JP2013046694A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine preventing fraudulence such as falsification of a command transmitted from a main control board to a subordinate board by monitoring the presence of consistency in processing between the main control board and the subordinate control board.SOLUTION: The slot machine (10) includes the main control board (100) for controlling the progress of the play, and the subordinate board (200) for controlling a performance of the play. At least stopping operation signals from stop switches (56L, 56C and 56R) are input to the main board and the subordinate board. The main control board transmits a command with various coded information, and the subordinate board executes an AT lottery and the performance according to the received command. A consistency discrimination means (651) of the subordinate control board independently determines a display mode of symbols based on an excitation data signal to drive reels, a reference position signal and stopping operation signals from the stop switches, and discriminates the consistency of the display mode with information on the stopping position of the reels specified by a stopping position data command.

Description

  The present invention is a game in which a player performs an operation of rotating and stopping a reel on the condition that a player bets a game medium such as a medal, and a game result such as winning is determined by a display mode of a symbol displayed by the stopped reel. Related to slot machines. The present invention particularly relates to a slot machine in which measures against fraud from the outside are taken.

  The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels that can variably display symbols by rotating, and controls the rotation and stop of the reels according to the operation of the start switch and stop switch by the player. Operations relating to such games are controlled by a main control board in the slot machine body. Further, the slot machine includes a sub-control board that mainly controls a game effect operation, in addition to the above-described original game operation. The sub control board produces various games by driving various display devices, lamps, speakers, and the like based on commands and the like transmitted from the main control board according to the state and progress of the game.

  In the slot machine, when a combination of symbols displayed by the stopped reels is in a predetermined display mode, a winning combination is established and a prize is won, and a predetermined number of game media (for example, medals) are paid out to the winning winning combination. Based on the game that is paid out as. As a premise for establishing a winning combination, it is necessary that the winning combination is won in advance internally by the winning lottery means provided on the main control board. The player operates the stop switch in a timely manner to stop the reel, and when the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line set in the display window, the combination is established.

  As a “combination” in a conventional slot machine, there is a “special game combination” in which a game is transferred to a “special game” which is a game state advantageous to the player, in addition to a “small role” that pays out game media. For example, an “SB (single bonus) combination” that shifts to a bonus game with a higher probability of winning a “small role” than a general game, an “RB (regular bonus) combination” that makes such a bonus game continuous multiple times, and In addition, there is a “BB (Big Bonus) combination” for continuing such a bonus game up to a predetermined maximum payout number. In addition, there is a “re-game player” that can carry the betting game medium to the next game.

  In addition, a type equipped with a so-called assist (AT) game function that notifies the player of the symbol of the winning combination internally, or notifies the player of the stop operation order of the stop switch that reliably establishes the winning combination. Slot machines are also popular. When entering the AT gaming state, the player can surely establish a winning combination by pressing (stopping operation) in the notified order, so that the number of acquired game media can be substantially increased than usual. Can do. In addition, there is a slot machine that provides a so-called eye-attack AT that sets and informs a target eye for a specific symbol on a reel, for example.

  The lottery for the role related to the game is performed by the role lottery means of the main control board, but the lottery (AT lottery) of whether or not to notify the role won internally by this role lottery means and the stop operation order, etc. This is performed on the sub control board side based on a command transmitted from the main control board.

  However, in order to perform an AT effect on the side of the sub-control board, at least information on the result lottery results (role lottery result command) performed by the role lottery means and the order of the stop operation are used as commands from the main control board. It is necessary to transmit information on assist contents such as to the sub-control board. The information of this combination lottery result command includes information on symbols such as an AT combination that instructs execution of the AT lottery on the sub-control board side. For this reason, in recent years, fraudulent acts targeting such commands related to games have become a problem. For example, there is known an illegal act of illegally reading information from a line connecting a main control board and a sub control board, or installing an illegal board on this line to tamper with command information.

  If, for example, the above-mentioned symbol information such as the AT role is altered through the command, the effect lottery means on the sub-control board side does not win the AT role on the main control board side. In some cases, the AT lottery is executed and the AT effect such as notification of the order of the stop operation is performed. When an illegal act targeting such a command and a line for transmitting the command is performed, an illegal acter can play a game more advantageous than usual, and the fairness of the game is lost.

  In order to deal with such an illegal act in a gaming machine, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses means for encrypting information output from a main control board and transmitting it to a sub control board. Also, in Patent Document 2, a table composed of a plurality of numbers arranged in common with each of the main board and the sub board is managed, and each time a predetermined command data is sent from the main board to the sub board, numbers to be sequentially selected from the table are set. There is disclosed means for adding to command data as encrypted data, comparing the encrypted data sent on the sub-board with the numbers in the table managed by the sub-board, and determining that the data is not correct if they do not match.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-21600 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-100949

  However, any of the above-described conventional means has a fixed encryption method, and once the encryption method is overlooked, there is a risk that unauthorized decryption or acquisition of information may be permitted.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to monitor the presence or absence of processing consistency between the main control board and the sub control board, thereby performing an illegal act such as tampering with a command transmitted from the main control board to the sub control board. It is to provide a slot machine to prevent.

[1] A slot machine according to the present invention operates a plurality of reels capable of displaying symbols in a variable manner by rotating, a start switch for instructing to start rotation of the reels, and instructing to stop rotation of the reels. A plurality of stop switches, a main control board for controlling the progress of the game by controlling rotation and stop of the reel in accordance with instructions from the start switch and the stop switch, and transmission from the main control board And a sub-control board that controls a game effect based on an incoming command, and a slot machine that fulfills a role corresponding to the display mode when a symbol displayed on the reel is in a predetermined display mode. A stop operation signal from the stop switch is input to the main control board and the sub control board, respectively, A drive signal for driving the rotation of the reel is also connected to the sub-control board so that the main control board has a lottery means for lottering the roles, and a result of lottery by the lottery means And a reel stop position determining means for determining a stop position of the reel based on a stop operation signal from the stop switch, and a stop position data command including information on the stop position at which the reel has stopped is transmitted to the sub-control board. Stop position data command transmission means, and the sub-control board includes command reception means for receiving the stop position data command sent from the main control board, the drive signal of the reel, and the Reel stop position determining means for determining a stop position of the reel based on a stop operation signal from a stop switch; Whether or not there is an abnormality is determined based on the consistency between the reel stop position determined by the reel stop position determination means and the information on the reel stop position indicated by the stop position data command received from the main control board. And a consistency determining means.

  According to this slot machine, the sub-control board that controls the effect of the game has a reel based on the lottery result information indicated by the role lottery result command, the reel rotation position signal, and the stop switch stop operation signal. Reel stop position determining means for determining the stop position is provided. The consistency determination means determines whether the command is normal or abnormal based on information consistency between the reel stop position determined by the reel stop position determination means and the reel stop position indicated by the stop position data command from the main control board. Is determined.

[2] In the slot machine of the present invention, the main control board includes information on a reception position that is a rotation position of the reel when a stop operation signal is received from the stop switch, and the combination lottery means. Rotation stop command transmission means for transmitting to the sub control board a rotation stop command including at least information on the number of symbols to be slid from the reception position to the reel stop position determined according to the lottery result, The command receiving means of the sub control board receives the rotation stop command, the reel stop position determining means determines the stop position of the reel based on the information indicated in the rotation stop command, and the consistency determination The means makes a determination including the consistency of the stop position of the reel determined based on the rotation stop command.

  According to this slot machine, the rotation stop command from the main control board includes information on the reel reception position when the stop operation signal is received, and information on the number of symbols to be slid from the reception position to the reel stop position. Therefore, the consistency determination means can obtain information on the stop position of each reel from the information on the rotation stop command.

[3] In the slot machine of the present invention, the sub-control board is further provided with AT lottery means for determining whether or not to notify a player of the result of the lottery by the role lottery means. When the sex determination means determines that there is an abnormality, the AT lottery means is not operated.

  According to this slot machine, since the AT lottery means does not operate when the consistency determining means determines an abnormality, an illegal game that establishes a hand with a higher probability than the regulation performed by the AT effect on the sub-control board. Actions can be prevented.

[4] The slot machine of the present invention further includes signal pattern generating means for superimposing and outputting an indefinite signal pattern on a signal indicating predetermined game information input to the main control board and the sub control board, respectively. A first encryption key storage means for storing a plurality of different encryption keys, and one encryption key corresponding to the signal pattern superimposed on a signal indicating the predetermined game information is selected on the main control board First encryption key selection means that performs the command encryption means for encrypting the command with the selected encryption key, and storing a plurality of different encryption keys on the sub-control board. A second encryption key storage means and an encryption key selected on the main control board corresponding to the signal pattern superimposed on a signal indicating the predetermined game information; Second encryption key selection means for selecting the same encryption key, and command decryption means for decrypting the received command with the encryption key selected by the second encryption key selection means are further provided.

  According to this slot machine, the command is encrypted, making it difficult for a third party to exploit the command information or to tamper with it. Since the first and second encryption key selection means provided on both the main control board and the sub control board select the encryption key corresponding to the signal pattern superimposed on the signal indicating the predetermined game information, the command encryption Make it difficult for fraudsters to see through Thereby, the secrecy of the command can be ensured, and safer transmission / reception of the command can be realized.

[5] In the slot machine of the present invention, the signal indicating the predetermined game information is a rotation start signal output when the start switch is operated, and the rotation start signal from the start switch is The main control board and the sub control board are connected to input.

  According to this slot machine, the first and second encryption key selection means select the encryption key corresponding to the signal pattern superimposed on the rotation start signal output when the start switch is operated. This makes it difficult for an unauthorized person to see the command encryption method.

  Here, “a plurality of reels capable of displaying symbols in a variable manner” is displayed with rotation and stop according to an image displayed on an image display device and the like as well as reels that are physically rotated and stopped by a motor or the like. A reel is also included.

  In addition, the symbol “display mode” includes not only a combination of symbols displayed by each reel, but also a symbol display mode that only some or specific reels display.

  In addition, the “combination” includes at least a “small role” that pays out a predetermined number of game media when winning (established), and a “re-playing game” that can re-execute the game without inserting the game media, A “special game player” for performing a special game that makes the game proceed in an advantageous manner for the player is included.

  According to the slot machine of the present invention, an illegal act of tampering with a command transmitted from the main control board to the sub control board by monitoring the presence or absence of processing consistency between the main control board and the sub control board Can be prevented. Also, by encrypting the command with an encryption key that is changed as needed, unauthorized acquisition and analysis of the command by a third party becomes difficult. As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal gaming act that establishes a combination with a higher probability than the regulation.

It is a front view showing a front appearance of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the Example of the arrangement | sequence of the symbol arrange | positioned at each reel by embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the main control board by embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the sub control board by embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the control means of the slot machine by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which each control means of the main control board by embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the betting number setting process by embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a view showing a combination provided in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention and symbols corresponding to each combination. It is a figure which shows an example of the role lottery table referred in the general game by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation order table which concerns on the small part by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation order table which concerns on the re-game player by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the part lottery process by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel rotation control processing by embodiment of this invention. (A) is a figure for demonstrating the 1-2 phase excitation pulse control system employ | adopted by reel rotation control. (B) is a timing chart showing drive pulse signals of each phase in the 1-2 phase excitation pulse control method. It is a figure for demonstrating the reel control flag which the reel rotation control means by embodiment of this invention refers. It is a figure which shows the example which the reel control flag by embodiment of this invention changes with progress of time. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example of the drawing-in control by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example of kick control by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the winning determination process by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the medal payout control process by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the update process by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the sub control processing by embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the system for implement | achieving the consistency monitoring means which monitors the consistency of the main control board and sub control board by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the consistency monitoring means by embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the start switch containing the signal pattern generation circuit by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the pattern of the rotation start signal which the start switch shown in FIG. 26 outputs.

