JP2017099827A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suitably enhance expectation for a promotion of a winning combination.SOLUTION: A slot machine includes: privilege determination means for determining to grant a privilege to a player on the basis of a special determination having made allowing a derivation of a special display result; and period measurement means for measuring an elapsed period from when the special determination having made allowing the derivation of the special display result. Either one of when a particular determination was made before the elapsed period measured by the period measurement means exceeds a predetermined period and when the particular determination was made after the predetermined period, when compared to the other, is determined to be granted the privilege advantageously by the privilege determination means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine for playing games.

  There is a slot machine in which a predetermined number of bets are set and a plurality of types of identification information (for example, symbols) are variably displayed when a start operation is performed. In the slot machine configured to execute variable display of identification information in this way, a predetermined game value is given to a player when the display result of variable display of identification information becomes a predetermined display result in the variable display unit. There is something configured to give.

  Among such slot machines, there is one that performs a freeze lottery in a game next to a game won by a weak cherry. When the freeze is won by the freeze lottery and the cherry effect is executed, control for promoting a winning combination (out) from a single cherry to a double cherry is executed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2014083153 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is not possible to appropriately increase the expectation for promotion of a winning combination.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that suitably enhances a sense of expectation for promotion.

  (1) A variable display unit (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is provided, and a display result is derived after variably displaying the variable display unit, In a slot machine (for example, slot machine 1) in which a winning can be generated according to the display result, display result determining means (for example, a Scl6 lottery process by the main control unit 41, etc.) for determining a display result that is permitted to be derived. Derivation control means for deriving the display result based on the determination result of the display result determination means (for example, Sc7 reel control processing by the main control unit 41), and special display result (for example, rare Special decisions that allow derivation of roles (strong cherry, weak cherry, strong watermelon, weak watermelon, etc.) (for example, rare role (strong cherry winning, weak cherry winning, Privilege determination means (for example, ART by the main control unit 41) that determines that a privilege (for example, ART, number of ART games, etc.) is to be given to the player based on the fact that the watermelon selection (weak watermelon selection, etc.) is performed. (A lottery process, an extra lottery process, etc.) and a period measurement unit (for example, a Sk1 game by the main control unit 41) that measures an elapsed period after the display result determination unit makes a special determination that allows the derivation of the special display result. Special determinations that allow derivation of special display results (for example, weak cherries, etc.) include special determinations (for example, weak cherries won). The elapsed period measured by the period measuring means is a predetermined period (for example, 0 game to PG game (50 games, 60 games, 70 games, 80 games, 90 games), etc.), when a special decision is made before exceeding, or when a special decision is made after exceeding a predetermined period, a privilege is advantageously given by the privilege determination means compared to the other A slot machine characterized in that it is decided to do so.

  With such a configuration, the player can pay attention and improve the interest during a period in which no special decision is made.

  (2) In the slot machine of (1), when the special determination is made after the elapsed period exceeds a predetermined period (for example, the ART winning ratio 12.5% (50% × 25%) Etc.) will decide to give a benefit more advantageously than when a special decision is made before the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period (for example, 5% (20% × 25%) of the ART winning percentage). .

  With such a configuration, the player can maintain a sense of expectation even if no special decision is made.

  (3) In the slot machine of the above (1) or (2), the privilege determining means has a normal probability (for example, an ART winning ratio of 5% (20% × 20%) when a special determination is made by the display result determining means. 25%)), or a special probability higher than the normal probability (for example, an ART winning ratio of 12.5% (50% × 25%), 25%, etc.) Change control (for example, Sh4 freeze control by the main control unit 41, etc.) for changing the special display result derived by the above to a display result that can specify that whether or not to grant a privilege is determined with a special probability. Do.

  With such a configuration, it is easy to understand that the ratio of determining that a privilege is to be granted has been determined with a high probability, so that interest can be improved.

  (4) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (3), an effect suggesting an elapsed period measured by the period measuring unit is executed.

  With such a configuration, it is possible for the player to recognize whether or not it is determined that the benefit is advantageously given, and to improve the interest.

  (5) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the predetermined period is selected from a plurality of games (for example, 50 games, 60 games, 70 games, 80 games, 90 games, etc.). It is characterized by that.

  With such a configuration, the player pays attention to which number of games is selected, and the interest can be improved.

  (6) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above, when a special decision is made after a specific period (for example, 0 game to 100 games, etc.) that is a predetermined period or longer. (For example, the ART winning ratio 25% (100% × 25%), etc.), when the special determination is made before the elapsed period exceeds the specific period, the privilege determining means (for example, the ART winning ratio 5% (20 % × 25%) or ART winning ratio 12.5% (50% × 25%, etc.).

  With such a configuration, the player pays attention to which number of games is selected, and the interest can be improved.

  (7) A variable display section (for example, the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, the right reel 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is provided and displayed after the variable display section is variably displayed. A program address executed by the microcomputer (main control unit 41) when an interruption occurs in a slot machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) in which a result is derived and a winning can be generated according to the display result is obtained. A storage area (vector table area) to be set is provided, and when the microcomputer is started, it is determined whether the program address set in the storage area is within a predetermined range. Limits the startup of the microcomputer (the value set in the vector table area is 0000h (set to an unused vector table area Is set to the vector table area, and the area of the address set in 8000h to HPRGEND, that is, the value indicating the area where the program or the like is actually stored in the program area is set. If the value is neither 0000h nor a value indicating the address area set in 8000h to HPRGEND, it may not be activated).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unintended interrupt from being executed in advance.

  (8) A variable display section (for example, the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, the right reel 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is provided and displayed after the variable display section is variably displayed. After the result is derived and the internal state is set (startup setting) in the slot machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) that can generate a prize according to the display result, the user program is executed (initial setting) A microcomputer (main control unit 41) that starts processing), and the prohibition of interrupt is set in the setting of the internal state, and the prohibition of interrupt is set in the user program at the start of execution of the user program (The main control unit 41 may be started in an interrupt-prohibited state, but interrupts are prohibited again).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unintended interrupt from occurring.

  (9) A variable display section (for example, the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, the right reel 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is provided and displayed after the variable display section is variably displayed. A slot machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) capable of deriving a result and generating a winning according to the display result has a plurality of timers having different uses and a plurality of timer values (a plurality of types of timer counter values). ) Is stored in consecutive addresses in the RAM (set in an area assigned consecutive addresses in the RAM 41c according to a predetermined rule), and updated by a common update process while changing the target address (stored in the specified address). In the process of updating the timer value that has been added, a constant is added to the current specified address to store multiple types of timer counter values. It may be a plurality of types to update the timer value) so by repeatedly executing while changing the specified address against.

  According to such a configuration, the timer value update process can be executed without increasing the processing capacity.

It is a front view of the slot machine of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is an internal structure figure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the list of rare roles. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the main process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the internal lottery process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the rare role ceiling control process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the ART lottery process which a main control part performs. It is a figure which shows the determination ratio by various tables. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the addition lottery process which a main control part performs. It is a figure which shows the determination ratio by an addition determination table. It is a figure which shows that any one is determined to give a privilege advantageously compared with the other. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the freeze related process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the process at the time of the 3rd stop which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interruption process which a sub-control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the promotion effect process which a sub-control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the reel stop command reception process which a sub-control part performs. It is a figure which shows the example of freeze control.

An embodiment for implementing a slot machine according to the present invention will be described below.
An embodiment of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a housing 1a having an open front surface and a housing 1a. It is comprised from the front door 1b pivotally supported by the side end so that rotation is possible. As shown in FIG. 2, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are juxtaposed in the housing 1a. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, three consecutive symbols out of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (a plurality that can be distinguished from each other are drawn in 21 in a predetermined order). 3 of the types of symbols) are arranged so as to be seen from the see-through window 3 provided on the front door 1b.

  Inside the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R (see FIG. 4) for detecting the reference position with respect to the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R from the back side, respectively. A reel LED 55 (see FIG. 4) for irradiation is provided. The reel LED 55 includes 12 LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and can irradiate each symbol independently.

  A display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) is arranged at a position on the front side (player side) of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a liquid crystal panel having transparency in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element, and the player side through the transmission area 51b corresponding to the see-through window 3 of the display area 51a. The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be visually recognized.

  The front door 1b uses a medal insertion unit 4 into which medals can be inserted, a medal payout exit 9 from which medals are paid out, and credits (the number of medals stored as a player's own game value), and within the credit range. The MAXBET switch 6 that is operated when setting the maximum bet number out of a prescribed number of bets determined according to the game state, the medal stored as credits, and the medal used for setting the bet number are settled Settlement switch 10 operated when performing (returning medals used for setting credits and bets), start switch 7 operated when starting the game, and rotation of reels 2L, 2C and 2R, respectively Stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R and an effect switch 56 that are operated when stopping are provided so as to be operable by the player.

  Further, the front door 1b has a credit indicator 11 for displaying the number of medals stored as credits, the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a prize, an error code indicating the contents when an error occurs, and a navigation notification described later. A game auxiliary indicator 12 that displays information that can identify the order in which the reels are stopped, etc., 1 BETLED 14 that notifies that the number of bets is set to 1, and that the number of bets is set to 2 2BETLED 15 for notifying by lighting, 3BETLED 16 for notifying that 3 bets have been set, lighting for requesting LED 17 for notifying that a medal can be inserted, and game start operation by operating start switch 7 Start valid LED 18 to notify that it is valid by lighting, wait (whether the previous game started There is a waiting LED 19 that lights up to indicate that the reel is in a standby state because the reel has not started rotating for a certain period of time, and a replaying LED 20 that lights up to indicate that a replay game is in progress. The game display section 13 is provided.

  Inside the MAXBET switch 6, there is provided a BET switch valid LED 21 (see FIG. 4) for notifying that the setting operation of the bet amount by the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is valid, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, The left, middle and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C and 22R (see FIG. 4) are provided inside the 8R to notify that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C and 8R is valid. It has been.

  Inside the front door 1b, there is a reset switch 23 (see FIG. 4) for detecting a reset operation for releasing an error state described later and a stop state described later by a predetermined key operation. A set value display 24 (see FIG. 4) that displays the set value at that time while the set value is being confirmed, and a stop state (until the reset operation is performed) at a predetermined trigger (for example, at the end of BB described later) The stop switch 36a (see FIG. 2) for selecting whether to enable / disable the stop function to be controlled in a state where the progress is controlled), automatic payment processing (as credit) at a predetermined trigger (for example, at the end of BB) An automatic checkout switch 36b (see FIG. 2) for selecting whether to enable / disable an automatic checkout function for controlling (returning) the stored medal regardless of the player's operation. The flow path switching solenoid 30 for selectively switching the flow path of medals inserted from the hopper tank 34a (see FIG. 2) side or the medal payout exit 9 side provided inside the housing 1a. (See FIG. 4), a medal selector (not shown) having an insertion medal sensor 31 (see FIG. 4) for detecting a medal inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 and flowing down to the hopper tank 34a side, and the front door 1b being opened. A door opening detection switch 25 (see FIG. 2) for detection is provided.

