JP2015223386A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stop a sub reel at a desired position even when a trouble occurs in the sub reel.SOLUTION: A slot machine 100 includes a plurality of reels 110-112 and 191, a plurality of stop buttons 137-139, a main control part 300 for controlling a game progress, and a sub control part 400 for controlling a performance. When the stop button 137 for stopping the left reel 110 and the sub reel 191 is operated, the main control part 300 stops the left reel 110 and transmits information related to the stop of the left reel 110 to the first sub control part 400. When the information is received during a period when it becomes possible to stop the sub reel 191, the sub control part 400 stops the sub reel 191; however, when the information is received before the period comes, the sub control part 400 stops the sub reel 191 at winning determination on and after the period has come.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine (pachislot) and a pachinko machine.

  Conventionally, for example, a slot machine is known as one of game machines. In this slot machine, when the reel is rotated by inserting a medal and operating the start lever, the role is determined internally by internal lottery, and the reel is stopped by operating the stop button. When a combination of symbols predetermined according to the internal determination is displayed, a combination is established. When a winning combination with payout of medals is established, a prescribed number of medals corresponding to the established winning combination are paid out.

  Such slot machines include a main reel that establishes a winning combination and a sub reel for production (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-180909 A

  However, the following problem may occur when the sub-reel is stopped together with the main reel by operating one stop button without providing the sub-reel stop switch for stopping the sub-reel.

  In the above configuration, the timing at which the rotation of the sub reel can be stopped is set to be before the timing at which the rotation of the main reel can be stopped, so that the rotation of the main reel can be stopped. When there is a stop switch operation at the timing, the sub reel can be stopped at a desired position together with the main reel. However, when an abnormality such as a step-out occurs in the stepping motor that rotates the sub reel, the timing at which the rotation of the sub reel can be stopped is after the timing at which the rotation of the main reel can be stopped. There may be cases. In this case, if the stop switch is operated before the timing at which the rotation of the sub reel can be stopped, it is difficult to stop the sub reel at a desired position.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of stopping a sub reel at a desired position even if a trouble occurs in the sub reel.

  In order to achieve the above object, a game table according to the present invention includes, as one aspect thereof, a plurality of reels that are rotationally driven, a plurality of stop buttons that are operated to stop the rotation of the plurality of reels, and a game A game machine comprising a main control means for controlling the progress of the game and an effect control means for controlling the production, wherein at least one of the plurality of reels is rotationally driven by the main control means. One reel, at least one of the plurality of reels is a second reel rotated by the effect control means, and at least one of the plurality of stop buttons is at least the first reel. A first stop button operated to stop the rotation of one reel and the second reel, and the main control means, when there is an operation on the first stop button, It is possible to stop the reel and transmit information related to the stop of the first reel to the effect control means, and the effect control means, after the second reel is driven to rotate, The second reel can be stopped when the information is received during the period when the second reel can be stopped, and the effect control means can rotate the second reel. If the information is received before the period is reached, the second condition is not stopped by receiving the information, and the first condition after the period is satisfied is satisfied without stopping the second reel. The second reel can be stopped.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, even if a trouble occurs in the sub reel, the sub reel can be stopped at a desired position.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an external perspective view of a reel rotating device of the slot machine according to the basic embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a reel drive unit of the slot machine according to the basic embodiment of the present invention and an LED arrangement diagram of the reel backlight. FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the basic embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram explaining the control part which controls the main reel and sub reel of the slot machine which concerns on fundamental embodiment of this invention. The figure which surface-developed and showed the arrangement | positioning of the symbol applied to each reel of the main reel of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention, the kind of slot machine, the symbol combination, and payout / operation | movement were shown. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a surface arrangement of symbols arranged on the sub reels of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the stop aspect of the reel on the symbol display window of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the stop aspect in the reel on the symbol display window of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the stop aspect in the reel on the symbol display window of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 4 is a timing chart showing stop timings of a main reel and a sub reel of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a timing chart showing stop timings of a main reel and a sub reel of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a main control unit main process flow of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control unit timer interrupt processing of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a first sub-control unit main process, a first sub-control unit command reception interrupt process, and a first sub-control unit timer interrupt process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. Flow of second sub-control unit main process, second sub-control unit command reception interrupt process, second sub-control unit timer interrupt process, and second sub-control unit image control process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention It is a flowchart to show. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the production | presentation control process of step S2005 of the 1st sub control part main process of Fig.15 (a). (A) is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the delay time constant speed rotation processing of step S4009 in FIG. 17, and (b) is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the delay stop processing of step S4010 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the stop effective process of step S4011 of FIG. It is a timing chart in the case of changing the effect image of the effect image display device based on the first stop operation of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart of the lighting mode of the stop button lamp of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart of the lighting mode of the stop button lamp of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a timing chart showing stop timings of a main reel and a sub reel of a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a timing chart showing stop timings of a main reel and a sub reel of a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the reel stop data of the sub reel of the slot machine concerning another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a reel rotating device of a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the slot machine 100, a game is started when a medal is inserted, and a medal is paid out according to the result of the game.

  A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 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 in FIG. 1) are four reels having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface (reel 110, reel 111 and reel 112 controlled by a main control unit 300 described later, and The four sub-reels 191 controlled by a first sub-control unit 400, which will be described later, are referred to as the left reel 110, the reel 111 as the middle reel 111, and the reel 112 as the right reel 112, the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and The right reel 112 may be collectively referred to as main reels 110 to 112), and is configured to be rotatable inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 and 191 are rotationally driven by a driving means 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 and 191 are configured by attaching the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 and 191 are displayed approximately three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of twelve symbols can be seen. 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 unit 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 means. In the present embodiment, three main reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of main reels and the installation positions of the main reels are not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the sub reel 191 is arranged between the left reel 110 and the middle reel 111, but the arrangement of the main reel and the sub reel is not limited to this. For example, the sub reel 191 may be disposed on the left of the left reel 110. Further, the number of sub reels is not limited to one, and a plurality of sub reels may be provided.

  Reel backlights (not shown) for illuminating individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 are arranged on the rear surfaces of the respective reels 110 to 112 and 191. It is desirable that the reel backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (an index sensor to be described later; 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 and 191. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 and 191 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. An effective winning line is a line for determining whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination to be described later is displayed on the reels 110 to 112. A valid pay line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a valid line) 114 is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. When the pay line 114 becomes valid, the start lever 135 is operated to play a game. Will be able to start. In this embodiment, there is one winning line 114, and when three medals are bet, it becomes valid as a winning line. In the present embodiment, one winning line of the middle horizontal winning line configured by the middle position of the left reel 110, the middle position of the middle reel 111, and the middle position of the right reel 112 is set. The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to one line.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal, and turns on the lamp during a period in which the game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a replay which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The medal insertion buttons (also referred to as 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 this embodiment, every time the medal insertion button 130 is pressed, a maximum of three are inserted one by one. When the medal insertion button 131 is pressed, two are inserted, and when the medal insertion button 132 is pressed, 3 is inserted. A sheet is inserted. Hereinafter, the medal insertion button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. In this embodiment, the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132 have a built-in lamp, and turn on the lamp during a period in which a game medal can be inserted. 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 medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion port 141. It is. 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. In the present embodiment, the stored number display unit 125, the game information display unit 126, and the payout number display unit 127 are configured by a 7 segment (SEG) display unit.