  Hereinafter, a slot machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the slot machine, a reel is rotated and stopped on condition that a player bets a game medium such as a medal, and the symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel are displayed as one game unit. It is a gaming machine. Various game modes such as winning a prize are provided by a combination of a plurality of symbols displayed on the reels.

[Appearance structure of slot machine]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a front appearance of a slot machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 10 is pivotally supported by a front door 20 so that the opening can be opened and closed with respect to a housing that is a substantially rectangular box having an opening at the front. Normally, as shown in FIG. 1, the front door 20 is locked to the housing at a position where the opening is closed.

  The front door 20 is configured by a panel member that has a design that enhances the visual performance effect for the player. The panel member of the front door 20 mainly includes a central panel portion 30 at a middle position, which is a game area for displaying symbols of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, and a reel rotation and stop mainly below the central panel portion 30. An operation panel unit 50 in which switches for performing game operations such as are arranged, an upper panel unit 60 in which lamps, speakers, etc. mainly for gaming effects are arranged above the central panel unit 30, and an operation panel A lower panel portion 70 on which characters and the like appearing in the game of the slot machine 10 are drawn below the portion 50 is generally configured. The front door 20 is assembled by a panel member in which the central panel unit 30, the operation panel unit 50, the upper panel unit 60, the lower panel unit 70, and the like are unitized. Moreover, you may manufacture the front door 20 with one panel member by which these panel parts are comprised integrally.

  The middle panel 31 is provided with a middle panel 31 made of a resin plate such as hard acrylic. In the middle of the panel 31, a display window 32 composed of three rows of vertically-long rectangular transparent portions is formed. Through the display window 32, a total of nine frames of 3 rows x 3 frames vertically on the reels 40L, 40C, 40R inside the housing can be visually recognized.

  In the display window 32, five winning lines crossing the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are set. The five winning lines include three horizontal lines (horizontal middle L1, horizontal upper L2A, horizontal lower L2B) and two diagonal lines (diagonally downward L3A, obliquely upward L3B). is there. As will be described in detail later, among these pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B, the criteria for winning determination are determined according to the number of medals that are betting media for the game (hereinafter referred to as “the number of bets”). To be selected (hereinafter referred to as “effective line”). When a symbol of a predetermined combination is stopped and displayed on a winning line selected as an active line, a combination corresponding to the combination of symbols (for example, a small role that can win medals or a special transition to another gaming state) A game player, etc.) will be established.

  In addition to the display window 32, the middle panel 31 of the central panel portion 30 is provided with various lamps and a display for notifying the player of various information regarding the game.

  For example, the middle panel 31 is provided with three operation instruction lamps 33L, 33C, and 33R adjacent to the leftmost display window 32. These operation instruction lamps 33L, 33C, and 33R correspond to stop switches 56L, 56C, and 56R and reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, which will be described later, respectively. Such operation instruction lamps 33L, 33C, and 33R, for example, when the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are rotating, any one of the operation instruction lamps is turned on, so that the player should be notified of the reel to be stopped. Can be directed. Further, if any two operation instruction lamps are turned on while all the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are rotating, the reel to be stopped is one of two choices, and it is left to the player to select which one to stop. It is also possible to provide a game that can be applied.

  Further, at the lower part of the middle panel 31, three bet number display lamps 34a, 34b, 34c, a credit number display 35, and an obtained number display 36 are provided.

  The bet number display lamps 34a, 34b, and 34c are lamps that display the number of medals bet on the game. That is, when one medal is bet, only the bet number display lamp 34a is lit, when two medals are bet, the bet number display lamps 34a and 34b are lit, and when three medals are bet, all bets The number display lamps 34a, 34b and 34c are lit.

  The credit number display 35 is a two-digit 7-segment numerical display, and displays the number of medals credited (stored internally) in the slot machine 10. The player can freely use and dispose of medals credited to the slot machine 10, and the number of credits is recorded and managed in a RAM of a main control board described later.

  The acquired number display 36 is a two-digit 7-segment numerical display, and displays the number of medals to be paid out to the player when a winning is established in the game. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, as a mode of paying out medals by winning a prize, there are a case where credit is given to the inside of the slot machine 10 and a case where medals are discharged from a medal payout exit 71 described later.

  The operation panel 50 provided below the central panel 30 has a table-like surface 50a whose upper surface is slightly inclined, and a player inserts a medal into the slot machine 10 on the right side of the table-like surface 50a. A medal slot 51 is provided. Inside the medal slot 51 is provided a selector that detects inserted medals and distributes regular and irregular medals. The slot machine 10 recognizes the number of inserted medals by measuring the number of detection signals output from the selector.

  A 1-bet switch 52 and a max bet switch 54 are provided on the left side of the table-like surface 50a of the operation panel unit 50 for a player to give an instruction to bet medals from credits. When the 1-bet switch 52 is operated, one of medals credited to the slot machine 10 is bet on the game. When the max bet switch 54 is operated, three of the credited medals are bet on the game. When medals are bet by operating the 1-bet switch 52 or the max bet switch 54, the number of medals bet is subtracted from the credit amount, and accordingly, the display value of the credit amount indicator 35 is also subtracted.

  When a player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 51 with no medals placed in the slot machine 10, the bet number display lamps 34a, 34b, 34c are sequentially turned on each time the medal is inserted. Medals according to the respective numbers are bet on the slot machine 10. When the number of medals placed on the bet is three, the number of credits is added each time a medal is inserted, and the display value of the credit number indicator 35 is also added accordingly.

  Here, in a game in which one medal is bet on the slot machine 10, for example, only the middle winning line L1 is selected as an effective line as a reference for winning determination among the five winning lines described above. In a game in which two medals are bet, for example, three of the winning lines L1, L2A, and L2B are selected as active lines. Further, in a game in which the most three medals are betted, all winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B are selected as effective lines and a winning determination is made. Note that the lower winning line L2B may be an invalid line that is not selected as a valid line. In this way, in the game of the slot machine 10, as the number of medals to be betted increases, the number of winning lines selected as active lines increases, so the chance of winning by aligning symbols increases. In addition, all winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B are activated regardless of the number of medals bet, and the winning chances are increased by changing the winning probabilities according to the number of medals. Also good.

  A start switch 55 having an operation knob that can be tilted is provided on the left side of the front surface of the operation panel 50. When the player operates the start switch 55 after betting medals on the slot machine 10, all the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R start to rotate at the same time. As a result, the symbols printed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are moved (scrolled) from the top to the bottom through the display window 32 and displayed.

  Three stop switches 56L for performing an operation for stopping the rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R by a player's pressing operation (this is referred to as a “stop operation”) at the center of the front surface of the operation panel 50. , 56C, 56R are provided. The left end stop switch 56L corresponds to the left end reel (left reel) 40L, the center stop switch 56C corresponds to the center reel (middle reel) 40C, and the right end stop switch 56R corresponds to the right end reel (right reel) 40R. It corresponds to.

  That is, in the slot machine 10, the reel 40L is stopped when the stop switch 56L is operated with respect to the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R rotated by the tilting operation of the start switch 55, and the reel 40C is stopped when the stop switch 56C is operated. When the stop switch 56R is operated, the reel 40R is configured to stop. The corresponding relationship between the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R and the stop switches 56L, 56C, and 56R is fixed and independent. Further, when the reel 40L is stopped by the operation of the stop switch 56L, symbols within a prescribed number of control frames (for example, 5 frames following the symbol passing through the display window 32 when the stop operation is accepted) are horizontal. The pay lines L1, L2A and L2B are controlled so as to always stop at the fixed positions. The other reels 40C and 40R are similarly controlled to stop when the stop switches 56C and 56R are operated.

  Note that the reel 40L by the stop switches 56L, 56C, 56R until the constant speed rotation (for example, 80 rotations / min) is reached after the rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R is triggered by the tilting operation of the start switch 55. , 40C, 40R is invalidated.

  The upper panel portion 60 positioned above the central panel portion 30 is provided with an image display device 61 formed of, for example, a color liquid crystal display at the central portion. The image display device 61 displays, for example, an animation developed as the game progresses as an effect image. The display device provided in the slot machine may not be the image display device 61 but may be a dot matrix display device, for example. Further, the game history and the internal lottery result information may be directly displayed with characters, symbols, or the like, or such information may be coded and displayed. That is, as the display device, any type of display means suitable for the application and purpose can be used.

  The upper panel portion 60 is provided with an upper lamp 62 and corner lamps 63L and 63R. For example, when the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped and any combination is established, the upper lamp 62 and the corner lamps 63L and 63R are turned on and blinked in a pattern corresponding to the combination, thereby establishing the combination. Produce visually.

  Further, the upper panel portion 60 is provided with sound transmitting portions 64L and 64R that allow the output sound from the speaker disposed on the back side of the front door 20 to pass outside. For example, a stereo effect sound is output through the sound transmission parts 64L and 64R along with the effect image of the moving image displayed by the image display device 61.

  A medal payout outlet 71 and a tray 72 are provided in the lower panel portion 70 located below the central panel portion 30. The medal payout opening 71 is formed as an opening for paying out to the tray 72 a medal released by a medal payout device (so-called hopper) housed inside the housing of the slot machine 10.

  Further, the lower panel portion 70 is provided with sound transmission holes 73L and 73R through which output sound from a speaker disposed on the back side of the panel member is passed. For example, when any combination is established in the game, sound effects linked to lighting and blinking of the effect lamps such as the upper lamp 62 and the corner lamps 63L and 63R are output through the sound transmission holes 73L and 73R.

[Internal configuration of slot machine]
FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal configuration of the slot machine 10 with the front door 20 opened. As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 includes a rectangular box-shaped casing 80, and the casing 80 is closed by the front door 20 during the game.

  A reel unit 40 that rotatably supports the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is provided on the horizontal frame in the housing 80 so as to face the central panel portion 30 of the front door 20. In the reel unit 40, the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are provided such that their rotation axes coincide with one horizontal straight line. Further, each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is independently driven to rotate by a stepping motor fixed to the frame of the reel unit 40.

  A reel tape printed with a total of 21 frames printed at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction is wound and pasted on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 40L, 40C, 40R. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of symbols arranged on the left reel 40L, the middle reel 40C, and the right reel 40R. The symbols arranged in one reel are assigned symbol numbers “0” to “20” that increase by 1 along the direction in which the reel rotates. In addition, a type code is assigned to each symbol type. A symbol number table in which symbol numbers and type codes are associated with each reel 40L, 40C, 40R is stored in the ROM of the main control board described later.

  As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, as the symbols arranged on the reel, those having a motif of “bell”, “watermelon”, numerals “7”, “cherry” and the like are generally used. However, these symbol motifs are only traditionally used, and can be appropriately selected according to the type, theme, character, etc. of the slot machine.

  Referring to FIG. 2 again, at the bottom of the housing 80, a power supply unit 82 for supplying power to various devices and devices mounted in the slot machine 10 and a hopper capable of storing a considerable number of medals are provided. A medal payout device 83 is accommodated. Further, the main control board 100 is fixed to the upper portion of the back plate of the housing 80 so as not to be removable from the housing 80. The main control board 100 mainly controls the progress of the game in the slot machine 10.

  On the rear side of the front door 20, an upper panel unit 22 including speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R facing the above-described sound transmission parts 64 </ b> L and 64 </ b> R is provided on the upper stage. The upper panel unit 22 is configured as a unit including the above-described image display device 61, the upper lamp 62, the corner lamps 63L, 63R and the like on the front side in addition to the speakers 21L, 21R. Further, the sub control board 200 is fixed to the back side of the upper panel unit 22. The sub control board 200 mainly controls the effect of the game based on the command transmitted from the main control board 100.

