JP2014079363A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve performance effects by reliably executing a performance to be executed regardless of operation timing of a player and securing continuity of the performance.SOLUTION: In the game machine, performance determination means determines a performance to be provided to a player, with a player's operation of operation means used as a trigger. Performance execution means determines whether or not there is an execution standby performance that has been determined before then and waits for the execution through a timer, when there is no execution standby performance, executes a newly determined performance and, when there is the execution standby performance, executes the execution standby performance and then executes the newly determined performance.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which an effect is executed according to the progress of a game.

  In a slot machine as a gaming machine, a winning combination is drawn in accordance with the insertion of a medal (game medium) by a player and the operation of a start switch, and a plurality of rotating reels with various symbols are rotated. Then, according to the lottery result and the player's operation of the stop switch, the rotating reels are sequentially stopped, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line that is the payout target line, a predetermined number The player will be given a gaming profit (hereinafter simply referred to as “gaming profit”).

  In such a slot machine, an effect that suggests the lottery result of the winning combination and the gaming state at that time, or gives a story to the game is executed. Various effects can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, lighting devices such as effects lamps arranged in front of the slot machine in a mode corresponding to such images, The effect of the production is improved by outputting the sound from the speaker.

  In recent years, with the diversification of images, the lighting modes and sounds of the corresponding lighting equipment have also been diversified, and the expectation for the lottery result of the winning role can be played through the lighting and sound of the lighting equipment together with the various images. Can now be granted to a person. Moreover, in order to maintain the effect, for example, a technique for changing the effect (sound) for each condition, for example, for each game and for each game is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, the presentation may be changed according to the player's operation.

JP-A-10-272220

  In addition to changing the stage triggered by such changes in the gaming state and the player's operation, the slot machine side measures a predetermined time after the stage starts, and changes the stage as time passes Is also possible. Such a change in the production over time can be regarded as a change in one production mode, so a predetermined time is counted together with the content of the production in the production storage area for storing the production data group constituting the production to be executed. This can be realized by setting an execution waiting timer. For example, it is possible to set an execution waiting timer for measuring 2 seconds and a BGM (Back Ground Music) sound, and output the BGM sound 2 seconds after the start of the production.

  By the way, in the case where an effect different from the effect before the game state or the like is changed after the change of the game state or the like due to the change of the game state or the like, the game state is stored in the effect storage area that defines the execution target of the effect. A new effect after the change is written and the effect before the gaming state changes is automatically discarded (deleted). Further, when the effect is changed in response to the player's operation, the writing of the new effect effect storage area may occur at an unintended timing.

  Here, as described above, the BGM sound is output 2 seconds after the start of the production, and if the player performs an operation before 2 seconds elapses from the start of the production, the BGM sound is not output. A new production will be overwritten. However, if the next effect is determined on the assumption that the BGM sound is output, the effect will proceed with the BGM sound that should be output being canceled.

  Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine capable of ensuring the continuity of the performance by surely performing the performance to be performed regardless of the operation timing of the player and improving the performance effect. And

  In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine according to the present invention in which a game progresses based on an operation of the operating means by the player and an effect is executed according to the progress of the game, the player operates the operating means. When the effect determining means for determining the effect on the occasion of the event and the effect determining means newly determines the effect, it is determined whether there is an execution waiting effect that is determined before that and is awaiting execution through the timer. An execution execution unit that executes a newly determined effect when there is no execution effect, and executes a newly determined effect after executing the execution effect when there is an execution effect. It is characterized by that.

  The effect is associated with guarantee information for guaranteeing the execution of the effect, and the effect execution means only performs the effect waiting for execution when the effect waiting for execution exists and the guarantee information is associated with the effect waiting for execution. May be executed.

  When there is an execution waiting effect, the effect execution means may execute the execution waiting effect without waiting for completion of the time measurement by the timer even if the time measurement by the timer is continued.

  According to the present invention, regardless of the operation timing of the player, it is possible to reliably execute the effects to be executed, ensure the continuity of the effects, and improve the effect.

It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is an external view in the state which opened the front door for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an effective line and each table. It is a figure explaining an effect lottery table. It is a figure for demonstrating the production data group determined using the production lottery table. It is a figure for demonstrating writing to the storage area for effects of a production data group. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting of the production data group using a guarantee flag. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed command reception processing. It is the flowchart which showed production | presentation determination processing. It is the flowchart which showed production execution processing. It is the flowchart which showed the timer interruption process of the sub control board.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated. To do.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, a mechanical configuration and an electrical configuration of a slot machine (game machine) that can be played by a player will be briefly described. A typical process will be described.

(Mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a casing 102 that is a substantially rectangular box, and a connecting member that is rotatable with respect to the front opening of the casing 102. A front upper door 104 attached to the front door 104, a front lower door 106 positioned below the front upper door 104 and attached to the front opening of the housing 102 so as to be openable and closable like the front upper door 104. It is located at the lower part of the door 106 and has a tray part 108 for storing medals paid out from the medal outlet 108a.

  An operation unit installation base 122 is formed in the upper part of the front lower door 106. The operation unit installation base 122 has a medal insertion unit 124 and a bet button 126 as an operation means for a player to intervene in the game. A start switch 128, a stop switch 130, a settlement button 132, and the like are provided.

  A medal insertion unit (game medium receiving means) 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation base 122 receives insertion of a medal as a game medium through a medal insertion slot (insertion slot) 124a, and is provided on the back surface of the front lower door 106. Send a medal to a medal selector (not shown). The medal selector includes a blocker (not shown) that guides medals inserted outside the insertion period during which medals can be inserted or a non-standard medal to the medal discharge port 108a, and a standard medal inserted within the insertion period. And a inserted medal detection unit 124b for detecting the passage of. Here, the medal guided to the medal discharge port 108 a is discharged to the tray portion 108. When a player inserts more medals than the prescribed number, which is the number of inserted medals necessary to start one game, the prescribed number of medals exceeds the prescribed number (for example, 50). The upper limit is electronically stored in the slot machine 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as “credit”).

