JP2016096951A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of selecting the rendering in conformity to a taste of a game player in which the game player is made to recognize a wrong operation and can select a rendering content intended by the game player.SOLUTION: A game machine includes determination operation means for executing first control processing for displaying a selection rendering image to make a selection of any one object from among multiple objects, and second control processing for executing the rendering corresponding to one selected object when a determination operation is performed to one object selected in the first control processing, and for accepting the determination operation. This selection rendering image is configured such that one object under selection is switched sequentially and displayed when a predetermined condition is established. The determination operation means validates the determination operation accepted after the execution of the first control processing is started and a predetermined time elapses. The game machine executes the second control processing to the effective determination operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in game machines called slot machines and pachislot machines, presentation control using an image presentation using a liquid crystal display device or a production sound from a speaker is performed. Such an effect device is controlled by an effect control unit provided separately from a control unit that performs winning determination and reel control. Recently, with the diversification of production, for example, a plurality of characters to be displayed on a liquid crystal display device are prepared, a desired character is selected by operating a selection button, and then displayed by operating a decision button. There is provided a game stand that allows a player to arbitrarily select a character and select an effect according to the player's preference.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine in which a player can change a character displayed on a liquid crystal display device using an operation unit.

JP 2002-136649 A

  However, a player who does not understand the functions of the selection button and the decision button operates the decision button before the selection button, and the game proceeds while selecting an effect that the player does not intend. was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and allows a player to recognize an erroneous operation and to select the content of the effect intended by the player in a game machine that can select an effect according to the player's preference. An object is to provide a game table that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, a game machine according to the present invention includes, as one aspect thereof, an effect device including at least an image display device that displays a predetermined effect image, and operating means provided to be operable by a player, An effect control means for controlling the effect device based on an operation on the operation means, wherein the effect control means is a selection for selecting any one object from a plurality of objects. When the determination operation is performed on the one object selected in the first control process and the first control process for displaying the effect image on the image display device, the one selected And a second control process for executing an effect corresponding to the object using the effect device, wherein the operating means receives the determining operation. The selection effect image is displayed when the one object being selected is sequentially switched and displayed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. After the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of execution of one control process, the accepted determination operation is validated, and the effect control means is configured to perform the second control on the valid decision operation. It is characterized by executing processing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming table that allows a player to recognize an erroneous operation and to select the contents of the effect intended by the player in a gaming table that can select an effect according to the player's preference. it can.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which surface-expanded and showed the arrangement | positioning of the symbol given to each reel of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, the figure which showed the kind of slot machine, symbol combination, and discharge / operation | movement. is there. FIG. 10 is a game state transition diagram of the main control unit and the first sub-control unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing lottery data of an AT right lottery and an AT extra lottery lottery in a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram showing an AT initial game. It is a figure which shows typically the lottery data of the addition number lottery of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the state which the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention performs a character selection effect. It is a figure explaining the transition of the effect image in the character selection effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the transition of the effect image in the character selection effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an example image of a bonus effect by each character selected in the character selection effect of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is an example image of a bonus effect by each character selected in the character selection effect of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a time chart which shows the timing of selection operation and determination operation in the character selection production of the conventional slot machine. It is a time chart which shows the timing of selection operation and determination operation in the character selection production of the conventional slot machine. It is a time chart which shows the timing of selection operation and determination operation in the character selection effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining suitable time until decision operation becomes effective in the character selection production of the slot machine concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a time chart which shows the timing of selection operation and determination operation in the character selection effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating lighting timings of a game start lamp, a game medal insertion enable lamp, and a game medal insertion lamp of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention as the game progresses. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating lighting timings of a game start lamp, a game medal insertion enable lamp, and a game medal insertion lamp of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention as the game progresses. It is a time chart which shows the lighting timing of the game medal insertion possible lamp in the character selection effect of the conventional slot machine. It is a time chart which shows the lighting timing of the game medal insertion possible lamp in the character selection effect of the slot machine according to one 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. 6 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. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the medal payout process of step S110 of FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing in detail a flow of medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing in step S102 of FIG. 22; FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the production mode selection process of step S304 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the game start process of step S309 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the winning combination internal lottery process of step S105 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of AT lottery processing of step S602 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the reel rotation start process of step S107 of FIG. 12 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. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the production | presentation setting process of step S2005 of Fig.31 (a). It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the character selection effect setting process of step S2301 of FIG. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing in detail an AT process flow in step S2302 of FIG. 32. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the AT setting process of step S2501 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of AT addition lottery process of step S2502 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the press order alerting | reporting setting process of step S2503 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the production | presentation control process of step S2006 of Fig.31 (a). It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the character selection effect execution process of step S2901 of FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing in detail a flow of a variation of the medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the game machine which concerns on another embodiment of this 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, there are three reels having various kinds of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface (reels 110, 111 and 112; the left reel 110 facing the left reel 110 and the center reel 111 facing the center. The reel 111 and the right reel 112 (also referred to as the right reel 112) are stored and can be rotated inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving means such as a stepping motor.

  In this embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by attaching the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, three symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine 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 this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

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

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. 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. 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, the number of medals bet as a game medium (the number of games that can be played; the prescribed number) is only three, and by inserting three medals, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line Five lines are set: a line, a right-down winning line, and a right-up winning line.

  The prescribed number and the number of winning lines are not limited to this. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line is valid, and when two medals are bet, the upper horizontal winning line. If the three horizontal medals are added and three medals are bet, the five lines with the right down line and the upper right line added are valid as the prize line. Good. Further, for example, when one medal is bet, five lines including a middle horizontal winning line, an upper horizontal winning line, a lower horizontal winning line, a right falling winning line, and an upper right winning line are set as effective winning lines. Alternatively, the same number of pay lines may be set as valid pay lines regardless of the number of bets.

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

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112. In the present embodiment, the left reel 110 is associated with the stop button 137 (also referred to as the left stop button 137), the middle reel 111 is associated with the stop button 138 (also referred to as the middle stop button 138), and the stop A button 139 (also referred to as a right stop button 139) is associated.

  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. Note that a light emitter may be provided in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 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.

  An effect button 190 is provided on the left side of the medal slot 141. In this embodiment, a desired character can be selected by operating the effect button 190 in the character selection effect after the bonus winning.

  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 143 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.

<Internal configuration>
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 opened.

  The main body 101 is a box body that is surrounded by an upper surface plate 261, a left side plate 260, a right side plate 260, a lower surface plate 264, and a back plate 242 and has an open front surface. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 in which a main control board (a board on which a main control unit 300 to be described later is mounted) is stored in a position where it does not overlap with the ventilation port 249 provided on the upper part of the back plate 242. And three reels 110 to 112 are arranged below the main control board storage case 210. The side board 260 on the left side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112 stores a first sub control board (a board on which a first sub control unit 400 to be described later is mounted) inside. A sub control board storage case 220 is disposed. Further, an external concentrated terminal plate 248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side.

  The lower surface plate 264 is provided with a medal payout device 180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in the bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply device 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400. Furthermore, a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power source is cut off is provided. Yes.