  A selector 28 that distributes and detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 51 is provided in the middle step on the back side of the front door 20. Below the selector 28, a chute 24 that guides medals determined by the selector 28 to the hopper of the medal payout device 83, and a medal payout outlet 71 on the front that is determined to be an unauthorized medal or a foreign object. And a medal return path 25 is provided. In addition, speakers 26L and 26R facing the sound transmission holes 73L and 73R described above are provided on the lower step portion on the back side of the front door 20, respectively.

[Configuration of main control board]
FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram for explaining the system configuration of the main control board 100. Referring to the figure, a main control board 100 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 101, a ROM (read-only nonvolatile memory) 102, a RAM (read / write work memory) 103, an input circuit 104, and a display. The device drive circuit 109 is connected to be communicable with each other via a bus (data and control parallel signal lines) 105. The CPU 101 performs overall system control and game progression control in the slot machine 10 by executing arithmetic processing according to a program stored in the ROM 102 while responding to various information input via the bus 105.

  In the ROM 102 of the main control board 100, in addition to the main control program 1020 related to the game of the slot machine 10, for example, a symbol number table in which symbol numbers and type codes shown in FIG. Table data such as an associated symbol table and a winning lottery table to which a winning value or a winning value range of each winning is assigned is stored. The ROM 102 also includes a stop operation order of the stop switches 56L, 56C, and 56R (also referred to as “operation stop order” or simply “push order”), a predetermined small role, a re-playing role, and stop switches 56L and 56C. , 56R operation order table data associated with the stop operation order is also stored.

  Further, the RAM 103 of the main control board 100 stores variables and various flags that are referred to in the process in which the CPU 101 performs the above-described program processing. For example, in addition to the number of credits described above, the number of bets placed in the game, the random number obtained for the winning lottery, the symbol number of the symbol stopped on the display window 32, and the winnings are paid out to the RAM 103. A variable memory area for temporarily storing variable data such as the number of medals and the number of games in a specific game state is set. Further, the RAM 103 is set with flag areas such as a combination lottery flag indicating the result of the internal lottery, a combination formation flag indicating the established combination, and a game state flag indicating the gaming state of the game.

  The ports of the input circuit 104 are connected to switches such as the start switch 55, stop switches 56L, 56C, 56R, 1-bet switch 52, and max-bet switch 54 shown in FIG. An output signal indicating the operation state of these switches is input to the CPU 101 via the input circuit 104 and the bus 105. Further, the display driver circuit 109 is connected to display units such as the bet number display lamps 34 a, 34 b, 34 c, the credit number display unit 35, and the acquired number display unit 36. The display drive circuit 109 lights up the bet number display lamps 34a, 34b, 34c according to the bet number of medals bet by the 1-bet switch 52 or the max bet switch 54 or the like. Further, information data such as the number of credits stored in the RAM 103 and the number of medals paid out are encoded into segment codes by the display driver circuit 109 and displayed on the credit number display 35 and the acquired number display 36. The

  Also connected to the bus 105 are a motor drive control circuit 106, a rotational position detection circuit 107, a random number generator 108, and a signal transmission circuit 110.

  The motor drive control circuit 106 outputs drive pulse signals (excitation data signals) to the stepping motors 41L, 41C, and 41R that drive the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, respectively, so that the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R Controls rotation and stop motion. In the present specification, “rotation control” including control of rotation and stop of the reel is referred to.

  The rotational position detection circuit 107 receives a reference position signal output by the photosensors 42L, 42C, 42R provided in the reel unit 40 detecting and outputting the rotational reference positions of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R. Based on the number of pulses of the drive pulse signal output from the motor drive control circuit 106 as a reference, the current rotational positions of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are detected. Information on the rotational position of each reel 40L, 40C, 40R detected by the rotational position detection circuit 107 is stored and updated as needed in the reel control flag of the RAM 103 and managed by the CPU 101. Each of the photosensors 42L, 42C, and 42R is configured such that the light is shielded when the light shielding piece provided at the position of the symbol number “0” on the outer periphery of each reel 40L, 40C, and 40R passes through the sensor. Output position signal.

  For example, when the start switch 55 is tilted, the random number generator 108 outputs a random number value in a range of 0 to 65535 (16 bits), for example. The acquired random number value is stored in a random value variable in the RAM 103, and as will be described later, the winning lottery means refers to the winning lottery table and selects a winning combination corresponding to the winning numerical value range to which the random value belongs. Instead of generating a random number by the random number generator 108 as in the present embodiment, a random number value for lottery may be acquired by so-called software random number processing by arithmetic processing of the CPU 101.

  Here, the combination lottery means on the main control board 100 carries over the small combination that pays out medals when the combination is established, the special game combination that gives the player a particularly advantageous game state, and the bet medals to the next game. In addition to a lottery in a narrow sense, such as an assist (AT) role instructing a replaying role and a stop operation to align symbols, lotteries other than the role such as the stop operation order of the assist role are also performed. Note that the lottery performed by the main control board 100 is referred to as “role lottery” or “internal lottery” in this specification.

  The main control board 100 outputs various commands such as a game state and an internal lottery result to the sub control board 200 connected via the signal transmission circuit 110. Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, command encryption means provided in the main control board 100 encrypts the command and transmits it to the sub-control board 200. The encryption key is changed as needed according to the signal pattern superimposed on the start switch 55. This makes it difficult to illegally decode command information transmitted to the sub-control board 200. A plurality of types of commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub control board 200 as needed according to the progress of the game. However, all of the commands to be encrypted may be used. Only some commands including

[Sub-control board configuration]
FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram for explaining the system configuration of the sub-control board 200. Referring to the figure, in the sub control board 200, a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, and an input circuit 204 are connected via a bus 205 so that they can communicate with each other. In addition, a signal receiving circuit 210, a lamp driving circuit 206, a speaker driving circuit 207, a display control circuit 208, and a random number generator 209 are electrically connected to the bus 205.

  The CPU 201 of the sub control board 200 receives various commands related to commands and game progress transmitted from the main control board 100 by the signal receiving circuit 210 and executes arithmetic processing according to programs stored in the ROM 202 according to these commands and the like. By doing so, the game machine is controlled mainly in the slot machine 10.

  The lamp driving circuit 206 is connected to lamps such as the upper lamp 62 and the corner lamps 63L and 63R shown in FIG. The lamp driving circuit 206 drives the lamps to light up and blink under the control of the CPU 201. The speaker driving circuit 207 is connected to the speakers 21L, 21R, 26L, and 26R shown in FIG. Under the control of the CPU 201, the speaker drive circuit 207 reads voice data such as announcements and musical sounds from the voice data memory 207a, converts them into sound signals, amplifies them, and based on the generated sound signals, the speakers 21L, 21R, 26L. , 26R.

  The display control circuit 208 is connected to the image display device 61 shown in FIG. The display control circuit 208 reads image data selected at any time from the image data memory 208a under the control of the CPU 201, generates a video signal in which a synchronization signal, a luminance signal, and a color signal are combined, and a moving image based on the video signal. Control to display an image on the image display device 61 is performed.

  The random number generator 209 outputs a random number value in the range of, for example, 0 to 65535 (16 bits) under the control of the CPU 201. The effect lottery means to be described later selects a game effect effect pattern corresponding to the internal lottery result transmitted from the main control board 100 in accordance with the numerical range to which the random number value acquired while referring to the effect lottery table belongs. In this specification, the lottery performed on the sub-control board 200 is referred to as “effect lottery”, and the lottery means is referred to as “effect lottery means”. The effect lottery means of the sub control board 200 not only selects the effect pattern of the game effect in the game, but also determines whether or not to perform a specific game effect, and the result of the internal lottery on the main control board 100. A lottery (AT lottery) for notifying the player or not is also performed. Further, it is possible to perform a lottery such as a win / loss determination in another game of the player participation type, which is performed in association with the original game of the slot machine 10.

  The effect lottery means may perform lottery by so-called software random number processing based on arithmetic processing of the CPU 201 instead of the hardware random number generator 209 as in the present embodiment.

  The ROM 202 of the sub-control board 200 stores an effect lottery table 2027 that is referred to in the effect lottery described above, in addition to the program executed by the CPU 201 and its initial data. The ROM 202 according to the present embodiment stores table data such as a symbol number table 2021, a role symbol table 2022, a role lottery table 2023, and an operation order table 2024 similar to those managed by the main control board 100 ( (See FIG. 6). These are used to reproduce or estimate the result of the role lottery performed on the main control board 100 also on the sub-control board 200. On the other hand, the RAM 203 has a memory area for variables and flags (for example, the random value variable 2033 and the effect lottery result flag 2044 referred to in FIG. 6) that are referred to in the course of processing of the program by the CPU 201 of the sub control board 200. Has been. Also, for example, a display symbol number variable 2034, a role lottery flag 2040, a role establishment flag 2041, a game that indicates the same setting content as included in the command transmitted from the main control circuit 100 and managed by the main control board 100 A flag area such as the status flag 2042 is secured (see FIG. 6).

  The input circuit 204 of the sub-control board 200 is connected to a start switch 55 and stop switches 56L, 56C, and 56R. The circuit configuration is such that output signals from these switches are input to the CPU 201 via the bus 205. Yes. Although details will be described later, the encryption key selection means provided in the sub-control board 200 is configured to select the encryption key corresponding to the signal pattern superimposed on the rotation start signal from the start switch 55. Further, the sub control board 200 has a drive pulse signal (excitation data signal) output from the main control board 100 to the stepping motors 41L, 41C, 41R of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R via the input circuit 204, and Reference position signals from the photosensors 42L, 2C, and 42R are branched and input. Consistency monitoring means, which will be described later, includes a reel stop position indicated by a stop position data command transmitted by the main control board 100, and a reel stop position determination means of the sub control board 200 that drives the stepping motors 41L, 41C, and 41R. By determining the consistency with the reel stop position uniquely determined based on (excitation data signal) or the like, abnormalities such as unauthorized access targeting a command transmitted from the main control board 100 are monitored. .

[Control method of slot machine]
Next, control means provided in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an outline of the control means in the slot machine 10.

  The overall control in the slot machine 10 is performed by the cooperation of the control means provided in the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 described above. Each control unit referred to in FIG. 6 is realized by the CPU 101 of the main control board 100 and the CPU 201 of the sub control board 200 performing arithmetic processing, but some of these may be configured by hardware. it can. Hereinafter, each control means will be described with reference to a plurality of flowcharts corresponding to the block diagram of FIG.

(Main control means)
First, the main control means 500 provided on the main control board 100 controls each of the control means described below, and mainly controls the progress of the game performed in the slot machine 10. Further, the main control board 100 has a bet number setting means 510, a lottery drawing means 520, a reel rotation control means 530, a winning determination means 540, which are generated by the main control means 500 calling a subroutine. A medal payout control unit 550, an update processing unit 560, an encryption key selection unit 570, a command encryption unit 571, and a command transmission unit 572 are provided. Note that the encryption key selection unit 570 and the command encryption unit 571 are executed according to the encryption program 1028 stored in the ROM 102 of the main control board 100.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the main control unit 500 and each control unit. In the main control process shown in FIG. 7, the main control means 500 performs an initialization process of various flags, variables, etc. in the standby state for starting the game (step S10). Here, the game start standby state is a state after the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped and the winning determination is made, and waiting for the next bet operation.

(Bet number setting means)
The betting number setting means 510 performs a betting number setting process in step S20 of the main control process. Here, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the bet number setting process by the bet number setting means 510.