  Here, one game refers to a series of games that can receive a single payout on condition that a medal is inserted. Here, the specified number is fixed to “3”. However, depending on the model of the slot machine 100, the specified number may be different, or even if the model is the same model, the specified number may be fixed. There is. In addition, when the number of medals required to start one game can be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of specified numbers, the maximum number among the plurality of specified numbers is called the maximum specified number, and the minimum number is the minimum specified It is called a number. If the specified number is selectable between 1 and 3, the maximum specified number is “3” and the minimum specified number is “1”. Here, since the specified number is fixed to “3”, the maximum specified number and the minimum specified number are “3”.

  The bet button 126 is a push-type button switch that inputs (bets) a prescribed number of medals out of credited medals. The settlement button 132 is a push-type button switch that accepts a credited medal return (settlement) request operation. By operating the settlement button 132, the player can make a settlement request to settle the bet medals or electronically credited medals, and in response to the settlement request, the bet medals or electronic Medals that have been credited are discharged from the medal outlet 108a.

  The start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation unit installation base 122 is formed by a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a start operation of one game by the player. The start switch 128 can also be formed by a button switch that can detect a pressing operation.

  A colorless and transparent symbol display window 136 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided at a substantially lower center of the front upper door 104, and a reel in a position corresponding to the symbol display window 136 in the housing 102. A unit 134 is provided. As shown in the reel symbol arrangement of FIG. 3, the reel unit 134 includes three rotating reels (left reel 134a, middle reel 134b, right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each of the regions equally divided into 21. The reels 134c) are rotatably provided independently, and the player can visually recognize the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c through the symbol display window 136. The reel unit 134 starts to rotate the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c in response to the operation of the start switch 128.

  The stop switch 130 located in the center of the operation unit installation base 122 is a button switch provided corresponding to each of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c and capable of detecting a player's pressing operation. A player's stop operation to stop each of the reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c is detected. The three button switches related to the stop switch 130 are particularly called stop button switches, and are referred to as stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c in order from the left.

  A liquid crystal display unit (display unit) 138 for displaying various images associated with effects is provided at the approximate center of the upper portion of the front upper door 104. In addition, an effect lamp 142 made up of, for example, a high-intensity light emitting diode (LED) is provided on the upper or left and right sides of the front upper door 104.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, speakers that produce auditory effects such as sound effects and musical sounds are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 138 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and the inner surface left and right positions on the back surface of the front lower door 106. 140 is provided. Further, below the reel unit 134 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 264 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 108a is provided. The medal payout device 264 includes a medal storage unit 264a for storing medals, a payout control unit 264b for discharging medals stored in the medal storage unit 264a from the medal discharge port 108a, and medals discharged from the medal discharge port 108a. And a payout medal detection unit 264c. Specifically, the payout control unit 264b is rotatably supported by the main body exterior of the payout control unit 264b, and a plurality of medal insertion holes are arranged in the circumferential direction in which medals dropped from the medal storage unit 264a are inserted one by one from above. And a disc motor (not shown) for rotating the disc. The medals inserted in the medal insertion holes are rotated one by one through the pushing mechanism. In addition, the medals are successively discharged one by one by sequentially inserting the next medals into the medal insertion holes vacated by the discharge.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, among the symbols provided on the left reel 134 a, the middle reel 134 b, and the right reel 134 c, a symbol display window is provided inside each of the rotating reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c. A reel backlight 144 (see FIG. 4) is provided that individually irradiates the upper, middle, and lower stages of each of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to 136 (which can be the target of an effective line) independently from the back surface. ing. Further, a reel upper light 146 that directly irradiates the front of all of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c is also provided on the upper surface of the rear surface of the symbol display window 136.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the operation unit installation base 122, a main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit are provided on a substantially horizontal plane of the step unit 122 a provided between the symbol display window 136 and the stop switch 130. 154 is provided. Further, a sub credit display unit 156 and a sub payout display unit 158 are provided between the symbol display window 136 and the operation unit installation base 122. The main credit display unit 152 and the sub credit display unit 156 display the number of credits, and the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158 display the number of paid out medals. Note that the sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 can also display various numerical values associated with the effects.

(Electrical configuration of the slot machine 100)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 is mainly controlled by a main control board 200 and a sub control board 202. Here, among the programs related to the progress of the game, a particularly important process such as a lottery of a winning combination to be used for a game and winning the prize is executed on the main control board 200, and other processes related to effects, for example, are performed on the sub-control board. 202 is executed. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, communication between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is limited to only one direction from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention. However, if there is no such limitation, two-way communication can be electrically performed.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs, a main RAM 200c that functions as a work area, and the like, and comprehensively controls the entire slot machine 100. To do. However, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 200c, and even when the power is cut off, the data is retained without being erased unless the initialization process of the main RAM 200c is intentionally executed. .

  The main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b. The initialization means 300, the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means. 306, a determination unit 308, a payout control unit 310, and a credit unit 312. The initialization unit 300 executes an initialization process in the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets medals for use in games. Here, the bet includes both a case where a medal credited through the operation of the bet button 126 is inserted and a case where a medal is inserted through the medal insertion unit 124. The winning combination lottery means 304 determines either a winning combination or a loss by a lottery based on the betting of medals and the operation of the start switch 128 (winning combination lottery). The reel control means 306 controls rotation and stop of each rotary reel 134a, 134b, 134c. The determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line. The payout control means 310 pays out a medal corresponding to the winning combination based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line. The credit means 312 stores medals as credits.

  In the main control board 200, various detection signals are received from the inserted medal detection unit 124b, the bet button 126, the start switch 128, the stop switch 130, and the checkout button 132. Based on the received detection signals, the main CPU 200a has various types. Execute the process. Further, a main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit 154 are connected to the main control board 200, and the main CPU 200a controls the display of the number of credits and the number of payouts of medals on both the display units 152 and 154. .

  In addition, a reel drive control unit 258 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive control unit 258 drives the stepping motor 262 based on the rotation start signal of each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c transmitted from the main control board 200 based on the operation signal of the start switch 128, and the stop switch. The driving of the stepping motor 262 is stopped based on the stop signal of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c and the detection signal of the rotational position detection circuit 260, which are transmitted from the main control board 200 based on the operation signal 130. To do.

  The medal payout device 264 is connected to the main control board 200. A detection signal from the payout medal detection unit 264c is input to the main control board 200, and the payout control unit 310 counts the number of medals to be paid out according to the detection signal, and outputs from the payout control unit 264b. Control the discharge of medals.

