JP2012115548A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine provided with a freeze for preventing a player's motivation for play from declining.SOLUTION: The game machine comprises: a plurality of operation means which perform operations related to a game; a detection means which detects respective operations of the operation means in a discriminable manner; a game progress processing means which performs game progress processing for the progress of the game based on the detection result by the detection means; a delay processing means which performs delay processing for delaying the progress of the game progress processing based on establishment of a predetermined start condition; a presentation means which performs a presentation for the game; and a presentation control means which causes the presentation means to perform a delay presentation during a delay period in which the delay processing is executed. The delay processing means performs determination processing to determine whether one or two or more specific operation means of the plurality of operations means are operated according to a predetermined operation condition during the delay period based on the detection result, and extends the delay period when the operation according to the predetermined operation condition is determined by the determination processing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game table represented by a ball game machine (pachinko machine) and a spinning machine (slot machine).

  Conventionally, for example, a slot machine is known as one of game machines. In this slot machine, a specified number of medals are inserted, the reel is rotated by operating the start lever, the role is internally determined by internal lottery, and the reel is stopped by operating the stop button, A rule corresponding to a winning combination based on the fact that a combination is established when a combination of symbols predetermined according to the combination determined internally is displayed on the display window, and a combination with a medal payout is established. A number of medals are paid out.

  In such a slot machine, in order to improve the interest of the game, various effects are performed based on the operation of the operation unit for advancing the game such as a start lever and a stop button.

  However, such an effect may be canceled by the player's operation. In order to solve such a problem, in the conventional slot machine, an important effect that the player wants to surely show to the player is used for the next time to advance the game during the effect. A so-called freeze that invalidates the acceptance of the operation is provided (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-212213 A

  However, by providing such a freeze, there arises a problem that, for example, the player's willingness to advance the game is reduced due to the hindrance to the progress of the game due to the freeze. That is, although it is necessary to provide a freeze for an important performance, if a one-sided freeze that ignores the player's psychology is provided, the player's willingness to play is reduced.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming table provided with a freeze that suppresses a decrease in a player's gaming motivation.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem,
Multiple types of operation means for performing operations related to games,
Detecting means for detecting each operation of the operating means in an identifiable manner;
A game progress processing means for performing a game progress process related to the progress of the game based on the detection result by the detection means;
Delay processing means for performing delay processing for delaying progress of the game progress processing based on establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Directing means for performing games,
A game machine comprising: an effect control means for causing the effect means to perform a delay effect during a delay period in which the delay process is being performed,
The delay processing means is
A determination process is performed for determining whether one or a plurality of types of specific operation means among the plurality of types of operation means is operated according to a predetermined operation condition during the delay period, and the determination process The delay period is extended when it is determined that the operation is performed according to the predetermined operation condition.

  According to this gaming machine, the delay period can be extended by the player operating according to predetermined operating conditions. That is, the player can decide whether or not to extend the delay period on his / her own intention, and can suppress a decrease in the game motivation as compared with a case where a long delay period is set uniformly from the beginning.

Here, the game table is
The delay processing means is
The execution of the determination process is started on the condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the execution of the delay process was started,
The production control means is
As the delay effect, the effect means including the suggestion effect suggesting the operation of the specific operation means is performed by the effect means, and the suggestion effect is performed in accordance with the start timing of the determination process. May be.

  If the determination process is executed from the start of the delay process, the delay period may be extended by the player's own operation before the player notices the execution of the delay process. If the player does not want to extend the delay period, the game motivation may be reduced.

  According to this gaming machine, a situation in which the delay period is unintentionally extended can be prevented by performing the determination process after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the delay process. Furthermore, by executing the suggestion effect in accordance with the start timing of the determination process, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the specific operation means during the period in which the determination process is being performed.

In addition, the above game table is
The delay processing means is
The delay period may be extended by performing the delay process after the end of the delay process based on the determination that the operation is performed according to the predetermined operation condition.

  According to this gaming machine, it is possible to schedule in advance so that a new delay process is executed after completion of the currently executed delay process, and to extend the delay period without imposing a burden on hardware.

In addition,
The delay processing means is
The delay period may be extended a plurality of times based on the determination result of the determination process.

  According to this game stand, the extension period can be extended stepwise in accordance with the player's operation.

In addition, the above game console
The delay processing means is
By the determination process, it is determined that the specific operation means has been operated according to the first operation condition, so that the delay period is extended by the first extension period, and the specific operation means has the first operation condition. The delay period may be extended by a second extension period longer than the first extension period by determining that the operation is performed according to a second operation condition different from the first extension condition.

  According to this gaming machine, it is possible to entertain the player by changing the extended period according to the player's operation.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine provided with a freeze that suppresses the decrease in the player's gaming motivation.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). 3 is a front view of a symbol display window 113 and reels 110 to 112 provided in the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front. FIG. It is a circuit block diagram of a control part. It is the figure which expanded and showed the arrangement | sequence of the design given to each reel planarly. It is a figure which shows the kind of winning combination (including an operating combination), the symbol combination corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination. FIG. 3 is a transition diagram of the gaming state of the slot machine 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows the lottery table of the winning combination in each game state. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the reel rotation process (step S113) shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of reel stop processing (step S1003) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 1st delay process (step S1101) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 2nd delay process (step S1105) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 3rd delay process (step S1111) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the various game processes (step S207) shown in FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of first delay period bet operation acceptance processing (step S2105) shown in FIG. 15; 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of second delay period bet operation acceptance processing (step S2109) shown in FIG. 15; (A) is a flowchart of the main process which CPU404 of the 1st sub control part 400 performs, (b) is a flowchart of the process at the time of command reception of Fig.12 (a), (c) is 1st. 5 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the sub-control unit 400. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the production | presentation control process (step S309) shown to Fig.18 (a). (A) is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (c) is 5 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. It is a figure which shows the delay period and prescribed operation frequency corresponding to the result of an internal lottery. It is a figure which shows time passage when the delay period is extended and when it is not extended. It is a figure which shows an example of the effect performed in a delay period. (A) is a figure which shows the lottery table of the effect content used for the effect of a 1st delay period, (b) is a figure which shows the effect content displayed by (a). It is a figure which shows the effect performed in a 1st delay period. It is a figure which shows the delay period when the next delay process is performed simultaneously with satisfaction of operating conditions.

  Hereinafter, a slot machine according to an embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The slot machine of this embodiment described below starts rotating when a predetermined number of game media are inserted and a plurality of reels each having a plurality of types of symbols receive a predetermined rotation start instruction operation. At the same time, it is determined by lottery whether or not the internal winning of a plurality of types of roles is won based on receiving the rotation start instruction operation, and each of the reels individually rotates by receiving a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation. If the conditions determined by the combination based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the reels stop meet the predetermined payout conditions, the game medium is paid out and the game ends. This is a game machine that advances a series of games that are completed without paying out game media.

  First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). FIG. 2 is a front view of the symbol display window 113 and the reels 110 to 112 provided in the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front.

  A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of a game machine according to the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. . Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the symbols displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 (position 1 shown in the figure) are displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 and the middle stage of the left reel 110 (position 2 shown in the figure). The symbol to be displayed is displayed in the middle stage of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure), the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel, and the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (position 4 in the figure). The symbol displayed on the middle reel upper symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle of the left reel 111 (position 5 in the figure) is the middle reel middle symbol, and the symbol displayed on the lower part of the middle reel 111 (position 6 in the figure). The symbol displayed on the lower stage of the middle reel, the upper stage of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the figure) is the upper stage of the right reel, and the picture displayed on the middle stage of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the figure) is the right reel. Middle design, bottom of right reel 112 (in the figure The symbol displayed at the position 9) is called the right reel lower symbol, and the symbols of the reels 110 to 112 are three in the vertical direction on the reels 110 to 112 through the symbol display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. Is displayed. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a combination of a plurality of types of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  A backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The winning line is a line for determining whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination described in FIG. 5 described later is displayed. In this embodiment, the left reel middle symbol, the middle reel middle symbol, and the right Middle winning line L1 composed of middle reel design, left reel upper symbol, lower reel winning line L2 composed of middle reel middle symbol and right reel lower symbol, left reel lower symbol, middle reel middle symbol and right reel upper symbol 4 winning lines including an upward winning line L3, a left reel upper symbol, a middle reel upper symbol, and an upper reel upper symbol L4. A valid pay line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “valid line”) is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. The slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment is a three-wager dedicated machine, and any winning line is not effective when the number of inserted medals is less than three, and all winning lines L1 when three medals are bet. ~ L4 becomes effective. When the winning line becomes valid, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135. The number of winning lines is not limited to 4 lines. For example, three middle winning lines L1, right falling winning lines L2, and right rising winning lines L3 may be set as valid winning lines, or the number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bets is set as effective winning lines. May be.

  For example, the notification lamp 123 indicates that a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination 1 and a special combination 2) is won internally in an internal lottery described later, or is in a special gaming state described later. It is a lamp to inform the person. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 indicates that the current game can be replayed when a replaying role (details will be described later), which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game, can be replayed (no medal insertion is required). This is a lamp that informs the player. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 130 to 132 correspond to an example of the operating means of the present invention, and are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In the present embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one sheet is inserted. When the bet button 131 is pressed, two sheets are inserted. When the bet button 132 is pressed, three sheets are inserted. ing. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. is there.