  The betting number setting means 510 first determines whether or not the combination establishment flag 1041 relating to the re-game combination is set in the game in the game start standby state (step S201). If the winning combination flag 1041 related to the re-game is set on (step S201: YES), the winning combination flag 1041 is cleared to off (step S202), and the process proceeds to the subsequent game processing. Note that the winning combination flag 1041 relating to the re-gamer is set to ON when a winning determination means 540 described later determines that a re-gamer has been established in the previous game (see step S506 in FIG. 20). As a result, in a game in which a re-game role is established, it becomes possible to re-play with a medal bet on the previous game.

  In the game, the betting number setting means 510 does not set the winning combination flag 1041 relating to the re-gamer (step S201: NO), and detects the operation of the 1-bet switch 52 (step S203: YES), the credit If there is (step S204: YES), “1” is subtracted from the credit amount variable 1031 (step S205). Then, “1” is added to the bet number variable 1032 (step S207).

  When the selector 28 detects the insertion of a regular medal in the game start standby state (step S206: YES), the bet number variable 1032 is added every time the inserted medal is detected (step S207). Then, the bet number variable 1032 is added until the bet number of medals reaches an arbitrary prescribed number desired by the player (maximum “3”) (step S209: YES) (step S207). The command transmission means 572 transmits a bet command to the sub control board 200 every time the bet number variable 1032 is added (step S207) (step S208).

  In addition, when detecting the operation of the maximum bet switch 54 (step S203: YES), the betting number setting means 510 subtracts “3” from the credit number variable 1031 when there is a credit (step S204: YES) (step S203: YES). In step S205, the bet number variable 1032 is set to “3” (step S207). Then, the command transmission means 572 transmits a bet command indicating information on the bet number “3” to the sub-control board 200 (step S208).

  The betting number setting means 510 sets an effective line according to the prescribed number of medals finally bet (step S210). That is, when the bet number variable 1032 is “1”, one pay line L1 is set as an effective line, and when the bet number variable 1032 is “2”, three pay lines L1, L2A, and L2B are set as effective lines. When the bet number variable 1032 is “3”, the five pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B are set as active lines.

  Referring to FIG. 7 again, the main control means 500 starts the rotation of the command transmission means 572 when the start switch 55 is tilted and turned on (YES in step S21) while the number of medals reached the specified number. A command is transmitted to the sub control board 200 (step S22).

(Role lottery means)
Next, the role lottery means 520 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the role lottery unit 520 includes a random number generator 108, a random number acquisition unit 521, and a lottery determination unit 522. The role lottery means 520 performs a role lottery process in step S30 (see FIG. 7) of the main control process triggered by the operation of the start switch 55. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating combinations of combinations and symbols corresponding to each combination according to the present embodiment. The correspondence between such a role and a symbol is managed by a role symbol table 1022 in the ROM 102.

  The types of roles provided in the slot machine 10 include “small role”, “re-game role”, and “special game role”. Here, the “small combination” means a combination that pays out to the player the number of medals assigned to the established combination as a payout when a predetermined symbol is displayed on the active line. In the present embodiment, a small combination 1 (two payouts), a small combination 2 (four payouts), and a small combination 3 (five payouts) having different numbers of medals to be paid out are provided. The small combination 2 includes a plurality of small combinations 2a, a small combination 2b, and a small combination 2c that are won simultaneously.

  For example, the small combination 2a is a combination that is established when the “bell” symbol of the middle reel 40C is displayed on the active line. As shown in FIG. 3, the “bell” symbols are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less in each reel 40L, 40C, 40R, and can be reliably pulled into the effective line. That is, the symbols arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less like this “bell” are symbols that are not missed. On the other hand, the display mode of the symbol corresponding to the small role 2b is configured with a symbol that requires a stop operation at an appropriate timing for all reels, that is, there is a possibility that the combination will be missed. Further, the display mode of the symbol corresponding to the small role 2c is, for example, a symbol in which only the “cherry” of the middle reel 40C in FIG. 9 is not missed. That is, according to the present embodiment, the small combination 2a is surely established according to the difference in the possibility of missing, and the small combination 2c and the small combination 2b are set in such a manner that the difficulty of pushing is increased. ing.

  Next, the “re-game player” means a player who can carry a bet medal to the next game. That is, for example, when the “replay” symbols are aligned on the active line and the “replaying role” is established, the player can play again without betting medals only on the next game. In the present embodiment, as the “re-game player”, a plurality of re-game players a, re-game player b, re-game player c, re-game player d, and re-game player e are selected at the same time. According to the embodiment of FIG. 9, due to the difference in the possibility of missing the symbol corresponding to the re-game player, the re-game player a and the re-game player b are surely established by the pull-in control, and the re-game player c, The game player d and the re-game player e are set with high difficulty so that the game player d and the re-game player e are not established unless the timing of the main game is met.

  The “special game player” is a role for transferring a game to a special game which is a game state particularly advantageous for the player. In the special game, it is possible to expect to pay out more medals than the number of medals bet by the player, and the number of medals can be increased. In the present specification, games other than “special games” are referred to as “general games”.

  As the “special game combination” according to the present embodiment, “SB combination” to be transferred to “SB (single bonus) game”, “RB combination” to be transferred to “RB (regular bonus) game”, and “BB (big bonus)”. ) “Game” ”and“ BB role ”to be transferred. “SB game” refers to a high-probability game in which a specific “small role” is won with a higher probability than “general game”. “RB game” is a gaming state in which such a high-probability game is continued a plurality of times, and a predetermined number of games (for example, 12 games) are consumed or “small role” is won a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times). A game state that continues until it is played. “BB game” continues with a specific “small role” and the above-mentioned “RB role” with high probability during the general game, and continues until the predetermined maximum payout number (for example, 480) is paid out. The game state to play.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a typical combination lottery table 1023 that the lottery determination unit 522 refers to in the general game for determining the winning combination. According to the winning lottery table 1023 shown in FIG. 10, when the random value acquired by the random number acquisition means 521 belongs to the winning numerical value range (lottery result numbers 9 to 14) of the re-game player, it corresponds to the winning numerical value range. The re-playing role will be won. Further, when the random number belongs to the winning numerical value range (lottery result numbers 4 to 8) of the small combination, the small combination corresponding to the winning numerical value range is won. Similarly, when the random number belongs to the winning numerical value range (lottery result number 3) of the RB role, the RB role is won, and when the random number belongs to the winning numerical value range (lottery result number 1 to 2) of the BB role BB role is won.

  In the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, in the general game state, the small role has a higher winning probability than the re-playing role, and conversely, the re-playing role has a higher winning probability than the small role. A plurality of gaming states are provided. The general gaming state in which the winning probability of the re-gamer fluctuates in this way is referred to as an RT state.

  Further, the role lottery means 520 also performs lottery in the order of the stop operation as follows. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the operation order table 1024a related to the small combination according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the operation order table 1024b related to the re-game player according to the present embodiment. Although not shown in detail in FIG. 10, in the combination lottery table 1023 referred to in the general game, the small combination 2a and small combination 2b won simultaneously in the winning numerical value range (lottery result numbers 5 to 7) of the small combination 2 A plurality of combinations consisting of the small part 2c correspond. Similarly, the winning numerical value range (lottery result numbers 9 to 14) for the re-gamer includes a plurality of re-game players a, re-game player b, re-game player c, re-game player d, and re-game player e that are won simultaneously. The combination of re-playing players is supported.

  More specifically, according to the operation order table 1024a related to the small combination in FIG. 11, for each combination of small combinations 2 to be simultaneously won in each of the above predetermined winning numerical value ranges (lottery result numbers 5 to 7), Correspondence between the effective line (winning line L1 or L2A) in which the small combination 2a of the small combination 2 is controlled and the stop switches 56L, 56C, and 56R (or reels 40L, 40C, and 40R) that are subject to the first stop operation Relationship is set. That is, when the lottery determination unit 522 determines that the small combination 2 is won, the lottery determination unit 522 refers to the combination lottery table 1023 and specifies the combination of the small combination 2a, the small combination 2b, or the small combination 2c that has been won simultaneously. Then, with reference to the operation order table 1024a in FIG. 11, processing for associating the stop operation order with the effective line to be controlled for the specified combination of the small roles 2 is performed.

  For example, when the small combination 2a and small combination 2b of the lottery result number 5 are simultaneously won, the lottery determination means 522 pushes the association between the stop operation order from the left stop switch 56L and the winning line L1. The correct answer is set, and the association between the stop operation order from the middle or right stop switches 56C and 56R and the winning line L2A is set as the incorrect answer by pressing the first stop operation. Here, when the lower winning line L2B is an invalid line and the other four winning lines L1, L2A, L3A, and L3B are set as active lines, the reel rotation control means 530 described later determines a lottery determination. Based on the setting of this association by means 522, the drawing is controlled as described below. For example, when the middle stop switch 56C is first operated in the winning of the lottery result number 6 (push order correct answer), the “bell” symbol of the corresponding middle reel 40C is drawn into the middle effective line (L1) and the small role 2a. To win. In this case, a total of 12 medals are paid out by payout 4 × 3 lines of the small combination 2a. On the other hand, if the pressing order is incorrect, the reel rotation control means 530 pays the player a total of four medals of 4 payouts × 1 line by drawing the “bell” symbol into the upper winning line L2A. I try to put it out.

  Further, according to the operation order table 1024b relating to the re-game players in FIG. 12, the combination of the re-game players who are simultaneously won in the winning numerical value range corresponding to the lottery result numbers 9 to 14, and the stop operation corresponding to each re-game player. The correspondence with the order is shown. When the lottery determination means 522 determines the winning of the re-gamer, the lottery determining unit 522 refers to the role lottery table 1023 and identifies the combination of the re-gamer a to e that has been won simultaneously. Then, as referred to in the operation order table 1024b shown in FIG. 12, an association process is performed in which the stop operation order in which the re-game player b is established is set as a pressing correct answer. The reel rotation control means 530 described later, when a plurality of re-game players are simultaneously elected, and when a stop operation is performed in the correct push order associated therewith, such as a re-game player b, such as a change in the RT state, Is drawn into the effective line and controlled. The AT control means 620 (to be described later) on the sub control board produces and informs the player of information on the pressing order that has been drawn on the main control board side, thereby assisting the formation of the winning combination (assist time) or A gaming state such as ART (assist replay time) that assists a small role in an RT state where the winning probability of a re-gamer is high is realized.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a role lottery process (step S30 in the main control process of FIG. 7) by the role lottery means 520. In the process shown in FIG. 13, the role lottery means 520 refers to the game state flag 1042, and when the game state flag 1042 related to the BB game is ON (step S301: YES), it is determined that the game is a BB game. The utility lottery table 1023 is read (step S302). When the game state flag 1042 related to the RB game is on (step S303: YES), the RB role lottery table 1032 is read out as the game is an RB game (step S304). When it is determined that the game is a general game other than the special game (step S303: NO), the role lottery means 520 reads the general game role lottery table 1032 corresponding to the RT state (step S305).

  The game state flag 1042 is set to ON when a winning determination means 540 described later determines that a special game combination such as a BB combination or an RB combination is established (see steps S509 and S512 in FIG. 20).

  The random number acquisition means 521 of the role lottery means 520 acquires the random value indicated by the random number generator 108 at a predetermined timing, for example, when the start switch 55 is tilted in a state where a medal is bet on the game, The numerical value is stored in the random value variable 1033 of the RAM 103 (step S306). Here, the random number generator 108 is composed of, for example, a 16-bit increment counter that operates with a clock, and outputs a numerical value of “0” to “65535”.

  Then, the lottery determination unit 522 refers to the combination lottery table 1023 stored in the ROM 102 and selects a combination corresponding to the winning numerical value range to which the acquired random number value belongs as the winning combination. That is, when the acquired random number value belongs to the winning numerical value range of the small role, the winning of the small role is determined (step S307: YES), and the winning lottery flag 1040 related to the winning small role is set to ON (step S308). . In addition, when the lottery determination unit 522 determines simultaneous winning of the small roles 2a, 2b, and 2c, the lottery determination unit 522 refers to the operation order table 1024a and performs a process of associating the selected small roles 2a to 2c with the stop operation order ( Step S309).