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 and 191. That is, when a desired number of medals is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 and 191 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. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 and 191 that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112 and 191. . In this embodiment, the left reel 110 and the sub reel 191 are associated with the stop button 137 (also referred to as the left stop button 137), and the middle reel 111 is associated with the stop button 138 (also referred to as the middle stop button 138). The reel 112 (also referred to as the right reel 112) is associated with the right stop button 139. Of course, the correspondence between the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the sub reel 191 is not limited to this, and for example, the stop button 138 and the sub reel 191 may be associated with each other.

  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. Also, the reel that is the target of the first stop operation is referred to as the first stop reel, the reel that is the target of the second stop operation is the second stop reel, and the reel that is the target of the third stop operation is the third stop reel. In the present embodiment, a light emitter is provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be turned on to notify the player.

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

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

  The sound hole 181 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 (not shown) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (game). The structure appears on the person side).

  In addition, even if it is not a liquid crystal display device, it should just be comprised so that various effect images and various game information can be displayed, 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.

<Reel rotating device>
Next, the reel rotating device 185 that rotates the reels 110 to 112 and 191 of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the reel rotating device 185 of the slot machine 100. The reel rotation device 185 is generally configured by reel drive units 25, 26, 27, and 28 and a case member 221 that stores them. The reel drive units 25, 26 and 27 are structurally identical with each other only in the arrangement of symbols printed on the reel band 30 (see FIGS. 6A and 7 to be described later). Has been. Each reel drive unit 25, 26, 27, and 28 (hereinafter, the reel drive unit 25 will be described for the same configuration) is individually detachably housed in the case member 221. In the present embodiment, the reel drive units 25, 26, 27, and 28 have the same configuration, but may have different configurations. For example, the reel diameters of the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 may be different, and the configurations of the motors that drive the reels by the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 may be different.

  FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the reel drive unit 25. The reel drive unit 25 includes a mounting base 13, a sensor bracket 14, a stepping motor 20, and a sensor 80, and a reel 110 including a strip-shaped member 30, a reel frame 40, a detection piece 50, and a reinforcing rim 70. Further, an illumination base 90 composed of a plurality of reel backlights 94 for illuminating the pattern from behind is provided. An attachment member for attaching the illumination base 90 to the reel drive unit 25 is also provided, but is omitted in the figure. The illumination base 90 is provided not only in the reel drive unit 25 but also in the reel drive units 26, 27 and 28, and a plurality of reel backlights 94 are provided for each. Note that the number of reel backlights 94 of the sub reels 191 may be larger than the number of reel backlights 94 of the main reels 110 to 112. In some cases, it is possible to perform a light-emitting effect that impresses the sub reel 191.

  The mounting base 13 has a sensor bracket 14 and a stepping motor 20 formed on a flat plate. The sensor bracket 14 is mounted on the mounting base 13, and a sensor (index sensor) 80 for detecting passage of a detection piece 50 described later is attached to the tip.

  The stepping motor 20 is, for example, a four-phase type and has a resolution of about 252 steps per rotation and is driven by a 1-2 phase excitation method. Therefore, one rotation can be controlled with 504 pulses, and the rotation angle can be controlled with 0.7 degrees / pulse. Note that the stepping motor 20 of the sub reel 191 may have different specifications from the stepping motors 20 of the main reels 110 to 112. Specifically, the resolution of one rotation of the stepping motor 20 of the sub reel 191 may be higher than the resolution of one rotation of the stepping motor 20 of each of the main reels 110 to 112 (for example, one rotation can be controlled with 1008 pulses). . In some cases, it is possible to perform a rotation effect that gives the impression that the reel is the sub reel 191. Only the sub reel 191 may be a DC motor. In some cases, if the DC motor is used, the sub reel 191 can be moved at a high speed.

  A reel frame 40 is mounted on the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 20. The reel frame 40 includes a boss portion 42 attached to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 20, a rim portion 44 to which the belt-like member 30 is attached, and four connecting portions 43 for connecting the boss portion 42 and the rim portion 44. It consists of With such a configuration, the reel frame 40 is reduced in weight, and the load on the stepping motor 20 is reduced. The connecting portion 43 further has a screw hole 48 opened to attach the detection piece 50 with the screw 60.

  A belt-like member 30 is bonded around the rim portion 44 of the reel frame 40. At the same time, a reinforcing rim 70 is bonded to the opposite end of the band-shaped member 30 for the purpose of reinforcing the band-shaped member 30.

  The main control unit 300 detects the rotation of each reel 110 to 112 based on the detection result of the sensor (index sensor) 80 that detects the index (detection piece 50) provided on each reel 110 to 112, and each reel. When 110-112 stops, the stop position (symbol position displayed on the reel) of each reel 110-112 is specified. Further, the main control unit 300 transmits information regarding the symbol position displayed on the reel to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub control unit 400 detects the rotation of the sub reel 191 based on the detection result of the sensor (index sensor) 80 that detects the index (detection piece 50) provided on the sub reel 191 and stops the sub reel 191. In this case, the stop position of the sub reel 191 (the symbol position displayed on the reel) is specified. Specifically, the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 make the reel based on the detection result of the sensor (index sensor) 80 that detects the index (detection piece 50) after the reel is rotated at a constant speed. The symbol position information is cleared, and the rotation position (virtual rotation position) is updated based on the number of pulses output to the stepping motor 20. Further, before there is a detection result of the sensor (index sensor) 80 for detecting the index (detection piece 50), an error between the actual rotation position and the virtual rotation position may occur, so that the reel is not stopped during this period. In order to avoid stopping at a position that is not a desired position. The main control unit 300 transmits a command to the first sub-control unit 400 based on the detection result of the sensor (index sensor) 80 that detects the index (detection piece 50) provided on the sub-reel 191. The control unit 400 may detect the rotation of the sub reel 191 based on the detection result command of the sensor (index sensor) 80 received from the main control unit 300. Since the main control unit 300 can grasp the rotation status of the sub reels 191, the reels 110 to 112 may be rotated by using this.

  The plurality of reel backlights 94 are made of LEDs, and are attached to the illumination base 90. By turning on all of the reel backlights 94 among the plurality of reel backlights 94, all the symbols on the symbol display window 113 can be illuminated from behind. Further, by turning on some of the reel backlights 94, some of the symbols on the symbol display window 113 can be illuminated from behind. In this way, the plurality of reel backlights 94 illuminate the reels 110 to 112 and 191 with the symbols of the reels 110 to 112 and 191 from the back side toward the player side.

  FIG. 3B is an LED arrangement diagram of a plurality of reel backlights 94 attached to the illumination base 90. More specifically, the plurality of reel backlights 94 are LED-01 and LED-02 that illuminate the upper position of the symbol display window 113, LED-03 and LED-04 that illuminate the middle position of the symbol display window 113, and symbol display. LED-05 and LED-06 that illuminate the lower position of the window 113 are provided. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to control the lighting of the reels 110 to 112 for each of the upper stage, the middle stage, and the lower stage. In order to distinguish the backlights 94 of the reels 110 to 112 and 191, the LEDs 01 to 06 that irradiate the left reel 110 are represented as LEDs-L01 to L06, and the LEDs 01 to 06 that irradiate the middle reel 111 are LED-C01. -C06, LEDs 01-06 that illuminate the right reel 112 are denoted as LEDs-R01-R06, and LEDs 01-06 that illuminate the sub-reel 191 are denoted as LEDs-S01-S06.

