JP2017225864A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine hardly deteriorating taste during a game.SOLUTION: The slot machine draws a lottery of whether or not to transfer to any mode (B1-B4) of a stage B at a twenties game in a stage A, and transfers to a branch 1. At the branch 1, the slot machine draws a lottery of whether or not to promote a drawn transfer destination mode drawn to a further advantageous mode, and transfers it to a mode (any of B1-B4) according to the result thereof. Then, the slot machine transfers similarly from the stage B to a stage C via a branch 2, draws a lottery, at a thirties game in the stage, for determining the number of stay games of a stage D and to which mode (D1-D5) the game transfers, and transfers to any one of the stage A, a normal ART, and a special ART according to the mode of the transferred stage D. Further in the stage A, B, and C, the slot machine draws a lottery for determining whether or not to shorten the number of stay games of each stage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine.

  Conventionally, slot machines are widely known as one of gaming machines. In this type of slot machine, when a player inserts a prescribed number of game media such as medals and game balls, the start switch operation becomes effective, and when the player operates the start switch in this state, a lottery drawing is performed. A plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols drawn thereon start to rotate. When the rotation speed of the reel reaches a certain speed, the operation of the stop switch provided for each reel becomes effective, and when the player operates the stop switch, the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is activated. Stop control is performed.

  In other words, when any combination is won in the combination lottery, the reel stop control (withdrawal control) within 190 milliseconds after the stop switch is operated so that the symbol combinations corresponding to the combination are aligned on the effective line. Is done. On the other hand, when the result of the winning combination lottery is lost, reel stop control (kicking control) is performed so that a symbol combination corresponding to any combination is not aligned on the effective line. If all the reels stop and a symbol combination corresponding to any combination is stopped and displayed on the active line, it means that the combination has won a prize, and a privilege corresponding to the winning combination is given to the player. The

  This type of gaming machine gives a privilege to the player by various methods in order to improve the interest of the game. For example, in Patent Document 1, a predetermined number of games is set as one cycle, and a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to shift to a game state advantageous to the player every time one cycle ends, and it is advantageous even after a predetermined number of cycles. A slot machine is described in which a transition to an advantageous gaming state is always made when the gaming state is not shifted. In addition, the slot machine described in Patent Document 2 adds a counter value every time a specific combination is won during one cycle, and the counter value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value at the end of one cycle. In such a case, the transition to an advantageous gaming state is determined, and the number of games at which a specific effect is executed in the next cycle is selected. Then, the game state is shifted to an advantageous game state according to the number of times that a specific effect is executed in the next cycle.

JP 2013-042806 A JP 2012-0708864 A

  However, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, since the player's interest is concentrated at the end of the cycle, the game during the cycle becomes monotonous, and there is a possibility that the interest of the game during this period will decrease. It was. Further, since the slot machine described in Patent Document 2 is determined to shift to an advantageous gaming state based on a specific event (that is, winning of a specific role) that occurs in a game during the cycle, There is a possibility of attracting the player's interest in this game. However, if a specific event does not occur more than a predetermined number of times, the result of spending the number of games for one cycle ends in a laborious manner, which may reduce the player's willingness to play for the next cycle. It was.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that is less likely to be less interesting during games.
More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that can improve the interest of a game during a period when a lottery regarding a gaming state is performed every predetermined period.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention has counter means for updating a counter value based on the progress of a game,
A slot machine that performs a gaming state lottery relating to a gaming state based on the counter value of the counter means becoming a lottery execution value,
Counter value changing means for performing a lottery to change the counter value when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and changing the current counter value in the counter means to a value closer to the lottery execution value in accordance with the result of the changed lottery;
An initial value setting means for setting, in the counting means, an initial value for counting a lottery execution value at which the next gaming state lottery is performed based on the fact that the gaming state lottery has been executed;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the above-described invention, the game state lottery regarding the game state is periodically performed, and in the game during the cycle, the change lottery for reducing the number of games until the game state lottery is performed is performed. There is a possibility that it is possible to maintain the player's interest and make it difficult to reduce the willingness to play the game in the next cycle.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, when the counter value becomes the lottery execution value, the game state lottery period in which the game state lottery is performed is performed, and the game state lottery is executed according to the progress of the game. ,
The initial value setting means sets the initial value in the counting means when the gaming state lottery period ends.

  According to the above-described invention, when the counter value reaches the lottery execution value, the game state lottery period is entered and the game state lottery is executed according to the progress of the game. Can be further enhanced.

Further, in the present invention described above, in the above-described invention, as the gaming state while the counter means counts from the initial value to the lottery execution value, the probability that the player will obtain an advantageous result in the gaming state lottery is different. Multiple probability states are set,
In the gaming state lottery, a probability state when performing the gaming state lottery next is determined based on the current probability state,
An effect according to the determined probability state is performed as an effect while the counter means counts from the initial value to the lottery execution value.

  According to the above-described invention, every time the count value becomes the lottery execution value, the probability that an advantageous result is obtained in the next gaming state lottery changes, and the effect according to the current probability state is executed. A player can have a degree of expectation according to the current probability state, and can have an expectation and anxiety about the next changing probability state, thereby enhancing the interest of the game.

  As described above, according to the slot machine of the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult to reduce the interest during the game.

It is a front view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol arrangement | sequence of each reel with which the slot machine is provided. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the kind of combination and its symbol combination in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the kind of lottery object in the slot lottery of the slot machine, and the type of winning combination in each lottery object. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the lottery table which defined the winning probability of each lottery object in the lottery of the slot machine. It is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the role lottery state relating to the winning probability of each lottery object in the slot lottery of the slot machine, and the transition conditions. It is a state transition diagram showing a transition of the state relating to the production mode performed using the reel in the slot machine and the transition condition. It is an explanatory view for explaining main ones of commands transmitted from the main control means to the sub control means of the slot machine. It is an explanatory view for explaining main ones of commands transmitted from the main control means to the sub control means of the slot machine. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of a reel effect state command transmitted from the main control unit to the sub control unit of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the period effect performed with the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various lottery performed in the period effect performed with the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various parameters referred in order to control the periodic production performed with the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game progress main process for controlling the progress of a game in the main control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the timer interruption process performed by the main control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the sub power-on process performed at the time of power-on in the sub-control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the sub-main routine process for performing the control regarding various effects and alerting | reporting in the sub-control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process performed by the operation of a start switch among the period effect processes performed by the sub-control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process performed by the operation of a start switch among the period effect processes performed by the sub-control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process performed by the stop of all the reels among the periodic effect processes performed by the sub control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process performed by the stop of all the reels among the periodic effect processes performed by the sub control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process performed by the stop of all the reels among the periodic effect processes performed by the sub control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process performed by the stop of all the reels among the periodic effect processes performed by the sub control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process performed by the stop of all the reels among the periodic effect processes performed by the sub control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the superposition production start process performed with the operation of a start switch by the sub control means of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various tables referred by the addition production | presentation A performed by the sub control means of the slot machine. In the extra effect performed by the sub-control means of the slot machine, it is a flowchart showing the contents of the extra effect execution process executed when the effect button is operated. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the effect image of the addition effect A performed by the sub control means of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the production pattern table which defined the content of the various production patterns performed during the superposition production A performed by the sub control means of the slot machine. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the lottery result memorize | stored by the process regarding the superimposition effect B performed by the sub-control means of the slot machine. In the extra effect B executed by the sub-control means of the slot machine, it is a flowchart showing the contents of the extra effect execution process executed when the effect button is operated. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the effect image of the addition effect B performed by the sub-control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the effect button press determination process performed in order to determine operation of an effect button in the sub-control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the effect button input detection process for implement | achieving the automatic repeated function of an effect button by the sub-control means of the slot machine. FIG. 33 is a timing chart showing various flags and signal on / off states referred to in the effect button input detection process of FIG. 32 in the added effect.

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

[Description of housing structure]
FIG. 1 shows an external front view of the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The housing of the slot machine 10 includes a box for accommodating various devices therein, and a front door provided on the front surface of the box so as to be opened and closed. A front panel 20 is provided on the front door. A display window 22 is formed substantially at the center of the front panel 20 and is printed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R that are rotatably provided inside the slot machine 10. Can be visually recognized. The reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are installed such that the rotation axes are aligned on the same straight line in the horizontal direction. Each reel has a ring shape, and a strip-shaped reel tape on which a symbol is printed is attached to 16 equally divided symbol regions on the outer peripheral surface thereof. When the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped, three symbols that are continuous along the rotation direction of each reel among the 16 symbols printed on each reel can be viewed from the display window 22. It has become. In other words, 3 [symbol] × 3 [reel] = 9 symbols in total are stopped and displayed on the display window 22. Here, among the three consecutive symbols displayed when the reels 40L, 40C and 40R are stopped, the position where the uppermost symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as the stop display position) is the upper U, The position where the symbol is stopped and displayed is called the middle M, and the position where the lowermost symbol is stopped and displayed is called the lower D.

  The display window 22 has a single winning line L that crosses each middle stage M of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. The winning line L is a line that serves as a reference when determining whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a plurality of types of predetermined combinations (described later) is stopped and displayed. That is, when the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped, the combination of the three symbols arranged side by side stopped and displayed at the stop display position (the middle stage M of each reel) through which the winning line L passes serves as one of the roles. If it corresponds, the role has won. In the following, when it is described simply that “the symbol combination is stopped and displayed” or “the symbol (or symbol combination) is ready”, the symbol combination is stopped and displayed along the winning line L. Means.

  In addition to the display window 22, the front panel 20 is provided with various lamps and a display for notifying the player of various information regarding the game. Below the display window 22, bet number (betting number) display lamps 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, a credit number display 27, and an acquired number display 28 are provided in order from the left in FIG. 1. The bet number display lamps 26a, 26b, and 26c display the number of medals bet on one game. Here, when one medal is bet, only the bet number display lamp 26a is lit, and when two medals are bet, the bet number display lamps 26a and 26b are lit and three medals are bet. And the bet number display lamps 26a, 26b, and 26c are turned on.

  A medal to bet to play a game in the slot machine 10 is a kind of game medium. The game medium is not limited to a medal, but a game ball (so-called pachinko ball), a magnetic card, a non-contact IC card or an IC chip. Value information capable of playing a game recorded on a recording medium such as a built-in coin may be used. In the slot machine 10, when three medals are bet, one game can be performed, and the winning line L is an effective line. The credit number display 27 is a two-digit 7-segment display and is credited (stored) in the slot machine 10 (more specifically, RWM (read / write memory; storage in a main control means 100 described later). The number of medals stored in the rewritable memory.) Is displayed. Here, in the present embodiment, the upper limit number of medals that can be credited is 50. The acquired number display 28 is a 2-digit 7-segment display, and displays the number of medals to be paid out to the player according to the game result.

  On the lower side of the front panel 20 described above, there is provided an operation panel 30 that is formed substantially horizontally over the entire width of the slot machine 10 and protrudes toward the player. A medal insertion slot 32 for inserting medals into the slot machine 10 is provided on the upper right side of the operation panel 30. Further, a medal sensor (passage sensor) is provided in the slot machine 10 (specifically, a selector for selecting medals), and when a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 32 is detected, it will be described later. The medal detection signal is output to the main control means 100. Thereby, the main control means 100 can recognize the number of inserted medals by counting the number of times the medal detection signal is output.

  In addition, bet switches 34 and 35 for betting credited medals on the slot machine 10 (in other words, setting a bet amount) are provided on the upper left side of the operation panel 30. Each time the 1-bet switch 34 is operated, only one of the credited medals is bet as a game betting target. The maximum bet switch 35 bets the maximum number (specified number) of medals that can be bet in the current game among the credited medals as a target for betting on the game. Here, in the slot machine 10, the prescribed number is three. Further, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 32 in a state where medals are bet up to the prescribed number, the inserted medal is stored in the credit. When a prescribed number of medals are bet and a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 32 in a state where the number stored in the credit reaches the upper limit value, the medal is received from a medal payout opening 60 described later. Return to 61.

  Further, a direction button switch 38 and an effect button switch 39 are provided between the medal insertion slot 32 and the maximum bet switch 35 for the player to input information to the slot machine 10. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 1B, the direction button switch 38 includes an upward switch 38U that indicates an upward direction, a right switch 38R that indicates a right direction, a downward switch 38D that indicates a downward direction, and It is composed of four button switches of a left direction switch 38L that indicates the left direction. The effect button switch 39 is formed of a light transmitting member, and a light source such as an LED is provided therein. In addition, the characters “PUSH” are printed on the upper surface (operation surface) of the effect button switch 39. Hereinafter, the effect button switch 39 is also referred to as an effect button 39.

  A start switch 36 is tiltably provided on the front left side of the operation panel 30. The start switch 36 is activated when the player bets a predetermined number of medals on the slot machine 10. However, when a re-gamer to be described later in the game wins, even if the prescribed number of medals has not been betted, the bet number display lamps 26a, 26b, 26c are lit for the prescribed number, and the next game is performed. The operation of the start switch 36 becomes effective. When a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 32 in this state, the medal may be returned to the tray 61 or stored until the upper limit value of credit is reached.

  When the player operates the start switch 36 in a state where the operation of the start switch 36 is valid, the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R start to rotate. As a result, the symbols printed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are displayed in a manner that changes (scrolls) from the top to the bottom in the display window 22 as a general rule. May be displayed fluctuating from bottom to top.

  Stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R are provided in the center of the front surface of the operation panel 30 so as to correspond to the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. Here, the stop switches 37L, 37C and 37R are so-called self-illuminated push button switches, and have a structure in which the light emission color can be changed while the portion of the push button emits light. For example, when the operation of the stop switch is disabled, the push button portion of the stop switch is emitted in red, and when it is activated, it is emitted in blue. The stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R are played on condition that the rotational speeds of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R have reached a predetermined steady rotational speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute; also simply referred to as “constant speed”). The user's operation becomes valid (a state in which reception is possible). It should be noted that while the player's operation on the stop switch is invalid (not accepted), the stop switch may be turned off instead of emitting red light.

  Further, when the left stop switch 37L is pushed during the game, the reel stop control of the left reel 40L is performed in the game to stop the rotation, and when the middle stop switch 37C is pushed, the middle reel When the 40C reel stop control is performed to stop the rotation and the right stop switch 37R is pushed, the reel stop control of the right reel 40R is performed to stop the rotation. In the following, the operation of the first stop switch after all reels have started to rotate is referred to as a first stop operation, the second operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last operation is referred to as a third stop operation. When the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped, the center positions of the three symbol areas that are stopped and displayed on the display window 22 among the 16 symbol areas set on the outer peripheral surface of each reel are displayed in the display window 22. Is stopped so as to coincide with the center positions of the upper stage U, the middle stage M, and the lower stage D set in FIG. Here, the position where the center position of the symbol area coincides with the center position of the stop display position is referred to as a fixed position.

  A clearing switch 33 is provided on the left side of the operation panel 30. When operated during the medal bet acceptance period, all bets and credited medals are paid back, and a credit number indicator The value displayed in 27 is “0”. Here, the medal bet acceptance period is, for example, after all reels stop (when medals are paid out, after the medals are paid out), a prescribed number of medals are bet and the start switch 36 Until the operation becomes valid. When the clearing switch 33 described above is operated once, both the bet medals and the credited medals are paid back. For example, when there is a bet medals, the clearing switch 33 is operated. If the medals are betted, only the medals that have been bet are paid out, and when the clearing switch 33 is operated in this state (in the state where no medals are bet), all credited medals may be paid out. . Also, if a replaying player wins a certain game and the clearing switch 33 is operated when the next game is replayed, only the credited medal is paid back and the replay is executed as it is. It should be possible.

  A lower panel 50 on which a model name of the slot machine 10 and characters adopted as a motif are drawn is arranged below the operation panel 30. A medal payout opening 60 for paying out medals to the player is provided at a substantially lower center of the lower panel 50. For example, when the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped, if a combination of three symbols stopped and displayed along the winning line L corresponds to a small role, the medal payout installed in the slot machine 10 The device is activated and the number of medals corresponding to the small combination is stored or paid out in the credit. When the clearing switch 33 is operated in a state where medals are credited, the credited medals are paid out. The medals paid out from the medal payout opening 60 are stored in the tray 61. On the right side and the left side of the medal payout opening 60, sound transmission holes 62R and 62L are provided for allowing sounds emitted from speakers 64R and 64L (described later) housed inside the slot machine 10 to pass outside. Yes.

  Above the front panel 20, an image display device 70 composed of a liquid crystal display panel is provided. The image display device 70 is not limited to the liquid crystal display panel described above, and any other display device can be used as long as the image information and the character information can be visually recognized by the player during the game. This image display device 70 displays a game history, an effect image displayed during the game, an effect image for notifying a result of a role lottery and an operation mode (operation timing or operation order, etc.) of a stop switch, It is possible to display an effect image or the like corresponding to the progress of the game inherent in the slot machine (medal bet → operation of start switch 36 → reel rotation → operation of stop switches 37L, 37C, 37R → all reel rotation stop). Above the image display device 70, the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped and a predetermined pattern is used depending on a case where a winning combination is won or a medal is easily paid out by a game. A flashing upper effect lamp 72 is provided.

[Description of symbol and symbol arrangement]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the arrangement of symbols printed on the reel tape attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C and 40R will be described. Sixteen symbols are printed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R as shown in FIG. Each symbol has one symbol printed in each symbol region divided into 16 equal parts in the longitudinal direction of the reel tape. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, the types of symbols displayed in each symbol area include “red 7” symbol, “white 7” symbol, “ The “Blue 7” design, the “Bar” design with the letters “BAR”, the “Replay” design with the light blue plum motif, the “Bell” design with the yellow bell motif, and the red cherries There are “Cherry” designs with motifs and “Watermelon” designs with green watermelon motifs.

  In addition, symbol numbers “0” to “15” are predetermined in each symbol region of the reel tape attached to each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, as shown in FIG. A symbol type code corresponding to the symbol number is stored in the ROM of the main control means 100. The slot machine 10 recognizes the symbols displayed at the respective stop display positions (upper U, middle M, lower D) of the display window 22, and performs reel stop control described later. Referenced when doing. Each reel tape shown in FIG. 2A shows a state where the symbol numbers “0” and “15” are separated and developed, and the reel tapes are attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C and 40R. In this case, the symbols with symbol numbers “0” and “15” are consecutive.

[Description of control means]
Next, control means for controlling the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to a functional block diagram shown in FIG. The control means of the slot machine 10 includes a main control means 100 that controls the progress of the game and a sub-control means 200 that controls the effect of the game. The main control means 100 performs control to advance the game in accordance with the player's operation, and the sub-control means 200 performs effects and various information executed with the game based on the information transmitted from the main control means 100. The control which alert | reports is performed. Note that transmission of information exchanged between the main control unit 100 and the sub control unit 200 is limited to one direction from the main control unit 100 to the sub control unit 200, and some information is transmitted from the sub control unit 200. There is no direct transmission to the main control means 100.

≪Description of main control means≫
<Main control means and peripheral hardware configuration>
The main control means 100 has a CPU, ROM, RWM, random number generation means (random number circuit), timer count means (timer circuit), and an I / O port configured in one chip. The main control means 100 is also called a main control board, and a circuit for realizing the function of the main control means 100 is configured on a single board. 3, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The random number generation means generates a random number used when performing various lotteries, and the timer count means generates an interrupt request signal based on a count value of a clock signal for operating a CPU or the like. The I / O port includes an operation unit 300, bet number display lamps 26a to 26c, a credit number display unit 27, an obtained number display unit 28, stepping motors 42L, 42C, 42R, reel rotation position sensors 44L, 44C, 44R, A signal is output to each component such as the blocker 45, the hopper motor 46, the dispensing sensor 47, the door switch 48, the setting door switch 49, and the external concentrated terminal board 84, or a signal from each component is input.

  Here, the stepping motors 42L, 42C, 42R rotate or stop the corresponding reels 40L, 40C, 40R according to the excitation signal output from the main control means 100. The reel rotation position sensors 44L, 44C, and 44R are provided corresponding to the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, respectively, and detect the index (detected member) that is provided at the reference position of the corresponding reel. A signal is output to the main control means 100. Thereby, the main control means 100 can recognize the rotational position of the reel (in other words, the symbol displayed on the display window 22) based on the number of steps of the stepping motor that has started counting from the position of the index. .

  The hopper motor 46 is provided in a medal hopper (not shown) for storing medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 32, and stores medals from the medal payout opening 60 according to a drive signal output from the main control means 100. Discharge. The payout sensor 47 detects medals paid out from the medal hopper when the hopper motor 46 is driven, and outputs a detection signal to the main control means 100. The blocker 45 is installed in the middle of the medal flow path from the medal slot 32 provided in the slot machine 10 to the medal hopper, and the medal flow path is formed or released in accordance with an on / off signal from the main control means 100. To do. The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 32 are stored in the medal hopper when the medal channel is formed, and the medal payout port 60 when the medal channel is not formed (released). Discharged from. The door switch 48 detects opening / closing of the front door described above, and outputs a detection signal to the main control means 100. The setting door switch 49 detects opening / closing of a setting door that covers a setting change key switch 92 and a reset / setting switch 93 for setting a setting value, which will be described later, and outputs a detection signal to the main control means 100. To do.

  The external concentration terminal board 84 relays various signals output from the main control means 100 to the external game information display device or hall computer with respect to the game currently being played by the slot machine 10. Signals transmitted from the main control means 100 to the outside include a bet signal (IN signal) indicating that a medal has been betted when a game is performed, and a payout signal (IN) indicating that a medal has been paid out to the player. OUT signal), a signal indicating that the role lottery state to be described later is in BB (BB signal), a signal indicating that the first kind special object (described later) is in operation (RB signal), slot machine 10, a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred (abnormality signal), a signal indicating that the start switch 36 has been operated (start signal), and a signal indicating that an AT game to be described later is being performed (AT signal) ) Here, the external concentration terminal board 84 may represent the contents of the various signals described above by a potential indicating a high level and a potential indicating a low level, or by providing relay circuits corresponding to various signals, You may represent the content of the various signals mentioned above by opening and closing a relay circuit.

  In addition to the various switches provided on the front door of the slot machine 10 shown in FIG. 1, the operation means 300 includes a power switch 91, a setting change key switch 92, and a reset / setting switch 93 provided in the slot machine 10. including. The power switch 91 is a switch for turning on / off the power supplied to the slot machine 10. The setting change key switch 92 has a keyhole, and is turned on or off by rotating a setting change key inserted into the keyhole. The reset / setting switch 93 is a push button type switch that is operated when an error occurs to reset the error state or to change a setting value to be described later.

<Functional blocks of main control means>
Next, functional blocks of the main control unit 100 will be described. The main control unit 100 includes a winning combination determination unit 110, a freeze control unit 120, a reel control unit 130, a gaming state control unit 140, a winning determination unit 150, an operation order determination unit 160, and a control command transmission unit 170. And external signal transmission means 180. The functions of the respective units described below are realized by executing a control program stored in the ROM constituting the main control unit 100 by the CPU.

(Explanation of the winning role determination means)
The winning combination determining means 110 determines the winning combination by lottery based on random numbers (numerical range: 0 to 65535) generated by the random number generating means included in the main control means 100. When the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is stopped and displayed along the winning line L, the winning combination is awarded and a privilege is given to the player. Thereby, it can be said that the winning combination determining means 110 determines the symbol combination that allows the winning combination to be stopped and displayed along the winning line L. Here, in the slot machine 10, types of winning combinations that can be determined as winning combinations and symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combinations will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram showing types of combinations and symbol combinations corresponding to the combinations. The types of roles are roughly classified into special roles, replaying roles, and small roles, and the contents of the benefits given when winning a prize differ according to each role. That is, when the special combination wins, a special game different from the normal game is started from the next game. When the re-game player wins, the game (re-game) can be performed without inserting the game medium only for the next game. When a small combination wins, a predetermined number of medals is paid out corresponding to the winning small combination.

  In FIG. 4A, the special role is “1BB” role, the replay role is “replay” role, “special replay 1” role, “special replay 2” role, “freeze replay a” role and “freeze replay b”. Roles and small roles are "Cherry 01" role-"Cherry 04" role, "Bell 01" role, "Bell 02a" role-"Bell 02h" role, "Bell 03" role, "Bell 04a" role-"Bell 04d" “Bell 05”, “Bell 06a” to “Bell 06d”, “Bell 07”, “Bell 08”, “Bell 09a” to “Bell 09d”.

  In the symbol combination shown in FIG. 4, it is shown that the symbol “ANY” of the middle reel in the combination of the symbols corresponding to the roles of “Cherry 01” to “Cherry 04” may be any symbol of the middle reel. Yes. Further, when the winning combination is not determined in the lottery (that is, the lottery result is lost), the symbol combinations other than the symbol combinations corresponding to these respective combinations are arranged on the winning line L.

  Then, when the “1BB” combination wins, a 1BB game in which the probability that a predetermined small combination is determined to be a winning combination is played until a predetermined end condition is satisfied from the next game. Here, when a 1BB game is started, a first-class special character whose probability of winning a predetermined small role is extremely high is activated, and when the number of medals paid out during this time exceeds 39, 1BB game is finish. When the “special replay 1” role, the “special replay 2” role, the “freeze replay a” role or the “freeze replay b” role wins, the replay is performed in the next game. Also, when the “Bell 01” combination wins, 8 medals are paid out, and when the other small combination wins, 1 medal is paid out.

  Furthermore, winning of “Special Replay 1” role, “Special Replay 2” role, “Freeze Replay a” role, or “Freeze Replay b” role is a condition of lottery executed by the sub-control means 200 or a transition condition of the game state. It is also a lottery opportunity. That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the winning combination of “Special Replay 1” is won when the role lottery state to be described later is “RT1”, the role lottery state shifts to “RT2”. In addition, when the “Special Replay 2” combination is won when the combination lottery state is “RT2”, the combination lottery state shifts to “RT3”. Further, when the “Freeze Replay a” role or the “Freeze Replay b” role wins, the sub-control means 200 draws whether or not to execute the additional effect A, as will be described later.

  The winning combination determining means 110 determines which of the combinations shown in FIG. 4 is to be a winning combination by lottery (hereinafter also referred to as “role lottery”). Here, the lottery objects of the lottery performed by the winning combination determining means 110 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in this figure, there are 18 types of lottery objects for the role lottery, and each lottery object is given a winning number. When “1BB” (winning number “0”) is selected (derived) as the lottery result, the “1BB” role becomes the winning combination. When “replay” (winning number “1”) is selected as the lottery result, the “replay” role is the winning combination.

  When any of the winning numbers “2” to “14” is selected, a plurality of small combinations are determined as the winning combinations. For example, when the winning number “2” is selected, the “bell 01” role, the “bell 02a” role, the “bell 03” role, and the “bell 04a” role are the winning roles. Similarly, when any of the winning numbers “3” to “14” is determined, the four small combinations shown in the “Winning combination” column of FIG. 5 correspond to the determined winning numbers. It is determined as a winning role. When any of the winning numbers “15” to “17” is selected, a plurality of re-game players are determined as the winning combination. That is, when the winning number “15” is selected, the “replay” role and the “special replay 1” role are the winning roles. When the winning number “16” is selected, the “replay” combination, the “special replay 1” combination and the “special replay 2” combination are the winning combinations. When the winning number “17” is selected, the “Freeze Replay a” role and the “Freeze Replay b” role are the winning roles.

  Note that if any of the winning numbers “1” to “17” or the winning numbers “1” to “17” is not selected, the lottery result is lost.

  Next, the contents of the role lottery table defining the winning probability of each lottery object (winning number) shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. In the combination lottery table shown in this figure, the winning probability of each winning number is indicated by a numerical value. That is, since the numerical value range of the random numbers generated by the random number generation means included in the main control means 100 is 0 to 65535, there are 65536 values to be sampled when performing the role lottery including 0. Of these 65536 values, the number indicating the number of values determined that each winning number has been selected is a numerical value. Therefore, the winning probability of each winning number is a value obtained by dividing the associated number by 65536.

  The slot machine 10 has five winning lottery states, and the winning probabilities of the winning numbers differ depending on the winning lottery states. In the role lottery table shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 7, there are role lottery states of non-internal, internal, and BB, and there are three roles RT1, RT2, and RT3 in the non-internal state. There is a lottery state. As shown in the winning lottery table shown in FIG. 6, when the winning probabilities in RT1 and RT2 are compared, the winning probabilities for winning numbers “0” to “14” are the same. However, there is no possibility that the winning number “16” is determined in RT1, and there is no possibility that the winning numbers “15” and “17” are determined in RT2.

  In RT3, the winning probabilities for winning numbers “0” and “2” to “14” are the same as those for RT1 and RT2, but the winning probability (about 1/1) of the “replay” role (winning number “1”) .577) is significantly higher than RT1 and RT2. In RT3, the winning numbers “15” and “16” are not likely to be determined, but the possibility that the winning number “17” is determined is significantly higher than those in RT1 and RT2.

  In the inside, the winning probabilities of the small roles (winning numbers “2” to “14”) are the same as RT1 to RT3, but the winning number “0” is not likely to be determined. ~ 3) greatly different. In the BB, there is no case where the winning number is “10” or “14”, and the possibility is very high. That is, the total number of winning numbers “10” and “14” is 65535, and the probability of losing in the lottery in BB is 1/65536.

  The slot machine 10 stores six types of winning lottery tables shown in FIG. 6, and different winning probabilities are set in the lottery tables. Of these six types of winning lottery tables, the winning lottery table to be referred to in the winning lottery table is specified by the set value described above. That is, the winning lottery table corresponding to the setting values set by the setting change key switch 92 and the reset / setting switch 93 shown in FIG. 3 is used. Generally, the higher the set value is, the higher the winning probability of the special combination, replay combination or small combination is set.

(Explanation of freeze control means)
The freeze control means 120 delays the progress of the game (so-called freeze). Freezing occurs when the bet switch 34 or 35 is operated in a state where medals can be inserted, the start switch 36 is operated after the specified number of coins are inserted and the reel starts rotating, Any of the second and third stop operations or all reels may be stopped.

  The freeze control means 120 performs a lottery (freeze lottery) for determining whether or not the occurrence of the freeze is permitted, and generates a freeze state based on the permitted. Here, when the occurrence of the freeze is permitted, the permitted freeze may be generated. When the occurrence of the freeze is permitted, the freeze is generated when a predetermined generation condition is satisfied. May be. The contents of the freeze lottery differ depending on whether the reel production state to be described later is RE0 or RE1, and in particular, when the reel production state is RE1, in the game in which a specific lottery result is determined, the freeze corresponding to the later-described additional production. When the lottery is performed and the occurrence of the freeze is permitted, the freeze is generated when a predetermined generation condition is satisfied.

  Specifically, when the winning number “17” is determined in the role lottery, the reel effect control means 122 performs a freeze lottery corresponding to the add-on effect A, and when the lottery is won, the generation condition is middle → left → One is selected from the four pushing orders of right, middle → right → left, right → left → middle, right → middle → left, and the order is determined by order lottery. When the stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R are operated in the determined pressing order, a freeze corresponding to the added effect A is generated. It should be noted that a plurality of freezes having different generation conditions may be prepared, and if the occurrence of the freeze is permitted, a freeze corresponding to the generation condition established thereafter may be generated.

  In addition, the freeze control means 120 includes a reel effect control means 122, and the reel effect control means 122 executes an effect using the reels 40L, 40C, 40R during the freeze (hereinafter also referred to as “reel effect”). It also controls whether or not. Here, when it is determined that the reel effect is to be performed during the freeze, the reel effect control means 122 determines the content (each reel effect number) of the reel effect. Thereby, in order to execute the determined reel effect, the reel control means 130 described later performs drive control of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R.

  As the drive control of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R during the reel production, the drive control of the main reel (reel for determining the game result) during the conventional freeze and the drive control of the production reel are appropriately adopted. it can. For example, rotating the reel in the direction opposite to the normal rotation, rotating the reel a predetermined number of symbols to stop a specific symbol combination, rotating a predetermined reel with a predetermined reel in a stopped state, and rotating other reels And changing the rotation speed of the reel, or changing the operation of the reel due to the player's operation.

  The predetermined period during which the freeze effect is performed can be changed according to predetermined conditions (player operation, lottery, etc.). Here, the predetermined condition includes detection of a signal based on an operation by the player (start switch, bet switch, stop switch, checkout switch) or a predetermined result by lottery. In addition, changing can include shortening or lengthening the pause period.

  Control processing for shortening the temporary stop period includes forcibly terminating the temporary stop period or rewriting it to a period shorter than the temporary stop period. And as a control process which lengthens a pause period, adding another period after a pause period, or rewriting to a period longer than a pause period is mentioned. In addition, the pause period based on the freeze effect is not set for the maximum time, and may be continued until a certain result is obtained based on the player's operation.

  The pause period during which the freeze effect is performed may be set after the wait period has elapsed, or may be set including the wait period. When the wait period is included, it is determined whether the freeze effect ends during the wait period, and when it is ended, the mode for setting the freeze effect period after the wait period or the remaining wait period after the freeze effect ends. The aspect which restarts is mentioned. Alternatively, it is possible to omit such a determination process by providing a freeze effect period longer than the wait period.

  As the freeze effect, a pseudo game effect may be performed as if a normal game is in progress. In the pseudo game effect, a freeze effect period is defined between the start switch receiving process and the reel rotation start process based on the operation of the start switch. During the freeze effect period, the start switch is operated like a normal game. The reel rotation control is performed based on the above, and the reel stop control is performed based on the operation of the stop switch. However, the winning lottery process based on the operation of the start switch and the winning determination process or the payout control process based on the operation of the stop switch are not performed.

  In the pseudo game effect, a motion of swinging up and down may be performed at a timing when a stop switch is operated, a timing when a specific reel rotates, or a timing when all reels stop. Thereby, it can be suggested whether it is a normal game or a pseudo game effect. In addition, when a specific symbol combination is aligned on the winning line L in the pseudo game effect, when the specific symbol combination is aligned on the winning line L when the pseudo game effect is finished and the game is returned to the original game. It is preferable that the relative angle between the reels is not maintained. In order to realize this, for example, it is conceivable to randomly delay the rotation start timing of each reel.

(Description of reel control means)
The reel control unit 130 drives and controls stepping motors 42L, 42C, and 42R that rotate / stop the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. That is, the rotation of the stepping motors 42L, 42C, and 42R is started based on the operation of the start lever 36 by the player. Maintain speed. When any of the stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R is operated, stop control is performed on the reel (more precisely, the stepping motor) corresponding to the operated stop switch.

  At this time, the reel control means 130 stops the rotation of the corresponding reel within 190 milliseconds after the stop switch is operated. As a result, if the reels having 16 symbols on each reel as in this embodiment are stopped from rotating at a constant speed (80 rotations / minute) within 190 milliseconds, the reels will be 80 (rotation). / 60 (seconds) × 0.19 (seconds) × 16 (symbol) = 4.053... The reel may be stopped before the symbols are rotated (scrolled). However, the reel control means 130 does not stop the symbols that are passing through the middle stage M of the display window 22 when the stop switch is operated, in the middle stage M (that is, a margin for almost one symbol is provided at the maximum). . For this reason, when the stop switch is operated, any symbol from the symbol located upstream one of the symbols passing through the middle M to the symbol located three upstream is moved to the middle M. Can be stopped. Here, the range of “from the symbol located upstream one of the symbols passing through the middle stage M to the symbol located three upstream when the stop switch is operated” is the “stop control range”. Also called.

  When any winning number is determined by the winning combination determining unit 110, the reel control unit 130 stops the rotation of the reel so that the symbol combination of the winning combination corresponding to the winning number stops on the winning line L. (So-called pull-in control is performed). However, when the symbol constituting the winning symbol combination is not within the stop control range, the reels are stopped so as to prevent a winning other than the winning symbol from winning (so-called kicking control is performed).

  If any of the winning numbers “2” to “13” and “15” to “17” shown in FIG. 5 is determined, a plurality of winning combinations are determined as winning combinations (winning numbers). “14” will be described later). In this case, the reel control means 130 has a role that is subject to pull-in control in accordance with the pressing order (operation order) of the stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R. For example, as described in the remarks column of the table shown in FIG. 5, when the winning number “2” or “3” is determined in the role lottery, the stop switch is operated in the order of middle → left → right. If it is, the symbol combination “Bell 01” becomes the target of the pull-in control. On the other hand, when the stop switch is operated in a pressing order other than middle → left → right, the winning symbol combination other than the “bell 01” role is the target of the pull-in control.

  When winning number “4” or “5” is determined in the role lottery, if the stop switch is operated in the order of middle → right → left, the symbol combination of “Bell 01” is the target of the pull-in control. It becomes. On the other hand, when the stop switch is operated in a pressing order other than middle → right → left, the winning combination other than the “Bell 01” combination is the target of the pull-in control.

  When winning number “6” or “7” is determined in the role lottery, if the stop switch is operated in the order of right → left → middle push, the symbol combination of “Bell 01” is the target of the pull-in control It becomes. On the other hand, when the stop switch is operated in a pressing order other than right → left → middle, the winning combination other than the “Bell 01” combination is the target of the pull-in control.

  When winning number “8” or “9” is determined in the role lottery, if the stop switch is operated in the order of right → middle → left, the symbol combination of “Bell 01” is the target of the pull-in control It becomes. On the other hand, when the stop switch is operated in a pressing order other than right → middle → left, the winning combination other than the “bell 01” combination is the target of the pull-in control.

  When the winning number “10” or “11” is determined in the role lottery, and the stop switch is operated in the order of left → middle → right, the symbol combination of “Bell 01” is the target of the pull-in control. It becomes. On the other hand, when the stop switch is operated in a pressing order other than left → middle → right, the winning symbol combination other than the “bell 01” role becomes the target of the pull-in control.

  When the winning number “12” or “13” is determined in the role lottery, if the stop switch is operated in the order of left → right → middle push, the symbol combination of “Bell 01” is the target of the pull-in control It becomes. On the other hand, when the stop switch is operated in a pressing order other than left → right → middle, the winning symbol combination other than the “bell 01” role is subject to the pull-in control.

  When the winning number “15” is determined in the role lottery, the stop switch is operated in the order of middle → left → right or middle → right → left (the push order is collectively referred to as “middle push”). In such a case, the symbol combination of “special replay 1” becomes the target of the pull-in control. On the other hand, when the stop switch is operated in the pressing order other than the middle press, the symbol combination of the “replay” role becomes the target of the pull-in control.

  When the winning number “16” is determined in the role lottery, the stop switch is operated in the order of pressing right → left → middle or right → middle → left (the press order is also referred to as “right press”). In the case where it is made, the symbol combination of the “special replay 2” combination becomes the target of the pull-in control. On the other hand, when the stop switch is operated in the pressing order other than the right press, the symbol combination of the “replay” role becomes the target of the pull-in control.

  When the winning number “17” is determined in the role lottery, the stop switch is operated in the order of pressing left → middle → right or left → right → middle (the order of pressing is also referred to as “left press”). In the case where it is done, the symbol combination of the “replay” combination becomes the target of the pull-in control. On the other hand, when the stop switch is operated in the pressing order of the middle press, the symbol combination of “freeze replay a” is the target of the pull-in control, and when the stop switch is operated in the pressing order of the right press, The symbol combination of “freeze replay b” is the target of the pull-in control.

  When the winning number “14” is determined in the role lottery, the pull-in control within the stop control range described above is performed regardless of the pressing order of the stop switches. For example, when the left stop switch 37L is operated, the reel stop control related to the left reel 40L stops the “cherry” symbol on the winning line L if there is a “cherry” symbol within the stop control range. Is stopped on the winning line L. Further, the reel stop control for the right reel 40R is performed within the stop control range among the “red 7” symbol, the “BAR” symbol, the “blue 7” symbol, and the “white 7” symbol when the right stop switch 37R is operated. The symbols that existed in the are stopped on the winning line L.

(Description of game state control means)
The gaming state control means 140 transitions the above-described combination lottery state and reel effect state according to each transition condition. First, as shown in FIG. 7, if the “Special Replay 1” role wins when the role lottery state is RT1, the role lottery state is shifted to RT2. If the “Special Replay 2” combination wins when the combination lottery state is RT2, the process proceeds to RT3. Further, when the “bell 01” combination is missed in either RT2 or RT3, the process proceeds to RT1. Here, “losing the“ Bell 01 ”role refers to a case where the“ Bell 01 ”role is not won when any of the winning numbers“ 2 ”to“ 13 ”is won in the role lottery.

  If the winning number “0” (“1BB” combination) is won during non-internal (any of RT1 to RT3), the combination lottery state shifts to internal. When the “1BB” combination is won in the combination lottery, the so-called bonus flag is being carried over, and the “1BB” combination is held until the “1BB” combination is won. Then, when the “1BB” combination wins in the inside, the combination lottery state shifts to BB, and when the number of medals paid out during BB exceeds 39, the termination condition of 1BB game is satisfied. The role lottery state shifts to RT1.

  As for the reel performance state, as shown in FIG. 8, when the reel performance state is RE0, when the “Bell 01” role is won twice in the game in which the “Bell 01” role is won in the role lottery, The reel effect state is shifted from RE0 to RE1. That is, when the “Bell 01” role is won in the game in which the “Bell 01” role is won in the role lottery, and then the “Bell 01” role is won in the game in which the “Bell 01” role is first won in the role lottery, Move to RE1.

  In addition, when the reel production state is RE1, if the “Bell 01” role is not won in the game in which the “Bell 01” role is won in the role lottery, the reel production state shifts from RE1 to RE0. Let That is, the “Bell 01” role is not won in the game in which the “Bell 01” role is won in the role lottery, and then the “Bell 01” role is won in the game in which the “Bell 01” role is first won in the role lottery. If not, the process proceeds to RE0.

  Regarding the transition control of the reel production state, in addition to the above-described transition conditions, for example, when the reel production state is RE0, a predetermined lottery result (for example, a winning number “1”) is obtained. In the main control unit 100, one of a plurality of pushing orders is selected by lottery, and when the operation of the stop switch in the pushing order selected is continued twice, the transition is made from RE0 to RE1. Good. Further, when the reel production state is RE1, if a predetermined lottery result (for example, a winning number “1”) is obtained in the role lottery, the main control means 100 selects one from a plurality of pushing orders by lottery. When the stop switch is not operated in the selected pressing order for two consecutive times, the transition from RE1 to RE0 may be performed.

  In addition, as will be described in detail later, the sub-control means 200 performs a cycle effect when the reel effect state is RE0, and performs an effect lottery as to whether or not to perform an extra effect A or B when RE1.

(Explanation of winning determination means)
When all of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped, the winning determination unit 150 determines whether or not the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the winning line L corresponds to one of the symbol combinations shown in FIG. As a result, if it is determined that the special role has been won, 1BB game is started from the next game, and if it is determined that the re-game character has been won, the re-game is performed in the next game, Is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning small combination is paid out. The payout of medals is performed by adding the number of medals corresponding to the winning small role to the current credit number until the upper limit value (for example, 50) of the number of credits is reached. After reaching 50), medals may be discharged from the medal payout opening 60 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the game state control unit 140 performs transition control of various game states based on the determination result of the winning determination unit 150.

(Explanation of operation order determination means)
The operation order determination unit 160 determines whether the first, second, and third stop operations by the player have been performed on the left, middle, and right stop switches, respectively. Based on this determination result, the reel control means 130 receives the winning combination subject to the pull-in control when the winning numbers “2” to “13” and “15” to “17” are determined in the winning lottery. Determine.

(Description of control command transmission means)
The control command transmission unit 170 transmits various information regarding the game determined by each unit of the main control unit 100 to the sub-control unit 200. Information exchanged between the main control unit 100 and the sub control unit 200 is limited to one direction from the main control unit 100 to the sub control unit 200. No information is sent directly. Information from the main control unit 100 to the sub control unit 200 is transmitted in the form of a control command by serial communication. The control command is composed of a first control command (1 byte) indicating the type of information to be transmitted and a second control command (1 byte) indicating the content of the information to be transmitted. 9 and 10 show main ones of the control commands transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the sub control unit 200. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the first and second control commands are expressed in hexadecimal numbers (hexadecimal numbers). In addition, the name of each command, the timing at which the command is transmitted, the command An outline of the processing performed by the sub-control unit 200 when it is received is shown. The remarks column mainly shows the contents of information transmitted as the second control command. In addition, what is described as “##” as the value of the second control command is substituted with a numerical value determined according to the description content of the remarks column. However, if the numerical value determined according to the description in the remarks column is one digit, “0” is substituted for the upper digit. In addition, the letter “H” added to the end is omitted from the hexadecimal 4-digit numerical value representing each control command.

  First, in FIG. 9, a “setting change device operation start” command (8038) is issued when the setting key is turned on in a state where the front door of the slot machine 10 and the setting door provided in the slot machine 10 are opened. The message is transmitted when the power of the slot machine 10 is turned on. When receiving the control command, the sub-control unit 200 notifies the image display device 70 shown in FIG. 1 and the sound that the setting change operation is being performed and the initialization process is being performed. In addition, the initialization process is executed in the sub-control unit 200 in accordance with the initialization process of the main control unit 100.

  The “setting change device operation end” command (8001 to 8006) is a control command for transmitting the setting value (any one of 1 to 6) set by an attendant or the like to the sub-control means 200. The value of the setting value in which the numerical value of the second control command portion is set is shown. In this control command, the setting value is selected by the above-mentioned staff or the like by operating the reset / setting switch 93, and the setting change key switch 92 is turned on after the start switch 36 is operated (operation for determining the setting value). Sent when turned off (also called the fall of the set key signal). Receiving this command, the sub-control means 200 informs that it is in a game standby state. When the set value is not changed, the reset / setting switch 93 is not operated, and the transmission can be performed at the falling edge of the setting key signal after the start switch 36 is operated.

  The “set value designation” command (8201 to 8206), the “operation state” command (8401/8402/8404/8406), and the “RT state” command (8500/8501) are control commands transmitted every time a game is performed. It is. The second control command of the “set value designation” command is the value of the “set value” that has been set, and the second control command of the “operating state” command is a game that will be played again or a 1BB game (one type) BB). The second control command of the “RT state” command is information indicating whether the current role lottery state is internal, BB, RT1, RT2, or RT3.

  The “clearing start” command (8F02) is transmitted when the clearing switch 33 is operated, and the “clearing end” command (8F03) is transmitted when all of the credited medals are paid out. Thereby, the sub-control unit 200 generates a medal payout start sound or a payout end sound according to the received control command. The “storage input number (1)” to “storage input number (3)” commands (9001 to 9003) and the “medal insertion (1)” command (9071) are the numbers when the medals are bet. Is a control command transmitted in response to. Here, the “stored input number (1 sheet)” to “stored input number (3 sheets)” command is triggered by the operation of the bet switch 34 or 35, and the “medal input (1 sheet)” command is It is transmitted when a medal is inserted into the insertion slot 32. As a result, the sub-control means 200 generates medal insertion sounds for the number of sheets indicated by the received control command.

  The “reel rotation start acceptance” command (9300 to 9303), “winning / re-game winning number” command (9500 to 9534) and “combination winning number” command (9600/9601) are operated by the player using the start switch 36. Sent when triggered. Here, in the “reel rotation start acceptance” command, the number of medals inserted in the game (the number of bets set by the player) is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 by the second control command. For example, when the total number of medals acquired by the player during an ART game, which will be described later, is displayed, the sub-control unit 200 performs processing such as subtracting the number of medals inserted into the game from the total number. . The “winning / replay winning number” command is transmitted as the second control command when the winning number is determined by lot drawing. In addition, when the winning number “0” is determined by the role lottery (that is, the “1BB” role is won), the value of the second control command is “1”. It is maintained until the “1BB” combination wins.

  When the winning lottery state is not inside (any one of RT1 to RT3), if the winning lottery result is lost, the second control of the “operating state” command and the “winning item winning number” command is performed. Both command values are “0”. If the result of the role lottery is lost while the role lottery status is inside, the value of the second control command of the “operating state” command is both “0”, and the value of the “item winning number” command is 2 The value of the control command is “1”. With these control commands, the sub-control means 200 can perform effects according to the result of the role lottery.

  The “reel effect state” command (97 ##) is information indicating the current reel effect state (see FIG. 8) and whether or not the freeze is generated by the freeze control means 120 by the second control command. It transmits to the sub-control means 200. More specifically, if the value of the upper 4 bits of the second control command is “0”, the current reel effect state is RE0, and if it is “1”, the current reel effect state is RE1. Show. If the value of the upper 4 bits is “2”, the current reel effect state is RE1, and the occurrence of a freeze corresponding to the add-on effect A is permitted (that is, when the winning number “17” is determined). If the value of the upper 4 bits is “3”, it means that the current reel effect state is RE1, and the occurrence of the freeze corresponding to the add-on effect B is permitted. .

  Further, when the value of the upper 4 bits of the second control command is “2” (freeze permissible state corresponding to the extra effect A), information indicating the occurrence condition of the freeze is included according to the value of the lower 4 bits. . That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, as the generation condition, when the value of the lower 4 bits is “0”, it indicates the order of middle → left → right, and when it is “1”, middle → right → left. “2” indicates the right → left → middle push order, and “3” indicates the right → middle → left push order. When the stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R are operated in the pressing order indicated by the lower 4 bits, the generation condition is satisfied, and the freeze control means 120 generates the freeze.

  Note that a plurality of freezes having different freeze times may be generated, and when the occurrence of the freeze is permitted, a freeze corresponding to the satisfied generation condition may be generated. For example, if it is possible to generate two types of freezes with different freeze times, different pressing orders are determined by lottery as the generation conditions corresponding to each freeze when winning the freeze lottery. It may be transmitted to the sub-control means 200 by the lower 4 bits of the second control command in the “reel effect state” command.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11B, for each of “0” to “B” (hexadecimal) indicated by the lower 4 bits of the second control command (total 12), the length is long. As the generation conditions for the time freeze and the short-time freeze, different pressing orders are associated with each other. It is also possible to determine one of these generation conditions by lottery and transmit the result to the sub-control means 200 as the value of the lower 4 bits of the second control command.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the “left reel rotation stop” command (987E), the “middle reel rotation stop” command (997E), and the “right reel rotation stop” command (9A87E) are respectively used when the corresponding reel stop control is performed. , Transmitted to the sub-control means 200. As a result, the sub-control means 200 produces an effect that enhances the expectation of winning a prize, for example, by turning off the back lamp provided on the rear surface of the reel or generating a so-called tempering sound.

  The “reel rotation start standby” command (9B00) is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 when 4.1 seconds (minimum game time) have elapsed since the reel rotation started in the previous game. Thereby, the sub-control means 200 stops the production sound (wait sound) generated during the wait period.

  The “Left reel stop acceptance” command (9E00 to 9E5D) is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 when the left stop switch 37L is operated, and the symbol number (stop) is stopped at the middle stage M as the second control command. A value obtained by adding the number of sliding frames (0 to 3) to the value obtained by multiplying the symbol number: 0 to 15 (0H to EH in hexadecimal notation) by “5” is transmitted. Thereby, in the sub-control means 200, the value obtained by dividing the value of the received second control command by “5” becomes the stop symbol number, and the remainder becomes the number of sliding symbols. The value obtained by subtracting the number of sliding symbols from the stop symbol number is the symbol number that passes through the middle stage M when the stop switch is operated (hereinafter also referred to as “stop operation acceptance symbol number”).

  For example, when the stop operation reception number of the left reel is “15” and the stop symbol number is “1”, the number of sliding symbols is 1 (stop symbol number) −15 (stop operation reception symbol number) +16 ( Correction value: Number of symbols per reel) = 2 (frames). As a result, the value of the second control command becomes 1 × 5 + 2 = 7. In this case, the “left reel stop acceptance” command is 9E08. Further, the sub-control means 200 outputs the output effect switching and stop operation acceptance sound (including the penalty sound) that have been output when the control command is received. Further, the “start left reel rotation” command (9E7F) is transmitted when the left reel 40L starts to rotate, whereby the sub-control means 200 can generate an effect sound when the reel rotation starts.

  As with the left reel 40L, the middle reel 40C and the right reel 40R have a “middle reel stop acceptance” command (9F00 to 9F5D), a “middle reel rotation start” command (9F7F), and a “right reel stop acceptance” command. (A000 to A05D) and a “right reel rotation start” command (A07F) are transmitted to the sub-control means 200.

  Next, in FIG. 10, a “display type” command (A400 to A402) and a “design combination display” command (A500 / A501) are transmitted to the sub-control means 200 when the rotation of all reels is stopped. The “display type” command transmits to the sub-control means 200 the type of symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the winning line according to the value of the second control command. Specifically, when the symbol combination stopped on the winning line L corresponds to the “special replay 1” role, 01H, and when the symbol combination corresponds to the “special replay 2” role, 02H. If the symbol combination stopped on the winning line L does not correspond to either the “special replay 1” role or the “special replay 2” role, it becomes 00H.

  The “display symbol combination” command transmits to the sub-control means 200 whether or not the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the winning line according to the value of the second control command corresponds to the special combination or re-playing combination. Specifically, when the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the winning line L corresponds to the “1BB” role, 01H, “Replay” role, “Special Replay 1” role, “Special Replay 2” role, “ It is 02H when it corresponds to the “freeze replay a” role or “freeze replay b” role, or it is 00H when it corresponds to other roles, or when it does not correspond to any of the roles.

  The “game medal payout start” command (A600 to A608) indicates the number of medals to be paid out when any of the symbol combinations corresponding to the small combination is stopped on the winning line L and the value (00H to 08H) to the sub-control means 200. The “game medal payout end” command (A67F) is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 when any of the symbol combinations corresponding to the small combination is stopped on the winning line L and the payout of medals is completed. The “game end display” command (A900) is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 when one game is finished, and the “1 type BB end” command (A900) is sent when the 1BB game (1 type BB) is finished. It is transmitted to the sub control means 200.

  The “reel effect” commands (B500 to B503) are used to specify the reel effect number (information indicating the type of the reel effect) to be executed during the freeze determined by the reel effect means 122 based on the value of the second control command. Send. Here, when the execution of the reel effect is not determined, the value of the second control command is 00H. When the execution of the reel effect is determined, a value (01H to 03H) corresponding to the reel effect number to be executed. )

(Description of external signal transmission means)
Returning to FIG. 3, the external signal transmission unit 180 performs the above-described IN signal, OUT signal, BB via the external concentrated terminal board 84 by a timer interrupt process (described later) executed in the main control unit 100 at a predetermined cycle. A signal, RB signal, abnormality occurrence signal, start signal and AT signal are output to the outside.

≪Description of sub-control means≫
<Sub-control means and peripheral hardware configuration>
The sub-control unit 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, an RWM, and the like, and executes based on a control command transmitted from the main control unit 100 and an operation performed on the cross key 38 and the effect button 39. The sub-control board 202 that controls the presentation, and the image control board 204 that drives the presentation means such as the image display device 70, the speakers 64L and 64R, and the presentation lamp 72 based on the sub-control command transmitted from the sub-control board 202. It is comprised including.

<Functional block of sub control board>
The sub control board 202 determines the content of the effect or notification according to the control command transmitted from the main control unit 100, and generates the sub control command for executing the determined effect or notification, A control command receiving unit 220 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 100 and a sub control command transmission / reception unit 230 that transmits a sub control command generated by the effect control unit 210 to the image control board 204. Has been.

(Description of production control means)
The effect control means 210 is a means for controlling an effect to be executed according to the gaming state, and includes an effect lottery means 212, an effect state control means 214, and a notification effect control means 216. The gaming state described above includes an advantageous state (AT) in which information advantageous to the player is notified for a predetermined period, and a normal state in which the advantageous information is not notified. Here, the “predetermined period” is the number of games executed, the number of times that advantageous information is notified, the number of times that a predetermined combination is won, the number of times that a predetermined combination wins, the number of medals paid out, the net increase, or It can be defined by various conditions, such as until a so-called punk lottery is won. In addition, as “advantageous information”, when winning numbers “2” to “13” are determined in the role lottery, the order of pushing the “Bell 01” role (see the “Remarks” column in FIG. 5), When the winning number “15” is determined when the winning lottery state is RT1, the pressing order in which the “special replay 1” winning combination is won, and when the winning number “16” is determined when the winning lottery state is RT2, “special” There is a pressing order in which the “Replay 2” combination wins (see the “Remarks” column in FIG. 5).

  The effect control unit 210 controls effects according to the above-described advantageous state and normal state. Specifically, the periodic effect is controlled in the normal state, and the additional effect is controlled in the advantageous state. Below, the content of a period effect and an addition effect is demonstrated roughly.

(A) Periodic effect In the normal state, the periodic effect is an effect in which the content of the effect progresses and ends within the effect period with a predetermined number of games as the effect period. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the cycle effect progresses through stages (cycle effect state) of stage A → branch 1 → stage B → branch 2 → stage C → stage D, and in stage D, the normal state The result of whether the state is maintained or the state is shifted to the advantageous state is notified. When the normal state is maintained, a new cycle effect is started from stage A. When the advantageous state is entered, a new periodic effect is started from stage A when the advantageous state ends.

  During the stay period of stages A to C, stages A and B are each 20 games, and stage C is 30 games. Further, the stay period of branch 1, branch 2 and stage D varies in the range of 3 to 5 games by lottery. Thereby, the period of a period effect becomes 70 games + 9-15 games. In addition, during the cycle effect, an image effect in which a series of stories progresses is executed, and an effect in which the scene of the image effect is switched every time the next stage or branch is performed. Thereby, it can be said that the period effect state is a kind of gaming state.

  Further, stage B has four modes (B1 to B4), and stage C and stage D have five modes (C1 to C5 and D1 to D5), respectively. These modes are set so that the larger the mode value, the higher the possibility of shifting to an advantageous state at the end of the period effect. Therefore, the mode is also a kind of gaming state. In addition, as the contents of the image effect executed during the periodic effect, for example, an effect that enhances the player's expectation may be performed in accordance with the magnitude of the mode value. Which of the stages B1 to B4 is to be shifted is determined based on the result of the provisional stage lottery performed in the final game of the stage A and the result of the provisional stage promotion lottery performed in each game at the branch 1. Which of the stages C1 to C5 is to be transferred is determined based on the result of the provisional stage lottery performed in the final game of the stage B and the result of the provisional stage promotion lottery performed in every game at the branch 2. Further, which of the stages D1 to D5 is to be transferred is determined based on the result of the provisional stage lottery performed in the final game of the stage C.

  Then, in stage D, which is the final stage of the cyclic effect, a winning flag lottery is performed for determining whether or not to shift to the advantageous state. When winning, the next game is shifted to the advantageous state. Here, there are two states, the normal ART and the special ART, in the advantageous state, and the period during which the ART state is maintained is set longer for the special ART than for the normal ART. And when staying in any of the stages D1 to D3, there is a possibility of shifting to a normal state or a normal ART. When staying at stage D4, it has been determined that the transition to the normal ART is made, but there is also a chance that the transition to the special ART is possible. When staying at the stage D5, it is determined to move to the special ART.

  In the stage D, when the normal state is maintained, the stage moves to the stage A in the next game, and when the stage shifts to the normal ART or the special ART, the stage A is shifted to after the end of each ART. In the normal state (that is, during the periodical production), if the game does not move to ART even if a predetermined number of games are performed, the production control means 210 is forced to move to normal ART as a kind of remedy. To control. Further, depending on the situation when the above-mentioned predetermined number of games is reached, there is a possibility of shifting to a special ART. For example, when the number of games in the normal state is counted and it is determined that the count value (the number of ceiling games (see FIG. 14)) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (ceiling set value (see FIG. 14)), a ceiling flag (see FIG. 14) is set to “1”. If the victory flag is “0” when the stage D is entered in this state, the victory flag is forcibly set to “1”.

(B) Addition effect In the advantageous state, this is an effect that gives the player a chance to extend the above-described predetermined period (continuation period of the advantageous state), and the additional effect A and the additional effect B can be performed.

(B-1) Addition production A
In the add-on effect A, after all reels stop, the player is given five opportunities to extend the duration of the advantageous state (extension opportunity), and the duration is extended for each extension opportunity (extension period). Is presented to the player, and whether or not to challenge the acquisition of the presented extension period is selected according to the player's intention. When the player chooses to challenge the acquisition of the extension period, a button operation effect whose effect changes according to the operation of the effect button 39 is executed, and the extension period presented by the result of the button operation effect is displayed. Informs the player whether or not it has been acquired.

  As a result, if the extension period can be acquired, the player can select whether or not to challenge the next extension opportunity. On the other hand, if the extension period cannot be acquired, the extension period acquired until then is invalidated. Further, when the player declines the challenge to the extension opportunity, the extension period acquired so far is added to the remaining period in which the advantageous state is maintained.

(B-2) Addition production B
In the add-on effect B, first, with the operation of the start switch 36, an extended lottery for determining the extension period and a continuous lottery for determining whether or not to continue the extended lottery are executed until the continuous lottery is removed. The extended lottery is repeated. Then, after all the reels are stopped, the result of each extended lottery is notified to the player in accordance with the operation of the effect button 39.

  Next, the production lottery unit 212, the production state control unit 214, and the notification production control unit 216 included in the production control unit 210 will be described.

(1) Effect lottery means The effect lottery means 212 performs various effect lotteries for controlling the development of the effect during the periodic effect in the normal state, and performs the additional effect A or B in the advantageous state. A lottery for determining the extension period of the advantageous state is performed in the lottery for determining the above and each additional effect. In particular, during the cycle production, various lotteries are performed to control the development of the production. For this reason, with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the content of the effect lottery which the effect lottery means 212 performs during a period effect is demonstrated below.

(A) Branch entry lottery This is a lottery to decide whether or not to shorten the period of staying at the current stage. This lottery consists of a set value (any one of 1-6), a current stay stage (any one of A, B1-B4, C1-C5), high / low state (high probability state or low probability state), reel production number ( One of 0 to 3. Refer to the “reel effect” command in FIG. 10) and the winning number (0 to 17; see FIG. 6). When it is decided to shorten, the branch entry flag becomes “1”, and when it is decided not to shorten (maintenance is maintained), the branch entry flag becomes “0”. When the branch entry flag is “1”, when the player stays at stage A, the next game moves to branch 1, and when the player stays at stage B, the next game moves to branch 2. When staying in stage C, the stage shifts to stage D in the next game.

(A) High / Low Lottery This is a lottery to determine whether a result that is advantageous to the player is easy to win (high probability state) or difficult to win (low probability state). This lottery is performed based on the set value, the height state, and the winning number. The high / low state determined by this lottery is represented by a numerical value of 0 (low probability state) or 1 (high probability state), and the above-described branch entry lottery, high / low lottery, and provisional stage promotion lottery and victory flag lottery described later. Referenced.

(C) Provisional stage lottery 1
This is a lottery performed when the branch entry flag becomes “1” in the branch entry lottery described above while staying at stage A, B or C, and is based on the set value, the current stay stage and the winning number. . This lottery tentatively determines the mode to be the next stage transition destination. That is, when transitioning from branch 1, branch 2, or stage C to the next stage, transition is made to the mode indicated by the provisional stage at that time.

(D) Branch game number lottery 1
This is a lottery performed when the branch entry flag becomes “1” in the branch entry lottery described above while staying at stage A, B or C, and the stay game of the transition destination (branch 1, branch 2 or stage D) It is a lottery to determine the number. This lottery is performed based on the current stay stage, the number of games played in the current stay stage (hereinafter also referred to as “scenario game number”) and the current provisional stage. As a result of the lottery, the number of branch games is determined to be any of 3 to 5 games. If the number of branch games is determined to be 4 or 5 games, it may shift to a more advantageous gaming state in the 4th game and 5th game of the branch 1, branch 2 or stage D as the transfer destination. Predictive effects are performed to give the player expectations.

(E) Provisional stage lottery 2
This is a lottery performed in the last game of the stay period of stage A, B or C, and is performed based on the set value and the current stay stage. This lottery tentatively determines the mode to be the next stage transition destination (B, C, or D).

(F) Branch game number lottery 2
This is a lottery performed in the last game of the stay period of stage C, and is a lottery for determining the number of stay games at the transfer destination (stage D). This lottery is performed based on the current provisional stage, and as a result of the lottery, the number of branch games is determined to be any of 3 to 5 games. If the number of branch games is determined to be 4 or 5 games, the player is expected to move to a more advantageous gaming state in the fourth and fifth games of stage D, which is the transition destination. A prelude production for giving it is executed.

(G) Provisional stage promotion lottery This is a lottery for determining whether or not to shift the mode indicated by the current provisional stage to a more advantageous mode when staying at branch 1 or branch 2. This lottery is performed based on the set value, the current stay stage (that is, branch 1 or branch 2), high / low state, reel effect number, and winning number. If it is determined to shift to a more advantageous mode, it is also determined which mode to promote from the current mode.

(H) Victory flag lottery This is a lottery executed during the stay of the stages D1 to D3, and determines whether or not to shift from the normal state to the normal ART. This lottery is performed based on the set value, high / low state, current stay stage, reel effect number, and winning number. When the transition to the normal ART is determined, the victory flag is “1”, and when the transition to the normal ART is not determined (maintenance of the normal state), the victory flag is “0”.

(K) Victory flag promotion lottery This is a lottery executed during the stay of stage D4, and determines whether or not to promote from a normal ART to a special ART. This lottery is performed based on the reel production number and the winning number. When the promotion to the special ART is determined, the victory flag promotion value is “1”, and when the promotion to the special ART is not determined (normally ART remains), the victory flag promotion value is “0”. Become.

(2) Production State Control Unit The production state control unit 214 controls the transition between the normal production state and the advantageous state (normal ART or special ART). That is, when the value of the victory flag is “1” in the last game of the stage D in the cycle effect, the effect state is shifted to the normal ART. If the value of the victory flag is “2”, the effect state is shifted to the special ART. When the normal ART end condition is satisfied, or when the special ART end condition is satisfied, the effect state is shifted to the normal state.

(3) Notification Effect Control Unit The notification effect control unit 216 was included in the second control command of the “winning / replay winning number” command transmitted from the main control unit 100 when in the advantageous state. When the information is one of the winning numbers “2” to “13”, the pressing order (see “Remarks” column in FIG. 5) in which the “Bell 01” combination wins is notified. In the advantageous state, the information included in the second control command of the “winning / replay winning number” command when the winning lottery state is RT1 is the winning number “15” (“replay duplication 1”). ), The pressing order of middle presses is notified. The information included in the second control command of the “winning / replay winning number” command when the winning lottery state is RT2 was the winning number “16” (“replay duplication 2”). In this case, the right push order is notified.

(Description of control command receiving means)
The control command receiving unit 220 receives the control command transmitted from the main control unit 100 through serial communication, converts the received control command into parallel data, and stores the control command in the order received. As a result, the effect control unit 210 sequentially performs processing based on the control command stored first among the control commands stored in the command buffer.

(Description of sub-control command transmission / reception means)
The sub-control command transmission / reception unit 230 transmits the sub-control command generated by the effect control unit 210 to the image control board 204 by serial communication every predetermined period (for example, 16 milliseconds). Further, the sub control command transmission / reception means 230 receives a command transmitted from a sub control command transmission / reception means 240 described later.

<Functional block of image control board>
The image control board 204 includes a sub control command transmission / reception means 240 and an image / sound output means 240. Based on the sub control command transmitted from the sub control board 202, the image display device 70, speakers 64L and 64R, and effects The lamp 72 is driven and controlled, and the effect determined by the effect control means 210 is executed.

(Description of sub-control command transmission / reception means)
The sub control command transmission / reception means 240 receives the sub control command transmitted by serial communication from the sub control command transmission / reception means 230, converts the received sub control command into parallel data, and stores them in the sub command buffer in the order received. I will do it. Further, the sub control command transmission / reception means 240 is a command indicating whether or not the image control board 240 is operating normally, and a command indicating whether or not the command transmitted from the sub control command transmission / reception means 230 has been normally received. Is transmitted to the sub-control command transmission / reception means 230. As a result, the sub control board 202 can detect an abnormality occurring in the image control board 204, and when the image control board 204 fails to receive the sub control command, the sub control command can be retransmitted. .

(Description of image / sound output means)
The image / sound output means 250 outputs the effect image signal and sound signal generated by the image control board 204 to the image display device 70 and the speakers 64L and 64R. Thereby, the effect image is displayed on the image display device 70, and sound is generated from the speakers 64L and 64R. On the other hand, from the image display device 70 and the speakers 64L and 64R, a normal operation signal indicating whether or not normal operation is possible is output to the image control board 204 (or the sub control board 202). If the normal operation signal cannot be received, the image / audio signal may be held without being sent, or may be discarded (as the game progresses).

[Description of processing by control means]
<< Description of control processing in main control means >>
First, the contents of the game progress main process that is executed in the main control means 100 and controls the progress of the game will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The game progress main process shown in FIG. 15 is executed after various check processes executed after the slot machine 10 is powered on, and controls the game by repeatedly executing the game progress main process. be able to.

<Description of the game progress main process>
When the game progress main process is started, the main control means 100 performs a game start set process (step S10). In this game start set process, information indicating a set value (“set value designation” command) and information indicating whether the next game to be played is a re-game or a 1BB game (“activate”). Status "command) and information indicating the RT status (" RT status "command) are transmitted. Further, the blocker 45 (see FIG. 3) is turned on to form a medal flow path, and the medal insertion from the medal insertion port 32 is made effective. However, when the next game to be played is a re-game, automatic medal insertion processing (for example, automatically turning on the bet number display lamps 26a, 26b, and 26c) is performed, and the credit number has reached the upper limit. In this case, the blocker 45 is turned off and the medal inserted from the medal slot 32 is received from the tray 62.

  Next, processing (game medal management processing) associated with insertion of medals is performed (step S12). As this process, for example, a display update process on the credit number display 27, a credit number subtraction process, a fraud determination process regarding medal insertion from the medal insertion slot 32, a bet number counting process, and the like are executed. Next, when the number of inserted medals reaches the specified number and the operation of the start switch 36 is accepted, the main control means 100 determines whether or not the start switch 36 has been operated (step S14). When it is determined that there is no (NO), the process returns to step S12.

  If it is determined in step S14 that the start switch 36 has been operated (YES), the blocker 45 is turned off, the insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 32 is disabled, and the “reel rotation start acceptance” is performed. "Command is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 (step S16). Next, the main control means 100 performs a role lottery process and transmits the lottery result to the sub-control means 200 by means of a “winning / replay winning number” command and a “right winning number” command (step S18). Next, the main control means 100 performs a freeze lottery process, and performs a lottery for determining the reel production number and a lottery for determining whether or not to allow the extra production A or B during the ART (step S20). Further, in particular, when the execution of the extra effect A is permitted, the pushing order (see FIG. 11A) as an execution condition is determined by lottery. The main control unit 100 transmits a “reel effect state” command and a “reel effect” command to the sub-control unit 200.

  Then, the main control means 100 performs reel stop management processing (step S22), starts rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, and when the stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R are operated, the operated stop switch Stop control is performed for the reels corresponding to. Here, when the start switch 36 is operated and 4.1 seconds have not elapsed since the reel was rotated in the previous game, the “reel rotation start standby” command is issued when 4.1 seconds have elapsed. It transmits to the control means 200. Each time the stop switch is operated, a reel rotation stop command corresponding to the operated stop switch is transmitted to the sub-control means 200.

  Next, when all the reels are stopped, the main control means 100 performs display determination processing (step S24), and the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the winning line L is one of the symbol combinations shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not they match (step S24). Then, the main control unit 100 transmits a “display type” command and a “design combination display” command to the sub-control unit 200 based on the result of the display determination process. If the symbol combination stopped on the winning line L matches the symbol combination of any of the small roles, the hopper motor 46 is driven, and the number of medals corresponding to the matching small role is obtained. A payout process for payout is performed (step S26). At this time, a “game medal payout start” command is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 when the medal payout starts, and a “game medal payout end” command is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 when the medal payout ends.

  Next, the main control means 100 performs a game end check process (step S28), and if the small combination or re-game combination is won in the combination lottery, the winning state is reset. Further, based on the transition condition of the combination lottery state shown in FIG. 7 and the transition condition of the reel production state shown in FIG. 8, the transition control of the combination lottery state and the reel production state is performed. Further, when the “1BB” combination is won, the BB signal and the RB signal are turned on via the external concentrated terminal board 84, and when the reel effect state shifts from RE0 to RE1, the AT signal is sent via the external concentrated terminal board 84. Turn on. In addition, after turning on the BB signal and the RB signal, it may be turned off when the 1BB game ends, and after turning on the AT signal, it may be turned off when the reel effect state shifts from RE1 to RE0. .

  Further, the main control unit 100 transmits a “game end display” command to the sub control unit 200. If “BB is in progress”, the end condition of 1BB game (payout of more than 39 medals) is established. Sometimes a “1BB end” command is also sent to the sub-control means 200.

  One game is completed by the above process, and the process returns to the process of step S10 again to execute the process for the next game.

<Explanation of timer interrupt processing>
As an important process for controlling the game by the main control means 100, there is a timer interruption process executed at predetermined intervals in addition to the game progress main process shown in FIG. This timer interruption process is repeatedly executed at a period of about 2.235 milliseconds, detection of an operation for each switch of the operation means 300 shown in FIG. 3, transmission of a control command to the sub-control means 200, stepping motor 42L, Processing such as generation and output of control signals for performing drive control of 42C and 42R, updating of random number values and various counter values used as timers is performed. Hereinafter, the contents of the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the interrupt request signal (generation period: about 2.235 milliseconds) is output from the timer count means provided in the chip, the main control means 100 starts the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. First, the main control means 100 performs an initial process of a timer interrupt process to be executed (step S100). For example, the data set in the CPU register is stored in the stack area of the RWM, and the interrupt prohibition flag is turned on so that a new timer interrupt process is not started during the timer interrupt process to be performed.

  Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not a power-off (a power-supply voltage has fallen below a predetermined value) has been detected based on a power-off detection signal input to the input port (step S102). It is assumed that this power-off detection signal is output from a power monitoring circuit provided on the main control board. When the main control unit 100 determines that the power-off is detected (YES), the power-off process performed at the time of power-off is performed (step S104). In this power-off process, the value of the power-off process completed flag indicating that the power-off process has been performed is set to “1”, the RWM checksum is calculated, and the result is stored in the nonvolatile memory. Further, after the values of the flags in the RWM are stored in the nonvolatile memory together with the values of the CPU registers and the stack pointer, access to the RWM is prohibited, and a reset signal input from the outside is waited.

  On the other hand, when the main control unit 100 determines that the power-off is not detected (NO) in the determination process in step S102, the values of various control counters referred to when performing various controls are updated. (Step S106), the count value of a timer that is generally used to count a predetermined time is updated (Step S108). Then, 7-segment display control is performed to update the display contents of the credit number display unit 27 and the acquired number display unit 28 (step S110), and various external signals input to the input port are read and a predetermined address of the RWM is read. (Step S112).

  Next, the main control means 100 executes a reel drive management process for each of the stepping motors 42L, 42C, 42R in order to control the rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R (step S114). When the reel drive management process is performed for all stepping motors (YES in step S116), the main control unit 100 internally displays display data of various displays, control signals for the stepping motors 42L, 42C, and 42R. From the output port (step S118). Next, the main control means 100 transmits the control command stored in the control command buffer set in the RWM to the sub control means 200 (step S120).

  The main control means 100 performs output processing of various signals (IN signal, OUT signal, BB signal, RB signal, abnormality occurrence signal, start signal, AT signal, etc.) output to the outside through the external concentrated terminal board 84. (Step S122), and the random number value used for the role lottery is updated (Step S124). Further, the main control means 100 performs a return process for restoring the values of the registers and various flags stored in the predetermined address of the RWM by the initial process of step S100 (step S126), and the timer interrupt of FIG. The process ends.

<< Description of control processing in sub-control means >>
Next, the contents of various processes executed by the sub control unit 200 will be described. First, when the power of the slot machine 10 is turned on, the sub-control unit 200 executes a sub-power-on process shown in FIG.

<Description of sub power-on processing>
First, during the execution of the sub-power-on process, the sub-control unit 200 performs a process for prohibiting the execution of the timer interrupt process by the sub-control unit 200 (step S300), and then the CPU and RWM of the sub-control unit 200 An initialization process is performed (step S302). Then, the RWM checksum is calculated and compared with the same RWM checksum calculation result calculated at the previous power-off and stored in the external non-volatile memory to determine whether or not they match. (Step S304). If it is determined that the two checksum values do not match (NO), the sub-control unit 200 clears the stored contents of the RWM built in the sub-control unit 200 (step S306), and FIG. The sub-main routine process described with reference to FIG.

  If the sub-control unit 200 determines that the values of both checksums match (YES) in the determination process of step S304, the sub-control unit 200 determines whether or not a complete return should be performed ( Step S308). Here, the sub-control unit 200 performs the power-off when the power is turned off again when the one-command processing in the sub-main routine processing described later is performed. In order to resume from the process, a power-off process is performed in which various information (data indicating the state of CPU registers and various flags) at that time is stored in an external nonvolatile memory. In addition, a power interruption process flag indicating whether or not the power interruption process has been performed at the previous power interruption is also stored in the external nonvolatile memory. Therefore, the determination process shown in step S308 performs a complete recovery when the value of the power interruption process flag stored in the external nonvolatile memory indicates that the power interruption process described above has been performed (YES). If it is not shown, it is determined that complete recovery is not performed (NO).

  If it is determined in the determination process of step S308 that the sub-control means 200 is completely restored (YES), the process is restarted from the one command process that was performed at the previous power-off. On the other hand, when it is determined that the return is not complete (NO), the sub-main routine process described below is executed.

<Description of sub-main routine processing>
When the sub-main routine process is started, the sub control means 200 clears the value of the watchdog timer (step S310), and then starts the operation of the watchdog timer (step S312). This watchdog timer is for notifying that an abnormality has occurred when the time taken for the processing described below (steps S314 to S320) exceeds 16 milliseconds. If the execution of the timer interrupt process is prohibited, the sub-control unit 200 is allowed to execute the timer interrupt process (step S314) and is executed at predetermined intervals. The process is performed (step S316). Here, in the present embodiment, the “predetermined period” described above is 16 milliseconds, and therefore, in the following description, the process of step S316 is referred to as “process every 16 milliseconds”. This 16 millisecond processing includes, for example, checking whether or not the image display device 70 and the amplifier are operating normally, counting the elapsed time since the power is turned on, and transmitting to the image control board 204. This includes a command transmission preparation process, an effect button 39 pressing determination process to be described later, and the like.

  When the process is performed every 16 milliseconds, the sub-control unit 200 reads the control command transmitted from the main control unit 100 from the command buffer, and performs a process (for controlling various effects based on the control command ( 1 command processing) is performed (step S318). Then, it is determined whether or not 16 milliseconds have elapsed since the operation of the watchdog timer was started in the process of step S320 (step S320). When it is determined that 16 milliseconds has not elapsed (NO), the process proceeds to step S318 again, the command stored in the command buffer is read, and one command processing based on the control command is performed. Then, one command process of step S318 is repeatedly performed until 16 milliseconds have elapsed, and when 16 milliseconds have elapsed, the determination result of step S320 becomes YES, and the process returns to step S310.

  As described above, the sub control unit 200 performs the effect control process based on the control command transmitted from the main control unit 100 by repeatedly executing the sub-main routine process described above.

<Explanation of periodic effect processing>
Next, the contents of the periodic effect process executed by the sub-control unit 200 in order to realize the above-described periodic effect will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, the periodic effect process shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is a process that is executed when the start switch 36 is operated. That is, among the sub-main routine processes shown in FIG. 18, the one command process in step S318 is executed when the process based on the control command transmitted from the main control means 100 is triggered by the operation of the start switch 36. The Moreover, the periodic effect process shown in FIGS. 21 to 25 is a process that is executed when all reels are stopped. That is, among the sub-main routine processes shown in FIG. 18, the one command process in step S318 is executed when a process based on the control command transmitted from the main control means 100 is performed when all reels are stopped.

  In addition, what specific control command is received when the periodic effect process is performed may be appropriately determined according to the order of the control commands transmitted from the main control means 100, but at least each of the periodic effect processes. Needless to say, at the start, it is necessary to receive all the information (information included in the control command) referred to in the periodic effect process.

(1) Processing performed when the start switch 36 is operated (FIGS. 19 and 20)
When the sub-control means 200 starts the periodic effect process shown in FIG. 19, it first determines whether or not it is currently non-AT (step S500). Here, if the reel effect state included in the “reel effect state” command received from the main control means 100 is RE0 (the value of the upper 4 bits of the second control command is “0”), it is not in AT. If the reel effect state is RE1 (the value of the upper 4 bits of the second control command is any one of “1” to “3”), it is determined that the AT is being performed (NO). When it is determined that the sub-control means 200 is performing the AT, an additional effect start process (see FIG. 26) described later is executed (step S502). It should be noted that the determination of whether the vehicle is in AT or non-AT is not based on the reel effect state transmitted from the main control unit 100, but may be independently determined by the sub control unit 200. In the state transition diagram of the periodic effect shown in FIG. 12, the period of staying in the normal ART or the special ART may be set to AT, and the period of other states (normal state) may be set to non-AT.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S500 that the non-AT is being performed (YES), it is determined whether the penalty flag stored in the RWM is on (step S504). This penalty flag is a flag that is turned on when the player performs a predetermined penalty action. In this embodiment, the stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R are irregularly pressed (that is, pressed in the middle or right). A penalty flag is turned on (described later) when the player makes an irregular push when the instructing push order notification is not performed.

  If the sub-control means 200 determines that the penalty flag is on (YES) in the determination process in step S504, the sub-control means 200 ends the periodic effect process so that the periodic effect is not advanced. On the other hand, if it is determined that the penalty flag is off (NO), 1 is added to the value of the number of ceiling games stored in the RWM (step S506). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the number of ceiling games after adding 1 is equal to or greater than the ceiling setting value and the ceiling flag stored in the RWM is off (step S508).

  If the value of the number of ceiling games is equal to or greater than the ceiling setting value and the ceiling flag is off, the determination result in step S508 is YES, the ceiling flag is turned on (step S510), and the current cyclic effect state is It is determined whether or not it is stage D (more precisely, any one of D1 to D5) (step S512). If the value of the ceiling game number is less than the ceiling setting value or the ceiling flag is turned on in the determination process of step S508, the determination result is NO and the process of step S510 is not performed. The determination process in step S512 is performed. If the sub-control means 200 determines that the current periodic effect state is not stage D (NO) in the determination process of step S512, then whether or not the current periodic effect state is branch 1 or branch 2 is determined. Is determined (step S514). If the sub-control unit 200 determines that the current period effect state is any one of the stages A, B1 to B4 or C1 to C5, the determination result is NO, and the stages A and B shown below Alternatively, the process in C is performed.

(1-1) Processing in Stages A, B, and C First, the sub-control means 200 adds 1 to the value of the number of scenario games stored in the RWM (step S516), and then enters the branch entry lottery (FIG. 13, A)) (step S518). This branch entry lottery may be performed only when a specific winning number is determined in the role lottery. Also, there may be a plurality of specific winning numbers, and the higher the probability that the branch entry flag is turned on as the winning number has a lower probability.

  Next, the sub-control means 200 performs high / low lottery (see FIG. 13, A) (step S520), and determines whether or not the branch entry flag is 0 (off) (step S522). When it is determined that the branch entry flag is 1 (ON), the determination result is NO, and the provisional stage lottery 1 shown in FIG. 13 is performed (step S524). In this provisional stage lottery 1, the mode of the stage to be transferred next is provisionally determined. That is, the mode determined by the provisional stage lottery 1 is not fixed, and the provisional stage promotion lottery performed at the branch 1 or the branch 2 may promote the player to a more advantageous mode. If the current periodic performance state is stage A by provisional stage lottery 1, it is provisionally determined as one of stages B1 to B4. In addition, when the current cyclic effect state is stage B, it is provisionally determined as one of stages C1 to C5. If the current cyclic effect state is stage C, it is provisionally determined as one of stages D1 to D5. In the provisional stage lottery 1, the lower the winning number determined by the role lottery, the higher the probability of shifting to a higher mode.

  Next, the sub-control unit 200 determines whether or not the current cyclic effect state is stage C (more precisely, any one of C1 to C5) (step S526), and determines that it is stage C (YES). If so, a process for adjusting the current number of scenario games is performed. This adjustment is because the scenario game number is referred to in the branch game number lottery 1 performed in step S536 to be described later (see FIG. 13, D). That is, when the branch entry flag is turned on during the stage C due to the branch entry lottery, the lottery result of the branch game number lottery 1 (stay in the stage D depends on whether the number of remaining games of the stage C at that time is large or small) This is done to make the number of games different. In addition, when the number of stay games in stage D becomes longer, more lotteries are performed for the winning flag lottery executed in stage D (step S572 in FIG. 20) or the winning flag promotion lottery (step S578 in FIG. 20). Since an opportunity will be obtained, it will be advantageous to the player.

  If the determination result in step S526 is YES, it is first determined whether the current number of scenario games is 10 or less (step S528). If it is determined that the number is 10 or less (YES), The current number of scenario games is set to 1 (step S530). On the other hand, when it is determined in the determination process in step S528 that the current number of scenario games is 11 or more (NO), 11 is subtracted from the current number of scenario games (step S532). Then, when the processes of steps S528 to S532 described above are completed, the sub-control means 200 performs a branch game number lottery 1 (see FIG. 13, K) (step S534), and ends the periodic effect process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S526 that the current cycle effect state is not stage C (NO), steps S528 to S532 are not performed, and branch game number lottery 1 is performed in step S534. After performing, the periodic effect process of FIG. 19 is complete | finished.

  If it is determined in the process of step S522 described above that the branch entry flag is 0 (off), the secondary control means 200 next determines whether or not the current number of scenario games is the maximum value ( Step S536). Here, if the current cyclic effect state is stage A or B, the maximum number of scenario games is 20, and if it is stage C, the maximum number of scenario games is 30. When it is determined that the current number of scenario games is not at the maximum value (NO), the cycle effect process in FIG. 19 is immediately terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of scenario games has reached the maximum value (YES), provisional stage lottery 2 (see FIG. 13, (e)) is performed (step S540). That is, when the count value of the number of scenario games reaches a predetermined value, a lottery (lottery regarding a gaming state) for provisionally determining a mode in the next stage is performed in the same manner as the provisional stage lottery 1 described above. Then, it is determined whether or not the current cyclic effect state is stage C (more precisely, any one of C1 to C5) (step S540), and when it is determined that it is stage C (YES), the branch game After performing the number lottery 2 (see FIG. 13, F) (step S542), the cycle effect process of FIG. 19 is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the stage is A or B (NO), the number of branch games is set to 3 (step S544), and the periodic effect process in FIG.

(1-2) Processing in Branch 1 or Branch 2 When the sub-control unit 200 determines that the current period effect state is branch 1 or branch 2 (YES) in the determination processing in step S516 described above, step 1 is subtracted from the value of the number of branch games determined by the processing of S534, S542, or S544 (step S546), and the promotion value is determined by performing a provisional stage promotion lottery (see FIG. 13, K) (step S548). Then, the promotion value is added to the value of the provisional stage determined by provisional stage lottery 1 or 2 (step S524 or S538) (step S550), and the upper limit value is exceeded when the upper limit value of the next stage to be moved is exceeded. The process to return to (step S552). Here, when the provisional stage means stage B (during branch 1), the upper limit of the provisional stage is 3. When the provisional stage means stage C or D, the upper limit value of the provisional stage is 4.

  For example, if the value of the provisional stage is determined to be 1 by the provisional stage lottery performed in the stage A, it means that the provisional stage is the stage B2 (see FIG. 13, c or o). At this time, if the promotion value becomes 3 by the provisional stage promotion lottery, the value of the provisional stage becomes 4 by the process of step S550 and exceeds the upper limit (in this case, “3”), so the provisional stage is obtained by the process of step S552. Is set to 3 (ie, stage B4).

  Further, for example, when the value of the provisional stage is determined to be 3 by the provisional stage lottery performed in the stage B, it means that the provisional stage is the stage C4 (see FIG. 13, c or o). At this time, if the promotion value becomes 2 by the provisional stage promotion lottery, the value of the provisional stage becomes 5 by the process of step S550 and exceeds the upper limit value (in this case, “4”), so the process of step S552 The value of the provisional stage is 4 (that is, stage C5).

  And the sub-control means 200 will complete | finish the periodic effect process of FIG. 19, after performing a high-and-low lottery (refer FIG. 13, (a)), if the process of step S552 is performed.

(1-3) Process in Stage D When the sub-control unit 200 determines that the current cyclic effect state is stage D (YES) in the determination process in Step S512 described above, the final stage process is performed (Step S512). S556). Here, FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the final stage process.

  20, the sub-control means 200 subtracts 1 from the branch game number determined by the branch game number lottery 1 in step S534 of FIG. 19 or the branch game number lottery 2 of S542 (step S560). Then, it is determined whether or not the ceiling flag stored in the RWM is 1 (on) and the value of the victory flag is 0 (step S562). When it is determined that the ceiling flag is on and the value of the victory flag is 0 (YES), the value of the victory flag is set to 1 (step S560), and whether or not the current stay stage is D5 is determined. Determination is made (step S566). In contrast, if it is determined in step S562 that the ceiling flag is off or the value of the victory flag is not 0 (NO), the determination process in step S566 is immediately performed.

  If it is determined in step S566 that the current stay stage is not D5 (NO), it is next determined whether or not the current stay stage is D4 (step S568). Here, when the sub-control unit 200 determines that the current stay stage is not D4 (NO), the current stay stage is any one of D1 to D3, and the sub-control unit 200 performs the following processing.

(1-3-1) Processing at Stages D1 to D3 First, it is determined whether or not the value of the victory flag stored in the RWM is 0 (off) (step S570). If it is determined to be 0 (YES), a winning flag lottery (see FIG. 13) is performed (step S572). As a result, the value of the victory flag becomes 0 or 1, the normal state is maintained when the value of the victory flag is 0, and when the value of the victory flag becomes 1, the process shifts to normal ART. Thereby, at the stages D1 to D3, the normal state is maintained according to the result of the winning flag lottery, or the state shifts to the normal ART. Then, the sub-control means 200 performs a high / low lottery (step S574) and ends the periodic effect process. When it is determined that the value of the victory flag is 1 (NO) in the determination process in step S570, the high / low lottery in step S574 is immediately performed, and then the periodic effect process ends.

(1-3-2) Process at Stage D4 If the current stay stage is determined to be D4 (YES) in the determination process at step S568 described above, is the value of the victory flag next 1? It is determined whether or not (step S576). When it is determined that the value of the victory flag is 1 (YES), a winning flag promotion lottery (see FIG. 13) is performed (step S578), and the determined promotion value (0 or 1) is used as the victory flag. Is added to the value (1) (step S580). Thereby, at the stage D4, the winning flag promotion lottery result, and then, the sub-control means 200 performs the high and low lottery of step S574, and then ends the periodic effect process.

(1-3-3) Processing at Stage D5 When the sub-control means 200 determines that the current stay stage is D5 (YES) in the determination processing at Step S566 described above, the high / low lottery at Step S574 is immediately performed. Then, the cycle effect process is terminated.

(2) Processing performed when all reels are stopped (FIGS. 21 to 25)
Next, the periodic effect process that is executed when all reels are stopped will be described. In this case, for example, the sub-control unit 200 starts the process of FIG. 21 when the “display type” command shown in FIG. 10 is received. First, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is currently non-AT (step S590), and if it is determined that the vehicle is in AT (YES), an additional effect execution process (see FIG. 28) described later is executed (step S592). ).

  In contrast, if it is determined in step S590 that the non-AT is being performed (YES), it is determined whether or not a penalty action has been performed by the player (step S594). Here, as described above, the penalty action is performed by the player when the stop switch 37L, 37C, 37R is not instructed to press irregularly (in other words, the middle push or the right push) is not performed. It is an act.

  If it is determined that a penalty act has been performed (YES), the penalty flag stored in the RWM is set to 1 (on) (step S596), and then the value of the number of penalty games is set to 5 ( Step S598), the cycle effect process of FIG. As described above, while the penalty flag is on, the cycle effect does not progress, and this state is maintained until the number of penalty games becomes zero.

  If it is determined in step S594 that the penalty action has not been performed (NO), the sub-control unit 200 determines whether the penalty flag is turned on (step S600). If it is determined that the penalty flag is on (YES), 1 is subtracted from the value of the penalty game number stored in the RWM (step S602), and whether or not the value has become 0 or less is determined. Judgment is made (step S604). When it is determined that the value of the penalty game number is 0 or less (YES), after the value of the penalty game number is set to 0 (step S606), the value of the penalty game number is 0 and the reel performance state is It is determined whether it is RE0 (the value of the upper 4 bits in the second control command of the “reel effect state” command is 0) (step S608). If it is determined in the determination process in step S604 that the value of the penalty game number is 1 or more (NO), the determination process in step S608 is performed immediately.

  If it is determined in step S608 that the penalty game value is 0 and the reel effect state is RE0 (YES), the sub-control means 200 sets the penalty flag stored in the RWM to 0 ( (Off) (step S610), and the cycle effect process of FIG. 21 is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the penalty game number is 1 or more or the reel effect state is RE1 (NO), the sub control means 200 ends the cycle effect process of FIG. 21 as it is.

  In step S600 described above, when the sub-control unit 200 determines that the penalty flag is off (NO), based on the value of “stay stage” shown in FIG. ~ D or branch 1 or branch 2) is determined, and processing corresponding to each cycle effect state is performed. That is, when the current cyclic effect state is stage A or B (step S612, YES), stage A / B processing shown in FIG. 22 is performed (step S614), and the current cyclic effect state is branch 1 or branch 2. Time (step S612 (NO) → S616, YES), the branch 1 / branch 2 process shown in FIG. 23 is performed (step S618). The stage C process shown in FIG. 24 is performed (step S622), and when the current period effect state is the stage D (step S620, NO), the stage D process shown in FIG. 25 is performed (step S624). And if the process according to each period effect state is performed, the period effect process of FIG. 21 will be complete | finished.

(2-1) Stage A / B processing (FIG. 22)
If the sub-control means 200 determines in step S612 of FIG. 21 that the current cyclic effect state is stage A or B (YES), it executes the stage A / B process shown in FIG. First, the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not the freeze replay (winning number “17”) is determined by the role lottery (step S630). When the sub-control means 200 determines that the freeze replay has not been determined (NO), it is next determined whether or not the branch entry flag is 1 (on) or the current scenario game count value is 20 ( Step S632). If it is determined that the branch entry flag is 0 (off) or the current scenario game number is not 20 (NO), the stage A / B process of FIG. 22 is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the determination process of step S632 that the branch entry flag is on or the current scenario game number value is 20 (YES), branch 1 or Processing to shift to branch 2 is performed. That is, when it is determined that the current periodic performance state is stage A (step S634, YES), the process proceeds to branch 1 (step S636), and when it is determined that the current periodic performance state is stage B (step S636). (S644, NO) The process proceeds to branch 2 (step S638). When the process proceeds to branch 1 or branch 2, the value of the number of scenario games stored in the RWM is set to 0 (step S640), and the stage A / B process in FIG. 22 is terminated. Here, it can be said that the process of step S640 sets the initial value of the number of scenario games in the next stage (stage B or C).

  If it is determined in the determination process of step S630 that the freeze replay is determined by the lottery (YES), a process for starting an AT game from the next game is performed (step S642). Then, the process proceeds to the process of step S640 and the value of the scenario game number is set to 0, and then the stage A / B process of FIG. 22 is terminated.

(2-2) Branch 1 / Branch 2 processing (FIG. 23)
If the sub-control unit 200 determines in step S616 of FIG. 21 that the current period effect state is branch 1 or branch 2 (YES), it executes the branch 1 / branch 2 process shown in FIG. To do. First, the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not freeze replay (winning number “17”) is determined in the role lottery (step S650). When the sub-control means 200 determines that the freeze replay has not been determined (NO), it is next determined whether or not the number of branch games has become 0 (step S654).

  If it is determined in step S654 that the number of branch games is not 0 (NO), the branch 1 / branch 2 process of FIG. 23 is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of branch games has become 0 (YES), the value of the provisional stage stored in the RWM (see FIG. 14), depending on whether the current periodic performance state is branch 1 or branch 2. ) To determine the mode of the stage to be the transition destination. That is, if the current cyclic effect state is branch 1 (step S656, YES), when the value of the temporary stage is 0, the process proceeds to stage B1 (step S658 (YES) → S660), and the value of the temporary stage is 1. When the value is, the process proceeds to stage B2 (step S658 (NO) → S662 (YES) → S664), and when the value of the provisional stage is 2, the process proceeds to stage B3 (steps S658 and S662 (NO) → S666 (YES)). → S668) When the value of the provisional stage is 3, the process proceeds to stage B4 (steps S658, S662 and S666 (NO) → S670).

  If the current cyclic effect state is branch 2 (step S656, NO), when the value of the provisional stage is 0, the process proceeds to stage C1 (step S672 (YES) → S674), and the value of the provisional stage is 1. If the value of the provisional stage is 2, the process proceeds to stage C3 (steps S672 and S676 (NO) → S680 (YES)). → S682), when the value of the provisional stage is 3, the process proceeds to stage C4 (steps S672, S676 and S680 (NO) → S684 (YES) → S686), and when the value of the provisional stage is 4, the process proceeds to stage C5. (Steps S672, S676, S680 and S684 (NO) → S688).

  If it is determined in the determination process of step S650 that freeze replay has been determined by the lottery (YES), a process for starting an AT game from the next game is performed (step S652), and the process shown in FIG. The branch 1 / branch 2 process is terminated.

(2-3) Stage C processing (FIG. 24)
If the sub-control means 200 determines in step S620 of FIG. 21 that the current cyclic effect state is stage C (YES), it executes stage C processing shown in FIG. First, the sub-control unit 200 determines whether or not freeze replay (winning number “17”) is determined in the role lottery (step S690). When the sub-control means 200 determines that the freeze replay has not been determined (NO), it is next determined whether or not the branch entry flag is 1 (on) or the current scenario game number is 30 ( Step S692). When it is determined that the branch entry flag is 0 (off) or the current scenario game number is not 30 (NO), the stage C process of FIG. 24 is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S692 that the branch entry flag is on or the current scenario game count value is 30 (YES), the stage according to the ceiling flag or the value of the provisional stage Processing for shifting to each mode of D is performed. First, the sub-control unit 200 determines whether or not the value of the ceiling flag stored in the RWM is 1 (step S694). When it is determined that the value of the ceiling flag is 1 (YES), after performing the process of moving to the stage D4 (step S696), the value of the number of scenario games stored in the RWM is set to 0 (step S720). ), The stage C process of FIG. 24 is terminated. If the value of the ceiling flag is determined to be 1 in the determination process in step S694, the process may proceed to stage D5, or the mode (D4 or D5) of the stage D as the transition destination may be determined by lottery. .

  If it is determined in step S694 that the ceiling flag value is 0 (NO), a process for shifting to the stage D mode corresponding to the provisional stage value stored in the RWM is performed. Do. That is, when the value of the provisional stage is 0, the process proceeds to the stage D1 (step S698 (YES) → S700), and when the value of the provisional stage is 1, the process proceeds to the stage D2 (step S698 (NO) → S702 (YES). ) → S704), when the value of the provisional stage is 2, the process proceeds to stage D3 (steps S698 and S702 (NO) → S706 (YES) → S708), and when the value of the provisional stage is 3, the process proceeds to stage D4. (Steps S698, S702 and S706 (NO) → S710 (YES) → S712), when the value of the provisional stage is 4, the process proceeds to stage D5 (steps S698, S702, S706 and S710 (NO) → S716).

  Note that if the process of step S712 is performed to shift to the stage D4, the value of the victory flag is set to 1 (step S714). If the process of step S716 is performed to move to stage D5, the value of the victory flag is set to 2 (step S718). As described above, when the process for shifting to the stage D mode corresponding to the value of the provisional stage is performed by the processes of steps S698 to S718, the value of the number of scenario games stored in the RWM is set to 0 (steps). S720). Here, it can be said that the process of step S720 sets the initial value of the number of scenario games in the next stage (stage A in the next cycle effect). Then, the value of the provisional stage stored in the RWM is set to 0 (step S722), and the stage C process in FIG. 24 is ended.

  If it is determined in the determination process of step S690 that freeze replay has been determined by the lottery (YES), a process for starting an AT game from the next game is performed (step S724), and the process shown in FIG. Stage C processing ends.

(2-4) Stage D process (FIG. 25)
If the sub-control means 200 determines in step S620 of FIG. 21 that the current cyclic effect state is not stage C (NO), the sub-control means 200 executes stage D processing shown in FIG. First, the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not the branch game number determined by the branch game number lottery 1 in step S534 or the branch game number lottery 2 in step S544 in FIG. 19 has become 0 (step S730). When it is determined that the number of branch games has not yet reached 0 (NO), the stage D process in FIG. 25 is immediately terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of branch games has become 0 (YES), it is determined whether or not the value of the victory flag is 0 (step S732).

  When it is determined that the value of the victory flag is 0 (YES), the period effect state is shifted to the stage A while maintaining the gaming state in the normal state (step S734), and the stage D process of FIG. 25 is performed. finish. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the victory flag is not 0 (NO), a process for starting the AT game is performed (step S736), and the stage D process in FIG. 25 is terminated. Here, when the value of the victory flag is 1, normal ART is executed, and when the value of the victory flag is 2, special ART is executed.

(3) Overall Flow of Periodic Effects The flow of the periodic effects controlled by executing the processes shown in FIGS. 19 to 25 described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the cyclic effect is started from stage A, and in stage A, 20 games are played without the branch entry flag being turned on by branch entry lottery (S522, YES in FIG. 19). Provisional stage lottery 2 is performed in the 20th game (the final game of stage A) (S536 (YES) → S538 in FIG. 19), and the mode of stage B (a type of gaming state) to be transferred next is determined. Then, the number of branch games is set to 3 (S540 (NO) → S544 in FIG. 19), and the process proceeds to branch 1 (S644 (YES) → S636 in FIG. 22).

  In branch 1, a provisional stage promotion lottery is performed for each game (S514 (YES) → S546 → S548 in FIG. 19). The mode of B is promoted to a more advantageous mode (S550 in FIG. 19). Thus, it can be said that the branch 1 may be promoted to a more advantageous mode. Then, when three games have elapsed (S654 in FIG. 23, YES), the process proceeds to the stage B mode corresponding to the value of the provisional stage at that time (S658 to S670 in FIG. 23).

  Next, in stage B, if the 20 games are played without the branch entry flag being turned on by branch entry lottery (S522, YES in FIG. 19), the provisional stage is reached in the 20th game (the final game of stage B). The lottery 2 is performed (S536 (YES) → S538 in FIG. 19), and the stage C mode (a type of gaming state) to be transferred next is determined. Then, the number of branch games is set to 3 (S540 (NO) → S544 in FIG. 19), and the process proceeds to branch 2 (S644 (NO) → S638 in FIG. 22).

  In branch 2, as in branch 1, a preliminary stage promotion lottery is performed every game (S514 (YES) → S546 → S548 in FIG. 19). As a result, if the promotion value is 1 or more, the temporary stage of stage A The mode of stage C determined in the lottery 2 is promoted to a more advantageous mode (S550 in FIG. 19). Then, when three games have elapsed (S654 in FIG. 23, YES), the mode shifts to the stage C mode corresponding to the value of the provisional stage at that time (S672 to S688 in FIG. 23).