  The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 135 corresponds to an example of the operation means of the present invention, and is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139 including a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 correspond to an example of the operation means of the present invention, and are button type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135. The reels 110 to 112 are associated with each other. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 can be The right reel 112 can be stopped by operating. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. In addition, reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are sequentially referred to as a first stop reel, a second stop reel, and a third stop reel. Further, the order of stopping the stop buttons 137 to 139 in order to stop all the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called a stop operation order or a pressing order. Further, the stop operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the left reel 110 is called “forward press stop operation sequence” or simply “forward press”, and the first stop operation is the stop operation of the right reel 112. Is called “reverse pressing stop operation sequence” or simply “reverse pressing”. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed. The payment button 134 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

  Below the stop button unit 136 is provided a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and pasting various types of certificate. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

  The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (effect image) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. And a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front side (player side) of the slot machine 100 when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157. It has become. In addition, the display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device that can display various effect images and various game information. , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface. The liquid crystal display device 157 corresponds to an example of the rendering means of the present invention.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400. The main control unit 300 described below corresponds to an example of the detection means, game progress processing means, and delay processing means of the present invention. The combination of the first sub control unit 400 and the second sub control unit 500 corresponds to an example of the effect control means of the present invention.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel symbols. ROM 306 storing an array, RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time, frequency, etc., WDT (Watchdog timer) 314 is mounted. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in a range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a, and an activation signal when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 includes a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a (reset signal), and when the start signal is input from the start signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (main control unit main processing described later). Start).

  Further, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 inserts various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal insertion slot 141 every interruption time). Medal medal acceptance sensor, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal medal payout sensor paid out from medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110, The index sensor of the reel 111, the index sensor of the reel 112, etc.) are monitored.

  When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, and the stop button 139 are installed in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and the medals stored electronically in the RAM 308 are inserted as inserted medals into the game. Detecting the input operation when The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, and the index sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. Becomes L level. Rotational position information indicating how much the reel is rotating from the reference position from once to the L level is calculated based on the value obtained by counting the clock signals output from the crystal oscillator 315b. Is done. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

  The main control unit 300 is provided in a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. A driving circuit 326 for driving the motor, various lamps 339 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertion possible lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, a game medal insertion lamp 129, a game start lamp 121, and a stored number display. A driving circuit 328 for driving the device 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127).

  In addition, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is slotted into an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  Further, the main control unit 300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 330 is a voltage of the power source. When the value is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub control unit 400. However, the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub control unit 400 receives the control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on this control command. The basic circuit 402 stores data temporarily with the CPU 404. RAM 408, I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and number of times are mounted. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

  The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency dividing data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and the sound source IC 418 is provided with speakers 272 and 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 272 and 277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored. The audio data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277. The speakers 272 and 277 correspond to an example of the rendering means of the present invention.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.) are provided to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. It is connected. The various lamps 420 correspond to an example of the rendering means of the present invention.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. Second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of effect device 160 including display control of effect image display device 157. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 is, for example, a control unit that controls display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various drive devices for presentation (for example, a control unit that controls motor driving of the shutter 163). For example, it may be configured by a plurality of control units.

  The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 512. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, and the like.

  The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a drive circuit 530 that drives a motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 530 is provided with a shutter 163 via an output interface. The drive circuit 530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 504.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a sensor circuit 532, and a shutter sensor 538 is connected to the sensor circuit 532 via an input interface. The CPU 504 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 538 every interruption time.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 536 are connected to the VDP 534 via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) is developed in a plane.

  In each reel 110 to 112, a plurality of types (9 types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, “watermelon design” is assigned to the number 1 frame of the left reel 110, “bell design” is assigned to the number 0 frame of the middle reel 111, and “seven 1” is assigned to the number 2 frame of the right reel 112. The “design” is arranged.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a special combination (special combination 1, special combination 2) and a general combination (replay combination 1 to replay combination 4 and small combination 1 to small combination 3). The types of winning combinations are not limited to these combinations and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the special combination 1 and the special combination 2 are combinations that shift to a special gaming state in which a predetermined profit is given to the player. In addition, the replaying role 1 to the replaying role 4 are roles that allow replaying without newly inserting medals. These winning combinations may be referred to as “acting combinations”. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an operating combination that does not accompany a medal payout (ie, does not accompany a medal payout) is displayed on the active line. A special combination 2 and a prize for replaying combination 1 to replaying combination 4 are included.

  The special combination 1 and the special combination 2 are combinations (operating combinations) that shift to a special gaming state by winning. However, medals will not be paid out for winning this role. In the corresponding symbol combination, special role 1 is “Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1 (BB)” or “Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2 (BB)”, and special role 2 is “BAR-BAR-BAR”. (RB) ".

  When the special combination 1 or special combination 2 is won internally, a special combination internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination is set to ON (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). When this flag is set to ON, the main control unit 300 shifts the gaming state to the special combination internal winning state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT3). This flag is kept on until winning the internal winning combination, and it becomes easy to win the internal winning combination in subsequent games. In other words, even if the special winning combination 1 or special winning combination 2 is not won, the special combination will be selected in the next and subsequent games, and the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination (for example, the special combination) In the case of winning an internal winning 1, the combination of “Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1 (BB)” or “Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2 (BB)” will be in a state where it is easy to win. This special combination internal winning state (RT3) will be described later.

  The main control unit 300 shifts the gaming state to the special gaming state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT4) based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination 1 or special combination 2. Further, in the special game state, when a predetermined number of payouts are made, the game is shifted to a re-game low probability state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT0). The special game state (RT4) and the replay low probability state (RT0) will be described later.

  “The re-playing role (re-playing role 1 to re-playing role 4) is a winning combination (operating combination) that allows a player to play a game without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning a prize. Note that the corresponding symbol combinations are “replay-replay-replay (ordinary replay)” for replaying player 1, “replay-replay-bell (promotional replay 1)” for replaying player 2, The replaying role 3 is “replay-replay-cherry (promotion replay 2)”, and the replaying role 4 is “bell-replay-replay (falling replay)”. Note that the main control unit 300 shifts the gaming state to the re-gaming high probability preparation state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT1) based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the re-game player 2. . Further, based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the replaying combination 3, the gaming state is shifted to a replaying high probability state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT2). Further, based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the replaying role 4, the gaming state is shifted to the replaying low probability state (RT0). These replay high probability ready state (RT1) and replay high probability state (RT2) will be described later.

  The re-game player may be any player who can play the next game without the player inserting medals. Therefore, for example, when a re-game is won, a medal may be automatically inserted in the next game (the medal insertion number is reset in a medal insertion number storage area described later), or a re-game is won. It is also possible to use a medal that has been thrown into the next game as it is in the next game.

  A “small role (small role 1 to small role 3)” (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “small role 1”, “small role 2”, and “small role 3” respectively), a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a prize. In the winning combination, the small combination 1 is “Cherry-ANY-ANY (Cherry)”, the small role 2 is “Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon (Watermelon)”, and the small role 3 is “ANY-Bell-”. ANY (bell) ". The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol. In the case of “ANY-bell-ANY”, the symbol of the middle reel 111 may be “bell”, and the symbol of the left reel 110 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the type and transition of the gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a transition diagram of the gaming state of the slot machine 100.

  The slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a replay low probability state (RT0), a replay high probability preparation state (RT1), a replay high probability state (RT2), a special role internal winning state (RT3), and a special game state (RT4). There are a total of five gaming states, and these gaming states are controlled by the main control unit 300. FIG. 6A shows these five gaming states. FIG. 6B shows the transition conditions for each gaming state, and FIG. 6A shows the symbols corresponding to the transition conditions shown in FIG. 6B on the arrows connecting the gaming states. Has been. When the transition condition corresponding to the symbol described in each arrow is established, the gaming state transitions in the direction of the arrow. Conditions for this game state transition include, for example, winning a predetermined combination, winning a predetermined combination internally, stopping a specific symbol combination on a specific winning line, and paying out a predetermined number of pieces. There are things to be done.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a lottery table for winning combinations in each gaming state. The horizontal axis represents each gaming state, and the vertical axis represents the lottery value for each winning combination. The internal winning probability of the winning combination in each gaming state described below is a random value obtained from the lottery data prepared in the ROM 306 corresponding to the range of the lottery data associated with each winning combination at the time of the internal lottery. Is obtained by dividing by numerical data in the range of (for example, 65535). For example, in RT4 (special game state), the lottery value of the small combination 1 is 512, and the winning probability of the small combination 1 is 512/65536 * 100≈8%. The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  Hereinafter, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 as appropriate.

<Replay low probability state (RT0)>
The replay low probability state is a game state in which the internal winning probability of replay is the lowest (unfavorable for the player) among other game states (for example, game states other than the special game state), and is referred to as a normal game state There is also. In the replay low probability state, a winning combination to be won internally is drawn by referring to the lottery table in the column “RT0” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG.

  In the low-replay probability state, the winning combination is special role 1, special role 2, special role 1 / small role 1, special role 2 / small role 1, special role 1 / small role 2, special role 2 / There are a small role 2, a replaying role 1, a replaying role 1-2, a small role 1, a small role 2, and a small role 3. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed. In addition, the fact that the winning combination has not been won may be expressed as “winning”.