  On the right side of the medal payout device 180, a medal auxiliary storage case 240 for storing medals overflowing from the medal payout device 180 is provided, and an overflow terminal is provided behind this (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 provided in the back plate 242 of the housing 101. ing.

  The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and an effect device 160 and a second control board (which controls the effect device 160) are provided above the symbol display window 113. Omission of illustration: a board on which a second sub-control unit 500 described later is mounted) and an upper speaker 272 are provided. Below the symbol display window 113 are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, a passage 266 through which the medal passes when the medal selector 170 drops an illegal medal or the like on the medal tray 161. ing. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower sound hole 143.

<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 WDT 313. 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 314 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 314 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 basic circuit 302 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit 332 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 332, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts a main control unit main process described later).

  Further, the basic circuit 302 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, settlement button 134 sensor, medal medal payout sensor paid out from medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110, The index sensor of the reel 111, the index sensor 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 number generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  The medal acceptance sensor detects whether or not a medal has passed. The start lever 135 sensor is installed inside the start lever 135 and detects 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 of the reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, and the index sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes through L Become a 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. Drive circuit 326 for driving the motor, and various lamps 338 (winning line display lamp 120, notification lamp 123, re-game lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored number display 125, game information display 126 , A drive circuit 328 for driving a payout number display device 127 and a reel backlight).

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a sensor circuit 340, and the CPU 304 monitors the state of the effect button sensor 440 every interruption time. The effect button sensor 440 is provided on the effect button 190 and detects the press of the effect button 190.

  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.

  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, etc.) are connected.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 430, and the CPU 404 monitors the state of the effect button sensor 440 every interruption time. The effect button sensor 440 is provided on the effect button 190 and detects the press of the effect button 190.

  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, the shutter 163, and the like. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 may be configured by a plurality of control units such as a control unit that controls the effect image display device 157 and a control unit that controls the shutter 163.

<Pattern arrangement>
A 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 number 1 frame of the left reel 110 has a “bell” symbol, the number 0 frame of the middle reel 111 has a “white 7” symbol, and the number 2 frame of the right reel 112 has a number 2 frame. “Cherry” symbols are arranged.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination. Among the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are transferred to the bonus game, and the replaying combinations (replay, replay 2, replay 3) are newly medals. As a role that can be replayed without throwing in, there is a case where it is distinguished from a winning combination and called an “acting combination”, but the “winning combination” in this embodiment is a big bonus that is an operating combination. , Regular bonuses, and replays. 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 role (cherry, watermelon, bell), and a re-game (replay, replay 2, replay 3). . Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. . Corresponding symbol combinations are BB1 “white 7 symbol-white 7 symbol-white 7 symbol” and BB2 “blue 7 symbol-blue 7 symbol-blue 7 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 in the internal winning state, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 "White 7 design-White 7 design-White 7 design", BB2 Corresponding symbol combinations “blue 7 symbol-blue 7 symbol-blue 7 symbol” are in a state of winning all together.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “REG symbol-REG 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 having 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. In the present embodiment, BB1, BB2, and RB are collectively referred to as a bonus combination.

  “A small role (bell, watermelon, cherry) (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as“ bell ”,“ watermelon ”,“ cherry ”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning, and the corresponding pattern As for the combination, the bell is “bell symbol-bell symbol-bell symbol”, the watermelon is “watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol”, and the cherry is “cherry symbol-ANY symbol-ANY symbol”. Further, the corresponding payout number is as shown in the figure, with 8 bells, 15 watermelons, and 2 cherries. 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, replay 2, replay 3)” is a winning combination (operating combination) that can play a game without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, No withdrawal will be made. The corresponding symbol combinations are “replay symbol-replay symbol-replay symbol” for replay, “replay symbol-replay symbol-bell symbol” for replay 2, and “replay symbol-bell symbol-replay symbol” for replay 3. .

  In this embodiment, even if the replay 2 and the replay 3 are won internally, the replay 2 and replay 3 will not win if the stop operation method (stop operation order) does not match the predetermined stop operation method (referred to as a correct stop operation). (Hereinafter referred to as “push order”). For example, if the stop operation for setting the first stop reel to the left reel 110 is a correct stop operation when the replay 2 is internally won, the replay 2 must be performed without the stop operation for setting the first stop reel to the left reel 110. Don't win a prize.

  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. .

<Game state of the main control unit>
Next, game state transition (RT transition) of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a game state transition diagram of the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100.

  The game state of the main control unit 300 is roughly divided into four game states: a low replay probability state (RT0), a high replay probability state (RT3), a bonus internal winning state (RT1), and a bonus game state (RT2). . Further, the gaming state shifts in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure when the condition described on the arrow is satisfied.

<Replay low probability state (RT0)>
The re-gaming low probability state (RT0) is an initial gaming state that first shifts after the slot machine 100 is powered on or reset, and is also referred to as a normal gaming state. Although the content of the replay low probability state (RT0) is not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the result of the internal lottery is almost lost, and the total number of medals that can be obtained during a game when the player plays a game for a predetermined period However, the game state is less than the total number of medals inserted during the game.

  When the replay 2 is won in the replay low probability state (RT0), the replay high probability state (RT3) described later is entered. When the bonus combination (BB1, BB2, RB) is won internally in the replay low probability state (RT0), the state shifts to a bonus internal winning state (RT1) described later.

<Replay high probability state (RT3)>
Although the content of the replay high probability state (RT3) is not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the internal winning probability of the regame player (replay, replay 2, replay 3) is the replay in the replay low probability state (RT0). The gaming state is higher than the internal winning probability of the role. Therefore, the replay high probability state (RT3) of the present embodiment has a higher probability that the game can be continued without inserting medals, and is therefore more advantageous to the player than the replay low probability state (RT0). It is in a gaming state. Here, the advantage in the present embodiment is, specifically, that the game stand pays out with respect to the total number of game media used by the player as a bet amount when playing a game for a predetermined period. It refers to the ratio of the total number of game media, the so-called payout rate.

  The replay high probability state (RT3) shifts to the case where the replay 2 is won in the replay low probability state (RT0). Further, in the replay high probability state (RT3), when the replay 3 is won, the game shifts to the replay low probability state (RT0). Further, when the bonus combination (BB1, BB2, RB) is internally won in the replay high probability state (RT3), the state shifts to a bonus internal winning state (RT1) described later.

<Bonus internal winning status (RT1)>
The bonus internal winning state refers to a gaming state in which a symbol combination corresponding to an internal winning bonus combination (BB1, BB2, RB) can be displayed on the active line. This bonus internal winning state (RT1) shifts to the case where the bonus combination (BB1, BB2, RB) is internally won in the replay low probability state (RT0) or the replay high probability state (RT3). Further, when the symbol combination corresponding to the internally winning bonus combination (BB1, BB2, RB) is displayed on the valid active line, the process is terminated, and the state shifts to the bonus game state (RT2). Specifically, the BB game is started when the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 or BB2 is displayed, and the RB game is started when the symbol combination corresponding to RB is displayed.

<Bonus game state (RT2)>
The content of the bonus game state is not particularly limited, but is a game state that has the greatest profit for the player, and refers to a game state in which the total number of medals acquired during the game exceeds the total number of medals inserted during the game.

