reporting means, the structure which alert | reports that the role was elected by the lamp | ramp part (upper lamp | ramp 13) in the front part of a gaming machine, and the lighting state in this lamp | ramp part, or a display screen on the front part of a gaming machine A configuration may be considered in which a display device (auxiliary display unit 15) having a display is provided and notification is given by displaying that the winning combination is won in the display device.

  Means 3. In the means 2, the lottery means performs lottery based on the operation of the start operation means, and the notification means starts the notification before the operation of the stop operation means is validated (within an invalid period). A gaming machine characterized by that.

  The gaming machine is characterized by stopping the endless belt that rotates at a predetermined speed at a constant speed by operating the stop operating means. Therefore, a predetermined speed after the endless belt starts to rotate is one of the features of the game. It is preferable not to make the operation of the stop operation means effective during the acceleration period until the constant speed rotation.

  According to the means 3 in the configuration, when it is notified that the winning combination is won by lottery, the notification is started before the operation of the stop operation means is validated. With this configuration, it is possible to notify that the winning combination has been won before the effective operation of the stop operation means, and it is possible to prompt the player to operate the stop operation means earlier.

  Means 4. The game machine according to claim 3, wherein the notification means continues the notification until at least the rotation of each endless belt is stopped.

  According to the means 4, when it is notified that the winning combination is won by lottery, the notification is performed until the rotation of the endless belt is stopped. With this configuration, it is possible to continuously notify that the winning combination has been won while the endless belt is rotating, and the player can be surely prompted to operate the stop operation means. .

Means 5. In any one of the means 1 to 4, if a picture constituting the specific picture or a combination of the specific pictures is within the auxiliary allowable range from the effective position at the start of stopping the rotation of each endless belt, the picture The first stop information group (winning sliding table) in which the rotation stop end time is set in advance so that it stops at the effective position, and the specific design or the combination of the specific design does not stop at the effective location. A stop information group storage unit (ROM 152 of the main control device 131) storing a second stop information group (outgoing sliding table) in which the stop end time with respect to the stop start time is preset.
When the lottery wins and the stop operation means is operated within the predetermined time, the drive control means is configured to stop the drive means based on the first stop information group,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the establishment prevention control means is configured to stop the driving means based on the second stop information group.

  In the gaming machine, a first stop information group and a second stop information group are set. When the winning operation is performed by lottery and the stop operation means is operated within a predetermined time, the first stop information group is referred to, so that the specific design or the combination of the specific design corresponding to the winning combination is an effective position. It becomes easy to stop. On the other hand, if a lottery is not won, the second stop information group is referred to, so that even if the specific picture or combination of specific pictures is stopped at the effective position, the specific picture or Control is performed so that the combination of the specific patterns does not stop at the effective position.

  In this case, according to the means 5, when the stop operation means is not operated within a predetermined time, the specific design or combination of specific designs corresponding to the winning combination is effective by referring to the second stop information group. Each driving means is controlled so as not to stop at the position. That is, the establishment prevention control means refers to the stored second stop information group, and controls each driving means so that the specific pattern or the combination of specific patterns corresponding to the winning combination does not stop at the effective position. It becomes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the specific pattern or combination of specific patterns corresponding to the winning combination from stopping at the effective position only by switching the table to be referred to, without extremely increasing the processing load of the drive control means. An establishment prevention control means can be provided.

  Means 6. In the means 5, the predetermined pattern (corresponding to the “replay” symbol) in which the specific pattern or the combination of specific patterns stops at the effective position regardless of the operation timing of the stop operation means by referring to the first stop information group. A gaming machine comprising a winning combination for a lottery by the lottery means.

  According to the means 6, when a predetermined combination is won by lottery, the first stop information group is referred to by operating the stop operation means within a predetermined time, and a specific pattern or a combination of specific patterns corresponding to the predetermined combination Will always stop at the effective position. On the other hand, if the stop operation means is not operated within a predetermined time (when automatically stopping), the second stop information group is referred to even if the predetermined combination is won, so that the predetermined combination is supported. The specific pattern or combination of specific patterns that have been made will not necessarily stop at the effective position. Thereby, the disadvantage of automatically stopping each endless belt is enhanced, and the act of deliberately not operating the stop operation means can be further suppressed.

  Mean 7 In the means 5 or 6, when the drive means is controlled by the establishment prevention control means, even if the lottery is selected by the lottery means at least in the next game round, the drive control means A gaming machine configured so as not to refer to the first stop information group.

  According to the means 7, if each endless belt is automatically stopped without operating the stop operation means within a predetermined time, it is won by lottery at least at the next game round, and the stop operation is performed within the predetermined time. Even if the means is operated, the first stop information group is not referred to. Thereby, the disadvantage of automatically stopping each endless belt is enhanced, and the act of deliberately not operating the stop operation means can be further suppressed.

  Means 8. In any one of the means 1 to 7, if the winning combination of the lottery by the lottery means is won by the lottery by the lottery means, the specific combination (for example, “watermelon” symbol, for which the winning is effective only for the game times) ) Equipped with a).

  In the gaming machine of means 8, when a specific combination is won, if the specific pattern or combination of specific patterns corresponding to the game round does not stop at the valid position, the selection of the specific combination becomes invalid. And by providing the configuration of the above means 1, when each endless belt is automatically stopped at the game times in which the specific combination is won, the player is selected for the specific combination by lot drawing. Profit will be completely lost. Therefore, the disadvantage of automatically stopping the endless belt is increased, and the act of deliberately not operating the stop operation means can be further suppressed.

Means 9. 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;
Lottery means (function to perform lottery processing of the main control device 131) for lottery of the role;
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 (function of performing reel control processing of the main controller 131);
A privilege (bonus game, medal payout, etc.) is given to the player when a combination of specific pictures corresponding to the winning combination by the lottery means is established at an effective position visible from the display window. Privilege provision means (functions for performing bonus symbol determination processing and payout determination processing of the main control device 131),
Even if winning by lottery means, depending on the operation timing of the stop operation means, the corresponding specific pattern or combination of specific patterns may not stop at the effective position (for example, "watermelon" symbol) In the gaming machine prepared for the winning combination of the lottery by the same lottery means,
The drive control means includes
Automatic stop control means (main control) for stopping the drive means so that the endless belts are automatically stopped when a predetermined time (maximum rotation time) has passed without any operation of the stop operation means. A function of performing forced stop processing of the device 131),
When at least a predetermined combination is won by lottery by the lottery means, automatic stop prevention means for preventing the stop control of each driving means by the automatic stop control means (step S1201 in the forced stop processing of the main control device 131 is performed. A gaming machine characterized by having a function).