  Here, “special role 1 / small role 1” means that special role 1 and small role 1 are won simultaneously. Similarly, “special role 2 / small role 1” means that special role 2 and small role 1 were won at the same time, and “special role 1 / small role 2” means that special role 1 and small role 2 were won at the same time. “Special role 2 / small role 2” means that special role 2 and small role 2 were won at the same time.

  In addition, “re-playing combination 1-2” indicates that re-playing combination 1 and re-playing combination 2 are won simultaneously. In this case, it is determined which symbol combination corresponding to which combination is displayed according to the stop operation order of the player (see the remarks column in FIG. 7). In the present embodiment, when “re-game player 1-2” is internally won, a combination of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation by the stop buttons 137 to 139 (left middle right, left and right middle, middle left and right) , Middle right left, right left middle, right middle left and right) is determined by lottery as a stop operation order for winning the re-gamer 2. When the stop operation is performed in accordance with this stop operation order, the symbol combination (promotion replay 1) corresponding to the re-playing player 2 is displayed (refer to the correct answer in the pressing order in the remarks column in FIG. 7). Is displayed with a symbol combination (normal replay) corresponding to the replaying player 1 (refer to the remarks in FIG. 7 when the push order is incorrect). Like this “re-game player 1-2”, a re-game player in which the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is determined by the pressing order may be referred to as “push-order replay”.

  In addition, when “Pocket 3” is won internally, a winning line for displaying a symbol combination corresponding to the small role 3 is determined according to the stop operation order of the player (see the remarks column in FIG. 7). In the present embodiment, when “small role 3” is won internally, a combination of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation by the stop buttons 137 to 139 (left middle right, left and right middle, middle first stop, One stop operation order is determined among right and left middle and right middle and left. When the stop operation is performed in accordance with this stop operation sequence, the “bell symbol” is displayed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of number 5 shown in FIG. 2). As a result, the symbol combination corresponding to the small role 3 is arranged on the three winning lines of the middle stage winning line L1, the lower rightward winning line L2, and the upper right winning line L3 shown in FIG. 2, so that 12 medals are paid out. (Refer to the remarks column in Fig. 7) If the determined stop operation order is not followed, “bell symbol” is displayed on the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of number 4 shown in FIG. 2). As a result, since the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination 3 is aligned on the upper winning line L4 shown in FIG. 2, four medals are paid out (refer to the remarks column in FIG. 7 when the push order is incorrect). The “small role 3” described here is the same in the gaming state described below.

  In FIG. 6, when a symbol combination corresponding to the replaying role 2 is displayed in the replaying low probability state (RT 0) (when winning the replaying role 2), a replaying high probability ready state described later It is shown that the process proceeds to (RT1). Also, the figure shows that when the special combination 1 or special combination 2 is won internally, the state shifts to a special combination internal winning state (RT3) described later. Further, when a symbol combination corresponding to special role 1 or special role 2 is displayed (when winning special role 1 or special role 2), it is indicated that the state shifts to a special gaming state (RT4) described later. ing.

<Replay high probability ready state (RT1)>
The re-game high probability ready state (RT1) is a game state in which the internal winning probability of the re-gamer is higher than that of the re-game low probability state (RT0). In the replay high probability preparation state (RT1), a winning combination to be won internally is drawn by referring to the lottery table in the column “RT1” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG.

  In the re-playing high probability state (RT1), the winning prizes are: special role 1, special role 2, special role 1 / small role 1, special role 2 / small role 1, special role 1 / small role 2, special role There are a role 2 / a small role 2, a replaying role 1, a replaying role 3-4, a small role 1, a small role 2, and a small role 3. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed.

  Here, the “replaying role 3-4” indicates that the replaying role 3 and the replaying role 4 are won simultaneously. In this case, it is determined which symbol combination corresponding to which combination is displayed according to the stop operation order of the player (see the remarks column in FIG. 7). In the present embodiment, when “re-game player 3-4” is internally won, a combination of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation by the stop buttons 137 to 139 (left middle right, left and right middle, middle left and right) , Middle right left, right left middle, right middle left and right) is determined by lottery as a stop operation sequence for winning the re-gamer 3. When the stop operation is performed in accordance with this stop operation sequence, the symbol combination (promotion replay 2) corresponding to the replaying player 3 is displayed (see the correct answer in the pressing order in the remarks column in FIG. 7). Is displayed with a symbol combination (falling replay) corresponding to the replaying role 4 (refer to the remarks in the push order in FIG. 7 remarks column). This “re-game player 3-4” may also be referred to as “push order replay” in the same manner as the “re-game player 1-2”.

  In FIG. 6, when the symbol combination corresponding to the replaying combination 3 is displayed in the replaying high probability preparing state (RT1) (when winning the replaying combination 3), a replaying high probability state to be described later is displayed. When it is indicated that the game is to be transferred to (RT2) and the symbol combination corresponding to the replaying role 4 is displayed (when the winning combination is given to the replaying role 4), the replaying low probability state (RT0) described above is set. Has been shown to do. In addition, in the same figure, it is shown that if special winning 1 or special winning 2 is won internally, it will shift to the special winning internal winning state (RT3) described later. When the corresponding symbol combination is displayed (when the special combination 1 or the special combination 2 is won), it is indicated that the state shifts to a special gaming state (RT4) described later.

<Replay high probability state (RT2)>
The re-game high probability state (RT2) is a game state having the highest internal winning probability of the re-game player among all the game states. In the re-playing high probability state (RT2), the winning combination to be won internally is lottery with reference to the lottery table in the column “RT2” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG.

  In the replay high probability state (RT2), the winning prizes are: special role 1, special role 2, special role 1 / small role 1, special role 2 / small role 1, special role 1 / small role 2, special role There are a combination 2 / a small combination 2, a replay combination 1, a replay combination 1-4, a small combination 1, a small combination 2, and a small combination 3. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed.

  Here, “re-playing combination 1-4” indicates that re-playing combination 1 and re-playing combination 4 are won simultaneously. In this case, it is determined which symbol combination corresponding to which combination is displayed according to the stop operation order of the player (see the remarks column in FIG. 7). In the present embodiment, when “re-game player 1-4” is won internally, a combination of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation by the stop buttons 137 to 139 (left middle right, left and right middle, middle left and right) , Middle right left, right left middle, right middle left and right) is determined by lottery as a stop operation order for winning the re-gamer 1. When the stop operation is performed in accordance with this stop operation sequence, the symbol combination (normal replay) corresponding to the replaying player 1 is displayed (refer to the correct answer in the pressing order in the remarks column in FIG. 7). Then, a symbol combination (falling replay) corresponding to the replaying role 4 is displayed (refer to the remarks in the push order in the remarks column in FIG. 7). This “re-game player 1-4” may also be referred to as “push order replay” in the same manner as “re-game player 1-2” and “re-game player 3-4”.

  In FIG. 6, when the symbol combination corresponding to the replaying role 4 is displayed in the replaying high probability state (RT2) (when the replaying role 4 is won), the above-mentioned replaying low probability state ( (RT0) is shown. In addition, in the same figure, it is shown that if special winning 1 or special winning 2 is won internally, it will shift to the special winning internal winning state (RT3) described later. When the corresponding symbol combination is displayed (when the special combination 1 or the special combination 2 is won), it is indicated that the state shifts to a special gaming state (RT4) described later.

<Special role internal winning state (RT3)>
The special combination internal winning state (RT3) is a state in which the special combination internal winning flag is set to ON, and the player performs either the special combination 1 or the special combination 2 by performing a stop operation at a predetermined timing. It is a gaming state in which a symbol combination corresponding to can be displayed. In the special combination internal winning state, the winning combination to be won internally is drawn by referring to the lottery table in the column “RT3” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG. The winning combination that is won internally in the special combination internal winning state includes a re-playing combination 1, a small combination 1, a small combination 2, and a small combination 3. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed.

  Further, FIG. 6 shows that when a symbol combination corresponding to special role 1 or special role 2 is displayed in the special role internal winning state (RT3), the state shifts to a special game state (RT4) described later. Has been.

<Special gaming state (RT4)>
The special game state (RT4) is a game state that is most advantageous to the player among all the game states. In the special game state, the winning combination to be won internally is drawn by referring to the lottery table in the column “RT4” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG. In the special game state, there are a small combination 1, a small combination 2, and a small combination 4 in the winning combination that is won internally. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed.

  Here, when “small role 4” is won internally, “bell symbol” is displayed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of number 5 shown in FIG. 2) regardless of the stop operation order (FIG. 7). See remarks column). As a result, the symbol combination corresponding to the small role 3 is arranged on the three winning lines of the middle stage winning line L1, the lower rightward winning line L2, and the upper right winning line L3 shown in FIG. 2, so that 12 medals are paid out. The

  FIG. 6 shows that in the special game state (RT4), when the specified number is paid out, the game shifts to the re-game low probability state (RT0). Specifically, in the case of shifting to the special gaming state based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination 1, when the payout of 360 or more medals is completed, the re-gaming low probability state (RT0) is entered. Transition. In addition, when the game is shifted to the special game state based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination 2, the game shifts to the re-gaming low probability state (RT0) when the payout of 120 or more medals is completed.