  The main control board 200 is provided with random number generating means 200d. The random number generating means 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops within a predetermined numerical range, and extracts the count value at a predetermined time point to obtain a random number. The random number (winning winning lottery random number) generated by the random number generating means 200d is used for determining a gaming profit to be given to the player, for example, a winning winning combination.

(Table used in main control board 200)
In the slot machine 100, a plurality of game states are provided when the game progresses, and a plurality of winning combination lottery tables corresponding to these game states and set values are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning combination lottery means 304 extracts a corresponding winning combination lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current gaming state and set value stored in the main RAM 200c, and based on the extracted winning combination lottery table, the start switch 128. It is determined which winning combination lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal corresponds to which winning combination or lose in the winning combination lottery table.

  Here, the winning combination extracted from each winning combination lottery table includes a replay combination, a small combination, and a bonus combination. The state in which the symbol combinations corresponding to such winning combinations are aligned on the active line is called display (winning), and the state until winning the winning combination and displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed internally. Winning status. Among the winning combinations, the replay combination is a combination in which one game can be executed again without placing a new bet of medals when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line. The combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination is displayed on the active line, whereby a predetermined number of medals can be paid out. The bonus combination is a winning combination that can shift the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the bonus gaming state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the active line. Here, the bonus gaming state is a winning combination lottery table (a winning combination lottery table for bonus gaming state described later) in which a winning probability of a small combination is set so that medals substantially increase when determining a winning combination. This is a gaming state to be used, which means a gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state. In the following, the gaming benefits given to the winning combination and the player will be described.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the effective line and each table. FIG. 5A shows an effective line in the present embodiment. Here, there are five effective lines. Specifically, among the nine symbols facing the symbol display window 136, the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop at the middle stage of the left reel 134a, middle reel 134b, and right reel 134c are connected. Line B, the upper stage of the left reel 134a, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, the line B1 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols stopped at the lower stage of the right reel 134c, the lower stage of the left reel 134a, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, the right reel 134c The line B2 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop on the upper stage, the line C1 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop on the upper stage of the left reel 134a, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, the upper reel, and the left reel 134a. The line C2 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols to be stopped at the lower stage, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, and the lower stage of the right reel 134c. Each is set as a valid line.

  Further, as shown in the symbol combination of FIG. 5B, in this embodiment, as a winning combination, “Replay”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Big Bonus (hereinafter referred to as“ BB ”)”. , “Regular Bonus (hereinafter referred to as“ RB ”)” in total of five types of winning combinations are provided. Among these, the winning role “Replay” corresponds to the above-mentioned replay role, the winning role “Bell”, the winning role “Watermelon” corresponds to the above-mentioned small role, and the winning role “BB” and the winning role “RB” correspond to the above-mentioned bonus role. It corresponds to.

  If any winning combination is won, an internal winning flag corresponding to each winning combination is established (ON), and the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, the right reel according to the establishment status of the internal winning flag. Each stop control of 134c will be performed. At this time, if the winning combination “Bell” and the winning combination “Watermelon” have been won, but the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combinations could not be displayed on the active line in that one game, The internal winning flag is turned off at (in this embodiment, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “bell” can always be displayed on the active line). That is, the right to win a small role is limited to the game only, and the right cannot be carried over to the next one game (hereinafter simply referred to as “next game”).

  On the other hand, when the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB” is won, the BB internal winning flag or the RB internal winning flag is established (ON), and the BB internal winning flag or the RB internal winning flag is set. The game state changes to the internal / middle game state according to the establishment status, and the stop control of each of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c is performed. At this time, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB” cannot be displayed on the active line, the BB internal winning flag or the RB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game as it is. Thus, in the game after the next time, it becomes possible to display the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination “BB” and the winning combination “RB” on the effective line.

  In addition, when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning combination “Replay” that is the replaying role is established, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role “Replaying” is displayed on the active line, and the next game can be played without requiring a medal. The internal winning flag is turned off after the processing necessary for performing the processing is performed.

  The normal gaming state winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 5C is used when determining the winning combination lottery random number in the normal gaming state. Here, an area corresponding to the total number of winning lottery random numbers (65536) is divided into a plurality of winning areas (1 to 6), and for each winning area, the winning combination and the ratio of winning each of the plurality of winning areas The winning range value (numerical value) indicating the relative number is associated. For example, the winning area “1” is associated with the winning combination “Replay” and the winning range value “8978”. Since the winning combination lottery random numbers are provided from 0 to 65535, the probability that the winning combination “Replay” is won is 8978/65536. The same association is made for the other winning areas 2 to 6. The winning combination lottery means 304 sequentially acquires a winning range value from a plurality of winning areas in the winning combination lottery table for the normal gaming state, sequentially subtracts the winning range value from the winning combination lottery random number, and the subtraction value When is less than 0, the winning combination associated with the winning area at that time is used as the lottery result. The lottery procedure can be applied to other lotteries.

  The bonus game state winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 5D determines the winning combination random number in the bonus gaming state set by winning the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB”. It is used when doing. According to the bonus game state winning combination lottery table, the bonus combination and the replay combination are not repeatedly won, and the winning probability of the winning combination “Bell” is determined as the normal gaming state winning combination lottery table (FIG. 5C). It is set higher than (see). Here, the winning combination lottery table has been described with reference to the normal gaming state winning combination lottery table and the bonus gaming state winning combination lottery table, but the winning combination lottery table is not limited to this, and is used in the internal medium gaming state. Various winning combination lottery tables are used according to the gaming state, such as an internal medium gaming state winning combination lottery table.

(Sub-control board 202)
Returning to FIG. 4, the sub-control board 202, similar to the main control board 200, includes various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub-CPU 202 a that is a central processing unit, a sub-ROM 202 b that stores programs, a sub-RAM 202 c that functions as a work area, and the like. In particular, the presentation is controlled based on a command from the main control board 200. Similarly to the main RAM 200c, a backup power source (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 202c, and even when the power is turned off, data is retained without being erased. The sub-control board 202 is also provided with random number generation means 202d, like the main control board 200, and the random number (production lottery random number) generated by the random number generation means 202d mainly determines the mode of production. Used for.