  In the gaming machine, when a combination of specific pictures corresponding to the winning combination by the lottery means is established at an effective position visible from the display window, a privilege is given to the player. Each of the endless belts is stopped when the stop operation unit is operated, or when the stop operation unit is not operated, and when the predetermined time elapses without operation. There is.

  In addition, the winning combination in the lottery is configured to include a specific combination in which the corresponding specific pattern or combination of specific patterns may not stop at the effective position depending on the operation timing of the stop operation means even if winning. Therefore, an immature player who cannot operate the stop operation means in a timely manner so as to stop the image aimed at the effective position, automatically stops the endless belt without operating the stop operation means, and There is a case where a specific pattern or a combination of specific patterns corresponding to a combination is to be stopped at an effective position. And if such an action is performed frequently, the number of games per unit time may decrease, and the substantial operating rate of the gaming machine may decrease.

  On the other hand, according to the means 9, since the automatic stop prevention means is provided, each endless belt is automatically set even if a predetermined time has elapsed even if at least a winning combination is won by lottery. It has a configuration that does not stop. Therefore, it is impossible to stop the specific pattern or the combination of specific patterns at the effective position without operating the stop operation means. Thereby, the act which does not operate a stop operation means can be made meaningless, and the said act can be suppressed.

  Means 10. Means 9 is provided with a role notification means (a function for performing a winning notification display process of the display control device 111, an auxiliary display unit 15) for notifying (winning notification display) that a winning combination is won by lottery by the lottery means. A featured gaming machine.

  According to the means 10, by providing the combination notification means, it is notified that the combination is won by lottery. By providing the configuration of the means 8, the endless belt does not stop unless the stop operation means is operated when at least a winning combination is won. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the stop operation means.

  In addition, as a configuration of the role notification means, a configuration in which a lamp portion (upper lamp 13) is provided in the front portion of the gaming machine and a winning combination is notified in the lighting state of the lamp portion, or a display on the front portion of the gaming machine is provided. A configuration may be considered in which a display device (auxiliary display unit 15) having a screen is provided and notification is given by displaying that the winning combination is won in the display device.

  Means 11. In the means 10, the lottery means performs lottery based on the operation of the start operation means, and the hand notification means starts the notification before the operation of the stop operation means is validated (within an invalid period). A gaming machine characterized by that.

  The gaming machine is characterized by stopping the endless belt that rotates at a predetermined speed at a constant speed by operating the stop operating means. Therefore, a predetermined speed after the endless belt starts to rotate is one of the features of the game. It is preferable that the operation of the stop operation means is not effective during the acceleration period until the constant speed rotation.

  According to the means 11 in the configuration, when it is notified that the winning combination is won by lottery, the notification is started before the operation of the stop operation means is validated. With this configuration, it is possible to notify that the winning combination has been won before the effective operation of the stop operation means, and it is possible to prompt the player to operate the stop operation means earlier.

  Means 12. The gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein the combination notification unit continues the notification until at least the rotation of the endless belt is stopped.

  According to the means 12, when it is notified that the winning combination is won by lottery, the notification is performed until the rotation of the endless belt is stopped. With this configuration, it is possible to continuously notify that the winning combination has been won while the endless belt is rotating, and the player can be surely prompted to operate the stop operation means. .

  Means 13. In any one of the means 9 to 12, a time passage notifying means (a function of performing a winning notification display process of the display control device 111, an upper lamp 13) for notifying that the predetermined time has elapsed is provided. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 13, by providing the time passage notification means, it is notified that a predetermined time has passed. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the stop operation means.

  In addition, as a structure of time progress alerting | reporting means, the structure which alert | reports that predetermined time passed in the lighting mode of the light by providing a lamp part (upper lamp | ramp 13) in the front part of a game machine, or a game machine front part A configuration may be considered in which a display device (auxiliary display unit 15) having a display screen is provided and notification is given by displaying that a predetermined time has elapsed on the display device.

  Means 14. In the means 13, the time lapse notifying means starts the notification when the predetermined time has elapsed, and continues the notification until the rotation of each endless belt is stopped. Machine.

  According to the means 14, when the notification that the predetermined time has passed is performed, the notification is started when the predetermined time has passed, and the notification is continued until the rotation of the endless belt is stopped. The Rukoto. Thereby, when the predetermined time has elapsed, it is possible to notify the player to that effect, and further, the notification can be continued. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the stop operation means earlier and more reliably.

Means 15. In any one of the means 9 to 14, a predetermined time elapse determining means for determining whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed (a function of performing the process of step S704 in the reel control process of the main controller 131) is provided.
Further, the automatic stop prevention means checks whether or not the stop control of each driving means by the automatic stop control means is blocked by confirming the result of the lottery by the lottery means (of the main controller 131). A function of performing the process of step S1201 in the forced stop process),
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the blocking determination means is set to make a determination only when the predetermined time elapse determination means determines that the predetermined time has elapsed.

  According to the means 15, it is not determined whether or not the automatic stop of the endless belt is prevented until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. By providing the configuration of the means 9, the act of deliberately not operating the stop operation means is suppressed, so the frequency with which the predetermined time elapses decreases. Accordingly, the frequency of determining whether or not to automatically stop the endless belt is minimized, so that the processing load of the drive control unit can be reduced in the configuration provided with the automatic stop prevention unit.

  Means 16. In any one of the means 9 to 15, the drive control means, when an operation of the stop operation means is performed, a specific picture or a combination of specific pictures corresponding to the winning combination by the lottery means If there is a pattern that constitutes the auxiliary position within the auxiliary allowable range from the effective position, stop auxiliary means for performing stop assistance so that the pattern stops at the effective position (reel stop processing in the reel control processing of the main controller 131). A gaming machine characterized by having a function to perform).

  According to the means 16, when the stop operation means is operated, if the design constituting the specific design or combination of the specific design corresponding to the winning combination by lottery is within the auxiliary allowable range from the effective position. Stop assistance is performed so that the pattern stops at the effective position. Thereby, even the immature player or the like can easily stop the specific pattern or the combination of specific patterns at the effective position.

  Means 17. The means 16 is configured such that when the stop operation means is operated within the predetermined time in a state in which the lottery is selected by the lottery means, the stop auxiliary means performs stop assistance, and the predetermined time The gaming machine is configured such that when the stop operation means is not operated, stop assistance by the stop assistance means is not performed.

  According to the means 17, stop assistance is performed when the stop operation means is operated within a predetermined time, and stop assistance is not performed when the stop operation means is not operated within the predetermined time. As a result, the disadvantage of not operating the stop operating means within a predetermined time is increased (the profit of operating the stop operating means within a predetermined time is increased), and the act of not operating the stop operating means is intentionally performed. Can be suppressed.