<Circuit configuration of control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is 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 stop. ROM 306 for storing position, RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, and the like , And WDT314. 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 is activated when a power is turned on, and a random value generation circuit 316 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. The CPU 304 includes a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a signal (reset signal). 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) To start).

  Further, the main control unit 300 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 is inserted from various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal slot 141 every interruption time). Medal medal acceptance sensor, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal medal payout sensor paid out from medal payout device 180, index sensor 80 on reel 110 The index sensor 80 of the reel 111, the index sensor 80 of the reel 112, etc.) are monitored.

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

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

  The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and the medals stored electronically in the RAM 308 are inserted as inserted medals into the game. Detecting the case input operation. 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 80 of the reel 110, the index sensor 80 of the reel 111, and the index sensor 80 of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and are light shielding pieces (detection pieces) provided on the reel frame. Each time 50) passes, it goes to L level. When detecting this signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The main control unit 300 is provided in a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided on the reels 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 drive circuit 326 for driving the motor, and various lamps 336 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a re-game lamp 122, a game medal insertion lamp 129, a game start lamp 121, a stored number display 125, a game information display 126. , A driving circuit 328 for driving the payout number display device 127) is provided.

  In addition, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is slotted into an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output. Further, the main control unit 300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied to the main control unit 300, and the voltage monitoring circuit 330 has a predetermined voltage value (this embodiment) In the embodiment, when the voltage is less than 9v), 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. The 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 can transmit a signal such as a command to the first sub control unit 400, but the first sub control A signal such as a command cannot be transmitted from the unit 400 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 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives the control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input interface and controls the entire first sub control unit 400 based on the control command. Yes. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, frequency, and the like. doing. 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. In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 stores a ROM 406 in which a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the lighting pattern of the backlight, various displays, and the like are stored. Provided.

  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 speakers 272 and 277 are connected to the sound source IC 418 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 also provided with a drive circuit 422. The drive circuit 422 is loaded with various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel lamp, game medals through an input / output interface). Enable lamp 124, bet button lamp, reel backlight 94, stop button 137-139 lamp, etc.) are connected.

  Further, the first sub control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 424 that drives a stepping motor provided on the sub reel 191.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 426 for driving the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 426 via an output interface. The drive circuit 426 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 428, and a shutter sensor 438 is connected to the sensor circuit 428 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 438 every interruption time.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 controls the effect image display device 157 and the like.

  Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 receives a control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface, and includes a basic circuit 502 that 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 for measuring time, frequency, and the like. A timer 512 is mounted. 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 second sub control unit 500 is provided with a ROM 506 that 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 504 for 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 VDP 516 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected to the VDP 516 via a bus. The VDP 516 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 518, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

<Control of main reel and sub reel>
Next, control of the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit that controls the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the main control unit 300 controls the rotation of the main reels 110 to 112 by outputting a rotation signal to the main reels 110 to 112, and the first sub control unit 400 controls the sub reel 191. On the other hand, the rotation of the sub reel 191 is controlled by outputting a rotation signal. In addition, detection signals output from the index sensors 80 provided on the main reels 110 to 112 (signals output when detection pieces are detected) are output to the main control unit 300 and are provided on the sub reels 191. A detection signal output from the sensor 80 is output to the first sub-control unit 400. On the other hand, the reel backlight 94 provided in each of the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 is controlled to be turned on based on a lighting signal from the first sub control unit 400.

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

  A plurality of types of symbols (eight types in the present embodiment) shown on the right side of the same figure are arranged on each reel 110 to 112 by a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in the present 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, the “replay” symbol for the number 1 frame on the left reel 110, the “bell” symbol for the number 0 frame on the middle reel 111, and the “bell” symbol for the number 2 frame on the right reel 112. "Watermelon" design is arranged respectively.

<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. Among the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination that shifts to the bonus game, and the replaying combination (replay) is performed again without newly inserting medals. As the roles that can be played, there are cases where they are distinguished from the winning combinations and called “acting roles”. In this embodiment, the “winning positions” include big bonuses, regular bonuses, and replays that are operating roles. A role is included. More specifically, the re-playing combination is a combination capable of playing a game without newly using a game medium used for the game. In the present embodiment, the same number of game media as the number of game media inserted in the previous game is automatically set for replay. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and winnings for replayers.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a big bonus (BB1, BB2), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination (cherry, watermelon, bell), and a re-playing combination (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter may be simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game state), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. is there. Corresponding symbol combinations are: BB1 is “BB1 symbol (also referred to as red 7) −BB1 symbol—BB1 symbol”, and BB2 is “BB2 symbol (also referred to as blue 7) —BB2 symbol—BB2 symbol”. Further, flag carryover is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 and BB2 are won internally, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300), but even if BB1 and BB2 are not won in the game, a prize is won. Until then, the flag indicating the internal winning is maintained, and even after the next game, BB1 and BB2 are being internally won, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 "red 7-red 7-red 7", the symbol corresponding to BB2 The combination “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is in a state of winning a prize.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special role (operating role) in which a regular bonus game (RB game state) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “RB symbol (also called bonus) -RB symbol-RB symbol”. Note that the RB carries over the flag as well as the above-mentioned BB. However, in the big bonus game (BB game), the start of the big bonus game without the start condition that the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally or the symbol combination is displayed on the winning line. A regular bonus game may be set to automatically start such that when a regular bonus game is started later and one regular bonus game is completed, the next regular bonus game is immediately started.

  “A small role (cherry, watermelon, bell) (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as“ cherry ”,“ watermelon ”,“ bell ”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning, and the corresponding pattern As for combinations, cherry is “cherry symbol-ANY symbol-ANY symbol”, watermelon is “watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol”, and bell is “bell symbol-bell symbol-bell symbol”. Further, the corresponding payout number is as shown in the figure, with 4 cherries, 12 watermelons, and 8 bells. In the case of “cherry symbol-ANY symbol-ANY symbol”, the symbol of the left reel 110 may be a “cherry” symbol, and the symbol of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol.

  “Re-playing combination (replay)” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. In addition, as for the corresponding symbol combination, the replay is “replay symbol-replay symbol-replay symbol”.

  Here, an outline of the internal winning probability of the winning combination will be outlined.

  For the internal winning probability of each combination, the numerical data corresponding to the range of the lottery data associated with each combination is represented by the numerical data in the range of random values acquired in the internal lottery described later (in this embodiment, 65536). It is calculated by dividing by. The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. In a winning combination internal lottery process to be described later, it is determined whether the random value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to any of the combinations, and the internal winning combination is determined. Actually, in this lottery data, settings 1 to 6 are prepared in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a clerk of the game shop can arbitrarily select and set any set value. .

<Sub reel design>
The symbol arrangement applied to the sub reel 191 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same figure is the figure which expanded and showed the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to the sub reel 191 in the plane.

  A plurality of types of symbols or characters are arranged on a part of a predetermined number of frames (in this embodiment, 21 frames of numbers 0 to 20) on the sub reel 191. Further, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the sub reel 191. For example, in the present embodiment, the “large” character is placed on the number 0 frame of the sub reel 191, the “right” character is placed on the number 1 frame, and the “ri” character is placed on the number 2 frame. Yes. That is, when the numbers 0 to 1 of the sub reels 191 are displayed on the symbol display window 113, the “big hit” character is displayed on the symbol display window 113. In addition, since the symbol given to the sub reel 191 is a symbol that suggests the lottery result of the winning combination internal lottery process, if the player stops at an incorrect position, the player's willingness to play will be significantly reduced. .