Further, the sub control board 202 functions by the sub CPU 202a cooperating with the sub RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub ROM 202b. The initialization determining unit 330, the command receiving unit 332, the effect determining unit 334, the effect An execution unit 336 is included. The initialization determining unit 330 executes initialization processing in the sub control board 202. The command receiving means 332 receives commands from other control boards such as the main control board 200 and performs processing for the commands. The effect determining means 334 determines the effect to be provided to the player. Specifically, the effect determining means 334 includes image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, an effect lamp 142, a reel backlight 144, a reel upper light 146, a sub credit display unit 156, a sub payout display unit 158, and the like. In addition to determining the illumination data for presentation through the illumination device, the audio data constituting the audio to be output from the speaker 140 is determined. The effect execution means 336 executes the effect determined by the effect determination means 334. Specifically, the effect execution unit 336 transmits the image data determined by the effect determination unit 334 to the liquid crystal control board 204, thereby causing the liquid crystal display unit 138 to display an image based on the image data, and the illumination data is displayed on the electronic display. By transmitting to a decoration device through an ornamental communication IC (I ² C: Inter-Integrated Circuit) 202e and transmitting voice data to the voice IC 202f, the voice based on the voice data is output from the speaker 140.

  Here, the production is provided through the liquid crystal display unit 138, the production lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub credit display unit 156, the sub payout display unit 158, the speaker 140, and the like as the game progresses. It is a visual and auditory expression means that can give a story to the game and can suggest a lottery result of the winning combination with a more dynamic image. As an effect suggesting the lottery result of the winning combination, for example, if the player appropriately stops the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not necessarily an effective line. When winning a winning combination (for example, winning “watermelon”) that cannot always be displayed above, a symbol corresponding to the winning combination is suggested before the player performs the stop operation. Some prompt the combination to be displayed on the active line. In addition, with regard to the bonus combination described above, the BB internal winning flag and the RB internal winning flag can be carried over over a plurality of games, so an effect suggesting the winning of the bonus combination is performed over a plurality of games, It is possible to increase the player's expectation by invalidating the player's operation input for a predetermined time in the game and performing a freeze process during which a specific effect is executed. In addition, even if none of the winning roles has been won, it is possible to make the player have a high dividend expectation through the production as if the player has been won, so that the player will not get bored. It becomes.

  However, since images including still images and moving images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 have an enormous amount of data and a processing load associated with the display, the liquid crystal control board 204 is separately provided for the image data as described above. Control by intervening.

(Table used in sub-control board 202)
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the effect lottery table. The sub ROM 202b of the sub control board 202 is provided with a plurality of effect lottery tables respectively corresponding to a plurality of winning combinations and losers. When any winning combination or loss is determined by the winning combination lottery on the main control board 200, an effect lottery table corresponding to the lottery result is determined. For example, when the lottery result of the winning combination lottery is the winning combination “BB”, the effect determining means 334 selects the winning combination as shown in FIG. 6 among the plurality of winning lottery tables corresponding to the plurality of winning combinations and losers. The effect lottery table corresponding to “BB” is determined.

  In the effect lottery table corresponding to the winning combination “BB” as shown in FIG. 6, for example, an area corresponding to the total number of effect lottery random numbers (65536) is divided into a plurality of winning areas (1 to 4). A winning range value, a switching opportunity, and an effect data group are associated with each region. As will be described later, the effect data group includes image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, effects lamp 142, reel backlight 144, reel upper light 146, sub credit display unit 156, sub payout display unit 158, and the like. It is configured to include electrical decoration data related to the effect output from the decoration device and audio data related to the effect output from the speaker 140. The effect determining means 334 compares the winning range values of the plurality of winning areas in the effect lottery table with the effect lottery random numbers, and derives a lottery result corresponding to the effect lottery random numbers. That is, the winning range value (here, “16384”) is sequentially acquired from a plurality of winning areas in the effect lottery table, and the winning range value is sequentially subtracted from the effect lottery random number generated by the random number generating means 202d. When the subtraction value is less than 0, the winning area at that time is set as the lottery result.

  For example, when the production lottery random number is “40000”, the production determination unit 334 first derives a subtraction value “23616” by subtracting the winning range value “16384” of the winning area 1 from the production lottery random number. Since the subtraction value “23616” is 0 or more (since it is not less than 0), the effect determination means 334 continues to the winning area 2 that is the next winning area after the winning area 1 from the subtracted effect lottery random number “23616”. The subtraction value “7232” is derived by subtracting the winning range value “16384”. Since the subtraction value “7232” is 0 or more, the effect determination means 334 subtracts the winning range value “16384” of the winning area 3 that is the winning area next to the winning area 2 from the subtracted effect lottery random number “7232”. The subtraction value “−9152” is derived. Here, since the subtraction value “−9152” is less than 0, the effect determination unit 334 sets the winning area 3 as the lottery result. In the present embodiment, the total number of effect lottery random numbers is 65536, so the winning probability of each winning area is 16384/65536 = 1/4.

  In addition, a plurality of effect data groups are associated with the winning area 3 that is the lottery result. This means that the production changes according to the operation (switching opportunity) by the player. For example, when the player operates the start switch 128, the lottery result of the winning combination lottery is the winning combination “BB”, and the production determination means 334 determines the winning area 3 based on the production lottery table, When the start switch 128 is operated (started), an effect based on the effect data group 9 in the winning area 3 is determined and executed. Then, when each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c is rotated and any one of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c is operated by the player (first stop), the effect of the winning area 3 is triggered. An effect based on the data group 10 is determined and executed. Similarly, when any one of the other stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c is continuously operated by the player (second stop), an effect based on the effect data group 11 in the winning area 3 is determined and executed, When the remaining one of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c is operated (third stop), an effect based on the effect data group 12 in the winning area 3 is determined and executed.

  For example, as the effect data group in the winning area 3 is sequentially shifted to the effect data groups 9 to 12, the expectation for winning is increased. When the player finishes stopping all the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c (third stop), for example, the effect data group 12 notifies that the winning combination “BB” has been won. In this way, by dynamically changing the production according to the player's operation, the player's sense of expectation for winning is enhanced, and the player is given a sense of achievement of winning the winning role “BB”. Can be given.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the effect data group determined using the effect lottery table, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the writing of the effect data group to the effect storage area.