  In addition, when the acquired random number value belongs to the winning numerical value range of the re-gamer (step S310: YES), the lottery determination unit 522 sets the hand lottery flag 1040 related to the winning re-gamer to ON (step S311). ). Then, the lottery determination unit 522 refers to the operation order table 1024b and performs a process of associating the re-game players a to e who have been won simultaneously with the stop operation order (step S312).

  The lottery determination means 522 determines the winning of the BB role when the acquired random number value belongs to the winning numerical value range of the BB role (step S313: YES), and sets the winning lottery flag 1040 related to the winning BB role. (Step S314). Similarly, when the winning combination of the RB combination is determined (step S315: YES), the combination lottery flag 1040 related to the RB combination is set to ON (step S316).

  In step S31 of the main control process referred to in FIG. 7, the command transmission means 572 receives a role lottery result command indicating the result of the role lottery by the role lottery means 520 (including a lottery result in which a role and stop operation order are associated). It is encrypted and transmitted to the sub-control board 200. At this time, prior to the transmission of the command, the command encryption unit 571 includes a signal pattern included in the rotation start signal from the start switch 55 among the plurality of encryption keys included in the encryption key data 1029 stored in advance in the ROM 102. In response to this, the combination lottery result command is encrypted using the encryption key selected by the encryption key selection means 570. Detailed configurations and operations of the encryption key selection unit 570, the command encryption unit 571, and the command transmission unit 572 related to command transmission will be described later.

(Reel rotation control means)
Next, the reel rotation control means 530 will be described. In step S40 (see FIG. 7) of the main control process, the reel rotation control means 530 controls the rotation and stop of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R in accordance with instructions from the start switch 55 and the stop switches 56L, 56C, and 56R. To do. Here, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a reel rotation control process by the reel rotation control means 530.

  When the reel rotation control means 530 detects the tilting operation of the start switch 55 in a state where medals are bet on the game, the reel rotation control means 530 sends a drive pulse signal to the stepping motors 41L, 41C, 41R via the motor drive control circuit 106. By outputting, acceleration control for rotating the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R all at once is performed (step S401). Then, the reel rotation control means 530, when the rotation speed of each of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R reaches, for example, 80 rotations / min (step S402: YES), the reels 40L, 40C, While detecting the rotational state of 40R, constant speed control is performed at the rotational speed (step S402).

  When the reels 40L, 40C, 40R are controlled to rotate at a constant speed (step S402: YES), and the reel rotation control means 530 detects a stop operation signal from the stop switches 56L, 56C, 56R (step S403: YES), A rotation stop command indicating a stop operation is transmitted to the sub control board 200 by the command transmission means 572 (step S404). The reel rotation control means 530 slides the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R corresponding to the stop operation within a predetermined time (for example, 190 msec) and within a prescribed number of control frames (for example, 5 frames). Then, symbol stop control for stopping at the effective line is performed via the motor drive control circuit 106 (step S405). The rotation stop command transmitted each time the stop operation is performed includes information on the reel for which the stop operation signal is received (left, middle or right) and the rotation position of the reel at the time when the stop operation is received. By adding information on the number of symbols to be slid to the stop position to the information on a certain reception position, information on the stop position of the reel to be finally stopped is included. However, the information transmitted by the rotation stop command is not limited to these, and may include at least reel information and reel position information at the time of receiving a stop operation. The rotation stop command is positioned as a subordinate concept of the stop position data command described below in the sense that it includes information on the stop position of the reel as described above.

  The reel rotation control unit 530 stops the reels corresponding to the stop operation of the stop switches 56L, 56C, and 56R until all the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped (step S406: YES). The control in steps S403 to S405 is performed. I do. When the stop of all the reels 40L, 40C, 40R is detected (step S406: YES), the symbol number of the symbol stopped on the display window 32 for each reel 40L, 40C, 40R is displayed in the display symbol number variable 1034 of the RAM 103. At the same time, the command transmission means 572 transmits a stop position data command to the sub-control board 200 (step S407). The stop position data command information includes the reel rotation position information at the time of accepting the stop operation and the number of symbols to be slid to the stop position, or the stop of the actually stopped reel. Contains location information. However, the information on the stop position data command is not limited thereto, and may include information indicating that at least all reels have stopped.

  An example of a specific control method performed by the reel rotation control unit 530 in the reel rotation control process will be described. In the present embodiment, for example, the 1-2 phase excitation pulse control system shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B is used as the rotation control system of the stepping motors 41L, 41C, and 41R that rotationally drive the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. Adopted. The stepping motors 41L, 41C, 41R are provided with four-phase excitation coils of φ0 to φ3, and drive pulse signals whose phases are shifted by π / 2 (unit: radians) are supplied to the excitation coils of each phase. . In the 1-2 phase excitation pulse control method, the pulse width tp of the drive pulse signal of each phase is set to π / 2 <tp <π.

  According to the 1-2 phase excitation pulse control method, the pulse width tp of the drive pulse signal to the stepping motors 41L, 41C, 41R is larger than π / 2, so that excitation is performed simultaneously between adjacent excitation coils of the stepping motor. Time periods (excitation phase transition states, φ0 · 1, φ1 · 2, φ2 · 3, φ3 · 0) exist. Thereby, power consumption can be suppressed while ensuring sufficient torque for rotating and stopping the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R.

  The reel rotation control means 530 controls the rotation of each reel 40L, 40C, 40R using a reel control flag as shown in FIG. Here, the reel control flag shown in FIG. 16 includes a reel state flag RF1, a sensor output flag RF2, a symbol step flag RF3, a passing symbol flag RF4, a stop symbol flag RF5, and a step counter flag RF6. And is provided in the RAM 103 of the main control board 100 corresponding to each reel 40L, 40C, 40R. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example in which the reel control flag changes with time. In these figures, “h” means display in hexadecimal.

  The reel status flag RF1 is a flag indicating the rotation / stop state of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R. The reel status flag RF1 is set to “0” when the reel is stopped, and is set to “1” when the reel is accelerating. “2” is set during high speed rotation, and “3” is set during braking.

  The sensor output flag RF2 is a flag indicating whether or not the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R have passed the rotation reference position, that is, “FFh” is set while the photosensors 42L, 42C, and 42R of each reel are on.

  The symbol step flag RF3 is a flag indicating the relative rotation amount of the symbol passing the middle winning line L1 with respect to the winning line L1 by the number of steps of the stepping motors 41L, 41C, 41R.

  The passing symbol flag RF4 is a flag indicating the symbol number of the symbol passing through the middle pay line L1.

  The stop symbol flag RF5 is a flag set by the reel stop position determining means 531 when a reel stop operation is accepted, and is a flag indicating the symbol number of a symbol to be stopped on the middle pay line L1.

  The step counter flag RF6 is a flag in which a step count number that is an integrated value of the pulse numbers of the drive pulse signals output to the stepping motors 41L, 41C, 41R after detecting the reel rotation reference position is set. That is, the flag indicates the relative rotation amount of the reel from the rotation reference position.

  FIG. 17 shows that the stop operation is accepted when the symbol of symbol number “5” is passing the winning line L1 (the value of RF4 is “5”), and the reel stop position determining means 531 displays the symbol of symbol number “8”. An example is shown in which the winning line L1 is stopped (the value of RF5 is “8”).

  In the case of the example in FIG. 17, after the reel rotation control means 530 accepts the stop operation, the value of the passing symbol flag RF4 (“5” when accepting the stop operation) is “8” which is the value of the stop symbol flag RF5. So-called slip control is performed to maintain the reel at a constant speed until When the value of the passing symbol flag RF4 becomes “8” and the value of the symbol step flag RF3 becomes “6”, the reel rotation control means 530 outputs a drive signal for all-phase excitation to the stepping motor of the reel. Is output. At this time, the inertial force of the rotating reel and the braking force of the stepping motor counteract, and the reel stops at the rotational position where the center of the symbol of the symbol number “8” to be stopped exactly coincides with the winning line L1. As a result, the symbol of the symbol number “8” is displayed on the winning line L1.

  The above-described stop position data command transmitted from the main control board 100 includes the contents of the reel control flag used for controlling the stopped reel. That is, by the stop position data command, at least the symbol number displayed on the winning line L1, the symbol number of the symbol to be stopped on the winning line L1 determined by the reel stop position determining means 531, and the rotation reference position of the stopped reel. Information such as the number of steps is transmitted to the sub-control board 200.

  Next, a method for determining the symbol to be stopped on the winning line L1 by the reel stop position determining means 531 will be described. Note that the reel stop position determination unit 531 is included in the reel rotation control unit 530.

  In the symbol stop control in step S405 shown in FIG. 14, the reel stop position determining means 531 refers to the passing symbol flag RF4 when detecting the pressing operation of the stop switch 56C while the reel 40C is rotating at a constant speed, for example. The symbol number X of the symbol passing through the middle winning line L1 is acquired. In this case, the symbols of symbol numbers X + 1, X + 2, X + 3, X + 4, and X + 5 of the five frames following the symbol passing the winning line L1 are recognized as candidates to be stopped on the winning line L1. The reel stop position determination means 531 refers to the symbol number table 1021, the symbol symbol table 1022 of the ROM 102, and the symbol lottery flag 1040 for storing the result of the internal lottery. It is checked whether a symbol corresponding to the role exists in the symbols of symbol numbers X to X + 5. If there is a symbol corresponding to the winning combination, the reel stop position determining means 531 determines the symbol as a target of “pull-in control” for stopping the symbol on the winning line L1.

  In addition, when the specific small combination 2a to c or the replaying combination a to e associated with the stop operation order is internally won, the symbol corresponding to the combination based on the actually operated stop operation order is “ It is determined as a target of “pull-in control”.

  Here, FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams for explaining an operation example of the pull-in control according to the present embodiment. The reel rotation control unit 530 sets a stop control flag in the RAM 103 according to the lottery result by the combination lottery unit 520. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the stop control flag has a flag array in which the number of sliding symbols is associated with each symbol number, and is provided for each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R.

  For example, when a small role corresponding to the symbol “Bell” is won internally, and the pressing order by the AT role is related, when the pressing order is correct, the winning line L1 (effective line) in the center is drawn. The symbol to be controlled is “bell”. For each of the symbol numbers of the stop control flag, the stop symbol determining means uses the difference in the number of frames from the position of the symbol number to the symbol of “bell” first arranged in the rotation direction of the reel as the number of sliding symbols. Set to. This stop control flag is set at any time according to the type of symbol displayed when the winning combination is drawn and when other reels are stopped, and the original data is stored in the ROM 102 in advance.

  FIG. 18A shows a stop control flag for the middle reel 40 </ b> C that is set when the small combination 2 a corresponding to the symbol “Bell” is internally won and the pressing order is correct. In this example, the symbol “bell” is arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less on the middle reel 40C, so that it can be reliably stopped at the effective line at any stop operation timing, and is a so-called non-missing symbol. FIG. 18B shows a stop control flag that is set when the pressing order is incorrect.

  The small switch 2a of “Bell” is elected internally, and, for example, while the “Replay” symbol of symbol number “13” is passing the winning line L1 in the middle stage, the stop switch in the correct pushing order associated with the lottery determination means 522 described above. When the 56C stop operation is accepted, the stop control flag is set as shown in FIG. The stop symbol determining means refers to the set stop control flag and adds the “bell” symbol of the symbol number “16” obtained by adding the number of sliding symbols “3” corresponding to the symbol number “13” to three effective lines. Is determined as a target of the pull-in control to the middle winning line L1 where the two intersect. At this time, the value of the symbol number “16” of “Bell” is set in the stop symbol flag RF5 of the reel control flag. Then, the reel rotation control means 530 controls to stop the reel 40C so that the “bell” symbol of the symbol number “16” is displayed on the winning line L1. When the small role 2a related to “Bell” wins in the middle active line (winning line L1), the player can obtain a total of 12 medals of 4 payouts × 3 lines.

