JP2014138757A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine capable of executing a performance by main control without increasing a main control load.SOLUTION: A winning combination is allowed to include a first prize winning combination including at least a first winning combination and a second winning combination, and a second prize winning combination at least including the first winning combination but differing from the first prize winning combination. At the time of predetermined operation of operation means, timing for executing predetermined processing in at least one processing is allowed to differ between winning of the first prize winning combination and winning of the second prize winning combination.

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that produces effects for suggesting the progress of a game.

  Conventionally, various effects have been performed to suggest the progress of the game. Slot machines are mainly divided into main control and sub-control, and production has been performed mainly by sub-control, but there are some that perform the main control using the progress of the game. there were.

JP 2005-103095 A

  However, when the production is performed by the main control described above, it is necessary to control the performance in addition to the control of the progress of the game, so that the burden of the main control becomes large, the progress of the game itself is simplified, and the performance is also improved. It has to be simple, and it has not been enough to entertain the player as a gaming machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine capable of performing effects by main control without increasing the burden of main control.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a first winning combination including at least a first combination and a second combination, and a first winning combination including at least a first combination. And a second winning combination different from the above, and when a predetermined operation of the operation means is performed, when the first winning combination is won and when the second winning combination is won, The timing for executing a predetermined process of at least one process is varied.

Specifically, the slot machine according to the present invention is:
A slot machine having a plurality of rotatable reels with a plurality of symbols and a unit game at least once in which a process based on the fact that the plurality of reels have stopped is completed. There,
A role lottery means for performing a lottery process of a role used in the unit game;
At least one operation means that can be operated by a player to advance the unit game;
One of a plurality of gaming states that may have different benefits to be given to the player is determined and executed in each of the unit games based on the lottery result of the combination lottery means and the operation of the operation means. Game control means for controlling and executing timing for advancing at least one process,
The role is
With the first role,
A second role different from the first role;
A first winning combination including at least the first combination and the second combination;
A second winning combination that includes at least the first winning combination and is different from the first winning combination;
The game control means, when a predetermined operation of the operation means is performed, when the first winning combination is won by the lottery process of the combination lottery means, and when the second winning combination is won The timing for executing a predetermined process among the at least one process is made different.

  The slot machine according to the present invention has a reel. This reel can be rotated or stopped based on the player's operation. For example, there is one in which a start signal is issued from the operation means when the player operates the operation means. It is preferable to control the reel to rotate based on the detection of the start signal. The control in this case is performed by the reel rotation control means. In some cases, a stop signal is issued from the operation means when the player operates the operation means. It is preferable to control the reel to stop based on the detection of the stop signal. The control in this case is performed by the reel stop control means.

  Each of the reels described above is provided with a plurality of symbols. When the reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not a predetermined combination is won according to the type of the symbols displayed in a stopped manner. If a prize is won, processing corresponding to the combination is performed. Thus, when the reel stops, processing based on the fact that the reel has stopped is performed. In the slot machine, a unit game is performed with a single process from the start of the reel rotation until the end of the process.

  The slot machine according to the present invention includes combination lottery means, operation means, and game control means.

  The game control means first determines one of a plurality of gaming states in which the benefits to be given to the player can be different. Further, the game control means executes the unit game by controlling the timing of advancing at least one process executed in each unit game based on the lottery result of the combination lottery means and the operation of the operation means.

  Here, “at least one process executed in each of the unit games” includes a role lottery process for starting a unit game, a reel rotation process, a reel stop process for winning a unit game, and a winning prize. It includes at least one process required for each unit game such as a determination process and transmission of a signal to the effect means.

  The role lottery means performs a lottery process for a role used in a unit game. A plurality of types of roles are determined in advance. At least one type of combination is determined by the combination lottery process of the combination lottery means. Specifically, the types of winning combinations drawn by the winning combination lottery process include, for example, types such as a small role, a replaying role, and a special role.

  The small role is a role for paying out a predetermined number of game media. Examples of the game medium include medals. The re-game is a role that allows a re-game to be played while keeping the number of bets in the unit game that is currently being played, and without making a bet on a further predetermined number of game media.

  The special role is a role that shifts from the general gaming state to the special gaming state. The special gaming state is a gaming state in which the possibility of acquiring more game media than the number of game media that can be acquired in the general gaming state is high, and is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. The special combination is, for example, a single bonus (hereinafter referred to as an SB combination), a regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as an RB combination), or a first type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a first type BB combination). ), A challenge bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a CB combination), and a second type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a second type BB combination).

  The SB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a single bonus game state (ordinary character) (hereinafter referred to as SB game state). The RB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a regular bonus game state (first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as an RB game state). The first type BB combination is a combination for shifting to a first type big bonus game state (a combination continuous action device related to a first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as a first type BB game state). . The CB combination is a combination for shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the challenge bonus gaming state (second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as CB gaming state). In the second type BB combination, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the second type big bonus gaming state (a combination continuous action device related to the second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as a second type BB gaming state). It is a role to make it.

  The operation means described above can be operated by a player in a plurality of operation modes, and is used to advance a unit game. There is at least one operating means.

  Here, “to advance the unit game” may be used not only for starting the unit game but also for other unit games such as stopping the unit game.

  The combination includes a first combination, a second combination, a first winning combination, and a second winning combination. The second combination is different from the first combination. The first winning combination is a combination including at least a first combination and a second combination. As described above, since at least the first combination and the second combination are included, when the first winning combination is won, the winning combination is always repeated. The second winning combination is a combination including at least the first winning combination and different from the first winning combination. Since the second winning combination only needs to include at least the first winning combination, when winning the second winning combination, it may be a single winning or a double winning. In particular, it is preferable that the second winning combination includes at least a combination different from the second combination and the first combination and is different from the first winning combination.

  When a predetermined operation of the operation means is performed, the game control means has at least one of a case where the first winning combination is won and a case where the second winning combination is won by the lottery process of the role lottery means. The timing for executing a predetermined process among the processes is varied.

  Here, it is preferable that the “predetermined process” is visible to the player. By making it visible, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player that the timing is different.

  In addition, “different timing” includes not only the case where the timing is delayed and the case where the timing is delayed, but also the case where the timing delay time is different. For example, when performing a freeze effect, not only the timing differs depending on whether or not the freeze effect is performed, but also includes a case where the timing is different when the freeze effect is performed.

  The “execution timing” means a time from when a predetermined operation is performed to when a predetermined process is started. That is, it means that the timing based on when a predetermined operation is performed is made different.

  An effect can be performed by making the execution timing different. In particular, in the case of a slot machine that controls main control and sub-control separately, the production is mainly performed by sub-control, but by performing control that makes the timing for executing processing different, the main control also You can produce.

  Further, the timing for executing the predetermined process is different between the case where the first winning combination is won and the case where the second winning combination is won. The first winning combination is included in both the first winning combination and the second winning combination. If the first combination is won, if the process is executed at a timing different from normal, the process is always executed at that timing, so the player can recognize the timing, You will immediately know that you have won the first role. However, even if the first combination is won by changing the timing of executing the process depending on whether the first winning combination or the second winning combination is won. Since it can be difficult to grasp that the player has won the game, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to feel bored and to continue playing the game.

  In addition, since the content of the production is determined by using the result of the lottery process necessary for the progress of the unit game, the control process is not burdened, and the result of the role lottery process is used effectively. Can do.

The slot machine according to the present invention is
The unit game is performed at least twice,
The operation means includes stop operation means for stopping the plurality of reels,
The predetermined operation is the last operation performed on the stop operation means in the unit game performed last time,
The predetermined process is preferably a unit game start process performed this time.

  Based on the lottery result of the unit game performed last time, it is possible to indicate to the player the possibility of winning in the unit game performed this time and the possible role. You can continue to play games.

Furthermore, the slot machine according to the present invention is:
When the game control means wins the first winning combination, it is preferable that the predetermined processing is executed with a delay compared to the case where the second winning combination is won.

  As described above, since the timings are different, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player that the first winning combination has been won, and to imply to the player that the state is different from the normal state.

Furthermore, the slot machine according to the present invention is:
The plurality of gaming states include a normal general gaming state and a special gaming state that may give a player a benefit different from the normal general gaming state;
The first role is a small role for paying out game media;
The second combination is preferably a special combination for shifting from the normal general gaming state to the special gaming state.

  When the special combination and the small combination are won simultaneously, the timing for executing the process is made different, so that it is possible to give a sense of expectation that the player will shift to an advantageous state.

The slot machine according to the present invention is
The plurality of gaming states are:
Normal game state,
A first special gaming state that may give the player a benefit different from the normal general gaming state;
A second special gaming state that may give a player a benefit different from the normal general gaming state and the first special gaming state;
The second combination includes a first special combination for shifting from the normal general gaming state to the first special gaming state, and a transition for shifting from the normal general gaming state to the second special gaming state. With a second special role,
The first winning combination is
A third winning combination including at least the first combination and the first special combination;
A fourth winning combination including at least the first combination and the second special combination;
When the predetermined operation is performed, the game control means includes a case where the third winning combination is won and a case where the fourth winning combination is won by the lottery process of the combination lottery means. What makes the timing which performs a predetermined process differ is preferable.

  When there are a plurality of states that are advantageous to the player, it is possible to give a sense of expectation to which one of the states will shift.

Furthermore, the slot machine according to the present invention is:
When the game control means performs a predetermined operation among the operations of the operation means,
When the first winning combination is won by the lottery process of the combination lottery means, the predetermined process is executed at a first timing;
When the second winning combination is won by the lottery process of the combination lottery means, the predetermined process is executed at a second timing different from the first timing;
When the operation means wins the second winning combination, it is preferable that the predetermined processing is executed at a third timing different from the second timing.

  When it is possible to win the winning combination, it is not necessary to change the timing in the next unit game, so in the current unit game, a predetermined process is executed at the third timing. Here, the “third timing” may be different from the second timing, and may be the same as the first timing. By doing in this way, since it can finish with this unit game, the wastefulness extended to the next unit game can be eliminated.

  An effect can be executed in the main control without increasing the burden of the main control.

2 is a front view showing a front surface of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 shows an internal structure of the slot machine 10. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main functions in the slot machine 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control in main control means 100. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the lottery process which is called and performed by step S407 of the subroutine of FIG. 6 is a subroutine flowchart of a reel stop control process that is called and executed in step S415 of the subroutine of FIG. 6 is a subroutine flowchart of a reel stop control process that is called and executed in step S416 of the subroutine of FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine in which processing subsequent to the subroutine illustrated in FIG. 7 is executed. 3 is a flowchart showing control in sub-control means 200. It is a figure which shows the example of the symbol attached | subjected to each of the three reels 30L-30R. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the value number corresponding to the some game state and the kind of combination. It is a figure which shows the example (a) which shows the concept of a probability table, and the example (b) of a winning flag. It is a figure which shows the example of the kind of duplication winning combination.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<<<< first embodiment >>>>
<< Configuration of Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the front surface of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the slot machine 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 10 includes a box-shaped base portion 20 and a front door 40. The front door 40 is pivotally supported on the left side portion of the base portion 20 and is provided to be openable and closable on the front side of the base portion 20. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the front door 40 is closed with respect to the base portion 20, and FIG. 2 shows an internal structure that can be viewed with the front door 40 being opened approximately 180 degrees with respect to the base portion 20.

<Front side of front door 40>
The front door 40 is attached to the base unit 20 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front surface of the base unit 20 when closed. As shown in FIG. 1, a member related to operation and a member related to display are mainly provided on the front surface of the front door 40. A control circuit board is mainly provided on the back surface of the front door 40.

<Operational parts>
As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 41 extending in the horizontal direction is provided at the approximate center of the front side (player side) of the front door 40. On the front side of the operation panel 41, a start switch 42 and three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are provided. On the upper surface side of the operation panel 41, a 1-bet switch 62, a 2-bet switch 64, a maximum bet switch 66, and a medal slot 46 are provided. A receiving tray 48 for receiving medals paid out based on the result of the unit game is also provided at the lower portion of the front door 40. In the present specification, a game whose progress is determined by a display mode of symbols attached to three reels to be described later is referred to as a unit game. This unit game will be described in detail later.

<Start switch 42>
The above-described start switch 42 is a switch operated by the player in order to advance the unit game. A start signal is issued from the start switch 42 when the player operates the start switch 42. A start signal generated from the start switch 42 is supplied to a main control board 32 described later. The main control board 32 starts control of rotational driving of three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R described later by detecting the start signal.

<Stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c>
The three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c described above are also switches that are operated by the player to advance the unit game. When the player operates the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c, a stop signal is separately generated from each of the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. Stop signals generated from each of the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are supplied to a main control board 32 which will be described later. The main control board 32 separately starts control of stop driving of three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R, which will be described later, by detecting a stop signal.

<Reel display window 51 and reels 30L, 30C, 30R>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a front frame 50 is formed on the front door 40. A reel display window 51 is formed at a substantially central portion of the front frame 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the three reels 30 </ b> L, 30 </ b> C, and 30 </ b> R are rotatably accommodated in the reel unit 28. The reel unit 28 has a front surface 29 open, and the player can visually recognize the type of symbols located on the front surface 29 of the reel unit 28, as will be described later. The reel unit 28 is supported by a support plate 26 fixed to the base portion 20. When the front door 40 is closed, the reel display window 51 is positioned in front of the front surface 29 of the reel unit 28. The reel display window 51 is covered with a transparent member, and when the front door 40 is closed, the player can display the symbols drawn on the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R through the reel display window 51. The type can be visually recognized.