  Here, the effect data group 9 of the effect lottery table is shown in FIG. 7 (a), and the effect data group 10 of the effect lottery table is shown in FIG. 7 (b). The production data group 9 shown in FIG. 7A is associated with audio data 1, image data 1, 2 second timer, illumination data 1, and audio data 2, and are referred to in the order of reference. Specifically, when the start switch 128 is operated, the lottery result of the winning combination lottery is the winning combination “BB”, and the effect determining means 334 determines the winning area 3, the start switch is determined based on the audio data 1. An operation sound (system sound) indicating that 128 operations have been received by the slot machine 100 is output, and the character set in the slot machine 100 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 based on the image data 1 and is displayed on the screen. Pass through. Thereafter, the execution waiting timer measures 2 seconds, and after 2 seconds, the effect lamp 142 blinks based on the illumination data 1, and the BGM sound is output from the speaker 140 based on the audio data 2. Such an execution waiting timer is used for measuring the start timing of an effect executed after a predetermined time has elapsed when a time difference is provided for the start of the effect. In this way, a series of effects based on the effect data group 9 is completed. In addition, each data of the effect data group 9 is also associated with a guarantee flag (guaranteed information present = guarantee flag is ON) indicating presence / absence of guarantee information for guaranteeing execution of the effect. Such a guarantee flag will be described in detail later.

  In addition, the audio data 3 and the image data 2 are associated with the effect data group 10 illustrated in FIG. Specifically, when one of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is operated by the player (first stop), one of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is selected based on the audio data 3. An operation sound (system sound) indicating that it has been received by the slot machine 100 is output, and the character is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 as a cut-in operation based on the image data 2. In this way, a series of effects based on the effect data group 10 is completed. Each data in the effect data group 10 is also associated with a guarantee flag indicating whether or not there is guarantee information for guaranteeing the execution of the effect, as in the effect data group 9.

  When such effects are sequentially executed, the data is updated as follows in the effect storage area, which is a storage area for storing the effect data group constituting the effect to be executed. First, when the start switch 128 is operated, the effect determining means 334 writes the effect data group 9 shown in FIG. 7A in the effect storage area as shown in FIG. Then, the effect execution means 336 reads the audio data 1 and the image data 1 in ascending order of addresses in the effect storage area (here, offset +0, offset +1), and executes effects based on each data. Here, the offset indicates the head address of the effect storage area. At this time, the effect execution means 336 deletes the read audio data 1 and image data 1 from the effect storage area and shifts the remaining data in the effect data group 9 to a young address as shown in FIG. 8B. . Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 reads a 2-second timer from a young address in the effect storage area and measures 2 seconds. During this time, new data based on the production data group 9 is not referred to. At this time, the effect execution means 336 deletes the read 2-second timer from the effect storage area as shown in FIG. 8C, and shifts the remaining data in the effect data group 9 to a young address. When two seconds have elapsed, the effect execution means 336 reads the illumination data 1 and the audio data 2 in ascending order of addresses in the effect storage area, and executes the effects based on the data. In addition, the effect execution means 336 deletes the read electrical data 1 and audio data 2, so that no data remains in the effect storage area as shown in FIG. 8D.

  When a first stop is made after a series of effects based on such an effect data group 9 has been started, the effect determining means 334 causes the effect storage area shown in FIG. The effect data group 10 indicated by () is written. Then, the effect execution means 336 reads the audio data 3 and the image data 2 in ascending order of the addresses of the effect storage area, and executes the effects based on each data. At this time, the effect execution means 336 deletes the read audio data 3 and image data 2, so that no data remains in the effect storage area as shown in FIG. In the effect data group 10, only the sound data 3 corresponding to the sound effect is set as the sound data. However, since the BGM sound based on the sound data 2 is actually output in the effect data group 9, after the first stop Also, the continuity of the BGM sound is maintained.

  Here, if the player operates the start switch 128 and makes a first stop before 2 seconds elapses, the illumination data 1 and the audio data 2 are not yet executed ( The effect data group 10 to be continuously executed is determined in the state where the effect storage area is as shown in FIG. Under such circumstances, conventionally, the effect determining means 334 discards all the data written in the effect storage area regardless of the effect before the effect data group 10 is determined, and the effect data group 10 exists there. Each data was written. Then, as described above, since the BGM sound based on the audio data 2 of the effect data group 9 to be output continuously after the first stop is not output, it is originally output in the effect based on the effect data group 10. The result is that the BGM sound that should be lost is lost. In order to avoid such a situation, for example, if it is configured to execute an effect data group that is continuously executed after executing all effects based on the data remaining in the effect storage area, the effect is produced as time passes. There is a risk that the player's operation and the performance may not be synchronized.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a guarantee flag is associated with each data constituting the effect data groups 9 and 10, and a new effect data group is determined. Only the effect relating to the data for which the guarantee flag is ON (guarantee information is associated) is executed first, and then the newly determined effect is executed. With such a configuration, it is possible to reliably execute an effect that is originally supposed to be executed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the effect data group using the guarantee flag. Here, it is assumed that the player has made a first stop before 2 seconds have elapsed after operating the start switch 128. First, with the operation of the start switch 128, the effect determining means 334 writes the effect data group 9 shown in FIG. 7A in the effect storage area as shown in FIG. 9A. Then, the effect execution means 336 reads the audio data 1 and the image data 1 in ascending order of addresses in the effect storage area, and executes effects based on each data. At this time, the effect execution means 336 deletes the read audio data 1 and image data 1 from the effect storage area and shifts the remaining data in the effect data group 9 to a young address as shown in FIG. 9B. . Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 reads a 2-second timer from a young address in the effect storage area and measures 2 seconds. At this time, the effect execution means 336 deletes the read 2-second timer from the effect storage area as shown in FIG. 9C, and shifts the remaining data of the effect data group 9 to a young address.

  Here, if the player makes the first stop before 2 seconds elapses, the effect determining means 334 determines the effect data group 10, but immediately does not write it to the effect storage area, It is held in the sub RAM 202c.