<Main reel and sub-reel stop mode>
Next, stop modes of the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 displayed in the symbol display window 113 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 shows a stop mode of the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reels 191 when no winning combination is made in the winning combination internal lottery process, that is, when the winning combination is lost.

  FIG. 8A shows a stop mode when the operation on the left stop button 137 is the first stop operation and the left reel 110 is the first stop reel. In the present embodiment, the left reel 110 and the sub reel 191 are stopped based on the operation on the left stop button 137. However, the sub reel 191 has a character (indicating a bonus win) regardless of the timing of the first stop operation. For example, “big hit”) does not stop on the symbol display window 113. 8B shows the stop mode when the operation on the middle stop button 138 is the second stop operation and the middle reel 111 is the second stop reel, and FIG. 8C shows the operation on the right stop button 139. Is the third stop operation and the right reel 112 is the third stop reel, and the stop pattern is shown on the effective line 114.

  FIG. 9 shows how the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub-reel 191 are stopped when the special combination 2 (BB2) is also internally won in the winning combination internal lottery process and the special combination 2 (BB2) won internally.

  FIG. 9A shows a stop mode when the operation on the left stop button 137 is the first stop operation and the left reel 110 is the first stop reel. In the present embodiment, the left reel 110 and the sub reel 191 are stopped based on the operation on the left stop button 137. However, since the timing of the first stop operation is a suitable timing, the left reel 110 on the symbol display window 113 is displayed. The BB2 symbol is stopped and displayed at the middle position in FIG. 2, and characters (for example, big hits) indicating the special role winning are stopped and displayed on the symbol display window 113 on the sub reel 191. Specifically, when the left reel 110 is to be stopped, it must be designed according to the standard, and must be stopped within 190 ms after an operation on the left stop button 137. If the BB2 symbol can be stopped at the middle position, the BB2 symbol is stopped at the middle position. On the other hand, when the sub reel 191 is stopped, it is not necessary to design according to the standard. Therefore, after the left stop button 137 is operated, a character (for example, a big hit) indicating special winning is displayed on the symbol display window 113. Stop display. The player can grasp the special role winning from the BB2 symbol on the effective line 114 of the left reel 110 and the characters suggesting the special winning of the sub reel 191. 9B shows the stop mode when the operation on the middle stop button 138 is the second stop operation and the middle reel 111 is the second stop reel, and FIG. 98C shows the operation on the right stop button 139. Is the third stop operation, and the right reel 112 is the third stop reel, and the timing of either the second stop operation or the third stop operation is suitable. Indicates a case where the symbol combination corresponding to BB2 is stopped and displayed, that is, a case where a special combination (BB2) is won.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the special combination (BB1, BB2, RB) is won internally, and the first stop operation is performed with the left reel 110 as the first stop reel. When the symbol corresponding to (BB1, BB2, RB) is stopped and displayed, characters and symbols suggesting the special role winning are stopped and displayed on the sub reel 191 and the special role (BB1, BB2, RB) is displayed to the player. To inform you that you are winning internally.

  FIG. 10 shows how the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 are stopped when the special combination 2 (BB2) is also internally won in the winning combination internal lottery process and the special combination 2 (BB2) won internally is not won. is there.

  FIG. 10A shows a stop mode when the operation on the left stop button 137 is the first stop operation and the left reel 110 is the first stop reel. In the present embodiment, the left reel 110 and the sub reel 191 are stopped based on the operation on the left stop button 137. In this case, the timing of the first stop operation is not a suitable timing, so While the BB2 symbol is not stopped and displayed at the middle position on the left reel 110, the symbol indicating the special combination 2 (BB2) is stopped and displayed on the symbol display window 113 on the sub reel 191. Specifically, the main control unit 300 transmits virtual rotation position information to the first sub-control unit 400 when the left stop button 137 is operated, and the first sub-control unit 400 receives the received virtual A stop position is determined based on the information on the rotational position. The player can grasp the special combination winning from the symbol indicating the special combination 2 (BB2) of the sub reel 191. 10B shows a stop mode when the operation on the middle stop button 138 is the second stop operation and the middle reel 111 is the second stop reel, and FIG. 10C shows the operation on the right stop button 139. Is the third stop operation and the right reel 112 is the third stop reel, and the timing of either the second stop operation or the third stop operation is suitable. The case where the symbol combination corresponding to BB2 is stopped and displayed on the effective line 114 of the right reel 112 is shown. That is, when the BB2 symbols are aligned at the middle positions of the sub reel 191, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112, the special combination 2 (BB2) winning is notified. In this case, the special mode 2 (BB2) winning may be notified by changing the lighting mode of the reel backlight at the middle position.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first stop operation in which the special combination (BB1, BB2, RB) is internally won and the left reel 110 is the first stop reel is performed. As a result of the first stop operation, If the symbol corresponding to the special combination (BB1, BB2, RB) won internally is not displayed on the active line, the symbol of the special combination won internally is displayed at the middle position of the sub-reel 191. The person who has won the special role (BB1, BB2, RB). In addition, since the symbols corresponding to the special combination (BB1, BB2, RB) won internally on the active line can be stopped by the subsequent second stop operation and third stop operation, the sub reel 191, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 can be stopped. The symbol combination corresponding to the special combination (BB1, BB2, RB) won internally at the middle position can be stopped and displayed, so that the player can win the special combination (BB1, BB2, RB) internally. This can be notified more reliably. That is, when the rotation of the main reel and the sub reel are stopped by one operation, the rotation stop position of the sub reel may be determined based on the rotation stop position of the main reel. Depending on the rotation stop position of the main reel, the rotation stop position of the sub reel can be diversified.

<Sub reel stop timing>
Next, the stop timing of the sub reel 191 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 are timing charts showing stop timings of the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191. FIG.

  FIG. 11 shows the stop timing of the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 at the normal time. In this case, the slot machine 100 starts rotating the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 based on the start lever operation, stops the left reel 110 and the sub reel 191 based on the left stop button operation that is the first stop operation, The middle reel 111 is stopped based on a middle stop button operation that is a second stop operation, and the right reel 112 is stopped based on a right stop button operation that is a third stop operation. That is, in this case, the sub reel 191 stops together with the first stop reel based on the time point t3 when the first stop operation is performed.

  On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows stop timings of the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 when an abnormality occurs at the start of rotation of the sub reel 191 (hereinafter referred to as an abnormality). In this case, the slot machine 100 starts rotating the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 based on the start lever operation. However, when the sub reel 191 starts rotating, a step out of the stepping motor of the sub reel 191 occurs (hereinafter abbreviated as a step out of the sub reel 191), and a left stop button operation that is a first stop operation is performed. If the sub reel 191 has not yet reached constant speed rotation at t3, only the left reel 110 is stopped and the sub reel 191 is not stopped at time t3. After that, even if the sub reel 191 is out of step and the sub reel 191 reaches constant speed rotation, the sub reel 191 is not stopped at that time. In the present embodiment, the slot machine 100 stops the sub reel 191 if the sub reel 191 has reached a constant speed rotation at the time of winning determination after the third stop operation is performed. That is, in this case, the sub reel 191 stops at the time point t6 at the time of winning determination after the third stop operation is performed. More specifically, the time point t6 is a time point when the first sub-control unit 400 receives a display determination command indicating the content of the winning determination from the main control unit 300. It should be noted that the sub reel 191 is stopped at the time of winning determination when there is an abnormality. Even if a step-out occurs in the sub reel 191, the sub reel 191 starts rotating and reaches a constant speed rotation by the time of winning determination. It is because it is thought that there are many cases. Note that, as described above, when the sub reel 191 is stopped, it is not necessary to design according to the standard. For example, after one game is finished, a fast-moving effect operation with impact is performed to promote the progress of the next game. However, if the design does not conform to the standard, the possibility of creating a situation in which the stepping motor is likely to step out increases.