  Each of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R has a plurality of spoke portions and an annular frame. Each of the plurality of spoke portions is formed to extend in the radial direction from the shaft portion serving as the rotation center of each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R toward the outer periphery. The annular frame is made of resin or the like, and a band on which 21 symbols are drawn is attached to the frame. In this way, 21 symbols can be attached to each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R.

  Each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R has a shaft portion rotatably provided to the motors 86a, 86b, 86c. Each of the motors 86a, 86b, and 86c comprises a stepping motor, and rotates by a predetermined angle when a one-step pulse signal is supplied, and rotates once when a 504-step pulse signal is supplied. The shaft portion of the reel 30L is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 86a, the shaft portion of the reel 30C is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 86b, and the shaft portion of the reel 30R is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 86c. Thus, the reel 30L can be rotated once by rotating the motor 86a once, the reel 30C can be rotated once by rotating the motor 86b once, and the reel 30R can be rotated by rotating the motor 86c once. Can also make one rotation.

  A detection protrusion (not shown) is attached to one of the spoke portions of each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R. The detection protruding piece is for detecting the rotational position of each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R. As the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R rotate, the detection protruding piece also rotates. In the vicinity of each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R, rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, 83c are provided. The rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c are each composed of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion (not shown), and one pulse signal is detected when the rotationally moving detection protruding piece passes between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. (Hereinafter referred to as an index signal). By doing so, it is possible to emit one pulse every time each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R makes one rotation. The position where the detection protruding piece described above is provided can be used as the origin of the rotational position of each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R. The rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c are electrically connected to a main control board 32, which will be described later, and index signals generated from the rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c are supplied to the main control board 32. The main control board 32 determines when each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R is located at the origin by detecting when the pulse of the index signal is emitted from the rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, 83c. Can do.

  A light emitting diode (not shown) is provided as a backlight inside each of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R, and light can be irradiated from the inside of each of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. It is like that.

  As described above, 21 symbols are attached to each of the three reels 30L to 30R at equal intervals. These types of symbols can be identified by the player, for example, the number “red 7” or the fruit “cherry”. An example of the symbols attached to each of the three reels 30L to 30R is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10, in order from the left side, the first column shows the symbol number, the second column shows the symbol attached to the reel 30L, and the third column shows the symbol attached to the reel 30C. The fourth column shows the symbols attached to the reel 30R. As will be described later, the symbol numbers shown in the first column correspond to the rotational positions of the reels 30L to 30R, and identify 21 symbols assigned to each of the three reels 30L to 30R. Are the 0th to 20th numbers. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the 0th symbol of the left reel 30L is “lever”, the 8th symbol is “red 7”, and the 19th symbol is “cherry”.

  In addition, FIG. 10 mentioned above shows the example of the symbol attached | subjected to each of the three reels 30L-30R, and typically shows the correspondence of the symbol number and the symbol attached | subjected to each of the three reels 30L-30R. It is also a table shown. In the main control means 100 to be described later, a correspondence relationship between this symbol number and the symbols assigned to each of the three reels 30L to 30R is stored as a table, and the symbol stopped by referring to this correspondence relationship. Can be obtained. This correspondence will be described later.

  As will be described later, when the three reels 30L to 30R are stopped, nine symbols are stopped and displayed in the reel display window 51 so as to be visible.

  An area formed by the reel display window 51 corresponds to a “symbol display area”.

<Reels 30L, 30C, 30R and stop switches 44a, 44b, 44c>
The left reel 30L corresponds to the left stop switch 44a. When the player operates the left stop switch 44a, the left reel 30L stops. The middle reel 30C corresponds to the center stop switch 44b. When the player operates the center stop switch 44b, the middle reel 30C stops. The right reel 30R corresponds to the right stop switch 44c. When the player operates the right stop switch 44c, the right reel 30R stops.

<Reel display window 51 and winning lines L1 to L5>
As described above, the reel display window 51 is covered with a transparent member. As shown in FIG. 1, five winning lines L <b> 1 to L <b> 5 are drawn on the reel display window 51. By doing in this way, the player can visually recognize the type of symbol through the reel display window 51 and can also visually recognize the five winning lines L1 to L5 on the reel display window 51. .

  The winning line L1 is a middle straight line extending in the horizontal direction, the winning line L2 is an upper straight line extending in the horizontal direction, and the winning line L3 is a lower straight line extending in the horizontal direction. The winning line L4 is a straight line extending from the upper left to the lower right, and the winning line L5 is a straight line extending from the lower left to the upper right. In this specification, the position of the winning line L1 may be referred to as a middle stage, the position of the winning line L2 may be referred to as an upper stage, and the position of the winning line L3 may be referred to as a lower stage.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the five winning lines L1 to L5 are shown on the reel display window 51. However, if the winning line is clear to the player, the reel display window The winning line may not be drawn on 51.

<Bet switches 62, 64 and 66 and winning lines L1 to L5>
When a predetermined number or more medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 46 of the operation panel 41 described above, the number of medals inserted by a medal counter (not shown) is counted, and the number is stored as the number of credits. The 1-bet switch 62 described above is a switch for setting one medal out of the stored credits to be a game bet. Further, the 2-bet switch 64 is a switch for targeting two medals out of the number of credits for game betting, and the maximum bet switch 66 is a game betting for three medals out of the credit number. It is a switch for making it an object of.

  As described above, the five pay lines L1 to L5 are drawn on the reel display window 51. When the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, one of the five pay lines, for example, the pay line L1 is activated. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, three of the five winning lines, for example, winning lines L1 to L3 are activated. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, all five pay lines, that is, L1 to L5 are activated. In this way, the three bet switches 62, 64 and 66 function as valid line enabling means for determining the number of medals to be a target for betting and validating the pay lines L1 to L5.

<Effective line>
As described above, the three bet switches 62, 64, and 66 function as a game medium number setting unit that activates the pay lines L1 to L5 when operated by the player. When the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, the winning line L1 is activated. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, the winning lines L1 to L3 are activated. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, the winning line is displayed. All of L1 to L5 are activated. As described above, the activated winning line is referred to as an activated line.

  In the above-described example, an example is shown in which an effective line is determined according to the operation of the three bet switches 62, 64, and 66. However, the effective line depends on the gaming state described later and the betting number of medals. And those predetermined in advance. For example, when the gaming state is the same, it is preferable to set the same active line even if the betting number of medals is different. Specifically, in the normal general gaming state, regardless of whether the number of medals bet is one or three, all winning lines are valid, whereas in the special gaming state, the medal It is preferable that the number of bets is always 3 and one winning line is activated.

  The arrangement of symbols stopped on the active line is a target for determining whether or not a prize has been won. For example, when the arrangement of “red 7”-“red 7”-“red 7” is aligned on the above-described active line L1, it is determined that the winning combination of big bonus has been won. The type of combination will be described later. Further, when the arrangement of symbols that do not constitute a combination on the active line L1 stops, it is determined that no winning has been won. On the other hand, even if it is a winning line, when the winning line is not activated, the line of “red 7”-“red 7”-“red 7” is aligned on the winning line. However, the winning line is not subject to the determination as to whether or not the winning line has been won.

<Image display device 34>
An image display device 34 is provided on the upper portion of the front door 40. An effect image is displayed on the image display device 34. The effect image is an image that is displayed as the game progresses, and is mainly an image that includes various types of information related to the game. For example, in one unit game, lottery processing is performed by the role lottery means 120 described later. An effect image that suggests the lottery result is displayed on the image display device 34 based on the lottery result of the lottery process.

  A unit game played in the slot machine 10 is a game in which a single-stroke game can be repeated. This single-stroke game is called a unit game. The unit game will be described in detail later.

  There are two types of effect images displayed on the image display device 34: one that displays various types of information in the form of characters, and the other that displays in the form of drawings other than characters. The information displayed in the form of characters is mainly used to make a player visually recognize various information directly. In this case, a symbol that visually represents a word as a means for transmitting human intention and emotion, such as a numerical value, alphabet, hiragana, katakana, and kanji, is used as the character. Further, the information displayed in the form of a drawing is mainly used for indirectly making a player visually recognize various kinds of information. In this case, an image of a character indicating a creature such as a person or an animal, a pseudo life form such as a robot, or an image indicating other machinery, a building, a landscape, or the like is included.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the effect performed by the image display device 34 notifies information related to the lottery result of the combination. For example, information indicating that a predetermined combination is won is displayed on the image display device 34 by the combination lottery means 120 described later. In particular, information indicating that the role related to the freeze effect has been won is displayed on the image display device 34.

<Speaker 36>
As shown in FIG. 1, the speakers 36 are provided on both the left and right sides of the image display device 34 described above. The speaker 36 produces a voice effect as the game progresses. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a sub-control board 52 described later, a sound corresponding to the condition is emitted from the speaker 36. For example, based on the lottery result of the lottery process performed by the role lottery means 120 described later, sound effects, music, etc. suggesting the lottery result are emitted from the speaker 36.

<Lamp 38>
The lamp 38 is provided in the upper part of the front door 40, as shown in FIG. The lamp 38 produces a light effect as the game progresses. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a sub-control board 52 to be described later, the lamp 38 is turned on or blinked according to the condition. For example, based on the lottery result of the lottery process performed by the role lottery means 120 described later, the lamp 38 is lit in a predetermined color or a predetermined pattern according to the type of the role so as to suggest the lottery result. Or blink.

  In addition, the effect by light includes not only the lamp 38 described above but also a back lamp (not shown) arranged inside the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R.

<Base part 20>
The base body portion 20 shown in FIG. 2 is assembled with wood or the like, and is formed in a box shape with an open front surface. A power supply unit 22 for supplying power to various devices mounted on the slot machine 10 and a medal payout device 24 including a hopper for storing medals are provided in the lower portion inside the base body portion 20. A support plate 26 is provided above the power supply unit 22 and the medal payout device 24. The support plate 26 supports a reel unit 28 that rotatably accommodates the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. Furthermore, a main control board 32 that controls the game played in the slot machine 10 as a whole is provided in the upper part inside the base body 20.

<Setting switch 27>
A setting switch 27 is disposed on the back surface of the front door 40. The setting switch 27 is a switch operated by a person such as an administrator of the slot machine 10. A setting value for setting a lottery probability table used when performing a role lottery process by the role lottery means 120 described later is set by an operation by an administrator or the like.

  In order to set or change the set value, by operating another switch provided in the slot machine 10, the input from the setting switch 27 is accepted. A person such as an administrator sets the desired setting value by pushing the setting switch 27 at least once. For example, when the set value is 1 to 6, every time the setting switch 27 is pressed, “1” → “2” → “3” → “4” → “5” → “6” → “ It is preferable that the set value changes by 1 as in “1” →. In order to confirm the set value and store the set value, other switches provided in the slot machine 10 are operated. The determined set value is stored in a set value storage unit 170 described later.

<Main control board 32>
The main control board 32 is a control board for controlling the start and stop of the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R and for controlling the entire game such as the progress of the game performed in the slot machine 10.

  The main control board 32 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) that performs arithmetic operations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) that stores a game program, and a RAM that temporarily stores each data. (Random access memory) (not shown).

  For example, the ROM stores a program for executing the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The RAM also stores variable values used in this program. These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus so that data signals and address signals can be input / output.

  The main control board 32 is electrically connected to the bet switches 62, 64 and 66 described above. When the player operates the bet switches 62, 64 and 66, a bet instruction signal is issued from each of the bet switches 62, 64 and 66 to the main control board 32.

  Further, the main control board 32 is electrically connected to the above-described start switch 42 and the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. When the player operates the start switch 42 or the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c, an operation signal is issued from the start switch 42 or the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c to the main control board 32. When a signal is issued from the start switch 42 to the main control board 32, the main control board 32 controls the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. When a signal is issued to the main control board 32 from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c, the main control board 32 stops the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch among the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. Take control.

<Sub control board 52>
As shown in FIG. 2, the sub control board 52 is disposed on the upper part of the back surface of the front door 40. The sub-control board 52 is a board that mainly controls effects during the game. For example, control is performed such that an effect image is displayed on the image display device 34, a sound effect or music is emitted from the speaker 36, and the lamp 38 is turned on or blinked. The sub-control board 52 includes a CPU (not shown) that performs calculations, a ROM (not shown) that stores effect programs and effect data, and a RAM (not shown) that temporarily stores each data. Including.

  For example, the ROM stores an effect control program for controlling the effect shown in FIG. 9, and image data and audio data for the effect. The RAM also stores variable values used in the above-described effect control program. These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus so that data signals and address signals can be input / output.

  The sub control board 52 is electrically connected to the main control board 32 by a harness (not shown). The main control board 32 transmits commands, information, and the like to the sub control board 52. The above-described main control board 32 controls the entire game in an integrated manner, while the sub control board 52 belongs to the lower level of the main control board 32 and is based on commands, information, etc. sent from the main control board 32. To control the entire production.

<< Overview of Unit Game in Slot Machine 10 >>
When the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R are stopped, symbols are positioned on the pay lines L1 to L5. The unit game in the slot machine 10 is a game in which the game result is determined by the arrangement of symbols positioned on the activated pay line. For this reason, the player visually recognizes the symbols on the rotating reels 30L, 30C and 30R, and determines that the sequence of symbols constituting the predetermined combination is optimal on the activated pay line. At this timing, the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated to stop the reels 30L, 30C or 30R.

  As will be described later, a plurality of types of roles are determined in advance. At least one type of combination is determined by the combination lottery process of the combination lottery means 120 described later. The determination of at least one type of combination is referred to as “winning”. In addition, depending on the combination lottery process, there is a case where any type of combination is not determined, and this case is referred to as “out”.

  The unit game played in the slot machine 10 is a game in which a single-stroke game can be repeated. This single-stroke game is called a unit game. The unit game starts when the player operates the start switch 42 and ends when the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated. From the player's point of view, the unit game is performed until the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R all stop after the start switch 42 is operated and the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R start to rotate. A single-stroke game. As described above, the unit game is started every time the player operates the start switch 42. In the present specification, when expressed as a unit game, there are a case where a unit game is repeated and a case where one unit game is meant.

  As described above, the unit game is started based on the player operating the start switch 42. More specifically, at the time of starting the unit game, when the player operates the start switch 42, a start signal is generated from the start switch 42, and the start signal generated from the start switch 42 is transmitted to the main control board 32. It is preferable to detect when. Further, the start time of the unit game may be a time when it can be visually recognized that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R start to rotate.

  Further, as described above, the unit game is ended by operating the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. More specifically, at the end of the unit game, the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped by operating the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c by the player, and the main control board 32 It is preferable that the end process such as a winning process is finished. The end point of the unit game may be when the main control board 32 detects that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped. Furthermore, the end point of the unit game may be a time when it can be visually confirmed that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped.

<Game state>
The unit game is executed in various game states. The gaming state is determined so that the benefits given to the player are different. For example, the game state includes a normal game state and a special game state.

  As will be described later, the special game state includes a first type BB game state, a second type BB game state, an RB game state, an SB game state, and a CB game state. The first type BB gaming state is a gaming state that can be shifted when the first type BB combination is won. The second type BB gaming state is a gaming state that can be shifted to when the second type BB combination is won. The RB gaming state is a gaming state that can be shifted to when an RB combination is won. The SB gaming state is a gaming state that can be shifted to when the SB combination is won. The CB gaming state is a gaming state that can be shifted when a CB combination is won.

  The normal gaming state described above includes a normal general gaming state, a first type BB winning general gaming state, a second type BB winning general gaming state, and an RB winning general gaming state. The first type BB winning general gaming state is a normal gaming state in which the first type BB combination is won. The second type BB winning general gaming state is a normal gaming state in which the second type BB combination is won. The RB winning general gaming state is a normal gaming state in which the RB combination is won. The normal general gaming state is a normal gaming state in which none of the first type BB combination, the second type BB combination, and the RB combination is won.

  Further, in addition to the gaming state described above, there is also a re-gaming high probability gaming state (hereinafter referred to as an RT gaming state). This RT gaming state is a gaming state determined so as to facilitate winning of a re-gamer, which will be described later, that is, a game state in which a winning probability of a re-gamer is increased and a role lottery process is performed. For example, a gaming state in which the winning probability of the re-gamer is higher than 10/73. The RT gaming state is not an independent gaming state such as the normal gaming state or the special gaming state described above, but a gaming state that can be superimposed on these gaming states. That is, a gaming state that is a normal gaming state and an RT gaming state, or a gaming state that is a special gaming state and an RT gaming state can be achieved.

  In addition, the transition to the RT gaming state is performed when a first type BB combination, a second type BB combination or an RB combination described later is won, or the above-described first type BB gaming state, second type BB gaming state or RB gaming. When the gaming state transitions to the state, when the first type BB gaming state, the second type BB gaming state or the RB gaming state is finished, the first type BB role, the second type BB role or the RB role is won. It can be performed when a specific symbol arrangement is complete, for example, when it is not, or when it is not the first type BB gaming state, the second type BB gaming state, or the RB gaming state.

  As described above, in the RT gaming state, it is only necessary to perform the winning lottery process by increasing the winning probability of the re-gamer, and it is only necessary to shift to the RT gaming state when the above-described conditions are satisfied. RT game state can be provided. In each of the plurality of RT gaming states, the probability of winning the re-game can be made different.

  As described above, the unit game is performed with one of these game states determined. The gaming state is stored in the storage unit of the main control unit 100 as a flag. The flag is set in the process of step S522 in FIG. Note that it is not necessary to determine all of the above-described gaming states, and may be selected and determined as appropriate according to the unit game to be progressed or developed by the slot machine 10.

<Type of role>
The types of the above-described combinations include, for example, small combinations, replay combinations, special combinations, and the like.

  The small role is a role for paying out a predetermined number of medals. There are several types of small roles. In many cases, the small role is used as the name of the role using the types of symbols given to the three reels 30L, 30C, or 30R. For example, the types of symbols include “watermelon”, “bell”, “cherry” and the like. For this reason, a small role in which the pattern “watermelon” is aligned on the effective line is referred to as a watermelon role, and a small role in which the pattern “bell” is aligned on the effective line is referred to as a bell role. Further, when the symbol “cherry” of the left reel 30L is stopped and displayed on the active line, it is assumed that a winning is made regardless of the types of symbols of the middle reel 30C and the right reel 30R. This role is called the cherry role.

  As described above, a small role can include a plurality of types such as a watermelon role, a bell role, and a cherry role. Further, the probability of winning these combinations and the number of medals to be paid out can be made different for each of these plural types.

  The re-game player is a player who can play the unit game again without maintaining a predetermined number of medals while maintaining the number of bets (the number of bets) in the currently played unit game. . In the present specification, a re-game combination is also referred to as a re-play combination or an RP combination, and a unit game performed when a re-play combination is won is referred to as a re-play (also referred to as re-play or RP).

  The special role is a role that can shift the game state of the unit game from the normal general game state to the special game state (a game advantageous to the player). Examples of the special combination include a single bonus (hereinafter referred to as SB combination), a regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as RB combination), and a first type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as first type BB combination). ), A challenge bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as CB combination), and a second type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as second type BB combination). As will be described later, the special game state includes a single bonus game state, a regular bonus game state, a first type big bonus game state, a challenge bonus game state, and a second type big bonus game state.

  The SB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a single bonus game state (ordinary character) (hereinafter referred to as SB game state). When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the SB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the SB gaming state. When shifting to the SB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The unit game in the SB game state is a game in which a predetermined combination is won with a high probability, and ends with one unit game.

  The RB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a regular bonus game state (first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as an RB game state). When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the RB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the RB gaming state. When transitioning to the RB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The unit game in the RB game state is a game in which a predetermined combination is won with high probability. The RB gaming state ends when the number of unit games exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 12 times) or when a predetermined combination wins a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times).

  In the first type BB combination, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the first type big bonus gaming state (the continuous action device relating to the first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as the first type BB gaming state). It is a role to make it. When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the first type BB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the first type BB gaming state. When shifting to the first type BB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The first type BB gaming state includes the gaming state of the RB gaming state described above, and at least one unit game can be performed in this RB gaming state. Moreover, in the 1st type BB game state of 1 time, it is a game state which can repeat RB game state of multiple times. The first type BB gaming state ends when the number of medals paid out in the first type BB gaming state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 300). The first type BB combination can also include a plurality of types. Furthermore, the probability of winning these roles can be made different for each of these plural types.

  The CB combination is a combination for shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the challenge bonus gaming state (second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as CB gaming state). When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the CB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the CB gaming state. When shifting to the CB gaming state, no medal is paid out. When the gaming state becomes the CB gaming state, it is possible to change the stop control of a certain reel among the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. Specifically, control is performed so that the reel is stopped within 75 milliseconds (usually 190 milliseconds) with reference to the time when the stop switch corresponding to the certain reel is operated by the player. Further, when the gaming state is changed to the CB gaming state, for a predetermined small combination, the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the predetermined small combination is aligned with the effective line regardless of the result of lottery processing by the combination lottery means 120 described later. be able to. The CB gaming state is ended by performing one unit game.

  In the second type BB combination, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the second type big bonus gaming state (a combination continuous action device related to the second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as a second type BB gaming state). It is a role to make it. When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the second type BB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the second type BB gaming state. When shifting to the second type BB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The second type BB gaming state includes two gaming states, a CB high probability winning state in which the above-mentioned CB combination is won with a high probability and the above-described CB gaming state, and unit games can be performed in each of them. . In addition, when the gaming state shifts from the CB high probability winning state to the CB gaming state, the CB gaming state can be returned to the CB high probability winning state again. The second type BB gaming state ends when the number of medals paid out in the second type BB gaming state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 286). In addition, when the gaming state is the second type BB gaming state, if the above-mentioned SB combination or RB combination can be won by the lottery process of the combination lottery means 120, the SB combination or RB combination is won. Sometimes, the second type BB gaming state ends.

  The second type BB combination can also include a plurality of types. Furthermore, the probability of winning these roles can be made different for each of these plural types.

<< Functions of Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main control functions in the slot machine 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 10 mainly includes an operation unit 500, a game medium number setting unit 600, a main control unit 100, a sub control unit 200, a symbol display unit 400, and an effect unit 300. including.

<Operating means 500>
The operation means 500 is operated by the player, and issues a signal indicating that it has been operated to the main control means 100 described later based on the player's operation. The operation means 500 preferably includes a start switch 42 and stop switches 44a to 44c. When the start switch 42 is operated by the player, the start switch 42 issues a signal indicating that the start switch 42 has been operated to the main control means 100 described later. Each of the stop switches 44a to 44c also issues a signal indicating that it has been operated to the main control means 100 when operated by the player.

  As described above, the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R starts by the signal issued from the start switch 42 to the main control means 100, and the trigger for starting the unit game described above is determined. A signal issued from the start switch 42 to the main control means 100 is referred to as a start signal.

  Further, the corresponding reel among the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is stopped by a signal issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c to the main control means 100. Based on the fact that all of the three stop switches 44a to 44c are operated and all of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped, an opportunity to end the unit game is determined. A signal issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c to the main control means 100 is referred to as a stop signal. Thus, the unit game is started based on the start signal described above being issued, and the unit game is ended based on the stop signal being issued from the stop switch corresponding to the reel to be finally stopped.

  There are a plurality of types of operation modes for operating the three stop switches 44a to 44c. For example, the three stop switches 44a to 44c can be operated in different order and operation timing. Specifically, the operation can be performed in a different order, such as stop switch 44a → 44b → 44c or 44b → 44a → 44c.

  As described above, a stop signal is issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c to the main control means 100, and there are a plurality of types of operation modes for operating the stop switches 44a to 44c. For this reason, the stop signal is issued based on the operation mode, and the main control unit 100 that generates the stop signal obtains the operation mode by detecting the order in which the stop signal was issued and the timing at which the stop signal was issued. be able to.

<Game medium number setting means 600 (effective line making means)>
Similarly to the operation unit 500, the game medium number setting unit 600 is operated by the player, and issues a signal indicating that the game medium has been operated based on the operation of the player to the main control unit 100 described later. Based on a signal issued from the operation means 500 to the main control means 100, it is determined which one of the plurality of pay lines L1 to L5 is to be activated.

  The game medium number setting means 600 may be anything that can be operated by the player. The game medium number setting means 600 is preferably composed of the 1-bet switch 62, the 2-bet switch 64, and the maximum bet switch 66 described above.

  The number of medals to be bet on the game is determined by a signal issued from the 1-bet switch 62, 2-bet switch 64 or maximum bet switch 66 to the main control means 100. For example, one medal is targeted for a game bet by a signal issued from the 1 bet switch 62 to the main control unit 100, and two medals are received by a signal issued from the 2 bet switch 64 to the main control unit 100. Are bets for gaming, and three medals are targeted for gaming bets by a signal issued from the maximum bet switch 66 to the main control means 100.

  Further, as described above, the five reel lines L1 to L5 are drawn on the reel display window 51. When the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, the pay line L1 is activated. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, the pay lines L1 to L3 are activated. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, L1 to L5 are validated. In this way, the three bet switches 62, 64 and 66 function as valid line enabling means for determining the number of medals to be a target for betting and validating the pay lines L1 to L5.

<Main control means 100 (game control means)>
In addition to the operation means 500 and the game medium number setting means 600 described above, the sub control means 200 and the symbol display means 400 are electrically connected to the main control means 100. The main control means 100 controls the entire game such as the progress of the game. The main control means 100 preferably comprises the main control board 32 described above.

  As described above, the operation means 500 is electrically connected to the main control means 100. A start signal is issued from the start switch 42 of the operation means 500 to the main control means 100. Thereby, it can be detected that the start switch 42 is operated by the player. A stop signal is issued to the main control unit 100 from each of the stop switches 44 a to 44 c of the operation unit 500. Thereby, the order and timing of the stop signal issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c can be detected.

  In addition, a game medium number setting means 600 is electrically connected to the main control means 100. A bet signal is issued to the main control means 100 from each of the 1 bet switch 62, the 2 bet switch 64 and the maximum bet switch 66 of the game medium number setting means 600. By detecting the issued bet signal, the number of medals to be bet and the setting of the effective line are controlled.

  The main control unit 100 includes a combination lottery unit 120, a reel drive control unit 130, a reel rotation position acquisition unit 140, and an effective line storage unit 160.

<Role lottery means 120 (role lottery means)>
The role lottery means 120 performs a lottery of predetermined types. As described above, there are types of combinations such as a small combination, a replay combination, and a special combination. As described above, the fact that at least one type of combination is determined by the combination lottery process of the combination lottery means 120 is referred to as “winning”, and the case where any type of combination is not determined is referred to as “out”.

  The small combination described above is a combination for paying out a predetermined number of medals. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13A, the small combination includes at least a cherry combination, a watermelon combination, and a single combination.

  In addition, the re-playing combination is a combination that allows the re-playing to be performed without maintaining a predetermined number of bets in the unit game that has been played and without betting a predetermined number of medals. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13B, the replay combination includes at least a replay combination and a special replay combination.

  The above-mentioned special combination is a combination that shifts from the normal general gaming state to the special gaming state. The special gaming state is a gaming state in which there is a high possibility that more medals can be obtained than the number of medals that can be obtained in the unit game in the normal general gaming state, and is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. As described above, the special combination includes, for example, the SB combination, the RB combination, the first type BB combination, the CB combination, and the second type BB combination. The SB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to the SB game state. The RB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to the RB game state. The first type BB combination is a combination for shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the first type BB gaming state. The CB combination is a combination for shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the CB gaming state. The second type BB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to the second type BB game state. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the first type BB combination includes at least a 1BB-A combination and a 1BB-B combination. The second type BB combination includes at least a 2BB-A combination and a 2BB-B combination.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, not only the above-described various roles can be won independently, but also so-called overlapping winnings can be performed in which at least two roles are simultaneously won. In the case of overlapping winning, any one of a plurality of winning winning combinations can be won. Even if multiple winnings are won, only one of the plurality of winning winning combinations can be awarded. Specific examples of overlapping winning combinations are shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b).

  In the example shown in FIG. 13A, the first winning combination is a cherry combination, the second winning combination is a watermelon combination, and these two winning combinations are single winning combinations. On the other hand, the winning combination after the third in the example shown in FIG. 13A is a winning combination.

  The third winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of three types of roles including a cherry role, a watermelon role, and a single role. Here, the single winning combination is a collective term for a small winning combination with one medal to be paid out when winning.

  The fourth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of four types of roles including a cherry combination, a watermelon combination, a single sheet combination, and a 1BB-A combination. Here, the 1BB-A combination is the Ath combination of the first type BB combination. The fifth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of four types of roles including a cherry role, a watermelon role, a 1-sheet role, and a 1BB-B role. Here, the 1BB-B combination is the Bth combination of the first type BB combination. The sixth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of four types of roles including a cherry combination, a watermelon combination, a single sheet combination, and a 2BB-A combination. Here, the 2BB-A combination is the Ath combination of the second type BB combination. The seventh winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of four types of roles including a cherry role, a watermelon role, a one-sheet role, and a 2BB-B role. Here, the 2BB-B combination is the Bth combination of the second type BB combination.

  Further, the eighth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of two types of roles, a cherry role and a 1BB-A role. The ninth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of two types of roles, a cherry role and a 1BB-B role. The tenth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of two types of roles, a watermelon role and a 2BB-A role. The eleventh winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of two types of combinations, a watermelon combination and a 2BB-B combination.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13B, the first winning combination is a normal replay combination, and this winning combination is a single winning combination. On the other hand, the winning combination after the second in the example shown in FIG. 13B is a winning combination.

  The second winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of two types of combinations, a normal replay combination and a special replay.

  The third winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of three types of combinations of a normal replay combination, a special replay combination, and a 1BB-A combination. The fourth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of three types of combinations of a normal replay combination, a special replay combination, and a 1BB-B combination. The fifth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of three types of combinations of a normal replay combination, a special replay combination, and a 2BB-A combination. The sixth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of three types of combinations of a normal replay combination, a special replay combination, and a 2BB-B combination.

  Further, the seventh winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of two types of combinations, a normal replay combination and a 1BB-A combination. The eighth winning combination is a duplicate winning combination of two types of combinations, a normal replay combination and a 1BB-B combination. The ninth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of two types of combinations, a normal replay combination and a 2BB-A combination. The tenth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of two types of combinations, a normal replay combination and a 2BB-B combination.

  The role lottery means 120 includes, for example, a random number generation means 122, a random number extraction means 124, and a random number determination means 126. The random number generation means 122 generates a random number (hardware random number or the like) for the role lottery process. The random number extraction unit 124 extracts the random number generated by the random number generation unit 122. The random number determination means 126 determines the presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination based on the random number value extracted by the random number extracting means 124. The role lottery means 120 constitutes a “role lottery means”, and a “role lottery process” is performed.

  The “role lottery process” is a process for determining “win” or “miss” for a game. Specifically, it is executed in the subroutine process shown in FIG. 5 called in step S407 in FIG.

<Random number generator 122>
The random number generator 122 continuously generates random numbers in a predetermined positive integer range (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) at predetermined timings.

<Random number extraction means 124>
The random number extraction unit 124 extracts the random number generated by the random number generation unit 122 at a predetermined timing. For example, in the present embodiment, random numbers are extracted when the start switch 42 is operated by the player.

<Random number judging means 126>
The random number determination unit 126 checks the random number value extracted by the random number extraction unit 124 with a lottery probability table (probability table) stored in the probability table storage unit 128 described later, thereby corresponding to the region to which the random number value belongs. Decide which role to play.

<Probability table storage unit 128 (combination storage unit)>
The probability table storage means 128 has a lottery probability table in which lottery probabilities are stored in accordance with a plurality of gaming states and types of combinations.

  As described above, for example, the normal gaming state, the first type BB winning general gaming state, the second type BB winning general gaming state, the RB winning general gaming state, the SB gaming state, and the RB gaming state, as described above. There are a first type BB gaming state, a CB gaming state, a second type BB gaming state, and the like. FIG. 11 shows a table of the relationship between the values corresponding to the plurality of game states and the types of combinations. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the specific number of values is omitted in the blank. In addition, depending on the gaming state, there is a combination that cannot be drawn by lottery. By appropriately determining the number of these values, the probability of winning a winning combination can be determined. As described above, when the random number generator 122 generates a random number in the range of 0 to 65535, the probability of winning each winning combination can be determined by the number of values / 65535.

  The table shown in FIG. 11 also shows a column in which the winning combination is won. This is an area where at least two roles can be won simultaneously, and in this embodiment, in the normal general gaming state, it is configured so that a small role or between a small role and a special role overlaps. Has been.

  Corresponding to these gaming states, the lottery probability table is a normal general gaming state probability table, a first type BB winning general gaming state probability table, a second type BB winning general gaming state probability table, and an RB winning general gaming state probability table. , SB gaming state probability table, RB gaming state probability table, first type BB gaming state probability table, CB gaming state probability table, second type BB gaming state probability table.

  Further, although not shown in the example of FIG. 11, there is also a probability table for making a replay high probability gaming state. As described above, the replay high probability gaming state is not an independent gaming state such as a normal gaming state or a special gaming state but a gaming state that can be superimposed on these gaming states. Specifically, the re-gaming high probability gaming state includes a gaming state that is a normal gaming state and a re-gaming high probability gaming state, and a gaming state that is a special gaming state and a re-gaming high probability gaming state. As described above, the replay high probability gaming state is a gaming state superimposed on the normal gaming state or the special gaming state as the gaming state, but the probability table is the normal gaming state probability table or the special gaming state probability table. It is configured separately. Specifically, a normal replay high probability game state probability table corresponding to a game state that is a normal game state and a replay high probability game state, or a game that is a special game state and a replay high probability game state It consists of a special replay high probability game state probability table corresponding to the state.

  Each of these probability tables has, for example, a plurality of areas obtained by dividing an integer in the range of 0 to 65535 for each predetermined range. Each of the plurality of areas corresponds to a type of combination. For example, an integer in the range of 0 to 65535 can be used for an area corresponding to a small combination, an area corresponding to a re-playing combination, an area corresponding to an RB combination, an area corresponding to a first type BB combination, and an outage The area is divided into a plurality of areas such as the obtained area.

  An example showing the concept of the probability table is shown in FIG. The example shown in FIG. 12A is a normal general gaming state probability table. An integer in the range of 0 to 65535 is divided into predetermined ranges, and each area is divided into the first type BB combination and the second type. BB combination, RB combination, CB combination, SB combination, small combination, re-game combination, duplicate winning combination, losing. The sizes of these areas are determined based on the number of values defined in FIG. 11 described above. As described above, in the present embodiment, the first type BB combination consists of 1BB-A and 1BB-B, and the second type BB combination consists of 2BB-A and 2BB-B. It is assigned to a separate area. The small combination includes a cherry combination, a watermelon combination, a single combination, and other small combinations, which are also assigned to separate areas. Furthermore, the replay combination includes a normal replay combination and a special replay combination, which are also assigned to separate areas.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12A, the overlapping winning combination is shown as one area, but this area is also divided into a plurality of areas, each of which is assigned to a different overlapping winning combination. The types of duplicate winning combinations are shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b).

  In the example shown in FIG. 13 (a), a small winning combination is won and a small winning combination and a special winning combination are shown. In the example shown in FIG. 13 (a), the first winning combination is Cherry-ANY-ANY, and the second winning combination is watermelon-watermelon-watermelon. , Respectively belong to the cherry role area and watermelon role area of the probability table. On the other hand, in the third winning combination, the small roles are elected in duplicate, and in the fourth to eleventh winning roles, the small role and the special role are elected in duplicate. Each of these is assigned separately to the area of the overlapping winning combination in the probability table.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13B, the first winning combination is a normal replay combination, which is won by itself and belongs to the normal replay combination area of the probability table. On the other hand, in the second winning combination, the normal replay combination and the special replay combination are won, and the third winning combination to the sixth winning combination are the normal replay combination and the special replay combination. The 7th winning combination to the 10th winning combination are the normal winning replay and the special combination, and each of these is a probability. It is assigned separately to the area of duplicate winning combination in the table.

  The correspondence relationships between the first column, the second column, and the third column in FIGS. 13A and 13B described above are stored in the freeze effect table storage unit 180 of the main control unit 100, and FIG. The correspondence relationship between the first column, the second column, and the fourth column in (b) is stored in the image effect table storage unit 280 of the sub-control unit 200.

  The random number determination means 126 described above determines which of these areas the random number value extracted by the random number extraction means 124 is included in, and determines the type of the combination. For example, when the value of the random number extracted by the random number extraction unit 124 is included in the area corresponding to the first type BB combination, the random number determination unit 126 determines that the first type BB combination is won. Further, when the random number value extracted by the random number extraction unit 124 is included in the region corresponding to the detachment, the random number determination unit 126 determines that the detachment has occurred.

  As described above, the normal general gaming state probability table, the first type BB winning general gaming state, the second type BB winning general gaming state, the RB winning general gaming state, the SB gaming state probability table, the RB gaming state probability table, For all probability tables such as the first type BB gaming state probability table, the CB gaming state probability table, the second type BB gaming state probability table, it is not necessary to provide areas corresponding to all the combinations. It is only necessary to provide an area only for a winning combination that can be won in the gaming state. For example, when the gaming state is the RB gaming state, the RB gaming state probability table includes these roles so that the SB combination, the RB combination, the first type BB combination, the CB combination, and the second type BB combination are not won. Do not provide an area corresponding to. In addition, when the gaming state is the first type BB gaming state, in the first type BB gaming state probability table, the SB combination, the first type BB combination, the CB combination, and the second type BB combination are not won. Do not provide areas corresponding to these roles. Furthermore, when the game state is the second type BB game state, the second type BB game state probability table corresponds to these roles so that the first type BB combination and the second type BB combination are not won. Avoid providing areas.

  At least one type of combination is determined by the combination lottery process of the combination lottery means 120 described above. The determination of at least one type of combination is referred to as “winning”. In addition, the fact that any type of combination is not determined by the combination lottery process is referred to as “out”.

  The winning combination by the above-described winning lottery process is stored as a winning flag. An example of the winning flag is shown in FIG. The winning flag is composed of 16 bits in total, using 1 bit for each role. When the winning combination is won, the value of 1 bit corresponding to the winning combination is set to “1”. When the winning combination is not set, the value is set to “0”.

<Reel drive control means 130>
The reel drive control unit 130 performs rotation control and stop control of the three reels 30L to 30R based on the start signal issued from the start switch 42 and the stop signal issued from the stop switches 44a to 44c. . The reel drive control unit 130 includes a reel rotation control unit 132 and a reel stop control unit 134.

<Reel rotation control means 132>
The reel rotation control means 132 issues a rotation control signal to the motors 86a, 86b, and 86c based on the detection of the start signal issued from the operation means 500, preferably the start switch 42 described above. The reel rotation control means 132 detects the start signal from the start switch 42 and does not immediately issue a rotation control signal, but starts rotation such as when other conditions such as a wait time have elapsed. It is determined that the condition is satisfied, and a rotation control signal is issued.

  As will be described later, the motor 86a drives the left reel 30L, the motor 86b drives the middle reel 30C, and the motor 86c drives the right reel 30R. Each of the motors 86a, 86b, and 86c is a stepping motor, and rotates by a predetermined angle when a one-step pulse signal is supplied, and rotates once when a 504-step pulse signal is supplied. When the motor 86a makes one revolution, the reel 30L also makes one revolution, when the motor 86b makes one revolution, the reel 30C also makes one revolution, and when the motor 86c makes one revolution, the reel 30R also makes one revolution.

  The reel rotation control means 132 detects a start signal generated from the start switch 42 and, based on the detection of the start signal, a pulse signal for the motor 86a for rotating the motor 86a and a pulse signal for the motor 86b for rotating the motor 86b. And a pulse signal for the motor 86c for rotating the motor 86c is generated and supplied to the reel circuit driving means 136.

  The reel circuit driving unit 136 generates a rotation driving signal for the motor 86a according to the supplied pulse signal for the motor 86a, and generates and supplies a rotation driving signal for the motor 86b according to the supplied pulse signal for the motor 86b. A rotation drive signal for the motor 86c is generated in accordance with the pulse signal for the motor 86c, and these rotation drive signals are supplied to each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c. The rotation drive signal is a signal for rotating the motors 86a, 86b or 86c by the rotation position corresponding to the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied from the reel rotation control means 132. The motors 86a, 86b, and 86c start to rotate according to the rotation drive signal supplied to each.

  This process is executed in step S414 shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  Further, as described later, the motor 86a pulse signal, the motor 86b pulse signal, and the motor 86c pulse signal generated by the reel rotation control means 132 detect the rotational positions of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. It is also used to

<Reel stop control means 134>
The reel stop control unit 134 stops the motor 86a, 86b or 86c based on the timing when the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is operated by the player and the result of the lottery process of the above-mentioned combination lottery unit 120. A control signal is issued to stop the left reel 30L, middle reel 30C, or right reel 30R.

  As described above, when the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is operated by the player, a stop signal is issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c. The reel stop control means 134 detects a stop signal issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c.

  When the reel stop control means 134 detects a stop signal issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c, it obtains a candidate symbol to be described later. As will be described later, this candidate symbol is at least one symbol selected as one that can be positioned at the rotation reference position when the reel 30L, 30C, or 30R is stopped. Note that the at least one or more symbols are symbols for the number of control frames described later. In the present embodiment, the rotation reference position is preferably the pay line L3 as will be described later.

  Hereinafter, the number of control frames and candidate symbols will be described.

  The reel stop control means 134 controls the reels 30L, 30C and 30R to stop after a certain amount of rotation after the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated. However, if the time until the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped is too long, the mode until the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped becomes unnatural. For this reason, the time from when the stop signal issued from the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c is detected until the reel stops is set to 190 milliseconds or less in principle. As described in the CB gaming state described above, when the gaming state becomes the CB gaming state, the stop control can be changed for certain reels among the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. . Control is performed so that the reel is stopped within 75 milliseconds with reference to the time when the stop signal issued from the stop switch corresponding to the certain reel is detected.

  Further, when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotating at a constant speed, it is necessary that the player can generally identify the symbols attached to the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. For this reason, the rotation speeds of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are determined so that the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R do not rotate more than 80 revolutions per minute.

  In the case of a general slot machine, the number of symbols attached to each of the reels 30L, 30C and 30R is 21.

  Thus, the first control condition is that stop control is performed so that the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R with 21 symbols stop within 190 milliseconds after the stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated. From the second control condition that the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are controlled to rotate so as not to rotate more than 80 rotations per minute, the reels 30L to 30R are stopped after the stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated. Until then, the number of symbols that can pass through the rotation reference position most often (hereinafter referred to as the maximum number of passing symbols) is four. The number of symbols that can pass through the rotation reference position includes a symbol that is passing through the rotation reference position when the stop switch 44a, 44b, or 44c is operated.

  In this specification, the sum of the maximum number of passing symbols and the symbol where the reel is stopped and positioned at the rotation reference position is referred to as the number of control frames. As described above, the maximum number of passing symbols is four. Further, the number of symbols positioned at the rotation reference position when the reel is stopped is one. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of control frames is 5. The symbols for the number of control frames are symbols that may be located at the rotation reference position, and are candidate symbols to be described later.

  The reel stop control means 134 uses the reels 30L, 30L, and 44C so that the number of symbols passing through the rotation reference position is equal to or less than the maximum number of passing symbols, based on when the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated. Stop control of 30C and 30R is performed. The rotation reference position is preferably the winning line L3, for example. When the rotation reference position is the winning line L3, after the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated, the reels are stopped so that the number of symbols passing through the winning line L3 is less than or equal to the maximum passing symbol number. Take control. In other words, in the above-described example, the reel stop control unit 134 operates from the time when the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is operated until the number of symbols passing through the pay line L3 reaches four, the reels 30L, 30C and 30R. Is controlled to stop the reels 30L, 30C and 30R.

  In this embodiment, the reference rotation reference position is preferably one of the winning lines L1 to L3 extending in the horizontal direction. If attention is paid to one of the reels 30L, 30C and 30R, the number of symbols passing through the winning lines L1 to L3 from when the stop switch is operated until the reel stops is The same is true for any winning line. For example, the number of symbols passing through the pay lines L1 to L3 from when the stop switch 44a is operated until the reel 30L is stopped is the same in any pay line.

  In addition, the reel stop control means 134 controls the stop of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, or the right reel 30R based on the result of the lottery process of the above-mentioned role lottery means 120.

  For example, when a predetermined winning combination is won by the lottery process of the winning lottery means 120, the reel stop control means 134 is easily arranged on the winning line in which the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is activated. In addition, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is performed. That is, when the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is included in the candidate symbol, the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are positioned so that the symbol is positioned on the activated pay line. Perform stop control. In this way, the reel stop control is performed as “pull-in control” so that the arrangement of the symbols corresponding to the selected predetermined combination is aligned on the activated pay line.

  On the other hand, when no winning combination is won by the lottery process of the winning lottery means 120, that is, when the winning combination is lost, the reel stop control means 134 validates the arrangement of symbols corresponding to any of the winning combinations. Stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is performed so that they are not aligned on the winning line. That is, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is performed so that even if the symbols constituting the candidate symbols are positioned on the activated pay line, the symbols corresponding to any of the combinations are not arranged. Do. In this way, the reel stop control is performed as “kicking control” so that the symbols corresponding to any of the winning combinations are not aligned on the activated pay line.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the rotation reference position is the lower pay line L3. When a predetermined symbol is positioned on the winning line L3 and the three reels 30L, 30C and 30 are stopped, another symbol is positioned on each of the middle winning line L1 and the upper winning line L2. Has been. In other words, the interval between the three winning lines L1, L2, and L3 is set to approximately match the interval between the 21 symbols arranged on each of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the winning lottery means 120 may sometimes win a duplicate. In the case of overlapping winning, priority order for stop control is set in the order of replay role, special role, and small role. In other words, if the replay role, special role, and small role are both won, the player can first win the replay role according to the timing when the player operates the stop switch. If the replay combination can be won, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C or 30 is executed so that the replay combination wins. Next, when the replay combination cannot be won, it is determined whether or not the special combination can be won according to the timing when the player operates the stop switch, and the special combination can be won. In that case, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C or 30 is executed so that the special combination wins. Furthermore, when the special combination cannot be won, it is determined whether or not the small combination can be won according to the timing when the player operates the stop switch, and the small combination can be won. In this case, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C or 30 is executed so that the small combination wins.

  Furthermore, when the small combination cannot be won, the stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C or 30 is executed so as not to win any combination.

  Specifically, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 13A, the fourth winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of four types of roles including a cherry combination, a watermelon combination, a single sheet combination, and a 1BB-A combination. is there. In this case, a small combination and a special combination are won in duplicate. Therefore, first, it is determined whether or not the 1BB-A combination can be won according to the timing at which the player operates the stop switch. When the 1BB-A combination can be won, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C, or 30 is executed so that the 1BB-A combination wins. If the 1BB-A combination cannot be won, it is determined whether or not any one of the cherry combination, the watermelon combination, and the one-sheet combination can be won. When any of the winning combinations can be won, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C or 30 is executed so that the winning combination is won. It should be noted that whether a winning combination of a cherry combination, a watermelon combination, or a single combination is determined according to the timing at which the player operates the stop switch, and a combination that can be won may be selected. Furthermore, when the winning combination of the cherry combination, the watermelon combination or the single sheet combination cannot be won, the stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C or 30 is executed so as not to win any combination.

  Further, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 13B, the third winning combination is an overlapping winning combination of three types of combinations of a normal replay combination, a special replay combination, and a 1BB-A combination. In this case, the replay role and the special role are won simultaneously. Therefore, first, it is determined whether or not one of the normal replay combination and the special replay combination can be won according to the timing at which the player operates the stop switch. When any of the winning combinations can be won, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C or 30 is executed so that the winning combination is won. It should be noted that which of the normal replay role and the special replay role is to be won is determined according to the timing at which the player operates the stop switch, and the winning combination may be selected. Further, when neither the normal replay role nor the special replay role can be won, it is determined whether or not the 1BB-A role can be won, and the 1BB-A role can be won. In this case, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C, or 30 is executed so that the 1BB-A combination wins. Furthermore, when the 1BB-A combination cannot be won, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C, or 30 is executed so as not to win any combination.

  The process in the reel stop control means 134 described above is executed in the reel stop control process of FIG. 6 called in the process of step S415 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

<Reel rotation position acquisition means 140>
The reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 acquires the rotation positions of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. As described above, the reel rotation control means 132 supplies a pulse signal to the reel circuit driving means 136 for driving each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c. The reel circuit drive unit 136 generates a drive signal so that the motor 86a, 86b or 86c rotates by a rotation position corresponding to the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied from the reel rotation control unit 132, and the motor 86a, 86b. And 86c. For this reason, the rotational positions of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R can be acquired by counting the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied to the reel circuit driving unit 136. As described above, by supplying a pulse signal of 504 steps to the reel circuit driving means 136, each of the motors 86a, 86b, 86c can be rotated once. When the motors 86a, 86b, 86c make one rotation, each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R can also make one rotation.

  Further, as described above, the index signals generated from the rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, 83c are supplied to the main control means 100. Each time the reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 receives an index signal, the reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 initializes the number of counted pulses, for example, to 0. By doing so, it is possible to initialize the number of pulses counted each time each of the motors 86a, 86b, 86c makes one rotation. Thus, since the number of pulses counted for each rotation is initialized, the rotational positions of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R can be obtained according to the number of counted pulses. In addition, by initializing the number of pulses counted for each rotation, even if a malfunction such as step-out occurs while the motors 86a, 86b, 86c are rotating, the number of pulses is immediately corrected to an accurate number. can do.

  The index signal generated from the rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, 83c is preferably generated when the symbol of symbol number 0 is located at a predetermined rotation reference position, for example, the winning line L3. As described above, a detection protruding piece (not shown) is attached to one of the spoke portions of each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R. Therefore, it is preferable to attach the protruding protrusion for detection so that an index signal is generated when the symbol of symbol number 0 is positioned on the winning line L3.

  In this way, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, in the case of the left reel 30L, an index signal is generated when the symbol “lever” of symbol number 0 is positioned on the pay line L3. In the case of the middle reel 30C, an index signal is issued when the symbol “RP” of symbol number 0 is positioned on the pay line L3. Further, in the case of the right reel 30R, an index signal is generated when the symbol “bell” of symbol number 0 is positioned on the pay line L3.

  The counted number of pulses is stored in the pulse number storage unit 142 of the reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 for each of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, and the right reel 30R. Each time the reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 counts the number of pulses, the number of pulses counted is stored in the pulse number storage unit 142 and updated, so the number of pulses stored in the pulse number storage unit 142 is read out. Thus, the latest number of pulses can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the symbol number can be calculated by the number of counted pulses. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, if the number of pulses counted is 0 when the left reel 30L is stopped, the symbol number 0 is positioned on the winning line L3. If the number of counted pulses is 24, it indicates that the symbol of symbol number 1 is located on the winning line L3. If the counted number of pulses is 48, the symbol of symbol number 2 is the winning line. It shows that it is located in L3. Further, when the number of pulses counted is 192 when the middle reel 30C is stopped, it indicates that the symbol number 8 is located on the winning line L3, and the counted number of pulses is 216. If there is, it indicates that the symbol of symbol number 9 is positioned on the winning line L3, and if the number of counted pulses is 240, it indicates that the symbol of symbol number 10 is positioned on the winning line L3. The same applies to the right reel 30R.

  In this way, for each of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R, which of the 21 symbols of symbol numbers 0 to 20 is located on the winning line L3 is acquired according to the number of pulses counted. can do.

  Similarly, when the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotating, the symbol number can be obtained by the number of counted pulses. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, when the number of pulses counted is 492 to 12 when the left reel 30L is rotating, the symbol of symbol number 0 moves and passes the winning line L3. If the number of counted pulses is 276 to 300, it means that the symbol of symbol number 12 has moved and is passing the winning line L3. The same applies to the middle reel 30C and the right reel 30R.

  In this way, for the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, and the right reel 30R, depending on the number of pulses counted, the symbol number of the symbol positioned on the winning line L3 or the symbol that is passing through the winning line L3. Can be obtained.

  The acquired symbol numbers are stored in the symbol number storage unit 144 of the reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 for each of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, and the right reel 30R. Each time the symbol number increases, the symbol number storage unit 144 stores and updates the symbol number. By reading the symbol number stored in the symbol number storage unit 144, the latest symbol number can be acquired.

  The correspondence between the symbol number and the symbol for each of the middle reel 30C and the right reel 30R shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the symbol number-symbol correspondence storage means 146. In addition, although the table | surface shown in FIG. 10 represented the symbol typically so that it could visually recognize, the correspondence of the symbol number and symbol memorize | stored in the symbol number-symbol correspondence memory | storage means 146 shows a symbol. Numerical data for identification is stored as a table.

  The symbol numbers stored in the symbol number storage unit 144 are read out, and the read symbol numbers are referred to the correspondence stored in the symbol number-symbol correspondence storage unit 146, whereby the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, and For each of the right reels 30R, it is possible to acquire a symbol positioned on the winning line L3 and a symbol that is passing through the winning line L3. For example, in the case of the left reel 30L, when the number of pulses counted is 384 steps, the symbol number is 16, and the symbol is “watermelon” by referring to the correspondence between the symbol number and the symbol. It is. Therefore, it can be acquired that the symbol positioned on the winning line L3 is “watermelon”.

  As described above, since the symbol numbers stored in the symbol number storage unit 144 are updated as needed, the symbol numbers are stored in the symbol number storage unit 144 even when each of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is rotating. The symbol in the middle of passing the winning line L3, which is the rotation reference position, can be acquired by reading the symbol number. The rotation reference position is obtained by obtaining the symbol in the middle of passing the winning line L3, which is the rotation reference position, and referring to the correspondence stored in the symbol number-symbol correspondence storage means 146. It is also possible to acquire a symbol that may be located on the winning line L3. As described above, the symbol that may be located at the rotation reference position is a candidate symbol, and is a symbol that may be located at the rotation reference position when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped. Even when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped, by reading the symbol number stored in the symbol number storage means 144, it is possible to acquire the symbol that is stopped and positioned at the rotation reference position. .

  Acquisition of the candidate symbol mentioned above is performed as follows.

  When the stop switch is operated, the symbol number stored in the symbol number storage unit 144 is read, and the read symbol number is referred to the correspondence stored in the symbol number-symbol correspondence storage unit 146. The symbol in the middle of passing through the rotation reference position, for example, the winning line L3 can be obtained. Furthermore, as described above, in the present embodiment, the number of control frames is the sum of the maximum number of passing symbols and the symbol where the reel is stopped and positioned at the rotation reference position. After obtaining the symbol in the middle of passing through the rotation reference position, the symbols corresponding to the number of control frames can be obtained by referring to the symbol number-symbol correspondence relationship. As described above, in this specification, symbols for the number of control frames are referred to as candidate symbols. The reel stop control means 134 obtains the candidate symbol as described above, and starts the reel stop control corresponding to the operated stop switch. The acquired candidate symbols are referred to when the above-described reel stop control means 134 performs pull-in control or kick-off control.

  As described above, by acquiring a candidate symbol, the position of the candidate symbol with respect to the rotation reference position can be determined. That is, how far the predetermined symbol included in the candidate symbol is with respect to the rotation reference position, that is, how many frames the predetermined symbol included in the candidate symbol is separated from the rotation reference position. You can decide whether

  Further, as described above, when the reel 30L, 30C, or 30R has already stopped, the symbol positioned at the rotation reference position, for example, the winning line L3 can also be acquired. This process can be performed by reading the symbol number stored in the symbol number storage means 144. Acquisition of a symbol positioned at the rotation reference position for a reel that has already stopped is also required when winning processing or when the reel stop control means 134 described above performs pull-in control or kick-off control.

  In the winning process, it is necessary to acquire the arrangement of symbols arranged on the activated winning line. In this case, first, a symbol positioned on the winning line L3, which is the rotation reference position, is also acquired, and the symbol number-symbol correspondence storage means 146 is referred to the symbol to determine the valid relationship. Acquire symbols arranged in a winning line.

  Also, when performing pull-in control or kick-off control, when a predetermined combination is won by the lottery process of the combination lottery means 120, the reel stop control means 134 will stop the symbol of the reel that has already stopped and The reels to be stopped are controlled so that the arrangement of the symbols corresponding to the winning combination is arranged on the activated winning line from the candidate symbols of the reel to be attempted. If no winning combination is won by the lottery process of the winning lottery means 120, the reel stop control means 134 displays the symbols of the reels that have already stopped and the candidate symbols of the reels to be stopped. Therefore, stop control of the reel to be stopped is performed so that the arrangement of symbols corresponding to any of the combinations does not align on the activated pay line.

  The above-described symbol acquisition is also referred to when the reel stop control process in step S415 in FIG. 4 is performed or in the winning process in step S416 in FIG.

<Effective line storage means 160>
As described above, any one of the five winning lines L1 to L5 is validated by the game medium number setting means 600 (valid line creating means). The effective line storage unit 160 stores the winning line activated by the game medium number setting unit 600 (effective line forming unit) as an effective line.

  For example, when the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, the winning line L1 is validated, and the valid line storage unit 160 stores the winning line L1 as the valid line. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, the winning lines L1 to L3 are validated, and the valid line storage unit 160 stores the winning lines L1 to L5 as valid lines. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, L1 to L5 are validated, and the valid line storage unit 160 stores the winning lines L1 to L5 as valid lines.

<Set value storage means 170>
The set value storage unit 170 stores the set value indicated by the signal generated from the set value setting unit 700. For example, when the set value is 1 to 6, the set value storage unit 170 stores one of the values 1 to 6. The setting value stored in the setting value storage unit 170 is read when the lottery probability table stored in the probability table storage unit 128 is selected.

  The set value stored in the set value storage unit 170 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 200 described later at a predetermined timing.

<Freeze effect table storage means 180>
The freeze effect table storage unit 180 stores the correspondence between the winning combination and the freeze effect. Specifically, the correspondence relationship between the second column (winning combination) and the third column (freeze effect) in FIGS. 13A and 13B is stored as a data table. By reading and referring to the correspondence stored in the freeze effect table storage unit 180, the freeze effect corresponding to the winning combination by the lottery process of the combination lottery unit 120 can be determined. In the freeze effect shown in the third column of FIGS. 13A and 13B, only the presence / absence of the freeze effect and the time of the freeze effect are shown. However, the flag F_freeze1 for determining the timing of the freeze effect and Data defining the value of the flag F_freeze2 may be stored. By adding data that defines the values of the flag F_freeze1 and the flag F_freeze2, it is possible to make multiple timings for performing the freeze effect, and it is possible to make it more difficult to determine the content of the notification by the freeze effect. Can be entertained or questioned.

  The process of reading the correspondence relationship of the freeze effect table storage means 180 and determining the freeze effect is executed in step S523 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows the two correspondences shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. The two correspondences are stored in the freeze effect table storage unit 180 and selected according to the gaming state. Alternatively, only one of them may be stored in the freeze effect table storage unit 180.

<Design display means 400>
The symbol display means 400 includes three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. In the present embodiment, as described above, each of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R has a predetermined number, for example, 21 symbols arranged along the reel rotation direction. The symbol display means 400 is preferably composed of the reel unit 28 described above.

  The reel 30L includes a motor 86a for rotationally driving the reel 30L and a rotational position sensor 83a for detecting the rotational position of the reel 30L. The reel 30C includes a motor 86b for rotationally driving the reel 30C and a rotational position sensor 83b for detecting the rotational position of the reel 30C. The reel 30R includes a motor 86c for rotationally driving the reel 30R and a rotational position sensor 83c for detecting the rotational position of the reel 30R. In the present embodiment, the central portions of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are connected to the rotation shafts of the motors 86a, 86b, and 86c, and when the motors 86a, 86b, and 86c rotate once, the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is also configured to rotate once.

  In the present embodiment, each of motors 86a, 86b and 86c is a stepping motor. Reel circuit driving means 136 (see FIG. 3) for driving the motors 86a, 86b and 86c is electrically connected to each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c. The reel circuit driving unit 136 is electrically connected to the main control unit 100.

  As described above, when the pulse signal is supplied from the reel rotation control unit 132, the reel circuit driving unit 136 generates a driving signal based on the supplied pulse signal, and the generated driving signal is output from the motors 86a, 86b and Issue to each of 86c. The reel circuit drive unit 136 generates a drive signal so that the motor 86a, 86b, or 86c rotates by a rotation position corresponding to the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied from the main control unit 100. In the present embodiment, one rotation of the motor 86a, 86b or 86c, that is, 360 degrees is divided into 504 steps equally. That is, when a pulse signal composed of 504 pulses is supplied from the main control means 100 to the reel circuit driving means 136, the reel circuit driving means 136 causes the drive signal so that the motor 86a, 86b or 86c rotates once. Is generated.

  The reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 of the main control unit 100 counts the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied from the reel rotation control unit 132 to the reel circuit driving unit 136. By counting the number of pulses, the rotational position of the motor 86a, 86b or 86c can be acquired.

  As described above, the rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c generate an index signal composed of one pulse each time the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R make one rotation. The rotational position where the pulse is generated can be set as the origin of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R. The rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, 83c are electrically connected to the main control means 100, and pulse signals generated from the rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, 83c are supplied to the main control means 100. The main control means 100 can determine when each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R is located at the origin by detecting when a pulse signal is emitted from the rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, 83c. . The reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 described above initializes the number of counted pulses each time an index signal is received, for example, sets it to 0.

<Sub-control means 200>
As described above, the sub control unit 200 is electrically connected to the main control unit 100, and various signals and information generated from the main control unit 100 are supplied to the sub control unit 200.

  The various signals and information issued from the main control unit 100 include a signal indicating a lottery result of a lottery process performed by the winning lottery unit 120, a stop signal indicating that the stop switch 44a, 44b, or 44c is operated, and the like. is there. These signals are transmitted from the main control means 100 in processing such as step S408 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 described later or S606 in the flowchart of FIG.

  The sub-control means 200 receives these signals and controls effects performed by the effect means 300 described later.

  The sub-control means 200 is preferably composed of the sub-control board 52 described above. The sub control unit 200 includes an information transmission unit 270.

<Information transmission means 270>
The information transmitting unit 270 transmits information related to the effect to the effect unit 300. When it is determined to produce an effect by the effect determining means (not shown), information related to the effect performed by the effect means 300, such as image data, is transmitted to the effect means 300. On the other hand, when it is determined not to produce an effect, information relating to the effect is not transmitted to the effect means 300.

<Image effect table storage means 280>
The image effect table storage means 280 stores the correspondence between the winning combination and the freeze effect. Specifically, the correspondence relationship between the second column (winning combination) and the fourth column (image effect) in FIGS. 13A and 13B is stored as a data table. By reading and referring to the correspondence stored in the image effect table storage unit 280, the image effect corresponding to the winning combination by the lottery process of the combination lottery unit 120 can be determined. By determining the image effect, the main control means 100 executes the freeze effect, and the sub-control means 200 executes the image effect. Therefore, the types of effects can be increased, and the progress of the game is accurately notified. Or conversely, the player can be deceived, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  The process of reading the correspondence relationship of the image effect table storage means 280 and determining the image effect is executed in steps S904 to S906 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

<Direction means 300>
In the production means 300, notification of information related to the game is performed as production. In the present embodiment, an effect for notifying information related to a unit game is performed by the effect means 300.

  The effect unit 300 is electrically connected to the information transmission unit 270 of the sub-control unit 200 described above. The production means 300 notifies the player of the information emitted from the information transmission means 270 so that the player can recognize it. The effect unit 300 is preferably composed of the image display device 34, the speaker 36, or the lamp 38. It is preferable that the game for notifying the information related to the game described above is performed by the image display device 34. As described above, the effect is controlled and advanced by the sub-control means 200.

<< Control processing >>
Below, the control performed in the main control means 100 (main control board 32) and the sub control means 200 (sub control board 52) mentioned above is demonstrated. 4 to 8 are subroutines for executing control processing in the main control means 100. FIG. 9 is a subroutine for executing control processing in the sub-control means 200.

  In the following, the slot machine 10 is started in advance, and in the main control unit 100 described above, after starting processing such as initialization of various variables used for control, the slot machine 10 operates normally. It shall be. Further, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 and FIG. 9 show only one example for executing the control processing in the main control means 100 and the sub control means 200, and are limited to this processing procedure. Absent.

<Control in main control means 100>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control in the main control means 100.

  First, it is determined whether or not the value of the flag F_freeze1 is 1 (step S401). The flag F_freeze1 is a flag indicating whether or not to be frozen, which will be described later. When the value of the flag F_freeze1 is 1, it is frozen, and when the value of the flag F_freeze1 is 0, it indicates that the freeze is not performed. The freeze here temporarily stops the start of the unit game, and hereinafter, the freeze according to the value of the flag F_freeze1 is referred to as a start freeze. The start freeze time is determined by executing the process of step S523 in FIG.

  When it is determined by the determination process in step S401 that the value of the flag F_freeze1 is 1 (YES), the start freeze timer is activated (step S402), and whether or not the activated timer value has reached a predetermined value. To determine whether to end the start freeze (step S403). When it is determined not to end the start freeze (NO), the process of step S403 is repeated.

  By executing the processes in steps S401 to S403 described above, the unit game start process to be performed this time can be set as a “predetermined process” to produce a freeze effect, and the timing at which the “predetermined process” is executed can be varied. it can.

  When it is determined that the value of the flag F_freeze1 is not 1 in the determination process in step S401 described above (NO), or when it is determined in the determination process in step S403 that the start freeze is ended (YES), this time It is determined whether or not the unit game to be performed is a re-game (step S404). Whether or not to change the unit game to be performed this time to a re-game is determined by the processing in step S707 of FIG. 7 described later. The processing in step S707 in FIG. 7 is processed in the unit game performed last time. The re-game is a unit game that can be played without a predetermined number of medals being targeted for betting while maintaining the number of bets in the previous unit game.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S404 that the unit game to be performed this time is not a re-game (NO), the player issues the 1-bet switch 62, 2-bet switch 64 or maximum bet switch 66 by operating the player. Based on the received signal, the number of inserted sheets is determined (step S405). This inserted number indicates the number of medals targeted for betting for one unit game, and is not only the number of medals targeted for betting after being temporarily accumulated as the number of credits described above. In addition, the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 46 and directly targeted for betting is also included.

  As described above, the 1-bet switch 62, the 2-bet switch 64, or the maximum-bet switch 66 also has a function of enabling the winning line, and when the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, the winning line L1 is Enabled. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, the pay lines L1 to L3 are activated. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, L1 to L5 are validated.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S404 described above that the unit game to be performed this time is a re-game (YES), or when the process of step S405 is executed, it is determined whether or not the start switch 42 has been operated by the player. (Step S406). This determination process is determined based on whether or not a start signal is issued from the start switch 42. When it is determined that the start switch 42 is not operated (NO), the determination process in step S406 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 42 has been operated by the player (YES), a role lottery process by the role lottery means 120 shown in FIG. 5 to be described later is called and executed (step S407). A signal indicating the result of the role lottery process (hereinafter referred to as a lottery result signal) is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 (step S408).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the flag F_freeze1 is 1 (step S409). As described above, the flag F_freeze1 is a flag indicating whether or not to freeze. When it is determined that the value of the flag F_freeze1 is not 1 (NO), it is determined whether or not to wait (step S410). The weight is used to prevent the player from consuming a large number of game medals in a short time, and the time required for one unit game is a predetermined time, for example, 4.1 seconds or more. is there. When it is determined in step S410 that the wait is to be performed (YES), it is determined whether the timer value of the wait timer started in step S413, which will be described later, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the wait is terminated. Is determined (step S411). The process of step S413 is executed in the previous unit game. If it is determined in step S411 that the weight is not to be ended (NO), the process in step S411 is repeated.

  If it is determined that the value of the flag F_freeze1 is 1 (YES) in the determination process of step S409 described above, the value of the flag F_freeze1 is set to 0 (step S412).

  As described above, by performing the processes in steps S401 to S403, a freeze effect can be produced, and the timing for executing the “predetermined process” can be varied. On the other hand, weighting can be performed by executing the processing of steps S410 to S411. As described above, by performing freeze extension before executing the weight process, the freeze effect can be executed with priority over the weight process. Further, by determining the value of the flag F_freeze1 in step S409, it is possible to prevent the freeze effect and the weight process from being performed continuously, and the freeze effect can be combined with or replaced with the weight process. The processing can be simplified by preventing duplicate processing from being executed.

  When it is determined in step S410 that the wait is not to be performed (NO), when it is determined in step S411 that the weight is to be ended (YES), or when the process of step S412 is executed, A timer is started (step S413). The timer value of the weight timer activated in the process of step S413 is used in the determination process of step S411 described above in the unit game to be performed next.

  Next, rotation control of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is started by the reel rotation control means 132 of the reel drive control means 130 described above (step S414). Further, a stop control subroutine shown in FIG. 5 to be described later is called, and the stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is executed by the reel stop control means 134 of the reel drive control means 130 (step S415).

  After executing the process of step S415, a winning process subroutine shown in FIG. 6 to be described later is called to execute the unit game winning process performed this time (step S416), and this subroutine is terminated.

<Role drawing process>
FIG. 5 shows a combination of lottery process subroutine called and executed in step S407 of the subroutine of FIG. 4 described above. This process is a process executed by the combination lottery means 120 described above. The gaming state described below is stored as a flag value, and the gaming state can be obtained by reading the flag value. The value of the flag is changed and stored by the process of step S522 in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a normal gaming state (step S501). As described above, the normal gaming state includes the normal general gaming state, the first type BB winning general gaming state, the second type BB winning general gaming state, and the RB winning general gaming state. When it is determined in the determination process of step S501 that the gaming state is the normal gaming state (YES), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the first type BB winning general gaming state (step S502). When it is determined that the gaming state is the first type BB winning general gaming state (YES), the first type BB winning gaming state probability table is selected (step S503).

  If it is determined in step S502 that the gaming state is not the first type BB winning general gaming state (NO), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the second type BB winning general gaming state. (Step S504). When it is determined that the gaming state is the second type BB winning general gaming state (YES), the second type BB winning gaming state probability table is selected (step S505).

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S504 that the gaming state is not the second type BB winning general gaming state (NO), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the RB winning general gaming state (step S506). ). When it is determined that the gaming state is the RB winning general gaming state (YES), the RB winning gaming state probability table is selected (step S507).

  When it is determined in the determination processing in step S506 that the gaming state is not the RB winning general gaming state (NO), the normal general gaming state probability table is selected (step S508).

  When it is determined in the above-described determination processing in step S501 that the gaming state is not the normal gaming state (NO), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the first type BB gaming state (step S509). As described above, the special gaming state includes a first type BB gaming state, a second type BB gaming state, an RB gaming state, an SB gaming state, and a CB gaming state, as will be described later. If it is determined in step S509 that the gaming state is the first type BB gaming state, the first type BB gaming state probability table is selected (step S510).

  When it is determined in the above-described determination processing in step S509 that the gaming state is not the first type BB gaming state, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the second type BB gaming state (step S511). When it is determined that the gaming state is the second type BB gaming state (YES), the second type BB gaming state probability table is selected (step S512).

  When it is determined in the determination processing in step S511 described above that the gaming state is not the second type BB gaming state, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the RB gaming state (step S513). When it is determined that the gaming state is the RB gaming state (YES), the RB gaming state probability table is selected (step S514).

  After executing the above-described processing of steps S503, S505, S507, S508, S510, S512, or S514, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the RT gaming state (step S515). When it is determined that the gaming state is the RT gaming state (YES), the RT gaming state probability table is selected (step S516). As described above, the RT gaming state is not an independent gaming state such as a normal general gaming state or a special gaming state, but a gaming state that can be superimposed on these gaming states, and the processing of steps S501 to S514 is performed. After the execution, it is determined again whether or not the gaming state is the RT gaming state by the determination processing in step S515. As described above, in the above-described example, the RT gaming state is independently determined in step S515. However, in conjunction with the processing in steps S501 to S514 described above, it is determined whether or not the RT gaming state is set. May be.

  When it is determined that the gaming state is not the RB gaming state in the determination process of step S513 described above (NO), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the SB gaming state (step S517). When it is determined that the gaming state is the SB gaming state (YES), the SB gaming state probability table is selected (step S518), and when the gaming state is determined not to be the SB gaming state (YES), A CB gaming state probability table is selected (step S519).

  When it is determined in step S515 described above that the gaming state is not the RT gaming state (NO), or when the processing of step S516, S518, or S519 is executed, the random number extraction unit 124 extracts a random number. (Step S520). The random number determining means 126 uses the probability table data selected in each of the processes in steps S503, S505, S507, S508, S510, S512, S514, S516, S518, or S519 and the random number value extracted in the process of step S520. The type of the combination is determined by collation (step S521). The value of the winning flag is set according to the type of the combination determined in step S521 (step S522), and the presence / absence of the freeze and the time of freezing are determined according to the winning combination by referring to the freeze effect table (step (S523) This subroutine is terminated.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a correspondence relationship between a combination and a freeze effect corresponding to the combination as a freeze effect table. The example shown in FIG. 13A shows a case where a small combination is won by overlapping and a case where a small combination and a special combination are won. The first column in FIG. 13A indicates the production number, and the second column indicates the winning combination by the lottery process of the combination lottery means 120. Moreover, the 3rd column of Fig.13 (a) shows the presence or absence of a freeze effect, and the time of a freeze effect, Furthermore, the 4th column of Fig.13 (a) shows the kind of effect in the image display apparatus 34. FIG. . The correspondence relationship between the second column (winning role) and the third column (freeze effect) in FIG. 13 (a) is stored in the freeze effect table storage unit 180 of the main control unit 100, and the first column in FIG. 13 (a). The correspondence relationship between the second column (winning combination) and the fourth column (image effect) is stored in the image effect table storage unit 280 of the sub-control unit 200.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13 (a), the first winning combination is Cherry-ANY-ANY, and the second winning combination is watermelon-watermelon-watermelon. , Respectively belong to the cherry role area and watermelon role area of the probability table. On the other hand, in the third winning combination, the small roles are elected in duplicate, and in the fourth to eleventh winning roles, the small role and the special role are elected in duplicate. Each of these is assigned separately to the area of the overlapping winning combination in the probability table.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13B, the first winning combination is a normal replay combination, which is won by itself and belongs to the normal replay combination area of the probability table. On the other hand, in the second winning combination, the normal replay combination and the special replay combination are won, and the third winning combination to the sixth winning combination are the normal replay combination and the special replay combination. The 7th winning combination to the 10th winning combination are the normal winning replay and the special combination, and each of these is a probability. It is assigned separately to the area of duplicate winning combination in the table.

  In the process of step S523 described above, the correspondence relationship in FIG. 13A or 13B stored in the freeze effect table storage unit 180 is read according to the winning combination, and the presence / absence of the freeze and the time of the freeze are determined. It is a process to decide. In the case where the freeze is not performed, the freeze time can be set to 0 seconds.

  In this way, according to the winning combination, referring to the correspondence in FIG. 13 (a) or (b), whether or not to freeze, or when freezing, the time is different. By doing so, the timing for executing the predetermined processing can be varied. In this way, even if the same winning combination is won, if the winning combination is included in the overlapping winning combination, the timing for executing the processing can be made different, so the notification by the freeze effect is made. Can be complicated, it can be difficult for the player to grasp the contents of the notification, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  For example, the first winning combination shown in FIG. 13A is a single winning combination of “cherry”-“ANY”-“ANY” as shown in the second column of FIG. 13A. In such a case, the freeze effect is not performed as shown in the third column of FIG. On the other hand, the fifth winning combination shown in FIG. 13A is “cherry”-“ANY”-“ANY” and “watermelon” as shown in the second column of FIG. "-" Watermelon "-" Watermelon ", one winning combination, and 1BB-A, and in this case, as shown in the third column of FIG. I do. In this way, even if you win the common “Cherry”-“ANY”-“ANY”, if you win alone with the 1st winning combination and if you win multiple times with the 5th winning combination, Since the freeze effect is different, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to win “Cherry”-“ANY”-“ANY”. In addition, in the case of a skilled player, by visualizing the freeze effect, it is possible to imagine which role has been won, to make a question feel, and to enhance the fun. In this example, “cherry”-“ANY”-“ANY” corresponds to “first role”, “watermelon”-“watermelon”-“watermelon”, one-piece role, or 1BB- A corresponds to “second role”. In addition, the fifth winning combination, “Cherry”-“ANY”-“ANY”, “Watermelon”-“Watermelon”-“Watermelon”, and the single winning combination, 1BB-A, will be selected. The role corresponds to the “first winning role”, and the first winning role, “Cherry”-“ANY”-“ANY”, the only winning role corresponds to the “second winning role” To do.

  In addition, since the contents of the freeze effect are also determined by using the result of the role lottery process necessary for the progress of the unit game, there is no burden on the processing of the main control means 100, and the role of the role lottery means 120 is further increased. The result of the lottery process can be used effectively.

  In the table shown in FIG. 13 (a) or (b), the flag F_freeze1 and the flag F_freeze2 are not shown, but the flag F_freeze1 is used for the freeze effect in the third column of FIG. 13 (a) or (b). Data for determining the value of and the value of the flag F_freeze2 may be added.

<Reel stop control process>
FIG. 6 shows a reel stop control process subroutine called and executed in step S415 of the subroutine of FIG. 4 described above.

  First, it is determined whether or not the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c has been operated by the player (step S601). This determination process is determined by whether or not a stop signal is issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c. When it is determined that the stop switch 44a, 44b, or 44c is not operated (NO), the determination process in step S601 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c has been operated by the player (YES), it is determined whether or not the value of the flag F_freeze2 is 1 (step S602). The flag F_freeze2 is a flag indicating whether or not to be frozen, which will be described later. When the value of the flag F_freeze2 is 1, it is frozen, and when the value of the flag F_freeze2 is 0, it indicates that the freeze is not performed. The freeze here temporarily stops the progress in the middle of the unit game, and hereinafter, the freeze according to the value of the flag F_freeze2 is referred to as a midway progress freeze. The midway progress freeze time is determined by executing the process of step S523 in FIG. 5 described above.

  When it is determined by the determination processing in step S602 that the value of the flag F_freeze2 is 1 (YES), a midway progress freeze timer is started (step S603), and whether or not the started timer value has reached a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not the intermediate progress freeze is terminated (step S604). When it is determined that the midway progress freeze is not terminated (NO), the process of step S604 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the midway progress freeze is to be ended (YES), the value of the flag F_freeze2 is set to 0 (step S605).

  When it is determined in the determination processing in step S602 described above that the value of the flag F_freeze2 is not 1 (NO), a signal indicating that the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c has been operated (hereinafter referred to as a stop signal). Is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 (step S606). In the process of step S606, a stop signal is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 every time the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is operated. By doing in this way, the sub-control means 200 can obtain the order in which the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a winning combination has been won in the winning lottery process in step S407 of FIG. 4 (step S607). When it is determined that the winning combination is won, it is determined whether or not the symbol corresponding to the winning combination can be drawn into any validated winning line (step S608). This determination can be made by reading out the symbol number stored in the symbol number storage means 144 described above. When it is determined that the symbol corresponding to the winning combination can be drawn into any of the activated winning lines, the symbol is stopped on the activated winning line so that the arrangement of the symbols corresponding to the winning combination is aligned. To determine a reel pull-in control stop position (step S609).

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S607 that the winning combination has not been won, or in the determination process in step S608, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination cannot be drawn into any of the activated pay lines. Is determined, the symbols to be stopped on the activated pay line are determined so that the symbols corresponding to the winning combinations are not aligned, and the reel kick control stop position is determined (step S610).

  After executing the process of step S609 or S610, the reel stop control unit 134 of the reel drive control unit 130 causes the pull-in control stop position determined in step S609 or the kick-off control stop position determined in S610. Stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is executed (step S611). The stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is performed by a motor 86a for driving the reel 30L, a motor 86b for driving the reel 30C, and a motor 86c for driving the reel 30R. It can be stopped by exciting all of each phase. For example, when each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c is driven by three-phase excitation, the motors can be stopped by exciting all three phases of each motor simultaneously. Pull-in control can be performed by executing the processes of steps S607, S608, and S609 described above. On the other hand, kicking control can be performed by executing the processes of steps S607, S608, and S610.

  Next, the symbol number of the symbol stopped on the activated pay line is stored in the symbol number storage means 144 (step S612), and it is determined whether or not all the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R are stopped. (Step S613). As described above, the motor 86a for driving the reel 30L, the motor 86b for driving the reel 30C, and the motor 86c for driving the reel 30R excite all phases of each of these motors. It can be stopped. The determination processing in step S613 is processing for determining whether or not excitation control for stopping such a motor has been performed for all of the three motors 86a, 86b, and 86c.

  When it is determined in step S613 described above that all three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are not stopped, that is, at least one of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is stopped. If it is determined that there is not (NO), the process returns to step S601 described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped (YES), this subroutine is immediately ended.

<Winning process>
FIG. 7 shows a subroutine of the reel stop control process that is called and executed in step S416 of the subroutine of FIG. 4 described above.

  First, the value of the variable C_ALL_game is increased by 1 (step S701). The variable C_ALL_game is a variable that is initialized when the slot machine 10 is started or initialized, and is a variable that stores the number of unit games that have been played so far.

  Next, the value of the variable C_spec_game is increased by 1 (step S702). This variable C_spec_game is a variable that is initialized when the gaming state is changed, and is a variable that stores the number of unit games performed in one gaming state. This variable C_spec_game can be used to determine whether or not the game condition end condition is satisfied.

  Next, the symbol stopped on the activated pay line (hereinafter referred to as “stop symbol”) is read out (step S703). This stop symbol is the one stored in step S612 of FIG. 6 described above. By reading this stop symbol, it can be determined whether or not the winning combination has been won.

  It is determined from the stop symbol read out in the process of step S703 whether or not a small role is won (step S704). When it is determined that a small role has been won (YES), a medal payout process is executed (step S705). The process of step S705 executes a process of paying out the number of medals corresponding to the winning small combination and a process of counting the paid out medals. The counting of medals is performed according to the gaming state, and can be used to determine whether or not the gaming state end condition is satisfied.

  If it is determined in the determination processing in step S704 that the small combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not the re-game combination has been won (step S706). When it is determined that a re-game player has been won (YES), a re-game flag is set (step S707). By setting the replay flag in step S707, it is possible to determine whether or not to replay in the determination process in step S404 of FIG. 4 described above.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S706 that the re-game combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not the first type BB combination has been won (step S708). When it is determined that the first type BB combination is won (YES), the first type BB game flag is set (step S709).

  If it is determined in the determination process of step S708 that the first type BB combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not the second type BB combination has been won (step S710). When it is determined that the second type BB combination is won (YES), the second type BB game flag is set (step S711).

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S710 that the second type BB combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not the RB combination has been won (step S712). When it is determined that the RB combination is won (YES), an RB game flag is set (step S713).

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S712 that the RB combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not the SB combination has been won (step S714). When it is determined that the SB combination is won (YES), an SB game flag is set (step S715).

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S714 that the SB combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not the CB combination has been won (step S716). When it is determined that the CB combination is won (YES), a CB game flag is set (step S717).

  After executing the above-described processing of step S705, S707, S709, S711, S713, S715 or S717, it is determined whether or not the condition for starting the RT gaming state is satisfied (step S718). The condition for starting this RT gaming state is that when the first type BB combination, the second type BB combination or the RB combination is won, or the above-mentioned first type BB gaming state, the second type BB gaming state or the RB gaming state. When the game state is changed, when the first type BB game state, the second type BB game state, the RB game state is finished, or the first type BB role, the second type BB role or the RB role is not won. There is a case where the arrangement of specific symbols is complete in the case of the first type BB gaming state, the second type BB gaming state, or the RB gaming state. When it is determined that the condition for starting the RT gaming state is satisfied (YES), the RT gaming flag is set (step S719). When it is determined in the determination process in step S718 that the conditions for starting the RT gaming state are not satisfied (NO), or when the process in step S719 is executed, the above-described S705, S707, S709, S711, S713, S715 or By executing the process of S717, it is determined whether or not the flag is set (step S720). When it is determined that the flag is set (YES), the value of the variable C_spec_game is initialized, for example, set to 0 (step S721), and the value of the flag F_freeze1 is set to 0 (step S722).

  By setting the value of the flag F_freeze1 to 0 in the process of step S722, if the winning combination is forcibly set to 0, the value of the flag F_freeze1 is forcibly set to 0. Steps S401 to S409) are not executed. That is, when the winning combination can be won in the unit game performed this time, the notification of the freeze effect is not necessary in the next unit game, so the process of step S722 is executed. As a result, the freeze effect once determined to be executed can be canceled. By canceling in this way, waste of processing can be eliminated.

  In addition, you may make it change the freeze production which decided execution to the freeze production of a different time not only canceling. By doing so, the freeze effect can be further complicated, the player can be confused, the understanding can be difficult, and the fun of the game can be further enhanced.

  When it is determined that the flag is not set in the determination process in step S720 described above (NO), or when the process in step S722 is executed, this subroutine is ended (see FIG. 8 described later).

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S716 that the CB combination is not won (NO), the process proceeds to step S801 in FIG. 8 to be described later, and the condition for ending the first type BB gaming state is satisfied. It is determined whether or not (step S801).

  When it is determined that the condition for ending the first type BB gaming state is satisfied (YES), the first type BB gaming flag is cleared (step S802).

  If it is determined in step S801 that the condition for ending the first type BB gaming state is not satisfied (NO), it is determined whether the condition for ending the second type BB gaming state is satisfied (NO in step S801). Step S803). When it is determined that the condition for ending the second type BB gaming state is satisfied (YES), the second type BB gaming flag is cleared (step S804).

  If it is determined in step S803 that the condition for ending the second type BB gaming state is not satisfied (NO), it is determined whether the condition for ending the RB gaming state is satisfied (step S805). . When it is determined that the condition for ending the RB gaming state is satisfied (YES), the RB gaming flag is cleared (step S806).

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S805 that the condition for ending the RB gaming state is not satisfied (NO), it is determined whether the condition for ending the SB gaming state is satisfied (step S807). When it is determined that the condition for ending the SB gaming state is satisfied (YES), the SB gaming flag is cleared (step S808).

  If it is determined in step S807 that the condition for ending the SB gaming state is not satisfied (NO), it is determined whether the condition for ending the CB gaming state is satisfied (step S809). When it is determined that the condition for ending the CB gaming state is satisfied (YES), the CB gaming flag is cleared (step S810).

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S809 that the condition for ending the CB gaming state is not satisfied (NO), it is determined whether the condition for ending the RT gaming state is satisfied (step S811). When it is determined that the condition for ending the RT gaming state is satisfied (YES), the RT gaming flag is cleared (step S812).

  When the above-described processing of step S802, S804, S806, S808, S810, or S812 is executed, or when it is determined in the determination processing of step S811 that the condition for ending the RT gaming state is not satisfied (NO), This subroutine ends.

<< Sub-control-side processing >>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control in the sub control means 200.

  First, it is determined whether or not a signal has been received from the main control means 100 (step S901). When it is determined that a signal is received from the main control means 100 (YES), it is determined whether or not the signal is a signal of information indicating a winning combination (step S902). When it is determined that the signal is an information signal indicating a winning combination (YES), it is determined whether or not the winning combination is a combination related to freezing (step S903). When it is determined that the winning combination is a role related to freeze (YES), a lottery table corresponding to the winning combination is selected (step S904), an effect lottery process is executed to determine an effect (step S905), The determined effect is executed (step S906), and this subroutine is terminated.

  As described above, the image effect table storage unit 280 of the sub-control unit 200 stores the correspondence relationship between the first column, the second column, and the fourth column shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b). ing. As shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the effects performed by the sub-control unit 200 include three types of effects: no effect, off-effect, and winning effect separately from the freeze effect performed by the main control unit 100. is there. The processes in steps S904 and S905 described above are processes for selecting one of these effects, no effects, and winning effects according to the type of winning combination.

  For example, when the winning combination is a single winning of Cherry-ANY-ANY, one of no production or out production is determined by the processing of steps S904 and S905. If the winning combination is a winning combination of cherry-ANY-ANY, watermelon-watermelon-watermelon, one-sheet combination and 2BB-A, either one of no effect or winning effect is performed in steps S904 and S904. It is determined by the process of S905. Furthermore, when the winning combination is a duplicate winning combination of watermelon-watermelon-watermelon and 1BB-B, any one of no effect, off effect or winning effect is determined by the processing of steps S904 and S905.

  When it is determined that the received signal is not the information signal indicating the winning combination in the determination process in step S902 described above (NO), or the received signal is not the information signal indicating the winning combination in the determination process in step S903. When it is determined (NO), when it is determined that the winning combination is a combination related to freeze (NO), other effects are executed (step S907), and this subroutine is terminated.

  If it is determined in the determination processing in step S901 that no signal is received from the main control means 100 (NO), this subroutine is immediately terminated.

  The sub control unit 200 can execute the image effect by executing the subroutine shown in FIG. 9 and determining the image effect. As described above, the sub-control unit 200 executes the image effect, and the main control unit 100 executes the freeze effect. Therefore, the types of effects can be increased, and the progress of the game can be accurately notified, or Conversely, the player can be confused and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  In the embodiment described above, it is determined whether or not the start of the unit game is temporarily interrupted by the value of the flag F_freeze1, and whether or not the progress in the middle of the unit game is temporarily interrupted by the value of the flag F_freeze2. However, only one of the start of the unit game and the progress in the middle of the unit game may be interrupted. By doing in this way, a process can be simplified and the burden of the main control means 100 can be further reduced.

10 slot machine 30L, 30C, 30R reel 42 start switch 44a, 44b, 44c stop switch 100 main control means (game control means)
120 role lottery means 122 random number generation means 124 random number extraction means 126 random number determination means 128 probability table storage means (role storage means)
130 Reel drive control means 132 Reel rotation control means 134 Reel stop control means 200 Sub control means (effect control means)
300 Production means

Claims (1)

A slot machine having a plurality of rotatable reels with a plurality of symbols and performing processing based on the plurality of reels being stopped,
A role lottery means for performing a lottery process for a role;
In order to advance the game, the operation means that the player can operate,
Based on the lottery result of the combination lottery means and the operation of the operation means, and game control means for controlling and executing the timing of proceeding the processing executed in the game,
The role is
A first re-player who enables re-play without betting game media;
A second replaying role different from the first replaying role,
The lottery result by the role lottery means is
A first lottery game in which a plurality of winning combinations including at least the first replaying role and the second replaying role are won at the same time; and at least the first replaying role, the second replaying game The role includes the second lottery result that is not won,
At least a first timing and a second timing are associated with the first lottery result, and at least a second timing is associated with the second lottery result, but the first timing is Are not mapped,
The game control means includes
When the lottery result of the combination lottery means is the first lottery result, the process is executed at the first timing based on the operation of the operation means, and the second timing. In some cases, the above process is executed.
When the lottery result of the combination lottery means is the second lottery result, the process is not executed at the first timing based on the operation of the operation means.
A slot machine that notifies the player of the winning of the second re-gamer when the processing is executed at the first timing.

Images