  In this embodiment, the special game state ends when a specified number of payouts are executed. For example, the special game state ends when a predetermined combination (for example, a single bonus) is won, or a predetermined number of times ( For example, the game may be ended when there are 8 winnings or when a predetermined number of games (for example, 6 times) are played.

<AT gaming state>
The main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 of this embodiment controls five gaming states (RT0, RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4). In the first sub-control unit 400, when the gaming state is a gaming state other than the special gaming state (RT4), there may be a case where a stop operation effect for informing information related to the internal winning combination is executed. Hereinafter, the state where the stop operation effect is executed is referred to as an AT (assist time) gaming state. Here, the details of this AT gaming state will be described.

  In the AT gaming state, when the winning combination is won internally, an effect of notifying the operation timing or the pressing order of the stop operation means is executed so as to bring a result advantageous to the player. Specifically, when “Re-Gamer 1-2” is internally won, the push order for winning Re-Gamer 2 is notified, and when “Re-Gamer 3-4” is internally won. The push order for winning the re-gamer 3 is informed, and when “re-gamer 1-4” is won internally, the push order for winning the re-gamer 1 is notified. Further, when the “small role 3” is won internally, the pressing order for displaying the “bell symbol” on the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of the number 5 shown in FIG. 2) is notified. These internal winning combinations may be referred to as AT combinations.

  “Re-playing combination 1-2” is a combination to win internally in the re-playing low probability state (RT0). When this winning combination is won internally, the winning combination is either the replaying role 1 (normal replay) or the replaying role 2 (promotional replay 1). Although these combinations are common in that replays are given, the replay combination 2 is different in that the replay combination 2 shifts to a replay high probability ready state (RT1) that is a more advantageous game state for the player. . In other words, it is more advantageous for the player to win the re-game player 2 than to win the re-game player 1. For this reason, in the AT gaming state, when “re-gamer 1-2” is internally won, an effect of informing the stop operation order for aligning symbols corresponding to re-gamer 2 is executed.

  “Re-playing combination 3-4” is a combination for internal winning in the re-playing high probability ready state (RT1). When this winning combination is won internally, the winning combination is either the replaying role 3 (promotional replay 2) or the replaying role 4 (falling replay). Although these roles are common in that replays are given, the replay role 3 shifts to the replay high probability state (RT2), which is a more advantageous game state for the player. The difference is that 4 shifts to a re-playing low probability state (RT0), which is a disadvantageous gaming state for the player. In other words, it is more advantageous for the player to win the replaying role 3 than to win the replaying role 4. For this reason, in the AT gaming state, when “re-gamer 3-4” is internally won, an effect of informing the stop operation order for aligning symbols corresponding to re-gamer 3 is executed.

  “Re-playing combination 1-4” is a combination for internal winning in the re-playing high probability state (RT2). When this winning combination is won internally, the winning combination is either the replaying role 1 (normal replay) or the replaying role 4 (falling replay). Although these roles are common in that replay is given, replay 1 is a role in which the game state is not changed, whereas replay 4 is in a disadvantageous game state for the player. The difference is that a transition is made to the replay low probability state (RT0). That is, it is more advantageous for the player to win the replaying role 1 than to win the replaying role 4. For this reason, in the AT gaming state, when “re-gamer 1-4” is internally won, an effect of informing the stop operation order for aligning symbols corresponding to re-gamer 1 is executed.

  “Small part 3” is an internal winning combination in the gaming state except the special gaming state (RT4). When an internal winning is made for this role, the “bell design” is displayed on either the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of number 5 shown in FIG. 2) or the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of number 4 shown in FIG. 2). Is done. As described above, when the “bell symbol” is displayed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111, 12 medals are paid out, and when the “bell symbol” is displayed in the lower stage of the middle reel 111, four medals are paid out. . That is, it is more advantageous for the player to display the “bell symbol” on the upper stage of the middle reel 111 than on the lower stage of the middle reel 111. For this reason, in the AT gaming state, when “small role 3” is internally won, an effect of informing the stop operation sequence for displaying “bell symbol” on the middle stage of the middle reel 111 is executed.

  In the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the AT flag provided in the RAM 408 of the first sub-control unit 400 is set to ON, an effect of entering the AT gaming state is executed in the first sub-control unit main process. The This AT flag is set to ON according to the number of ATs provided in the RAM 408. Here, the number of ATs indicates the number of times that the AT flag set to OFF is switched on. For example, when the AT flag is off, if the AT count is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from the AT count and the AT flag is set to on. If the AT count is 0, the AT flag remains off. The number of ATs is stored in the RAM 408 of the first sub-control unit 400, and when the special combination 1, special combination 2, small combination 1, and small combination 2 are won internally, a lottery (hereinafter referred to as AT lottery). A predetermined number of times is added. Note that the AT gaming state may be started and ended according to a predetermined condition (for example, when a specific gaming state is entered) regardless of the number of ATs. Further, the AT lottery may be executed according to a predetermined condition.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input resets by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step S101. In this initial setting, setting of a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt prohibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 314, and initial setting Set the value.

  In step S103, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Further, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 135, the interrupt status provided in the RAM 308 is set to “no special processing”, and the process proceeds to step S105. This interrupt status is used to execute appropriate processes in various game processes of the main control unit timer interrupt process (see FIG. 15).

  In step S105, the number of inserted medals is determined and an effective winning line is determined.

  In step S107, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired.

  In step S109, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step S107, and the result of the internal lottery is shown. Preparation for transmitting the internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned on.

  In step S111, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In step S113, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S115, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the stop table is referred to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, and the stop table is set. One of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of drawn frames. When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S117.

  In step S117, a winning determination is performed. Here, it is determined that the winning combination is won when a pattern combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114. For example, if “ANY-Bell-ANY” is aligned on the activated pay line, it is determined that the small role 3 has been won.

  In step S119, if any winning combination with payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines.

  In step S121, game state control processing is performed. In the gaming state control process, the re-gaming low probability state (RT0), the re-gaming high probability preparation state (RT1), the re-gaming high probability state (RT2), the special role internal winning state (RT3), and the special gaming state (RT4). Processing related to the transition of each gaming state is performed, and the gaming state is shifted when the start condition or the end condition is satisfied. In addition, preparation for transmission of a game state update command indicating the current game state is made. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, the process proceeds by returning to step S103 and repeating the above-described processing.

  Next, details of the reel rotation process (step S113) during the main process of the main controller shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel rotation process (step S113) shown in FIG.

  In the first step S1001, it is determined whether or not a specific combination has been won internally as a result of the internal lottery. In this embodiment, the small combination 2, special combination 1 / small combination 2, special combination 2 / small combination 2 are adopted as specific combinations. If the specific combination is won internally, the process proceeds to step S1003. If the specific combination is not internally won, the process proceeds to step S1005.

  In step S1003, a delay process is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S1005. Details of the delay processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1005, it is determined whether or not the game interval counter is zero. This game interval counter is provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 in order to adjust the interval between games. This game interval counter is decremented to 0 as time passes by a timer update process (see step S209 shown in FIG. 14) of a main control unit timer interrupt process to be described later. In this step S1005, this determination process is repeated until the game interval counter becomes 0. When the game interval counter becomes 0, the process proceeds to step S1007.

  In step S1007, the game interval counter is initialized. In this embodiment, this game interval counter is set to 0 after 4.1 seconds. When this initialization is executed, the process proceeds to step S1009. The previous step S1005 and step S1007 prevent the reel from rotating in the next game unless 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of reel rotation in the current game.

  In step S1009, all reels are set to start rotating, and the process proceeds to step S1011.

  In step S1011, other reel rotation processing is executed. In this process, for example, a wait timer is set so that the stop button operation is not accepted until the reel rotation speed reaches a certain speed, and the interrupt status is updated so as to accept an operation related to the progress of the game. Etc. are included. Thereafter, the reel rotation process is terminated.

  Next, details of the delay process (step S1003) during the reel rotation process of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel stop process (step S1003) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S1101, the first delay process is executed. Details of the first delay processing will be described later with reference to FIG. After this process, the process proceeds to step S1103.

  In step S1103, it is determined whether or not the operation flag is set to ON. This operation flag is provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, and is set to ON when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated during the execution of the first delay process (step S2205 in FIG. 16). reference). If this operation flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S1105, and if not, this delay process is terminated.

  In step S1105, the second delay process is executed. Details of the second delay processing will be described later with reference to FIG. After this process, the process proceeds to step S1107.

  In step S1107, it is determined whether or not any of the special combination 1 / small combination 2 or special combination 2 / small combination 2 is won internally. If these winning combinations are won internally, the process proceeds to step S1109. If not, the delay process is terminated.

  In step S1109, it is determined whether or not the value of the operation number counter is greater than or equal to a specified value. The operation number counter is provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, and stores the number of times the bet button has been operated during the execution of the second delay process (see step S2305 in FIG. 17). In the present embodiment, the specified value is set to 5, and if the value of the operation number counter is equal to or greater than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S1111. Otherwise, the delay process is terminated.

  In step S1111, the third delay process is executed. Details of the third delay processing will be described later with reference to FIG. After this processing, this delay processing is terminated.

  Next, details of the first delay process (step S1101) during the delay process of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the first delay process (step S1101) shown in FIG.