  The bonus game state (RT2) shifts to the case where the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination (BB1, BB2, RB) is displayed on an effective winning line in the bonus internal winning state (RT1). Further, in the bonus game state (RT2), medals exceeding a predetermined number (456 in the case of the BB game and 320 in the case of the RB game) paid in advance during the game are paid out. (If it has been issued), the process proceeds to a low replay probability state (RT0).

<Game state of the first sub-control unit>
Next, the transition of the gaming state of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. FIG. 5B is a game state transition diagram of the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100.

  The gaming state of the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into two types, a normal mode and an AT (assist time) mode. Here, the AT mode refers to a gaming state in which an effect of notifying a stop operation method (operation timing or operation sequence of stop operations) is executed so as to bring a result advantageous to the player. In the AT mode of the present embodiment, when the replay 2 that is a push forward in the replay low probability state (RT0) is internally won, the replay 2 that has been won internally is won using the image of the effect image display device 157. For this purpose, a push order notification effect for notifying a stop operation (stop operation for correct answer) is executed. For example, when the stop operation with the first stop reel as the left reel 110 is a correct stop operation, the stop operation with the first stop reel as the left reel 110 is notified. In the present embodiment, when the replay 2 is won in the replay low probability state (RT0), the replay high probability state (RT3), which is a more advantageous game state, is entered.

<Normal mode>
The normal mode is an initial state in which the first transition is made after powering on or resetting the slot machine 100. In the normal mode, when the specific condition is satisfied, the mode is shifted to the AT mode. Here, the case where the specific condition is satisfied means that the AT right lottery is won as a result of the AT right lottery executed when a specific combination (in this embodiment, cherry, watermelon, BB1, BB2) is won internally. This means that the AT mode right is acquired. In the present embodiment, 30 games (the number of initial games) are given as the number of AT games when the specific condition is satisfied (when the AT mode right is acquired).

  FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing the contents of the lottery data of the AT right lottery. For example, in the winning lottery internal lottery process, if the cherry is won internally, the AT right lottery is won with a probability of 186/255, and if watermelon is won internally, the AT right lottery is won with a probability of 47/255. If BB (BB1, BB2) is won internally, the AT right lottery is won with a probability of 126/255. When the AT right lottery is won, as shown in FIG. 6B, an AT mode of 30 games is given as the initial number of games (also called the AT minimum guaranteed number of games).

<AT mode>
In the AT mode, 30 games are assigned as the initial number of games. After the initial number of games is assigned, the AT addition lottery is won as a result of the AT addition lottery executed in the bonus game state (RT2). In this case, a predetermined number of AT games given by lottery is further added (for example, 10 games are added).

  Here, the AT extra lottery is composed of two types, namely, an extra lottery for determining whether or not to perform an extra and an extra lottery for determining the number of AT games to be added. When winning, an additional number lottery is executed, and the number of AT games determined by the additional number lottery is given.

  FIG. 6C is a diagram schematically showing the contents of the lottery data for the extra lottery. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), a winning lottery with a probability of 51/255 is won, and a winning lottery with a probability of 204/255 is not won.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams schematically showing the contents of the lottery data of the extra number lottery. In this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, lottery data for an extra number lottery different for each character (effect mode) appearing in a bonus effect executed in the bonus game state (RT2) is provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the character “dono” (hereinafter simply referred to as “dono”) is selected in the bonus effect (when the effect mode is the “dono mode”), the lottery data in the extra lottery table A is stored. When the character “princess” (hereinafter simply referred to as “princess”) is selected in the bonus performance (when the performance mode is the princess mode), the additional lottery is performed using the lottery data of the additional lottery table B. If the character “爺” (hereinafter simply referred to as “爺”) is selected in the bonus effect (when the effect mode is the 爺 mode), an extra lottery is performed using the lottery data of the extra lottery table C. FIG. 7A shows the contents of the lottery data in the extra lottery table A. The number of extra AT games 1 is given at a probability of 147/255, and the extra AT game number 10 is given at a probability of 6/255. The number of additional AT games 50 is awarded with a probability of 3/255.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the degree of addition of the number of added games is set differently depending on the bonus effect character. Of course, separately from this, regardless of the character of the bonus effect, it may be possible to provide lottery data for the additional number lottery.

  In the AT mode described above, the number of games in the AT mode is all consumed, and when the number of AT games becomes 0, the mode is changed to the normal mode.

<Character selection effect when winning a bonus role>
Next, a character selection effect executed when winning a bonus combination will be described with reference to FIGS. The character selection effect is an effect of selecting any one character from a plurality of characters, and is executed when a bonus combination is won. In the present embodiment, when the player selects any one of the three characters, Tono, Hime, and Samurai, an effect mode according to the selected character is determined, and in the bonus game state (RT2) The bonus effect is executed in the effect mode in which the character selected by the player appears.

  FIG. 8A displays a statement (specifically, “Aim at 777”) indicating that the bonus combination (specifically BB1) has been internally won in the bonus internal winning state (RT1). 8 (b) shows the state of prompting a stop operation to stop the bonus combination that has been won internally on the active line. FIG. 8 (b) shows the result of the stop operation from the state of FIG. 8 (a). In addition, a symbol combination (specifically, a combination of seven white symbols) corresponding to the bonus combination won internally is shown on the middle horizontal winning line. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, when a bonus combination is won, a bonus winning effect for congratulating the bonus winning (for example, an image or a word indicating the bonus winning using the effect image display device 157). For a predetermined time.

  FIG. 9 shows an effect image of the character selection effect that is executed after the bonus winning effect is executed for a predetermined time. In the character selection effect of the present embodiment, three selectable objects C1 to C3 are displayed on the screen, and an object M1 that prompts a selection operation of the objects C1 to C3 and an object M2 that prompts a determination operation are displayed. Specifically, since the object C1 is an image showing a shrine, hereinafter, the object C1 is also referred to as a shrine C1. Similarly, since the object C2 is an image showing a princess, hereinafter, the object C2 is expressed as a princess C2, and since the object C3 is an image showing a candy, the object C3 is also expressed as 爺 C3. Objects M1 and M2 are images for explaining the respective operations.

  In the present embodiment, the effect button 190 is a selection button and the bet button 132 is an enter button, and the selected objects C1 to C3 are sequentially changed based on an operation on the effect button 190. Based on the operation on 132, the currently selected objects C1 to C3 are determined. That is, if the selected character is changed based on the operation on the effect button 190 and the operation on the bet button 132 is performed when the desired character is selected, the desired character is determined. Hereinafter, an operation on the effect button 190 may be abbreviated as a selection operation, and an operation on the bet button 132 may be abbreviated as a determination operation.