  In this embodiment, the sub reel 191 is stopped based on the reception of the display determination command in the event of an abnormality, but other commands may be received as long as the command is near the end of the current game. Although details will be described later, for example, based on reception of a command such as a stop button reception 3 command indicating a stop button of a third stop operation, a reel stop 3 command indicating a stop position of the third stop reel, and a game state command indicating a gaming state. Thus, the sub reel 191 may be stopped. Further, the sub reel 191 may be stopped based on reception of a plurality of commands instead of one command. The sub reel 191 can be stopped more safely.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a problem occurs at the start of rotation of the sub reel, even if there is an operation on the stop button corresponding to the sub reel, the sub reel is not stopped, and the sub reel reaches a constant speed rotation. Since the sub reels are stopped based on the stop of all the main reels after the sub reels are in a stoppable state, the sub reels can be stopped at a desired position, and the player may be misunderstood from the stop mode of the sub reels. Absent.

<Operation of slot machine>
As described above, the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment is characterized by the rotation control of the sub reel 191. Therefore, the operation of the slot machine 100 will be described below centering on the rotation control of the sub reel 191.

<Main control unit main processing>
First, the main process of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit 300.

  Basic control of the game is performed mainly by the CPU 304 of the main controller 300, and the CPU 304 repeatedly executes the main process of the main controller shown in FIG.

  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 S102, a game start process is executed. In the game start process, an error check relating to a medal overflow of a medal auxiliary storage case (not shown), setting of an automatic trigger (SRB), updating of a bonus signal, setting of a prescribed number of medals, a game indicating the start of one game Prepare to send a start command.

  In step S103, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. In the medal insertion / start operation acceptance process, whether or not a medal is inserted is checked, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. In addition, preparation is made for transmitting a medal insertion command indicating that a medal has been inserted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Also, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the number of inserted medals is determined and the start lever 135 is operated with respect to the first sub-control unit 400. Prepare to send a start lever acceptance command indicating that.

  In step S104, the number of inserted medals is determined, and an effective winning line is determined.

  In step S105, the random number generated by the random value generation circuit 316 is acquired.

  In step S106, a winning combination internal lottery process is performed. In the winning combination internal lottery process, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and the internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step S104. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the condition device (flag) of the internal winning combination is activated (the winning combination flag is turned ON). Further, in this step S106, preparation is made for transmitting an internal lottery command indicating the result of the winning combination internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400. For example, when the re-gamer (replay) is internally won, the internal lottery command indicating that the re-gamer (replay) is internally won is prepared for transmission to the first sub-control unit 400, and the winning combination When the result of the internal lottery is a loss (no winning combination), preparation is made to transmit an internal lottery command indicating a loss to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step S107, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result in step S106.

  In step S108, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. In step S108, preparation is made to transmit a reel rotation start command indicating that the reels 110 to 112 have started to rotate to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step S109, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel stop data selected in step S107 is one of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button. Stop based on. When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S109, for each stop operation, a stop button reception command related to the stop buttons 137 to 139 that have been stopped (specifically, for the first stop operation, the stop button reception 1 command, the second stop operation In response to the stop button button reception 2 command and the third stop operation, the stop button reception 3 command) is prepared for transmission to the first sub-control unit 400. Reel stop command related to the stop position of the reel (specifically, a reel stop 1 command for the first stop reel, a reel stop 2 command for the second stop operation, and a reel for the third stop operation) (Stop 3 command) is prepared for transmission to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step S110, display determination processing is performed. In the display determination process, when a picture 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 “watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the watermelon symbol is won. Further, in this step S110, preparation is made for transmitting a display determination command indicating the result of the winning determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step S111, a medal payout process is performed. In this medal payout process, if a winning combination with a payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out.

  In step S112, a game state control process is performed in which control for shifting the game state is performed. For example, in the case of winning a BB (big bonus), preparation is made so that the BB gaming state can be started from the next time. In step S112, preparation is made for transmitting a gaming state command indicating the gaming state. For example, when the gaming state is the BB gaming state, preparation is made to transmit a gaming state command indicating the BB gaming state.

  Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, returning to step S102 and repeating the above-described processing, the game proceeds.

  Note that the various commands prepared in the above steps are transmitted in a command setting transmission process (step S1006 in FIG. 14) of the main control unit timer interrupt process described later.

<Main control unit 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 1.5 ms), and the main control unit timer is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. Interrupt processing is executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S1001, timer interrupt start processing 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 S1002, the WDT is counted periodically (to prevent detection of processing abnormality) so that the WDT 314 count value exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and no WDT interruption occurs. In the embodiment, the restart is performed once in about 1.5 ms which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S1003, 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 S1004, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318), and processing according to this status is performed. For example, if the interrupt status is in the medal insertion process, the medal insertion acceptance process is performed. If the interrupt status is in the payout process, the medal payout process is performed.

  In step S1005, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step S1006, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands 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, start lever reception command, internal lottery command, rotation start command for starting rotation of reels 110 to 112, stop button for receiving operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 A reception command, a reel stop command accompanying a stop process of the reels 110 to 112, a payout number command accompanying a medal payout process, a payout end command, etc.), and bits 0 to 10 are composed of command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type). doing.

  The first sub-control unit 400 can 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 is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, it is possible to determine the content of the effect control.

  In step S1007, external signal output processing is performed. In this external signal output process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652 that is separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S1008, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S1003 are read, the presence / absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality, etc. are monitored, and an error is detected. Performs error handling. Further, according to the current gaming state, the medal selector 170 (medal blocker in which a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 336, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set.

  In step S1009, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. If the low voltage signal is on (when power supply is detected to be cut off), the process proceeds to step S1011. If the low voltage signal is off (when power supply is not cut off), the process proceeds to step S1010.

  In step S1010, 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 S1001 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S1011, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 as return data, and power-off processing such as input / output port initialization is performed. Thereafter, the process returns to the main control unit main process shown in FIG.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
The process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400, and FIG. 5C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S2001. 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 step S2002, 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 S2003.

  In step S2003, 0 is substituted into the timer variable.

  In step S2004, command processing is performed. In the command processing, it is determined whether a command is received from the main control unit 300 (whether there is an unprocessed command in the command storage area of the RAM 408).

  In step S2005, effect control processing (described later in detail) is performed. For example, when there is a new command in step S2004, processing such as reading the production data corresponding to this command from the ROM 406 is performed, and when the production data needs to be updated, the production data is updated.

  In step S2006, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step S2005, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

  In step S2007, if there is a command to various lamps 420 in the effect data read in step S2005, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step S2008, if there is a command to the shutter 163 in the effect data read in step S2005, this command is output to the drive circuit 426.

  In step S2009, when there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub control unit 500 in the effect data read in step S2005, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step S2002. As a result, the set control command is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500.

  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 S2101 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). The CPU 404 is triggered by this timer interrupt. The process is executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S2201, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S2002 in the first sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Accordingly, in step S2002, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step S2202, an effect random number update process is performed.