  Inside the housing 1a, the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 2), and reel sensors 33L, which can detect the reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, respectively. Reel unit 2 (see FIG. 2) composed of 33C and 33R (see FIG. 4), an external output board 1000 (see FIG. 2) for outputting an external output signal, and a hopper for storing medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 A tank 34a, a hopper motor 34b (see FIG. 2) for paying out medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout outlet 9, and a payout sensor 34c (FIG. 2) for detecting medals paid out by driving the hopper motor 34b. A hopper unit 34 (see FIG. 2) and a power supply box 100 (see FIG. 2) are provided.

  On the side of the hopper unit 34, an overflow tank 35 is provided for storing medals overflowing from the hopper tank 34a. Inside the overflow tank 35, a full tank sensor 35a (see FIG. 2) is provided for detecting that the stored medals have reached a predetermined amount or more, that is, the overflow tank 35 has become full.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a function key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state is provided on the front surface of the power supply box 100, and functions as a reset switch for canceling an error state or a stop state in normal times. In the setting change state, a reset / setting switch 38 that functions as a setting switch for changing a setting value of a winning probability (outtake rate) of internal lottery described later, and a power source that is operated when turning on / off the power source A switch 39 is provided.

  Thus, the power supply box 100 is provided inside the housing 1a, and the front door 1b is configured to be opened by a predetermined key operation held by a store clerk or the like. The setting key switch 37, the reset / setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 provided on the player can be operated only by a store clerk or the like who owns the key, and cannot be operated by the player. The same applies to the reset switch 23 detected by a predetermined key operation. In particular, since the setting key switch 37 requires further key operation after the front door 1b is opened by key operation, only the store clerk possessing the key for operating the setting key switch 37 among the game store clerk. Operation is possible.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 or a bet number is set using credits. To use the credit, the MAXBET switch 6 may be operated. When a predetermined number of bets determined according to the gaming state are set, the winning line LN (see FIG. 1) becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the state where the game can be started. Become. In addition, when a medal is inserted exceeding the maximum number out of the prescribed number corresponding to the gaming state, the amount is added to the credit.

  The winning line is a line that is set to determine whether a combination of symbols displayed on the perspective windows 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a winning symbol combination. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, only the winning line LN set across the symbols arranged in the horizontal direction in the middle stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, the middle stage of the reel 2R, that is, the middle stage, is used as the winning line. It has been established. Further, in the present embodiment, as a winning combination, a winning combination is made when a combination of predetermined symbols determined as a winning combination in the winning line LN, and any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 is achieved by the combination of predetermined symbol combinations. The combination of symbols that are easier to recognize than the predetermined symbol combination is included, so that it is possible to make it appear as if it has been won by a combination of symbols aligned on any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously vary. When any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3. When all the reels 2L, 2C and 2R are stopped, one game is completed, and when a predetermined symbol combination on the winning line LN is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C and 2R. A winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are awarded to the player and added to the credit. Further, when the credit reaches the upper limit (50 in this embodiment), medals are paid out directly from the medal payout opening 9 (see FIG. 1).

  The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment wins when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped and a combination of symbols called “comb” is arranged on the activated pay line LN. The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols. The types of winning combinations are determined according to the game state, but can be broadly divided into small roles with payout of medals and the next game with the number of bets automatically set without using medals. There is a re-playing role that can be. In order for winning of each combination determined according to the gaming state to occur, it is necessary to win an internal lottery to be described later and set a winning flag of the combination in the RAM 41c. Note that the winning flags for the small combination and re-playing combination are valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and are invalid in the next game.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration using three reels is illustrated, but a configuration using only one reel, a configuration using two reels, a configuration using four or more reels may be used. In a configuration using two or more reels, a winning determination may be made based on a combination of display results derived for all two or more reels. In the present embodiment, the variable display device is configured by physical reels. However, the variable display device may be configured by an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, after the game is started and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated and the symbols start to change, any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is operated. When this is done, the rotation of the reels corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is stopped, and the symbols are stopped and displayed. The maximum stop delay time from the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R to the stop of the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is 190 ms (milliseconds).

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate 80 times per minute, and 80x20 (number of symbols per reel) = 1600 frames, so the maximum 4 frames are drawn in 190ms. Will be able to. In other words, the symbols that can be selected as the stop symbols are the symbols that are displayed when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, and the symbols that are four frames ahead of them, for a total of five symbols. For this reason, for example, when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated and the symbol displayed on the lower stage of the reel corresponding to the stop switch is used as a reference, the symbol from the symbol to four frames ahead Since the symbols can be displayed in the lower row, in each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, when any one of the stop switches 8L, 8R is operated, the symbol displayed in the middle row of the reel corresponding to the stop switch. The symbols arranged within 5 frames including can be displayed on the winning line.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, an effect control board 90, and a power supply board 101. The game state is controlled by the game control board 40, and the game state is controlled by the effect control board 90. The production according to the control is controlled, and the power supply board 101 generates the drive power for the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 and supplies them to each part.

  Further, a hopper motor 34b, a payout sensor 34c, a full sensor 35a, a setting key switch 37, a reset / setting switch 38, and a power switch 39 are connected to the power supply board 101.

  The game control board 40 includes a MAXBET switch 6, a start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, a settlement switch 10, a reset switch 23, a stop switch 36a, an automatic settlement switch 36b, an insertion medal sensor 31, and a door opening detection switch. 25, reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R are connected, and a payout sensor 34c, a full sensor 35a, a setting key switch 37, and a reset / setting switch 38 are connected via the power supply board 101. Detection signals of switches are input.

  In addition, the game control board 40 includes a credit indicator 11, a game auxiliary indicator 12, 1-3 BET LEDs 14-16, an insertion request LED 17, a start valid LED 18, a waiting LED 19, a replaying LED 20, a BET switch valid LED 21, a left, middle The right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C and 22R, the set value display 24, the flow path switching solenoid 30, the reel motors 32L, 32C and 32R are connected, and the hopper motor 34b is connected via the power supply board 101. These electrical components are driven based on the control of a main control unit 41 (described later) mounted on the game control board 40.

  The game control board 40 includes a microcomputer having a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 41b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 41c, and an I / O port 41d, and controls the game. The main control unit 41, a random number circuit 42 for generating a random number within a predetermined range (an integer of 0 to 65535 in the present embodiment), a pulse oscillator 43 for supplying a clock signal having a constant frequency to the random number circuit 42, and the game control board 40 directly or A switch detection circuit 44 that detects detection signals input from switches connected via the power supply board 101, a motor drive circuit 45 that controls the drive of the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, and a drive control of the flow path switching solenoid 30 A solenoid drive circuit 46 for performing various operations and various displays and LED drivers connected to the game control board 40 An LED drive circuit 47 that controls the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 and an interruption detection circuit that outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that to the main control unit 41 when a voltage drop is detected. 48, a reset circuit 49 for giving a reset signal to the main CPU 41a when the power is turned on or when an initialization command is not inputted from the main CPU 41a, an electrical connection state between the game control board 40 and the inserted medal sensor 31, and game control A disconnection monitoring IC 50 for monitoring the electrical connection state between the board 40 and the effect control board 90 and other various devices and circuits are mounted.

  The main CPU 41a has an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibition function) such as a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt, and executes a program stored in the ROM 41b to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and the game control board 40 Each part of the control circuit mounted on the is directly or indirectly controlled. The ROM 41b stores fixed data such as programs executed by the main CPU 41a and various tables. The RAM 41c is used as a work area when the main CPU 41a executes a program. At least a part of the RAM 41c may be a backup RAM backed up by a backup power source. That is, even if the power supply to the slot machine 1 is stopped, at least a part of the contents of the RAM 41c is stored for a certain period. The I / O port 41d inputs / outputs a control signal to / from each circuit connected via a signal input / output terminal included in the main control unit 41.

  Further, the main control unit 41 is supplied with backup power even during a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 41c is held while the backup power is being supplied.

  The memory area used by the main control unit 41 includes a memory area (0000h to 7FFFh) allocated to the RAM 41c included in the main control unit 41, a memory area (8000h to FFFFh) allocated to the ROM 41b included in the main control unit 41, including.

  The memory area of the RAM 41c includes an available area (0000h to 01FFh) that can be used as a work, and an internal function register area (1000h to 1000h) in which a register group for controlling each function installed in the main control unit 41 is stored. 1080h) and unused areas (0200h to 0FFFh, A800h to FFFFh) where access is prohibited.

  The memory area of the ROM 41b includes a program / data area (8000h to A6FFh) in which programs and fixed data are stored, a ROM comment area (A700h to A7FFh) in which arbitrary data such as a program title and version can be set, and CALLV. Vector table area (A780h to A7A7h) in which the start address of the instruction subroutine and the start address of the interrupt process are set, and the HW parameter in which parameters for setting the internal functions of the main control unit 41 are set in hardware It includes an area (addresses A7A8h to A7FFh) and an unused area (A800h to FFFFh) where access is prohibited.

  The parameters set in the HW parameter area include the final address (HPRGEND) of the ROM area used in the program / data area, the start address (HRAMSTAT) and the final address (HRAMEND) of the RAM area for which access is prohibited.

  When the main control unit 41 accesses an area between the address set in HPRGEND and A6FFh, that is, an area where no program or the like is stored in the program / data area, the main control unit 41 sets the address set in HRAMSTAT. To an area between addresses set in HRAMEND, that is, an area where access is prohibited among usable areas, an access to the ROM comment area, an access to the HW parameter area When there is an illegal access, an illegal access is determined and an illegal access reset is generated. When an illegal access reset occurs, the state is controlled to a special error state to be described later, the progress of the game is disabled, the state is changed to a setting change state, and is not canceled until a new set value is set.

  As described above, when the main control unit 41 accesses an area of the program / data area where no program or the like is stored, the main control unit 41 accesses an area of the usable area where access is prohibited. That is, when an access is made to a memory area that is not accessed in normal operation, an illegal access reset is generated to disable the progress of the game, so it is not related to an unused area or operation of the ROM 41b. Even if an unauthorized program is stored in the area, an unused area of the RAM 41c, etc., it is possible to prevent the unauthorized program from being executed.

  In addition, the main control unit 41 is activated by the occurrence of a system reset by inputting a system reset signal, a WDT reset by a WDT (watchdog timer) included in the main control unit 41, and the aforementioned illegal access reset. At this time, the value set in the vector table area is 0000h (value set in an unused vector table area), or the address area set in 8000h to HPRGEND, that is, a program in the program area, etc. Is a value indicating an actually stored area, and the value set in the vector table area is not 0000h, and is not a value indicating the area of the address set in 8000h to HPRGEND, Does not start.