  Means 18. In any one of the means 9 to 17, when the automatic stop prevention means does not win any combination by lottery by the lottery means, the automatic stop control means controls the stop of each driving means by the automatic stop control means. A gaming machine that is configured not to block.

  According to the means 18, if no winning combination is won by lottery, the endless belts are automatically stopped after a predetermined time without operating the stop operation means. . Even in this case, by providing the configuration of the means 9 and the like, it is possible to suppress the act of not operating the stop operation means.

  Means 19. In any one of the means 1 to 18, the winning combination of the lottery by the lottery means is a special combination in which the winning is held in a valid state until the corresponding specific design or combination of specific designs stops at the effective position ( A gaming machine having a BB symbol and an RB symbol).

  In the gaming machine of means 19, when a special role is won, the winning is held in a valid state until the corresponding specific picture or combination of specific pictures stops at the valid position. Therefore, even if the specific picture or combination of specific pictures corresponding to the game times won for the special role cannot be stopped at the effective position, if the game can be stopped at the subsequent game times, the privilege corresponding to the special role can be obtained. Obtainable.

  In this case, in a configuration in which a specific picture or a combination of specific pictures may stop at an effective position by automatic stop as in the conventional case, an unskilled player or the like may deliberately do not operate the stop operation means in multiple game cycles. It is conceivable to carry out the process repeatedly. As a result, the decrease in the number of games per unit time becomes remarkable.

  On the other hand, since it is possible to suppress the act of not operating the stop operation means by providing the means 1 or the like or the means 8 or the like, the unit time in the gaming machine equipped with the means 18 means The decrease in the number of hit games per game can be suppressed from becoming significant.

Means 20. In any one of the means 1 to 19, an insertion unit (medal insertion slot 75) where a gaming medal is inserted into a gaming machine, and a betting operation means (credit insertion) operated to bet a stored and stored virtual medal Switches 77 to 79) and payout means (hopper device 91 or the like) for paying out game medals or storing and storing virtual medals.
The game medal is inserted into the insertion part or the bet operation means is operated, and the start operation means is further operated to start the rotation of the endless belt. When a predetermined pattern (“Cherry” symbol) or a combination of predetermined symbols (for example, “Bell” symbol combination) won by lottery by the lottery means is established at an effective position that can be visually recognized, A gaming machine configured to perform payout or storage of virtual medals.

  According to the means 20, the effects of any of the means 1 to 19 can be enjoyed in the slot machine.

Means 21. In any one of means 1 to means 19, a ball tray for storing game balls, a take-in device for taking in game balls from the ball tray, and a payout device for paying out game balls to the ball tray Prepared,
A predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device, and further, the start operation means is operated to start the rotation of the endless belt, and after the rotation stops, the effective position is visible from the display window. A gaming machine configured to pay out a game ball by the payout device when a predetermined picture or a combination of predetermined pictures won by the lottery means is established.

  According to the means 21, the effect of any of the above means 1 to 19 can be enjoyed in a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused.

  Hereinafter, some embodiments will be described in the case where the present invention is applied to a swivel type gaming machine which is a kind of gaming machine, specifically, a slot machine.

(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to 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 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 disposed 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 in the vertical direction with respect to the base frame extending in the vertical direction and fixed to the front door 12, the 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 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 each 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 part formed along the both sides of the long side of the belt so that the wound state may be maintained. A large number of symbols as identification information are printed at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the 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 rotates, the cylindrical skeleton member 50 rotates around the drive shaft, and 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 by 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, the main controller 131 can confirm and correct the angular position of the 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 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 any symbol can be viewed 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. Numbers 1 to 21 are assigned to the respective reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, but 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, there are a “7” symbol (for example, the 14th left belt) and a “youth” symbol (for example, the 10th left belt) as the first special symbol for shifting to the big bonus game. In addition, there is a “BAR” symbol (for example, the 15th left belt) as a second special symbol for shifting to the regular bonus game. In addition, there is a “replay” symbol (for example, the 21st left belt) as a third special symbol for shifting to the replay game. Also, a “watermelon” symbol (for example, the left belt 18th), a “bell” symbol (for example, the left belt 20th), a “cherry” symbol (for example, the left belt) as the small character symbols from which the small character is paid out 19th). 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 device for variably displaying 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 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. A winning is awarded when the symbols are stopped in a predetermined combination on the activated combination line, that is, on the activated line, and a predetermined medal payout process, a transition process to a specific game, and the like are 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, 15 medals are paid out. When the “Bell” design is aligned with the left, middle and right on the effective line Pays out 8 medals, and when the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 42L stops on the active line, 2 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 multiplying the number of overlapping active lines. As a result, in this embodiment, four medals are paid out.

  As for other symbols, when the “7” symbol or “youth” symbol, which is a combination of the first special symbol (big bonus symbol), is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line in the same symbol 15 medals are also paid out when the “BAR” symbol, which is a combination of 15 medal payouts and the second special symbol (regular bonus symbol), is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line. In the present embodiment, for example, a case where the “7” symbol and the “cherry” symbol are established simultaneously may occur, 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, which is a combination of the third special symbols, 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 is paid out.

  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 the reels 42L, 42M, 42R are rotated at a constant speed, and a stop operation is performed by lighting a lamp (not shown) in 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 certain 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 in the medal insertion 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, there are a remaining number display section 35 for displaying the number of medals activated and stored in the credit mode, and in a special gaming state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus. In addition, for example, a game number display unit 36 for displaying the number of remaining 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 in 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 outlet 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 also displayed when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 77 to 79 is operated. A medal is inserted and a bet is placed.

  When the third credit insertion switch 79 is operated, 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 operated, two numerical values displayed on the remaining number display section 35 are decremented as two virtual medals are inserted, and the first valid line display section 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 operated, 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 operated 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 operated, all the numerical values in the remaining number display section 35 are decremented to 0, and a bet is made for the number 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 substrate 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.

  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. On the power supply board 161, a power supply unit 161 a that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the slot machine 10 including the main control device 131, the power failure monitoring circuit 161 b described above, and the like are mounted.

  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. Therefore, the power failure monitoring circuit 161b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 24 VDC in this example output from the power supply unit 161a, and determines that the power is shut off when the drive voltage drops to, for example, less than 22 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.