<Processing of second sub-control unit>
The process 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, the main process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in 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 S3003, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

  In step S3004, command processing is performed. The CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400.

  In step S3005, effect control processing is performed. For example, when there is a new command in step S3004, processing such as reading the effect data corresponding to this command from the ROM 506 is performed, and when the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated.

  In step S3006, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S3005, image control corresponding to this command is performed (details will be described later), and the process returns to step S3002.

  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, and executes a timer interrupt process at a predetermined cycle triggered by this timer interrupt.

  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.

  In step S3202, various update processes for updating the production random number and the like are performed.

  Next, the image control processing of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6D is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the image control process in step S3006 of FIG.

  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 the like, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In step S3302, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 534. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S3303. If not, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it.

  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 S4301, the CPU 504 includes information on image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes and image sizes of the VRAM 536). , VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, 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.

<Production control processing>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the effect control process in step S2005 of the first sub-control unit main process in FIG.

  In step S4001, it is determined whether an internal lottery command has been received. If an internal lottery command has been received, the process proceeds to step 4002, and if not, the process proceeds to step S4005.

  In step S4002, reel stop data for controlling stop of the sub reel 191 is selected according to the content of the internal lottery command.

  In step S4003, the sub reel 191 starts to rotate.

  In step S4004, reel rotation information indicating that the sub reel 191 has started rotating is set. After the process of step S4004, the process proceeds to step S4005.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the first sub control unit 400 receives the internal lottery command, the sub reel 191 starts to rotate. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sub reel 191 rotates when the rotation start command is received. You may make it start. When the rotation of the sub reel 191 is triggered by the reception of the rotation start command, the sub reel 191 can be rotated in synchronization with the timing of starting the rotation of the main reels 110 to 112.

  In step S4005, a stop button reception 1 command is received, and it is determined from the content of the stop button reception 1 command whether or not there has been a first stop operation on the left stop button 137. If the stop button reception 1 command is received and the first stop operation is performed on the left stop button 137, the process proceeds to step S4006, and if not, the process proceeds to step S4009.

  In step S4006, it is determined whether or not the sub reel 191 is enabled to be stopped. Here, the state where the sub reel 191 is set to be effective for stop indicates that the sub reel 191 may be stopped. The setting of the sub reel 191 to be effective for stop is a predetermined value in a stop effective process described later. This is performed when the above condition is satisfied (see step S4305 in FIG. 19). In this embodiment, the predetermined condition is satisfied when the sub reel 191 starts to rotate and then the sub reel 191 reaches a constant speed rotation, and the index sensor 80 detects the detection piece 50. If the sub reel 191 is set to stop valid, the process proceeds to step S4007. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4008.

  In step S4007, since the sub reel 191 is enabled to be stopped, a sub reel stop control process for stopping the sub reel 191 is executed in accordance with the reel stop data. That is, in this case, the sub reel 191 is stopped at the timing of the first stop operation (see time point t3 in FIG. 11).

  In step S4008, the delay stop information 1 is set because the stop effective of the sub reel 191 is not set, for example, due to the step-out of the sub reel 191. That is, in this case, the sub reel 191 is not stopped at the timing of the first stop operation (see time point t3 in FIG. 12).

  In step S4009, delay time constant speed confirmation processing (described in detail later) is executed.

  In step S4010, a delay stop process (described later in detail) is executed.

  In step S4011, delay effective processing (details will be described later) is executed.

  In step S4012, other effect control processing is executed.

<Constant speed confirmation process during delay>
Next, the delay time constant speed confirmation process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18A is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of delay time constant speed confirmation processing in step 4009 of FIG.

  In step S4101, it is determined whether or not delay stop information 1 is set. If the delay stop information 1 is set, the process proceeds to step S4102, and if not, the delay time constant speed confirmation process is terminated.

  In step S4102, it is determined whether or not the sub reel 191 is rotating at a constant speed. If the sub reel 191 is rotating at a constant speed, the process proceeds to step S4103. If not, the delay time constant speed confirmation process is terminated.

  In step S 4103, it is determined whether or not the index sensor 80 of the sub reel 191 has detected the detection piece 50. When the index sensor 80 detects the detection piece 50, the process proceeds to step S4104. Otherwise, the delay time constant speed confirmation process is terminated.

  In step S4104, the position information related to the symbol position of the sub reel 191 is reset. In step S4105, the delay stop information 1 is cleared and the delay stop information 2 is set. Here, the delay stop information 2 is a state in which the sub reel 191 reaches a constant speed after the trouble occurs in the sub reel 191 and the delay stop information 1 is set, and the index sensor 80 detects the detection piece 50, that is, It is set when the sub reel 191 can be stopped.

<Delayed stop processing>
Next, the delay stop process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18B is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the delay stop process in step 4010 of FIG.

  In step S4201, it is determined whether a display determination command is received. If a display determination command has been received, the process proceeds to step S4202, and if not, the delay stop process is terminated.

  In step S4202, it is determined whether delay stop information 2 is set. If the delay stop information 2 is set, the process proceeds to step S4203. If not, the process proceeds to step S4204.

  In step S4203, since the display determination command is received and the delay stop information 2 is set, the sub reel stop control process for stopping the sub reel 191 is executed according to the selected reel stop data. In step S4203, the settings of the reel rotation information and the delay stop information 2 are cleared. That is, in this case, the sub reel 191 is stopped at the timing of winning determination (see time t6 in FIG. 12). Since the sub reel 191 is stopped at the planned position using the selected reel stop data, even if a trouble occurs in the sub reel 191, the sub reel 191 is not stopped at a strange stop position. There is an effect of not causing misunderstanding.

  In this embodiment, in step S4203, the selected reel stop data is used to stop the sub reel 191 at the planned position. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, (1) the sub reel 191 may be stopped immediately when the display determination command is received, or (2) the sub reel 191 may be stopped at a stop position at the time of abnormality different from the planned position. In the case of (1), there is an effect that the sub reel 191 can be stopped quickly, and in the case of (2), there is an effect that it can be recognized that there is an abnormality.

  In step S4204, it is determined whether or not the delay stop information 1 is set. If the delay stop information 1 is set, the process proceeds to step S4205. If not, the delay stop process is terminated.

  In step S4205, the delay stop information 1 remains set even when the winning determination is made, that is, the sub reel 191 has not yet reached the constant speed rotation, and the index sensor 80 has not yet detected the detection piece 50. Then, a sub reel stop control process for forcibly stopping the sub reel 191 is executed. In step S4205, the settings of the reel rotation information and the delay stop information 1 are cleared. This is a process for preventing the rotation of the sub reel 191 from continuing until the next game.

<Stop effective processing>
Next, the stop valid process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the stop valid process in step 4011 of FIG.

  In step S4301, it is determined whether reel rotation information is set. If the reel rotation information is set, the process proceeds to step S4302, and if not, the stop valid process is terminated.

  In step S4302, it is determined whether or not the sub reel 191 is rotating at a constant speed. If the sub reel 191 is rotating at a constant speed, the process advances to step S4303. If not, the stop valid process is terminated.

  In step S4303, it is determined whether or not the index sensor 80 of the sub reel 191 has detected the detection piece 50. If the index sensor 80 of the sub reel 191 detects the detection piece 50, the process proceeds to step S4304. If not, the stop valid process ends.