  FIG. 9A shows an initial image of the character selection effect, and shows a state where the lord C1 is selected. In other words, the foremost and largest displayed object indicates the currently selected character, and in this embodiment, the character C1 is initially displayed as the character selected by default.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the method of the selection operation and the determination operation is specifically explained to the player by alternately displaying the object M1 and the object M2 at every elapse of a predetermined time. doing.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the transition of the effect image of the character selection effect when the effect button 190 is operated. FIG. 10A shows an effect image when the effect button 190 is operated from the initial display of the character selection effect shown in FIG. 9, and shows a state where the princess C2 is currently selected. FIG. 10B shows an effect when the effect button 190 is operated from the state shown in FIG. 10A (when the effect button 190 is operated twice from the initial display of the character selection effect shown in FIG. 9). Fig. 10 (c) shows a state where the bag C2 is currently selected (when the effect button 190 is operated from the state shown in Fig. 10 (b) (character shown in Fig. 9). This is an effect image of the case where the effect button 190 is operated three times from the initial display of the selected effect, and shows a state where the present hall C2 is selected.

  As described above, in the character selection effect of this embodiment, the characters selected based on the operation of the effect button 190 are sequentially switched so that the three characters can be selected while being circulated.

  FIG. 11A shows the effect image after performing the determination operation in the character selection effect. Specifically, the case where the determination operation is performed in a state where the lord C1 is selected is shown, and the bonus effect is performed in the lord mode. FIG.11 (b) has shown an example of the effect image of the bonus effect in Tonosama mode. FIG. 12A shows an example of a bonus effect effect image in the princess mode, and FIG. 12B shows an example of a bonus effect effect image in the niece mode.

  Next, the selection operation and the determination operation in the character selection effect of the present embodiment will be described in comparison with the prior art. 13 and 14 are time charts showing the timing of the selection operation and the determination operation in the conventional character selection effect, and FIG. 15 is a time chart showing the timing of the selection operation and the determination operation in the character selection effect of the present embodiment. It is.

  13 to 15 (and FIGS. 17 and 20 to 21 described later), the reel ON indicates a state where the reels 110 to 112 are rotating, and the reel OFF is the reel 110 to 110. 112 shows a stopped state. The winning effect ON indicates a state where a bonus winning effect is being executed, and the winning effect OFF indicates a state where the bonus winning effect is not being executed. The selection screen ON indicates a state where an effect image of a character selection effect is displayed, and the selection screen OFF indicates a state where an effect image of a character selection effect is not displayed. Selection means valid ON indicates that the operation reception of the effect button 190 that receives the selection operation is valid, and selection means valid OFF indicates that the operation reception of the effect button 190 is invalid. The selection means operation ON indicates that the effect button 190 has been operated, and the selection means operation OFF indicates that the effect button 190 has not been operated. The determination means valid ON indicates that the operation reception of the bet button 132 that receives the determination operation is valid, and the determination means valid OFF indicates that the operation reception of the bet button 132 is invalid. The determination means operation ON indicates that the bet button 132 has been operated, and the determination means operation OFF indicates that the bet button 132 has not been operated.

  In the conventional character selection effect, as shown in FIG. 13, after winning the bonus combination, the operation of the effect button 190 as the selection means and the bet button 132 as the determination means are started from the time t2 when the execution of the character selection effect is started. Both operations were effective. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the bet button operation is struck so rapidly that the operation of the next game is rushed during the bonus winning effect, the character selected in the initial display of the character selection effect (in the present embodiment). In some cases, there was a problem of selecting and deciding without any intention. That is, as for the operation on the bet button 132, there is an original game operation of medal insertion in addition to the character determination operation in the character selection effect, so that the player who wants to start the game in the bonus game state sooner after winning the bonus wins When the bet button operation is performed in consideration of the medal insertion operation of the game, the bet button operation (specifically, the bet button operation at time t24) is selected by default without recognizing the character selection effect. Since the character (donor in the case of this embodiment) is determined, the bonus effect may be executed in the effect mode corresponding to the character (dono mode in the case of this embodiment).

  On the other hand, in the character selection effect of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the operation on the effect button 190 as the selection means is effective from the time t2 when the execution of the character selection effect is started. The operation for 132 is enabled after a time point 10 after a predetermined time A (for example, about 3000 ms; also referred to as a standby time A) has elapsed since the time point t2 when the character selection effect was started. For this reason, even if the bet button operation is repeatedly hit during the bonus winning effect, the operation on the bet button 132 hit repeatedly is invalid, and the character (the book selected by default based on this bet button operation) In the case of the embodiment, it is not determined. That is, the player does not select and determine an unintended character without recognizing the character selection screen for the character selection effect.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a preferred predetermined time A. In the initial display of the character selection effect, the time (drawing time) until the effect image with the selected shrine is displayed is B, and the effect that the princess is selected from the effect image selected by the effect button 190 When the time (drawing time) until the image is displayed is C and the time (drawing time) until the effect image from which the princess is selected is displayed is D (drawing time), the predetermined time A is As shown in FIG. 16, it is desirable that the time is a total of at least time B, time C, and time D. This is because providing the waiting time A until the decision operation becomes effective also delays the progress of the game, so that the game is advanced without unnecessarily delaying the game. In this case, the predetermined time A is set as the time required to select the last selectable wrinkle among the three characters. For example, if the drawing time (B, C, D) until the effect image in which each character is selected is displayed is 1000 ms, the predetermined time A is 3000 ms.

  FIG. 17 is a time chart showing the timing of the selection operation and the determination operation in the character selection effect when standby time A = drawing time B + drawing time C + drawing time D. In this way, when the standby time A is set based on the sum of the drawing times B, C, and D of the respective characters, the player selects an unintended character without recognizing the character selection screen for the character selection effect. It is possible to prevent the determination and promptly advance the game.

  Next, the lighting start time of the game medal insertion lamp 129 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, before describing the lighting start timing of the game medal insertion lamp 129 of the present embodiment, first, the lighting timing of the game start lamp 121, the game medal insertion enable lamp 124, and the game medal insertion lamp 129 will be described. FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are diagrams showing lighting timings of the game start lamp 121, the game medal insertion enable lamp 124, and the game medal insertion lamp 129 (hereinafter, these three lamps are referred to as lamps or the like) along with the progress of the game. . 18 and 19, the non-lighting is expressed as white, the lighting is expressed as black, and the prescribed number of game medals is assumed to be only three.

  FIG. 18A shows a lighting state of lamps and the like when the previous game is ended, and the game start lamp 121, the game medal insertion possible lamp 124, and the game medal insertion lamp 129 are all not lit. . FIG. 18B shows a lighting mode of a lamp or the like when a game medal can be inserted from the state of FIG. 18A, and the game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is lit. FIG. 18C shows a lighting state of a lamp or the like when one game medal is inserted from the state of FIG. 18A, and the game medal is inserted when the game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is lit. One lamp 129 is lit. FIG. 19A shows a lighting mode of a lamp or the like when one more game medal (two in total) is inserted from the state of FIG. 18C, and the game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is turned on. In this state, two game medal insertion lamps 129 are lit. FIG. 19B shows a lighting state of a lamp or the like when one more game medal is inserted from the state of FIG. 19A (a total of three), and the game medal insertable lamp 124 is not lit and The game start lamp 121 is lit, and three game medal insertion lamps 129 are lit. That is, FIG. 19 (b) shows that since a predetermined number of game medals are bet, it is impossible to insert game medals and the start lever can be operated.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the lighting start timing of the game medal insertable lamp 124 according to the present embodiment will be described in comparison with the prior art.