  Even when the output voltage drops below 22 volts, the power supply unit 161a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts that is used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 131. 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, by providing a sub-base for voice, lamps, and display related to indirect games, the burden on the main base is reduced. 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 temporarily stores various data such as various control programs executed by the CPU 151 and ROM 152 storing fixed value data such as a sliding table, and various data when the control program stored in the ROM 152 is executed. In addition to the RAM 153 for securing a work area to be stored in the slot, although not shown, a timer circuit such as a rotation time measuring timer for measuring the rotation time of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, as well as an interrupt circuit, a slot such as a data transmission / reception circuit Various processing circuits necessary for the machine 10 and various counters such as a credit counter for counting the number of credits are incorporated. 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 shut down 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 roughly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 1.49 msec), and an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). There is an NMI interrupt process activated by the input of a power failure signal. 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, the process at the time of power failure is not executed by interrupting each process, for example, during the transmission process of various commands, the process of reading the switch state (ON / OFF), and the like. 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 transmission has not been completed, the system waits until transmission is completed. 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 not 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 YES in step S301, that is, if command transmission is complete, 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, 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 saving the RAM determination value in the backup area, the checksum of the RAM 153 becomes zero. By setting the check sum 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.

  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 of the control system for a sufficient time 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 that are the respective rotating drum driving 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, counter processing for counting the number of medals bet and the number of payouts is performed.

  In step S210, command output processing for transmitting a winning command, an all-reel stop command, and the like to be described later to the display control device 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, the segment data set by the segment data setting process is supplied to the display units 35 to 37, and the segment data display process for displaying the corresponding numbers, symbols, etc. 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 returned 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 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 is 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 according 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 is terminated.

  When the power failure flag is set in step S406, the process proceeds to power recovery processing 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 checksum value of the RAM 153 is checked to check whether the value is normal, that is, whether the checksum value 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, error display processing is performed in step S409. As error display processing, first, interrupt processing is prohibited, and all output ports in the input / output port 155 are cleared, thereby controlling 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 of the slot machine 10, the number of medals bet, the level of the small role probability, and the like. Here, the setting state of the slot machine 10 is any one of “setting 1” to “setting 6” set by using a setting key (not shown), and the random number having the lowest winning probability of the combination when “setting 1” is set. When the table is selected and “setting 6” is selected, the random number table having the highest winning probability of the winning combination is selected. Further, the number of medals bet is any one of 1 to 3, and a random number table is selected such that the winning probability of a winning combination increases as the number of bets increases. For example, the winning probability of a winning combination when three bets are higher than the winning probability of winning when a single bet is three times. In addition, there are two types of small role probabilities: a random number table with a high small role winning probability is selected when the current payout rate is below a predetermined expected value, and small when it exceeds the predetermined expected value. A random number table with a low winning probability 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 been won, in step S604, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set and the effective line to be aligned. To decide. Incidentally, when the winning flag is the small role winning flag or the replay winning flag, these winning flags are reset at the end of the game in which the corresponding winning flag is set. On the other hand, when the winning flag is a BB winning flag or an RB winning flag, these winning flags are reset on the condition that the corresponding symbol combination is established on the active line. That is, the BB winning flag and the RB winning flag may be valid over a plurality of games. Note that in the lottery process after the next game carrying over the BB winning flag or the RB winning flag, a lottery regarding whether or not to win a small role or replay is performed, but a lottery regarding BB and RB is not performed. Further, when a small combination or replay is won in a state where the BB winning flag or the RB winning flag is carried over, an effective line is determined so that the small combination or replay is preferentially arranged.

  After setting the winning flag in step S604, or if no winning combination has been won in step S603, it is checked in step S605 whether the winning flag is set. If the winning flag is set, a winning command is set in step S606. The winning command is a command transmitted to the display control device 111, and the display control device 111 performs a winning notification display described later by receiving the command. After the winning command is set in step S606, the winning sliding table is selected as the reel stopping control sliding table in step S607 and stored in the sliding table storage area of the RAM 153, and the process is terminated. Here, the sliding table is a table in which it is determined how much the reels are slid and stopped after the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated. The winning sliding table is a table determined so that the combination of the symbol corresponding to the set winning flag can be stopped on the active line determined in step S604. Note that “sliding the reel” means that the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are advanced in the rotation direction from the rotation position at the timing when the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated.

  If the winning flag is not set, a negative determination is made in step S605, a slipping table for removal is selected as a sliding table for reel stop control in step S608, and a slip table storage area in the RAM 153 is selected. And the process ends. Here, the slip-out sliding table means that the reels are arranged so that the winning symbol combination is not established when the timing when the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated is the timing when the winning symbol combination is established. It is a table that determines how much you slide.

  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 medals 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, in which one of the stop switches 72 to 74 is operated to generate a reel stop command, more specifically, whether an ON signal is received from the stop detection sensors 72a to 74a. Determine whether or not. However, in this embodiment, the period from the start of rotation of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R to the constant speed rotation at a predetermined speed is set as an invalid period, and the stop switches 72˜ Even if 74 is operated, the ON signals from the stop detection sensors 72a to 74a are invalidated. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, a period from when each reel 42L, 42M, 42R starts to rotate until 0.5 seconds elapses is set as an invalid period. 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. This forced stop process will be described in detail later. The maximum rotation time is measured by a rotation time measurement timer provided in the CPU of main controller 131.

  On the other hand, if any of the stop switches 72 to 74 is operated and a stop command is generated in step S703, the process proceeds to step S706 to perform a reel stop process. In this reel stop process, the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped. If the winning combination is selected in the winning combination lottery and the winning flag is set, the winning table stored in the smooth table storage area of the RAM 153 is displayed. With reference to the sliding table, the winning combination is controlled as much as possible on a predetermined effective line. For example, if the “Watermelon” symbol is lined up on the lower line, and if the stop switch is operated at the timing when the “Watermelon” symbol stops on the upper line, two symbols will stop on the lower line. Slide the reel as much as possible. 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.

  In the present embodiment, when a winning combination corresponding to the “replay” symbol is won by referring to the winning sliding table, the winning line is placed on the active line regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 72 to 74. “Replay” design is arranged. That is, a large number of “replay” symbols are attached to each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, and there are a maximum of four other symbols between the “replay” symbols in each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. When 42L is stopped for the first time, the “replay” symbols are always arranged on one of the active lines. When the middle reel 42M or the right reel 42R is first stopped, the reels 42M and 42R are always slid so that the “replay” symbol stops on the middle line. As a result, no matter what timing the left reel 42L is operated, the “replay” symbol is always aligned on the middle line without generating a composite with the “cherry” symbol. Here, “combination of a combination” means that, for example, when a “watermelon” symbol is arranged on the upper line, a “cherry” symbol appears on the lower line when the “cherry” symbol appears on the lower line. Refers to cases.