  As described above, the main control unit 41 is activated when the value set in the vector table area, that is, the start address of the subroutine of the CALLV instruction and the start address of the interrupt process are values indicating the outside of the area where the program is set. By not doing so, it is possible to prevent in advance processing that was not originally intended due to the occurrence of an interrupt or the like.

  The main CPU 41a repeatedly loops the process according to the control state until the detection state of the various switches connected to the game control board 40 is changed as a basic process, and step by step according to the change of the detection state of the various switches. Execute the process to move to. Further, the main CPU 41a has an interrupt function as described above, and can interrupt the basic process by the occurrence of the interrupt and execute the interrupt process. The voltage output from the power interruption detection circuit 48 A power interruption process (main) is executed in response to the input of the decrease signal, and a timer interrupt process (main) is executed at regular time intervals. Note that the execution interval of the timer interrupt process (main) is set to a time longer than the sum of the time required to complete the repetition of the process depending on the control state in the basic process and the execution time of the timer interrupt process (main) Therefore, the process that is repeated according to the control state between the current and next timer interrupt processes (main) is completed at least once.

  In the power interruption process, execution of other interrupt processes is prohibited as the process starts. Then, a process of saving all registers that may be in use to the RAM 41c is performed. As a result, it is possible to return to the original processing when the power interruption is restored. Next, after all output ports are initialized, a RAM parity is calculated based on all data stored in the RAM 41c, set in a predetermined parity storage area, and RAM access is prohibited. Then, a loop process in which no process is performed is entered. That is, when the voltage decreases as it is, the operation is stopped internally. Therefore, the main control unit 41 reliably stops operation when power is interrupted. As described above, in the power interruption processing, the RAM parity at that time is calculated and stored in the parity storage area, and is stored in the RAM 41c by comparing with the RAM parity calculated at the next startup. It is possible to check whether the data is normal.

  In the timer interrupt process (main), the main control unit 41 is latched each time new numeric data is latched from the random value storage work in which the numeric data latched simultaneously with the operation of the start switch 7 is stored. Read the numerical data. The numerical data stored in the random value storage work is updated to the latest numerical data that is newly latched. In addition, the main control unit 41 executes a command transmission process for transmitting a command to the sub-control unit 91 in the timer interrupt process (main).

  The reset circuit 49 outputs a reset signal to the main control unit 41 when the voltage rises to a level at which the main control unit 41 can be activated when the power is turned on, and activates the main control unit 41. 41. When the reset counter value is counted up without being cleared based on a signal periodically output from 41, that is, when the main control unit 41 does not operate for a certain time, a reset signal is sent to the main control unit 41. Is output, and the main control unit 41 is restarted.

The main CPU 41a transmits various commands to the effect control board 90 via the I / O port 41d. Here, from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90, for example, by using a unidirectional circuit such as a diode or a transistor, only in one direction (direction from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90). The signal is configured not to pass. Therefore, a command transmitted from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is sent in only one direction, and no command is sent from the effect control board 90 to the game control board 40. Command transmission from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is performed by serial communication.
The game control board 40 and the effect control board 90 are not limited to being directly connected, and may be configured to be connected via a relay board, for example.

  Further, when the main control unit 41 is activated due to the occurrence of a reset, the main control unit 41 performs activation setting. In the startup setting, the internal state is set. After setting the internal state, the main control unit 41 starts executing the user program (initial setting process). The main control unit 41 sets interrupt prohibition in setting the internal state. In the user program, interrupt prohibition is set at the start of execution of the user program. Therefore, the main control unit 41 is started in an interrupt disabled state, but interrupts are prohibited again at the start of execution of the user program. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unintended interrupt processing from being executed.

  Next, a timer counter for measuring a time interval used by the main control unit 41 for game progress control and the like will be described. In this embodiment, a plurality of timers having different uses are provided. Further, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 periodically updates the value of the timer counter assigned to the RAM 41c included in the main control unit 41 so that the time elapses when the value reaches a specific value (0). It has come to identify. Conventionally, when measuring multiple types of time intervals, timer values are set and updated within multiple types of processing that require timekeeping, and each type of program for updating multiple types of timer values is processed. Since it is necessary to provide it inside, it was a factor which increased program capacity. In addition, since multiple types of timer counters are assigned as data groups for each process used, it is necessary to read out the values of unrelated addresses in order to update all of them in one process. there were.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, an area in which a plurality of types of timer counter values are stored is set in an area to which consecutive addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule in the RAM 41c, and the timer value stored in the designated address is Since multiple types of timer values are updated by repeatedly executing the update process while changing the specified address for the area where multiple types of timer counter values are stored by adding a constant to the current specified address Thus, the program capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where each of the processes for designating a plurality of types of addresses and updating the values of the addresses is performed in the individual processes.

  Electrical components such as a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1), a rendering effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, and a reel LED 55 arranged on the front door 1b of the slot machine 1 are connected to the rendering control board 90. These electrical components are driven based on control by a later-described sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90. In addition, an effect switch 56 is connected to the effect control board 90, and a detection signal of the effect switch 56 is input.

  In the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 performs output control of effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, effect effect LEDs 52, speakers 53 and 54, and reel LEDs 55. However, an output control unit that directly controls the output of the effect device is mounted on the effect control board 90 or another board separately from the sub control part 91, and the sub control part 91 is based on a command from the main control part 41. The output pattern of the effect device may be determined, and the output control unit may control the output of the effect device based on the output pattern determined by the sub control unit 91. In such a configuration, the sub control unit 91 and the output The output control of the effect device is performed by both of the control units.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 are exemplified as the effect device, but the effect device is not limited thereto, and is mechanically driven, for example. A display device or a mechanically driven item may be applied as the rendering device.

  Similar to the main control unit 41, the effect control board 90 includes a sub CPU 91a, ROM 91b, RAM 91c, and a microcomputer provided with an I / O port 91d. The sub control unit 91 controls the effect, and the effect control board 90. A display control circuit 92 that performs display control of the liquid crystal display 51 connected to the LED, an LED drive circuit 93 that performs drive control of the effect LED 52 and the reel LED 55, and an audio output circuit 94 that controls audio output from the speakers 53 and 54. When the power is turned on or when the initialization command from the sub CPU 91a is not input for a certain period of time, a reset circuit 95 that gives a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a and a detection signal input from the effect switch 56 connected to the effect control board 90 are detected. Switch circuit 96 for monitoring the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 When a voltage drop is detected, an interruption detection circuit 98 that outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that to the sub CPU 91a and other circuits are mounted. The sub CPU 91a is connected to the game control board 40. In response to the command transmitted from the control unit, various controls for performing the performance are performed, and each part of the control circuit mounted on the performance control board 90 is controlled directly or indirectly.

  Similar to the main CPU 41a, the sub CPU 91a has an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibition function). One of the interrupt terminals of the sub control unit 91 is connected to a strobe (INT) signal line that is output when the main control unit 41 transmits a command, among the command transmission lines, and the sub CPU 91a receives the strobe signal. An interrupt is generated based on the input, and a command from the main control unit 41 is acquired and stored in the buffer. Also, the sub CPU 91a executes an interrupt process (sub), which will be described later, by generating an interrupt every time the number of clock inputs reaches a certain number, that is, every certain interval. In addition, one of the interrupt terminals of the sub-control unit 91 is connected to the power interruption detection circuit 98, and the sub CPU 91a performs power interruption processing according to the input of the voltage drop signal output from the power interruption detection circuit 98. (Sub) is executed. Also, when an unused interrupt occurs in the sub CPU 91a, the process is immediately returned to the original process.

  The sub-control unit 91 is also supplied with backup power at the time of a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 91c is held while the backup power is supplied.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the medal payout rate changes according to the set value. Specifically, the medal payout rate is changed by using a winning probability corresponding to a set value in an internal lottery or the like. The set value is composed of 6 levels of 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate and the payout rate being lower as the value is decreased in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and as the value decreases in order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, the advantage decreases stepwise. The set values may be set in three stages such as 1, 3, 6, 1, 4, H (High), and in seven stages 1 to 7, and need not be limited to six stages.

  The medal payout rate is changed by changing at least one or both of the winning probabilities of the lottery performed by the main control unit 41 and the winning probabilities of the lottery performed by the sub-control unit 91 according to the set value. There may be.

  Of the winning combinations in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the special combination includes two types of bonuses: a big bonus (hereinafter, the big bonus is referred to as BB) and a regular bonus (hereinafter, the regular bonus is referred to as RB). . BB is awarded when the combination of “red 7-red 7-red 7” is aligned on the winning line LN. When winning the BB, the game shifts to a big bonus that is controlled every game by a regular bonus (to be referred to as RB hereinafter). The big bonus ends on condition that 465 or more medals have been paid out. RB is awarded when the combination of “BAR-BAR-BAR” is aligned on the winning line LN. When winning an RB, the game proceeds to a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as RB). The regular bonus ends on the condition that any combination wins 6 times or 12 games have been consumed.

  Next, the small combination among the winning combinations will be described. Among the winning roles, the small role includes an upper bell, a middle bell, a right falling bell, a middle watermelon, a right watermelon, a middle cherry (strong cherry), and a horn cherry (weak cherry).

  Next, among the winning combinations, the replaying combination will be described. Among the winning combinations, the replaying role includes middle replay, right-up replay, promotion replay, special replay, fall replay, red 7 replay, and blue 7 replay.

  In the present embodiment, at least one of the winning combination and the winning probability thereof is different depending on the gaming state (normal state, ART state, BB state, and RB state). Note that a plurality of winning combinations can be simultaneously read out as the lottery target combination and can be won in duplicate. In the following description, the ART state may be simply referred to as “ART”. The BB state may be simply referred to as “BB”. The RB state may be simply referred to as “RB”.

  When controlling to ART, the main control unit 41 performs navigation notification by winning the navigation target combination corresponding to the gaming state, and transmits a push order command to the sub-control unit 91. In this way, the navigation effect is executed. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 can execute navigation notification and execute a navigation effect by satisfying certain conditions even in a normal state where the control is not performed by ART. In the navigation notification and the navigation effect, the stop order that is advantageous to the player is notified in an identifiable manner.

  The navigation notification of the present embodiment is notified by displaying a navigation image from the liquid crystal display 51 and outputting navigation sounds from the speakers 53 and 54.

  For example, when informing the stop order of the left middle right stop switch 8L such as “123” (indicating that the left reel is the first stop, the middle reel is the second stop, and the right reel is the third stop), A stop order image indicating the stop order of 8C and 8R is displayed. In addition, as the navigation voice, for example, “left middle right!” (Indicating that the left reel is the first stop, the middle reel is the second stop, and the right reel is the third stop) Is output.