  In step S4304, position information relating to the symbol position of the sub reel 191 is reset, and then in step S4305, stop valid is set. In step S4305, the reel rotation information is cleared. As described above, in this embodiment, after the sub reel 191 starts to rotate, the sub reel 191 reaches the constant speed rotation, and the stop valid setting is performed when the index sensor 80 detects the detection piece 50.

<Image display>
FIG. 20 is a timing chart when the effect image of the effect image display device 157 is changed based on the first stop operation.

  FIG. 20A shows the operation of the slot machine 100 in a normal state. The main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 are started to rotate based on the start lever operation, and the left stop button operation which is the first stop operation is performed. The case where the left reel 110 and the sub reel 191 are stopped based on this is shown (corresponding to the case of FIG. 11). In this case, the effect image displayed on the effect image display device 157 changes from the video A to the video B based on the time point t3 of the first stop operation.

  FIG. 20B shows the operation of the slot machine 100 at the time of abnormality. The main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 start to rotate based on the start lever operation, but a trouble occurs in the sub reel 191 and the first stop occurs. The case where the sub reel 191 has not yet reached the constant speed rotation at the time point t3 when the operation of the left stop button as the operation is performed is shown (corresponding to the case of FIG. 12). In this case, the effect image displayed on the effect image display device 157 at the time t6 at the time of winning determination for stopping the sub reel 191 changes from the video A to the video B.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when trouble occurs in the sub reel 191 during the first stop operation, even when the effect image is changed based on the first stop operation, the timing of the first stop operation is not changed. The effect image is changed at the timing when the sub reel 191 stops without changing the effect image. In some cases, the stop of the sub reel 191 and the change of the effect image are performed at the same time so that the player does not feel uncomfortable.

<Stop button lamp lighting>
FIG. 21 is a timing chart of the lighting state of the stop button lamp. The stop button lamp lights the stop button lamps of the stop buttons 137 to 139 when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received, and the stop buttons of the stop buttons 137 to 139 when the stop buttons 137 to 139 cannot be received. The lamp is turned off. In the present embodiment, the first sub control unit 400 controls the lighting of the stop button lamp. Note that the stop button lamps may have different lighting colors depending on whether the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received or not. For example, the stop button lamp lights the stop button lamps of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in blue when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received, and the stop button lamps 137 to 139 when the stop buttons 137 to 139 cannot be received. The stop button lamp 139 may be lit in red.

FIG. 21A shows a lighting state of the stop button lamp at the normal time. In this case, the stop button lamp starts to light from time t10 when the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be accepted. That is, at time t10, the sub reel 191 rotates at a constant speed together with the main reels 110 to 112, and the sub reel 191 can be stopped (the sub reel 191 rotates at a constant speed and the index sensor 80 detects the detection piece 50). Therefore, the stop button lamp starts to illuminate from time t10. FIG. 21 (b) starts the rotation of the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191 based on the lighting state of the stop button lamp at the time of abnormality, that is, the start lever operation. However, a trouble occurs in the sub reel 191, and then the trouble of the sub reel 191 is resolved and the sub reel 191 can be stopped (the sub reel 191 rotates at a constant speed and the index sensor 80 detects the detection piece 50). When the stop button lamp lights up Is shown. In this case, lighting of the stop button lamp is started not from the time t10 when the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be accepted but from the time t20 when the sub reel 191 becomes in a stoppable state. As described above, in this embodiment, when the sub reel 191 is in a stoppable state, all stop button lamps start to light.

  FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing the lighting state of the stop button lamp at the time of abnormality in association with the stop operation. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21, the stop button lamp is displayed at time t20 when the sub reel 191 can be stopped (the sub reel 191 rotates at a constant speed and the index sensor 80 detects the detection piece 50). Starts to light. That is, at the time t11 when the left stop button 137 before the time point 20 is stopped, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be accepted, so the main reel 110 stops, but the sub reel 191 can stop. It does not stop because it is not in a state. As a result, at the time t11, all stop button lamps remain off.

  On the other hand, at the time t12 when the second left stop button 137 is stopped after time 20, the sub reel 191 is in a stoppable state, so the sub reel 101 is stopped and the left stop button lamp that is lit is It is turned off by operating the left stop button 137. The middle stop button lamp that is lit is extinguished at the time t13 of the second stop operation for the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button lamp that is lit is the time t14 of the third stop operation for the right stop button 139. Turns off at.

<Other embodiments>
In the above embodiment, when a trouble occurs in the sub reel 191 such as the step out of the sub reel 191, the sub reel 191 is stopped in response to reception of a command transmitted from the main control unit 300 such as a display determination command. The trigger for stopping is not limited to command reception.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when a step-out occurs in the sub reel 191 at the time point t3 of the first stop operation, a predetermined time TA (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed from the time point t3 of the first stop operation. At this time t7, the sub reel 191 may be stopped. As described above, the sub reel 191 is stopped based on the passage of time without depending on the command transmitted from the main control unit 300. Therefore, the sub reel 191 is stopped at a desired timing regardless of the stop timing of the main reels 110 to 112. be able to.

  Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 24, when the sub reel 191 has stepped out at the time point t3 of the first stop operation, the sub reel at the time point t8 when the index sensor 80 of the sub reel 191 detects the detection piece 50. 191 may be stopped. Thus, the sub reel 191 is stopped based on the detection of the index of the sub reel 191 without depending on the command transmitted from the main control unit 300, so that the sub reel 191 can be stopped at a relatively early timing.

  Further, in the above embodiment, if trouble occurs in the sub reel 191 such as the step out of the sub reel 191 and the sub reel 191 does not rotate at a constant speed even when determining the winning of the game, the sub reel is compulsorily used in the game. Although 191 is stopped (see step S4205 in FIG. 18B), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the sub reel 191 is not rotating at a constant speed even when determining the winning of the previous game, the sub reel 191 is rotated as it is until the current game, and a predetermined condition for the current game is satisfied (for example, the sub reel at the time of determining the winning). The sub reel 191 may be stopped when the 191 rotates at a constant speed and the index sensor 80 of the sub reel 191 detects the detection piece 50). In this case, as shown in FIG. 25 (a), in the current game, the sub reel 191 may be stopped using the reel stop data selected in the previous game, or in FIG. 25 (b). As shown in FIG. 25, the sub reel 191 may be stopped using the reel stop data newly selected in the game this time, and as shown in FIG. 25 (c), the reel stop data for abnormality is used. The sub reel 191 may be stopped.

  It should be noted that the reel stop data for an abnormality may be stop data that repeats a slightly swaying movement without completely stopping the sub reel 191. If the sub reel 191 is stopped, the symbol displayed on the sub reel 191 may be associated with an advantageous or unfavorable situation. By not stopping the sub reel 191 completely, it is possible not to associate an erroneous situation. There is a case. In addition, you may make it repeat the movement which is slightly rocking only one reel. This is because if the movement is performed even with one reel, the player may be able to recognize that there is an abnormality. In addition, you may make it repeat the movement slightly shaken with respect to all three reels. This is because if all reels have been moved, it may be possible for the player to easily recognize that there was an abnormality.

  In the above embodiment, one sub reel is provided, but a plurality of sub reels may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 26A, three sub reels 191, 192, and 193 may be provided, and the sub reels 191 to 193 may be arranged on the right side of the main reels 110 to 112. Also in this case, the first sub-control unit 400 controls the rotation of the sub reels 191 to 193 in accordance with the command received from the main control unit 300. Of course, when the three main reels 110 to 112 and the three sub reels 191 to 193 are provided, the arrangement of the main reel and the sub reels is not limited to this. For example, the main reel and the sub reel may be alternately arranged, the main reel and the sub reel may be accommodated in different case members, or the sub reel may have a larger diameter than the main reel.