  Incidentally, the range that can be slid as described above is determined because the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are required to be stopped within a predetermined time after the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed. by. For example, in a case where each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is configured to make one rotation at 750 msec, the reels 42L, 42M, 42R can be stopped within 190 msec after the stop switches 72 to 74 are pressed. When required, since 21 symbols are attached to each of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R, the range that can be slid is a maximum of four symbols. Note that, by adopting a configuration in which each reel 42L, 42M, and 42R makes one rotation at 750 msec, it is possible to allow the player to visually recognize the variable display of symbols.

  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 operated 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. The sliding 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 sometimes determined whether or not the stop switch has been operated. 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 two reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not the two symbols are aligned with a bonus symbol such as “7” symbol. 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, and if YES, a stop command for all reels is set in subsequent step S712. The all reel stop command is a command transmitted to the display control device 111, and the display control device 111 ends the winning notification display described later by receiving the command. After the all reel stop command is set in step S712, a payout determination process is performed in step S713, and this process ends. 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.

  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 to remove the medal 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 in accordance with 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 bonus game will be described. The regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as “RB”) game is composed of 12 JAC games. The JAC game is a game in which only one bet is allowed, and is a game with a very high probability that the JAC symbols (replay symbols in this case) are aligned on the active line, that is, the probability of establishment of the JAC symbols. When a JAC symbol is established in a JAC game, the maximum number (15 in this case) of medals is paid out. When the JAC symbol is established 8 times, the RB game is ended even before the JAC game reaches 12 times. On the other hand, a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB”) game is composed of 30 small role games and 3 JAC ins. A small role game is a game in which a small role is won with a high probability (“Bell” symbols etc. are on the active line), and JAC in means entering the JAC game 12 times. When JAC symbols are aligned on the active line, JAC in is established. The JAC game is the same as that of the RB game. Also, when the JAC game by the third JAC in is finished, the BB game is finished even before the small role game reaches 30 times, and before the JAC in reaches 3 times after the 30 small role games are finished. Even if there is, the BB game ends.

  In the special game state process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the game state is a bonus game. If it is not during the bonus game, the process proceeds to step S902, and bonus symbol determination processing is performed.

  In this bonus symbol determination process, as shown in FIG. 18, it is first determined in step S1001 whether or not the RB winning flag is set. If it is set, the process proceeds to step S1002, and the RB symbol on the current effective line is determined. It is determined whether or not (for example, “BAR” symbols) are aligned, and if the RB symbols are not aligned, this processing is terminated. On the other hand, when the RB symbols are aligned on the active line this time, in step S1003, the RB winning flag is reset and the RB setting flag is set to set the RB game as one type of bonus game, and the RB game initial setting process shown in FIG. To finish this processing. If the RB winning flag is not set in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the BB winning flag is set in step S1004. If not set, the process is terminated. When the BB winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S1005, where it is determined whether or not the BB symbol (for example, symbol “7”) is aligned on the current effective line. . On the other hand, when the BB symbols are aligned on the active line this time, in step S1006, the BB winning flag is reset and the BB setting flag is set to set the BB game as one type of bonus game, and the BB game initial setting process shown in FIG. Execute this to finish this process.

  19 and 20, the remaining small role game counter represents the remaining number of small role games (also referred to as the remaining small role game number), and the remaining JAC in counter represents the remaining number of remaining JAC in (remaining JAC in number). The remaining JAC establishment counter represents the remaining number of times that the JAC symbol can be established (also referred to as the number of remaining JAC formations), and the remaining JAC game counter represents the number of remaining JAC games (also referred to as the number of remaining JAC games). To express. The number of remaining small role games, the number of remaining JAC ins, the number of remaining JACs established, and the number of remaining JAC games are displayed on the game number display unit 36 as appropriate. By the way, if a small role winning flag or replay winning flag is set by winning a small role or replay in the role lottery, if the small role symbol or replay symbol is not aligned on the active line in the game, these winning flags Will be reset, but if the RB winning flag or the BB winning flag is set by winning the RB or BB in the winning lottery, even if the RB symbol or BB symbol cannot be aligned on the active line in the game The winning flag will be carried over to the next time. In the lottery process in the next game that carries over the BB or RB winning flag, a lottery regarding whether or not a small role or replay is won is performed, but a lottery regarding BB or RB is not performed. In addition, when a small combination or replay is won in a state where the BB or RB winning flag is carried over, a slide table is stored so that the small combination or replay is preferentially aligned.

  Now, returning to FIG. 17, when the gaming state is a bonus game in step S901, it is determined in step S903 whether the bonus game is a JAC game. If it is not a JAC game, it means that the BB game is in the small role game, so the process proceeds to step S904, where it is determined whether or not the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line. When the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line, the JAC game is started in step S905 and the JAC game initial setting process during the BB game shown in FIG. 20B is performed, and this process ends. On the other hand, when the JAC symbols are not aligned on the active line in step S904, the small role game has been consumed, so in step S906 the remaining small role game number is decremented by 1, and in step S907. It is determined whether or not the number of remaining small role games has become zero. When the remaining small role game number is not 0, the present process is terminated. When the remaining small role game number is 0, the process proceeds to step S908. To end this process.

  When the gaming state is a JAC game in step S903, the process proceeds to step S909 to determine whether or not the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line. When the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line, the number of remaining JACs established is determined in step S910. Decrement by one. After that, or when the JAC symbols are not aligned on the active line in step S909, one JAC game has been consumed, so the number of remaining JAC games is decremented by 1 in step S911. Subsequently, in step S912, it is determined whether or not either the remaining number of JACs or the number of remaining JAC games has become 0. If none of them is 0, that is, the JAC symbol has not yet been established 8 times. If the JAC game has not been digested 12 times, the present process is terminated. On the other hand, when any of them is 0, that is, when the JAC symbol is established 8 times or the JAC game is digested 12 times, the JAC in is digested once, so in step S913, the remaining JAC in The number of times is decremented by 1, and in the subsequent step S914, it is determined whether or not the number of remaining JAC in is zero. When it is 0, the special gaming state termination process of step S908 described above is performed, and this process is terminated. Incidentally, if the bonus game is an RB bonus, the initial remaining JAC in number is 1 (see FIG. 19), so it becomes 0 in step S913, and an affirmative determination is made in step S914, and the special game in step S908 The RB setting flag is reset in the state end process.

  On the other hand, if the number of remaining JAC ins is not zero in step S914, that is, if the JAC in has not been digested three times in the BB game, JAC game end processing for resetting the JAC game setting flag is performed in step S915, and then this time JAC When the player enters the game, one of the small role games is digested. In step S906, the remaining small role game number is decremented by one. If it is determined that the number of remaining small role games is 0, the special game state ending process of step S908 described above is performed, and this process is ended. On the other hand, when the number of remaining small role games is not 0, the small role game in the BB bonus has not reached 30 times, and the JAC in has not reached 3 times, so this processing is terminated.