  FIG. 20 is a time chart showing the lighting timing of the game medal insertion possible lamp 124 in the character selection effect of the conventional slot machine. In this case, as shown in FIG. 20, both the operation on the effect button 190 as the selection means and the operation on the bet button 132 as the determination means become effective from the time t2 when the execution of the character selection effect is started. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is also lit at the same time. As a result, the player may recognize that medals can be inserted based on the start of lighting of the game medal insertion enable lamp 124 and may operate the bet button 132. However, since the operation on the bet button 132 acts as a character determination operation for character selection effects, there are cases where the character selection and determination operations are not intended.

  On the other hand, FIG. 21 is a time chart showing the lighting timing of the game medal insertion possible lamp 124 in the character selection effect of the slot machine of this embodiment. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21, a predetermined time A (for example, about 3000 ms) elapses from the time t10 when the operation on the bet button 132 as the determining means becomes effective, that is, the time t2 when the execution of the character selection effect starts. After the time point 10 is reached, the game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is turned on. Therefore, the game medal insertion enable lamp 124 is not lit for a predetermined time A from the time point t2 when the character selection effect starts to be executed, so that the player can select the bet button 132 based on the lighting mode of the game medal insertion enable lamp 124. Will not be accidentally operated.

  As described above, in the character selection effect of the present embodiment, the timing at which the operation of the bet button 132 as the determining means becomes effective is delayed, and the lighting start timing of the game medal insertable lamp 124 is also delayed in synchronization. An unintended operation on the bet button 132 by the person can be prevented.

<Operation of slot machine>
Hereinafter, the operation of the slot machine 100 will be described focusing on the execution of the character selection effect.

<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, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing (described in detail later) is executed.

  In step S103, the number of inserted medals is determined, and an effective winning line is determined.

  In step S104, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired.

  In step S105, a winning combination internal lottery process (described later in detail) is performed.

  In step S106, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result in step S105.

  In step S107, reel rotation start processing (details will be described later) for starting rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is performed. In step S107, 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 S108, 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 S106 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 S109. In this step S108, for each stop operation, a stop button reception command relating to the stop buttons 137 to 139 that have been operated to stop (specifically, for the first stop operation, the stop button reception 1 command, the second stop operation In response to the stop 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 (specifically, a reel stop 1 command for the first stop reel, a reel stop 2 command for the second stop operation, and a reel stop for the third stop operation. 3 commands) is prepared for transmission to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step S109, a winning determination is performed. In the winning determination, 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. Also, in this step S109, preparation is made for transmitting a winning determination command indicating the result of the winning determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step S110, a medal payout process (details will be described later) 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 S111, 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 S111, 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 for transmitting a gaming information 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. 23) of a 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 stop position information command associated with the stop processing of the reels 110 to 112, a payout number command associated with the medal payout processing, a payout end command, etc.), and bits 0 to 10 are command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type). It is composed.

  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 the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 338, 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 the power supply is detected to be shut off), the process proceeds to step S1011. If the low voltage signal is off (when the power supply is not shut 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 control unit main process 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 as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as input / output port initialization is performed. Then, the process returns to the main control unit main process shown in FIG.

<Medal payout processing>
Next, the medal payout process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the medal payout process in step S110 of FIG.

  In step S201, it is determined whether or not a predetermined combination is won in the winning determination process in step S109. If a predetermined winning combination has been won, the process proceeds to step S202. Otherwise, the medal payout process is terminated.

  In step S202, it is determined whether or not a bonus combination is won. If the bonus combination is won, the process proceeds to step S203. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S203, the selection effect execution flag is set to ON. Here, the selection effect execution flag is a flag for determining whether or not to execute the character selection effect. When the selection effect execution flag is on, the character selection effect is executed and the selection effect execution flag is off. In this case, the character selection effect is not executed.

  In step S204, a winning effect timer is set. The winning effect timer is a timer for measuring a winning effect execution time LX that is executed when a predetermined winning combination is won, and the winning effect execution time LX is determined for each winning combination. In step S204, the timer value corresponding to the winning effect execution time LX corresponding to the winning combination is set as the initial value in the winning effect timer. The value of the winning effect timer is decremented in the timer update process of the main controller timer interrupt process.

  In step S <b> 205, preparation for transmitting a winning effect command including information related to winning effects to the first sub-control unit 400 is made.

  In step S206, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out.

  In step S207, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the winning effect timer is zero. If the timer value of the winning effect timer is 0, the winning effect execution time LX has elapsed, so the medal payout process is terminated. Otherwise, the winning effect execution time LX has not elapsed. Therefore, step S207 is repeated.

<Medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing>
Next, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing in step S102 of FIG.

  In step S301, it is determined whether or not the selection effect execution flag is ON. If the selection effect execution flag is on, the process proceeds to step S302; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S309.

  In step S302, preparation for transmitting a selection effect start command indicating the start of execution of the character selection effect to the first sub-control unit 400 is made.

  In step S303, a determination operation prohibition timer is set. The determination operation prohibition timer is a timer that measures an elapsed time since the execution of the character selection effect is started, and determines whether or not a predetermined time A during which the operation on the bet button 132 is invalid has elapsed. In step S303, a timer value corresponding to the predetermined time A is set as an initial value in the determination operation prohibition timer. The value of the determination operation prohibition timer is decremented in the timer update process of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  In step S304, an effect mode selection process (details will be described later) for selecting an effect mode of the bonus effect is executed.

  In step S305, it is determined whether or not the value of the determination operation prohibition timer is zero. If the value of the determination operation prohibition timer is 0, since the predetermined time A has elapsed since the start of the character selection effect, the process proceeds to step S306. Otherwise, the character selection effect is started to be executed. Since the predetermined time A has not elapsed from step S304, step S304 is repeated.

  In step S306, since a predetermined time A has elapsed since the start of the character selection effect, and the determination operation in the character selection effect has become valid, is the determination operation in the character selection effect, that is, the operation on the bet button 132 performed? Determine whether or not. If there is a determination operation in the character selection effect, the process proceeds to step S307, and if not, the process returns to step S304.

  In step S307, preparation for transmitting a determination operation command indicating that the determination operation in the character selection effect has been performed to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed.

  In step S308, the selection effect execution flag is turned off.

  In step S309, a game start process (described later in detail) is executed.

<Direction mode selection process>
Next, the effect mode selection process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the effect mode selection process in step S304 of FIG.

  In step S401, it is determined whether or not a selection operation in the character selection effect, that is, an operation on the effect button 190 has been performed. If there is a selection operation in the character selection effect, the process proceeds to step S402; otherwise, the effect mode selection process is terminated.

  In step S402, preparation for transmitting a selection operation command indicating that the selection operation in the character selection effect has been performed to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed.

<Game start processing>
Next, the game start process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the game start process in step S309 of FIG.

  In step S501, it is determined whether or not there has been a medal insertion operation (electronic insertion by the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, actual insertion of the medal from the medal insertion port 141). If there is a medal insertion operation, the process proceeds to step S502, and if not, the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S502, medal insertion processing is performed. In the medal insertion process, the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on according 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.

  In step S503, it is determined whether or not the number of inserted medals is a prescribed number. If the number of inserted medals is a specified number (three in this embodiment), the process proceeds to step S504, and otherwise, the process returns to step S501.

  In step S504, it is determined whether or not an operation on the start lever 135 has been performed. If an operation is performed on the start lever 135, the process proceeds to step S505, and if not, the process returns to step S501.

  In step S505, start operation acceptance processing is performed. In the start operation reception process, the number of inserted medals is determined and preparations are made for transmitting a start lever reception command indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated to the first sub-control unit 400.

  If the player has won the re-game in the previous game, no medal insertion operation by the player is necessary, and even if there is no medal insertion operation by the player, the result is automatically YES in step S501. A process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the game is performed.

<Internal winning lottery process>
Next, the winning combination internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the winning combination internal lottery process in step S105 of FIG.

  In step S601, a winning combination lottery process is performed. In the winning combination lottery process, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using 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 S601, 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 S602, when the gaming state of the first sub-control unit 400 is the normal mode, AT lottery processing (details will be described later) related to AT lottery is performed.

<AT lottery processing>
Next, the AT lottery process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the AT lottery process in step S602 of FIG.

  In step S701, an AT right lottery is performed in which whether to grant an AT right is determined by lottery. In this embodiment, the main control unit 300 performs an AT right lottery for determining whether or not to grant an AT right. That is, the main control unit 300 determines whether or not to generate the AT mode. Specifically, the AT right lottery is performed using the AT right lottery table shown in FIG.

  In step S702, it is determined whether or not the AT right lottery in step S701 has been won. If the AT right lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S703; otherwise, the AT lottery process is terminated.

  In step S703, the AT generation flag is set to ON. The AT generation flag is a flag indicating whether or not the first sub control unit 400 is in the AT mode. When the first sub control unit 400 is in the AT mode, the AT generation flag is turned on and the first sub control is turned on. When the unit 400 is in the normal mode, the AT generation flag is set to be off. That is, when the main control unit 300 determines to generate the AT mode, the AT generation flag is set from OFF to ON.

  In step S704, the minimum guaranteed game number is set in the AT game number counter. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, 30 games are set in the AT game number counter. As described above, the minimum guaranteed number of games is the initial number of games in the AT mode. In this embodiment, the AT mode of 30 games is initially started.

<Reel rotation start processing>
Next, the reel rotation start process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the reel rotation start process in step S107 of FIG.

  In step S801, it is determined whether or not the AT generation flag is on. If the AT occurrence flag is on, the process proceeds to step S802. If not, the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S802, it is determined whether an AT start command has been transmitted. The AT start command is a command indicating the start of the AT mode, and includes AT related information such as the number of AT initial games. If the AT start command has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S804. Otherwise, that is, if the AT start command has not been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S803.

  In step S803, preparation for transmitting an AT start command to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed.

  In step S804, a reel rotation process for starting rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is performed.

<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 setting processing (details will be described later) related to effect settings such as AT and character selection effects is performed.

  In step S2006, 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 S2007, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step S2006, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

  In step S2008, if there is a command to various lamps 420 in the effect data read in step S2006, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step S2009, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub control unit 500 in the effect data read in step S2006, 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.

<Production setting process>
Next, the effect setting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the effect setting process in step S2005 of FIG.

  In step S2301, a character selection effect setting process (details will be described later) regarding the setting of the character selection effect is executed.

  In step S2302, AT processing (details will be described later) related to setting and production of AT is executed.

  In step S2303, other effect setting processing is executed.

<Character selection effect setting processing>
Next, the character selection effect setting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the character selection effect setting process in step S2301 of FIG.

  In step S2401, it is determined whether a selection effect start command has been received. If a selection effect start command is received, the process proceeds to step S2402, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2403.

  In step S2402, the character initial display flag is set to ON. The character initial display flag is a flag indicating the start of the execution of the character selection effect. When the character initial display flag is on, it indicates the timing for starting the execution of the character selection effect.

  In step S2403, it is determined whether a selection operation command has been received. If a selection operation command has been received, the process proceeds to step S2404; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2405.

  In step S2404, the character switching display flag is set to ON. The character switching display flag is a flag that indicates switching of character selection in the character selection effect. When the character selection display flag is ON, it indicates that the character selection switching timing is in the character selection effect.

  In step S2405, it is determined whether a determination operation command has been received. If the determination operation command is received, the process proceeds to step S2406. If not, the character selection effect setting process ends.

  In step S2406, the character determination display flag is set to ON. The character determination display flag is a flag indicating the character determination of the character selection effect. When the character determination display flag is on, it indicates the character determination timing of the character selection effect.

<AT processing>
Next, AT processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the AT process in step S2302 of FIG.

  In step S2501, an AT setting process (details will be described later) regarding the setting of the AT mode is executed.

  In step S2502, an AT extra lottery process (details will be described later) related to the AT extra lottery is executed.

  In step S2503, a push order notification setting process (described later in detail) related to the setting of the push order notification effect is executed.

  In step S2504, other AT processing is performed. For example, processing related to subtraction of the AT game number counter is performed. Specifically, when the value of the AT game number counter is greater than 0 and a gaming state command is received, the value of the AT game number counter is decremented by 1, and the value of the subtracted AT game number counter is 0. In this case, the gaming state of the first sub-control unit 400 is set to the normal mode.

<AT setting process>
Next, the AT setting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the AT setting process in step S2501 of FIG.

  In step S2601, it is determined whether an AT start command has been received. If an AT start command has been received, the process proceeds to step S2602, and if not, the AT setting process ends.

  In step S2602, an initial value 30 is set in the AT game number counter.

<AT lottery process>
Next, AT addition lottery processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the AT addition lottery process in step S2502 of FIG.

  In step S2701, a lottery determination of whether or not to add is executed. Specifically, using the lottery data shown in FIG.

  In step S2702, it is determined whether or not the extra lottery has been won. If it is determined that the extra lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S2703. If not, the AT extra lottery process is terminated.

  In step S2703, an extra number lottery is executed. Specifically, using the lottery data shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, an extra number lottery is performed to determine the AT extra number.

<Push order notification setting process>
Next, the push order notification setting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the push order notification setting process in step S2503 of FIG.

  In step S2801, it is determined whether or not the value of the AT game number counter is greater than zero. If the value of the AT game number counter is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S2802, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2805.

  In step S2802, it is determined based on the content of the gaming state command whether the gaming state of the main control unit 300 is the normal gaming state, that is, the re-gaming low probability state (RT0). If the gaming state of the main control unit 300 is the normal gaming state, the process proceeds to step S2803, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2805.

  In step S2803, if the winning combination internal lottery process is based on the content of the internal lottery command, if the push winning combination, that is, the internal winning of replay 2 is won, the process proceeds to step S2804. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2805.

  In step S2804, the push order notification flag is set to ON. The push order notification flag is a flag indicating whether or not the push order notification effect is executed. When the push order notification flag is on, the push order notification effect is executed, and when the push order notification flag is off. Does not execute the push order notification effect (see the push order notification effect execution process in step S2902 of FIG. 38 described later). In other words, in the present embodiment, when the internal play is performed for the replay 2 that is the push order in the normal gaming state and the AT mode, the push order notification effect is executed.