  When the stop order in which the left reel is first stopped is notified, the stop order of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R such as “1--” (indicating that the left reel is the first stop) is indicated. Display stop order images. Further, as the navigation voice, for example, “left!” (Indicating that the left reel is in the first stop) (indicating that the left reel is in the first stop) indicating the stop switch stop order is output. To do.

  The mode of the navigation effect is not limited to such a mode, and any mode may be used as long as the player can distinguish according to the winning situation. Further, the navigation effect is not limited to using the liquid crystal display 51 and the speakers 53 and 54, but may be executed using the effect effect LED 52, the reel LED 55, and the like.

  The main control unit 41 controls the ART when it wins the ART lottery executed when the rare combination is won. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a list of rare roles in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, weak watermelon, strong watermelon, weak cherry, and strong cherry are provided as rare roles.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the weak watermelon means that the watermelons are aligned obliquely and stopped. In FIG. 5 (a), the result is that the watermelons are aligned to the lower right, but when the watermelons are aligned to the lower left and stopped, the watermelon is also weak. In a game in which a weak watermelon is won, the main control unit 41 performs reel control that stops the watermelons diagonally within a retractable range.

  The strong watermelon is that the watermelons are aligned and stopped at the middle stage as shown in FIG. In a game where a strong watermelon is won, the main control unit 41 performs reel control to stop the watermelons in the middle stage within a retractable range.

  The weak cherry is that the cherry stops at the corner as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5 (c), an appearance in which the cherry stops at the upper corner is shown, but a weak cherry is also observed when the cherry stops at the lower corner. In a game in which a weak cherry is won, the main control unit 41 performs reel control to stop the cherry at a corner within a retractable range.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the strong cherry is that the cherry stops at the middle stage. In a game in which a strong cherry is won, the main control unit 41 performs reel control to stop the cherry in the middle stage within the retractable range.

  When winning the ART lottery executed by the main control unit 41 when the rare combination described above is won, the main control unit 41 controls to ART. The main control unit 41 is a determination table (strong cherry determination table, weak cherry determination table, strong watermelon determination table, weak cherry tree) for each of weak watermelon, strong watermelon, weak cherry, and strong cherry. The ART lottery is executed according to the watermelon determination table.

  In the following description, the display result of the rare combination may be expressed as a special display result, and the determination that allows the main control unit 41 to derive the rare combination may be expressed as a special determination. Further, the display result of the weak cherry may be expressed as a special display result, and the determination that allows the main controller 41 to derive the weak cherry may be expressed as a special determination. Since the weak cherry is included in the rare role, the special decision that allows the derivation of the special display result includes the special decision that allows the derivation of the special display result.

  The main control unit 41 controls to ART when the specified number of games is reached from the end of ART, BB or RB, in addition to controlling to ART when winning the ART lottery associated with the above-mentioned rare role winning. . Specifically, the main control unit 41 also controls ART when the specified number of games is reached from the end of ART, BB, or RB. Specifically, the main control unit 41 selects a specified number of games from a plurality of games at the end of ART, BB, or RB, and continues to any of ART, BB, and RB from the end of ART, BB, or RB. The number of games that are not controlled is counted. The prescribed number of games is selected from any number of games from 1 to 399 games and 600 games.

  Then, the main control unit 41 controls to ART when the number of games that are not controlled by any of ART, BB, and RB from the end of ART, BB, or RB reaches the specified number of games.

  The number of ART games in this embodiment is 50 games per set. One set of games can be stored as one ART stock. When starting the ART control, the main control unit 41 sets 50 games as the number of remaining ART games allocated to the RAM 91c, and starts counting the number of remaining ART games.

  After the ART starts, the stop order for winning the middle bell when the push order bell is won will be notified, so it is possible to reliably acquire 8 medals by performing the stop operation according to the notified stop order. Become.

  In addition, after the start of ART, every time one game is consumed, the number of remaining games is decremented by 1, and if a special role is won before the remaining number of games reaches 0, the ART is interrupted, The counting of the number of games is also interrupted. Thereafter, the bonus is controlled through the winning of the selected special role, the ART is resumed after the bonus is over, and the remaining game count of the ART is also resumed. After the ART is started, the remaining game count becomes 0. If this happens, the ART control is terminated.

  Hereinafter, the internal lottery of this embodiment will be described. In the internal lottery, it is determined whether or not the above winning combination is permitted before the display results of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived and displayed (actually, when the start switch 7 is detected). To do. In the internal lottery, first, a random value for internal lottery (an integer from 0 to 65535) is acquired when the start switch 7 is detected. Specifically, the value of the random number value storage work assigned to the RAM 41c is set to the lottery work assigned to the RAM 41c. Then, for each combination determined according to the gaming state, numerical data stored in the lottery work, and each value determined according to the value of the gaming state flag for specifying the gaming state, the number of bets and the set value It is performed according to the number of judgment values for the combination.

  The random value storage work is a storage area in which numerical data latched simultaneously with the operation of the start switch 7 is stored. Every time new numerical data is latched, the latched numerical data is processed by a timer interruption process thereafter. The numerical data read in (main) and stored in the random value storage work is updated to the latest numerical data latched newly.

  Next, commands that the main control unit 41 transmits to the sub control unit 91 will be described. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 sends to the sub-control unit 91 an inserted number command, a credit command, an internal winning command, a freeze command, a freeze release command, a reel rotation start command, a reel stop command, a winning number command, a payout Start command, payout end command, return command, gaming status command, standby command, stop command, error command, setting command, setting confirmation command, door command, operation detection command, judgment winning command, ART start command, extra command , And a plurality of types of commands including elapsed period commands. These commands consist of 1-byte type data indicating the type of command and 1-byte extension data indicating the content of the command, and the sub-control unit 91 can specify the type of command from the type data. Hereinafter, among the commands, commands used in the present embodiment will be described.

  The internal winning command is a command that can specify the internal lottery result, and is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game. Further, since the internal winning command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated, the sub-control unit 91 can specify that the start switch 7 has been operated by receiving the internal winning command.

  The reel stop command is a command that can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, the area number of the corresponding reel stop operation position, and the area number of the corresponding reel stop position. And is transmitted each time stop control is performed in accordance with the stop operation of each reel. Since the reel stop command is transmitted when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, it is possible to specify that the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated by receiving the reel stop command. . The ART start command is a command for notifying that ART is started from the next game. The additional command is a command for notifying the number of additional games during ART. The elapsed period command is a command for notifying the number of games that have passed since the rare role was won.

  Next, the control of the effect performed by the sub-control unit 91 based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the effect control board 90 will be described. When the sub control unit 91 receives a command from the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 executes a command reception interrupt process. In the command reception interrupt process, the command acquired from the command transmission line is stored in the reception buffer provided in the RAM 91c. The reception buffer is provided with an area capable of storing a maximum of 16 commands so that a plurality of commands can be accumulated.

  In the timer interrupt process (sub), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not an unprocessed command is stored in the reception buffer. If an unprocessed command is stored, the sub-control unit 91 is the earliest. Based on the control pattern table stored in the ROM 91b based on the command received in the stage, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, the reel LED 55, etc. based on the control contents registered in the control pattern table Performs output control of various rendering devices.

  In the control pattern table, the display pattern of the liquid crystal display 51 corresponding to the type of command, the lighting mode of the lighting effect LED 52, the output mode of the speakers 53 and 54, the lighting mode of the reel LED, etc. Control patterns of these effect devices are registered, and when the sub-control unit 91 receives a command, the sub-control unit 91 stores the control patterns registered corresponding to the effect patterns set in the RAM 91c in the game of the control pattern table. Among these, the control pattern corresponding to the type of the received command is referred to, and the output control of the rendering device is performed based on the control pattern. Thereby, the production according to the production pattern and the progress of the game is executed.

  If the sub-control unit 91 receives a new command during the execution of an effect triggered by the reception of a certain command, the sub-control unit 91 stops the effect based on the control pattern being executed and sets the newly received command. An effect based on the corresponding control pattern is executed. In other words, even if the production is not finished to the end, when a new command is received, the production that was being executed is canceled and a new command is received unless the received new command is not a command that triggers a new production. An effect based on the command is executed.

  When the internal winning command is received, the effect pattern is selected at a selection rate corresponding to the result of the internal lottery indicated by the internal winning command, and is set in the RAM 91c. The selection rate of the effect pattern is registered in the effect table stored in the ROM 91b, and when the sub control unit 91 receives the internal winning command, the sub control unit 91 stores the effect pattern in the effect table according to the result of the internal lottery indicated by the internal winning command. With reference to the registered selection rate, one of the effect patterns is selected from a plurality of types of effect patterns according to the selection rate, and the selected effect pattern is set in the RAM 91c as the effect pattern of the game. Even if the same command is received, a different control pattern is selected depending on the effect pattern selected when the internal winning command is received. As a result, different effects may be performed depending on the effect pattern.

  In addition, when the sub control unit 91 receives a specific command from the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 performs an effect using a control pattern corresponding to the specific command. For example, when an error command is received, an error notification effect is performed with a control pattern corresponding to the error state, and when a standby command is received, a demonstration effect indicating a standby state is performed.

  Next, main processing executed by the main control unit 41 will be described. The main process is repeatedly executed for each unit of game. One period of the main process corresponds to one unit of the game.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the main control unit 41 first prohibits an interrupt of a timer interrupt process (main) executed by the main control unit 41 at a constant interval (0.56 ms interval) (Sc1). Next, the final address of the initialization target RAM is set (Sc2).

  Next, the main control unit 41 clears the RAM area indicated by the designated address (Sc3). At this time, if the main process is started after changing the above-described setting value, the first address of the initialization target RAM at the end of the setting change to the address specified in Sc2 is initialized. Thereby, the important work and the general work are initialized in the storage area of the RAM 41c. Also, at the end of one unit of game, the address specified in Sc9 to the address specified in Sc2 are initialized. As a result, the general work in the storage area of the RAM 41c is initialized. And the main control part 41 permits the interruption of a timer interruption process (main) (Sc4).

  Next, the main control unit 41 executes a game start waiting process (Sc5). In the game start waiting process, the process waits in a state where a bet number can be set, and a process for starting a game is executed when a specified number of bets are set according to the game state and the start switch 7 is operated.

  Next, the main control unit 41 executes an internal lottery process (Sc6). In the internal lottery process, whether or not to win the above-mentioned winning combination based on the internal lottery random value latched simultaneously with the start of the game by the detection of the start switch 7 in the step of Sc5 (that is, the display result is derived). Processing for determining whether or not to allow) is performed. In this internal lottery process, a winning flag is set in the RAM 41c based on the respective lottery results. When a special combination (BB or RB) is won by internal lottery, a special combination carry-over flag is set. Then, as described above, the presence / absence of the special role carry-over flag is determined to determine whether or not the special role has been carried over, and the winning combination corresponding to the presence / absence of the carry-over (the special role is subject to internal lottery during special role carry-over). A determination process is performed for the (excluded).

  Next, the main control unit 41 executes a reel control process (Sc7). In the reel control process, the process of rotating the reels 2L, 2C, 2R in response to the operation of the start switch 7, the result of the internal lottery in the step of Sd2, and the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R by the player are detected. In response to this, processing for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is executed.

  Specifically, in the reel control process according to the present embodiment, when any of the winning combinations is won, the winning combination is drawn to the winning line LN within the range of 4 frames, and the winning combination is the winning line. A stop control table in which the number of sliding symbols to be drawn so as not to be aligned with LN is created and reel stop control is performed. A stop control table with a predetermined number is created and reel stop control is performed. As a result, when a stop operation is performed, if the winning combination can be stopped in the winning line LN within the drawing range of a maximum of 4 frames, the control is performed so that the winning combination is stopped. The combination that has not been performed will be controlled to be stopped in a drawing range of a maximum of 4 frames.

  Next, the main control unit 41 executes a game end time setting process (Sc8). In the game end setting process, when it is determined that the rotation of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped in the process of Sc7, a winning occurs according to the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. The process which determines whether or not is executed. If the special combination wins, the special combination carry-over flag is cleared in this process. When it is determined that a winning has occurred, processing such as credit addition and medal payout is performed based on the number of payouts according to the winning. When a winning occurs, a process for setting a gaming state for the next game is executed after the medal payout is completed. Further, when no winning occurs, after the reels are stopped, processing for setting a gaming state for the next game is executed.

  When the game end time setting process ends, the main control unit 41 sets the initial address of the initial target RAM at the end of each game, and returns to Sc1. When returning to Sc1, the main control unit 41 sets the initialization target RAM final address in the register in Sc2, and clears the RAM in the area designated in Sc3. Thereby, RAM is cleared for every game.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the internal lottery process executed by the main control unit 41 in Sc6 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the main control unit 41 reads a specified number that is a predetermined number of medals inserted according to the game state of the game (S11).

  Next, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the number of medals inserted, that is, the value of the BET counter matches the specified number read in S11 (S12). The main control unit 41 proceeds to S13 if the number of inserted medals matches the specified number, and proceeds to S14 if the number of inserted medals does not match the specified number.

  The main control unit 41 determines whether or not the set value stored in the set value work of the RAM 41c is in the range of 1 to 6, that is, whether or not the set value stored in the set value work is an appropriate value. (Sl3). The main control unit 41 proceeds to S15 if the set value is in the range of 1 to 6, and proceeds to S14 if it is not in the range of 1 to 6.

  When it is determined that the data stored in the RAM 41c is not normal, the main control unit 41 sets an error code indicating a RAM abnormality in the register (S14), and proceeds to error processing. In error processing, the progress of the game is disabled. Note that if the error processing is other than the RAM abnormality error, the disconnection abnormality error, and the abnormal winning error indicating the RAM abnormality, the error state can be canceled by operating the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23. However, if the error processing is due to a disconnection error, a RAM error, or an abnormal winning error, the error state is canceled even when the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is operated, and the original state is restored. Never do.

  Next, the main control unit 41 executes a random number acquisition process for acquiring random numbers used in the game (S15). In the random number acquisition process, a sampling command is output to the sampling circuit 43, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 42 is latched, and the latched random number value is input from the I / O port 41d and extracted. A predetermined logical operation is performed on the extracted random number, and the result is obtained as a random number. Then, the main control unit 41 executes a lottery process for determining whether or not a winning is allowed (S16).

  The main control unit 41 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state or the RB state (S17). When the current gaming state is the BB state or the RB state, the main control unit 41 proceeds to S9. If the current gaming state is not the BB state or the RB state, the main control unit 41 executes a rare role ceiling control process for executing control relating to a rare role (Sl8). Next, the main control unit 41 transmits an internal winning command to the sub control unit 91 (Sl9), and ends the process.

  Next, the rare role ceiling control process of Sl8 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control content of the rare role ceiling control process executed by the main control unit 41.

  In FIG. 8, the main control unit 41 increments the game counter gc by 1 (Sk1). This game counter gc is a counter for measuring an elapsed period (number of games) after a special decision allowing the derivation of a rare combination is made by the lottery process of S16. The game counter gc is initialized with 0 when the slot machine 1 is activated. The main control unit 41 transmits the value of the game counter gc incremented in Sk1 to the sub-control unit 91 using an elapsed period command (Sk2).

  The main control unit 41 determines whether or not the rare combination is won by the lottery process of Sl6 (Sk3). When the rare combination is not won, the main control unit 41 ends the process. When the rare combination is won, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the ART state (Sk4). When the gaming state is not the ART state, the main control unit 41 executes an ART lottery process for drawing whether to control to ART (Sk5), and proceeds to Sk7.

  When the gaming state is the ART state, the main control unit 41 executes an addition lottery process for drawing whether or not to increase the number of ART games (Sk6), and proceeds to Sk7. In Sk7, the main control unit 41 initializes the game counter gc with 0 (Sk7). The main control unit 41 executes PG lottery using a predetermined game number determination table to be described later (Sk8). By this PG lottery, the predetermined number of games becomes any one of 50 games, 60 games, 70 games, 80 games, and 90 games. The main control unit 41 sets the number of games of the lottery result to the predetermined number of games PG (Sk9), and ends the process.

  Next, the Sk5 ART lottery process will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the ART lottery process executed by the main control unit 41. The main control unit 41 determines whether or not the strong cherry is won by the lottery process of S16 (Sd1). When the strong cherry is won, the main control unit 41 executes the ART lottery using the strong cherry determination table (Sd10), and proceeds to Sd11.

  When the strong cherry is not won, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the weak cherry is won (Sd2). If the weak cherry is not won, the main control unit 41 proceeds to Sd9. When the weak cherry is won, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the game counter gc is greater than the specific period SG (Sd3). The specific period SG is a period equal to or longer than a predetermined period, and in the present embodiment, 100 games are taken as an example.

  When the game counter gc is larger than the specific period SG, the main control unit 41 turns on the promotion flag (Sd8), and proceeds to Sd10. This promotion flag is off by default, and turned on when promoting. Promotion means that an ART lottery is executed using a strong cherry determination table even though a weak cherry is won.

  When the game counter gc is equal to or less than the specific period SG, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the game counter gc is equal to or less than the predetermined period PG (Sd4). When the game counter gc is equal to or less than the predetermined period PG, the main control unit 41 executes promotion lottery using a low-accuracy table to be described later (Sd5), and proceeds to Sd7. The promotion lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not to execute the above-described promotion.

  When the game counter gc is larger than the predetermined period PG, the main control unit 41 executes a promotion lottery using a high accuracy table described later (Sd6), and proceeds to Sd7. In Sd7, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the promotion lottery of Sd5 or Sd6 has been won (Sd7). When the promotion lottery is won, the main control unit 41 proceeds to Sd8 described above. When the promotion lottery is not won, the main control unit 41 executes the ART lottery using the determination table corresponding to the combination (Sd9).

  The main control unit 41 determines whether or not the ART is won by the ART lottery (Sd11). When the ART is won, the main control unit 41 turns on the ART winning flag (Sd12) and ends the process. The ART winning flag is off by default, and is turned on when the ART is won. If the ART is not won, the main control unit 41 ends the process as it is.

  In the following description, the period before the measured elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period may be expressed as the predetermined period, and the period after the measured elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period may be expressed as the outside of the predetermined period. In addition, a period during which it is determined that a privilege is advantageously granted may be expressed as an advantageous period, and the other period may be expressed as a normal period.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the determination ratio based on various tables. Various tables are stored in the ROM 41b. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination ratio based on a predetermined game number determination table used in the rare role ceiling process (Sk8) in FIG. The number of determination values shown in FIG. 10A indicates the determination rate of the predetermined number of games.

  In the determination ratio based on the predetermined game number determination table shown in FIG. 10A, the determination ratio at which the predetermined number of games is 50 games is 50%. The determination ratio at which the predetermined number of games is 60 games is 20%. The determination ratio at which the predetermined number of games is 70 games is 15%. The determination ratio at which the predetermined number of games is 80 games is 10%. The determination ratio at which the predetermined number of games is 90 games is 5%.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the predetermined period PG is selected from a plurality of games (50 games, 60 games, 70 games, 80 games, 90 games, etc.). With such a configuration, the player pays attention to which number of games is selected, and the interest can be improved.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a determination ratio based on the high accuracy table and the low accuracy table used in the ART lottery process (Sd5, Sd6) in FIG. The number of determination values shown in FIG. 10B indicates the determination ratio to be promoted. In the determination ratio based on the low probability table shown in FIG. 10B, the determination ratio to be promoted is 20%. The percentage of decisions not promoted is 80%. Further, in the high accuracy table shown in FIG. 10B, the determination ratio to be promoted is 50%. The percentage of decisions not promoted is 50%.

  FIG.10 (c) is a figure which shows an example of the determination ratio by the strong cherry determination table used by ART lottery process (Sd10) of FIG. The number of determination values shown in FIG. 10C indicates the determination ratio for winning the ART. In the determination ratio based on the strong cherry determination table shown in FIG. 10B, the determination ratio for winning ART is 25%. The decision rate for losing is 75%.

  FIG. 10D is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination ratio based on the weak cherry determination table used in the ART lottery process (Sd9) in FIG. The number of determination values shown in FIG. 10 (d) indicates the determination ratio for winning the ART. In the determination ratio based on the weak cherry determination table shown in FIG. 10D, the determination ratio for winning the ART is 3%. The decision rate for losing is 97%.

  FIG.10 (e) is a figure which shows an example of the determination ratio by the strong watermelon determination table used by ART lottery process (Sd9) of FIG. The number of determination values shown in FIG. 10 (e) indicates the determination ratio for winning the ART. In the determination ratio based on the strong watermelon determination table shown in FIG. 10 (e), the determination ratio for winning the ART is 10%. The decision rate for losing is 90%.

  FIG. 10F is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination ratio based on the weak watermelon determination table used in the ART lottery process (Sd9) in FIG. The number of determination values shown in FIG. 10 (f) indicates the determination ratio for winning the ART. In the determination ratio based on the weak watermelon determination table shown in FIG. 10F, the determination ratio for winning the ART is 1%. The decision rate for losing is 99%.

  In order to win the ART with the low probability table described above, first, the promotion must be won with the low probability table. This promotion ratio is 20% as shown in FIG. On top of that, you have to win an ART with a strong cherry judgment table. The winning percentage is 25% as shown in FIG. 10 (c). Therefore, the ART winning ratio based on the low accuracy table is 5% (= 20% (promotion winning ratio) × 25% (ART winning ratio)).

  In order to win ART with a high-precision table, you must first win a promotion at the high-precision table. This promotion ratio is 50% as shown in FIG. On top of that, you have to win an ART with a strong cherry judgment table. The winning percentage is 25% as shown in FIG. 10 (c). Therefore, the ART winning ratio based on the low probability table is 12.5% (= 20% (promotion winning ratio) × 25% (ART winning ratio)).

  In addition, as shown in Sd3 of FIG. 9, there is a case where the determination is made immediately using the strong cherry determination table (for example, when exceeding 100G) without performing the lottery with the low or high accuracy table. In this case, the ART winning ratio is 25%. In summary, the ART winning ratio is 5% for the low probability table, 12.5% for the high probability table, and 25% when immediately determined by the strong cherry determination table.

  Thus, in the ART lottery process, when a special decision is made, the normal probability (5% of the low-accuracy table), or the special probability higher than the normal probability (12.5% of the high-accuracy table, or immediately the strong cherry determination) It is determined that the privilege is granted at 25% of the case of determination by table.

  Next, the addition lottery process for Sk6 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control content of the extra lottery process executed by the main control unit 41. The main control unit 41 determines whether or not the strong cherry is won by the lottery process of S16 (Sg1). When the strong cherry is won, the main control unit 41 executes the ART lottery using the strong cherry addition determination table (Sg10), and proceeds to Sg11.

  When the strong cherry is not won, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the weak cherry is won (Sg2). When the weak cherry is not won, the main control unit 41 proceeds to Sg9. When the weak cherry is won, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the game counter gc is 1 (Sg3). That is, it is determined whether or not the weak cherry of the rare role is won in the next game in which the rare role is won.

  When the game counter gc is 1, the main control unit 41 proceeds to Sg10. When the game counter gc is not 1, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the game counter gc is greater than 100 games (Sg4).

  When the game counter gc is larger than 100 games, the main control unit 41 proceeds to Sg10. When the game counter gc is 100 games or less, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the game counter gc is 50 games or less (Sg5). When the game counter gc is 50 games or less, the main control unit 41 executes the promotion lottery using the above-described low probability table (Sg6), and proceeds to Sg8. The promotion lottery in the extra lottery process is to execute the extra lottery using the strong cherry extra determination table even though the weak cherry is won.

  When the game counter gc is larger than 50 games, the main control unit 41 executes the promotion lottery using the above-described high accuracy table (Sg7), and proceeds to Sg8. In Sg8, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the promotion lottery of Sg6 or Sg7 has been won (Sg8). When the promotion lottery is won, the main control unit 41 proceeds to Sg10 described above. When the promotion lottery is not won, the main control unit 41 executes the extra lottery using the extra determination table corresponding to the combination (Sg9).

  The main control unit 41 sets the number of additions determined by the addition lottery in the addition counter (Sg11), and ends the process. The extra number includes 0.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a determination ratio based on the addition determination table. The addition determination table is stored in the ROM 41b. Also, the number of determination values shown in FIG. 12 indicates the number of additions and the determination ratio. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination ratio based on the strong cherry addition determination table used in the addition lottery process (Sg10) in FIG.

  In the determination ratio based on the strong cherry addition determination table shown in FIG. 12A, the determination ratio at which the addition number is 0 game is 0%. The percentage of determination that the added number is 10 games is 40%. The percentage of determination that the added number is 50 games is 50%. The decision rate that the added number is 100 games is 10%.

  FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination ratio based on the weak cherry addition determination table used in the addition lottery process (Sg9) in FIG. In the determination ratio based on the weak cherry addition determination table shown in FIG. 12B, the determination ratio at which the number of additions is 0 game is 0%. The percentage of determination that the added number is 10 games is 60%. The percentage of determination that the added number is 50 games is 37%. The determination rate that the added number is 100 games is 3%.

  FIG.12 (c) is a figure which shows an example of the determination ratio by the strong watermelon addition determination table used by the addition lottery process (Sg9) of FIG. In the determination ratio based on the strong watermelon addition determination table shown in FIG. 12C, the determination ratio at which the addition number is 0 game is 10%. The percentage of determination that the added number is 10 games is 45%. The percentage of determination that the added number is 50 games is 40%. The decision rate that the added number is 100 games is 5%.

  FIG.12 (d) is a figure which shows an example of the determination ratio by the weak watermelon addition determination table used by the addition lottery process (Sg9) of FIG. In the determination ratio based on the weak watermelon addition determination table shown in FIG. 12D, the determination ratio at which the addition number is 0 game is 30%. The percentage of determination that the added number is 10 games is 60%. The percentage of determination that the added number is 50 games is 10%. The percentage of determination that the added number is 100 games is 0%.

  In the ART lottery process and the extra lottery process described above, the degree of advantage to which a privilege is given differs depending on whether the timing at which the special determination is made is within a predetermined period or outside the predetermined period. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows that either one of a special decision made within a predetermined period and a special decision made outside a predetermined period is determined to give a privilege advantageously compared to the other. FIG.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the difference in the degree of advantage in the ART lottery process. First, the privilege in the ART lottery process is ART. The predetermined period in the ART lottery process is from 0 games to PG games (50 games to 90 games). Therefore, the period outside the predetermined period is from the (PG + 1) game.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (a), when a special decision is made within a predetermined period, a lottery is drawn on the low probability table. On the other hand, when a special decision is made outside the predetermined period, the lottery on the high-precision table or strong cherry determination table is confirmed.

  Therefore, in the ART lottery process, it is determined that the benefit is given more advantageously when the special decision is made outside the predetermined period than when the special decision is made within the predetermined period. Thus, in the ART lottery process, the period outside the predetermined period is the advantageous period, and the period within the predetermined period is the normal period.

  Further, in FIG. 13A, 0 game to 100 game are described as the specific period. This specific period is a period equal to or longer than a predetermined period (from 0 game to 90 games at the maximum). When a special decision is made after the specific period, the lottery in the strong cherry determination table is confirmed. On the other hand, when a special decision is made before the specific period is exceeded, the lottery is performed using the low accuracy table or the high accuracy table.

  Therefore, in the ART lottery process, when a special decision is made after a specific period that is a predetermined period or longer, a privilege is given more advantageously than when a special decision is made before the elapsed period exceeds the specific period. To that effect. With such a configuration, the player can maintain a sense of expectation even if no special decision is made.

  FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the difference in the degree of advantage in the extra lottery process. First, the privilege in the extra lottery process is the number of ART games. The predetermined period in the extra lottery process is from 0 game to 1 game. Therefore, it is from two games that the predetermined period is exceeded.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, when a special decision is made within a predetermined period, the lottery in the strong cherry determination table is confirmed. On the other hand, when a special decision is made outside the predetermined period, the lottery on the low accuracy table, high accuracy table, or strong cherry determination table is confirmed.

  Therefore, in the extra lottery process, it is determined that the benefit is given more advantageously when the special decision is made within the predetermined period than when the special decision is made outside the predetermined period. Thus, in the extra lottery process, contrary to the ART lottery process, the inside of the predetermined period is the advantageous period and the outside of the predetermined period is the normal period.

  Further, in FIG. 13B, 0 game to 100 game are described as the specific period. The specific period is a predetermined period (0 game to 1 game) or more. When a special decision is made after the specific period, the lottery in the strong cherry determination table is confirmed. On the other hand, when a special decision is made before the specific period is exceeded, the lottery on the low accuracy table, the high accuracy table, or the strong cherry determination table is confirmed.

  Therefore, as with the ART lottery, the extra lottery process is more advantageous when a special decision is made after a specific period that is a predetermined period or longer than when a special decision is made before the elapsed period exceeds the specific period. Decide that a privilege will be granted. With such a configuration, the player can maintain a sense of expectation even if no special decision is made. It should be noted that the predetermined period in the ART lottery process and the predetermined period in the extra lottery process may be different periods as in the present embodiment, or may be the same period.

  In either of the ART lottery process and the extra lottery process described above, one of the case where the special determination is made before the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period and the case where the special determination is made after the predetermined period is exceeded It is determined that the privilege is advantageously given in comparison with. With such a configuration, the player can pay attention and improve the interest during a period in which no special decision is made.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control contents of freeze-related processing executed in the reel control processing executed by the main control unit 41 in Sc7 of FIG. The main control unit 41 determines whether or not the promotion flag is on (Sh1). If the promotion flag is on, the main control unit 41 turns off the promotion flag, turns on the freeze flag (Sh7), and ends the process. In the present embodiment, the freeze is executed in the game next to the game decided to be promoted, so the freeze flag is turned on in the game decided to be promoted. The freeze flag is off by default and is turned on when the freeze is executed.

  When the promotion flag is off, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the freeze flag is on (Sh2). When the freeze flag is off, the main control unit 41 ends the process. When the freeze flag is on, the main control unit 41 transmits the above-described freeze command (Sh3). Next, the main control unit 41 performs freeze control (Sh4). Freeze control in this embodiment will be described later. When the freeze control ends (Sh5), the main control unit 41 turns off the freeze flag (Sh6) and ends the process.

  As described above, in the freeze-related processing, freeze control is executed when the promotion flag is on. That is, freeze control is executed when it is determined with a special probability whether or not a privilege is granted. Therefore, in the freeze-related processing, change control is performed to change the derived weak cherry to a strong cherry that is a display result that can specify that whether or not to grant a privilege is determined with a special probability.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the control content of the third stop time process executed in the reel control process executed by the main control unit 41 in Sc7 of FIG. The third stop time process is executed every time the player stops for the third time. In the third stop process, the main control unit 41 transmits a reel stop command (Sm1). Then, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the ART winning flag is on (Sm2).

  When the ART winning flag is on, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the freeze flag is on (Sm3). When the freeze flag is on, the freeze is executed in the next game as shown in the freeze related process. In order to notify the player of the start of ART after the freeze is executed in the next game, the main control unit 41 ends the process without executing anything in the game.

  On the other hand, if the freeze flag is off in Sm3, it indicates that the player has won the ART without the freeze or that the freeze has been executed in the game, so the player is notified of the start of the ART in the game. Therefore, the main control unit 41 transmits an ART start command (Sm4). Then, the main control unit 41 turns off the ART winning flag (Sm5) and ends the process.

  In Sm2, when the ART winning flag is OFF, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the extra counter is 0 (Sm6). When the addition counter is 0, the main control unit 41 ends the process. If the addition counter is not 0, the main control unit 41 transmits the addition number set in Sg11 of FIG. 11 to the sub-control unit 91 with an addition command (Sm7). Then, the main control unit 41 sets the addition counter to 0 (Sm8) and ends the process.

  Next, the contents of processing executed by the sub control unit 91 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the sub-control unit 91 executes timer interrupt processing (sub) at intervals of 1.12 ms based on the count value of the internal clock. In the timer interrupt process (sub), the sub control unit 91 first saves the register in use in the stack area (Sp1). Next, the sub-control unit 91 performs a power failure determination process (Sp2). In the power failure determination process, it is determined whether or not a voltage drop signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 48. If a voltage drop signal is input, whether or not the voltage drop signal is input in the previous power failure determination process as well. If a voltage drop signal has been input in the previous power failure determination process, it is determined that a power failure has occurred, and a power interruption flag indicating that is set.

  After the power failure determination process, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the power interruption flag is set (Sp3). If the power interruption flag is set, the sub control unit 91 proceeds to the power interruption process (sub). In the power interruption process (sub), the register is saved in the stack of the RAM 91c, the destructive diagnosis data in which any bit is 1 is stored in the RAM 91c, and the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 91c is stored. The RAM parity adjustment data is calculated so as to become 0 and stored in the RAM 91c.

  Then, the sub CPU 91a calculates the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 91c at the time of activation, and based on the data stored in the RAM 91c on the condition that the RAM parity is 0. The processing state of the sub CPU 91a is restored to the state before the power interruption. If the RAM parity is not 0 (1), it is determined that the RAM is abnormal and the RAM 91c is initialized. In this case, unlike the sub CPU 91a, the execution of the performance is not disabled only by initializing the RAM 91c.

  In Sp3, when the power interruption flag is not set, the sub control unit 91 executes a command analysis process (Sp4). In the command analysis process, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether a command is stored in the command buffer, and acquires a command from the command buffer if the command is stored in the command buffer.

  Next, the sub-control unit 91 executes command control processing (Sp5), executes reel stop command reception processing (Sp6), and ends the processing. Hereinafter, these command control processing and reel stop command reception processing will be described in order.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the promotion effect process executed by the sub control unit 91 within the command control process of Sp5 of FIG. This process is executed every time the start switch 7 is operated.

  The sub-control unit 91 determines whether an elapsed period command has been received (Sr1). The sub-control unit 91 displays an elapsed period (number of games) after the special decision allowing the derivation of the rare role is made by the lottery process of S16 on the liquid crystal display 51. Therefore, when an elapsed period command is received in Sr1, the elapsed period displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 is updated (Sr2). If the elapsed period command has not been received, the sub control unit 91 proceeds to Sr3. Thus, in this embodiment, the effect which displays an elapsed period on the liquid crystal display 51 is performed as an effect which suggests the measured elapsed period (game number).

  The sub-control unit 91 determines whether a freeze command has been received (Sr3). If the freeze command has not been received, the sub-control unit 91 ends the process. When the freeze command is received, the sub control unit 91 executes the promotion effect (Sr4). This promotion effect is an effect executed in synchronism with the freeze control executed by the reel control, and the liquid crystal display 51 executes an effect capable of specifying that the ART lottery is performed with the same probability as when the strong cherry is won. To do. If the sub-control unit 91 determines that the promotion effect has ended in Sr5, the process ends.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the reel stop command reception process executed by the sub control unit 91 in Sp6 of FIG. The sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a reel stop command has been received (St1). If the reel stop command has not been received, the sub control unit 91 ends the process.

  When the reel stop command is received, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not it is the third stop (St2). If it is not the third stop, the sub-control unit 91 ends the process. In the case of the third stop, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not an ART start command has been received (St3). When the ART start command is received, the sub-control unit 91 executes an ART start effect such as an effect of displaying “ART rush” on the liquid crystal display 51 (St4), and ends the process.

  If the ART start command has not been received, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not an addition command has been received (St5). If the add command has not been received, the sub-control unit 91 ends the process. When the addition command is received, the sub-control unit 91 executes the addition effect such as the effect of displaying the addition number indicated in the addition command on the liquid crystal display 51 (St6), and ends the process.

  An example of the freeze control described above will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the gaming state is a normal state. As shown in FIG. 19A, when a special decision that permits the derivation of the weak cherry is made by the lottery process of S16, the ART lottery process is executed in the rare role ceiling control process of the internal lottery process. When a negative determination is made in Sd3 of this ART lottery process and no winning is made in the promotion lottery of Sd5 and Sd6, as shown in FIG. 19B, the game is started without executing the freeze control.

  On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in Sd3 of the ART lottery process or a win is made in the promotion lottery of Sd5 and Sd6, the promotion is won and freeze control is executed as shown in FIG. 19 (c). The freeze control in FIG. 19 is a control for moving the cherry stopped on the corner to a middle stage in order to make it a strong cherry. By this freeze control, as shown in FIG. 19D, the weak cherry is promoted to the strong cherry. After the promotion, the player remains in the strong cherry state for a time that can be recognized by the player (for example, 2 seconds), and then the game is started as shown in FIG.

  By the above-described freeze control, the probability of determining whether to grant a privilege is high by changing the special display result to a display result that can be specified as to whether or not to grant a privilege with a special probability. This makes it easier to understand what has been decided in step 2.

  Even if the winning lottery is not won, the ART lottery is executed at Sd9 of the ART lottery process. When freeze control is executed, ART lottery using the strong cherry determination table is executed in Sd10. Therefore, even if the freeze control is executed, the ART is not always won, and even if the freeze control is not executed, the ART lottery may be won.

  (1) A variable display unit (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is provided, and a display result is derived after variably displaying the variable display unit, In a slot machine (for example, slot machine 1) in which a winning can be generated according to the display result, display result determining means (for example, a Scl6 lottery process by the main control unit 41, etc.) for determining a display result that is permitted to be derived. Derivation control means for deriving the display result based on the determination result of the display result determination means (for example, Sc7 reel control processing by the main control unit 41), and special display result (for example, rare Special decisions that allow derivation of roles (strong cherry, weak cherry, strong watermelon, weak watermelon, etc.) (for example, rare role (strong cherry winning, weak cherry winning, Privilege determination means (for example, ART by the main control unit 41) that determines that a privilege (for example, ART, number of ART games, etc.) is to be given to the player based on the fact that the watermelon selection (weak watermelon selection, etc.) is performed. (A lottery process, an extra lottery process, etc.) and a period measurement unit (for example, a Sk1 game by the main control unit 41) that measures an elapsed period after the display result determination unit makes a special determination that allows the derivation of the special display result. Special determinations that allow derivation of special display results (for example, weak cherries, etc.) include special determinations (for example, weak cherries won). The elapsed period measured by the period measuring means is a predetermined period (for example, 0 game to PG game (50 games, 60 games, 70 games, 80 games, 90 games), etc.), when a special decision is made before exceeding, or when a special decision is made after exceeding a predetermined period, a privilege is advantageously given by the privilege determination means compared to the other A slot machine characterized in that it is decided to do so.

  With such a configuration, the player can pay attention and improve the interest during a period in which no special decision is made.

  In the present embodiment, strong cherries, weak cherries, strong watermelons, and weak watermelons have been described as rare roles, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The rare combination in the present embodiment is a single combination even if it appears in the number of games (approximately 25 to 40 games) using about 50 (or 47) medals. The role is about 1/50 or less. Therefore, a role having a probability of 1/1000 or 1/65536 is also a rare role.

  Examples of rare roles include chances (weak chances, strong chances, strongest chances, big chances, super chances, etc.) and special roles. A special combination is a combination of symbols provided for each slot machine apart from bells, replays, watermelons, cherries, “7” symbols and the like used in general slot machines. . For example, there are many slot machines in which a combination of symbols such as characters and characters related to the content used by the slot machine is a special combination.

  Measure the elapsed time since a special decision allowing the derivation of such a rare role is made, either when a special decision is made within a predetermined period or when a special decision is made outside a predetermined period By adopting a configuration in which it is determined that the benefit is advantageously given compared to the other, the player can pay attention and improve the interest during a period in which no special determination is made.

  Specifically, as described above, since it is difficult for a rare combination to appear as compared with other combinations, it is very rare for a player. Since the degree of advantage differs depending on whether or not the special display result of one of the rare roles with high rarity appears is the advantageous period, the player pays attention to the period when the special decision is not made. Will be. Since the player can enjoy the exhilaration of wanting to draw a rare role with a high rarity for each game during the advantageous period, the interest of the player is improved.

  In addition, there is a conventional technology that gives a privilege when a specific role is won again within a certain period (for example, 5 games etc.) after a specific role is won, but with this technology, the interest decreases with the end of the certain period there's a possibility that. However, according to the present embodiment, the player can continue the interest until the next special decision is made.

  In addition, there is a conventional technique for performing a promotion effect that promotes a weak cherry to a strong cherry. However, in this embodiment, since the rate of promotion differs depending on whether or not a predetermined period has been exceeded, an elapsed period with an expectation for promotion is given. Therefore, since the number of objects of interest increases, the interest can be further improved as compared with the prior art.

  In the present embodiment, the weak cherry winning is described as an example of the special determination, but another rare winning may be used. For example, instead of weak cherry winning, it may be a weak watermelon winning. In this case, for example, an ART lottery may be performed using a strong watermelon determination table.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the special decision is only one of the weak cherry winnings, but a plurality of rare winnings may be used. For example, in addition to the weak cherry winning, the weak watermelon winning, the winning of the above-mentioned weak chance, and the like may be specially determined.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined that a privilege is granted using a high-accuracy table in an advantageous period, and a privilege is granted using a low-accuracy table in a normal period. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, there is a method of determining with one table.

  As a method of determining with one table, lottery is executed multiple times with one table in the advantageous period, and lottery is executed once with one table in the normal period. For example, using one table with a probability of 1/10, the lottery may be performed five times in the advantageous period, and the lottery may be performed once in the normal period. That is, the privilege determination means executes lottery multiple times during the advantageous period, and executes a lottery less than the number of times selected during the advantageous period during the normal period. By doing in this way, since a table is reduced, the storage area required for lottery can be reduced. However, when only one probability is stored, a method of embedding in a program instead of a data area is general, but in any case, a storage area required for lottery can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, when a strong cherry is won during an advantageous period, an ART lottery using the strong cherry determination table is executed as it is, but a table having a higher ART winning probability than the strong cherry determination table is used. Also good.

  In the present embodiment, when the current gaming state is the BB state or the RB state, the rare role ceiling control process is not executed, but may be executed. In this case, when the weak cherry promotion is won during the BB state or the RB state, the freeze control may be performed, for example, in the first game after the BB state or the RB state ends.

  (2) In the slot machine of (1), when the special determination is made after the elapsed period exceeds a predetermined period (for example, the ART winning ratio 12.5% (50% × 25%) Etc.) will decide to give a benefit more advantageously than when a special decision is made before the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period (for example, 5% (20% × 25%) of the ART winning percentage). .

  With such a configuration, the player can maintain a sense of expectation even if no special decision is made.

  In the present embodiment, the embodiment in which the advantageous period is outside the predetermined period is shown by the ART lottery in FIG. In this embodiment, since the predetermined period is 50 to 90 games, the advantageous period is a game after 50 to 90 games. Generally, it is often difficult to maintain interest in a game of 50 to 90 games after the player makes a rare role appear. Therefore, by making the advantageous period outside the predetermined period, it becomes easy for the player to maintain the expectation, and the interest can be improved.

  Note that the advantageous period may be within a predetermined period instead of outside the predetermined period. In other words, the privilege determining means gives the privilege more advantageously when the special determination is made before the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period than when the special determination is made after the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period. May be determined.

  The embodiment in which the advantageous period is within the predetermined period is shown by the extra lottery process in FIG. As mentioned above, rare roles are roughly 25 to 40 games, and even once they appear, once the advantageous period is within a predetermined period, Benefits according to the difficulty can be given. In particular, since it is very difficult to win a weak cherry in the next game in which a rare role is won as shown in the extra lottery in FIG. 11, it is particularly effective. Since the player is sensitive to such a generally difficult “pull”, the player can enjoy the player's interests by giving the player a privilege. Can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the advantageous period is fixed either outside the predetermined period or within the predetermined period. However, when a special decision is made, the advantageous period is either outside the predetermined period or within the predetermined period. It may be determined by lottery. Specifically, when a special decision is made, the advantageous period is out of the predetermined period at a rate of 50%, and the advantageous period is within the predetermined period at a rate of 50%. Then, the suggestion effect or the like is performed in the advantageous period or the normal period. By doing in this way, the player can enjoy while guessing which period is the advantageous period by production or the like, so that the interest can be improved.

  (3) In the slot machine of the above (1) or (2), the privilege determining means has a normal probability (for example, an ART winning ratio of 5% (20% × 20%) when a special determination is made by the display result determining means. 25%)), or a special probability higher than the normal probability (for example, an ART winning ratio of 12.5% (50% × 25%), 25%, etc.) Change control (for example, Sh4 freeze control by the main control unit 41, etc.) for changing the special display result derived by the above to a display result that can specify that whether or not to grant a privilege is determined with a special probability. Do.

  With such a configuration, it is easy to understand that the ratio of determining that a privilege is to be granted has been determined with a high probability, so that interest can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the display result is changed to a display result that can be determined to be determined with a special probability by freeze control, but the display result is not limited to this. For example, after the weak cherry is stopped, the strong cherry may be displayed as an image in the transmissive area 51b corresponding to the transparent window 3 of the display area 51a. Alternatively, a pseudo reel may be provided in addition to the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and it may be possible to specify that the pseudo reel has been determined with a special probability. Furthermore, a backlight that irradiates the display area 51a from behind may be provided, and the backlight may be lit in, for example, a rainbow color so that it can be determined that it has been determined with a special probability.

  (4) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (3), an effect suggesting an elapsed period measured by the period measuring unit is executed.

  With such a configuration, it is possible for the player to recognize whether or not it is determined that the benefit is advantageously given, and to improve the interest.

  In the present embodiment, the effect of displaying the elapsed period on the liquid crystal display 51 is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as compared to the normal period, the advantageous period may indicate the elapsed period by causing the production to occur more frequently (the table becomes messy).

  When the advantageous period is outside the predetermined period and the elapsed period is displayed, an effect of shortening the elapsed period may be executed. For example, if a table is provided such that the predetermined period is 10 games with a low probability, and 10 games are selected as the predetermined period, for example, when 8 games have elapsed, 48 games are displayed at a time. An effect of shortening the period can be executed.

  (5) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the predetermined period is selected from a plurality of games (for example, 50 games, 60 games, 70 games, 80 games, 90 games, etc.). It is characterized by that.

  With such a configuration, the player pays attention to which number of games is selected, and the interest can be improved.

  (6) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above, when a special decision is made after a specific period (for example, 0 game to 100 games, etc.) that is a predetermined period or longer. (For example, the ART winning ratio 25% (100% × 25%), etc.), when the special determination is made before the elapsed period exceeds the specific period, the privilege determining means (for example, the ART winning ratio 5% (20 % × 25%) or ART winning ratio 12.5% (50% × 25%, etc.).

  With such a configuration, the player pays attention to which number of games is selected, and the interest can be improved.

  By providing the specific period, there are three periods exceeding the specific period, within a predetermined period, and outside the predetermined period. In this way, three or more periods may be provided. That is, after a special decision is made, a certain period (for example, the ceiling, 1000 games, etc.) is divided into a plurality of small periods, and a ratio for determining that a privilege is granted for each small period is determined. Also good. For example, after a special decision is made, 100 games are set as a small period A, 101 games to 500 games are set as a small period B, 501 games to 900 games are set as a small period C, and 901 games to 1000 games are set as a small period D. In period A, it is determined that the privilege is advantageously given in comparison with the small period B, and in the small period B, it is determined that the privilege is advantageously given in comparison with the small period C. Compared with the small period D, it may be determined that the privilege is advantageously given. In this way, the player can continue to be interesting every time a special decision is made. Although the specific period may coincide with the predetermined period, the specific period does not become shorter than the predetermined period.

  (7) A variable display section (for example, the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, the right reel 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is provided and displayed after the variable display section is variably displayed. A program address executed by the microcomputer (main control unit 41) when an interruption occurs in a slot machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) in which a result is derived and a winning can be generated according to the display result is obtained. A storage area (vector table area) to be set is provided, and when the microcomputer is started, it is determined whether the program address set in the storage area is within a predetermined range. Limits the startup of the microcomputer (the value set in the vector table area is 0000h (set to an unused vector table area Is set to the vector table area, and the area of the address set in 8000h to HPRGEND, that is, the value indicating the area where the program or the like is actually stored in the program area is set. If the value is neither 0000h nor a value indicating the address area set in 8000h to HPRGEND, it may not be activated).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unintended interrupt from being executed in advance.

  (8) A variable display section (for example, the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, the right reel 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is provided and displayed after the variable display section is variably displayed. After the result is derived and the internal state is set (startup setting) in the slot machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) that can generate a prize according to the display result, the user program is executed (initial setting) A microcomputer (main control unit 41) that starts processing), and the prohibition of interrupt is set in the setting of the internal state, and the prohibition of interrupt is set in the user program at the start of execution of the user program (The main control unit 41 may be started in an interrupt-prohibited state, but interrupts are prohibited again).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unintended interrupt from occurring.

  (9) A variable display section (for example, the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, the right reel 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is provided and displayed after the variable display section is variably displayed. A slot machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) capable of deriving a result and generating a winning according to the display result has a plurality of timers having different uses and a plurality of timer values (a plurality of types of timer counter values). ) Is stored in consecutive addresses in the RAM (set in an area assigned consecutive addresses in the RAM 41c according to a predetermined rule), and updated by a common update process while changing the target address (stored in the specified address). In the process of updating the timer value that has been added, a constant is added to the current specified address to store multiple types of timer counter values. It may be a plurality of types to update the timer value) so by repeatedly executing while changing the specified address against.

  According to such a configuration, the timer value update process can be executed without increasing the processing capacity.

[Others]
(1) In the present embodiment, a slot machine to which medals are applied as a game medium used for setting the number of bets and giving game value associated with winning is described as an example. However, the slot machine embodying the present invention may be a slot machine (so-called parrot) to which a game ball used in a pachinko gaming machine is applied as a game medium. When using game balls as game media, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls, and when 3 is set as the number of bets in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are used. This is equivalent to setting the number of bets using.

  In this embodiment, a slot machine that sets wagers using medals and credits is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a slot machine that uses game balls to set bets and credits. It may be a fully credit type slot machine that uses only the bet number to set the bet amount. When game balls are used as game values, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls, and when three bets are set in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are used. This is equivalent to setting the number of bets using.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to using only one of a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls, and for example, a plurality of types of games such as medals and game balls. It may be one that can be used in combination. That is, it is possible to play a game by setting the number of bets using any of a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls, and a plurality of types of games such as medals and game balls when a winning occurs. Any of the utility values may be paid out.

  (2) In the present embodiment, a variable display device having three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is provided. When all the reels stop, one game is finished, and the display results derived to the three reels are combined. The slot machine in which a prize is generated in response to the above description has been described. That is, a variable display device capable of deriving a display result in each of a plurality of variable display areas capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable, and using one game value for one game By setting a predetermined number of bets, the game can be started, and when the display result is derived in all of the plurality of variable display areas, one game is completed, and the plurality of results are obtained as a result of one game. A slot machine in which a winning can be generated according to the combination of the display results derived in each of the variable display areas has been described. However, when a display result is derived to a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified, one game is completed, and a prize is awarded according to the display result derived to the variable display device. As long as the slot machine can be generated, the slot machine is not limited to one having a variable display device having three reels, but has a single reel or a variable display device having a plurality of reels other than three. It may be. In this embodiment, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are reels that rotate in the vertical direction. However, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R may be reels that rotate in any direction such as a horizontal direction or an oblique direction.

  (3) The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment causes each of a plurality of variable display areas (transparent windows 3) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (designs) each identifiable to derive a display result. The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using game values (medals, credits), and all of the variable display areas are provided. In the slot machine, one game is completed by deriving the display result, and a winning can be generated according to the combination of the display results derived to each of the plurality of variable display areas as a result of the one game. Also good.

  As the present embodiment, the slot machine that pays out game media to the player's hand according to the occurrence of a win has been described. However, the game medium is enclosed and the game media is paid out to the player's hand when a win occurs. An enclosing slot machine that adds game points (scores) without any change may be adopted. The base and the drum can be distributed, and the chassis is common and only the base or the base and the drum is called a gaming machine.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R reel 6 MAXBET switch 7 start switch 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch 32, 32L, 32C, 32R reel motor 41 main controller 41a main CPU
41b ROM
41c RAM
51 Liquid Crystal Display 91 Sub Control Unit 91a Sub CPU
91b ROM
91c RAM
1000 External output board

Claims (1)

A variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each capable of being identified,
In the slot machine capable of deriving a display result after variably displaying the variable display unit and generating a prize according to the display result,
A display result determining means for determining a display result that allows derivation;
Derivation control means for deriving a display result based on the determination result of the display result determination means;
Privilege determination means for determining that a privilege is to be given to the player based on the fact that the display result determination means has made a special determination that allows the derivation of the special display result;
A period measuring means for measuring an elapsed period since the special determination allowing the derivation of the special display result is made by the display result determining means,
Special decisions that allow derivation of special display results include special decisions that allow derivation of special display results,
One of the case where the special determination is made before the elapsed period measured by the period measuring means exceeds the predetermined period and the case where the special determination is made after exceeding the predetermined period are compared with the other A slot machine characterized in that it is determined by the determining means that the privilege is advantageously given.

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