  Here, in the present embodiment, in the forced stop process of step S705 in the reel control process, even if any winning flag is set, control is performed so that combinations of symbols corresponding to the winning flag are not necessarily aligned on the effective line. Is done. Therefore, the forced stop process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1101, it is determined whether or not the winning table stored in the smoothing table storage area is a winning winning table by determining whether or not the winning flag is set. If the winning flag has been set, in step S1102, the release slip table is stored again in the slip table storage area, and the process proceeds to step S1103. On the other hand, if the winning flag is not set, that is, if the off-going sliding table is stored from the beginning, the process proceeds to step S1103 as it is.

  Thereafter, in step S1103, it is determined whether or not the left reel 42L is rotating. If the left reel 42L is not rotating, the process directly proceeds to step S1105. On the other hand, if it is rotating, a left reel stop process is performed in step S1104, and the process proceeds to step S1105. As a result, the left reel 42L stops. At this time, since the slipping-out slip table is stored, the “cherry” symbol does not stop on the effective line of the left reel 42L even if the cherry winning flag is set. This is because the “cherry” symbol is paid out by stopping on the effective line of the left reel 42L as described above. Further, when the middle reel 42M and the right reel 42R are already stopped and the left reel 42L is the final stop reel, the winning flag for the bell role or the big bonus role is set. Even if the symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned, the combinations of symbols are not aligned. The same applies to the middle reel stop process and the right reel stop process described later. If it is determined in step S1103 that the left reel 42L is not rotating, the process proceeds to step S1105.

  In step S1105, it is determined whether the middle reel 42M is rotating. If it is not rotating, the process directly proceeds to step S1107. On the other hand, if it is rotating, a middle reel stop process is performed in step S1106, and the process proceeds to step S1107. Thereby, the middle reel 42M stops. In step S1107, it is determined whether the right reel 42R is rotating. And when not rotating, this process is complete | finished as it is. On the other hand, if it is rotating, right reel stop processing is performed in step S1108, and this processing ends. When the maximum rotation time of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R elapses due to the above forced stop processing, even if any winning flag is set, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning flag is not necessarily aligned on the active line. Controlled.

  Next, a specific procedure of winning notification display processing by the display control device 111 when winning notification display is performed will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not a winning command is received from the main controller 131. If the winning command has not been received, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if a winning command has been received, the auxiliary display unit 15 is driven and controlled to start a winning notification display stored in advance in the RAM of the display control device 111 in step S1202. As a result, it is notified that one of the winning combinations has been won. Specifically, a display such as “winning confirmation” is performed on the auxiliary display unit 15. The content of the winning notification display may be changed according to the winning combination. In this case, it is necessary to set a winning command corresponding to the winning combination, and to store display contents corresponding to the winning command in the RAM of the display control device 111.

  Here, as described above, the winning command is set in the lottery process of the main controller 131, and is transmitted to the display controller 111 in the timer interrupt process performed every 1.49 msec. Further, the operation of the stop switches 72 to 74 is not validated until 0.5 seconds have elapsed since the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R started to rotate. Therefore, when any winning combination is won by lottery, the winning notification display is started before the operation of the stop switches 72 to 74 is validated.

  Returning to the description of the winning notification display process, after the process of step S1202, it is determined whether or not an all-reel stop command has been received from the main controller 131 in step S1203. If all reel stop commands have not been received, the process stands by until the command is received. Thereafter, by receiving an all reel stop command, an affirmative determination is made in step S1203, and the auxiliary display unit 15 is driven and controlled to end the winning notification display in step S1204. Thereby, the winning notification display ends. As described above, by waiting until all reel stop commands are received, the winning notification display started before the operation of the stop switches 72 to 74 is validated stops all the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R. Will continue until.

  According to 1st Embodiment explained in full detail above, there exist the following outstanding effects.

  In a conventional slot machine, when each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is automatically stopped in a situation where one of the winning combinations is won by lottery, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination ("cherry" symbol on the active line) ) And symbol combinations (for example, “7” symbol combinations) may stop by chance. And so-called immature players who cannot do so may intentionally do not operate the stop switches 72 to 74 in order to stop the symbols and symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination on the active line by automatic stop. is assumed. In this case, the number of games per unit time decreases, and the substantial operating rate of the slot machine decreases. And if the substantial operating rate falls, there is a possibility that inconveniences such as game halls suffer disadvantages. That is, in a game hall or the like, for example, by setting a winning probability of a combination in a slot machine, a target value of the number of medals to be paid out with respect to the number of medals inserted by the player is set on a daily basis. In this case, if the number of games per unit time decreases, the number of games per day decreases accordingly, and the actual value of the number of paid-out medals with respect to the number of inserted medals by the player greatly deviates from the target value. This is because there is a risk of it.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when each reel 42L, 42M, 42R automatically stops, even if any winning flag is set, the symbols or symbol combinations corresponding to the winning flags are always aligned on the effective line. It is set so that the player cannot obtain a profit such as paying out medals at the game time when the maximum rotation time has elapsed without operating the stop switches 72 to 74. did. That is, if the stop switches 72 to 74 are not operated within the maximum rotation time, the player suffers a disadvantage. Therefore, the act of intentionally stopping the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R can be suppressed, and the substantial operating rate of the slot machine is reduced (the number of games per unit time is reduced). It is suppressed.

  Further, in the forced stop process (FIG. 21) of the main controller 131, if each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is automatically stopped by changing the slide table from the winning slide table to the detaching sliding table, the winning table By adopting a configuration in which the design corresponding to the flag or a combination of symbols is controlled so as not to be aligned on the effective line, the stop switches 72 to 74 are deliberately made without excessively increasing the processing load of the main controller 131. The above-described effect of suppressing the act of not operating can be achieved.

  In addition, when the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated within the maximum rotation time under the situation where one of the winning combinations is won, the stop switches 72 to 74 are set by referring to the winning slide table. Profitability of operation (disadvantage of not operating stop switches 72 to 74) is enhanced. Also from this point, the act of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 can be suppressed.

  In addition, the “replay” symbols are arranged on the valid line without reference to the operation timing of the stop switches 72 to 74 by referring to the winning slide table. On the other hand, when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are automatically stopped, as described above, the “replay” symbols are not aligned on the effective line by referring to the slipping slide table. Therefore, the profitability (disadvantage of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74) of operating the stop switches 72 to 74 is enhanced, and the act of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 can be suppressed.