  In step S2805, the push order notification flag is set to OFF.

<Production control processing>
Next, the effect control process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the effect control process in step S2006 of FIG.

  In step S2901, a character selection effect execution process (described later in detail) related to the execution of the character selection effect is performed.

  In step S2902, a push order notification effect related to the execution of the push order notification effect is performed. Specifically, when the push order notification flag is on, a push order notification effect is executed, and a correct stop operation for winning the replay 2 is notified.

<Character selection effect execution processing>
Next, the character selection effect execution process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the character selection effect execution process in step S2901 of FIG.

  In step S3001, it is determined whether the character initial display flag is on. If the character initial display flag is on, the process proceeds to step S3002, and if not, the process proceeds to step S3004.

  In step S3002, since it is the execution start timing of the character selection effect, control for starting execution of the character selection effect is performed. Specifically, control is performed to cause the effect image display device 157 to display an initial selection image (screen on which the character is selected) of the character selection effect.

  In step S3003, the character initial display flag is set to OFF.

  In step S3004, it is determined whether the character switching display flag is ON. If the character switching display flag is on, the process proceeds to step S3005, and if not, the process proceeds to step S3007.

  In step S3005, since it is time to switch the character selected in the character selection effect, character switching display control in the character selection effect is performed. Specifically, control is performed to cause the effect image display device 157 to display a screen in which the character currently selected in the character selection effect is changed to the next character.

  In step S3006, the character switching display flag is set to OFF.

  In step S3007, it is determined whether the character determination display flag is on. If the character determination display flag is on, the process proceeds to step S3008, and if not, the character selection effect execution process ends.

  In step S3008, since it is the timing for determining the currently selected character in the character selection effect, control of character determination in the character selection effect is performed. Specifically, control for causing the effect image display device 157 to display a screen showing the character determined in the character selection effect is performed.

  In step S3009, the character determination display flag is set to OFF.

<Other variations>
In the above embodiment, when the character selection effect is executed, after the determination operation for the bet button 132 is performed (YES in step S306 in FIG. 25), the medal insertion operation for the bet button 132 is performed (steps S309 and 27 in FIG. 25). In step S501). In other words, when the character selection effect is executed, an operation on the two-time bet button 132 is necessary to advance the game. However, both the determination operation and the medal insertion operation are performed by one operation on the bet button 132. It may be. The game can proceed quickly.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing when one operation on the bet button 132 serves as both a character selection effect determination operation and a medal insertion operation. In addition, the same step name was attached | subjected to the process same as the process shown in FIG. In the case of this modification, only the process of step S306A is different from the medal insertion / start operation acceptance process shown in FIG.

  That is, if the value of the determination operation prohibition timer is 0 in step S305, the process proceeds to step S306A, and it is determined whether or not an operation for the bet button 132 has been performed in step S306A. The operation on the bet button 132 in step S306A serves as both a determination operation and a medal insertion operation. If an operation has been performed on the bet button 132, the process proceeds to step S307, and if not, the process returns to step S304.

  If YES in step S306A, it is determined in the game start process in step S309 (game start process in FIG. 27) that a medal has been inserted (step S501: YES), and a medal corresponding to the bet button 132 is inserted. The medal insertion process is performed (step S502).

  In the character selection effect of the above embodiment, the selected character is changed based on the selection operation performed by the player on the effect button 190. However, the trigger for changing the selected character is not limited to this. For example, the selected characters may be sequentially changed based on the passage of a predetermined time. That is, the selected character may be changed without being based on the player's operation.

  In this case, by setting a suitable time, it is possible to select a desired character without intervention of the player, and thus it may be possible to save the player's trouble.

  Further, in the character selection effect of the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the operation on the effect button 190 as the selection means is effective from the time t2 when the execution of the character selection effect is started, but the effect button as the selection means The time when the operation for 190 is validated is not limited to this. The operation on the effect button 190 as the selection means may be validated until the operation on the bet button 132 as the decision means becomes valid. That is, the operation on the effect button 190 as the selection means is effective at a predetermined time from the time point t2 at which the character selection effect is started to the time point 10 at which the predetermined time A has elapsed from the time point t2 at which the character selection effect is started. It is good. In this case, since the selection means is valid during the period in which the determination means is invalid, the player can be made to understand the selection operation accurately.

<Other embodiments>
In the above embodiment, the slot machine 100 using medals (coins) as a game medium is shown as an example of a game table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a game ball (for example, a pachinko ball) is used as a game. The present invention can be applied to slot machines, pachinko machines, arrange ball game machines, jade ball game machines, smart balls, and the like as media.

  Note that the slot machine may be a slot machine that only exchanges electronic data without using medals. In this case, the game medium includes computerized data corresponding to medals. The input includes inputting the digitized data from a predetermined external device (electronic storage device), and the payout of the game medium is the conversion of the digitized data to the predetermined external device (electronic storage device). Including output.

  Further, the game table according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 41 (a). “Insert a bill into the bill insertion slot 2002, execute a lottery based on the bet 2004 and start 2006 operation, and display the lottery result display device 2008. In the case of winning, the number of bonus coins is added to the number of remaining credits, and when cashout 2009 is selected, a casino machine that issues a receipt describing a code corresponding to the number of remaining credits from the receipt issuing machine 2010 2000 ".

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cellular phone 3000 having a storage unit for storing the electronic data for realizing the present invention, and the electronic data for realizing the present invention as shown in FIG. The present invention may be applied to a portable game machine 4000 having a storage unit for storing the video data and a home video game machine 5000 having a storage unit for storing electronic data for realizing the present invention.

  More specifically, the mobile phone 3000 in FIG. 5B includes an operation unit operated by a player, a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to the game through a mobile phone line, and acquired data about the game (this book And a control unit that controls the game based on the data stored in the storage unit and the operation of the operation unit.

  The portable game machine 4000 in FIG. 6C includes an operation unit operated by a player, a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to the game from a predetermined storage medium (DVD or the like), and acquired data related to the game (the present invention). And a control unit for controlling the game based on the data stored in the storage unit and the operation of the operation unit. The home video game machine 5000 in FIG. 5C includes an operation unit operated by a player, a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to the game from a predetermined storage medium (DVD or the like), and acquired data about the game ( And a control unit that controls the game based on the data stored in the storage unit and the operation of the operation unit.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4D, the present invention may be applied to a data server 6000 that stores electronic data for realizing the present invention. In some cases, the electronic data for realizing the present invention is downloaded from the data server 6000 to the home video game machine 5000 shown in FIG.

  In addition, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program in which the operation of a real machine such as a slot machine is simulated for a home game machine. In that case, a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

<Summary of Embodiment>
As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 100) of the above-described embodiment, an effect device (for example, an effect image display device 157) that displays at least a predetermined effect image (for example, an effect image display device 157). An effect image display device 157, speakers 272 and 277, various lamps 338 and 420, a shutter 163, and the like, and operation means provided for operation by the player (for example, an effect button 190, bet buttons 130 to 132, a start lever 135) , Stop buttons 137 to 139, main control unit 300, etc.) and production control means (for example, first sub-control unit 400, second sub-control unit 500, etc.) for controlling the production device based on operations on the operation means. ), Wherein the effect control means includes a plurality of objects (for example, a plurality of characters). First control process (effect mode selection process, character display) that displays on the image display device a selection effect image (for example, an effect image of a character selection effect) that selects any one of the objects from among When the determination operation is performed on the one object selected in the first control process and the selection effect setting process, the character selection effect execution process, etc., it corresponds to the selected one object. A second control process (for example, a character selection effect setting process, a character selection effect execution process, etc.) is executed using the effect device, and the operation means is configured to perform the determination operation. Determination operation means (e.g., the bet button 132, the main control unit 300), and the selection effect image satisfies a predetermined condition The one object being selected is sequentially switched and displayed at a time (for example, button operation, elapsed time, etc.), and the decision operation means executes the first control process. After the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, the predetermined time A) from the start, the accepted determination operation is validated, and the effect control means performs the second operation with respect to the effective determination operation. The basic configuration is to execute control processing.

  In the above basic configuration, the determination operation is not effective unless a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first control process, so that the player can recognize an erroneous operation and the content of the effect intended by the player Can be selected.

  In the basic configuration, the operation means includes selection operation means (for example, an effect button 190 and a main control unit 300) that receives a selection operation for sequentially switching the one object being selected, and the predetermined condition is: It is preferable that the selection operation unit is established when the selection operation is received (preferable first configuration).

  In this preferable first configuration, the player can select an object based on his / her own operation, and the player's preference can be reflected.

  Moreover, in a preferred first configuration, the selection operation means is a period from when the presentation control means starts executing the first control process until the decision operation means validates the decision operation. More preferably, the received selection operation is validated (preferred second configuration).

  In this preferred second configuration, the selection operation can be performed during the invalid period of the determination operation, so that the operation on the selection operation means can be accurately grasped.

  In the first and second preferred configurations described above, a plurality of types of symbols are provided and a plurality of reels (for example, reels 110 to 112) that are rotationally driven and a game medium (for example, a medal) are inserted. Game medium input buttons (for example, a bet button 132), a start switch (for example, a start lever 135) for instructing start of rotation of the plurality of reels, and a plurality of predetermined numbers based on the operation of the start switch. A lottery means (for example, the main control unit 300, winning prize internal lottery process) for determining whether or not the internal winning of the type of combination is successful is provided for each of the plurality of reels, and the reels are individually rotated. A stop switch to be stopped (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139), a lottery result of the lottery means, and a stop operation of the stop switch Based on stop control means (for example, main control unit 300, reel stop control processing) for performing stop control related to stop of rotation of the reel within a predetermined pull-in range, and stop control by the stop control means, Judgment to determine winning in a winning combination based on whether or not the symbol combination stopped and displayed on a predetermined active line is a symbol combination determined corresponding to the winning combination internally by the lottery means Means (for example, a winning determination process) and a payout means (for example, a medal payout process) for paying out the game medium as a payout when winning a winning combination according to the determination by the determining means, It is preferable that the game medium input button can accept the game medium input operation and the determination operation with a single operation (preferred third configuration). .

  In this preferred third configuration, a bet operation and a determination operation can be performed based on a single operation on the game medium input button, so that a game can be played quickly while providing a predetermined time to wait for the determination operation. Can be advanced.

  In the first to third configurations, the predetermined time may be a time until the selected effect image being selected for one object is displayed in the first control process (for example, It is preferable that the drawing times B, C, and D) are set based on a total time (for example, B + C + D) obtained by adding up all of the plurality of objects (preferred fourth configuration).

  In the preferred fourth configuration, the game can be rapidly advanced while providing a predetermined time for waiting for the determination operation.

  Moreover, you may implement | achieve the function of the game stand mentioned above as a computer program. The computer program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD-ROM, or can be distributed via a communication network.

In other words, the computer program according to the present embodiment is a computer program related to a game, and the computer includes an effect device including at least an image display device that displays a predetermined effect image, and operation means provided so as to be operable by the player. And an effect control unit that controls the effect device based on an operation on the operation unit, and the effect control unit selects any one object from a plurality of objects. When the determination operation is performed on the one object selected in the first control process and the first control process, the selected one object is displayed. A second control process for executing a corresponding effect using the effect device, and the operation The means comprises a decision operation means for accepting the decision operation,
The selected effect image is displayed when the one object being selected is sequentially switched and displayed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the determination operation unit is configured so that the effect control unit performs the first control process. After the predetermined time has elapsed from the start of execution, the accepted decision operation is validated, and the effect control means executes the second control process for the valid decision operation It is a basic configuration.

  In the basic configuration of this computer program, the same effects as the above-mentioned game console (the effect that the player can recognize an erroneous operation and can select the content of the effect intended by the player) It can be easily realized in a machine or a portable information terminal.

  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 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 190 effect buttons 272, 277 speaker 300 Main control unit 400 First sub control unit 500 Second sub control unit

Claims (5)

An effect device including at least an image display device for displaying a predetermined effect image;
Operation means provided to be operable by the player;
Production control means for controlling the production device based on an operation on the operation means;
A game machine equipped with
The production control means includes
A first control process for displaying a selection effect image for selecting any one object from a plurality of objects on the image display device;
When the determination operation is performed on the one object selected in the first control process, the second corresponding to the effect corresponding to the selected one object is executed using the effect device. Control processing of
Is to execute
The operation means includes a determination operation means for receiving the determination operation,
The selected effect image is displayed by sequentially switching the one object being selected when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The determination operation means validates the received determination operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the production control means started executing the first control process.
The production control means executes the second control process for the effective determination operation.
A game stand characterized by that. The game table according to claim 1,
The operation means includes a selection operation means for receiving a selection operation for sequentially switching the one object being selected,
The predetermined condition is established when the selection operation means accepts the selection operation.
A game stand characterized by that. A gaming table according to claim 2,
The selection operation means validates the received selection operation after the production control means starts executing the first control process and before the decision operation means validates the decision operation. Is,
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 2 or 3,
A plurality of reels that are subjected to multiple types of designs and are driven to rotate,
A game medium input button to input a game medium;
A start switch for instructing start of rotation of the plurality of reels;
Based on the operation of the start switch, lottery means for determining by lottery whether or not the internal winning of a plurality of types of predetermined roles,
A stop switch which is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels and individually stops the rotation of the reels;
Stop control means for performing stop control related to stopping rotation of the reel within a predetermined pull-in range based on a lottery result of the lottery means and a stop operation of the stop switch;
Depending on whether or not the symbol combination stopped and displayed on a predetermined active line by the stop control by the stop control means is a symbol combination determined corresponding to the winning combination internally by the lottery means. Determining means for determining the winning of the winning role;
A payout means for paying out the game medium as a payout when a winning combination with a payout is won by the determination by the determination means;
With
The game medium input button is capable of accepting the game medium input operation and the determination operation in one operation.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The predetermined time is based on a total time obtained by adding up the time until the selected effect image selected for one object is displayed in the first control process for all the plurality of objects. Is set,
A game stand characterized by that.