  When the effect determining unit 334 newly determines an effect, the effect executing unit 336 determines whether there is an execution waiting effect that is determined before that and is waiting to be executed through the execution waiting timer. It is determined whether or not data remains in the area. If there is an execution waiting effect, it is further determined whether or not the guarantee flag associated with the data indicating the execution waiting effect is ON. As a result, when there is no execution waiting effect, or there is an effect but the guarantee flag is OFF, all the effects waiting to be executed are deleted and only the newly determined effect is executed. If there is an execution waiting effect and the guarantee flag is ON, the newly determined effect is executed after executing the execution waiting effect with the guarantee flag ON. Specifically, when the effect determining means 334 newly determines an effect, the illumination data 1 and the audio data 2 are still written in the effect storage area as shown in FIG. 9C. The effect execution means 336 determines whether or not the guarantee flags associated with the illumination data 1 and the audio data 2 are ON. Here, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), since the guarantee flag is ON for the audio data 2, the effect execution means 336 leaves only the effect based on the audio data 2 in the effect storage area. The decoration data 1 is deleted. Then, the effect execution means 336 shifts the audio data 2 to the head address, and writes the effect data group 10 held in the sub RAM 202c in the effect storage area following the audio data 2. Then, the effect storage area is in a state as shown in FIG.

  Next, the effect execution means 336 reads the audio data 2, the audio data 3, and the image data 2 in ascending order of addresses in the effect storage area, and executes effects based on the respective data in that order. At this time, the effect execution means 336 deletes the read audio data 2, audio data 3, and image data 2, and no data remains in the effect storage area as shown in FIG. 9 (e). Thus, since the effect based on the audio data 2 is executed, the continuity of the BGM audio is maintained even after the first stop.

  In addition, when there is an execution waiting effect, the effect execution means 336 executes immediately without waiting for execution, that is, without waiting for completion of time measurement by the execution waiting timer. The waiting effect is executed, and then the newly determined effect is executed. With this configuration, when a new production is determined, the performance waiting to be executed can be executed quickly, and the timing of the player's operation and production is synchronized without extremely delaying the start of the new production. It becomes possible to do.

  Hereinafter, specific processing in the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 will be described.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, an outline of one game after initialization will be described along the main process of the main control board 200, and then the details of each process will be described.

(Step S100)
When the slot machine 100 is powered on and energized, the initialization means 300 executes an initialization process in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization unit 300 generates backup data at any time while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power interruption occurs, it is possible to restore the state before the power interruption using the stored backup data in this initialization process. For example, even if an unexpected power interruption occurs during the rotation of the rotating reel, the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are started again after the return operation. Therefore, the initialization process (RAM clear) is not basically performed in the initialization process. However, information that does not affect the game profit of the player, for example, information related to performance may be initialized as necessary. The initialization unit 300 confirms the connection status and operation status of various devices including the reel unit 134.

(Step S200)
Subsequently, the betting means 302 accepts the insertion of a prescribed number of medals from the medal insertion unit 124, or accepts the operation of the betting button 126 in a situation where the prescribed number or more of credits is stored, and completes the betting of medals. To start waiting for the operation of the start switch 128. Further, the betting means 302 generates an insertion command indicating that the operation has been performed, and transmits it to the sub control board 202. When the operation of the start switch 128 is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S300.

(Step S300)
Next, the winning combination lottery means 304 acquires one winning combination lottery random number at the time when the start switch 128 is operated from the winning combination lottery random number updated by the random number generation means 200d in response to the operation of the start switch 128. To do. Then, the winning combination lottery means 304 selects one winning combination corresponding to the currently set gaming state from a plurality of winning combination lottery tables including the winning combination lottery tables shown in FIGS. 5 (c) and 5 (d). In addition to determining the winning lottery table, it is determined which winning area in the determined winning winning lottery table corresponds to the acquired winning lottery random number, and the winning combination or lose of the determined winning area is determined as the lottery result. . In addition, after the lottery result is determined according to the operation of the start switch 128, the winning combination lottery means 304 receives a winning combination command including the lottery result (winning combination or lose) of the winning combination lottery, information on the gaming state, and the like. It is generated and transmitted to the sub control board 202.

(Step S400)
When the lottery process is completed as described above, the reel control unit 306 next drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the start of rotation of the left reel 134a, middle reel 134b, and right reel 134c in the previous game (wait), the left reel in the game 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c start to rotate, and when the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c all rotate at a constant speed, the operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is enabled. To do.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, when the reel control means 306 receives an operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c by the player in a state where the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c are activated, the reel control unit 306 rotates the reel corresponding to the operation. (One of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c) is stopped according to a predetermined stop control. Further, when any of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is operated, the reel control unit 306 displays a stop command (first stop command, information indicating the information of the operated stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c). A second stop command and a third stop command) are generated each time an operation is performed, and transmitted to the sub control board 202 each time.

(Step S600)
Next, the determination unit 308 determines which of the predetermined combinations shown in FIG. 5B the symbol combination displayed on the active line shown in FIG. In accordance with the symbol combination, a process for determining the number of medals to be paid out, a game state changing process, and various processes required for replay are executed. Here, the determination means 308 is one of a plurality of gaming states having different degrees of advantage of the player based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line. The game state, for example, the bonus game state is determined. In addition, the determination unit 308 generates a winning command including a symbol combination displayed on the active line, a medal payout number when the symbol combination corresponding to the small role is displayed on the active line, and the like. Transmit to the substrate 202.

(Step S700)
Subsequently, on the basis of the determination result in step S600, for example, when the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination is displayed on the active line, the payout control unit 310 executes a medal payout process corresponding to the small combination, When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line, a process for automatically betting the next game is executed. In this way, the payout control means 310 performs various processes corresponding to the symbol combinations displayed on the active line, and ends the one game. Further, when the medal payout process is performed, the payout control unit 310 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been performed, and transmits the payout command to the sub-control board 202.

  As shown in steps S200 to S700, a game can be started through betting of medals, and one game is executed through a series of processes from operation of the start switch 128 to payout by winning. Thereafter, steps S200 to S700 are repeated.

(Main processing of sub control board 202)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main process of the sub control board 202.

(Step S1100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch and becomes energized, the initialization determining unit 330 of the sub control board 202 executes the initialization process, like the initialization unit 300 of the main control board 200, Allow. The initialization determining unit 330 generates backup data while the power is turned on, holds the backup data in the sub RAM 202c, and is held in this initialization process when an unexpected power failure occurs. Execute the process to return to the state before power-off using the backup data.

(Step S1200)
The command receiving unit 332 determines whether or not a command from the main control board 200 has been received, and maintains the command standby state by repeating the process of step S1200 while the command is not received. If it is determined that a command has been received, the command receiving unit 332 proceeds to step S1300.