  Further, when a winning combination corresponding to BB or RB is won, the winning flag is held in a valid state until the corresponding symbol combination is stopped on the effective line. As a result, even if the combination of the BB symbol and the combination of the RB symbol cannot be stopped on the active line in the game times won for the role corresponding to BB or RB, if the game times can be stopped in the subsequent game times, RB benefits can be obtained. In this case, in a configuration in which the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination can be stopped on the active line by automatic stop as in the past, an immature player or the like does not operate the stop switches 72 to 74 intentionally. It is conceivable to repeat the process over a plurality of game times. As a result, the decrease in the number of games per unit time becomes remarkable. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the act of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74, so that it is possible to suppress a remarkable decrease in the number of games per unit time. it can.

  In addition, when any winning combination is won by lottery, the winning display is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15 so that the player is notified of winning. As described above, when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are automatically stopped, the symbol or symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination does not stop. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the stop switches 72 to 74.

  In addition, by making the winning notification display on the auxiliary display unit 15 start within the invalid period of the stop switches 72 to 74, it is possible to notify that the winning combination has been won before the effective operation of the stop operation means, It is possible to prompt the player to operate the stop switches 72 to 74 earlier.

  Further, the winning notification display on the auxiliary display unit 15 is continued until each reel 42L, 42M, 42R stops, so that the winning combination is made while each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is rotating. It is possible to continuously notify the player, and the player can be surely prompted to operate the stop switches 72 to 74.

  In addition, it is not necessary to set a plurality of winning commands in the main controller 131 by configuring the same winning notification display regardless of which winning combination is won, and winning according to the winning winning combination There is no need to set commands. Furthermore, it is not necessary to set a plurality of types of winning notification display contents in the display control device 111. Therefore, the processing load on the main control device 131 and the display control device 111 can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
In this embodiment, the mode of forced stop processing is different from that of the first embodiment. This will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In the forced stop process in the present embodiment, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not a winning flag is set. In this case, if the winning flag is set, a time lapse command is set in step S1302 and the process is terminated. That is, in this embodiment, when the winning flag is set, the reels 42L, 42M, 42R are not forcibly stopped, and the reels 42L, 42M, 42R rotate until the stop switches 72-74 are operated. Will continue. The time lapse command is a command transmitted to the display control device 111, and the display control device 111 receives the command to perform time lapse notification in the winning notification display process.

  On the other hand, if the winning flag is not set, a negative determination is made in step S1301 to perform the processes in steps S1303 to S1308. In this case, since a removal slip table is set, processing similar to that in steps S1103 to S1108 in the first embodiment is performed. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  Next, a specific procedure of the winning notification display process in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not a winning command has been received from the main controller 131. If the winning command has not been received, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if a winning command has been received, the auxiliary display unit 15 is driven and controlled to start a winning notification display stored in advance in the RAM of the display control device 111 in step S1402. As a result, it is notified that one of the winning combinations has been won.

  Thereafter, in step S1403, it is determined whether or not a time lapse command has been received from the main controller 131. If the command has not been received, the process proceeds directly to step S1405. If the command has been received, the upper lamp 13 is turned on / off in step S1404, and the process proceeds to step S1405. Thereby, the upper lamp 13 blinks once. However, the lighting of the upper lamp 13 is continued for at least 1 sec. Accordingly, in step S1404, the on / off control of the upper lamp 13 is alternately performed every time a time lapse command is received a plurality of times.

  In step S1405, it is determined whether an all reel stop command has been received from main controller 131. If all reel stop commands have not been received, the process returns to step S1403. The processes in steps S1403 to S1405 are repeatedly executed until an all reel stop command is received. As a result, the upper lamp 13 continues to blink until the command is received, and the player is notified that the maximum rotation time has elapsed. Thereafter, by receiving an all reel stop command, an affirmative determination is made in step S1405, and the auxiliary display unit 15 is driven and controlled to end the winning notification display in step S1406.

  According to 2nd Embodiment explained in full detail above, there exist the following outstanding effects.

  In the first embodiment, in the situation where the winning flag is set, if the stop switches 72 to 74 are not operated until the maximum rotation time of each reel 42L, 42M, 42R has passed, Although the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are automatically stopped with reference to the table, in the present embodiment, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are not automatically stopped. As a result, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R do not stop unless the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated. Therefore, the act of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 is meaningless. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an act of an inexperienced player or the like not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 in order to stop the symbols and symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination on the active line by automatic stop.

  If an action that does not operate the stop switches 72 to 74 is performed, the number of games per unit time decreases, and the substantial operating rate of the slot machine decreases. And if the substantial operating rate falls, there is a possibility that inconveniences such as game halls suffer disadvantages. That is, in a game hall or the like, for example, by setting a winning probability of a combination in a slot machine, a target value of the number of medals to be paid out with respect to the number of medals inserted by the player is set on a daily basis. In this case, if the number of games per unit time decreases, the number of games per day decreases accordingly, and the actual value of the number of paid-out medals with respect to the number of inserted medals by the player greatly deviates from the target value. This is because there is a risk of it. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the act of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 can be suppressed, so that the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suppressed.

  In addition, with this configuration, the profit that the player can obtain per unit time decreases so that the player does not continue to operate the stop switches 72 to 74. Therefore, also from this point, the act of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 can be suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, in the forced stop process, it is first determined whether or not the winning slide table is set, and then the process is performed to change to the detaching slide table. In the forced stop process, it is determined whether the winning flag is set or not. If the winning flag is set, the forced stop process is terminated. Therefore, the process in the forced stop process is simplified as compared with the first embodiment, and the processing load on the main controller 131 can be reduced.

  Also, in the reel control process, after determining whether or not the maximum rotation time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is set in the forced stop process, thereby reducing the processing load on the main controller 131. It can be reduced. That is, in the configuration in which the act of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 before the maximum rotation time elapses as described above, the frequency with which the forced stop process is performed in the reel control process decreases. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of processes in the reel control process in each game round by determining whether or not the winning flag is set when the forced stop process is reached.

  In addition, as in the first embodiment, the winning notification display process is performed in the auxiliary display unit 15 to notify the player that the player has won. As described above, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R do not stop unless the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated, and the profit that the player can obtain per unit time is reduced so that the stop switches 72 to 74 are not further operated. Will be. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the stop switches 72 to 74.

  Further, when the maximum rotation time has elapsed, the player can be notified that the maximum rotation time has elapsed by adopting a configuration in which the upper lamp 13 blinks to notify that effect, and a stop switch The player can be prompted to operate 72-74.