  Further, for example, when the stop switch 56C is stopped in the order of pressing the wrong answer while the “replay” symbol of the symbol number “13” passes through the middle pay line L1, as shown in FIG. 18B. A stop control flag is set. In this case, control is performed so that the “bell” symbol of symbol number “16” is drawn into one effective line (winning line L2A) in the upper stage. In this way, when the pushing order is incorrect, the “bell” symbol relating to the small role 2a stops at the upper active line (winning line L2A), so that the player has a total of 4 payouts × 1 line. Only medal can be obtained.

  In the symbol stop control in step S405 shown in FIG. 14, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination indicated by the combination lottery flag 1040 does not exist in the symbol numbers X to X + 5, or the combination lottery flag 1040 is not selected. In the case of a losing that does not show the winning combination, the symbol related to the winning of the symbol number X to X + 5 of the reel 40C (including a single winning symbol such as “cherry” of the small role 1) is on the active line. It is controlled not to be displayed. In this case, if the other reels 40L and 40R have already stopped, the reel stop position determining means 531 also considers the relationship (reach display mode etc.) with the symbols of the other reels displayed on the effective line. . In this way, the control for removing the symbol related to the winning combination from the effective line and stopping it is called “kicking control”.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams for explaining an operation example of kicking control by the reel rotation control unit 530. FIG. In the present embodiment, for example, when the symbol “bell” of the middle reel 40C stops on the active line, the small role 2a wins (see FIG. 9), so when the lottery is lost, the middle reel 40C It is necessary to prevent the “bell” symbol from being displayed on the active line. For example, when the number of effective lines of the slot machine 10 is set to five, the stop symbol determining means for each symbol number of the stop control flag shown in FIG. 19A from the position of the symbol number in the reel rotation direction. The difference in the number of frames until the symbol “bell” that is initially arranged deviates from the frame of the display window 32 is set in the stop control flag as the number of sliding frames.

  In the example of FIG. 19A, the stop symbol determining means, for example, receives a stop operation of the stop switch 56C while the “watermelon” symbol of the symbol number “14” is passing the winning line L1, refers to the stop control flag. Thus, the “cherry” symbol of the symbol number “18” obtained by adding the number of sliding symbols “4” to the symbol number “14” is determined as the symbol to be stopped on the middle pay line L1. At this time, the value of the symbol number “18” is set in the stop symbol flag RF5. Then, the reel rotation control means 530 stops the reel 40C by the method described above, and displays the “cherry” symbol of the symbol number “18” on the middle pay line L1. At this time, the “bell” symbol (symbol number “16”) related to the winning is stopped at a position that has passed through the display window 32, and thus deviates from a predetermined effective line.

  Further, when the effective lines are set to four lines excluding the lower winning line L2B, the stop control flag shown in FIG. 19B is set for the middle reel 40C. For example, when the stop switch 56C is stopped while the “watermelon” symbol of the symbol number “14” passes through the middle winning line L1, the “bell” symbol of the symbol number “16” becomes the lower winning line L2B (invalid line). ). At this time, the “bell” symbol (symbol number “16”) related to winning is stopped on the lower invalid line (winning line L2B), and thus deviates from the predetermined effective line.

(Winning determination means)
Next, the winning determination means 540 will be described. The winning determination means 540 is activated when all the reels 40L, 40C, 40R are stopped in step S50 (see FIG. 7) of the main control process. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a winning determination process by the winning determination means 540.

  The winning determination means 540 first clears and initializes the winning combination flag 1041 managed by the RAM 103 (step S501). Subsequently, the winning determination means 540 refers to the display symbol number variable 1034 of the RAM 103 or the reel control flag for each reel 40L, 40C, 40R, and recognizes the symbol displayed on the active line (step S502). The winning determination means 540 may recognize the symbols on the effective line based on the integrated value of the number of pulses of the drive pulse signal sent from the reel rotation reference position.

  Further, the winning determination means 540 refers to the role symbol table 1022 and determines whether or not the combination of symbols of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R displayed along the active line matches the combination corresponding to any role. Investigate. The winning determination means 540 determines that the corresponding combination has been established (wins) when the display mode of the symbol matches a combination of symbols corresponding to any combination.

  For example, when the winning determination means 540 determines that a small combination has been established (step S503: YES), the winning combination flag 1041 relating to the small combination is set to ON (step S504). Further, when it is determined that a re-game combination is established (step S505: YES), a combination establishment flag 1041 related to the re-game combination is set to ON (step S506). For example, when the winning determination means 540 determines that the BB combination has been established (step S507: YES), the winning combination flag 1041 relating to the BB combination is set on (step S508), and the gaming state flag 1042 relating to BB is set. Set to ON (step S509). Similarly, when it is determined that the RB combination is established (step S510: YES), the combination formation flag 1041 related to the RB combination is set to ON (step S511), and the gaming state flag 1042 related to RB is set to ON. (Step S512).

  In the main control process referred to in FIG. 7, when the winning determination by the winning determining means 540 is confirmed, the command transmitting means 572 encrypts the winning determination result command and transmits it to the sub-control board 200 (step S51). At this time, prior to command transmission, the command encryption unit 571 selects the encryption key selection unit 570 based on a predetermined condition from among a plurality of encryption keys included in the encryption key data 1029 stored in the ROM 102 in advance. The winning determination result command is encrypted using the encryption key.

(Medal payout control means)
Next, the medal payout control means 550 will be described. In step S60 (see FIG. 7) of the main control process, the medal payout control means 550 has a predetermined number of medals as a payout for the small winning combination when the winning determination means 540 determines that the small winning combination has been won. To pay out to the player. Here, FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a medal payout control process by the medal payout control means 550.

  There are two methods for paying out medals to be paid to a player when winning a small role: internal storage as credits, and payment of medals from a medal payout outlet 71 to a tray 72. In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, priority is given to internal storage in credits. That is, normally, the number of medals to be paid out is added to the credit, but when the added credit exceeds a predetermined upper limit (for example, 50), medals corresponding to the surplus are discharged from the medal payout opening 71.

  When the small combination wins, the medal payout control means 550 sets the number of medals assigned to the winning small combination as a payout in the payout number counter variable 1035 (hereinafter “PCNT”) of the RAM 103 (step S601). . If PCNT is greater than or equal to zero in step S602, that is, if there is a payout (step S602: YES), it is determined whether or not the credit number variable 1031 is the upper limit (full) of 50 cards (step S603).

  When the credit number variable 1031 is full (step S603: YES), the medal payout control means 550 operates the medal payout device 83 to release one medal (step S604). Then, PCNT is subtracted by “1” (step S606), and the process returns to step S602. When the credit number variable 1031 is not full (step S603: NO), the medal payout control means 550 adds “1” to the credit number variable 1031 (step S605), and subtracts PCNT by “1” (step S606). Then, the process returns to step S602. The medal payout control means 550 repeats the steps S602 to S606 for paying out medals one by one until the PCNT becomes zero.

(Update processing means)
Next, the update processing unit 560 will be described. The update processing means 560 performs an update process including a transition to the next game in step S70 (see FIG. 7) which is a main control end process in the game. Here, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the update processing by the update processing means 560.

  When the game state flag 1042 relating to the BB game is on (step S701: YES), the update processing means 560 indicates the number of medals paid out by winning in the game as a total payout counter variable 1038 (hereinafter “DCNT”). Is added to and integrated (step S702). When the DCNT exceeds, for example, 480 cards corresponding to the maximum payout number as a BB game end condition (step S703: YES), the gaming state flag 1042 related to the BB game is turned off (step S704), and the DCNT is changed. Clear (step S705).

  When the game state flag 1042 related to the RB game is on (step S706: YES), the update processing unit 560 adds “1” to the game number counter variable 1036 (hereinafter “GCNT”) (step S707). Further, when a small combination is established in the game and the combination formation flag 1041 is ON (step S708: YES), “1” is added to the small combination winning counter variable 1037 (hereinafter “WCNT”) (step S709).

  When the GCNT corresponding to the number of RB games exceeds, for example, 12 games, or when the WCNT corresponding to the number of established small roles exceeds, for example, 8 times (step S710: YES), the update processing means 560 The gaming state flag 1042 according to the above is turned off (step S711), and GCNT and WCNT are cleared (step S712).

(Sub-control means)
Next, various control means provided in the sub control board 200 will be described. The sub-control means 600 provided in the sub-control board 200 mainly controls the effects performed along with the progress of the game of the slot machine 10 together with the control means described below. As shown in FIG. 6, the sub-control board 200 includes sub-control means 600, effect lottery means 610, AT control means 620, command reception means 630, encryption key selection means 631, command decryption means 632, command determination means. 640, a reel stop position determination unit 650, a consistency determination unit 651, an abnormality processing unit 660, and the like. The sub control unit 600 is executed according to the sub control program 2020 stored in the ROM 202 of the sub control board 200. The encryption key selection unit 631 and the command decryption unit 632 are executed according to the decryption program 2028.

  The sub-control unit 600 refers to a command transmitted from the main control board 100 and a flag set in the RAM 203 by the command, and effects using light using lamps such as the upper lamp 62 and corner lamps 63L and 63R, An effect by sound using the speakers 21L, 21R, 26L, and 26R, and an effect by images, characters, and the like using the image display device 61 are controlled.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a sub control process by the sub control unit 600. In a state before the game starts, the sub-control unit 600 performs a standby effect such as displaying a standby effect image that is selected at any time or on the image display device 61 (step S901).

  When the command receiving means 630 receives a bet command (flow terminal A: step S208 in FIG. 8) indicating insertion of medals or operation of the bet switches 52 and 54 from the main control board 100, the sub control means 600 (step S902: YES). ), For example, every time a medal is inserted, a predetermined sound effect is output from the speakers 21L, 21R, 26L, and 26R, and an effect image that is selected as needed is displayed on the image display device 61. (Step S903).

  When the command receiving means 630 receives a command such as an encrypted bet command from the main control board 100 or a role lottery result command to be described later, the command decryption means 632 of the sub control board 200 is stored in the ROM 202 in advance. Among the plurality of encryption keys included in the decryption key data 2029, the received command is decrypted and decrypted using the encryption key corresponding to the signal pattern included in the rotation start signal from the start switch 55. Further, the information of the command to be decoded includes information such as the result of lottery performed on the main control board 100 and the current gaming state, and the same contents set and managed by the flag of the main control board 100 The combination lottery flag 2040, combination formation flag 2041 and game state flag 2042 in the RAM 203 of the sub-control board 200 are also set.

  Subsequently, when the start switch 55 is tilted and the sub control means 600 receives a rotation start command (flow terminal B: step S22 in FIG. 7) from the main control board 100 (step S904: YES), for example, a predetermined or A reel rotation effect such as displaying an effect image selected at any time on the image display device 61 is performed (step S905).

  Here, the sub-control unit 600 selects an effect image or an effect pattern to be displayed on the image display device 61 in accordance with a command transmitted from the main control board 100. Further, the selection may be made according to the current internal winning combination or gaming state referred to by the combination lottery flag 2040 or the gaming state flag 2042 stored in the RAM 203 of the sub-control board 200. Furthermore, an effect image or an effect pattern may be selected based on a lottery result by the effect lottery means 610 of the sub-control board 200.