<Summary of Embodiment>
As described above, according to the gaming table (for example, the slot machine 100) of the above embodiment, a plurality of reels (for example, the main reels 110 to 112 and the sub reel 191) that are rotationally driven and the rotation of the plurality of reels. A plurality of stop buttons (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139) operated to stop the game, main control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, the main control unit 300), and effect control means for controlling the effect ( For example, a gaming machine comprising a first sub-control unit 400 and a second sub-control unit 500), wherein at least one of the plurality of reels is first driven to rotate by the main control means. Reel (eg, reel 110), and at least one of the plurality of reels is a second reel (eg, sub reel) that is rotationally driven by the effect control means. 191), and at least one of the plurality of stop buttons is a first stop button (e.g., operated to stop rotation of at least the first reel and the second reel). Stop button 137), and when there is an operation on the first stop button, the main control means stops the first reel and information related to the stop of the first reel (for example, stop button reception) 1 command) can be transmitted to the effect control means, and the effect control means is a period during which the second reel can be stopped after the second reel is driven to rotate ( For example, the second reel can be stopped when the information is received during a constant rotation (period after the detection by the index sensor). When the information is received before the period comes after the second reel is driven to rotate, the effect control means does not stop the second reel by receiving the information. The basic configuration is that the second reel can be stopped when the first condition after the period is reached (for example, at the time of winning determination).

  In the above basic configuration, if a malfunction occurs at the start of rotation of the second reel, the second reel is not stopped even if there is an operation on the first stop button corresponding to the second reel. Since the second reel is stopped based on the establishment of the first condition after the second reel is in a stoppable state, the sub reel is stopped at a desired position even if a trouble occurs in the sub reel. And will not mislead the player.

  Also, as an example, when the second reel is stopped due to the establishment of the first condition, the production control means determines the second reel stop mode (for example, based on the reel stop data). It is preferable to stop the second reel in a stop mode different from the stop mode when stopped (for example, a stop mode by immediate stop or a stop mode when stopped at an abnormal stop position). .

  In this case, it is possible to grasp that a trouble has occurred in the sub reel from the stop mode of the sub reel.

  As an example, at least one of the plurality of reels is a third reel (for example, a middle reel 111) that is rotationally driven by the main control unit, and at least one of the plurality of reels. One is a fourth reel (for example, the right reel 112) that is rotationally driven by the main control means, and the main control means includes the first reel, the third reel, and the fourth reel. It is possible to transmit information based on the fact that it has been stopped to the effect control means, and the first condition is that the effect control means is configured such that the first reel, the third reel, and the fourth reel. This is preferably established when information based on the fact that the reel has stopped (for example, a stop button reception command, a reel stop command, a display determination command, a gaming state command, etc.) is received. Arbitrariness.

  In this case, since the sub reel is stopped after all the main reels are stopped, the trouble of the sub reel may be solved.

  In addition, as an example, a stop button lamp (for example, a stop button lamp) that causes the first stop button to emit light is further provided, and the stop button lamp is controlled to emit light by the effect control means. The light emission mode of the button lamp includes a first light emission mode (for example, a mode of emitting light) that suggests that an operation on the first stop button can be accepted, and an operation on the first stop button cannot be accepted. A second light emission mode (for example, a light-off mode) suggesting that there is a lighting control, and the production control means controls the light emission of the stop button lamp to the first light emission mode when the period comes. It is preferable that there is.

  In this case, when the sub-reel can be stopped, the stop button corresponding to the sub-reel becomes the first light emission mode, so that it can be understood from the light emission mode of the stop button lamp that the sub-reel can be stopped.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention. Such modifications and changes can be made, and those accompanying such modifications and changes are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the 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.

100 slot machine 110, 111, 112, 191 reel 113 symbol display window 114 winning line 130, 131, 132 medal insertion button 135 start lever 137, 138, 139 stop button 141 medal insertion port 157 liquid crystal display device 272, 277 speaker 300 main Control unit 400 First sub control unit 500 Second sub control unit

In order to achieve the above object, a game table according to the present invention includes, as one aspect thereof, a plurality of reels that are rotationally driven, a plurality of stop buttons that are operated to stop the rotation of the plurality of reels, and a game A game machine comprising a main control means for controlling the progress of the game and an effect control means for controlling the production, wherein at least one of the plurality of reels is rotationally driven by the main control means. One reel, at least one of the plurality of reels is a second reel rotated by the effect control means, and at least one of the plurality of stop buttons is at least the first reel. A first stop button operated to stop the rotation of one reel and the second reel, and the main control means, when there is an operation on the first stop button, It is possible to stop the reel and transmit information related to the stop of the first reel to the effect control means, and the effect control means, after the second reel is driven to rotate, when the second reel is receipt of the information in the period made possible stop, the possible causes stopping a second reel are those capable of the effect control means, said second reel rotation drive And when the information is received before the period, the second reel can be stopped by the establishment of the first condition after the period. Features.

  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 and 191 are configured by attaching the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 and 191 are displayed approximately three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of twelve symbols can be seen. 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 unit 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 means. In the present embodiment, three main reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of main reels and the installation positions of the main reels are not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the sub reel 191 is arranged between the left reel 110 and the middle reel 111, but the arrangement of the main reel and the sub reel is not limited to this. For example, the sub reel 191 may be disposed on the left of the left reel 110.

Claims (4)

A plurality of rotationally driven reels;
A plurality of stop buttons operated to stop rotation of the plurality of reels;
Main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Production control means for controlling production;
A game machine equipped with
At least one of the plurality of reels is a first reel that is rotationally driven by the main control means,
At least one of the plurality of reels is a second reel that is rotationally driven by the effect control means,
At least one of the plurality of stop buttons is a first stop button operated to stop rotation of at least the first reel and the second reel,
The main control means is capable of stopping the first reel and transmitting information related to the stop of the first reel to the effect control means when there is an operation on the first stop button. And
The production control means can stop the second reel when receiving the information during a period when the second reel can be stopped after the second reel is driven to rotate. And
When the information is received before the period comes after the second reel is driven to rotate, the effect control means does not stop the second reel by receiving the information, and the period It is possible to stop the second reel by the establishment of the first condition after becoming
A game stand characterized by that. The game table according to claim 1,
When the second reel is stopped due to the establishment of the first condition, the effect control means is configured to stop the second reel in a stop mode different from the predetermined stop mode of the second reel. Stop,
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1 or 2,
At least one of the plurality of reels is a third reel that is rotationally driven by the main control means,
At least one of the plurality of reels is a fourth reel that is rotationally driven by the main control means,
The main control means is capable of transmitting information based on the fact that the first reel, the third reel and the fourth reel are stopped to the effect control means,
The first condition is established when the production control means receives information based on the fact that the first reel, the third reel, and the fourth reel are stopped.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A stop button lamp for emitting the first stop button;
The stop button lamp is light emission controlled by the effect control means,
The light emission mode of the stop button lamp indicates a first light emission mode that suggests that an operation for the first stop button can be accepted, and an operation that cannot be accepted for the first stop button. A second light emitting mode,
The production control means controls the emission of the stop button lamp to the first light emission mode when the period comes.
A game stand characterized by that.

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