(Step S1300)
If it is determined in step S1200 that a command has been received, the command receiving unit 332 executes various processes based on the received command.

(Detailed processing of command reception processing S1300)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the command receiving process in step S1300. Here, only processes related to the features of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and descriptions of configurations unrelated to the features of the present embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S1301)
First, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is an input command. As a result, if the received command is the input command, the process proceeds to step S1302, and if it is not the input command, the process proceeds to step S1303.

(Step S1302)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1301 is an input command, the effect determining means 334 determines an effect data group based on the input command, and once with a guarantee flag associated with the determined effect data group. It is held in the sub RAM 202c. Note that, as described above, this insertion command is a command transmitted in the betting process S200 of FIG. 10, and information indicating that the betting means 302 has been operated is added.

(Step S1303)
Next, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is a winning combination command. As a result, if the received command is a winning combination command, the process proceeds to step S1304. If the received command is not a winning combination command, the process proceeds to step S1305.

(Step S1304)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1303 is a winning combination command, the effect determining unit 334 determines an effect to be provided to the player. The effect determination process S1304 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Note that, as described above, this winning combination command is a command transmitted in the lottery process S300 in FIG. 10, and when any winning combination is won, information indicating the type of the winning combination is added. If any winning combination is not won, information indicating a loss is added.

(Step S1305)
Subsequently, the command receiving unit 332 determines whether the received command is any of the first to third stop commands. As a result, if the received command is one of the first to third stop commands, the process proceeds to step S1306, and if it is not any of the first to third stop commands, the process proceeds to step S1307.

(Step S1306)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1305 is one of the first to third stop commands, the effect determining means 334, for example, the effect lottery as shown in FIG. 6 determined in step S1304. An effect data group is determined based on which of the first to third stop commands with reference to the winning area 3 of the table, and temporarily stored in the sub RAM 202c together with a guarantee flag associated with the determined effect data group. . Note that, as described above, the first to third stop commands are commands transmitted in the reel stop process S500 in FIG. 10, and indicate that any one of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c has been operated. Information is added.

(Step S1307)
Next, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is a winning command. As a result, if the received command is a winning command, the process proceeds to step S1308. If not, the process proceeds to step S1309.

(Step S1308)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1307 is a winning command, the effect determining means 334 determines an effect data group based on the winning command, and once with a guarantee flag associated with the determined effect data group. It is held in the sub RAM 202c. Note that, as described above, this winning command is a command transmitted in the determination process S600 of FIG. 10, and the symbol combination displayed on the active line and the symbol combination corresponding to the small role are displayed on the active line. In this case, information indicating the number of medals paid out is added.

(Step S1309)
Subsequently, the command receiving unit 332 determines whether or not the received command is a payout command. As a result, if the received command is a payout command, the process proceeds to step S1310. If not, the process proceeds to step S1311.

(Step S1310)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1309 is a payout command, the effect determining means 334 determines an effect data group based on the payout command, and once with a guarantee flag associated with the determined effect data group. It is held in the sub RAM 202c. Note that, as described above, this payout command is a command transmitted in the payout process S700 of FIG. 10, and information indicating that the payout process has been performed is added.

(Step S1311)
Next, the effect execution means 336 determines whether or not the effect determination means 334 has determined the effect data group in any of the steps S1302, S1304, S1306, S1308, and S1310. As a result, if an effect data group has been determined in any step, the process proceeds to step S1312, and if an effect data group has not been determined, the process proceeds to step S1313.

(Step S1312)
If it is determined in step S1311 that the effect determining means 334 has determined the effect data group, the effect executing means 336 executes the effect based on the effect data group held in the sub RAM 202c by the effect determining means 334. The effect execution process S1312 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

(Step S1313)
Subsequently, the command receiving unit 332 performs various other processes on the received command (for example, a throw command, a winning combination command, first to third stop commands, a winning command, a payout command, etc.) The reception process S1300 ends. Since such processing is irrelevant to the features of the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the effect determination process in step S1304. In such effect determination processing, an effect to be provided to the player is determined.

(Step S1304-1)
When the command receiving means 332 receives the winning combination command, the effect determining means 334 receives information from the plurality of effect lottery tables stored in the sub ROM 202b as information on the winning combination command in order to determine the effect based on the winning combination command. One effect lottery table (for example, see FIG. 6) corresponding to the included winning combination is determined.

(Step S1304-2)
Next, the effect determining means 334 acquires one effect lottery random number from the effect lottery random numbers updated by the random number generating means 202d.

(Step S1304-3)
Subsequently, the effect determining unit 334 determines which winning region in the effect lottery table corresponds to the effect lottery random number acquired in step S1304-2. Specifically, the effect determination means 334 sequentially refers to the winning range value from a plurality of winning areas in the effect lottery table according to a predetermined order (here, the order is indicated by the ordinal number attached to the winning area), When the winning range value is subtracted from the effect lottery random number and the subtracted value is less than 0, the winning area at that time is determined as the lottery result. Then, the effect determining means 334 once holds the effect data group associated with the switching opportunity “start” in the determined winning area and the guarantee flag associated with the effect data group in the sub RAM 202c.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the effect execution process in step S1312. In such effect execution processing, the effect (image data, electrical data and audio data) determined by the effect determining means 334 is executed.

(Step S1312-1)
When the effect determining unit 334 determines the effect data group, the effect executing unit 336 determines whether there is an execution waiting effect and whether the guarantee flag associated with the execution waiting effect is ON. The presence / absence of an execution waiting effect can be determined based on whether or not some data of the effect data group remains in the effect storage area. The determination can also be made based on whether or not the execution waiting timer is activated (the count value of the timer is not 0). As a result, if there is an execution waiting effect and the guarantee flag associated with the execution waiting effect is ON, the process proceeds to step S1312-2, or there is no execution waiting effect or exists. However, if all the guarantee flags are OFF, the process proceeds to step S1312-4.

(Step S1312-2)
If it is determined in step S1312-1 that there is an execution waiting effect and the guarantee flag associated with the execution waiting effect is ON, the effect execution means 336 performs the execution waiting effect, Of the part of the effect data group remaining in the effect storage area, data other than the data for which the guarantee flag is ON is deleted, and the data for which the guarantee flag is ON is shifted to a young address. Here, when the execution waiting timer is activated, the effect execution means 336 invalidates the execution waiting timer, for example, sets the count value of the execution waiting timer to 0, and waits for execution of data for which the guarantee flag is ON. Cancel. In this way, it is possible to immediately execute the performance waiting for execution, and it is possible to maintain the synchronization of the timing of the operation by the player and the performance without extremely delaying the start of the new performance.