(Direction lottery means)
Here, the effect lottery means 610 provided in the sub-control board 200 will be described. The effect lottery means 610 is activated every time a command from the main control board 100 is received, or when a specific rotation start command or role lottery result command is received, for example. The effect lottery unit 610 includes a random number generator 209, a random number acquisition unit 611, and a lottery determination unit 612. The random number generator 209 is composed of, for example, an increment counter of 0 to 65535 (16 bits). The random number acquisition unit 611 acquires a random number value indicated by the random number generator 209 at a predetermined timing.

  The lottery determination means 612 refers to the effect lottery table 2027 stored in the ROM 202, and selects the effect content corresponding to the numerical value range to which the random number value acquired by the random number acquisition means 611 belongs. The result of the lottery by the lottery determination unit 612 is set in the effect lottery result flag 2044 of the RAM 203.

  The effect lottery means 610 selects a game effect effect pattern based on a command transmitted from the main control board 100 (effect lottery), and notifies the internal winning combination in the main control board 100. A lottery (AT lottery) such as whether or not to notify the push order based on the information of the lottery result in the stop operation order transmitted from the main control board 100 is performed.

  When the sub-control unit 600 receives the role lottery result command (flow terminal C: step S31 in FIG. 7) from the main control board 100 (step S906: YES), the command decoding unit 632 decodes and decodes the command, The content is set in the combination lottery flag 2040 of the RAM 203 (step S907). As a result, the result of the winning lottery performed on the main control board 100 can be referred to from the winning lottery flag 2040 of the sub control board 200.

  When the combination lottery result command transmitted from the main control board 100 indicates an AT combination that associates a predetermined small combination or replay combination with the stop operation order (push order) (step S908: YES), AT control The means 620 is activated (step S909). Note that the above-described effect lottery means 610 of the sub-control board 200 may perform lottery, and the AT control means 620 may be activated based on the result.

(AT control means)
The AT control means 620 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the association between the combination indicated by the combination lottery result command and the stop operation order from the plurality of effect patterns related to the AT effect. One effect pattern may be selected by lottery by the effect lottery means 610.

  Each time the AT control means 620 receives a rotation stop command (flow terminal D: step S404 in FIG. 14) transmitted from the main control board 100 when the stop buttons 56L, 56C, 56R are stopped, the AT control means 620 stops next time. AT effect images for informing the reels to be played are sequentially displayed on the image display device 61. Thereby, the stop operation order in which the winning combination is surely established is notified to the player by the AT effect (step S909).

  When the combination lottery result command from the main control board 100 does not indicate that the AT combination is won, or when the production lottery means 610 makes a lottery that does not perform the notification effect by the AT (step S908: NO), the sub-control means. 600 performs a possibility effect that suggests the possibility of winning an internal winning combination (step S910). The sub-control means 600 selects one effect pattern corresponding to the winning combination indicated by the role lottery result command by lottery by the effect lottery means 610 from a plurality of effect patterns related to the possibility effects. The production pattern of possibility production includes a plurality of production patterns that suggest a plurality of different winning possibilities (also referred to as “reliability”) for each combination. In addition, the sub-control means 600 suggests a production pattern that suggests the possibility of winning if none of the roles have been won internally, or suggests a loss even if the role is actually won internally. Such a production pattern can be selected, and the so-called “gase production” can be set to a period during which the reels 40L, 40C, 40R are rotating.

  Each time the sub-control unit 600 receives a rotation stop command (flow terminal D: Step S404 in FIG. 14), the sub-control unit 600 causes the image display device 61 to sequentially display the effect images included in the selected effect pattern. As a result, it is possible to produce an effect that gradually increases and sustains the expectation of winning the role.

  The sub-control means 600 receives a stop position data command (flow terminal E: step S407 in FIG. 14) sent from the main control board 100 when all the reels 40L, 40C, 40R are stopped (step S911: YES). ). At this time, the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment is uniquely configured based on the timing of stop position information indicated by the stop position data command and the stop operation signal from the stop switches 56L, 56C, and 56R. Whether the determined display mode of the symbols matches or not is determined.

  When the sub-control means 600 subsequently receives a winning determination result command (flow terminal F: step S51 in FIG. 7) (step S912: YES), the sub-control means 600 determines whether or not a winning combination or winning combination has been established in the game. The winning determination result command is decoded and determined (step S913). When it is determined that a winning or winning combination has been established (step S913: YES), a winning effect image corresponding to the winning winning combination (established winning combination) is displayed on the image display device 61, and the upper lamp 62, speakers 21L, 21R, etc. are displayed. A winning effect that drives and praises the player with light, music, etc. that matches the winning effect image is performed (step S914). On the other hand, if the sub-control unit 600 determines that the winning combination has not been established (step S913: NO), the sub-control unit 600 performs a general end effect using a relatively modest effect image indicating the end of the game (step S915). .

(Consistency monitoring means)
Next, the consistency monitoring means, which is a characteristic configuration of the present invention, will be described. The consistency monitoring unit is a unit that determines the consistency of processing between the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 that is performed via a command, and monitors abnormalities such as illegal tampering of the command. FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a system for realizing the consistency monitoring unit according to this embodiment. The consistency monitoring unit of the present embodiment includes at least a command transmission unit 572, a command reception unit 630, a reel stop position determination unit 531, a reel stop position determination unit 560, and a consistency determination unit 651.

  According to the configuration of FIG. 24, the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 are connected so that the rotation start signal from the start switch 55 and the stop operation signals from the stop switches 56L, 56C, and 56R are input simultaneously. Is done. In addition, excitation data signals (drive pulse signals) to the stepping motors 41L, 41C, and 41R that rotationally drive the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, and reference position signals from the photosensors 42L, 2C, and 42R are also sent to the sub-control board 200. The circuit is configured to be branched and input. Note that the configuration in FIG. 24 is merely an example, and is not limited to this circuit as long as the object of the invention can be achieved.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing processing of the consistency monitoring unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the consistency monitoring unit will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the winning lottery means 520 of the main control board 100 performs the winning lottery process (step S1001), the reel stop position determining means 531 determines each reel 40L in rotation according to the winning lottery result by the winning lottery means 520. A stop control flag as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is set for 40C and 40R (step S1002). As described above, the stop control flag includes information on the symbol reception position at which the stop switch stop operation signal is received and the number of symbols (number of frames) from the symbol reception position to the position where the symbol is slid and stopped. And are included.

  Although not described in the flowchart of FIG. 25, the main control board 100 encrypts a command such as a winning lottery result by the winning lottery means 520 by the command encryption means 571 and transmits it to the sub control board 200. A plurality of encryption keys for encrypting the command is stored in advance in the encryption key data 1029 of the ROM 102 of the main control board 100. Also, a plurality of encryption keys for decrypting the command are stored in advance in the decryption key data 2029 of the ROM 202 of the sub-control board 200. The plurality of encryption keys included in the encryption key data 1029 and the decryption key data 2029 are the same.

  The encryption key selection means 570 of the main control board 100 and the encryption key selection means 631 of the sub control board 200 are the same for encryption and decryption based on the signal pattern included in the rotation start signal from the start switch 55. Select the encryption key. Note that in a state before the start switch 55 is operated, such as immediately after power-on, the encryption key may be fixed (initial encryption key), random or none.

  Here, FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the start switch 55, and is a block diagram including a signal pattern generation circuit 90 that outputs an indefinite signal pattern superimposed on the rotation start signal. The signal pattern generation circuit 90 mainly includes a counter unit 91, a latch unit 92, a coder unit 93, and an output gate unit 94, and is provided inside the start switch 55 in the form of a custom IC. More specifically, each circuit unit is configured by a circuit unit having the following functions.

  The counter unit 91 is an increment counter that counts periodic pulses from a clock (not shown). When the operation knob 55a of the start switch 55 is tilted, the internal contact 55b is turned on, and a rotation start signal as a switch signal is output for a certain period. The latch unit 92 operates when the internal contact 55b is turned on, and latches the count value of the counter unit 91 that operates as a clock. The coder unit 93 converts the count value latched by the latch unit 92 into an on / off bit pattern according to a predetermined rule, and is connected to one input terminal of the output gate unit 94. The output gate unit 94 is composed of an AND circuit, and the switch output of the internal contact 55b is connected to the other input terminal. The signal pattern generation circuit 90 outputs a special rotation start signal in which an indefinite (random) bit pattern signal from the coder unit 93 is superimposed on a switch signal from the internal contact 55b of the start switch 55.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a signal pattern of the rotation start signal output from the start switch 55. The rotation start signal has a bit configuration with a predetermined data length (for example, 8 bits) depending on the timing when the start switch 55 is operated.

  The signal pattern generation circuit 90 periodically outputs a signal pattern having a predetermined data length a plurality of times or for a certain period. The start switch 55 of the present embodiment branches one line and outputs a rotation start signal to two output destinations of the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200. Therefore, without adopting a conventional serial communication method that requires a communication control signal, the rotation control signal patterned with a fixed bit length as shown in FIG. 100 and the sub-control board 200. Thus, the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 can simultaneously receive the rotation start signal from the signal pattern generation circuit 90 and distinguish different signal patterns (patterns 0 to 9) of the rotation start signal. The numerical information corresponding to the signal pattern (for example, the count value latched internally) can be read.

  Such a signal pattern generation circuit 90 is additionally mounted on an existing switch circuit of the start switch 55. A signal pattern generating circuit 90 is provided inside the stop switches 56L, 56C, 56R and other game operation switches, and such indefinite pattern signals are sent to both the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200. The structure which outputs the superimposed game operation signal may be sufficient.

  The encryption key selection means 570 of the main control board 100 and the encryption key selection means 631 of the sub control board 200 synchronize with the rotation start signal output when the start switch 55 is operated, thereby changing the pattern of the signals. recognize. For example, if the signal pattern is “pattern 0”, the first key is selected as the encryption key, and if it is “pattern 1”, the second key is selected. In addition to the rotation start signal from the signal pattern generation circuit 90, the encryption key selection condition is set by a combination of other game information (for example, information on the reel whose rotation reference position is first detected after the start of rotation). May be.

  The command encryption unit 571 of the main control board 100 encrypts the command information using the encryption key selected by the encryption key selection unit 570. Then, the command transmission unit 572 transmits the encrypted command to the sub control board 200.

  When the command receiving means 630 of the sub-control board 200 receives the encrypted command, the command decrypting means 632 decrypts the command using the encryption key selected by the encryption key selecting means 631. At this time, the command determination means 640 of the sub control board 200 checks whether or not the command data itself decoded using a method such as a CRC checksum has been falsified or destroyed and whether or not the command has been decoded. If the command cannot be decoded and the command is invalid, or if it is determined that the content of the received command is inconsistent, the abnormality processing unit 660 performs abnormality processing. Regardless of the content of the winning lottery result command, the abnormality processing means 660 prevents, for example, notification of an internal winning combination (such as an AT effect in step S909 or a possibility effect in step S910 in FIG. 23). In addition, the abnormality processing unit 660 can prohibit the AT lottery by the effect lottery unit 610 described above. Furthermore, the result of the AT lottery that has already been performed can be invalidated, or if the notification effect is currently being performed as a result of the AT lottery, the AT effect can be stopped.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 25, the reel stop position determination means 650 of the sub-control board 200 receives the rotation start signal from the start switch 55 and receives an excitation data signal as a drive signal transmitted to the stepping motors 41L, 41C, 41R. Then, monitoring of the reference position signal is started (step S1011). As shown in FIG. 6, the ROM 202 of the sub control board 200 also stores table data such as the symbol number table 2021 that is the same as that managed by the main control board 100, and the reel stop position determination means 650 uses this table. The rotational state of each reel 40L, 40C, 40R is grasped based on the excitation data signal and the reference position signal while referring to the data.