  In the first step S1201, a first delay timer is set. The first delay timer is decremented to 0 over time by a timer update process (see step S209 shown in FIG. 14) of a main control unit timer interrupt process described later. When the first delay timer is set, the process proceeds to step S1203.

  In step S1203, the first delay flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S1205. If this flag is set to ON, a predetermined process is executed in various game processes of the main control unit timer interrupt process described later (step S207 shown in FIG. 14, step S2105 shown in FIG. 15, (See FIG. 16).

  In step S1205, preparation is made to send the first delay timer start command to the first sub-control unit 400, and the process proceeds to step S1207. When the first sub control unit 400 receives this command, a predetermined effect is set (see step S3103 in FIG. 19).

  In step S1207, it is determined whether or not the value of the first delay timer is a predetermined value. If the value of the first delay timer is not a predetermined value, the determination process of step S1207 is repeated, and if the value of the first delay timer is a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S1209.

  In step S1209, the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S1211. The effect bet operation valid flag is provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. When the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON, the bet button is operated in a first delay period bet operation acceptance process (see FIG. 16) and a second delay period bet operation acceptance process (see FIG. 17) described later. Will be accepted.

  In step S1211, after preparation for transmitting the effect bet operation valid command to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed, the process proceeds to step S1213. When the first sub control unit 400 receives this command, a predetermined effect is set (see step S3111 in FIG. 19).

  In step S1213, it is determined whether or not the value of the first delay timer is zero. If the first delay timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S1215; otherwise, step S1213 is repeatedly executed.

  In step S1215, the effect bet operation valid flag is set to OFF, and the flow proceeds to step S1217.

  In step S1217, the first delay flag is set to OFF, and the flow proceeds to step S1219.

  In step S1219, preparation is made to send a first delay timer end command to the first sub-control unit 400, and this first delay process is ended. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this command, a predetermined effect is set (see step S3107 in FIG. 19).

  Next, details of the second delay process (step S1105) during the delay process of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the second delay process (step S1105) shown in FIG.

  In the first step S1301, a second delay timer is set. The second delay timer is decremented to 0 over time by a timer update process (see step S209 shown in FIG. 14) of a main control unit timer interrupt process described later. When the second delay timer is set, the process proceeds to step S1303.

  In step S1303, the second delay flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S1305. When this flag is set to ON, a predetermined process is executed in various game processes of the main control unit timer interrupt process described later (step S207 shown in FIG. 14, step S2109 shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 17).

  In step S1305, preparation is made to send a second delay timer start command to the first sub-control unit 400, and the process proceeds to step S1307. When the first sub control unit 400 receives this command, a predetermined effect is set (see step S3103 in FIG. 19).

  In step S1307, it is determined whether the value of the second delay timer is a predetermined value. If the value of the second delay timer is not a predetermined value, the determination process of step S1307 is repeated, and if the value of the second delay timer is a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S1309.

  In step S1309, the operation number counter is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S1311.

  In step S1311, the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S1313. The effect bet operation valid flag is provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. When the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON, the bet button is operated in a first delay period bet operation acceptance process (see FIG. 16) and a second delay period bet operation acceptance process (see FIG. 17) described later. Will be accepted.

  In step S1313, preparation is made to send a production bet operation valid command to the first sub-control unit 400, and the process proceeds to step S1315. When the first sub control unit 400 receives this command, a predetermined effect is set (see step S3111 in FIG. 19).

  In step S1315, it is determined whether or not the value of the second delay timer is zero. If the second delay timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S1317. Otherwise, step S1315 is repeatedly executed.

  In step S1317, the effect bet operation valid flag is set to OFF, and the flow proceeds to step S1319.

  In step S1319, the second delay flag is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S1321.

  In step S1321, preparation is made to send a second delay timer end command to the first sub-control unit 400, and the second delay process is ended. When the first sub-control unit 400 receives this command, a predetermined effect is set (see step S3107 in FIG. 19).

  Next, details of the third delay process (step S1111) during the delay process of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the third delay process (step S1111) shown in FIG.

  In the first step S1401, the third delay timer is set according to the value of the operation number counter. The third delay timer is decremented to 0 over time by a timer update process (see step S209 shown in FIG. 14) of a main control unit timer interrupt process to be described later. When the third delay timer is set, the process proceeds to step S1403.

  In step S1403, preparation is made to send a third delay timer start command to the first sub-control unit 400, and the process proceeds to step S1405. When the first sub control unit 400 receives this command, a predetermined effect is set (see step S3103 in FIG. 19). This command also includes information on the value of the operation number counter.

  In step S1405, it is determined whether or not the value of the third delay timer is zero. If the third delay timer is 0, the third delay process is terminated. Otherwise, step S1405 is repeatedly executed.

<Main timer 300 timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step S203, the WDT 314 is periodically changed to the initial value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) so that no WDT interruption occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S205, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step S207, various game processes are executed, and processes according to the interrupt status are executed. Details of the various game processes will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S209, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step S211, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, basic command, throwing number command, start lever reception command, internal winning command, effect command accompanying effect lottery processing, rotation start command accompanying the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112, stop Stop button acceptance command accompanying acceptance of operation of buttons 137 to 139, stop position information command accompanying stop processing of reels 110 to 112, payout number command and payout end command accompanying medal payout processing, reel stop command, gaming state update command , First delay timer start command, first delay timer end frame , Second delay timer start command, second delay timer end command, third delay timer start command, effect bet operation valid command, effect bet operation invalid command, etc.), bits 0 to 10 are command data (command type) Corresponding predetermined information).

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step S213, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S215, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S205 are read, and the presence / absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality is monitored. (Not shown) Error processing is executed. Further, the medal selector 170 (medal blocker in which a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set according to the current gaming state.

  In step S217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S221. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219.

  In step S219, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S221, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  Next, details of various game processes (step S207) during the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of various game processes (step S207) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S2101, it is determined whether or not the interrupt status is “no special setting”. The “no special setting” is an interrupt status used to prevent the game from proceeding by operating each operation unit. If the interrupt status is “no special setting”, the process proceeds to step S2103; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2113.

  In step S2103, it is determined whether or not the first delay flag is set to ON. If the first delay flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S2105, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2107.

  In step S2105, a first delay period bet operation acceptance process is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S2107. The details of the first delay period bet operation acceptance process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S2107, it is determined whether or not the second delay flag is set to ON. If the second delay flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S2109. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S21011.

  In step S2109, a second delay period bet operation acceptance process is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S2111. The details of the second delay period bet operation acceptance process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S2111, other processing when the interrupt status is “no special processing” is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S2113.

  In step S2113, other various game processes according to the interrupt status are executed. In this process, when the interrupt status is set to “medal insertion processing”, a signal from the medal acceptance sensor is received, and when the interrupt status is set to “medal payout processing”, the medal is paid out. A process of receiving a signal from the sensor is included.

  Next, details of the first delay period bet operation acceptance process (step S2105) during the various game processes of FIG. 15 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the first delay period bet operation acceptance process (step S2105) shown in FIG.

  First, in first step S2201, it is determined whether or not the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON. If the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S2203; otherwise, the first delay period bet operation acceptance process is terminated.

  In step S2203, it is determined whether or not the bet buttons 130 to 132 have been operated based on a signal from the bet button sensor. If the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated, the process proceeds to step S2205; otherwise, the first delay period bet operation acceptance process is terminated.

  In step S2205, the operation flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to next step S2207. In the main control unit main process, the second delay process described above is executed when the operation flag is set to ON (see step S1103 and step S1105 in FIG. 10).

  In step S2207, the effect bet operation valid flag is set to OFF (erase), and the process proceeds to the next step S2209.

  In step S2209, preparation for transmitting the effect bet operation invalidation command to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed, and the first delay period bet operation acceptance process is terminated.

  Next, details of the second delay period bet operation acceptance process (step S2109) during the various game processes of FIG. 15 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the second delay period bet operation acceptance process (step S2109) shown in FIG.

  First, in first step S2301, it is determined whether or not the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON. If the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S2303; otherwise, the first delay period bet operation acceptance process is terminated.

  In step S2303, it is determined whether or not the bet buttons 130 to 132 have been operated based on a signal from the bet button sensor. If the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated, the process proceeds to step S2305; otherwise, the first delay period bet operation acceptance process is terminated.

  In step S2305, 1 is added to the value of the operation number counter, and the second delay period bet operation acceptance process is terminated. In the main control unit main process, whether or not the third delay process described above can be performed is determined based on the value of the operation number counter (see step S1109 and step S1111 in FIG. 10).

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
Next, processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 18B is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 18C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step S301 in FIG. 18A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S301. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed. In this process, an area for storing internal winning information that is information representing the result of the internal winning and an area for storing RT update information that is information indicating the gaming state are provided in the RAM 408, respectively.

  In step S303, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, 0 is substituted into the timer variable.

  In step S307, command processing that is processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300 is executed.

  In step S309, effect control processing is performed. Here, preparation for the production is performed according to the production reservation information in the production reservation area provided in the RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, performing a process such as reading the effect data from the ROM 406 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated. Details of this effect control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S311, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step S309, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

  In step S313, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read out in step S309, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step S315, an information output process is performed for setting to transmit a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in step S309, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step S303.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S321 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is performed by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S331, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S303 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. 18A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S303, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step S333, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S315, an effect random number update process, and the like are performed.

  Next, details of the effect control process (step S309) in the first sub-control unit main process of FIG. 18A will be described using FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect control process (step S309) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S3101, it is determined whether or not any of the first delay timer start command, the second delay timer start command, and the third delay timer start command has been accepted. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3103. If this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3105.

  In step S3103, effect data corresponding to each delay timer start command is set, and the process proceeds to step S3105.

  In step S3105, it is determined whether either the first delay timer end command or the second delay timer end command has been accepted. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3107. If this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3109.

  In step S3107, effect data corresponding to each delay timer end command is set, and the process proceeds to step S3109.

  In step S3109, it is determined whether an effect bet operation valid command has been accepted. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3111. If this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3113.

  In step S3111, effect data indicating that the betting operation for effect is valid is set, and the process proceeds to step S3113. Note that an effect that prompts the user to operate the bet buttons 130 to 132 is executed based on the effect data.

  In step S3113, it is determined whether an effect bet operation invalidation command has been accepted. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3115, and if this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3117.

  In step S3115, effect data indicating that the betting operation for effect is invalid is set, and the process proceeds to step S3117. Note that the effect that prompts the user to operate the bet buttons 130 to 132 is ended by the effect data.

  In step S3117, processing is executed when a command other than each delay timer start command, each delay timer end command, effect bet operation valid command, and effect bet operation invalid command is received. Thereafter, the command processing is terminated.

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
Next, processing of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 20B is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 20C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 20D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, in step S401 in FIG. 20A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S401. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In step S403, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S405, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step S407, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command is received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400.

  In step S409, effect control processing is performed. Specifically, if there is a new command in step S407, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading effect data for performing image control relating to the background image and effect data relating to the shutter effect from the ROM 506 is executed. In addition, it includes a process of reading other effect data from the ROM 506 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step S411, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result in step S409. For example, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step S409, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed.

  In step S413, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S409. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S409, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control relating to a display image (notification image, background image) is executed. This image control process will be described later with reference to FIG. When this image control process ends, the process returns to step S403.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In step S415 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is predetermined by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S417, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S403 in the second sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 20A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S403, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step S419, an effect random number update process is performed.

  Next, the image control process in step S413 in the main process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step S421, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 536), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information table and the like, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In step S423, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 534. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S425. If not, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it.

  In step S425, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in step S421, the CPU 504 has information on the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes and image sizes of the VRAM 536). , VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 534. The VDP 534 performs parameter setting in accordance with the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In step S427, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504.

  In step S429, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 based on the end of image drawing has been input. If a generation end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S431; Wait for input.

  In step S431, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

  The characteristic operation of the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described below based on the above-described content. The slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with a state in which an operation relating to the progress of the game is not accepted over a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as “freeze”), and during this time, an effect for improving the interest of the game is performed. is there. Moreover, the period of freezing is extended based on the operation of the player who is freezing. Hereinafter, the flow of this process will be described separately for the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500.

  First, the process flow of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the delay period and the prescribed number of operations corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the passage of time when the delay period is extended and when the delay period is not extended.

  When the game is started by operating the start lever 135, the interrupt status is set to “no special processing” (see step S103 shown in FIG. 8). When this interrupt status is set to “no special process”, in the various game processes of the main control unit timer interrupt process (see step S207 shown in FIG. 14), an operation relating to the progress of the game is not accepted. . This interrupt status is not changed while a later-described delay process (see step S1003 shown in FIG. 9) is being executed, but is updated to accept an operation related to the progress of the game after the delay process is completed. (See step S1011 shown in FIG. 9).

  When the start lever 135 is operated, an internal lottery (see step S109 shown in FIG. 8) is executed as to whether or not an internal winning is won for any of the combinations shown in FIG. Here, if any of the small combination 2, special combination 1 / small combination 2, special combination 2 / small combination 2 is internally won, in the reel rotation process (see step S113 shown in FIG. 8), a predetermined period of time. A delay process (see steps S1001 and S1003 shown in FIG. 9, see FIG. 10) is executed. While this delay process is being executed, the interrupt status is “no special process”, so that an operation relating to the progress of the game is not accepted (freeze).

  The delay process in the present embodiment executes the first delay process and then executes the second delay process and the third delay process based on the player's operation (see FIG. 10). In other words, the delay period is extended by executing the second delay process and the third delay process following the first delay process. Hereinafter, the first delay process, the second delay process, and the third delay process will be described. In the following description, the description will be continued on the assumption that any of the small combination 2, special combination 1 / small combination 2, special combination 2 / small combination 2 was internally won and the delay process was executed.

  In the first delay process (see step S1101 shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11), first, a first delay timer is set (see step S1201 shown in FIG. 11). The value of the first delay timer is counted down over time by the timer update process (see step S209 shown in FIG. 14) of the main control unit timer interrupt process. In the first delay process, a process of waiting until the value of the first delay timer becomes 0 (see step S1213 shown in FIG. 11) is executed. That is, the time required to execute the first delay process (hereinafter referred to as the first delay period) is determined by the value set in the first delay timer. In the present embodiment, the value of the first delay timer is set so that the first delay period is 3 seconds (see the first delay period shown in FIG. 21).

  In the first delay process, the first delay flag is set to ON immediately after the start of this process (see step S1203 shown in FIG. 11), and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first delay timer was set, The effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON (see step S1209 shown in FIG. 11). If the main control unit timer interrupt process is executed at a predetermined cycle during the first delay process, first, the first delay period bet operation acceptance process ( Step S2105 shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16) are executed. Further, in the first delay period bet operation acceptance process, when the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON, the operation flag is set to ON based on the operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132. (See Step S2201, Step S2203, and Step S2205 shown in FIG. 16). That is, when a predetermined period elapses after the first delay timer is set, the operation flag is set to ON by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132.

  When the first delay process ends with the operation flag set to ON, the second delay process is executed (see step S1103 and step S1105 shown in FIG. 10). FIG. 22A shows that the second delay process is executed following the first delay process. In addition, the figure shows that the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated during the first delay process in order to execute the second delay process. The operations of the bet buttons 130 to 132 are performed after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first delay timer was set, that is, when the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON. .

  When the operation flag is set to OFF, the delay process is terminated without executing the second delay process (see step S1103 shown in FIG. 10). FIG. 22B shows that the operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is not performed during the first delay process, the delay period ends, and the game returns to the normal game as it is.

  Next, a case where the second delay process (see step S1105 shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12) is executed will be described.

  In the second delay process, first, a second delay timer is set (see step S1301 shown in FIG. 11). The value of the second delay timer is counted down over time by the timer update process (see step S209 shown in FIG. 14) of the main control unit timer interrupt process. In the second delay process, a process of waiting until the value of the second delay timer becomes 0 (see step S1315 shown in FIG. 12) is executed. That is, the time required to execute the second delay process (hereinafter referred to as the second delay period) is determined by the value set in the second delay timer. In the present embodiment, the value of the second delay timer is set so that the second delay period is 5 seconds (see the second delay period shown in FIG. 21).

  Subsequent to the first delay process, the interrupt status of the main control unit 300 remains set to “no special process” and does not accept an operation relating to the progress of the game. That is, the state in which no operation related to the game is accepted is extended by the second delay period.

  In the second delay process, the second delay flag is set to ON immediately after the start of this process (see step S1303 shown in FIG. 12), and after a predetermined period has elapsed since the second delay timer was set, The effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON (see step S1311 shown in FIG. 12). When the main control unit timer interrupt process is executed at a predetermined cycle during the second delay process, first, the second delay period bet operation acceptance process ( Step S2109 shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 17) are executed. Further, in the second delay period bet operation acceptance process, when the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON, the operation number counter is updated based on the operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132. (See steps S2301, S2303, and S2305 shown in FIG. 17). That is, when a predetermined period elapses after the second delay timer is set, the number of times the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated is added to the value of the operation number counter.

  When the second delay process is completed, either the special role 1 / small role 2 or the special role 2 / small role 2 is internally won, and the value of the operation counter is a specified value (this If the number of times is 5 or more in the embodiment, the third delay process is executed (see step S1107, step S1109, and step S1111 shown in FIG. 10). FIG. 22A shows that the third delay process is executed following the second delay process. Further, FIG. 6 shows that the bet buttons 130 to 132 are repeatedly operated during the second delay process in order to execute the third delay process. The operations of the bet buttons 130 to 132 are performed after a predetermined period has elapsed since the second delay timer was set, that is, when the effect bet operation valid flag is set to ON. . Although not shown in FIG. 22, the third is performed when the small combination 2 is independently won internally, or when the value of the operation number counter is less than the prescribed value (5 times in the present embodiment). The delay process is terminated without executing the delay process (see step S1107 and step S1109 shown in FIG. 10).

  Next, the case where the third delay process (see step S1111 shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 13) is executed will be described.

  In the third delay process, first, a third delay timer is set according to the value of the operation counter (see step S1401 shown in FIG. 13). The value of the third delay timer is counted down over time by the timer update process (see step S209 shown in FIG. 14) of the main control unit timer interrupt process. In the third delay process, a process of waiting until the value of the third delay timer becomes 0 (see step S1405 shown in FIG. 13) is executed. That is, the time required to execute the third delay process (hereinafter, the third delay period) is determined by the value set in the third delay timer.

  In the present embodiment, when the special combination 2 / small combination 2 is won internally, the value of the third delay timer is set so that the third delay period is 5 seconds (the first delay shown in FIG. 21). See 3 delay periods). When the special combination 1 / small combination 2 is won internally, the value of the third delay timer is set so that the third delay period is either 5 seconds or 10 seconds. More specifically, when the value of the operation number counter is 5 or more and 9 or less, the third delay period is 5 seconds, and when the value of the operation number counter is 10 or more, the third delay period. The values of the third delay timers are set so that each becomes 10 seconds (see the third delay period shown in FIG. 21).

  Subsequent to the first delay process and the second delay process, the interrupt status of the main control unit 300 remains set to “no special process” and does not accept an operation relating to the progress of the game. In other words, the state in which no game-related operation is accepted is extended by the third delay period.

  When the third delay process ends, a series of delay processes end (see FIG. 10), and then the interrupt status is updated to allow the game to proceed (step S1011 shown in FIG. 9).

  The processing flow of the main control unit 300 has been described so far. Next, the processing flow of the first sub control unit 400 and the second sub control unit 500 will be described.

  As described above, in the main control unit 300, the first delay process, the second delay process, and the third delay process are executed. While these processes are being executed, the first sub-control unit 400 is executed. And various commands (first delay timer start command, first delay timer end command, second delay timer start command, second delay timer end command, third delay timer start, in order to cause the second sub-control unit 500 to produce effects. The command, the effect bet operation valid command, and the effect bet operation invalid command) are transmitted from the main control unit 300 (see FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 16). In the following, based on the processing flow of the main control unit 300, the contents of effects executed by the first sub control unit 400 and the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 23 and FIG. The flow of processing will be described. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of effects performed during the delay period.

  The series of effects shown in FIG. 23 are effects indicating the degree of expectation as to whether or not the special combination is won internally. Specifically, first, four frames are displayed that indicate the degree of expectation that the special role has been won internally by the number of stars, and these frames turn on and off in the order of upper right, lower right, lower left, and upper left. Repeat (first figure). Next, an image that prompts the user to operate the bet buttons 130 to 132 is displayed (first diagram). When the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated (second diagram), the interval between lighting and extinguishing becomes longer. Only one frame is turned on and the remaining three are turned off (third figure). After that, an image prompting the user to repeatedly operate the bet buttons 130 to 132 is displayed (fourth diagram). When the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated a predetermined number of times (fifth diagram), only one is lit. A symbol indicating a combination is displayed in the frame (sixth diagram).

  The above-described effect is executed over the above-described first delay period, second delay period, and third delay period. Specifically, the contents shown in the first and second figures are executed in the first delay period, the contents shown in the third to fifth figures are executed in the second delay period, and the contents shown in the sixth figure. Are executed in the third delay period. In addition, the content of the effect performed in a 1st delay period, a 2nd delay period, and a 3rd delay period is determined by lottery based on the result of an internal lottery.

  Note that the sixth diagram shows an image with the highest accuracy as the information for determining whether or not the special combination has been won internally (image for notifying that the special combination 1 has been won internally). The second figure is less accurate than the image shown in the first figure, although it is less accurate as information for determining whether or not the special role is won internally compared to the picture shown in the sixth figure. Indicates a high-quality image (an image in which only one frame indicating the degree of expectation of internal winning for the special role is limited to one), and setting of the first delay period, the second delay period, the third delay period, and the delay period As the process progresses, the accuracy of the information indicating whether or not the special role is won internally is gradually increased. By doing in this way, it is possible to determine whether or not to notify a plurality of pieces of information with different accuracy as information for determining whether or not the special combination is won internally by the player's operation, and a delay period It is possible to reliably notify the information for determining whether or not the special combination determined to be notified is internally won.

  FIG. 24A is a diagram showing a lottery table of effect contents used for effects in the first delay period, and FIG. 24B is a diagram showing effect contents displayed by (a). Of the three images shown in FIG. 24 (b), the image shown in pattern A is for executing an effect suggesting that the expectation of the internal winning in the special role is the lowest. The image of pattern B is for executing an effect suggesting that the degree of expectation is higher than that of the image of pattern A, and the image of pattern C is in the state with the highest degree of expectation. It is for performing the production which suggests that. When the main control unit 300 starts the first delay process, the first sub-control unit 400 determines the production contents using the lottery table shown in FIG. The first image in FIG. 23 shows a state in which the effect of the pattern B shown in FIG. It should be noted that the production contents in the second delay period and the third delay period are also determined by lottery. At this time, the lottery table is set so that the production contents over each delay period are connected.

  Hereinafter, details of the process for performing the effects in each of the first delay period, the second delay period, and the third delay period will be described.

  First, in the first delay period, a first delay timer start command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 (see step S1205 shown in FIG. 11). In the first sub-control unit 400 that has received this command, in the effect control process (see step S309 and FIG. 19 shown in FIG. 18), effect data corresponding to this command is set by lottery (step S3101 shown in FIG. 19). In step S3103, see FIG. 24), the effect is executed according to the effect data (see the background of the first diagram in FIG. 23).

  Subsequently, an effect bet operation valid command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 (see step S1211 shown in FIG. 11). In the first sub-control unit 400 that has received this command, the effect data is set in the effect control process of the first sub-control unit main process, and the effect of informing the user to operate the bet buttons 130 to 132 is executed (see FIG. Step S3109 and Step S3111 shown in FIG. 19, refer to the center of the first diagram in FIG.

  When the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated, the main control unit 300 sets the operation flag to ON, and further transmits an effect bet operation invalid command to the first sub-control unit 400 (step shown in FIG. 16). (See S2209). In the first sub-control unit 400 that has received this command, in the effect control process of the first sub-control unit main process, effect data for ending the notification prompting the user to operate the bet buttons 130 to 132 is set (shown in FIG. 19). Step S3113 and Step S3115). Although not shown in FIG. 23, the effect of informing the user to operate the bet buttons 130 to 132 displayed in the center of the first diagram of FIG. 23 ends according to this effect data.

  Near the end of the first delay process, a first delay timer end command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 (see step S1219 shown in FIG. 11). In the effect control process of the first sub control unit main process, effect data is set according to this command (see step S3105 and step S3107 shown in FIG. 19). When the effect bet operation invalid command is not transmitted, the effect of informing the user to operate the bet buttons 130 to 132 ends according to the effect data.

  In the second delay process, a second delay timer start command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 (see step S1305 shown in FIG. 12). In the first sub-control unit 400 that has received this command, in the effect control process (see step S309 and FIG. 19 shown in FIG. 18), the effect data corresponding to this command is set by lottery (step S3101 and FIG. 19 shown in FIG. 19). In step S3103, an effect is executed according to the effect data (see the third diagram in FIG. 23).

  Subsequently, an effect bet operation valid command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 (see step S1313 shown in FIG. 12). In the first sub-control unit 400 that has received this command, the effect data is set in the effect control process of the first sub-control unit main process, and the effect of informing the user to repeatedly operate the bet buttons 130 to 132 is executed. (Step S3109 and Step S3111 shown in FIG. 19, refer to the center of the fourth diagram in FIG. 23).

  Near the end of the second delay process, a second delay timer end command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 (see step S1321 shown in FIG. 12). In the effect control process of the first sub control unit main process, effect data is set according to this command (see step S3105 and step S3107 shown in FIG. 19). Although not shown in FIG. 23, the effect of informing the user to operate the bet buttons 130 to 132 displayed in the center of the fourth diagram in FIG. 23 ends according to this effect data.

  In the third delay process, a third delay timer start command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 (see step S1403 shown in FIG. 13). In the first sub-control unit 400 that has received this command, in the effect control process (see step S309 and FIG. 19 shown in FIG. 18), the effect data corresponding to this command is set by lottery (step S3101 and FIG. 19 shown in FIG. 19). In step S3103, the effect is executed according to the effect data (see the sixth diagram in FIG. 23). In the present embodiment, when the third delay period is 5 seconds, the effect data for notifying that either the special combination 1 or the special combination 2 is won internally is set, and the third delay period is set. In the case of 10 seconds, the effect data for notifying that the special combination 1 is internally won is set.

  Up to this point, the characteristic operation of the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment has been described. However, the above-described content is an example and will be supplemented below.

  In the slot machine 100 described above, a so-called freeze is provided when the delay process (see FIG. 10) is executed. In the above description, the case where this delay process is executed in the reel rotation process (step S113 shown in FIG. 8) has been described. There is no particular limitation on the start timing of the delay process, and for example, in addition to the reel rotation process, a delay occurs during the reel stop control process (step S115 shown in FIG. 8) and the winning determination process (step S117 shown in FIG. 8). Processing may be provided. In the above description, it is determined whether or not to start the delay process based on the internal winning combination. However, for example, the symbol combination of the stop display of the third stop operation, the order of the stop operation, The delay process may be executed based on conditions such as the timing of the stop operation.