(Step S1312-3)
Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 writes the effect data group held by the effect determination means 334 after the data shifted in step S1312-2 in the effect storage area, and ends the effect execution processing S1312.

(Step S1312-4)
If it is determined in step S1312-1 that there is no performance waiting to be executed, or there is a performance flag but the guarantee flag is OFF, the performance execution means 336 displays the performance if data remains in the storage area for performance. Delete all data in the storage area.

(Step S1312-5)
Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 sequentially writes the effect data group held by the effect determination means 334 from the head address of the effect storage area, and ends the effect execution process S1312.

(Timer interrupt processing of sub control board 202)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing S1500 of the sub control board 202. The sub-control board 202 is provided with a clock pulse generation circuit (not shown) that generates clock pulses at a predetermined cycle (500 μsec). Then, when the clock pulse is generated by the clock pulse generation circuit, the sub CPU 202a reads the timer interrupt processing program and starts the timer interrupt processing S1500.

(Step S1501)
When the interrupt process is performed in response to the clock pulse, the effect execution means 336 determines whether or not the count value of the execution waiting timer is zero. As a result, if the count value is 0, the process proceeds to step S1503. If the count value is not 0, that is, if the count value is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S1502.

(Step S1502)
If it is determined in step S1501 that the count value is not 0, the effect execution means 336 decrements the count value of the execution waiting timer and ends the timer interrupt process S1500.

(Step S1503)
If it is determined in step S1501 that the count value is 0, the effect execution means 336 determines whether or not the data written at the start address of the effect storage area is data indicating a timer for measuring a predetermined time. To do. As a result, if it is determined that the data indicates a timer, the process proceeds to step S1504. If it is determined that the data does not indicate a timer, the process proceeds to step S1506.

(Step S1504)
If it is determined in step S1503 that the data written at the start address of the effect storage area is data indicating a timer, the effect execution means 336 outputs a counter value corresponding to a predetermined waiting time described in the data. Is set as the execution wait timer. Here, the counter value corresponding to the predetermined waiting time is a value obtained by dividing the predetermined waiting time by a predetermined period of 0.0005 sec. For example, in the case of a 2-second timer, 2 / 0.0005 = 4000 is set. By setting the execution waiting timer in this way, it is possible to provide a time difference in the start times of images, electrical decorations, sounds, and the like in a series of effects.

(Step S1505)
Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 deletes the data indicating the timer from the effect storage area, shifts the remaining data of the effect data group in the effect storage area to a young address, and performs the timer interrupt process S1500. Exit.

(Step S1506)
If it is determined in step S1503 that the data written at the start address of the effect storage area is not data indicating a timer, effect execution means 336 uses the data from the start address to the data before the timer. Read sequentially from the storage area. In this way, all data other than the data waiting for execution is read by the execution wait timer.

(Step S1507)
Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 deletes the data read from the effect storage area, and shifts the remaining data of the effect data group in the effect storage area to a young address.

(Step S1508)
Next, the effect execution means 336 executes effects in the order of reading based on the data read from the effect storage area. Specifically, if the data read from the storage area for the effect is image data, the effect execution means 336 transmits the image data to the liquid crystal control board 204 so that an image based on the image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138. If it is electrical data, the electrical data is transmitted to the electrical device through the electrical communication IC 202e. If it is audio data, the audio data is transmitted to the audio IC 202f. The voice based is output from the speaker 140.

  With this configuration, regardless of the player's operation timing, it is possible to reliably execute the effect to be executed by referring to the guarantee flag to ensure the continuity of the effect and improve the effect of the effect. . Moreover, since the original execution waiting time of the effect to be executed is canceled, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the effect is delayed as time passes.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Is done.

  For example, in the embodiment described above, only the data for which the guarantee flag is ON is left in the effect storage area. However, this is not the case, and only the execution waiting timer is canceled and remains in the effect storage area. The production may be executed together with the new production data group, leaving all the data that are present.

  In the embodiment described above, the betting means 302, the start switch 128, the stop switch 130, and the checkout button 132 are cited as operation means for the player to intervene in the game to determine the switching timing of the effect. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and the player can arbitrarily set the operation timing, such as a separately provided chance button (a so-called production-specific button that triggers the development, development or stoppage of the production by the player's operation). Various switches and buttons that can be selected are also targeted.

  In the embodiment described above, an example is described in which an effect data group is written from the start address to the effect storage area, and data is shifted to a young address each time an effect is executed based on the data. However, the production storage area is configured by a ring buffer of a predetermined size, the data to be executed is not shifted, the address to be executed is incremented, and the production is executed sequentially based on the data at the incremented address. It may be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the slot machine 100 has been described. However, in this embodiment, a jackpot lottery is performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the start opening, and the jackpot lottery is won by this jackpot lottery. Then, it can also be applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that can execute a game capable of acquiring a large number of prize balls.

  Further, the processes performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above do not necessarily have to be processed in time series in the order described in the flowchart, and may include processes in parallel or by a subroutine.

100 ... slot machine (game machine)
302 ... Bet means 304 ... Winning winning lottery means 306 ... Reel control means 308 ... Determination means 310 ... Disbursement control means 334 ... Production determination means 336 ... Production execution means

Claims (3)

A gaming machine in which a game progresses based on an operation on an operation means by a player, and an effect is executed according to the progress of the game,
Production determination means for determining the production in response to a player's operation on the operation means,
When the effect determining means newly determines an effect, it is determined whether there is an execution-waiting effect that is determined before and is awaiting execution through a timer. If the execution-determined effect is executed and the execution-waiting effect is present, an effect execution means for executing the newly determined effect after executing the execution-waiting effect;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: Guarantee information that guarantees execution of the effect is associated with the effect,
2. The effect execution means executes the effect waiting for execution only when the effect waiting for execution exists and the guarantee information is associated with the effect waiting for execution. The gaming machine described.   The production execution means, when there is an execution waiting effect, executes the execution waiting effect without waiting for completion of the time measurement by the timer even if the time measurement by the timer is continued. Item 3. A gaming machine according to item 1 or 2.

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