  When the rotation stop command transmission means 572b, which is one of the command transmission means 572 of the main control board 100, accepts the first stop operation by the stop switch for any of the rotating reels, the stop operation signal is accepted. A rotation stop command is included, including at least reel information, information on a reception position that is the rotation position of the reel at the time of receiving a stop operation, and information on the number of symbols to be slid to the stop position indicated by the stop control flag. It transmits to the control board 200 (step S1003).

  Further, the reel stop position determining means 531 of the main control board 100 updates the stop control flags for the remaining rotating reels in relation to the symbols displayed by the reels that have been operated for the first stop (step S1004).

  When the command receiving means 632 of the sub control board 200 receives the rotation stop command at the time of the first stop operation from the main control board 100 (step S1012), the reel stop position determination means 650 receives the excitation data signal and the photo sensor. The stop position of the reel is uniquely determined based on the reference position signal and the stop operation signal from the stop switch that has been subjected to the first stop operation (step S1013).

  Further, the reel stop position determining means 650 of the sub-control board 200 can determine the stop position of the reel from the content of the received rotation stop command. That is, the position of the stopped reel can be determined based on the symbol information at the time of accepting the stop operation and the symbol number information from the symbol to the stop symbol included in the rotation stop command.

  When the rotation stop command transmission means 572b of the main control board 100 receives the second stop operation for any of the remaining two rotating reels, it transmits a rotation stop command for the reels to the sub-control board 200 (step). S1005). Then, the remaining stop control flag for the remaining rotating reel is updated (step S1006).

  The command receiving means 632 of the sub control board 200 receives the rotation stop command at the time of the second stop operation (step S1014), and the reel stop position determining means 650 determines the stop position of the reel that has been subjected to the second stop operation. (Step S1015).

  When the stop position data command transmission means 572c of the main control board 100 receives the third stop operation for the last reel being rotated, it transmits a rotation stop command for the reel to the sub control board 200 (step S1007). Then, a stop position data command including information on stop positions of all the stopped reels is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 (step S1008).

  When the command receiving means 632 of the sub control board 200 receives the rotation stop command at the time of the third stop operation (step S1016), the reel stop position determination means 650 determines the stop position of the reel that has been operated for the third stop (step S1016). S1017). The reel stop position determination means 650 stops all the reels 40L, 40C, 40R based on the monitored excitation data signal, the reference position signal, and the timing of each stop operation signal from the stop switches 56L, 56C, 56R. The position is estimated, and thereby the display mode of the symbol that would have been displayed on the active line is determined (S1018).

  When the command receiving means 632 of the sub control board 200 receives the stop position data command (step S1019), the consistency determining means 651 provides information on stop positions of all the reels 40L, 40C, 40R indicated by the received stop position data command. (In other words, the symbol display mode) is compared with the symbol display mode determined by the reel stop position determination means 650 in step S1018, and it is determined whether or not they match (S1020).

  When the consistency determining unit 651 determines that they do not match, an abnormality process is performed by the abnormality processing unit 660 (step S1021).

  In step S1021, the abnormality processing means 660 does not notify, for example, the internal winning combination regardless of the content of the combination lottery result command. In addition, the abnormality processing unit 660 prohibits the AT lottery performed by the effect lottery unit 610 described above. Furthermore, the result of the AT lottery that has already been performed can be invalidated, or if the notification effect is currently being performed as a result of the AT lottery, the AT effect can be stopped.

  Further, the abnormality processing means 660 may display the content of the abnormality on the image display device 61, for example, or may transmit abnormality information to the hall computer. Further, when command data is destroyed or command inconsistencies and inconsistencies occur frequently, the lamps of the slot machine 10 are turned off, the screen of the image display device 61 is blacked out, etc. It may be one that prevents the game from being played.

  In the above-described embodiment, the consistency determining unit 651 determines whether or not there is consistency in step S1020 after all the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped. However, every time the sub-control board 200 receives a rotation stop command transmitted for each stop operation of the stop switches 56L, 56C, 56R (steps S1012, S1014, S1016), the reel stop position determination unit 650 receives a rotation stop command. The stop position of each reel can also be determined from the contents. The consistency determination means 651 then determines the reel stop position that is individually determined each time a rotation stop command is received, the excitation data signal, the reference position signal, and the stop operation signal from the stop switches 56L, 56C, and 56R. An abnormality may be monitored by determining consistency with the stop position determined based on the above.

  The consistency determination unit 651 determines the consistency of information between the stop position of the reel determined from only the received rotation stop command and the stop position indicated by the received stop position data command, and monitors the abnormality. It may be a thing. In this case, the abnormality processing means 660 can also perform abnormality processing at the time when abnormality is determined, that is, immediately after the first or second reel is stopped. Furthermore, the consistency determination means 651 matches the winning determination result obtained from the information on the stop position data command or the rotation stop command with the winning determination result based on the stop position estimated from the received combination lottery result command or the like. Sex can also be determined.

  According to the slot machine 10 of the embodiment of the present invention described above, the following advantageous effects are obtained as compared with the prior art.

  The sub-control board 200 of the slot machine 10 is based on the excitation data signal output to the stepping motors 41L, 41C, 41R, the reference position signal, and the timing of the stop operation signal from the stop switches 56L, 56C, 56R. Reel stop position determination means 650 for uniquely determining the reel stop position (design display mode) is provided. Further, the sub-control board 200 has information consistency with the symbol display mode determined by the reel stop position determination means 650 and the reel stop position indicated by the stop position data command or the rotation stop command from the main control board 100. Consistency determining means 651 for determining is provided. This consistency determining means 651 can effectively prevent illegal acts targeting a command by determining and monitoring the consistency of processing between the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200. it can.

  Further, even if an illegal board is provided between the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 and the command information is tampered with and received by the sub control board 200, the consistency judgment unit 651 can check the command consistency. An abnormality can be found by discriminating. If an abnormality is found, for example, an abnormal process such as not performing an AT lottery on the side of the sub-control board 200 can prevent an increase in damage.

  Further, the slot machine 10 includes means for encrypting and transmitting / receiving a command transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200, thereby making it difficult for a third party to exploit command information or perform unauthorized tampering. . The encryption key selection means 570, 631 provided in both the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 uses the same encryption for encrypting the command based on the signal pattern included in the rotation start signal of the start switch 55. Since the key is selected, it is difficult for the fraudster to see the encryption method. The selection of the encryption key for encrypting the command is not limited to the signal pattern of the switch related to the game operation. For example, the information on the reel that first passed the rotation reference position or the predetermined specific stop switch is operated in what order. It may be selected according to information on game operations such as taka, information on internal game variables such as the number of wins for small roles and the number of medals paid out. Thereby, the secrecy of the command can be ensured, and safer transmission / reception of command information can be realized.

  As described above, an illegal act targeting a command transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200, or an illegal act that creates an advantageous gaming state such as an AT effect by a fake command using the illegal board. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly secure slot machine in which fairness is ensured.

  The “stop position data command” for determining the stop position of the reel on the sub-control board side receives, for example, a stop operation for each reel in addition to the present embodiment transmitted after all the reels have stopped. Information that is transmitted every time and is recognized by the rotation position of the reel at the time of receiving the stop operation of the reel and the number of symbols to be slid to the stop position, or each time each reel stops The rotation position that has been transmitted and the reel has stopped may be included as stop position information. In other words, the consistency determination unit 651 of the sub control board 200 may determine the stop position of the reel based on the stop operation reception position and the number of sliding frames included in one or both of the stop position data command and the rotation stop command. Alternatively, the reel stop position may be determined directly from the reel stop position data included in one or both of these commands. Further, the consistency determination unit 651 may determine the stop position of each reel each time it stops, or may determine the stop position of the reel together with the winning determination after all the reels stop.

  In the embodiment described above, the example of so-called push order AT that assists the reel stop operation order as an AT effect performed by the sub control board has been described. However, the present invention is intended as an effective means for preventing fraud. The AT effect includes, for example, a so-called eye-opening AT that assists the player in a stop operation with a specific symbol on the reel or a target provided in a predetermined area. As described above, the present invention can be appropriately improved or changed within a range not departing from the technical idea represented by the above-described embodiment.

10 slot machine 40L, 40C, 40R reel 42L, 42C, 42R photo sensor 55 start switch 56L, 56C, 56R stop switch 61 image display device 62 upper lamp 90 signal pattern generation circuit 100 main control board 200 sub control board 500 main control means 520 Role lottery means 530 Reel rotation control means 540 Winning determination means 550 Medal payout control means 560 Update processing means 570 Encryption key selection means 571 Command encryption means 572b Rotation stop command transmission means 572c Stop position data command transmission means 600 Sub control means 610 Production lottery means 620 AT control means 630 Command reception means 631 Encryption key selection means 632 Command decryption means 650 Reel stop position determination means 651 Consistency judgment Another means 660 Anomaly processing means

Claims (5)

A plurality of reels that can display symbols by rotating,
A start switch for operating the reel to start rotation;
A plurality of stop switches for instructing operation to stop rotation of the reel;
A main control board that controls the progress of the game by controlling the rotation and stop of the reel in accordance with instructions from the start switch and the stop switch;
A sub-control board that controls the effect of the game based on a command transmitted from the main control board,
A slot machine in which a symbol corresponding to the display mode is established when a symbol displayed on the reel is in a predetermined display mode,
A stop operation signal from the stop switch is input to the main control board and the sub control board, respectively, and a drive signal for driving rotation of the reel is also input to the sub control board. ,
The main control board includes
A role lottery means for drawing the roles;
Reel stop position determining means for determining a stop position of the reel based on a result of lottery by the combination lottery means and a stop operation signal from the stop switch;
Stop position data command transmission means for transmitting a stop position data command including information on a stop position at which the reel has stopped to the sub-control board, and
The sub-control board includes
Command receiving means for receiving the stop position data command sent from the main control board;
Reel stop position determination means for determining a stop position of the reel based on the drive signal of the reel and a stop operation signal from the stop switch;
Based on the consistency between the reel stop position determined by the reel stop position determining means and the information on the reel stop position indicated by the stop position data command received from the main control board, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality. A slot machine, comprising: a consistency determining unit; The main control board is determined according to information on a reception position that is a rotation position of the reel when a stop operation signal is received from the stop switch, and a result of a lottery by the role lottery means. A rotation stop command transmission means for transmitting a rotation stop command including at least information on the number of symbols to be slid to the stop position of the reel to the sub-control board;
The command receiving means of the sub control board receives the rotation stop command,
The reel stop position determining means determines the stop position of the reel based on the information indicated in the rotation stop command;
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the consistency determination unit determines the consistency including the consistency of the stop position of the reel determined based on the rotation stop command. The sub-control board is further provided with AT lottery means for determining whether or not to inform the player of the result of the lottery by the combination lottery means by lottery,
3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the AT lottery unit is not operated when the consistency determining unit determines that there is an abnormality. Signal pattern generating means for superimposing and outputting an indefinite signal pattern on a signal indicating predetermined game information respectively input to the main control board and the sub control board;
The main control board includes
First encryption key storage means for storing a plurality of different encryption keys;
First encryption key selection means for selecting one encryption key corresponding to the signal pattern superimposed on a signal indicating the predetermined game information;
Command encryption means for encrypting the command with the selected encryption key, and
The sub-control board includes
Second encryption key storage means for storing a plurality of different encryption keys;
Second encryption key selection means for selecting the same encryption key as the encryption key selected on the main control board, corresponding to the signal pattern superimposed on the signal indicating the predetermined game information;
The command decrypting means for decrypting the received command with the encryption key selected by the second encryption key selecting means is further provided. Slot machine.   The signal indicating the predetermined game information is a rotation start signal output when the start switch is operated, and the rotation start signal from the start switch is input to each of the main control board and the sub control board. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the slot machines are connected to each other.

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