  In the slot machine 100 described above, the delay period is extended on the condition that the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated. This condition is an example, and for example, the start lever 135 and the stop buttons 137 to 139 may be operated, or may be a condition that no operation is performed for a certain period of time. Furthermore, these conditions may be combined or the timing of operation may be used as a condition. In addition, when operation means other than the operation means used next to advance the game (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139 after the reel rotation is started), the operation related to the progress of the game and the delay period are extended. Operations can be clearly distinguished, and it is difficult for the player to perform erroneous operations. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the delay period is extended by an operation performed to advance the game and the player's willingness to play is reduced.

  In the slot machine 100 described above, in the third delay process, the third delay period is varied according to the value of the operation number counter. In this way, by varying the extension time according to the player's operation, the player's selection range can be expanded, and the decrease in game motivation can be prevented. In the present embodiment, the length of the third delay period is set based on the number of operations of the bet buttons 130 to 132 (see step S1401 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 21). Depending on the case, the delay period may be varied. Furthermore, in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, the contents of the presentation are also varied according to the extended time, and the player can select and enjoy these according to his / her preference.

  In the slot machine 100 described above, an operation for extending the delay period is not determined until a predetermined period elapses in the first delay process and the second delay process. For example, when the player is trying to advance the game by operating the top buttons 137 to 139, an operation for extending the delay period contrary to the player's intention when the delay processing is suddenly started, Or, there is a risk of performing any operation that makes it impossible to extend the delay period. Furthermore, in the case where the content of the production is connected by two delay processes, the player may not be aware when the delay period starts or ends. Again in this case, contrary to the player's intention, There is a risk of performing either an operation for extending the delay period or an operation that makes it impossible to extend the delay period. In these cases, the player's willingness to play may be reduced. In order to avoid this problem, it is preferable to provide a period during which the player notices that it is in the delay period (erroneous operation prevention period) so that the player can reliably perform an operation for extending the delay period. . Therefore, in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, a period in which an operation for extending the delay period is not determined is provided so that the player is aware that it is in the delay period.

  Furthermore, in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, an effect that suggests this is executed for the operation that is a condition for extending the delay period (see the first and fourth diagrams in FIG. 23). This effect is not executed in a period (operation error prevention period) in which an operation for extending the delay period is not determined. By executing this effect, the player can more reliably extend the delay period. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating effects performed in the first delay period. In FIG. 25, part of the effect shown in FIG. 23 is executed through the first delay period. At the beginning of the first delay period, an effect that suggests the operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is not executed, and the state in which the expected degrees in the four frames described above are sequentially displayed is shown ( (Refer to the erroneous operation prevention period in FIG. 25). When a predetermined period elapses from the start of the first delay period, an effect suggesting the operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is executed (see the effect bet operation effective period in FIG. 25). While this suggestion effect is not being performed, the operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is not determined. In other words, the player can extend the delay period more reliably by matching the effects with the operation determination period.

  In the slot machine 100 described above, the entire delay period is extended by starting the second delay process after the end of the first delay process and starting the third delay process after the end of the second delay period. is there. Advantages of such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a delay period when the next delay process is executed simultaneously with the establishment of the operation condition. FIG. 26 shows that when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated in the first delay period, the subsequent execution of the first delay process is canceled and the next second delay process is being executed. Yes. Furthermore, the figure shows a state in which the third delay process is executed after the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, five times) in the second delay period.

  For example, when a delay process that is currently being executed is canceled and a new delay process is executed, the determination process, the stop of the currently executed delay process, and the execution of a new delay process must not be performed at once. The burden on hardware increases. In particular, this burden is further increased when some effects are executed in accordance with the delay processing. However, according to the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, scheduling is performed in advance so that a new delay process is executed after the currently executed delay process is completed, and the delay period is extended without imposing a burden on hardware. Can do. If the hardware processing speed is sufficient, as shown in FIG. 26, the currently executing delay process may be stopped and a new delay process may be executed.

  In the slot machine 100 described above, the first delay period is extended by adding the second delay period, and the second delay period is extended by adding the third delay period, that is, the extension is performed twice. The number of times of extension is not limited to two. For example, it may be 5 times. In this way, by setting the delay period in stages and allowing the player to extend these by his / her own operation, the player's options can be further expanded and the player can be entertained. For example, when the effect of the pattern A shown in FIG. 24B is executed, a selection that the delay period is not extended (the second delay process is not executed) is low because the expectation degree that the special winning combination is internally won is low. Is possible. In addition, the effect of the pattern B shown in FIG. 24B is executed and the delay period is extended with the expectation that the special role is won internally, but then the star in the upper left of the four frames shown in the pattern B It is also possible to select that the delay period is not extended (the third delay process is not executed) by executing an effect with low expectation in which one frame is lit.

In the above explanation,
A plurality of kinds of operation means (bet buttons 130 to 132, a start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139) for performing operations relating to the game;
Detection means (main control unit 300, see step S205 shown in FIG. 14) for detecting each operation of the operation means in an identifiable manner;
Game progress processing means for performing game progress processing relating to the progress of the game based on the detection result by the detection means (see main control section 300, main control section main processing shown in FIG. 8);
Delay processing means for performing a delay process for delaying the progress of the game progress process based on establishment of a predetermined start condition (see the main control unit 300, the delay process shown in FIG. 10);
Production means (liquid crystal display device 157, various lamps 420, speakers 272, 277) for producing an effect relating to the game;
A game machine including presentation control means (first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500) that causes the presentation means to perform a delay presentation during a delay period in which the delay process is being executed,
The delay processing means includes
Determination based on the detection result whether or not one or more types of specific operation means (the bet buttons 130 to 132) of the plurality of types of operation means are operated according to a predetermined operation condition during the delay period. Processing is performed (see step S1103, step S1109, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17 shown in FIG. 10), and the delay period is extended by determining that the operation is performed according to the predetermined operation condition by the determination processing (FIG. 22). A game table characterized by the above description.

Also,
A gaming machine as described above,
The delay processing means includes
The execution of the determination process is started on the condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the execution of the delay process was started (see step S1207 in FIG. 11 and step S1307 in FIG. 12).
The production control means includes
As the delayed effect, an effect (see the first and fourth diagrams in FIG. 23) including a suggestion effect that suggests an operation of the specific operation means is performed by the effect means, and the determination process is started. There is described a game stand that is characterized in that the suggestive effect is performed in accordance with the timing (see step S1211 in FIG. 11 and step S1313 in FIG. 12).

further,
A gaming machine as described above,
The delay processing means includes
The delay period is extended by performing the delay process anew after the delay process is completed based on the determination that the operation is performed according to the predetermined operation condition (see FIGS. 10 and 22). ) Is described.

in addition,
A gaming machine as described above,
The delay processing means includes
There is described a game table characterized in that the delay period is extended a plurality of times (see FIGS. 10 and 22) based on the determination result of the determination process.

In addition,
The gaming machine described above, wherein the delay processing means is
When it is determined by the determination process that the specific operation means is operated according to the first operation condition, the delay period is extended by a first extension period (step S1401 in FIG. 13, special role 1 in FIG. 21). / Refer to the value of the delay period for the internal winning of the small role 2 and the value of the operation number counter is 5 to 9), and the specific operation means is operated according to the second operation condition different from the first operation condition The delay period is extended by a second extension period longer than the first extension period (step S1401 in FIG. 13, internal winning of special role 1 / small role 2 in FIG. 21, In addition, there is described a gaming machine characterized in that the value of the operation counter is a delay period value for 10 or more).

100 slot machines 110 to 112 reels 130 to 132 bet buttons 135 start levers 137 to 139 stop buttons 157 display device 340 status notification dedicated lamps 272 and 277 speakers 300 main control unit 400 first sub control unit 500 second sub control unit

Claims (5)

Multiple types of operation means for performing operations related to games,
Detecting means for detecting each operation of the operating means in an identifiable manner;
Game progress processing means for performing game progress processing relating to the progress of the game based on the detection result by the detection means;
Delay processing means for performing delay processing for delaying progress of the game progress processing based on establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Directing means for performing games,
A game machine comprising: an effect control means for causing the effect means to perform a delay effect during a delay period in which the delay process is being executed;
The delay processing means includes
A determination process is performed for determining whether one or more types of specific operation means of the plurality of types of operation means are operated in accordance with a predetermined operation condition during the delay period, and the determination process is performed. The game machine is characterized in that the delay period is extended by determining that the operation is performed according to the predetermined operation condition. The game stand according to claim 1,
The delay processing means includes
The execution of the determination process is started on the condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the execution of the delay process was started,
The production control means includes
As the delayed effect, an effect including an effect effect that suggests the operation of the specific operation means is performed by the effect device, and the effect effect is performed in accordance with the start timing of the determination process. A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1 or 2,
The delay processing means includes
The delay period is extended by newly performing the delay process after completion of the delay process based on the determination that the operation is performed according to the predetermined operation condition. Amusement stand. The game stand according to claim 3,
The delay processing means includes
The game machine characterized in that the delay period is extended a plurality of times based on the determination result of the determination process. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the delay processing means is
By the determination process, it is determined that the specific operation means is operated according to the first operation condition, so that the delay period is extended by a first extension period, and the specific operation means is set to the first operation condition. A game table characterized in that the delay period is extended by a second extension period longer than the first extension period when it is determined that the operation is performed according to a second operation condition different from the first extension period.