  The blinking of the upper lamp 13 is started when the maximum rotation time has elapsed and is continued until the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the stop switches 72 to 74 earlier and more reliably.

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

  (A) In each of the above-described embodiments, when winning a winning combination, the effect is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 15, but this may be changed. For example, when the winning combination is won, the display control device 111 drives and controls the upper lamp 13 and the speaker 14 based on the reception of the command from the main control device 131, and wins the winning combination based on the lighting color of the lamp, sound, and the like. It is good also as a structure which alert | reports this. For example, it is good also as a structure which does not alert | report that the winning combination is won. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which alert | reports that the winning combination was won with the predetermined probability.

  (B) In each of the above-described embodiments, the winning notification display is configured to start within the invalid period of the stop switches 72 to 74, but may be configured to start within the valid period of the stop switches 72 to 74. Good. In this case, the main control device 131 transmits a command to that effect to the display control device 111 when the invalid period of the stop switches 72 to 74 has elapsed, and the display control device 111 performs the above command and winning command in the winning notification display processing. Is received and the winning notification display is started.

  In addition, the winning notification display is configured to continue until each reel 42L, 42M, 42R is stopped, but may be configured to end by displaying for a predetermined time. In this case, a time measurement timer is provided in the CPU of the display control device 111, and the winning notification display is terminated when the time measured by the timer reaches a predetermined time.

  (C) In the said 2nd Embodiment, when the maximum rotation time passed, it was the structure which alert | reports that by blinking the upper lamp | ramp 13, However, You may change this. For example, when the maximum rotation time has elapsed, the display control device 111 drives and controls the speaker 14 and the auxiliary display unit 15 based on the reception of a command from the main control device 131, and the maximum rotation time is determined by voice or display. It is good also as a structure which alert | reports having passed. For example, it is good also as a structure which does not alert | report that the maximum rotation time passed.

  (D) In the first embodiment, when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are automatically stopped (forced) in a state where the winning flag is set, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning flag is always set. The configuration is controlled so as not to be aligned on the effective line, but this may be changed. For example, the configuration may be such that a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning flag is not aligned on the active line with a predetermined probability when the winning flag is set. Further, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a combination of symbols corresponding to a predetermined winning flag such as BB is controlled so as not to be aligned on the effective line. Even in such a case, the disadvantage of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 until the maximum rotation time elapses is maintained.

  (E) In the second embodiment, when the winning flag is set, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are controlled so as not to stop unless the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated. This may be changed. For example, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R may be controlled with a predetermined probability when the winning flag is set unless the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated. For example, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R may be controlled so as not to stop unless the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated only when a predetermined winning flag corresponding to the BB combination is set. Even in such a case, the disadvantages experienced by the player by not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 are maintained.

  (F) The structure in which the structure in the said 1st Embodiment and the structure in the said 2nd Embodiment were combined may be sufficient. Specifically, when a winning flag corresponding to a small role such as a bell role is set, automatic stop control is performed so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning flag is not aligned on the active line when the maximum rotation time has elapsed. When the winning flag corresponding to the bonus combination such as the BB combination is set, the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are controlled so as not to stop unless the stop switches 72 to 74 are operated.

  (G) In the first embodiment, when the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R are automatically stopped, even if at least the next game round is won by lottery, the winning table is not referred to. It is good also as composition to do. Specifically, an automatic stop flag for determining whether or not automatic stop has been performed is set, and the automatic stop flag is set to the game times in which automatic stop has been performed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S605 in the lottery process of FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not an automatic stop flag is set. If the automatic stop flag is set, a slipping table for detachment is selected. When the automatic stop flag is not set, the winning sliding table is selected. As a result, the disadvantage of automatically stopping the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R is enhanced, and the act of not intentionally operating the stop switches 72 to 74 can be suppressed.

  (H) In the second embodiment, if any winning combination is won by lottery and the maximum rotation time has passed under the situation that the winning sliding table is selected, the sliding table is changed to the removing sliding table. It is good also as a structure to change. Specifically, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1301 of the forced stop process of FIG. 23, a process is performed in which the winning slide table is changed to a losing slide table. Thereby, the disadvantage of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 within the maximum rotation time is enhanced, and the act of not operating the stop switches 72 to 74 can be suppressed.

  (I) The set time of the maximum rotation time (predetermined time) in each of the above embodiments is arbitrary, and may be 30 sec, 20 sec, or 10 sec or less in addition to 40 sec. In particular, when the automatic stop is performed as in the first embodiment, when the configuration is controlled so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is not aligned on the effective line, the setting time of the maximum rotation time is shortened. The more you play, the more games you can play per unit time.

  (J) In each of the above embodiments, the BB game is configured to end when the third JAC in-game JAC game ends or when the small role game reaches 30 times. Also good. For example, the BB game may be ended when a predetermined number (for example, 480) of medals is paid out instead of or in addition to the above-described end condition.

  (K) In each of the above embodiments, the belt on which the design is printed is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical skeleton member 50. However, the cylindrical skeleton member and the belt are integrally formed, and the design is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the belt. It is good also as a structure which sticks separately. In such a case, the integrally formed outer peripheral surface corresponds to an endless belt.

  (L) In each of the above embodiments, the “bell” symbol, “watermelon” symbol, etc. are aligned on the active line with the left, middle, and right, but the medal is paid out. The arrangement may be such that medals are paid out by aligning left, middle and right on the active line in the order of “watermelon” and “replay”. That is, the “specific pattern combination” refers to a combination of patterns (patterns) set at the design stage of the slot machine.

  (M) In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the slot machine 10 is embodied has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are combined. 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 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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine as a game machine, 11 ... Housing, 12 ... Front door, 15 ... Auxiliary display part, 42 ... Reel which comprises a rotating cylinder, 61 ... Stepping motor as a drive means, 71 ... As a starting operation means Start lever, 72 to 74... Stop switch as stop operation means, 111... Display control device as sub control means, 131... Main control device as main control means, 151... CPU as control means, 152, 153. ROM, RAM as means, 161... Power supply device.

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;
Lottery means for lottery drawing,
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,
It is configured to give a privilege to the player when the specific pattern or the combination of the specific pattern corresponding to the winning combination by the lottery means is stopped at the effective position visible from the display window. In gaming machines,
The drive control means includes an automatic stop control means for stopping and controlling the drive means so as to stop the endless belts when a predetermined time has elapsed without the operation of the stop operation means.
The automatic stop control means is a establishment prevention control means for stopping and controlling each of the drive means so that a specific picture or a combination of specific pictures corresponding to the winning combination by the lottery means does not stop at the effective position. A gaming machine characterized by comprising: