JP2014144157A - Game board - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game board capable of preventing a decrease in interest in a game regardless of use of loop lottery processing.SOLUTION: A game board includes: first control means for controlling progress of a game; and second control means for controlling a performance relating to a game based on information transmitted from the first control means. The first control means is configured to be capable of executing first loop lottery processing for intermittently executing first lottery processing until the first lottery processing derives a first lottery result, and is configured to be capable of executing the first loop lottery processing when predetermined conditions are satisfied. The second control means is configured to be capable of executing second loop lottery processing for continuously executing second lottery processing until the second lottery processing derives a second lottery result. When the predetermined conditions are not satisfied, the second loop lottery processing can be executed instead of the first loop lottery processing.

Description

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

  As one of the conventional gaming tables, a gaming table (for example, see Patent Document 1) that determines a privilege based on a predetermined table and gives the determined privilege to a player has been proposed. In the method of determining the privilege to be granted using such a table, there are various problems due to the fact that the table is determined in advance, such as requiring a large amount of data in order to finely set the privilege to be granted.

Japanese Patent No. 4783856

  To solve such a problem, a special lottery method that repeats the predetermined lottery process, that is, a so-called loop lottery process, is executed until a predetermined lottery result (for example, a loss) is derived by the predetermined lottery process. It is desirable to adopt the method of giving.

  However, if the predetermined lottery process is simply and continuously executed in such a loop lottery process, the time required for the loop lottery process changes depending on the number of times the predetermined lottery process is executed, or the predetermined lottery process In some cases, the interest of the game may be reduced due to a problem that the probability that a predetermined lottery result is derived changes.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game table that can prevent a decrease in the interest of a game while using a loop lottery process.

  The gaming table according to the present invention includes first control means for controlling the progress of a game, and second control means for controlling an effect relating to the game based on information sent from the first control means. The game machine, wherein the first control means executes a first loop lottery process that intermittently executes the first lottery process until a first lottery result is derived by the first lottery process When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first loop lottery process can be executed, and the second control means performs the second lottery process by the second lottery process. The second lottery process is continuously executed until the lottery result is derived, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the first lottery process is executed. Instead of the loop lottery process, the second loop lottery process is executed. A gaming table characterized by capable those configured.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game while using the loop lottery process.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). It is a figure which shows an example of a winning line. The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. It is a figure which expand | deploys and shows planarly the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112). It is a figure which shows the kind of winning combination (including an operating combination), the symbol combination corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination. FIG. 3 is a transition diagram of the gaming state of the slot machine 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows the lottery table of the winning combination in each game state. It is a figure which shows an example of the stop aspect at the time of internal winning to the re-game player 1-4. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a stepping motor. It is the 1st figure in all the 2 figures which shows the excitation switching pattern corresponding to the state of reel control with a table | surface. It is the 2nd figure in all the 2 figures which shows the excitation switching pattern corresponding to the state of reel control with a table | surface. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a winning combination internal lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a reel rotation start process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of effect rotation control execution processing A. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a reel stop control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a prize determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a game state control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of various game processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a reel control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a stop button reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of each reel control process according to a reel control state. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an acceleration control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a constant speed control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a drawing-in control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a brake control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of effect rotation control processing. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU404 of the 1st sub control part 400 performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of production control processing. It is the figure which showed an example of effect mode switching. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an effect control process during a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of internal winning command reception. (A) It is an example of the replaying role 4 winning effect displayed on the effect image display device 157 when replaying role 4 winning effect data is set in the first effect state. (B) It is an example of the re-game character 1 winning effect displayed on the effect image display device 157 when the re-game character 1 winning effect data is set in the second effect state. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an alternative loop lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of winning determination command reception. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of game state update command reception. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of presentation rotation control execution command reception. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU504 of the 2nd sub control part 500 performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of the 2nd sub control part 500. FIG. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of the 2nd sub control part 500. FIG. (D) It is a flowchart of the image control process of the 2nd sub control part 500. FIG. It is the figure which showed the flow of the loop lottery process. It is a figure for demonstrating the problem of the conventional loop lottery process. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an effect of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of an internal winning command reception process according to Modification 1; 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of expected value addition processing A according to Modification 1. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of main processing of a main control unit according to Modification 2. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the winning combination internal lottery process which concerns on the modification 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of reel rotation start processing according to Modification 2. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of effect rotation control execution processing B according to Modification 2. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of expected value addition processing B according to Modification 2. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a winning determination process according to Modification 2. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a gaming state control process according to Modification 2. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of a game effect control process according to Modification 2; 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of an internal winning command reception process according to Modification 2. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing at the time of accepting a gaming state update command according to Modification 2. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing at the time of receiving an internal remaining AT game number addition command according to Modification 2; (A) It is a figure for demonstrating the problem of the conventional loop lottery process. (B) It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of the modification 1,2. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing in a main control unit according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of main control unit timer interrupt processing according to the second embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of reel rotation start processing according to the second embodiment. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU404 of the 1st sub control part 400 concerning Embodiment 2 performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of the 1st sub control part 400 concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of the 1st sub control part 400 concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of effect control processing according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a game effect control process according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when receiving an internal winning command according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the alternative loop lottery process B which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing at the time of accepting a gaming state update command according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of non-game production control processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the problem of the conventional loop lottery process. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of the modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of main processing in a main control unit according to the third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of main control unit timer interrupt processing according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of reel rotation start processing according to the third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the alternative loop lottery process C which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a winning determination process according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a gaming state control process according to the third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a game effect control process according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when receiving an internal winning command according to the third embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the problem of the conventional loop lottery process. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of the modification of Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detail of a random value generation circuit. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a general loop lottery process using a random value generation circuit 316. (A) A time X required for the random number value of the numerical value updating circuit A (or numerical value updating circuit B) to make a round and a time Y required for one lottery process in a general loop lottery process. It is the figure shown in comparison. (B) It is the figure which showed an example of the change of the winning probability in a general loop lottery process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the loop lottery process 1 using the random value generation circuit 316. (A) Compare the time X required for the random number value of the numerical value updating circuit A (or numerical value updating circuit B) to make a round and the time Y ′ required for one lottery process in the loop lottery process 1 FIG. (B) It is the figure which showed an example of the change of the winning probability in the loop lottery process 1. It is the flowchart which showed the modification of the timer interruption process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the loop lottery process 2 called from the timer interruption process. It is a block diagram which shows the detail of the random value generation circuit 700 which concerns on another example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the loop lottery process 3. FIG. (A) A comparison is made between the time X ″ required for the random number values of the numerical value update circuits 1 to n to make a round and the time Y ″ required for one lottery process in the loop lottery process 3. It is a figure. (B) It is the figure which showed an example of the change of the winning probability in the loop lottery process 3.

<Embodiment 1>
Hereinafter, the gaming machine (slot machine) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Basic configuration>
First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a winning line.

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

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the symbols displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 (position 1 shown in the figure) are displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 and the middle stage of the left reel 110 (position 2 shown in the figure). The symbol to be displayed is displayed in the middle stage of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure), the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel, and the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (position 4 in the figure). The symbol displayed on the middle reel upper symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle of the left reel 111 (position 5 in the figure) is the middle reel middle symbol, and the symbol displayed on the lower part of the middle reel 111 (position 6 in the figure). The symbol displayed on the lower stage of the middle reel, the upper stage of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the figure) is the upper stage of the right reel, and the picture displayed on the middle stage of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the figure) is the right reel. Middle design, bottom of right reel 112 (in the figure The symbol displayed at the position 9) is called the right reel lower symbol, and the symbols of the reels 110 to 112 are three in the vertical direction on the reels 110 to 112 through the symbol display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. Is displayed.

  Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a combination of a plurality of types of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

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

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The winning line is a line for determining whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination described in FIG. 5 described later is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the middle reel winning line L1 composed of the left reel middle symbol, the middle reel middle symbol and the right reel middle symbol, the left reel upper symbol, the middle reel middle symbol and the right reel lower symbol line L2 comprised of the right reel lower symbol. 4 of the left reel lower symbol, the middle reel middle symbol and the right reel upper symbol L3, the left reel lower symbol, the left reel lower symbol, the middle reel lower symbol and the right reel lower symbol L4. There are two winning lines. FIG. 2 shows these winning lines. A valid pay line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “valid line”) is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium.

  The slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment is a three-wager dedicated machine, and any winning line is not effective when the number of inserted medals is less than three, and all winning lines L1 when three medals are bet. ~ L4 becomes effective. When the winning line becomes valid, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135. The number of winning lines is not limited to 4 lines. For example, three middle winning lines L1, right falling winning lines L2, and right rising winning lines L3 may be set as valid winning lines, or the number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bets is set as effective winning lines. May be.

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

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

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

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

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

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139 including a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112.

  More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 can be The right reel 112 can be stopped by operating. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation.

  In addition, reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are sequentially referred to as a first stop reel, a second stop reel, and a third stop reel. Further, the order of stopping the stop buttons 137 to 139 in order to stop all the reels 110 to 112 being rotated is referred to as an operation order or a pressing order. Furthermore, the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the left reel 110 is called “forward press operation sequence” or simply “forward press”, and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the right reel 112 is “ This is called “reverse pressing operation sequence” or simply “reverse pressing”. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The effect button 170 is a button for accepting various operations by the player. In this example, the effect button 170 includes six buttons: an upper button, a lower button, a left button, a right button, an OK button, and a cancel button. Has been. This effect button 170 is used for various operations related to the game (for example, selection of an effect mode, which will be described later), and for password input.

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

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

  The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (effect image) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. And a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front side (player side) of the slot machine 100 when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157. It has become.

  It should be noted that the display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface. The liquid crystal display device 157 corresponds to an example of notification means of the present invention.

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

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel symbols. ROM 306 storing an array, RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time, frequency, etc., WDT (Watchdog timer) 314 is mounted. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later.

  The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various kinds of lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, bet button lamp, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. 200, reel backlight, etc.) are connected. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a sensor circuit 172, and the CPU 404 monitors whether or not the operation of the effect button 170 is accepted every interruption time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same figure is a figure which expand | deploys and shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) planarly.

  In each reel 110 to 112, a plurality of types (10 types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, “watermelon design” is assigned to the number 1 frame of the left reel 110, “bell design” is assigned to the number 0 frame of the middle reel 111, and “seven 1” is assigned to the number 2 frame of the right reel 112. The “design” is arranged.

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

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a special combination and a general combination (replay combination 1 to replay combination 4, small combination 1 to small combination 3). The types of winning combinations are not limited to these combinations and can be arbitrarily adopted. Among the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the special combination is a combination that shifts to a special gaming state in which a predetermined profit is given to the player. In addition, the replaying role 1 to the replaying role 4 are roles that allow replaying without newly inserting medals. These winning combinations may be referred to as “acting combinations”. In addition, the “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an operating combination that does not accompany a medal payout (and does not pay out a medal) is displayed on the active line. The winning combination of the game player 1 to the re-game player 4 is included.

  The special combination is a combination (operating combination) that shifts to a special gaming state by winning a prize. However, medals will not be paid out for winning this role. The corresponding symbol combination is “Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1” or “Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2”.

  When the special combination is won internally, the special combination internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination is set to ON (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). When this flag is set to ON, the main control unit 300 shifts the gaming state to the special combination internal winning state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT3). This flag is kept on until winning the internal winning combination, and it becomes easy to win the internal winning combination in subsequent games. In other words, even if a special role is won internally, even if the special role is not won, it will be in the state where the special role is won internally in the next and subsequent games, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the special role will be easy to win. Become. This special combination internal winning state (RT3) will be described later.

  The main control unit 300 shifts the gaming state to the special gaming state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT4) based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination. Further, in the special game state, when a predetermined number of payouts are made, the game is shifted to a re-game low probability state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT0). The special game state (RT4) and the replay low probability state (RT1) will be described later.

  Re-Gamer 1 to Re-Gamer 4 are a winning combination (operating combination) that can play a game without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medals are paid out. . The corresponding symbol combinations are “replay-replay-replay (ordinary replay)” for replayer 1, “replay-replay-bell (promotion replay)” for replayer 2, and “bell-” for replayer 3. “Replay-Replay (falling replay)” and Replaying role 4 are “BAR-BAR-BAR (privilege replay)”.

  The main control unit 300 changes the gaming state from the re-gaming low probability state (RT1) to the re-gaming high probability state (hereinafter referred to as RT2) based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the re-gaming player 2. And the gaming state is shifted from the re-gaming high probability state (RT2) to the re-gaming low probability state (RT1).

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

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

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

  The slot machine 100 is roughly divided into four game states: a replay low probability state (RT1), a replay high probability state (RT2), a special role internal winning state (RT3), and a special game state (RT4). These gaming states are controlled by the main control unit 300. FIG. 6A shows these four game states. FIG. 6B shows the transition conditions for each gaming state, and FIG. 6A shows the symbols corresponding to the transition conditions shown in FIG. 6B on the arrows connecting the gaming states. Has been. When the transition condition corresponding to the symbol described in each arrow is established, the gaming state transitions in the direction of the arrow. Conditions for this game state transition include, for example, winning a predetermined combination, winning a predetermined combination internally, stopping a specific combination of symbols on a specific winning line, and playing a specified number of games. And a predetermined number of payouts may be made.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a lottery table for winning combinations in each gaming state. The horizontal axis represents each gaming state, and the vertical axis represents the lottery value for each winning combination. The internal winning probability of the winning combination in each gaming state described below is a random value obtained from the lottery data prepared in the ROM 306 corresponding to the range of the lottery data associated with each winning combination at the time of the internal lottery. Is obtained by dividing by numerical data in the range of (for example, 65535).

  For example, in the replay low probability state (RT1), the lottery value of the small combination 1 is 512, and the winning probability of the small combination 1 is 512/65536 * 100≈8%. The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

<Replay low probability state (RT1)
The replay low probability state is a game state in which the internal winning probability of replay is the lowest (unfavorable for the player) among other game states (for example, game states other than the special game state), and is referred to as a normal game state There is also. In the replay low probability state, a winning combination to be internally won is drawn by referring to the lottery table in the column “RT1” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG.

  The winning combination that is won internally in the low reprobability state includes a special combination, a replay combination 1, a replay combination 1-2, a small combination 1, a small combination 2, and a small combination 3a. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed. The fact that the symbol combination related to winning in the winning line is not stopped may be referred to as “losing”. In addition, the fact that the winning combination has not been won may be expressed as “winning”.

  Here, “re-game combination 1-2” indicates that re-play game combination 1 and re-play combination 2 are simultaneously elected internally. In this case, it is determined which symbol combination corresponding to which combination is displayed according to the operation order of the player. More specifically, when the stop operation is performed in accordance with the correct operation sequence that is a predetermined operation sequence, the symbol combination (promotion replay) corresponding to the re-game player 2 is displayed (in the remarks column of FIG. In other cases, the symbol combination (normal replay) corresponding to the replaying combination 1 is displayed (refer to the remarks column in FIG. 7 when the operation order is incorrect).

  In the slot machine 100 of the embodiment, there are a plurality of operation orders depending on the combination of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation (for example, left middle right, left and right middle, middle left and right, middle right and left, right and left middle , Right, middle, left, total 6 ways). The “re-game player 1-2” described above includes a plurality of “re-game players 1-2” in which one of these operation orders is the correct operation order. In addition, the internal winning probabilities of these multiple types of “re-gamer 1-2” are equal. The internal winning probability shown in FIG. 7 is the sum of the internal winning probabilities of these multiple types of “re-gamer 1-2”. Like this “re-game player 1-2”, a re-game player in which the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is determined by the operation order may be referred to as “push order replay”.

  Up to this point, the “re-gamer 1-2” in FIG. 7 has been described, but the “small game 3a” is also set so that the player's advantage and disadvantage differ depending on the player's operation order. This will be specifically described below. When “Pocket 3a” is won internally, a winning line on which a symbol combination corresponding to the small role 3 is displayed is determined according to the player's operation order (see the remarks column in FIG. 7). More specifically, when a stop operation is performed in accordance with a correct operation sequence that is a predetermined operation sequence, the “bell symbol” is displayed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of number 5 shown in FIG. 2). In other cases, the “bell symbol” is displayed in the lower part of the middle reel 111 (see the position of the number 6 shown in FIG. 2).

  When the “bell symbol” is displayed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of the number 5 shown in FIG. 2), the middle stage winning line L1, the lower right winning line L2, and the upper right winning line L3 shown in FIG. The symbol combinations corresponding to the small role 3 are arranged on one pay line, and 12 medals are paid out (refer to the remarks column in FIG. 7 when the operation order is correct). When the “bell symbol” is displayed in the lower part of the middle reel 111 (see the position of the number 6 shown in FIG. 2), the symbol combinations corresponding to the lower prize line L4 shown in FIG. It is paid out (refer to the remarks column in FIG. 7 when the operation sequence is incorrect).

  In the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, there are a plurality of operation orders depending on the combination of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation (for example, left / right middle, left middle / right, right middle / left, right / left middle, (1st stop in the middle, total 5 ways) In the “small role 3a” described above, there are a plurality of types of “small roles 3a” in which one of these operation orders is the correct operation order. In addition, the internal winning probabilities of these “small roles 3a” are set equally. That is, there is no advantage or disadvantage that a stop operation in a specific operation order is advantageous to the player. Note that this embodiment is an example, and it may be advantageous to the player when, for example, these internal winning probabilities are varied and a stop operation is performed according to a specific operation order. A small combination in which the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is determined by the operation order, such as “small combination 3a”, may be referred to as “push order small combination”.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when a symbol combination corresponding to the replaying combination 2 is displayed in the replaying low probability state (RT1) (when winning the replaying combination 2; when the transition condition (A) is satisfied) Is shown to shift to a replay high probability state (RT2) described later. Also, the figure shows that when the special combination is won internally (when the transition condition (C) is satisfied), the state shifts to a special combination internal winning state (RT3) described later. Furthermore, when the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination is displayed (when the special combination is won. When the transition condition (D) is satisfied), it is indicated that the state shifts to the special game state (RT4) described later. ing.

<Replay high probability state (RT2)>
The re-game high probability state (RT2) is a game state in which the internal winning probability of the re-gamer is higher than that of the re-game low probability state (RT1). In the re-playing high probability state (RT2), the winning combination to be won internally is lottery with reference to the lottery table in the column “RT2” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG.

  In the re-game high probability state (RT2), the winning combination that is won internally is a special role, a re-playing role 1, a re-playing role 1-3, a re-playing role 1-4, a small role 1, a small role 2, a small role 3a. There is. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed.

  Here, “re-playing combination 1-3” indicates that re-playing combination 1 and re-playing combination 3 were internally elected simultaneously. In this case, it is determined which symbol combination corresponding to which combination is displayed according to the operation order of the player. More specifically, when a stop operation is performed in accordance with a correct operation sequence that is a predetermined operation sequence, a symbol combination (ordinary replay) corresponding to the re-game player 1 is displayed (in FIG. In other cases, the symbol combination (falling replay) corresponding to the replaying combination 3 is displayed (refer to the remarks column in FIG. 7 when the operation order is incorrect).

  In addition, “re-playing combination 1-4” indicates that re-playing combination 1 and re-playing combination 4 are internally won at the same time. In this case, it is determined which symbol combination corresponding to which combination is displayed according to the player's operation order and the player's stop operation timing. More specifically, unless a stop operation is performed in accordance with a correct operation sequence that is a predetermined operation sequence, and a re-game player 4 (privilege replay) cannot be won in any of the winning lines, The symbol (BAR symbol) constituting the re-playing combination 4 is stopped. On the other hand, in other cases, the symbol combination (normal replay) corresponding to the re-playing player 1 is displayed on any winning line (refer to the remarks column in FIG. 7 when the operation order is incorrect).

  The slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment performs stop control (so-called pull-in control) for stopping a symbol within a predetermined range on the upstream side of the reel rotation direction from a predetermined region in the display window 113 in this predetermined region. It is possible. By this pull-in control, it is easy to stop the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the display window 113, and there is a possibility of winning the re-playing role 4, the symbols constituting the re-playing role 4 Priority is given to stopping.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 8, “re-game player 1-4” is internally won, and the symbols constituting re-game player 4 are within a predetermined range from the predetermined pay line (the same range as the maximum draw range, or the maximum draw). An example of a case where a stop operation is performed at a timing within the range) and a case where a stop operation is performed at a timing other than this timing will be described. In the present embodiment, the predetermined range is the same as the maximum pull-in range. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stop mode when the re-game player 1-4 is internally won.

  In the middle column (b) of FIG. 8, the re-game player 1-4 is internally won, and the correct operation sequence (in this example, reverse push of right, middle, and left) is the predetermined operation sequence. In addition, a stop operation is performed at a timing when the BAR symbols constituting the re-playing combination 4 are within a predetermined range (the same range as the maximum pull-in range or a range included in the maximum pull-in range) from the middle pay line L1, The state that the symbol combination (BAR-BAR-BAR) corresponding to the combination 4 is aligned on the middle stage winning line L1 is shown.

  On the other hand, in the left column (a) in the figure, an incorrect winning operation order (in this example, left, middle, right) is selected, which is an internal winning combination for the re-game player 1-4 and is not a predetermined operation order. It is shown that the stop operation is performed by pressing and the symbol combination (bell-bell-bell) corresponding to the re-game player 1 is aligned on the right-down winning line L2.

  Also, in the right column (c) of the same figure, the re-game player 1-4 is internally won, and the correct operation sequence that is a predetermined operation sequence (in this example, reverse push of right, middle, left) ), But when the left reel 110 is stopped, the BAR symbols constituting the re-playing combination 4 are included in a predetermined range (the same range as the maximum drawing range or the maximum drawing range) from the middle stage winning line L1. It is shown that the stop operation is performed at a timing outside (range), and the symbol combinations (bell-bell-bell) corresponding to the re-playing combination 1 are aligned on the lower winning line L4.

<Outline of stepping motor>
Here, an outline of the stepping motor responsible for the rotational drive of the reel in the gaming machine of the present embodiment and the control (normal rotation) of the reels 110 to 112 in a normal game will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of a stepping motor.

  FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the stepping motor around the rotation axis of the stepping motor. This stepping motor is a so-called PM-type stepping motor, and includes a rotor R around which a plurality of magnets are arranged and a stator S in which four electromagnets having a so-called two-phase winding configuration are arranged in order. (See the enlarged view of FIG. 9A). In this embodiment, a PM type stepping motor is used, but another type of motor such as a so-called HB type stepping motor may be used.

  The magnets arranged on the rotor R are arranged so that N poles and S poles are alternately arranged at equal intervals, and the total number is 252. The four systems of electromagnets, electromagnet A1, electromagnet B1, electromagnet A2, and electromagnet B2, arranged on stator S, are arranged at equal intervals so as to face the magnet arranged on rotor R. The number of electromagnets in one system is 63, and 252 electromagnets are arranged in the entire stator S.

  This stepping motor applies force to the magnets arranged around the rotor R by controlling the four systems of electromagnets arranged on the stator S, and rotates the rotor R. FIG. 9B shows an example of control pulses used when controlling four systems of electromagnets. This pulse is an excitation type pulse called 1-2 phase excitation. In this method, the excitation pattern of the stator S is 8 patterns. In FIG. 9C, these eight excitation patterns are shown by signals for four electromagnets. This pattern is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

  When the reels 110 to 112 are rotated in the forward direction, control is performed to sequentially switch the pattern shown in FIG. 9C from top to bottom, such as pattern 1, pattern 2, pattern 3,. . Note that the control after the pattern 8 is switched to the pattern 1. Further, when the reels 110 to 112 are rotated in the reverse direction, the pattern shown in FIG. 9C is switched in order from the bottom to the top, contrary to the case where the reels 110 to 112 are rotated in the forward direction. Note that the control after the pattern 1 is switched to the pattern 8. Furthermore, when the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, control for maintaining the excitation pattern may be performed. However, in this embodiment, in order to maintain the stopped state with a larger torque, the stopped state of the reels 110 to 112 is maintained by an excitation method called so-called two-phase excitation.

  The stepping motor of the present embodiment can rotate the reels 110 to 112 once by switching the excitation pattern 504 times. That is, the positions of the reels 110 to 112 can be controlled in increments of 0.71 ° (360 ° / 504). When moving one symbol, it is necessary to switch the excitation pattern 24 times (504 times / 21 symbols) in either the forward direction or the reverse direction.

  Hereinafter, changes in the excitation pattern when performing reel control will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. FIG. 10 is a first diagram of all two diagrams showing excitation switching patterns corresponding to the reel control states in a table. FIG. 11 is a second diagram of all the two diagrams showing the excitation switching pattern corresponding to the reel control state in a table.

  In FIG. 10, the reels 110 to 112 that are in a stopped state (stop control state) by operating the start lever 135 are gradually accelerated (acceleration control state) until reaching a constant speed, and then at a constant speed by an operation of stop operation. Details of excitation patterns (hereinafter referred to as excitation switching patterns) that are switched to perform a series of controls until the reels 110 to 112 that are rotating (constant speed control state / retraction control state) are stopped (brake control state). It is shown.

  For example, the excitation pattern in the stopped state is not necessarily the same excitation pattern because the excitation pattern is adjusted so that the positions of the symbols applied to the reels 110 to 112 stop on the effective line of the display window 113. . For this reason, in FIG. 10, the excitation pattern that maintains the stopped state among the excitation patterns shown in FIG. 9C is used as a reference (excitation pattern offset value is 0), and excitation is performed in the forward direction therefrom. The excitation switching pattern is represented by the number of times the pattern is switched. FIG. 10 shows this number as the excitation pattern offset value. For example, when the reel is in a stopped state in the state of the excitation pattern 2, an excitation pattern offset value of 0 indicates that the excitation pattern 2 is present, and an excitation pattern offset value of 1 indicates that the excitation pattern offset value is 1. In other words, an excitation pattern offset value of 7 indicates excitation pattern 1. Further, the value shown in the holding time column of the tables shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is a value obtained by multiplying the number of interruptions by the interruption time of 1.504 ms.

  First, in the “stop control state” of the item “state”, an excitation switching pattern for maintaining the stop state of the reels 110 to 112 is shown. According to this excitation switching pattern, the stopped state of the reels 110 to 112 is maintained by maintaining one excitation pattern by the two-phase excitation method, and the current used by the stepping motor at that time is 20%. ing.

  Subsequently, control for starting rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is performed by operating the start lever 135. The item “state” “acceleration control state” indicates an excitation switching pattern for performing control for accelerating the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. For example, from when the initial excitation pattern offset value is 0 to when the excitation pattern offset value is 2, the excitation pattern offset value is 18 ms (12 interruptions) and the excitation pattern offset value is 1. It is shown that the state is maintained for 18 ms (12 interrupts) and the excitation pattern offset value is 2 for 4.5 ms (3 interrupts). According to this excitation switching pattern, the control for accelerating the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is executed by sequentially switching the excitation pattern of the 1-2 phase excitation method and gradually shortening the holding time. It has been shown. It is shown that the current used by the stepping motor in this control is 100%.

  After the rotation speeds of the reels 110 to 112 reach a constant speed, the rotation speeds of the reels 110 to 112 are maintained at a constant speed until a brake control state described later is reached based on the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139. In the item “state”, “constant speed control state / retraction control state”, an excitation switching pattern for keeping the rotation speed of the reels 110 to 112 at a constant speed is shown. Here, it is shown that all excitation patterns are held for 1.5 ms (one interruption). That is, this excitation switching pattern indicates that the 1-2 phase excitation method excitation pattern is sequentially switched at equal intervals in accordance with a desired speed. By this control, the rotation speed of the reels 110 to 112 is kept constant. The current used by the stepping motor in this control is 60%. In the constant speed control state / retraction control state, only a total of eight excitation pattern offset values of 0 to 7 are shown, but this control state is repeated until the reels 110 to 112 are in the brake control state.

  After the rotation speeds of the reels 110 to 112 reach a constant speed, control to stop the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is performed based on the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139. The item “state” “brake control state” indicates an excitation switching pattern for stopping the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. With this excitation switching pattern, one excitation pattern is maintained (75.2 seconds) by the two-phase excitation method, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is braked, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped. In order to shift to the stop control state of the two-phase excitation method after the brake control state 1, the brake control state is always configured to be two-phase excitation. Further, it is shown that the current used by the stepping motor in this control is 100%.

  Reel control related to normal game progression is performed by the excitation switching pattern shown in FIG. 10, but when predetermined conditions (details will be described later) are satisfied, the reels 110 to 110 are used using the excitation switching pattern shown in FIG. 11. 112 is shifted to the effect rotation control state. FIG. 11 shows details of the excitation switching pattern in this effect rotation control state.

  For example, from when the first excitation pattern offset value is 0 to when the excitation pattern offset value is 2, the excitation pattern offset value is 18 ms (12 interruptions) and the excitation pattern offset value is 7 It is shown that the state is held for 18 ms (12 interruptions) and the excitation pattern offset value is 6 for 4.5 ms (3 interruptions). According to this excitation switching pattern, it is shown that the control for rotating the reels 110 to 112 in the reverse direction is executed by sequentially switching the excitation pattern of the 1-2 phase excitation method. It is shown that the current used by the stepping motor in this reverse rotation control is 60%. When the last excitation pattern offset value is 0, one excitation pattern is maintained (37.6 seconds) by the two-phase excitation method, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is braked, and the reels 110 to 112 are maintained. Is stopped. Further, it is shown that the current used by the stepping motor in this control is 100%.

<Outline of processing>
Hereinafter, processing in the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500 described above will be described with reference to flowcharts. Prior to this description, an outline of the operations brought about by these processes will be described.

  First, retraction will be described. It is difficult for most players to perform a stop operation when a predetermined symbol comes in a predetermined stop area. Therefore, when there is this predetermined symbol in a predetermined range upstream of the predetermined stop area from the rotation direction of the reel, by performing stop control to stop the predetermined symbol in the predetermined stop region, the interest of the game is reduced. To prevent or to ensure the fairness of the game. Such a process is called “retraction”, and a range where this retraction is performed is called a retraction range. However, if this pull-in range is provided indefinitely, the interest of the game will be reduced. Therefore, the maximum value is set in the pull-in range. The maximum value of the pull-in range is referred to as the maximum pull-in range (in this embodiment, a range corresponding to four symbols). In addition, the number of symbols corresponding to the distance that the reel moves from the timing when the stop operation is performed by the pull-in until the reel stops is referred to as the number of drawn symbols. Hereinafter, processing of the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

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

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

  In step S103, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. In addition, it prepares to send an insertion command indicating that a medal has been inserted. When a re-game player is won in the previous game, the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game are processed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Further, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 135, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the number of inserted medals is determined and an effective winning line is determined. In step S107, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired. In step S109, a winning combination internal lottery process (details will be described later) is performed.

  In step S111, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result in step S107. The reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. In step S113, a reel rotation start process is performed. Although details will be described later, in this reel rotation processing, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started.

  In step S115, a reel stop control process is executed. Although details will be described later, in this reel stop control process, when any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is pressed, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped and all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped. In the next step S117, a winning determination process (details will be described later) is performed. In step S119, as a result of the winning determination process, if any winning combination with a payout has been won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines.

  In step S121, game state control processing (details will be described later) is performed, and one game is completed as described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds by returning to step S103 and repeating the above-described processing.

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

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

  In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed. In step S203, the WDT 314 is periodically changed to the initial value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) so that no WDT interruption occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S205, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area. In step S207, various game processes are performed. Although details will be described later, in these various game processes, a process according to the interrupt status is executed. In step S209, timer update processing is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step S211, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, basic command, input command, start lever reception command, internal winning command, effect rotation control execution command, reel rotation start command accompanying the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112, stop button 137 To 139, a stop button reception command associated with the acceptance of the operation, a stop position information command associated with the reel 110 to 112 stop process, a winning determination command, a payout number command associated with the medal payout process, a payout end command, a reel stop command, and a gaming state Update command), bits 0-10 are command data Is composed of predetermined information) corresponding to the command type.

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

  In step S213, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334. In step S217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S221. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219.

  In step S219, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register. Then, the process returns to the main control unit main process. On the other hand, in step S221, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit.

<Internal winning lottery process>
Next, the winning combination internal lottery process (step S109) in the main control unit main process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the winning combination internal lottery process.

  In step S301, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using the random number value acquired in the random number acquisition process in step S107. Then, as a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is set to ON. In step S302, preparation for transmitting an internal winning command indicating the result of the internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400 is made.

  In step S303, it is determined whether or not replays 1-4 have been internally won by internal lottery. If the internal winning is made, the process proceeds to step S304, and if not, the process is terminated. In step S304, the first preparation flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON (for example, numerical information of 1 is stored; the same applies to the following), and the process ends.

<Reel rotation start processing>
Next, the reel rotation start process (step S113) in the main control unit main process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of reel rotation start processing.

  In step S401, it is determined whether or not the value of the game interval timer stored in the RAM 308 is 0 (whether or not a predetermined game interval time has elapsed). If the value of the game interval timer is not 0 ( If the predetermined game interval time has not elapsed), the determination processing in step S401 is repeatedly executed to wait for the game interval time to elapse, and when the value of the game interval timer is 0 (predetermined predetermined time) If the game interval time has elapsed), the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, an initial value of the game interval timer (for example, a value corresponding to 4.1 seconds) is set, and in the next step S403, information indicating that reel control is in progress is stored in the interrupt control state stored in the RAM 308. Set. In step S404, it is determined whether or not the second preparation flag stored in the RAM 308 is on or off. If on, the process proceeds to step S405 to perform effect rotation control execution processing A (details will be described later). In this case, the process proceeds to step S406 without performing the effect rotation control execution process A. Here, the second preparation flag is turned on when it is determined that the first preparation flag is turned on (internal winning of the re-gamer 1-4) and the re-gamer 4 is won in the winning determination process described later. Is a flag set to

  In step S406, each of the reels 110 to 112 is set to the above-described “acceleration control state”. In the next step S407, the acceleration control start flag stored in the RAM 308 is set to ON, and the process ends.

<Production rotation control execution process A>
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the effect rotation control execution process A (step S405) in the reel rotation start process will be described in detail. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect rotation control execution process A.

  In step S501, the winning probability of the lottery performed in step S505 described later is set. In this embodiment, the winning probability is set to 90%, but the winning probability may be a numerical value other than 90%, or a plurality of winning probabilities are prepared and the winning probability is changed in the effect rotation control execution process A. Also good. In step S502, an initial value is set in the operation reception timer stored in the RAM 308. In the next step S503, whether or not the value of this operation reception timer is 0 (whether a predetermined operation reception time has elapsed). Or not). If the value of the operation reception timer is 0 (when a predetermined operation reception time has elapsed), the process proceeds to step S505. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, it is determined whether or not the operation of the start lever 135 is accepted. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S505, and if not accepted, the process returns to step S503. In step S505, a lottery is executed in accordance with the winning probability set in step S501. In step S506, it is determined whether or not the lottery has been won. If it has been won, the process proceeds to step S508. In step S507, the second preparation flag described above is set to OFF.

  In step S508, preparation for transmitting the effect rotation control execution command to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed, and in the next step S509, the reels 110 to 112 are set to the above-described “effect rotation control state”. It is suggested that the lottery in step S505 is won, and in the next step S510, the effect rotation control start flag stored in the RAM 308 is set to ON. In step S511, it is determined whether or not the effect rotation control has ended. If not, the determination process in step S511 is repeatedly executed to wait for the effect rotation control to end. The process returns to step S502.

  In this effect rotation control execution process A, if a lottery is executed in step S505 and it is determined that the lottery is won in step S506, the processes of steps S502 to S505 are executed after the processes of steps S508 to S511 are executed. The lottery is executed again in step S505. That is, in the effect rotation control execution process A, as long as the lottery in step S505 continues to be won (until non-winning is derived as the lottery result in step S505), the process includes steps S506 to S511 and steps S502 to S505. The “loop lottery process” is repeatedly executed.

  Note that the loop lottery process indicated by the effect rotation control execution process A is executed when the player has operated the start lever or when the operation reception timer reaches 0, as shown in steps S503 and S504. That is, the lottery process is intermittently executed, and when the lottery process is won, a corresponding process (in this embodiment, a process for performing effect rotation control) is executed. Therefore, this loop lottery process makes the player recognize that it has won every time the lottery process is won.

  Further, in the effect rotation control execution process A, an example is shown in which a lottery win and a non-win are determined in step S506. If there are a plurality of lottery results in step S505, each lottery result is determined in step S506. (For example, if the lottery result A is won, the process X is performed. If the lottery result B is won, the process Y is performed, and both the lottery results A and B are won.) If not, process Z is performed). In addition, an example is shown in which the process proceeds to the subsequent process when it is determined in step S511 that the effect rotation control has ended. For example, instead of this process, a timer is set when it is determined that the lottery is won in step S506. Then, when the timer reaches 0 (when a predetermined time has passed after winning the lottery), the process may proceed to subsequent processing.

<Reel stop control process>
Next, the reel stop control process (step S115) in the main control unit main process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel stop control process.

  In step S601, it is determined whether or not all of the reels 110 to 112 are in the above-described “constant speed control state”. If not, the determination process of step S601 is repeatedly executed until it is applicable. Advances to step S602. In the next step S602, it is determined whether or not each of the index sensors of all the reels 110 to 112 has been detected. If not detected, the determination process in step S602 is repeatedly executed until it is detected. Then, the process proceeds to step S603.

  In step S603, all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are activated, and in the next step S604, it is determined whether or not the stop control execution flag stored in the RAM 308 is on or off. The determination process of S604 is repeatedly executed, and if it is on, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S606, all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are invalidated, and in the next step S606, the above-described stop control execution flag is set to OFF.

  In step S607, it is determined whether or not all of the reels 110 to 112 are in the “stop control state” described above. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S608, and no special processing is performed in the interrupt control state described above (main control). Information indicating an interrupt control state in which processing is not executed in various game processes of the part timer interrupt process is set, and if applicable, the process proceeds to step S609. In step S609, an initial value is set for the next stop data stored in the RAM 308. Then, in step S610, the stop button corresponding to the stoppable reel is validated, and the process returns to step S604.

<Winning determination process>
Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the winning determination process (step S117) in the main control part main process will be described in detail. In addition, the figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of a winning determination process.

  In step S701, a winning determination process is performed. In this winning determination process, when a symbol combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “ANY-Bell-ANY” is aligned on the activated pay line, it is determined that the small role 3 has been won.

  In step S702, it is determined whether or not the first preparation flag is on or off. If it is on (when it is determined that the re-gamer 1-4 has been internally won in step S303 of the winning combination internal lottery process). In step S703, the process proceeds to step S706 without performing the processes in steps S703 to S705. In step S703, it is determined whether or not the re-playing player 4 has been won as a result of the winning determination, and if it has been won, the process proceeds to step S704 and the above-described second preparation flag is set to ON, and then the process proceeds to step S705. If no prize has been won, the process proceeds to step S705. In step S705, the first preparation flag described above is set to OFF. In step S706, after making a preparation for transmitting a winning determination command to the first sub-control unit 400, the process ends.

<Game state control processing>
Next, the gaming state control process (step S121) in the main control unit main process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the game state control process.

  In step S801, game state update processing is performed. In this game state update process, processing related to transition of each game state of the replay low probability state (RT1), the replay high probability state (RT2), the special role internal winning state (RT3), and the special game state (RT4) is performed. The gaming state is shifted by satisfying the start condition or the end condition. In the next step S <b> 802, after preparing to transmit a gaming state update command to the first sub-control unit 400, the process is terminated.

<Various game processing>
Next, various game processes (step S207) in the main controller timer interrupt process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of various game processes.

  In step S901, it is determined whether or not the interrupt control state stored in the RAM 308 is in reel control. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S902 to perform reel control processing (details will be described later). In step S903, other various game processes are performed, and then the process ends.

<Reel control processing>
Next, the reel control process (step S902) in the above various game processes will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel control process.

  In step S1001, it is determined whether or not the stop button is valid. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1002, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1003. In step S1002, after executing a stop button reception process (details will be described later), the process proceeds to step S1003.

  Next, the processing from step S1003 to S1006 described below is repeated for the number of reels (for each reel), and the reel control processing is terminated. In step S1003, it is determined whether or not the excitation switching flag stored in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If the excitation switching flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S1004. The process proceeds to S1006. This excitation switching flag is a flag that is set to ON during the interrupt processing in order to update the excitation pattern offset value.

  In step S1004, the excitation pattern offset value stored in the RAM 308 is updated. More specifically, in this process, the drive circuit 322 is instructed to update the excitation pattern offset value. In step S1005, the excitation switching flag is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S1006. In step S1006, each reel control process (details will be described later) according to the reel control state is executed.

<Stop button reception process>
Next, the stop button reception process (step S1002) in the reel control process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of stop button reception processing.

  In step S1101, it is determined whether or not the operation of two or more stop buttons among the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been accepted (stop button duplication acceptance). When the operation of two or more stop buttons is received, the stop button receiving process is terminated. On the other hand, if the operation of two or more stop buttons has not been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1102.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether an operation of a stop button corresponding to an unstopped reel has been accepted. If an operation of a stop button corresponding to an unstopped reel is accepted, the process proceeds to step S1103. On the other hand, when the operation of the stop button corresponding to the non-stop reel has not been received, the stop button reception process is ended.

  In step S1103, at the timing when the stop button is operated, a process of acquiring the symbol position of the reel to be stopped is executed. In the next step S1104, the symbol position acquired in step S1103 and the set stop data are set. Based on, a process for deriving the number of drawn symbols is executed. In step S1105, the reel control state is set to the pull-in control state, and the process proceeds to step S1106.

  In step S1106, the information on the stoppable reel stored in the RAM 308 is updated. In the next step S1107, the stop control execution flag is set to ON for the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the operation has been accepted, and the process is performed. finish.

<Each reel control process according to reel control state>
Next, with reference to FIG. 23, each reel control process (step S1006) according to the reel control state in the reel control process will be described in detail. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of each reel control process according to the reel control state.

  In step S1201, the reel control state stored in the RAM 308 is referred to determine whether or not the reel control state is the acceleration control state. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S1202 to execute acceleration control processing (details will be described later). After the execution, the process ends. If not applicable, the process proceeds to step S1203. In step S1203, it is determined whether or not the reel control state is a constant speed control state. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S1204 to execute constant speed control processing (details will be described later), and the processing ends. If not, the process proceeds to step S1204.

  In step S1205, it is determined whether or not the reel control state is the pull-in control state. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S1206 to execute the pull-in control process (details will be described later), and the process ends. Then, the process proceeds to step S1207. In step S1207, it is determined whether or not the reel control state is a brake control state. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S1208 to execute a brake control process (details will be described later), and the process ends. Then, the process proceeds to step S1209.

  In step S1209, it is determined whether or not the reel control state is the effect rotation control state. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S1210 to execute the effect rotation control process (details will be described later), and the process ends. If not, the process ends.

<Acceleration control processing>
Next, the acceleration control process (step S1202) in each reel control process according to the reel control state will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of an acceleration control process.

  In step S1301, it is determined whether the acceleration control start flag stored in the RAM 308 is on or off. If it is on, the process proceeds to step 1302, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step S1305. In step S1302, an initial value is set in the excitation switching counter stored in the RAM 308. In the next step S1303, the above-described acceleration control start flag is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S1304.

  In step S1304, after the next excitation maintaining counter stored in the RAM 308 is set, the process is terminated. Specifically, the value of the number of interruptions corresponding to the holding time of each excitation pattern offset value shown in FIG. 10 is set, such as 12 for the first time, 12 for the second time, and 3 for the third time. . For example, when the value of the excitation maintaining counter is 12, this corresponds to a holding time of 18.0 ms (one interruption: 1.504 ms × 12 times). With the value set here, the holding time corresponding to each excitation pattern offset value in the acceleration control state of FIG. 10 is secured.

  In step S1305, the above-described excitation maintenance counter is updated. Here, the excitation maintaining counter is a counter used for counting the number of interruptions for maintaining the excitation pattern. The value shown in the holding time column of the tables shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is a value obtained by multiplying the interrupt time by 1.504 ms, which is the interrupt time. In this embodiment, the number of interruptions is set in the excitation maintaining counter, and the same excitation pattern is maintained until the required number of interruptions is satisfied, whereby the same excitation pattern is maintained over the holding time shown in FIGS. It is comprised so that. The value of the excitation maintenance counter is set in step S1304 when an acceleration start request is made and every time the excitation pattern is switched.

  In step S1306, it is determined whether or not the excitation maintenance counter is 0 (whether or not a predetermined excitation maintenance period has elapsed). If it is 0 (if a predetermined excitation maintenance period has elapsed), the process proceeds to step S1307. If it is not 0, the process is terminated. In step S1307, the excitation switching flag stored in the RAM 308 is set to ON. When the excitation switching flag is set to ON, the excitation pattern offset value is updated in step S1004 of the reel control process described above.

  In step S1308, the excitation switching counter is updated. Here, the excitation switching counter is a counter used for counting the number of times of switching the excitation pattern offset values shown in FIGS. For example, in the acceleration control state, the reel is accelerated by sequentially updating the excitation pattern offset value 32 times (see FIG. 10). This number of updates is set in step S1302 as an initial value of the excitation switching counter.

  In step S1309, the symbol interval counter stored in the RAM 308 is updated, and in the next step S1310, it is determined whether the symbol interval counter is 0 (whether a predetermined symbol interval period has elapsed) or not. In the case of (when a predetermined symbol interval period has elapsed), the process proceeds to step S1311, and when it is not 0, the process proceeds to step S1312. In step S1311, the symbol position is updated.

  In step S1312, it is determined whether the excitation switching counter is 0 (whether a predetermined excitation switching period has elapsed) or not. If not (step S1312, if a predetermined excitation switching period has not elapsed), step S1312 is performed. Proceeding to S1304, the next excitation maintenance counter is set, and when it is 0, the processing is terminated. In step S1313, the process ends after the target reel is set to the constant speed control state.

<Constant speed control processing>
Next, the constant speed control process (step S1204) in each reel control process according to the reel control state will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of constant speed control processing.

  In step S1401, the value of the symbol interval counter (details will be described later) is updated (counted down). In the next step 1402, it is determined whether the symbol interval counter is 0 (whether a predetermined symbol interval period has passed). If it is 0 (when a predetermined symbol interval has elapsed), the process proceeds to step S1403. If not 0, the process proceeds to step S1405. In step S1403, the value of the symbol interval counter is initialized. In the next step S1404, after the symbol position is updated, the process proceeds to step S1405.

  In step S1405, the excitation switching flag is set to ON. In the next step S1406, it is determined whether or not a signal (L level signal) from the index sensor is detected among the various sensors 318. If this signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S1407, and if not, the process ends. In step S1407, the symbol position and symbol interval counters are initialized. That is, in step S1406 and step S1407, the symbol position and symbol interval counters are initialized every time the reel reaches the reference position. With this configuration, the error between the symbol position generated by the step-out and the like and the reel state derived by the symbol interval counter and the actual reel state is cleared.

  Here, a supplementary explanation will be given for the symbol position and symbol interval counter described above. First, the symbol position is information indicating in which position on the reel the symbol displayed on the display window 113 is a symbol. The symbol interval counter is information indicating how much the symbol is deviated from each position shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the position of the symbol and the deviation of the symbol are measured as follows.

  First, when the symbols coincide with each position shown in FIG. 2, the number of excitation pattern switching required for movement for one symbol is set in the symbol interval counter (step S1403). In the present embodiment, the excitation pattern is switched once for one interrupt in the constant speed control state. For this reason, the number of excitation pattern switching times is counted by counting down the value of the symbol interval counter at every interruption. Here, when the value of the symbol interval counter becomes 0, one symbol has been moved. For this reason, when the value of the symbol interval counter becomes 0, the symbol interval counter value is set again (step S1403), and the symbol position is updated so as to indicate the state after movement for one symbol. (Step S1404). Each time the reel reaches the reference position (for example, the position corresponding to the number 0 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed in the middle of the display window 113), the symbol position and symbol interval counter are initialized (step S1406 and step S1407).

  In other words, the current state of the reels 110 to 112 can be grasped by using the symbol position and symbol interval counter. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the excitation pattern is switched 32 times from the stop control state to the constant speed control state through the acceleration control state. Accordingly, in step S1311 shown in FIG. 24, the information on the symbol position and symbol interval counter is updated so as to indicate the state of the reels 110 to 112 when the acceleration control processing is completed. Further, as described above, in this embodiment, the excitation pattern is switched once for one interrupt in the constant speed control state. For this reason, the structure which grasps | ascertains the state of a reel only using a symbol space | interval counter, without using the data of the holding time corresponding to each excitation pattern offset value is employ | adopted. However, for example, when the excitation pattern is switched once by a plurality of interruptions, it may be impossible to grasp the reel state using only the symbol interval counter. In such a configuration, for example, a counter indicating the number of interruptions and a counter indicating the number of switching of excitation patterns may be separately provided.

<Retraction control processing>
Next, the pull-in control process (step S1206) in each reel control process according to the reel control state will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the pull-in control process.

  In step S1501, the pull-in counter stored in the RAM 308 is updated (counted down). In the next step S1502, it is determined whether or not the value of the pull-in counter is 0. If so, the process proceeds to step S1503. If not, the process ends.

  In step S1503, the brake counter value stored in the RAM 308 is initialized, and then the process proceeds to step S1504. Note that this brake counter is a counter used for maintaining a brake control state in which processing for stopping the reels 110 to 112 is performed (brake control processing is executed at every interruption). In this embodiment, the brake control state is maintained until 50 interruptions are made (see the holding time in FIG. 10). For this reason, this value (50) is set as the initial value of the brake counter. In step S1504, after the reel control state is set to the brake control state, the process ends.

<Brake control processing>
Next, the brake control process (step S1208) in each reel control process according to the reel control state will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of a brake control process.

  In step S1601, the brake counter is updated (counted down). In the next step S1602, it is determined whether or not the value of the brake counter is 0. If it is 0, the process proceeds to step S1603. Ends the process. In step S1603, after the reel control state is set to the stop control state, the process ends.

<Direction rotation control processing>
Next, the effect rotation control process (step S1210) in each reel control process according to the reel control state will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect rotation control process.

  In step S1701, it is determined whether the effect circuit control start flag stored in the RAM 308 is on or off. If it is on, the process proceeds to step 1702, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step S1705. In step S1702, an initial value is set in the excitation switching counter described above. In the next step S1703, the acceleration control start flag is set off, and the process proceeds to step S1704.

  In step S1704, the processing is terminated after the next excitation maintaining counter is set. Specifically, the value of the number of interruptions corresponding to the holding time of each excitation pattern offset value shown in FIG. 11 is set, such as 12 for the first time, 12 for the second time, and 3 for the third time. . For example, when the value of the excitation maintaining counter is 12, this corresponds to a holding time of 18.0 ms (one interruption: 1.504 ms × 12 times). With the value set here, the holding time corresponding to each excitation pattern offset value in the effect rotation control state of FIG. 11 is secured.

  In step S1705, the above-described excitation maintenance counter is updated. In step S1706, it is determined whether the excitation maintenance counter is 0 (whether a predetermined excitation maintenance period has passed). If the excitation maintaining period has elapsed), the process proceeds to step S1707, and if not 0, the process ends. In step S1707, the above-described excitation switching flag is set to ON. When the excitation switching flag is set to ON, the excitation pattern offset value is updated in step S1004 of the reel control process described above.

  In step S1708, the excitation switching counter is updated. In step S1709, it is determined whether the excitation switching counter is 0 (whether a predetermined excitation switching period has elapsed) or not. If the period has not elapsed), the process proceeds to step S1710 to set the next excitation maintenance counter, and in the case of 0, the process ends. In step S1710, the target reel is set to the acceleration control state. In the next step S1711, the acceleration control start flag is set to ON, and then the process ends.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
Next, processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A is a flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400, and FIG. 2B is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 4C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step S1801, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S1801. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed. In this process, an area for storing internal winning information that is information representing the result of the internal winning and an area for storing RT update information that is information indicating the gaming state are provided in the RAM 408, respectively.

  In step S1802, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S305. In step S1803, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step S1804, command processing that is processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300 is executed. In step S1805, effect control processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this effect control process, preparation for effects is made according to effect reservation information in the effect reservation area provided in the RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, performing a process such as reading the effect data from the ROM 406 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step S1806, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result in step S1805. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step S1805, this command is output to the sound source IC 418. In step S1807, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result in step S1805. For example, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read in step S1805, this command is output to the drive circuit 422. In step S1808, information output processing is performed to perform setting for transmitting a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result in step S1805. For example, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read out in step S1805, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step S1802.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S1901 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408 as an unprocessed command.

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

  In step S2001, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S1802 in the first sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Accordingly, in step S1802, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S2002, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S1808, an effect random number update process, and the like are performed.

<Production control processing>
Next, the details of the effect control process (step S1805) in the first sub-control unit main process described above will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of an effect control process.

  In step S2101, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress. If the game is being played, the process proceeds to step S2102, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2102, the process is terminated after performing the game effect control process (details will be described later), and in step S2103, the process is terminated after the non-game effect control process is performed. In the non-game effect control process, when the operation of the effect button 170 is received via the sensor circuit 172, a process of switching the effect mode is performed.

  FIG. 31 shows an example of effect mode switching. When the first sub-control unit 400 accepts a press operation of the OK button of the effect button 170 during non-game, the first sub-control unit 400 sets effect data for selecting the effect mode and shifts to the effect mode selection state. In addition, a command for starting an effect mode selection effect is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 using the effect image display device 157.

  In addition, when the first sub-control unit 400 receives a pressing operation of the right button or the left button of the effect button 170 in the effect mode selection state, the first sub control unit 400 performs the notification mode (first effect state) or the secret mode (second effect). Effect data for selecting one of the (status) is set, and a command for switching the display between the notification mode and the secret mode using the effect image display device 157 is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500.

  Further, when the first sub-control unit 400 receives an operation of pressing the OK button of the effect button 170 in the effect mode selection state, the first sub control unit 400 stores the effect mode in the selected state in the RAM 408 as the effect state (determines the effect state). In addition, a command for terminating the effect mode selection effect is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500.

  In this example, the detection process of the pressing operation of the effect button 170 is performed by the first sub-control unit 400. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and other control units (for example, the main control unit 300) are used. A sensor circuit for the effect button 170 may be provided, and detection processing of a pressing operation of the effect button 170 may be performed via the sensor circuit. In this case, the effect button 170 is pressed from another control unit to the first sub-control unit 400. What is necessary is just to send the command which notifies operation.

<In-game effect control process>
Next, with reference to FIG. 32, the details of the effect control process during game (step S2102) in the effect control process described above will be described. In addition, the figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of the effect control process during a game.

  In step S2201, it is determined whether or not an internal winning command has been received from the main control unit 300 by referring to the information stored in the command storage area. If the command is received, the internal winning command is received in step S2202. After performing the time process (details will be described later), the process ends. If the command has not been received, the process advances to step S2203.

  In step S2203, it is determined whether or not a winning determination command has been received from the main control unit 300. When the command is received, in step S2204, a winning determination command reception process (details will be described later) is performed. If the command is not received, the process advances to step S2205.

  In step S2205, it is determined whether or not a gaming state update command has been received from the main control unit 300. If such a command has been received, after processing of a gaming state update command is received (details will be described later) in step S2206. If the command is not received, the process proceeds to step S2207.

  In step S2207, it is determined whether or not an effect rotation control execution command is received from the main control unit 300. If the command is received, an effect rotation control execution command reception process (details will be described later) is performed in step S2208. After that, if the command is not received, in step 2209, the other command reception process is performed and then the process is terminated.

<Process when receiving internal winning command>
Next, with reference to FIG. 33, the details of the internal winning command reception process (step S2202) in the above-described in-game effect control process will be described. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when receiving an internal winning command.

  In step S2301, it is determined whether the fourth preparation flag stored in the RAM 408 is on or off. If it is on, the process proceeds to step S2302, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step S2303. In step S2302, after performing alternative loop lottery processing A (details will be described later), the process proceeds to step S2303. Here, the fourth preparation flag is a flag that is set to ON when it is determined that the re-game player 4 has not won a prize in the winning determination command reception process described later. Therefore, the alternative loop lottery process A in step S2302 is performed when it is determined that the re-gamer 4 is not won (for example, when the re-gamer 1-4 is won internally and the re-gamer 1 is won). Process.

  In step S2303, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is an AT gaming state (a gaming state that suggests an advantageous operating condition for the player). If yes, the process proceeds to step S2305; The process proceeds to step S2304. In step S2304, based on the internal winning combination, a process of updating the number of remaining AT sets stored in the RAM 408 is performed. Here, for example, a process of increasing the number of remaining AT sets by a predetermined number when a small combination 1 or a small combination 2 is internally won is performed. This process may be executed in the AT gaming state. In this case, the number of remaining AT sets and the number of internal remaining AT games may be increased.

  In step S2305, the number of remaining internal AT games stored in the RAM 408 is subtracted, and in the next step S2306, the number of display remaining AT games stored in the RAM 408 is subtracted and the process proceeds to step S2307. In this step 2307, after setting the operational condition notification effect data, the process proceeds to step S2308. Here, for example, when the small combination 3a is won internally, the presentation data for notifying the correct push order (for example, “left → middle → right” if the correct push order is “forward push”) And the like for setting the effect data for informing the player that the operation is to be performed by pressing forward.

  In step S2307, it is determined whether or not the re-game player 1-4 has been internally won. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S2309, and if not, the process ends. In step S2309, the third preparation flag stored in the RAM 408 is set to ON, and in the next step S2310, it is determined whether or not the current effect state is the first effect state. In this case, the process proceeds to step S2311 and the replaying role 4 winning effect data (described later with reference to FIG. 34) is set, and then the process is terminated. After the production effect data (described later with reference to FIG. 34) is set, the process ends.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not to shift to the AT gaming state is determined based on the number of remaining internal AT games or the number of remaining display AT games (refer to processing at the time of receiving a gaming state update command described later). For example, it may be determined based on the number of times that the operation condition is notified, or may be determined based on the number of winnings of a predetermined combination.

  FIG. 34 (a) is an example of a replaying role 4 winning effect displayed on the effect image display device 157 when replaying role 4 winning effect data is set in the first effect state. As described above, the re-game player 1-4 is internally won, and the correct game operation sequence (in this example, reverse push of left, middle, and right) and the re-game player 4 are selected. When a stop operation is performed at a timing when the BAR symbols to be configured are within a predetermined range from the winning line, the symbol combinations (BAR-BAR-BAR) corresponding to the replaying combination 4 are aligned.

  In the first effect state, the correct game order 4 and the stop operation timing are notified based on the replay game 4 winning effect data, so that the replay game 4 can be easily won. Specifically, when the correct operation sequence is “reverse push of right, middle, left”, the character display “reverse push” and the leftward arrow “←” are displayed to correspond to the right reel 112. A notification is made so that the player performs a stop operation in the order of the right stop button 139, the middle stop button 138 corresponding to the middle reel 111, and the left stop button 137 corresponding to the left reel 110.

  In addition, when the symbol constituting the re-playing role 4 is a BAR symbol, a combination of an image display imitating the BAR symbol and a character display of “Aim for!” Displays “Aim for BAR symbol!” At a timing when the BAR symbol is within a predetermined range from the winning line, a notification is made so as to cause the player to stop each of the right stop button 139, the middle stop button 138, and the left stop button 137.

  FIG. 34 (b) is an example of the replaying role 1 winning effect displayed on the effect image display device 157 when replaying role 1 winning effect data is set in the second effect state. As described above, when the re-game player 1-4 is elected internally, and the stop operation is performed in the correct operation sequence (in this example, left, middle, right) in the predetermined operation sequence, The combination of symbols (replay-replay-replay) corresponding to the replaying player 1 is prepared.

  In the second effect state, the correct game operation order is notified based on the replaying game 1 winning effect data so that the replaying game 1 can be easily won. Specifically, when the correct answer operation order is “left, middle, right, forward press”, the character display “forward press” and the rightward arrow “→” are displayed to correspond to the left reel 110. A notification is made to cause the player to perform a stop operation in the order of the left stop button 137, the middle stop button 138 corresponding to the middle reel 111, and the right stop button 139 corresponding to the right reel 112.

  In this embodiment, since the BAR symbols are arranged on each of the reels 110 to 112 so as to exceed the maximum pull-in range, the stop operation timing is notified in addition to the notification of the correct operation sequence. When the BAR symbols are arranged on each of the reels 110 to 112 without exceeding the maximum pull-in range, the BAR symbols can always be aligned by the reel pull-in control regardless of the timing of the stop operation. Therefore, in this case, only the correct operation order may be notified without notifying the stop operation timing. The concept of the pushing order described above is not necessarily used, and it may be configured to determine whether or not to stop the BAR symbol on the winning line only by the operation timing. In such a production state, only the stop operation timing may be notified.

<Alternative loop lottery processing A>
Next, the details of the alternative loop lottery process A (step S2302) in the above-described internal winning command reception process will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of an alternative loop lottery process.

  As described above, this alternative loop lottery process A is performed when it is determined that the re-gamer 4 is not won (for example, when the re-gamer 1-4 is won internally and the re-gamer 1 is won). Process. In step S2401 of the alternative loop lottery process A, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the AT gaming state. If the gaming state is the AT gaming state, the process proceeds to step S2403. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2402. . In step S2402, the AT gaming state is set as the gaming state.

  In step S2403, the winning probability of the lottery performed in step S2405 described later is set. In this embodiment, the winning probability is set to 90%, but the winning probability may be a numerical value other than 90%, or a plurality of winning probabilities may be prepared and the winning probability may be changed in the alternative loop lottery process A. Good. In the present embodiment, the winning probability (90%) of the lottery performed in the alternative loop lottery process A and the winning probability (90%) of the lottery performed in the effect rotation control execution process A in the main control unit 300 are set to the same probability. Although set, both may be set to different winning probabilities. Furthermore, although it is not necessary to provide an upper limit value for the number of winnings in the alternative loop lottery process as in the present embodiment, it may be provided, but it is preferable to match the effect rotation control process A.

  In step S2404, a lottery is executed in accordance with the winning probability set in step S2403. In step S2405, it is determined whether or not the lottery is won. If a win is made, the process proceeds to step S2407. In step S2406, the above-described fourth preparation flag is set to OFF.

  In this alternative loop lottery process A, if the lottery is executed in step S2404 and it is determined that the lottery is won in step S2405, the lottery is executed again in step S2404 after executing the process of step S2407. That is, in the alternative loop lottery process A, as long as the lottery in step S2404 continues to be won (until a non-winning is derived as the lottery result in step S2404), a “loop lottery consisting of the processes in steps S2405 and S2407 and the process in step S2404 is performed. Process "is repeatedly executed.

  In step S2407, after a predetermined number of games (10 games in this example) is added to the number of internal remaining AT games (in this example, a profit is given), the process is terminated. Here, the internal remaining AT game count is added while the display remaining AT game count is not added, so that it is determined that the re-game player 4 has not won (for example, re-game player 1- In the case of internal winning in No. 4 and winning the re-gamer 1), the game state (second game state) is concealed from the internal remaining AT game count (granted profit). The number of games to be added to the number of remaining internal AT games is not limited to 10 games, but may be another number of games, or may be the number of internal remaining AT sets, not limited to the number of remaining internal AT games. .

  In addition, the loop lottery process shown by this alternative loop lottery process A performs a lottery process continuously, without performing determination, when performing a lottery process like the effect rotation control execution process A mentioned above. Unlike the loop lottery shown in the effect rotation control execution process A described above, the player is not allowed to recognize that he has won every time the lottery process is won.

<Processing at the time of receiving a winning judgment command>
Next, with reference to FIG. 36, details of the winning determination command reception processing (step S2204) in the above-described in-game effect control processing will be described. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a winning determination command is received.

  In step S2501, it is determined whether the third preparation flag is on or off. If it is on, the process proceeds to step S2502, and if it is off, the process ends. Here, the third preparation flag is a flag that is set to ON when it is determined in the above-described processing when the internal winning command is received that the re-game player 1-4 has been internally won. In step S2502, it is determined whether or not the re-game player 4 has been won. If yes, the process proceeds to step S2504. If not, the process proceeds to step S2503. In step S2503, the fourth preparation flag is set to ON. In the next step S2504, the third preparation flag is set to OFF, and then the process ends. As described above, when the fourth preparation flag is set to ON in step S2503, that is, when an internal winning is received for the re-game player 1-4 and a re-game player 4 is won, an internal winning command is received. In the process, an alternative loop lottery process A is executed.

<Processing when game state update command is accepted>
Next, with reference to FIG. 37, details of the game state update command reception process (step S2601) in the above-described in-game effect control process will be described. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a gaming state update command is received.

  In step S2601, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the AT gaming state. If the gaming state is the AT gaming state, the process proceeds to step S2602. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2607. In step S2602, it is determined whether or not the display remaining AT game count is 0. If it is 0, the process proceeds to step S2603, and if it is not 0, the process ends.

  In step S2603, it is determined whether the number of remaining internal AT games is 0. If it is 0, the process proceeds to step S2606, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2604. In step S2604, the internal remaining AT game number is set as the display remaining AT game number. In step S2605, effect data for informing the internal remaining AT game number is set.

  In step S2606, the AT gaming state is canceled, and in step S2607, it is determined whether or not the remaining AT set number is larger than 0 (whether there is a remaining AT set number). Performs the processing after step S2608, and terminates the processing if there is no remaining AT set number. In step S2608, the AT gaming state is set as the gaming state, and in the next step S2609, an initial value (50 in this example) is set as the number of internal remaining AT games, and the process proceeds to step S2610. In step S2610, an initial value (50 in this example) is set for the number of remaining AT games displayed, and in the next step S2611, the number of remaining AT sets is decremented by 1, and the process ends.

  In the present embodiment, in the processing of steps S2602 to S2604, when there is a difference between the internal remaining AT game count and the display remaining AT count, the internal remaining AT game count is set as the display remaining AT count. However, for example, when there is a difference between the two, even if the number of remaining internal AT games is set as the number of remaining display ATs at any timing after the difference between the two and the remaining number of displayed ATs reaches 0 Good. Further, when there is a difference between the two, a part of the number of remaining internal AT games may be set as the remaining display AT number.

<Processing at the time of production rotation control execution command reception>
Next, the details of the effect rotation control execution command reception processing (step S2208) in the above-described in-game effect control process will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of presentation rotation control execution command reception.

  In step S2701, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the AT gaming state. If the gaming state is the AT gaming state, the process proceeds to step S2703. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2702. In step S2702, the AT gaming state is set as the gaming state.

  In step S2703, a predetermined number of games (in this example, 10 games) is added to the number of remaining internal AT games (in this example, a privilege advantageous to the player is given), and in the next step S2703, the number of displayed remaining AT games is added. The process proceeds to step S2705. In step S2705, after the effect data for informing the number of display remaining AT games added in step S2704 is set, the process ends.

  In the present embodiment, the number of games to be added to the internal remaining AT game number in step S2703 (10 games) and the number of games to be added in step S2407 of alternative loop lottery processing A (10 games) are the same. In the present embodiment, the expected value of each profit amount is configured to be the same when the main control unit 300 performs the loop lottery process and when the first sub-control unit 400 performs the loop lottery process. However, it does not necessarily have to be configured to have the same expected value, and even when configured to have the same expected value, each winning probability may be different.

Similarly to the alternative loop lottery process A, the internal remaining AT game count and the display remaining AT game count to be added may be any values. For example, every time the loop lottery process is executed, the internal remaining AT game count and the display remaining AT number are displayed. You may comprise so that the value of AT game frequency may be changed. Further, the value of the remaining internal AT game number may be different from the value of the displayed remaining AT game number. In this case, the displayed remaining AT game number may be a value smaller than the internal remaining AT game number (a value greater than 0). Preferably).
<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
Next, the processing of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, in step S3001 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S3001. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 508, and the like are performed. In step S3002, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S3003. In step S3004, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

  In step S3005, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command is received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. In step S3006, effect control processing is performed. Specifically, if there is a new command in step S3005, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading effect data for performing image control relating to the background image and effect data relating to the shutter effect from the ROM 506 is executed. In addition, it includes a process of reading other effect data from the ROM 506 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step S3007, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result in step S3005. For example, when there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step S3005, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed. In step S3008, image control processing is performed based on the processing result in step S3005, and then the process returns to step S3002. Although details will be described later, in this image control process, for example, when there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S3005, image control corresponding to this command is performed.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In step S3101 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

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

  In step S3201, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S3002 in the second sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Accordingly, in step S3002, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S3202, an effect random number update process is performed.

  Next, the image control process in step S3008 in the main process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step S3301, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 536), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information table, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In step S3302, it is determined whether a transfer end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 is input (whether the value of the timer variable is 10 or more). If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S3303. Otherwise, it waits for the transfer end interrupt signal to be input.

  In step S3303, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in step S3301, the CPU 504 includes information on the image data constituting the display image (the coordinate axis and image size of the VRAM 536). , VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 534. The VDP 534 performs parameter setting in accordance with the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In step S3304, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504. In step S3305, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 is input based on the end of image drawing. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S3306; Wait for input. In step S3306, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Loop lottery process in effect rotation control execution process A>
Next, the contents of the loop lottery process in the effect rotation control execution process A will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the flow of the loop lottery process.

<In the previous game, when Re-Gamer 1-4 was elected internally and this game was awarded Re-Gamer 4>
For example, the main control unit 300 executes a winning combination internal lottery process (see FIG. 14) in the N-th (N is a positive integer) game, and internally wins the re-game combination 1-4 in the internal lottery of step S301 In step S304, the first preparation flag is set to ON. Subsequently, the main control unit 300 prepares to transmit to the first sub-control unit 400 an internal winning command including information indicating that the re-game player 1-4 has been internally won in step S302, and sets the command setting in step S211. In the transmission process, the internal winning command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  The first sub-control unit 400 that has received this internal winning command executes the internal winning command reception processing (see FIG. 33) in the Nth game, but in this example, the re-game player 1-4 is added to the internal winning command. Since information indicating that internal winning is included, it is determined in step S2308 that the re-game player 1-4 has won internally, and in step S2309, the third preparation flag is set to ON.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 300 executes a winning determination process (see FIG. 18) in the N-th game, and when it is determined in the winning determination in step S701 that the re-game player 4 has been won, Since the preparation flag is set to ON and the re-game player 4 is won, the second preparation flag is set to ON in step S704. Subsequently, the main control unit 300 prepares to transmit a winning determination command including information indicating that the re-game player 4 has won in step S706 to the first sub-control unit 400, and in the command setting transmission process of step S211 The winning determination command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  The first sub-control unit 400 that has received this winning determination command executes the winning determination command reception processing (see FIG. 36) in the Nth game, but in this example, the third preparation flag is set to ON. In addition, since the winning determination command includes information indicating that the re-game player 4 has been won, it is determined that the re-game player 4 has been won in step S2502, and the fourth preparation flag is set to ON in step S2503. The subsequent processing is executed without doing so.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 300 executes reel rotation start processing (see FIG. 15) in the (N + 1) th game, but in this example, the second preparation flag is set to ON in the Nth game. (In the Nth game, the re-game player 1-4 is internally won and the re-game player 4 is won), and in step S405, the effect rotation control execution process A (see FIG. 16) is executed.

  In this effect rotation control execution process A, if a lottery is executed in step S505 and it is determined that the lottery is won in step S506, the processes of steps S502 to S505 are executed after the processes of steps S508 to S511 are executed. The lottery is executed again in step S505. That is, in the effect rotation control execution process A, as long as the lottery in step S505 continues to be won (until non-winning is derived as the lottery result in step S505), the process includes steps S506 to S511 and steps S502 to S505. The “loop lottery process” is repeatedly executed.

  More specifically, in steps S502 to S505, as shown in (1) of FIG. 40, a lottery is executed when a pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received or when a predetermined operation reception time has elapsed. To do. If the winning process is determined in step S506, the reels 110 to 112 are shifted to the effect rotation control state in steps S509 to S511 as shown in (2) and (3) of FIG. The processing of steps S502 to S505 is started. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the winning is determined, as shown in (4) of FIG. 40, after the loop lottery process is set and the second preparation flag is set to OFF in step S507, the subsequent Continue the normal game process.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 prepares to transmit the effect rotation control execution command to the first sub-control unit 400 in step S508 of the loop lottery process, and the effect rotation control execution command is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in the command setting transmission process of step S211. 1 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400. Upon receiving this effect rotation control execution command, the first sub-control unit 400 executes the effect rotation control execution command reception process (see FIG. 38) in the N + 1th game, and the remaining internal AT game count and display remaining AT game. Add the number of times.

<In the case of re-playing player 1-4 winning in the previous game and winning re-playing game 1 in this game>
For example, the main control unit 300 executes a winning combination internal lottery process (see FIG. 14) in the N-th (N is a positive integer) game, and internally wins the re-game combination 1-4 in the internal lottery of step S301 In step S304, the first preparation flag is set to ON. Subsequently, the main control unit 300 prepares to transmit to the first sub-control unit 400 an internal winning command including information indicating that the re-game player 1-4 has been internally won in step S302, and sets the command setting in step S211. In the transmission process, the internal winning command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  The first sub-control unit 400 that has received this internal winning command executes the internal winning command reception processing (see FIG. 33) in the Nth game, but in this example, the re-game player 1-4 is added to the internal winning command. Since information indicating that internal winning is included, it is determined in step S2308 that the re-game player 1-4 has won internally, and in step S2309, the third preparation flag is set to ON.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 300 executes a winning determination process (see FIG. 18) in the N-th game, and when it is determined in the winning determination of step S701 that the re-game player 1 has been won, The preparation flag is set to ON, and the re-game player 1 has been won (the re-game player 4 has not been won). Therefore, the second preparation flag is not set to ON in step S704. Execute the process. Subsequently, the main control unit 300 prepares to transmit a winning determination command including information indicating that the re-game player 1 has won in step S706 to the first sub-control unit 400, and in the command setting transmission process of step S211 The winning determination command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  The first sub-control unit 400 that has received this winning determination command executes the winning determination command reception processing (see FIG. 36) in the Nth game, but in this example, the third preparation flag is set to ON. In addition, since the winning determination command includes information indicating that the re-game player 1 has been won (that the re-game player 4 has not been won), the fourth preparation flag is set to ON in step S2503.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 300 executes reel rotation start processing (see FIG. 15) in the (N + 1) th game, but in this example, the second preparation flag is not set to ON in the Nth game. (In the Nth game, the re-game combination 1-4 is internally won and the re-play game combination 1 is won), and in step S405, the effect lottery control execution process A (see FIG. 16) loop lottery processing is performed. Never run.

  On the other hand, the first sub-control unit 400 that has received the internal winning command in the (N + 1) th game executes the internal winning command reception process (see FIG. 33) in the N + 1th game. Since the flag is set to ON, alternative loop lottery processing A (see FIG. 35) is executed in step S2302.

  In this alternative loop lottery process A, if the lottery is executed in step S2404 and it is determined that the lottery is won in step S2405, the process of adding the number of internal remaining AT games is executed in step S2407, and then again in step S2404. Run a lottery. That is, in the alternative loop lottery process A, as long as the lottery in step S2404 continues to be won (until a non-winning is derived as the lottery result in step S2404), the loop lottery process consisting of the processes in steps S2405 to S2407 and S2404 is repeated. Will be executed. In this example, since the main control unit 300 does not transmit the effect rotation control execution command to the first sub control unit 400, the first sub control unit 400 performs an effect rotation control execution command reception process in the N + 1th game. Never run.

<Differences between conventional loop lottery processing and Embodiment 1>
Next, differences between the conventional loop lottery process and the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 41 and 42. FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining problems of the conventional loop lottery process, and FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the first embodiment.

  41 and 42 show an example in which the loop lottery process is started when the game interval timer reaches 0 after accepting the pressing operation of the start lever 135 in a state where a prescribed number of medals are set. Show. Note that the start timing of the loop lottery process is not limited to this example. For example, the loop lottery process is started when a pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received in a state where a prescribed number of medals are set. Also good.

  The conventional loop lottery process shown in FIG. 41 is configured to be continuously executable as long as the lottery in the loop lottery process continues to win, and therefore, when the number of lottery wins in the loop lottery process is small (the game by winning If the time required for the loop lottery process is “Loop lottery period 1” when the bonus obtained by the player is small, when the number of lottery wins in the loop lottery process is large (when the bonus obtained by the player is large) The time required for the loop lottery process of () is “loop lottery period 2”, which is longer than “loop lottery period 1”.

  That is, in the conventional loop lottery process, the time required for the loop lottery process varies depending on the number of lottery wins in the loop lottery process. Therefore, the player can recognize that the process has been executed following the loop lottery process (in this example, the process of starting to accelerate the reel in the normal direction) (the execution can be recognized from the outside). ) The process start timing depends on the number of lottery wins in the loop lottery process, and the result of the loop lottery process (the number of wins) due to the difference in the start timing (in this example, the difference in the acceleration start timing of the reels) There is a risk that the result will be presumed before informing the degree of privilege). In particular, there is a problem with the case where the result of the loop lottery process is notified stepwise or when the notification is divided into a plurality of times, that is, when the same result may not be notified at one timing.

  Therefore, when the above-described conventional loop lottery process is applied to the present embodiment, it is established when a predetermined condition (for example, the re-game player 1-4 is won internally in the previous game and the re-game player 4 is won in the current game) If the above condition is not satisfied, the conventional loop lottery process is executed as it is, and the same problem as described above occurs.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the above-described predetermined condition is not satisfied, the first sub-control unit 400 does not perform the effect rotation control execution process A (loop lottery process) in the main control unit 300. The alternative loop lottery process A (loop lottery process) is performed in place of the loop lottery process.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 42, in the first embodiment, the player determines that it has been executed as a process subsequent to the loop lottery process in the main control unit 300 (in this example, the process of starting to accelerate the reels). The result of the loop lottery process (the number of wins, the size of the bonus) is not inferred by the difference in recognizable process start timing (in this example, the difference in reel acceleration start timing).

  Further, in the loop lottery process shown in the alternative loop lottery process A, if the lottery process has never been won, the process executed when the lottery process is won (in this embodiment, step S2407) is once. The loop lottery process is completed without being executed. For example, a predetermined number of times after the start of the loop lottery process may be regarded as winning the lottery process. By configuring as described above, it is possible to reduce the ratio of the time difference caused by the number of wins to the time required for the loop lottery process, and to reduce the influence of the number of wins in the alternative loop lottery process A on the sub-control unit. May be possible. In such a case, in the loop lottery process shown in the effect rotation control execution process A, it is preferable that the same number of times as the alternative loop lottery process A is regarded as winning the lottery process.

<Modification 1>
Next, the slot machine according to the first modification will be described in detail. In the first modification, when the above-described predetermined condition is not satisfied, the problem of the conventional loop lottery process described above with reference to FIG. 41 is solved by the expected value addition process A in the first sub-control unit 400 described later. It is a modification solved by using. In order to avoid redundant description, the same components as those of the slot machine 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, only components different from the slot machine 100 will be described.

  The slot machine according to Modification 1 applies the internal winning command reception processing shown in FIG. 43 in place of the internal winning command reception processing shown in FIG. 33, and also substitute loop lottery processing A shown in FIG. Instead of this, an expected value addition process A shown in FIG. 44 is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 43, in the process for receiving an internal winning command according to the modified example 1, if the fourth preparation flag is on (for example, the internal winning is performed for the re-game player 1-4 in the previous game and the re-playing is performed in the current game). In the case of winning the game combination 1), an expected value addition process A (non-loop lottery process) is performed in step S3502.

  As shown in FIG. 44, in step S3601 of the expected value addition process A (non-loop lottery process), it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the AT gaming state, and in the case of the AT gaming state, step S3603. If the state is other than the AT state, the process proceeds to step S3602. In step S3602, the AT gaming state is set as the gaming state, and the flow proceeds to step S3603. In step S3603, the predetermined number of games is added to the number of internal remaining AT games (giving profit), and in the next step S3604, the internal residual AT number addition processing flag is set to OFF, and the process ends. That is, the expected value addition process A is a “non-loop lottery process” in which the lottery process is not repeatedly executed.

  As described above, in the slot machine according to the modified example 1, when a predetermined condition is not satisfied (for example, when the re-gamer 1-4 is won internally in the previous game and the re-gamer 1 is won in the current game) ), The main control unit 300 does not perform the effect rotation control execution process A (loop lottery process), and the first sub-control unit 400 does not perform the expected value addition process A (non-loop lottery process) instead of the loop lottery process. ).

  With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a difference in the start timing of the process in which the player can recognize that it has been executed following the loop lottery process in the main control unit 300. Furthermore, since the time required for the non-loop lottery process (expected value addition process A) is uniform regardless of the lottery result, the first sub-control unit 400 also has the start timing of the subsequent process of the non-loop lottery process. It does not depend on the time required for the non-loop lottery process.

  Note that the predetermined number of games to be added to the number of remaining internal AT games in step S3603 is not particularly limited, but the number of internal remaining AT games to be added according to the result of the loop lottery process of the main control unit 300 (the process at the time of effect rotation control execution command reception) It is preferable to set the value substantially equal to the expected value (average value) of the number of internal remaining AT games added in step S2703. Further, the predetermined number of games may be one value determined by one lottery out of a plurality of values, and in this case as well, the above expected value and the expected value in the processing are made substantially the same. It is preferable. As described above, there are cases where it is possible to give the player a sense of security by making the expected value of profits given in each process substantially the same, and to prevent a decrease in game motivation.

<Modification 2>
Next, the slot machine according to Modification 2 will be described in detail. In the second modified example, when the above-described predetermined condition is not satisfied, the problem of the conventional loop lottery process described with reference to FIG. 41 is solved using an expected value addition process B in the main control unit 300 described later. It is a modified example to be solved. In order to avoid redundant description, the same components as those of the slot machine 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, only components different from the slot machine 100 will be described.

<Modification 2 / Main Control Unit>
In the slot machine according to the second modification, the winning combination internal lottery process shown in FIG. 46 is applied instead of the winning combination internal lottery process shown in FIG. The reel rotation start process shown in FIG. 47 is applied instead of the reel rotation start process shown in FIG. 15, the winning determination process shown in FIG. 50 is applied instead of the winning determination process shown in FIG. 18, and the above FIG. The game state control process shown in FIG. 51 is applied instead of the game state control process shown.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 46, the process of step S3601 is added to the winning combination internal lottery process shown in FIG. In step 3601, the number of remaining AT sets is updated based on the processing performed in step S2304 of the internal winning command reception processing (see FIG. 33) by the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100, that is, the internal winning combination. Perform the process.

  In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 47, steps S3701 to S3704 are added to the reel rotation start processing shown in FIG. In these steps 3701 to S3704, when the first preparation flag is ON and the second preparation flag is ON (for example, the re-game player 1-4 is internally won in the previous game and the re-game player 4 in the current game). 48), an effect rotation control execution process B (loop lottery process) shown in FIG. 48 is performed. When the first preparation flag is on and the second preparation flag is off (for example, in the previous game) When the re-gamer 1-4 is won internally and the re-gamer 1 is won in the current game), an expected value addition process B (non-loop lottery process) shown in FIG. 49 is performed.

  In the effect rotation control execution process B (loop lottery process) shown in FIG. 48, steps S3801 to S3802 are added to the effect rotation control execution process A (loop lottery process) shown in FIG. In step S3801, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 performs the process performed in step S2703 of the effect rotation control execution command reception process (see FIG. 38), that is, the number of internal remaining AT games is a predetermined number of games ( In this example, 10 games are added. In the next step S3802, preparation for transmitting the internal remaining AT game number addition command including the information of the internal remaining AT game number to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed.

  In addition, the loop lottery process indicated by the effect rotation control process B executes the lottery process when the player operates the effect button as shown in steps S503 and S504, similarly to the effect rotation control process A. In other words, the lottery process is intermittently executed, and when the lottery process is won, a corresponding process (a process for executing the effect rotation control in the present embodiment) is executed. Therefore, this loop lottery process makes the player recognize that it has won every time the lottery process is won.

  Further, in the expected value addition process B (non-loop lottery process) shown in FIG. 49, the processes of steps S3601 to S3602 and S3604 are deleted from the expected value addition process A (non-loop lottery process) shown in FIG. The process of S3901 is added. In step S3901, preparation for transmitting the internal remaining AT game number addition command including the information of the internal remaining AT game number to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed.

  Further, in the second modification, as shown in FIG. 50, the process of step S705 is deleted from the winning determination process shown in FIG. 18, and here, the first preparation flag is not set to OFF. .

  Moreover, in the modification 2, as shown in FIG. 51, the process of step S4001-S4005 is added to the gaming state control process shown in FIG. In step S4001, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 performs the process performed in step S2305 of the internal winning command reception process (see FIG. 33), that is, the process of subtracting the number of internal remaining AT games. Yes. In steps S4002 to S4005, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 performs the processes performed in steps S2603, S2607, S2609, and S2611 of the game state update command reception process (see FIG. 37), that is, When the number of remaining internal AT games is 0 and the number of remaining AT sets is greater than 0, a process of setting an initial value to the number of remaining internal AT games and subtracting the number of remaining AT sets is performed.

<Modification 2 / First Sub-Control Unit>
Further, in the slot machine according to the second modification, in-game effect shown in FIG. 52 in place of the in-game effect control process shown in FIG. 32 in the first sub-control unit main process performed by the first sub-control unit 400. The control process is applied, the internal winning command reception process shown in FIG. 53 is applied instead of the internal winning command reception process shown in FIG. 33, and the gaming state update command reception process shown in FIG. 37 is applied. The game state update command reception process shown in FIG. 54 is applied, and the internal remaining AT game number addition command reception process shown in FIG. 55 is applied instead of the effect rotation control execution command reception process shown in FIG.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 52, the processes of steps S2203 to S2204 and S2207 to S2209 are deleted from the in-game effect control process shown in FIG. 32, and the processes of steps S4101 to S4103 are added. . In these steps S4101 to S4103, it is determined whether or not an internal remaining AT game number addition command has been received from the main control unit 300, and if this command is received, the internal remaining AT game number addition command shown in FIG. After receiving processing (details will be described later), the processing is terminated. When the command is not received, other command receiving processing is performed.

  Also, in the second modification, as shown in FIG. 53, the processes of steps S2301 to S2302, S2304 to S2305, and S2309 are deleted from the internal winning command reception process shown in FIG. 33. Here, the loop lottery process The remaining AT set number updating process and the internal remaining AT game number subtracting process are not performed, and the third preparation flag is not set to ON.

  Further, in the second modification, as shown in FIG. 54, the processing of steps S2606 to S2611 is deleted from the processing at the time of accepting the gaming state update command shown in FIG. 37. Here, the AT gaming state is released, the remaining AT Various processes when the number of sets is greater than 0 are not performed. In the internal remaining AT game number addition command reception process shown in FIG. 55, steps S2701 to S2702 and S2704 to S2705 of the effect rotation control execution command reception process shown in FIG. 38 are performed.

  As described above, in the second modification, when a predetermined condition is not satisfied (for example, when the regamer 1-4 is internally won in the previous game and the regamer 1 is won in the current game), The main control unit 300 is configured to perform a non-loop lottery process (expected value addition process B) instead of performing a loop lottery process (effect rotation control execution process B).

  With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a difference in the start timing of the process in which the player can recognize that it has been executed following the loop lottery process in the main control unit 300. Further, since the time required for the non-loop lottery process (expected value addition process B) is uniform regardless of the lottery result, the main control unit 300 determines that the start timing of the subsequent process of the non-loop lottery process is the non-loop lottery process. It does not depend on the time required for processing.

  In the second modification, instead of the effect rotation control execution process B (loop lottery process) in the main control unit 300, the expected value addition process B (non-loop lottery process) in the main control unit 300 is executed, so that FIG. Although the example which solves the problem of the conventional loop lottery process demonstrated using was shown, it replaces with a loop lottery process not only in such an example but in the same control part (for example, 1st sub-control part 400). You may comprise so that a non-loop lottery process may be performed.

  Further, each of the plurality of control units (for example, the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400) may be configured to perform a non-loop lottery process instead of the loop lottery process.

<Differences between conventional loop lottery processing and modified examples 1 and 2>
Next, differences between the conventional loop lottery process and the first and second modifications will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure (a) is a figure for demonstrating the problem of the conventional loop lottery process, the figure (b), and the figure for demonstrating the effect of the modifications 1 and 2. FIG.

  In the conventional loop lottery process shown in FIG. 5A, as described above, the time required for the loop lottery process varies depending on the number of lottery wins in the loop lottery process. For this reason, the start timing of the process in which the player can recognize that the process has been executed subsequent to the loop lottery process depends on the number of winning lotteries in the loop lottery process. Depending on the difference, there is a risk that the result (the number of winnings, the size of the privilege) may be inferred before the result of the loop lottery process is notified.

  On the other hand, in the first modification, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied (for example, when the re-game player 1-4 is internally won in the previous game and the re-game player 1 is won in the current game), the main control is performed. The first sub-control unit 400 does not perform the above-described conventional loop lottery process instead of the effect rotation control execution process A (loop lottery process) in the unit 300, and the expected value addition process A (instead of the loop lottery process) ( (Non-loop lottery process).

  For this reason, in the first modification, the result of the loop lottery process (the number of winning times is slightly different depending on the start timing of the process that can be recognized by the player as a process subsequent to the loop lottery process in the main control unit 300). , The size of the privilege) can be prevented from being estimated. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the time required for the non-loop lottery process (expected value addition process A) is uniform regardless of the lottery result, and therefore the first sub-control unit 400 also uses the non-loop lottery. The start timing of the subsequent process is not affected by the time required for the non-loop lottery process.

  Similarly, in the second modification, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied (for example, when the re-game player 1-4 is internally won in the previous game and the re-game player 1 is won in the current game), The control unit 300 performs the non-loop lottery process (expected value addition process B) in the control unit 300 without performing the above-described conventional loop lottery process instead of the loop lottery process (effect rotation control execution process B). It is configured as follows.

  For this reason, in the second modification as well as in the first modification, a loop lottery is performed according to the difference in the start timing of the process in which the player can recognize that it has been executed following the loop lottery process in the main control unit 300. It is possible to prevent the processing result (the number of winnings, the size of the privilege) from being estimated. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the time required for the non-loop lottery process (expected value addition process B) is uniform regardless of the lottery result, and therefore, the main control unit 300 continues the non-loop lottery process. The start timing of this process is not affected by the time required for the non-loop lottery process.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, a game machine (slot machine) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is an example of a method for solving the problem of the conventional loop lottery process described with reference to FIG. 41 while executing the conventional loop lottery process when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. . In order to avoid redundant description, the same components as those of the slot machine 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, only components different from the slot machine 100 will be described.

<Embodiment 2 / Main Control Unit>
In the slot machine according to the second embodiment, the main control unit main process shown in FIG. 57 is applied instead of the main control unit main process shown in FIG. 12, and the main control unit timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 13 is applied. The main control unit timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 58 is applied, and the reel rotation start process shown in FIG. 59 is applied instead of the reel rotation start process shown in FIG. 15 in the main control part main process.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 57, the winning determination process in step S117 of the main control unit main process shown in FIG. 12 is changed to the winning determination process in step S4301, and in the changed winning determination process, Only determination processing and winning determination command transmission preparation processing are performed. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 58, the various game processes in step S207 of the main control unit timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 13 are changed to the various game processes in step S4401, and the various game processes after the change are performed. Then, the above-described effect rotation control state is not provided, and processing relating to the effect rotation control state is not performed. Further, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 59, the processing after step S404 of the reel rotation start processing shown in FIG. 15 is deleted, and the processing related to the effect rotation control state is not performed.

<Embodiment 2 / first sub-control unit>
Further, in the slot machine according to the second embodiment, the effect control process shown in FIG. 61 is applied instead of the effect control process shown in FIG. 30 in the first sub control part main process performed by the first sub control part 400. 62 is applied instead of the in-game effect control process shown in FIG. 32, and the internal winning command reception shown in FIG. 63 is applied instead of the internal winning command reception process shown in FIG. 65, instead of the alternative loop lottery process A shown in FIG. 35, the alternative loop lottery process B shown in FIG. 64 is applied, and instead of the game state update command reception process shown in FIG. The game state update command reception process shown is applied, and a non-game effect control process shown in FIG. 66 is newly added.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 61, the non-game effect control process in step S2103 of the effect control process shown in FIG. 30 is changed to the non-game effect control process in step S4501. This non-game effect control process will be described later. Also, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 62, steps S2203 to S2204 and S2207 to S2208 of the game effect control process shown in FIG. 32 are deleted, and the process related to the above-described winning determination command and effect rotation control execution command is performed. It is configured not to perform.

  Also, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 63, the processes of steps S2301 to S2302, S2309, and S2312 are deleted from the internal winning command reception process shown in FIG. 33, and the internal winning command reception process is deleted. Processing of S4601 to S4604 is newly added. In the newly added S4604, the fifth preparation flag is set to ON when the re-game player 1-4 is internally won. In steps S4601 to S4603, the fifth preparation flag is kept ON in the next game. In this case, after the effect data indicating the “predetermined effect” is read, the alternative loop lottery process B (loop lottery process) shown in FIG. 64 is performed.

  Here, the “predetermined effect” is an effect different from an effect indicating the result of the loop lottery process (“specific effect” described later), and the content of the effect is not particularly specified. The timing for starting the predetermined effect may be the timing at which the loop lottery process is executed as in the present embodiment, and may be executed at an arbitrary timing after the timing at which the loop lottery process is executed. It only has to be configured.

  In the alternative loop lottery process B shown in FIG. 64, the process of step S2406 is deleted from the alternative loop lottery process A shown in FIG. 35, and the process of steps S4701 to S4703 is newly added to the alternative loop lottery process A. It is. In newly added steps S4701 to S4703, after the fifth preparation flag is set to OFF, the display remaining AT game count is added based on the internal remaining AT game count, and the display remaining AT game count after the addition is notified. The production data for performing the production is set.

  This “effect that notifies the number of display remaining AT games after addition” corresponds to an example of the above-mentioned “specific effect”, and this specific effect is an effect that is performed after the “predetermined effect” is completed. is there. This specific effect is not limited to this effect, and may be an effect related to the result of the loop lottery process, such as an effect of notifying at least a part of the privilege given by the loop lottery process.

  In addition, the loop lottery process shown by this alternative loop lottery process B is a continuous lottery process without making a determination when the lottery process is executed, as in the loop lottery process shown in the non-game effect control process described later. The player is executed every time the lottery process is won, and the player is not made aware of the winning.

  Further, the display remaining AT game count addition process in step S4702 may be a process in which the display remaining AT game count after the addition is equal to or less than the internal remaining AT game count. The internal remaining AT game number adding process is performed every time a lottery is won in the loop lottery process, but may be performed outside the loop lottery process (for example, after the process of step S4701). Further, as in the present embodiment, the upper limit value may not be provided for the number of wins in the alternative loop lottery process, or may be provided, but it is preferable to match the non-game effect control process described later.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 65, steps S4801 to S4802 are newly added to the game state update command reception processing shown in FIG. In the newly added S4801 to S4802, when the fifth preparation flag is ON (in this example, when the re-game player 1-4 is internally won), an effect for urging the user to press the effect button 170 is performed. The production data is read out.

  FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing the flow of the non-game effect control process (step S4501) in the game state update command reception process of the second embodiment. In step S5001, it is determined whether or not the fifth preparation flag is on or off. If it is on (in this example, if the re-game player 1-4 is internally won), the process proceeds to step S5002, and if it is off, The process ends.

  In step S5002, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the AT gaming state. If the gaming state is the AT gaming state, the process proceeds to step S5004. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S5003. In step S5003, the AT gaming state is set as the gaming state, and the flow proceeds to step S5004.

  In step S5004, the winning probability of the lottery performed in step S5008 described later is set. In the present embodiment, the winning probability is set to 90%, but the winning probability may be a numerical value other than 90%, or may be changed to a plurality of types of winning probabilities in the non-game effect control process. In step S5005, it is determined whether or not the operation of the effect button 170 has been accepted. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S5007. If not accepted, the process proceeds to step S5006. In step S5006, it is determined whether or not the next game has started. If it has started, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step S5005 to wait for the operation of the effect button 170. In the second embodiment, when the next game is started, that is, when the start lever 135 is operated in a state where a predetermined bet number is set (alternative loop lottery process). B is executed), but the processing is ended based on the operation means operated to set a predetermined bet number being operated or the bet number being set. You may comprise.

  In step S5007, a lottery is executed in accordance with the winning probability set in step S5004. In step S5008, it is determined whether or not the lottery has been won. If it has been won, the process proceeds to step S5009. In step S5012, the fifth preparation flag described above is set to OFF. In step S5009, a predetermined number of games (10 games in this example) is added to the number of remaining internal AT games. In the next step S5010, the number of display remaining AT games is added. In step 5011, the display remaining AT game after the addition is added. Effect data for performing the effect of notifying the number of times is set, and the process returns to step S5005.

  As described above, in the non-game effect control process, when the lottery is executed in step S5007 and it is determined that the lottery is won in step S5008, the processes of steps S5005 to S5011 are executed, and then the processes of steps S5005 to S5006 are performed. The lottery is again executed in step S5007. In other words, in the non-game effect control process, if the effect button 170 is operated without starting the next game, the processes in steps S5009 to S5011 and steps S5005 to S5006 are performed as long as the lottery in step S5007 continues to be won. The “loop lottery process” consisting of the processes is repeatedly executed.

  In addition, as shown in step S5005, the loop lottery process shown in the non-game effect control process executes the lottery process when the player operates the effect button, that is, the lottery process is intermittently executed. Therefore, when the lottery process is won, a corresponding process (in this embodiment, a process of performing effect rotation control) is executed. Therefore, this loop lottery process makes the player recognize that it has won every time the lottery process is won.

<Differences between the conventional loop lottery process and the second embodiment>
Next, differences between the conventional loop lottery process and the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 67 is a diagram for explaining problems of the conventional loop lottery process, and FIGS. 68 to 69 are diagrams for explaining the effects of the second embodiment.

  In the conventional loop lottery process shown in FIG. 67, the time required for the loop lottery process varies depending on the number of lottery wins in the loop lottery process. For this reason, the start timing of the process subsequent to the loop lottery process (in this example, the process of performing a specific effect) depends on the number of winning lotteries in the loop lottery process. There is a risk that the result of the loop lottery process (the number of wins, the size of the bonus) may be estimated.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied (for example, when the re-gamer 1-4 is internally won in the previous game, the loop lottery process shown in the non-game effect control process is ended) In the case where the next game is started before playing), the first sub control unit 400 starts a predetermined effect before performing the loop lottery process (alternative loop lottery process B), and waits for the end of the predetermined effect. After that, it is configured to start a specific performance.

  First, when an upper limit is set for the number of winnings in the loop lottery process, that is, when there is a maximum time required for the loop lottery process, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. Is set to be equal to or greater than the maximum time, the time required for the loop lottery process to start the process subsequent to the loop lottery process in the first sub-control unit 400 (in this example, a process for performing a specific effect). The result of the loop lottery process (the number of winnings, the size of the privilege) is not estimated due to the difference in the start timing. The upper limit value of the number of winning times is not particularly limited, but may be a predetermined value, for example, or may be determined within a range between a predetermined minimum value and a maximum value by lottery or the like. Even when the time required for the predetermined effect is less than the maximum time required for the loop lottery process, the effect similar to the above effect is obtained when the loop lottery process is completed within the time required for the predetermined effect. Can be obtained.

  In addition, when there is no upper limit on the number of wins in the loop lottery process, that is, even when there is no maximum time required for the loop lottery process, there is an upper limit on the number of wins in the loop lottery process. As in the case where the time required for the predetermined effect is less than the maximum time required for the loop lottery process, as shown in FIG. 69, the start of the specific effect can be delayed until the predetermined effect ends. Because it is possible, even if the start timing of a specific performance is different, the difference in the timing can be difficult to understand, and the result of the loop lottery process (the number of winnings, the size of the bonus) is estimated by the difference in the start timing It is possible to reduce the risk of being lost.

  FIG. 70 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the modification of the second embodiment. In the modified example of the second embodiment, when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied (for example, when the re-game player 1-4 is internally won in the previous game, the loop lottery process shown in the non-game effect control process ends) If the next game is started before the first game), the first sub-control unit 400 first performs a loop lottery process (alternative loop lottery process B), then starts a predetermined effect, A specific production is started after waiting for the end.

  In this case, it is difficult to make the start timing of a specific production completely the same regardless of whether or not an upper limit is set for the number of winnings in the loop lottery process, but the specific production due to the difference in the result of the loop lottery process The difference in the start timing can be reduced in the total time from the start of the loop lottery process to the end of the predetermined effect. For this reason, even if the start timing of a specific performance is different, the difference in the timing can be made difficult to understand, and the result of the loop lottery process (the number of winnings, the size of the bonus) is estimated by the difference in the start timing This can be reduced as compared with the prior art.

  In addition, it is not limited to the case where the predetermined effect is started after the loop lottery process (alternative loop lottery process B) is performed as in this example, but any timing from the start to the end of the execution of the loop lottery process The above-described effect can be obtained even if the predetermined effect is started.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, a game machine (slot machine) according to the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is an example of a method for solving the problem of the conventional loop lottery process described with reference to FIG. 41 while executing the conventional loop lottery process. The same components as those of the slot machine 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, only components different from the slot machine 100 will be described.

<Embodiment 3 / Main Control Unit>
In the slot machine according to the third embodiment, the main control unit main process performed by the main control unit 300 is replaced with the winning combination internal lottery process shown in FIG. Is applied, a reel rotation start process (details will be described later) shown in FIG. 73 is applied instead of the reel rotation start process shown in FIG. 15, and the prize determination process shown in FIG. 18 is changed. The winning determination process shown in FIG. 51 or FIG. 75 that is the same as that of the second modification of the first embodiment is applied, and the same diagram as that of the second modification of the first embodiment is used instead of the gaming state control process shown in FIG. 51 or the gaming state control process shown in FIG. 76 is applied. Note that the description of the same processing as that of the second modification of the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 73, steps S5101 to S5104 are added to the reel rotation start processing shown in FIG. In these steps S5101 to S5104, when the first preparation flag is ON and the second preparation flag is ON (for example, the re-game player 1-4 is internally won in the previous game and the re-game player 4 in the current game). 48), the effect rotation control execution process B (loop lottery process) shown in FIG. 48 is performed. When the first preparation flag is on and the second preparation flag is off (for example, the previous game) When the re-gamer 1-4 is won internally and the re-gamer 1 is won in the current game), an alternative loop lottery process C (loop lottery process) shown in FIG. 74 is performed.

  In step S5201 of the alternative loop lottery process C (loop lottery process) shown in FIG. 74, an initial value is set in the delay timer stored in the RAM 308. In step S5202, the winning probability of the lottery performed in step S5203 described later is set. In this embodiment, the winning probability is set to 90%, but the winning probability may be a numerical value other than 90%, or may be changed to a plurality of types of winning probabilities in the effect rotation control execution process A.

  In step S5203, a lottery is executed in accordance with the winning probability set in step S5202, and in step S5204, it is determined whether or not the lottery has been won. In the case of winning, the process proceeds to step S5205. Then, the process proceeds to step S5206. In step S5206, it is determined whether or not the value of the delay timer is 0 (whether or not a predetermined delay time has elapsed). If the value of the delay timer is 0 (when a predetermined delay time has elapsed), the process proceeds to step S5207. Otherwise, the determination process of step S5206 is repeatedly executed. In step S5207, preparation is made for transmitting an internal remaining AT game number addition command including information on the number of internal remaining AT games to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In addition, the loop lottery process shown by this alternative loop lottery process C is a continuous lottery process without making a determination when the lottery process is executed, like the loop lottery process shown by the effect rotation control execution process B described above. The player is executed every time the lottery process is won, and the player is not made aware of the winning.

<Embodiment 3 / First sub-control unit>
In the slot machine according to the third embodiment, the first sub-control unit main process performed by the first sub-control unit 400 is replaced with the in-game effect control process shown in FIG. 52 and 77, which is the same as 2, is applied, and the internal winning command reception processing shown in FIG. 78 is applied instead of the internal winning command reception processing shown in FIG.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 78, the processing of steps S2301 to S2302, S2304 to S2305, S2309 to S2310, and S23112 is deleted from the internal winning command reception process shown in FIG. The lottery process, the remaining AT set number update process, and the internal remaining AT game number subtraction process are not performed, and the third preparation flag is not set to ON.

<Differences between the conventional loop lottery process and the third embodiment>
Next, differences between the conventional loop lottery process and the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 79 to 82. FIG. 79 is a diagram for explaining problems of the conventional loop lottery process, and FIGS. 80 to 81 are diagrams for explaining the effects of the third embodiment.

  In the conventional loop lottery process shown in FIG. 79, the time required for the loop lottery process varies depending on the number of wins in the loop lottery process. For this reason, the start timing of the process subsequent to the loop lottery process (in this example, the process of shifting the reel to the acceleration control state) depends on the number of winning lotteries in the loop lottery process. Depending on the difference, the result of the loop lottery process (the number of winnings, the size of the privilege) may be estimated.

  On the other hand, in the third embodiment, when a predetermined condition is not satisfied (for example, when the re-gamer 1-4 is internally won in the previous game and the re-gamer 1 is won in the current game), the main control is performed. Before the loop lottery process (alternative loop lottery process C) is performed in the unit 300, an initial value is set in the delay timer, and after waiting for the delay timer to become zero, the process of shifting the reel to the acceleration control state is started. It is configured as follows.

  First, when an upper limit is set for the number of winnings in the loop lottery process, that is, when there is a maximum time required for the loop lottery process, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. If the time of the value is set to be equal to or greater than the maximum time, the start timing of the subsequent process of the main control unit 300 in the loop lottery process (in this example, the process of shifting the reel to the acceleration control state) is determined by the loop lottery. It does not depend on the time required for processing, and the result of the loop lottery processing (the number of winnings, the level of privilege) is not estimated due to the difference in start timing. In addition, the upper limit value of the number of wins is not particularly limited. For example, the upper limit value of the wins may be determined within a range between a minimum value and a maximum value predetermined by lottery or the like. Even when the delay time by the delay timer is less than the maximum time required for the loop lottery process, the effect similar to the above effect can be obtained when the loop lottery process is completed within this delay time. .

  In addition, when there is no upper limit on the number of wins in the loop lottery process, that is, even when there is no maximum time required for the loop lottery process, there is an upper limit on the number of wins in the loop lottery process. As in the case where the delay time is less than the maximum time required for the loop lottery process, the process of shifting the reel to the acceleration control state can be delayed until the delay timer becomes 0, as shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the start timing of the process of shifting the reel to the acceleration control state is different, the difference in the timing can be made difficult to understand, and the result of the loop lottery process (the number of winning times, It is possible to reduce the risk that the level of privilege will be estimated. In addition, when an upper limit is set for the number of winnings in the loop lottery process, and the time of the initial value set in the delay timer is not set to be longer than the maximum time required for the loop lottery process However, the same effect can be obtained.

  FIG. 82 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the modification of the third embodiment. In the modification of the third embodiment, when a predetermined condition is not satisfied (for example, when the re-game player 1-4 is internally won in the previous game and the re-game 1 is won in the current game), the main control is performed. First, a loop lottery process (alternative loop lottery process B) is performed in the unit 300, then an initial value of a delay timer is set, and after waiting for the delay timer to become 0, the reel is shifted to the acceleration control state. Configure to start.

  In this case, it is difficult to make the start timing of the process of shifting the reel to the acceleration control state completely the same, but the difference in the transition timing of the acceleration control state due to the difference in the result of the loop lottery process is different from the start of the loop lottery process. It is possible to reduce the ratio of the total time until the end of the process of shifting the reel to the acceleration control state. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the risk that the result of the loop lottery process (the number of wins, the level of privilege) is estimated due to the difference in the start timing of the process of shifting the reel to the acceleration control state.

  In addition, it is not limited to the case where the delay timer is set after the loop lottery process (alternative loop lottery process C) is performed as in this example, but at any timing from the start to the end of the execution of the loop lottery process. Even if the delay timer is set, the above-described effect can be obtained.

  As described above, the gaming table (for example, the slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment includes the first control unit (for example, the main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game and the first control unit. A gaming machine comprising second control means (for example, a first sub-control unit 400 and a second sub-control unit 500) for controlling an effect related to a game based on information sent, wherein the first control The means is the first lottery process (for example, the lottery process in step S505 of the effect rotation control execution process A shown in FIG. 16 and the lottery process in step S505 of the effect rotation control execution process B shown in FIG. 48). A first loop lottery process (for example, FIG. 5) that intermittently executes the first lottery process until a result (for example, at least one lottery result among a plurality of lottery results) is derived. 16 The loop rotation lottery process of steps S502 to S506 and S508 to S511 of the effect rotation control execution process A, and the loop lottery process of steps S502 to S506 and S508 to S511 of the effect rotation control execution process B shown in FIG. If the predetermined condition (for example, the condition that is established when the re-gamer 1-4 is won internally in the previous game and the re-gamer 4 is won in the current game) is satisfied, The second control means is configured to be able to execute a loop lottery process, and the second control means performs a second lottery process (for example, the lottery process in step S2404 of the alternative loop lottery process A shown in FIG. 35, as shown in FIG. 64). The second lottery result (for example, non-winning, winning, at least one of a plurality of types of lottery results) by the alternative loop lottery processing B in step S2404) A second lottery process in which the second lottery process is continuously executed until two lottery results are derived (for example, the loop lottery process in steps S2404 to S2405 and S2407 of the alternative loop lottery process A shown in FIG. 35). 64, the loop lottery process in steps S2404 to S2405 and S2407 of the alternative loop lottery process B shown in FIG. 64 is executed, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the first loop lottery process is performed. Instead, the gaming machine is configured to execute the second loop lottery process.

  According to the gaming machine according to the above embodiment, when the first loop lottery process can be executed in the first control means, but the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the first loop lottery process Instead, since the second loop lottery process can be executed in the second control means, it is possible to reduce variations in the start timing of the subsequent process of the first loop lottery process in the first control means. It becomes. For this reason, the lottery result of the first loop lottery process is not inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the subsequent process of the first loop lottery process, and it may be possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game.

  In addition, there is an effect means (for example, an effect image display device 157, various lamps 420, speakers 272 and 277) for executing an effect related to the game, and the second control means adds a lottery result of the second loop lottery process. A related first effect (for example, “specific effect” shown in FIG. 68) and a second effect (for example, “predetermined effect” shown in FIG. 68) not related to the lottery result of the second loop lottery process. ) Is executed so as to be executed by the effect means, and the second effect is executed after the second loop lottery process is started. You may control the said production | presentation means so that said 1st production may be performed after the timing when the production was performed.

  With such a configuration, the difference in timing at which the first effect is executed is eliminated, or the difference in timing at which the first effect is executed in comparison with the difference in the end timing of the second loop lottery process. May be reduced, and it may be possible to prevent the lottery result of the second loop lottery process from being estimated due to the difference in the start timing of the first effect. Further, the second control means has executed the second lottery process a predetermined number of times even when the second lottery result is not derived by the second lottery process. Based on that, the execution of the second loop lottery process is terminated, and the second effect is executed over a time longer than the maximum time required for the second loop lottery process. There may be.

  With such a configuration, the difference in timing at which the first effect is executed can be eliminated, and the lottery result of the second loop lottery process can be inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the first effect. Can be prevented.

  Further, the second control means may regard that the second lottery result is derived by the second lottery process at least a predetermined number of times in the second loop lottery process.

  With such a configuration, the ratio of the time required for the second loop lottery process in the time from the start of the second loop lottery process to the start of the first effect is reduced. It may be possible to prevent the lottery result of the second loop lottery process from being inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the first performance.

  In addition, a first control unit (for example, the main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game and a second control unit (for example, for controlling the effects related to the game based on information sent from the first control unit) A first sub-control unit 400, a second sub-control unit 500), and at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit, A predetermined lottery process (for example, a lottery process in step S505 of the effect rotation control execution process B shown in FIG. 48) and a predetermined lottery result (for example, at least one lottery result among non-winning, winning, and multiple types of lottery results) ) Is derived until the predetermined lottery process is executed intermittently (for example, in steps S502 to S506 and S508 to S511 of the effect rotation control execution process B shown in FIG. 48). Loop lottery process) and a non-loop lottery process (for example, the expected value addition process B shown in FIG. 49) that does not repeatedly execute the lottery process can be executed, and a predetermined condition (for example, replaying game 1 in the previous game) -4 is established, and the loop lottery process is executed, and the predetermined condition is not satisfied. In such a case, instead of the loop lottery process, the non-loop lottery process may be executed.

  With such a configuration, when the first control means or the second control means can execute the loop lottery process but the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the loop lottery process is replaced. The first control means or the second control means can execute the non-loop lottery process, and the lottery result is not inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the subsequent process. Sometimes it can be prevented.

  In addition, a first control unit (for example, the main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game and a second control unit (for example, for controlling the effects related to the game based on information sent from the first control unit) A first sub-control unit 400 and a second sub-control unit 500), wherein the first control means is a predetermined lottery process (for example, an effect rotation control execution process A shown in FIG. 16). The lottery process in step S505, the lottery process in step S505 of the effect rotation control execution process B shown in FIG. 48), and a predetermined lottery result (for example, at least one lottery result among non-winning, winning, and multiple types of lottery results) ) Is derived until the predetermined lottery process is executed intermittently (for example, in steps S502 to S506 and S508 to S511 of the effect rotation control execution process A shown in FIG. 16). And a predetermined condition (for example, a condition that is satisfied when the re-gamer 1-4 is won internally in the previous game and the re-gamer 4 is won in the current game) is satisfied. In such a case, the loop lottery process is configured to be executable, and the second control means performs a non-loop lottery process (for example, an expected value addition process shown in FIG. 44) that does not repeatedly execute the lottery process. A) can be executed, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the non-loop lottery process can be executed instead of the loop lottery process.

  With such a configuration, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied while the first control means can execute the loop lottery process, the second control means is used instead of the loop lottery process. , The non-loop lottery process can be executed, and the lottery result is not inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the subsequent processes.

  The “first lottery process”, “second lottery process”, and “predetermined lottery process” according to the present invention include a lottery for determining whether or not to set the reel in the effect rotation control state, and an internal remaining AT. It is not limited to a lottery that determines whether or not to add the number of games. For example, a lottery that determines whether or not to give a profit or a game state advantageous to the player, or a penalty that is disadvantageous to the player A lottery for determining whether or not to execute a predetermined effect is included. In addition, the “non-loop lottery process” according to the present invention may be a process in which the lottery process is not repeatedly executed, and includes both a process that does not perform the lottery process and a process that performs the lottery process only once. It is.

  Further, the above-mentioned “non-loop lottery process” may be a lottery process (for example, less expected profit is given) than the corresponding “loop lottery process”. When the predetermined condition includes at least a condition depending on the player's operation, it may be possible to encourage that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In addition, the gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment is a gaming machine provided with a predetermined control unit (for example, the first sub-control unit 400), and the predetermined control unit is a predetermined unit. A lottery process (for example, the lottery process in step S5203 of the alternative loop lottery process C shown in FIG. 74) derives a predetermined lottery result (for example, at least one lottery result of non-winning, winning, or multiple types of lottery results). A loop lottery process (for example, the loop lottery process in steps S5203 to S5205 of the alternative loop lottery process C shown in FIG. 74) is executed to execute the predetermined lottery process continuously until a predetermined execution condition is satisfied. The loop lottery process is executed based on the fact that the game has been satisfied (for example, the re-game player 1-4 is internally won in the previous game), and the predetermined execution condition is satisfied After that, a delay process for delaying the timing at which the next process to be executed next is executed (for example, a process of waiting until the delay timer becomes 0 in step S5206 of the alternative loop lottery process C shown in FIG. 74) is executed. It is a game stand characterized by being a thing. The “control unit” according to the present invention is not limited to the first sub-control unit 400, and may be another control unit (for example, the main control unit 300, the second sub-control unit 500).

  According to the gaming machine according to the above embodiment, when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied, it is possible to reduce variations in the start timing of subsequent processes while using the loop lottery process in the control means. For this reason, the result of the loop lottery process is not inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the subsequent process, and it may be possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game.

  Further, the predetermined control means is based on the fact that the predetermined lottery process is executed a predetermined number of times even when the predetermined lottery result is not derived by the predetermined lottery process. The loop lottery process may be terminated, and the delay process may delay the timing at which the next process is executed by a time longer than the maximum time required for the predetermined loop lottery process.

  With such a configuration, the start timing of the subsequent process of the loop lottery process is not affected by the time required for the loop lottery process, so the loop lottery process is performed depending on the start timing of the subsequent process of the loop lottery process. It may be possible to prevent the lottery result from being estimated.

  Further, effect means (for example, effect image display device 157, various lamps 420, speakers 272 and 277) for executing effects related to the game, and effect control means for controlling the effect means (for example, the first sub-control unit 400, the second 2 sub-control unit 500), wherein the effect control means is a predetermined lottery process (for example, the lottery process in step S2404 of the alternative loop lottery process A shown in FIG. 35, shown in FIG. 64). The predetermined lottery process is performed until a predetermined lottery result (for example, at least one lottery result of non-winning, winning, or plural types of lottery results) is derived by the alternative loop lottery process B in step S2404). Loop lottery processing executed continuously (for example, loop lottery in steps S2404 to S2405 and S2407 of alternative loop lottery processing A shown in FIG. 35) 64, the loop lottery process of steps S2404 to S2405 and S2407 of the alternative loop lottery process B shown in FIG. 64 is configured to be executable, and a predetermined execution condition is satisfied (for example, the re-game player 1- The loop lottery process is executed based on the fact that the lottery has been won in 4), the first effect related to the lottery result of the loop lottery process (for example, “specific effect” shown in FIG. 68), and the loop lottery The second effect (for example, “predetermined effect” shown in FIG. 68) that is not related to the lottery result of the process is configured to be executable by the effect means, and the execution of the loop lottery process is started. A process for executing the second effect after the timing is executed, and the effect means is set so that the first effect is executed after the timing when the second effect is executed. Gosuru may be one.

  With such a configuration, the difference in timing at which the first effect is executed can be eliminated, and the lottery result of the second loop lottery process can be inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the first effect. Can be prevented.

  Further, the effect control means is based on the fact that the predetermined lottery process has been executed a predetermined number of times even when the predetermined lottery result is not derived by the predetermined lottery process. The loop lottery process is terminated, and the second effect may be executed over a time longer than the maximum time required for the loop lottery process.

With such a configuration, the difference in timing at which the first effect is executed can be eliminated, and the lottery result of the second loop lottery process can be inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the first effect. Can be prevented. <Embodiment 4>
Next, the slot machine according to Embodiment 4 will be described in detail. In order to avoid redundant description, the same components as those of the slot machine 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, only components different from the slot machine 100 will be described.

<Embodiment 4 / Random value generator>
FIG. 83 is a block diagram showing details of the random value generation circuit 316 described with reference to FIG. The random value generation circuit 316 includes a random number generation channel 1 including a numerical value update circuit A and a numerical value register A (CH1), and a random number generation channel 2 including a numerical value update circuit B and a numerical value register B (CH2). . In addition, although the usage of the random number generation channel 1 and the random number generation channel 2 is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the random number generation channel 1 is used for the internal lottery of the winning combination, and the random number generation channel 2 is used for loop lottery processing described later. It is used for.

  The two numerical value update circuits A and B count up the numerical value based on the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a (for example, when the rising edge or the falling edge of the clock signal is detected), and after the count up Is output as a random value. In the present embodiment, the numerical value update circuit A receives a first numerical value range (in this example, in this example) every time a clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a (or a signal obtained by multiplying or dividing the clock signal) is input. 0 to 65535), the numerical value is counted up, and the numerical value after counting up is output as a random number value.

  Note that the numerical value updating circuit A does not output all of the numerical values included in the first numerical range (0 to 65535 in this example) as random number values (until the random number value makes a full cycle). It is configured not to output the same numerical value as a random value. Here, for example, when the frequency of the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a is 12 MHz, the time required for the random number value (0 to 65535) of the numerical value updating circuit A to make a round is 5120 μsec.

  In addition, the numerical value updating circuit B receives a second numerical value range (in this example, 0 to 255) every time a clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a (or a signal obtained by multiplying or dividing the clock signal) is input. ) Counts up the number, and outputs the number after the count-up as a random value.

  The numerical value updating circuit B is the same until all the numerical values included in the second numerical value range (0 to 255 in this example) are output as random number values (until the random number value makes a round (one round)). Are not output as random numbers. Here, for example, when the frequency of the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a is 12 MHz, the time required for the random number value (0 to 255) of the numerical value update circuit B to go around is 20 μsec. The numerical value ranges (first numerical value range and second numerical value range) of the random number values output by the numerical value updating circuits A and B are examples, and may be other numerical value ranges, or the numerical value of the random number value. A configuration in which the range is appropriately changed may be used.

  The numerical registers A and B corresponding to the numerical value update circuits A and B are based on the reception of the latch signal from the CPU 304 (for example, when the rising edge or the falling edge of the latch signal is detected). The random number values output from the update circuits A and B are held (latched) inside. Further, based on the reception of the read signal from the CPU 304 (for example, when the rising edge or the falling edge of the read signal is detected), the random number value held at that time is output to the CPU 304. As described above, the random value generation circuit 316 updates the random value based on the clock signal of the crystal oscillator 315a, and holds and outputs the random value in accordance with a command from the CPU 304.

  The random value generation method may be a method other than that described above. For example, in this embodiment, the value counted up based on the clock signal is output as the random number value. However, it may be output by sequentially referring to an array of random number values provided in advance. Also, a plurality of such random number arrays may be prepared, and another array may be referred to when the reference is completed. In this embodiment, the random number value is generated using hardware. However, a software random number generated by the CPU 304 may be used.

  Further, in this embodiment, the crystal oscillator 315a is provided for the random value generation circuit 316 separately from the crystal oscillator 315b provided for the basic circuit 302. However, these may be used as one (common) crystal oscillator. Good. In addition, a configuration in which the CPU 304 directly acquires the random number value output from the numerical value updating circuits A and B is not a configuration in which the random number value is indirectly acquired by transmitting the latch signal and the read signal from the CPU 304 to the numerical value registers A and B. It may be. Alternatively, the random number value may be acquired by transmitting only one signal (for example, a read signal) from the CPU 304 to the numerical registers A and B.

  In the following description, to acquire a random value (numerical value) means to output a latch signal to the numerical register, to output a latch signal to the numerical register and to output a read signal, or a numerical value update circuit (software random number) It may be one of directly obtaining a random value (numerical value) output from the

<Embodiment 4 / general loop lottery processing>
Next, a general loop lottery process using the random number generation circuit 316 described above will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of a general loop lottery process using the random number generation circuit 316.

  In this general loop lottery process, a random number value is acquired from the random value generation circuit 316 described above, and a determination is made based on the acquired random number value.

  In step S6001 of this general loop process, a latch signal is output to the numerical registers A and B, thereby causing the numerical registers A and B to hold the random number values output by the numerical value updating circuits A and B. In the next step S6002, a read signal is output to the numerical registers A and B, thereby causing the numerical registers A and B to output the stored random value. As a result, the CPU 304 acquires a random number value from the numerical registers A and B.

  Subsequently, in step S6003, the validity determination process is performed using the random number value acquired in step S6002. In this determination process, whether or not the random number acquired in step S6002 is a predetermined value is determined to determine whether the winning or non-winning (out of) condition has occurred.

  In step S6004, it is determined whether the result of the determination in step S6003 is a winning or non-winning (missing). If the winning is a winning (missing), the process is terminated. If the winning is determined, the process proceeds to step S6005. . In this step S6005, 1 is added to the information on the number of winning times stored in the RAM 308, and then the process returns to step S6001 to execute the processes in step S6001 and subsequent steps again.

  That is, the loop lottery process includes the processes of steps S6001 to S6005 as long as the result of the determination of success / failure in step S6003 is a win (until a non-winning (out) is derived as the result of determination of success / failure in step S6003). The lottery process will be repeatedly executed. Here, the time required for one lottery process is, for example, 3.59 μs when the frequency of the operation clock signal of the CPU 304 is 12 MHz.

<Embodiment 4 / Problems of general loop lottery processing>
FIG. 85A shows a time X required for the random number value of the numerical value updating circuit A (or numerical value updating circuit B) to make a round and a time required for one lottery process in a general loop lottery process. It is the figure which compared and showed Y.

  As described above, the time X required for the random number value of the numerical value updating circuit A to go through is 5120 μsec when the frequency of the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a is 12 MHz, and the random number value of the numerical value updating circuit B is The time X required for one cycle is 20 μs when the frequency of the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a is 12 MHz.

  On the other hand, the time Y required for one lottery process in the general loop lottery process is, for example, 3.59 μs when the frequency of the operation clock signal of the CPU 304 is 12 MHz, and the numerical value update circuit A (or , And the time Y <time X is shorter than the time X required for the random number value of the numerical value updating circuit B) to complete a cycle.

  Since the time X and the time Y are in such a magnitude relationship, the lottery process in the general loop lottery process requires at least 2 before the random number value of the numerical value update circuit A (or the numerical value update circuit B) makes a round. The random number value is at least twice from the numerical value updating circuit A (or the numerical value updating circuit B) until the random number value of the numerical value updating circuit A (or the numerical value updating circuit B) is completed. To be acquired. Note that such a magnitude relationship can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the frequency of the operation clock signal of the CPU 304 and the frequency of the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a. Taking these into consideration, it is extremely difficult to increase or decrease each frequency to such an extent that the magnitude relationship of time Y <time X is reversed.

  Therefore, in a general loop lottery process, for example, when a random number value that is won in the first lottery process is acquired, a random number value (a random number value that is won) in the second lottery process is acquired last time. It will not be acquired. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5B, once the lottery process is determined to be successful, the winning probability of the success / failure determination is reduced until the random number is reached once thereafter. The specific lottery process affects the subsequent lottery process, and a problem that the winning probability of the determination of success / failure cannot be set as designed occurs.

  As a clearer example, if there is only one random number value to win, if a random value to win is acquired in the first lottery process, the random number value to be won in the second lottery process is Since it cannot be acquired, it will always be determined as non-winning, and there is a problem that the winning probability of the determination of success / failure cannot be set as designed.

<Embodiment 4 / Loop lottery process 1>
Next, the loop lottery process 1 using the random number generation circuit 316 described above will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the loop lottery process 1 using the random value generation circuit 316.

  This loop lottery process 1 is obtained by adding the delay process of step S6010 and step S6011 to the general loop lottery process shown in FIG. 84. For example, the random number acquisition process of the main control main process shown in FIG. This process is called and executed from (Step S107) or the like.

  Specifically, if it is determined that the winning determination process in step S6004 is successful, in step S6005, 1 is added to the information on the number of winnings, and then in step S6010, an initial value is stored in the delay timer stored in the RAM 308. (Details will be described later). Thereby, the count-down of the delay timer is started in the timer update process (step S209) described above.

  In the next step S6011, it is determined whether or not the value of the delay timer that is periodically counted down in the timer update process has become 0. If the value of the delay timer has become 0 (the time set in the delay timer). If the delay timer value is not 0 (the time set in the delay timer has not elapsed), the determination process of step S6011 is repeatedly executed. It goes without saying that the same delay processing may be performed by counting up the delay timer. Furthermore, the delay process using such a delay timer may be executed at least after the previous random number value is acquired until the current random number value is acquired.

  Here, the time corresponding to the initial value set in the delay timer in step S6010 is the time required for the lottery process consisting of the processes in steps S6001 to S6005 (the time corresponding to the above-mentioned time Y) and the processes in steps S6010 to S6011. The addition time of the time Z required for the delay processing consisting of is longer than the time required for the random number value of the numerical value update circuit A (or numerical value update circuit B) to complete a cycle (the time corresponding to the above-mentioned time X). That is, it is only necessary to be able to establish the magnitude relationship of (time Y + time Z)> time X.

  In this example, the method of delaying the time from the acquisition of the random value in step S6002 until the next acquisition of the random value in step S6002 using the delay timer is illustrated, but the method is limited to the method using the delay timer. Is not to be done. Therefore, for example, during the period from when the random value is acquired in step S6002 until the next time the random value is acquired in step S6002, other processes related to the lottery process (or other processes not related to the lottery process) The time may be delayed by executing.

  In addition, the delay process consisting of the processes of steps S6010 to S6011 is the "process of executing the lottery with the set winning probability" in step S2404 of the alternative loop process A shown in FIG. 35 or the alternative loop shown in FIG. Either “process of executing lottery with set winning probability” in step S2404 of process B or “process of executing lottery with set winning probability” of step S5203 of alternative loop process C shown in FIG. It is also possible to execute it immediately before such processing. These “processes for executing lottery with the set winning probability” are processes corresponding to the processes of steps S6001 to S6003 in the loop lottery process 1.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the fluctuation range of the time required for the loop lottery process 1 according to the number of wins in the winner determination process increases, the results of the loop lottery process can be obtained by applying the inventions of the second and third embodiments. In some cases, it may be possible to prevent a result (the number of winnings, the size of a privilege) from being estimated before notification.

<Effect of Embodiment 4 / Loop Lottery Processing 1>
FIG. 87 (a) shows a time X required for the random number value of the numerical value updating circuit A (or numerical value updating circuit B) to make a round and a time Y ′ required for one lottery process in the loop lottery process 1. It is the figure which compared and showed.

  As described above, the time Y ′ required for one lottery process in the loop lottery process 1 is the time X required for the random number value of the numerical value updating circuit A (or the numerical value updating circuit B) to make a round. This is a time obtained by adding the required time Z, and there is a relationship of time Y ′ (= time X + time Z)> time X.

  Since the time X and the time Y ′ are in such a magnitude relationship, the lottery process in the loop lottery process 1 is executed at most once until the random number value of the numerical value update circuit A (or the numerical value update circuit B) is completed. As a result, the random number value is acquired twice or more from the numerical value update circuit A (or the numerical value update circuit B) until the random number value of the numerical value update circuit A (or the numerical value update circuit B) is completed. There is nothing.

  Therefore, in the loop lottery process 1, even if it is determined that the first lottery process is won, the second lottery process has the possibility of acquiring the random number value (random number value to be won) acquired last time. Can be made. For this reason, the specific lottery process does not affect the subsequent lottery process, and as shown in FIG. 5B, it is possible to set the winning probability for the determination of success / failure as designed.

<Embodiment 4 / Loop lottery process 2>
Next, the loop lottery process 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 88 and 89. FIG. 88 is a flowchart showing a modification of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 89 is a flowchart showing the flow of the loop lottery process 2 called from the timer interrupt process.

  The timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 88 is obtained by adding a loop lottery process 2 to the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. Also, the loop lottery process 2 shown in FIG. 89 is obtained by adding the processes of steps S6020 and S6021 to the general loop lottery process shown in FIG.

  In step S6020 of the loop lottery process 2, it is determined whether the information of the loop lottery process flag stored in the RAM 308 is on or off. If it is on, the process proceeds to step S6001 to perform the above-described steps S6001 to S6005. If it is off, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6004 that the game is not won (missed), the process proceeds to step S6021, and after the loop lottery process flag is set to OFF, the process ends.

  Although not shown, the loop lottery process flag is configured to be set to ON when a certain condition is satisfied. For example, the certain condition may be the “predetermined condition” in the first to third embodiments or the like. Although “predetermined execution conditions” are applicable, the present invention is not limited to these.

  As described above, in the loop lottery process 2, when a certain condition is satisfied, the random value acquisition process or the success / failure determination process in steps S6001 to S6003 is performed, and it is determined in step S6004 that the success / failure determination process is won. First, the loop lottery process 2 is ended, and when the loop lottery process 2 is executed in the next timer interruption process, the random number value acquisition process and the success / failure determination process in steps S6001 to S6003 are performed again. It is composed. That is, the processing in step S6001 (random value latch processing) in the loop lottery processing 2 is configured to be executed only once at the maximum in the timer interrupt processing. Therefore, if the timer interrupt processing execution cycle (loop lottery processing 2 execution cycle) is configured to be longer than the random number update cycle, the random number value is latched in step S6001 of the loop lottery processing 2 and then The time until the random number value is latched in step S6001 of the loop lottery process 2 can be delayed.

  In addition, when another process is executed before the execution of the loop lottery process 2 is started in the timer interrupt process, the execution start time of the loop lottery process 2 is determined according to the processing time of the other process. There is a case where it fluctuates every execution (so-called “fluctuation” may occur). In this case, the execution cycle of the loop lottery process 2 fluctuates. For this reason, randomness may be given to the random number acquisition timing in the loop lottery process 2 in some cases. In particular, the above randomness can be further improved if it is configured such that some determination process is executed before the execution of the loop lottery process 2 is started.

  Further, in this example, the processing of steps S6001 to S6005 is all executed within the timer interrupt processing. However, at least the random number value acquisition of step S6001 may be executed within the timer interrupt processing, and other steps S6002 The process of ~ S6005 may be executed by the main process of the main control unit.

<Embodiment 4 / Another Example of Random Value Generation Circuit>
FIG. 90 is a block diagram showing details of a random value generation circuit 700 according to another example. This random value generation circuit 700 includes a random number generation channel 1 composed of a numerical value update circuit 1 and a numerical value register 1, a random number generation channel 2 composed of a numerical value update circuit 2 and a numerical value register 2, ..., a numerical value update circuit n (n is 3 or more) A total of n random number generation channels including a positive integer (the same applies below) and a random number generation channel n composed of a numerical register n are provided. For example, when the random value generation circuit 700 includes four random number generation channels 1 to 4, one random number generation channel 1 is used for the internal lottery of the role, and the remaining three random number generation channels 2 to 4 are used. , Each of the reels 110 to 112 can be assigned to an acceleration delay counter.

  The random number generation channels 1 to n of the random value generation circuit 700 count up a numerical value based on the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a, and output the numerical value after the count-up as a random value. Each update range is the same (0 to 255 in this embodiment). Further, the cycle in which the random number values of the random number generation channels 1 to n make a round is the same.

<Loop lottery processing 3>
Next, the loop lottery process 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the loop lottery process 3.

  This loop lottery process 3 applies the latch & read process of steps S6031 to S6032 in place of the latch & read process of steps S6001 to S6002 of the loop lottery process 1 shown in FIG. 86 and the delay of steps S6010 to S6011. Instead of the process, the register switching process in step S6033 is applied.

  Specifically, in step S6031 of the loop lottery process 3, one random number generation channel among the random number generation channels 1 to n of the random value generation circuit 700 shown in FIG. A latch signal is output to (number register). In the next step S6032, a random number value is obtained by outputting a read signal to the target random number generation channel (numerical value register thereof), and the random number value obtained by the latch & read process is used for the subsequent determination processing. Used in.

  In addition, if it is determined that the winning / nothing determination process in step S6004 is successful, the process proceeds to step S6033 after step S6005, and in this step S6033, a random number generation channel to be subjected to the latch & read process in steps S6031 to S6032 is designated. Switch the register for In this example, registers for designating a random number generation channel to be latched and read-processed are set in ascending order in order of 1 → 2 →... → n−1 → n → 1 → 2 →. The random number generation channel corresponding to the value of the designated register (for example, the random number generation channel 1 when 1 is designated in the register) is used for the latch & read processing in steps S6031 to S6032. It becomes a target.

  Note that the register switching order (switching order of random number generation channels to be latched and read-processed) is not limited to this example. For example, descending order (n → n−1 →... → 2 → 1 → n → n -1 → ...) or may be switched randomly.

<Effect of Embodiment 4 / Loop Lottery Processing 3>
FIG. 92A shows a time X ″ required until each random number value of the numerical value updating circuits 1 to n makes a round, and a time Y ″ required for one lottery process in the loop lottery process 3. FIG.

  As described above, the loop lottery process 3 is configured to switch the random number generation channel to be subjected to the latch & read process in the range of 1 to n. For this reason, the time Y ″ for switching the random number generation channel to be latched and read in the range of 1 to n is longer than the time X ″ required for each random number value of the numerical value update circuits 1 to n to go around. In other words, the random number value is not acquired twice or more from each of the numerical value update circuits 1 to n until the random number value of each of the numerical value update circuits 1 to n completes a cycle. Therefore, the specific lottery process does not affect the subsequent lottery process, and as shown in FIG. 5B, it is possible to set the winning probability of the success / failure determination as designed.

  The activation timings of the random number generation channels 1 to n may be configured to be activated at the same timing (for example, activated by one activation signal output from the CPU). The activation timings 1 to n may be configured to be different timings (for example, activated by different activation signals output from the CPU 304). By configuring in this way, each random number generation channel 1 to n is configured. The relevance of can be suppressed.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment includes a predetermined control unit (for example, the CPU 304) and a numerical value updating unit (for example, the CPU 304) that updates the numerical value and makes the updated numerical value go around once in a predetermined cycle. , Random number generation circuit 316 with numerical value update circuits A and B), wherein the predetermined control means performs a predetermined lottery result (for example, non-winning, winning, multiple) Loop lottery processing (for example, loop lottery processing 1 shown in FIG. 86, loop lottery processing 2 shown in FIG. 89) in which the predetermined lottery processing is repeatedly executed until at least one lottery result of the types of lottery results is derived. 91 is configured to be able to execute a loop lottery process 3) shown in FIG. 91, and as the predetermined lottery process, a numerical value acquisition process for acquiring a numerical value from the numerical value updating means (for example, a loop lottery process 1-3) And at least a determination process for determining whether or not to use the acquired numerical value (for example, the determination process in step S6003 of the loop lottery processes 1 to 3), A period (for example, time Y ′ required for one lottery process in the loop lottery process shown in FIG. 87 (a)) from when the acquisition process is executed until the next numerical value acquisition process is executed is at least The numerical value acquisition process is executed at a timing that is equal to or greater than a predetermined period (for example, the time X required for the random number value of the numerical value update circuit to make a round as shown in FIG. 87A). It is a game machine.

  According to the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment, the numerical value is not acquired twice or more from the numerical value updating unit until the numerical value updated by the numerical value updating unit goes around. Therefore, the numerical value acquisition process in the previous lottery process does not affect the numerical value acquisition process in the other lottery processes thereafter, and a predetermined lottery result is derived by the lottery process in the loop lottery process. In some cases, the probability can be kept constant.

  Further, the predetermined control means executes the loop lottery process based on the fact that the predetermined execution condition is satisfied, and the next process to be executed next after the predetermined execution condition is satisfied is executed. It is also possible to execute a delay process for delaying the timing.

  With such a configuration, when predetermined execution conditions are satisfied, it is possible to reduce variations in the start timing of processing subsequent to the loop lottery process in the control unit while using the loop lottery process in the control unit. It becomes possible. For this reason, the lottery result of the loop lottery process is not inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the subsequent process, and it may be possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game.

  Even if the predetermined lottery result is not derived by the predetermined lottery process, the loop lottery process is executed based on the predetermined lottery process being executed a predetermined number of times. The delay process may be a process for delaying a timing at which the next process is executed by a time longer than a maximum time required for the loop lottery process.

  With such a configuration, the start timing of the subsequent process of the loop lottery process is not affected by the time required for the loop lottery process, so the loop lottery process is performed depending on the start timing of the subsequent process of the loop lottery process. It may be possible to prevent the lottery result from being estimated.

  In addition, there is an effect means (for example, an effect image display device 157, various lamps 420, speakers 272 and 277) for executing an effect related to the game, the predetermined control means controls the effect means, and a predetermined execution condition is set. The loop lottery process is executed based on the satisfaction, the first effect related to the lottery result of the loop lottery process (for example, “specific effect” shown in FIG. 68), and the predetermined loop lottery process The second effect unrelated to the lottery result (for example, “predetermined effect” shown in FIG. 68) is configured to be executed by the effect means, and the execution of the predetermined loop lottery process is started. The process of executing the second effect is executed after the predetermined timing, and the effect means is controlled so that the first effect is executed after the timing when the second effect is executed. It may be one that.

  With such a configuration, the difference in timing at which the first effect is executed can be eliminated, and the lottery result of the second loop lottery process can be inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the first effect. Can be prevented.

  Further, the predetermined control means is configured to execute the loop based on the fact that the lottery process is executed a predetermined number of times even when the predetermined lottery result is not derived by the predetermined lottery process. The lottery process is terminated, and the second effect may be executed over a time longer than the maximum time required for the predetermined loop lottery process.

  With such a configuration, the difference in timing at which the first effect is executed can be eliminated, and the lottery result of the second loop lottery process can be inferred due to the difference in the start timing of the first effect. Can be prevented.

  Further, predetermined control means (for example, CPU 304) and numerical value updating means for updating the numerical value and making the updated numerical value make a round at a predetermined cycle (for example, numerical value updating circuits 1 to n of the random value generation circuit 700). The predetermined control means is configured to execute a loop lottery process that repeatedly executes the predetermined lottery process until a predetermined lottery result is derived by the predetermined lottery process. As the predetermined lottery process, a numerical value acquisition process (for example, the read process in step S6032 shown in FIG. 91) for acquiring a numerical value from the numerical value updating means, and a process for determining whether or not the acquired numerical value is used (for example, 91 is executed at least in step S6003 shown in FIG. 91, and the numerical value updating means includes a plurality of update channels (for example, 1 to n channels). And updating the numerical value in each of the plurality of update channels, and the predetermined control means obtains the numerical value of the plurality of update channels each time the numerical value acquisition process is executed. The update channels to be switched may be sequentially switched.

  With such a configuration, by sequentially switching the update channel from which the numerical value is acquired, the numerical value updating unit does not acquire the numerical value more than once until the numerical value updated by the numerical value updating unit goes around. Can be configured. For this reason, the numerical value acquisition process for one update channel in the previous lottery process does not affect the numerical value acquisition process for one update channel in the other lottery process, and lottery in the loop lottery process. In some cases, the probability that a predetermined lottery result is derived by the process can be kept constant.

  Further, the predetermined control means is based on the fact that the predetermined lottery process is executed a predetermined number of times even when the predetermined lottery result is not derived by the predetermined lottery process. The loop lottery process is terminated, and the total time of the predetermined period corresponding to each of the plurality of update channels may be longer than the maximum time required for the loop lottery process.

  With such a configuration, the subsequent process of the loop lottery process does not depend on the time required for the loop lottery process. Therefore, the lottery result of the loop lottery process is estimated based on the time required for the loop lottery process. In some cases, it can be prevented.

  Each of the plurality of update channels may be one in which updating of numerical values is started at different timings.

  With such a configuration, the update start timing of each update channel can be made different, and the probability that a predetermined lottery result is derived by the lottery process of the loop lottery process may be kept uniform. is there.

  In addition, the gaming table according to the present invention includes a launching device that launches a ball into a predetermined gaming area, a winning opening configured to be able to enter a ball launched from the launching device, and a ball that has entered the winning opening. It has a detecting means for detecting, a payout means for paying out a ball when the detecting means detects a ball, and a variable display device for variably displaying a predetermined symbol (identification information). With this as an opportunity, the variable display device is suitable for a pachinko machine that displays a stop after the symbols are changed and notifies the game state transition.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied to an enclosed gaming machine. Here, the “enclosed game machine” is one that circulates and uses game balls enclosed in the game machine. In addition, the main control unit, the first sub control unit, and the second sub control unit may be configured as a single chip, or the main control unit and the first sub control unit may be configured to allow bidirectional communication. Good. Moreover, while enabling bidirectional communication between the main control unit and the first sub control unit, communication from the first sub control unit to the second sub control unit may be one-way communication.

  Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done. In addition, in some cases, the content described in one configuration among a plurality of configurations described in the embodiments may be applied to other configurations to further widen the game.

  The game machine according to the present invention can be applied to game machines represented by a spinning machine (slot machine) and a ball game machine (pachinko machine).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Slot machine 110-112 Reel 113 Symbol display window 135 Start lever 137-139 Stop button 157 Effect image display apparatus 170 Effect button 300 Main control part 400 1st sub control part 500 2nd sub control part

Claims (6)

A first control means for controlling the progress of the game;
A second control means for controlling an effect related to the game based on information sent from the first control means,
The first control means includes
The first lottery process is configured to be able to execute a first loop lottery process that intermittently executes the first lottery process until a first lottery result is derived,
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first loop lottery process is configured to be executed,
The second control means includes
The second lottery process is executed so that the second lottery process is continuously executed until the second lottery result is derived by the second lottery process.
A gaming machine configured to execute the second loop lottery process instead of the first loop lottery process when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. The game stand according to claim 1,
Providing directing means for performing effects related to games,
The second control means includes
A configuration in which a first effect related to the lottery result of the second loop lottery process and a second effect unrelated to the lottery result of the second loop lottery process can be executed by the effect means. And
Performing a process of executing the second effect after the timing at which the execution of the second loop lottery process is started,
The game machine characterized by controlling the effect means so that the first effect is executed after the timing when the second effect is executed. The game stand according to claim 2,
The second control means includes
Even if the second lottery result is not derived by the second lottery process, the second loop lottery is performed based on the fact that the second lottery process is executed a predetermined number of times. Terminates execution of the process,
The second production is
A game table that is executed over a time longer than a maximum time required for the second loop lottery process. The game stand according to claim 1 or 2,
The second control means includes
In the second loop lottery process, it is considered that the second lottery result is derived by the second lottery process at least a predetermined number of times. A first control means for controlling the progress of the game;
A second control means for controlling an effect related to the game based on information sent from the first control means,
At least one of the first control means and the second control means is:
A loop lottery process that intermittently executes the predetermined lottery process until a predetermined lottery result is derived by the predetermined lottery process, and a non-loop lottery process that does not repeatedly execute the lottery process;
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the loop lottery process is configured to be executed,
A gaming machine configured to execute the non-loop lottery process in place of the loop lottery process when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. A first control means for controlling the progress of the game;
A second control means for controlling an effect related to the game based on information sent from the first control means,
The first control means includes
It is configured to be able to execute a loop lottery process that intermittently executes the predetermined lottery process until a predetermined lottery result is derived by the predetermined lottery process,
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the loop lottery process is configured to be executed,
The second control means includes
It is configured to be able to execute non-loop lottery processing that does not repeatedly execute lottery processing,
A gaming machine configured to execute the non-loop lottery process in place of the loop lottery process when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.