  Next, in stage C, the branch entry flag is not turned on by branch entry lottery (S522, YES in FIG. 19), and when 30 games are played, the provisional stage is reached in the 30th game (the final game of stage C). The lottery 2 is performed (S536 (YES) → S538 in FIG. 19), and the stage D mode to be transferred next is determined. Then, the branch game number lottery 2 determines the branch game number (S540 (YES) → S542 in FIG. 19), and the mode shifts to the stage D mode determined by the provisional stage lottery 2 (S698 to S718 in FIG. 24). When shifting to the stage D4, it is determined to shift to the normal ART (S714 in FIG. 24), and when shifting to the stage D5, it is determined to shift to the special ART (S718 in FIG. 24).

  And if it transfers to the stage D, the process according to each mode will be performed. That is, when transitioning to any of the stages D1 to D3, during the stay in stage D, every game and victory flag lottery is performed until it is determined to transition to ART (S568 (NO) → S570 in FIG. 20). (NO) → S572). Further, when the stage D4 is entered, during the stay in stage D, the game and victory flag promotion lottery are performed until the promotion to special ART (S568 (YES) → S576 (YES) → S578 in FIG. 20). Then, in the final game of stage D, the game state (normal state or advantageous state (more specifically, normal ART or special ART)) according to the value of the victory flag is entered. When the normal state is maintained, a new cycle effect starts again from stage A. In addition, when a transition is made to a normal ART or a special ART, a new periodic effect is started from stage A when the ART ends.

  In stages A, B, and C, a branch entry lottery is performed for each game (S512 (NO) → S514 (NO) →... → S518 in FIG. 19), and when the branch entry flag is turned on, The mode in the next stage is determined by provisional stage lottery 1 (S522 (NO) → S524 in FIG. 19), and the same process as the final game in the current stay stage is performed (see S632 in FIG. 22 and S692 in FIG. 24). . Here, in S632 of FIG. 22 and S692 of FIG. 24, the transition process of the cyclic effect state is performed by determining the value of the branch entry flag, but when the branch entry lottery is won, the current scenario count number May be changed to be close to the maximum value of the scenario count or to the maximum value.

  In addition, during the periodic performance, the number of ceiling games is counted (S506 in FIG. 19), and when the count value is equal to or higher than the ceiling setting value, the ceiling flag is turned on, and a kind of remedy is taken for the player. It is done. For example, when the ceiling flag is turned on while staying at the stages D1 to D3, the transition to the normal ART is confirmed (S562 (YES) → S564 in FIG. 20). If the ceiling flag is turned on between stages A to C, the stage C4 is forcibly shifted to stage D4 in the final game of stage C (including the case where the branch entry flag is turned on) (FIG. 24). S694 (YES) → S696), the transition to the normal ART is confirmed (S562 (YES) → S564 in FIG. 20) and may be promoted to a special ART (S568 and S576 (YES) in FIG. 20) → S578).

  The branch entry lottery performed in step S518 in FIG. 19 and the provisional stage lottery 2 performed in step S540 may be performed every game or when a specific lottery result is determined. In addition, for example, when the branch entry flag is turned on in the branch entry lottery performed when a specific lottery result is determined, different conditions (for example, every game or more win probability) Branch lottery lottery may be performed in accordance with a high lottery result. In addition, when the branch entry flag is turned on by branch entry lottery, a provisional stage promotion lottery with a high probability that one or more promotion values can be obtained in branch 1 or branch 2 that has shifted to the branch entry lottery may be performed. A predetermined value may be added to the value of the provisional stage regardless of the provisional stage promotion lottery.

  In addition, the image effects executed during the period effects can be performed with a plurality of image effects having different contents (scenarios), and in the final game of stage D, the image effects to be executed with the next period effects are selected by lottery or player. It may be possible to select according to the intention of the user. In addition, in the provisional stage lottery etc., the probability of winning the AT according to the scenario to be executed by changing the probability that the lottery result is advantageous to the player according to the type of scenario being executed in the current cyclic effect May be different.

  In addition, the above-described periodic effect is controlled by the sub-control unit 200, but may be controlled by the main control unit 100. In this case, in order to save the program capacity for realizing the periodic effects, for example, the number of games in each stage may be the same. Further, when the branch entry lottery performed in step S518 of FIG. 19 is performed by the main control means 100, the branch entry flag is not turned on / off according to the result of the branch entry lottery, but the remaining number of scenario games is determined by lottery. The number of scenario games determined may be replaced with the number of scenario games determined by lottery. Also, when the branch entry lottery is won, the current scenario game number may be divided by a predetermined value (for example, “2”), and the remaining value at that time may be replaced with the current scenario game number. By performing such processing, the number of scenario games can be surely reduced to less than the current number of scenario games (that is, the period of periodical production is shortened). The process for checking can be omitted (that is, the program capacity can be saved).

  In this case, when the number of scenario games determined by lottery is larger than the current number of scenario games, the current number of scenario games may be maintained. However, as described above, when the branch is entered due to the branch entry lottery, the player performs a process more advantageous than when the scenario game is completed, compared with the case where the branch is entered due to digestion of the number of scenario games (provisional). When a predetermined value is added to the stage value), the current scenario game number may be updated to the scenario game number determined by lottery unconditionally. In this case, while the number of updated scenario games is consumed, a so-called step-up effect or the like may be performed so as to increase the player's expectation.

<Explanation of additional production processing>
Next, with reference to various drawings shown in FIGS. 26 to 36, the contents of the extra effect process executed by the sub-control means 200 in order to realize the aforementioned extra effects A and B will be described. The extra effect is an effect that may be executed during the advantageous state (normal ART and special ART). In addition, a determination is made regarding the extension of the period during which the current advantageous state continues with the execution of the extra effect, and the effect displayed on the image display device 70 in response to the operation of the effect button 39 by the player during the extra effect. The image changes, and as a result, information on the extension of the determined advantageous state period is notified.

  Also, whether or not to allow the extra effect is determined by the main control means 100 in response to the operation of the start switch 36. If the execution of the extra effect is allowed, the sub-control means 200 during the game, Preparations for continuation of the advantageous state and preparation for executing the additional effect are performed, and the permitted additional effect is started after all reels are stopped.

  The sub-control unit 200 can determine whether or not the execution of the extra effect is permitted in the main control unit 100 by using the “reel effect state” command shown in FIG. 9. In other words, if the value of the upper 4 bits of the second control command constituting the “reel effect state” command is 2, it means that execution of the added effect A is permitted, and if the value of the upper 4 bits is 3, It means that execution of the extra effect B is permitted. Therefore, the processing related to the extra effect in the sub-control means 200 is after the reception of the “reel effect state” command.

  In addition, the processes related to the addition effects A and B are the addition effect start process in step S502 in the periodic effect process (FIG. 19) performed in response to the operation of the start switch 36 and the periodic effect process (FIG. 21) performed after all reels are stopped. ) In step S592 in step S592. Further, the processing according to the operation of the effect button 39 during each extra effect is executed at a process of every 16 milliseconds (step S316 in FIG. 18) in the sub-control means 200 and at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 1 millisecond). This is done within the timer interrupt seconds.

  In the following explanation, the continuation period of the advantageous state is defined by the difference number (a value obtained by subtracting the total number of medals bet from the total number of medals paid out). It shall end. Hereinafter, the predetermined difference number at which the advantageous state is terminated is referred to as “upper limit difference number”. Further, the extension of the duration period is performed by adding the difference number determined by lottery or the like to the current upper limit difference number. Hereinafter, the value of the difference number added to the upper limit difference number is hereinafter referred to as “addition value”. Below, the process regarding the superposition effects A and B is demonstrated.

(1) Description of Process Related to the Add-On Effect A First, the process related to the add-on effect A will be described with reference to FIGS.

(1-1) Processing Performed with Operation of Start Switch 36 First, processing executed with the operation of the start switch 36 as a trigger will be described regarding processing related to the add-on effect A. If the sub-control unit 200 determines in step S500 of the periodic effect process shown in FIG. 19 that the non-AT is not in progress (NO), the sub-control unit 200 proceeds to step S502 and executes the additional effect start process shown in FIG.

  In the additional effect start process of FIG. 26, first, the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not the additional effect A is won (execution is permitted) based on the second control command of the “reel effect state” command. (Step S740). That is, in the main control means 100, when the winning number “17” (freeze replay) is determined in the role lottery in step S18 of FIG. This is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 by the second control command of the “status” command. When it is determined that the value of the upper 4 bits of the second control command is 2 (YES), various lottery processes relating to the extension of the current advantageous state are started. First, the sub-control means 200 clears the values of variables that are referred to in various lottery processes (step S742). Here, the variables to be cleared include the number of successes, the provisional difference number, the number of challenges, and the provisional addition history.

  The number of successes is a variable that indicates how many of the five extension opportunities given to the player can continue to acquire the extension period. The provisional difference number is a variable indicating an added value (extended period; hereinafter simply referred to as “added value”) of the obtained difference number at each extension opportunity. The number of challenges is a variable indicating the number of extension opportunities.

  Next, the sub-control means 200 performs a temporary addition difference number table lottery for selecting one temporary addition difference number table to be referred to in the additional effect A from the plurality of temporary addition difference number tables (step S744). Here, the provisional difference difference number table is a table in which an addition value that can be acquired at each of the five extension opportunities is determined in advance, and a plurality of addition values associated with each extension opportunity are different from each other. There is a temporary difference difference number table. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27A, there are four types of provisional difference table tables a to d.

  Next, the sub-control means 200 performs a continuation rate table lottery for selecting one continuation rate table to be referred to in the current addition effect A from a plurality of continuation rate tables (step S746). Here, the continuation rate table is a table in which the probability (success probability) that can be obtained for each extension opportunity in the provisional difference number table described above is associated with each extension opportunity. is there. The continuation rate table also includes a plurality of tables with different success probabilities associated with each extension opportunity. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27B, there are four types of continuation rate tables a to d. Here, in the continuation rate tables b to d, the continuation rate at the first challenge opportunity is 100%, and at least at the first extension opportunity, the added value of the selected provisional difference table can be obtained. Guaranteed.

  Then, the sub-control unit 200 first performs a success flag lottery for the first extension opportunity (step S748). That is, whether or not the extension period set in the provisional difference number table can be acquired is drawn based on the success probability set in the continuation rate table. As a result, when winning (the extension period can be acquired), the success flag is set to 1 (on), and when not acquired, the success flag is set to 0 (off). Next, the sub-control unit 200 determines whether or not the success flag described above is off (step S750). If the success flag is on (YES), the acquired addition values are accumulated (step S752). Note that the accumulated value of the acquired addition values is stored in the RWM.

  Next, the sub-control unit 200 stores the cumulative value of the number of successes up to the current extension opportunity and the cumulative value of the acquired addition value in the provisional cumulative acquisition number table in the RWM (step S754). Here, the contents of the provisional cumulative acquisition number table will be described with reference to FIGS. In the provisional cumulative acquisition number table shown in FIG. 27C, the provisional difference sheet number table a is selected in the provisional difference sheet number table lottery in step S744, and the continuation rate table a is selected in the continuation ratio table lottery in step S746. An example of the case is shown. The provisional cumulative acquisition number table shown in this figure has been successfully acquired in the first to third extension opportunities (the number of challenges), and the total of the added values in each extension opportunity is stored. And since the acquisition failed at the 4th extension opportunity (number of challenges is 4), the added value (the number of acquisitions) acquired until then becomes 0, and the value of the success count does not increase from 3 at the subsequent extension opportunity. The acquisition number is 0.

  In the provisional cumulative acquisition number table shown in FIG. 27D, the provisional difference sheet number table c is selected in the provisional difference sheet number table lottery in step S744, and the continuation ratio table d is selected in the continuation ratio table lottery in step S746. An example of the case is shown. The provisional cumulative number-of-acquisition table shown in this figure has been successfully acquired at all extension opportunities, and the total of the added values at each extension opportunity is stored up to the fifth extension opportunity.

  In this way, the added value acquired for each extended opportunity can be individually stored until the success flag lottery is eliminated by the processing of step S754. The sub-control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the number of successes (step S756), and determines whether or not the value of the number of successes is 5 (step S758). If it is determined that the number of successes is not 5 (NO), the process returns to step S748, and a success flag lottery is performed for the next extension opportunity. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the number of successes is 5 (YES), the pressing order indicated by the value of the lower 4 bits of the second control command in the “reel effect state” command (FIG. 11 ( a)) is notified (step S760).

  If it is determined in step S750 that the value of the success flag is 0 (NO), the process immediately proceeds to step S760, and the pressing order is notified. According to the determination process in step S750, the value of the number of successes indicates the number of times that the success flag lottery has been won. For example, if the value of the number of successes is 3, it indicates that the success flag lottery is continued until the third extension opportunity, and the fourth extension opportunity is lost. Further, if the value of the number of successes is 5, it indicates that all 5 success flag lotteries have been won. Then, the sub-control unit 200 turns on the extra effect A execution flag (step S762), and ends the extra effect start process of FIG. When this additional effect A execution flag is on, it indicates that the preparation for executing the additional effect A is ready.

  As described above, in the above-described processing related to the additional effect A, before the additional effect A is executed, the number of times the extension period has been successfully acquired out of the five extension opportunities, and the extension period in which the acquisition has been successful. Is determined in advance. In addition, in the success flag lottery in step S748, it is determined whether or not the addition value defined in the provisional difference table can be acquired, but instead, the addition value may be determined directly by lottery. At this time, the case where the addition value becomes 0 is included in the lottery object, and when the addition value becomes 0 as a result of the lottery, the determination result in step S750 is set to YES and the value becomes a value other than 0. The determination result may be NO.

  In addition, when the addition value is determined by lottery for each extended opportunity, each time a lottery is performed, (a) the additional value that can be acquired is always larger than the previous extended opportunity, or You may make it high.

(1-2) Processing performed when all reels are stopped Referring to FIG. 28, the processing is executed when all reels are stopped (for example, when the “display type” command shown in FIG. 10 is received). The processing related to the added effect A will be described. If the sub-control means 200 determines in step S590 of the periodic effect process shown in FIG. 21 that the non-AT is not in progress (NO), the sub-control unit 200 proceeds to step S592, and starts the additional effect execution process shown in FIG.

  28, the sub-control means 200 first determines whether or not the additional effect A execution flag is turned on (step S800). As described above, when the additional effect A execution flag is turned on, it indicates that the preparation for executing the additional effect A is ready. If it is determined in step S800 that the additional effect A execution flag is turned off (NO), it is next determined whether or not the additional effect B execution flag is turned on (step S834). If it is determined that the extra effect B execution flag is turned on (YES), the extra effect B process shown in FIG. 32 is executed (step S836). This additional effect B process will be described in detail later. Furthermore, if the determination result in step S834 is NO (addition effect B execution flag is off), the addition effect execution processing in FIG. 28 is terminated and other processing is performed.

  If the sub-control means 200 determines that the additional effect A execution flag is turned on (YES) in the determination process of step S800, the sub-control unit 200 displays an explanation screen regarding the additional effect A to be started on the image display device 70 (step). S802). Here, the contents of the explanation screen include five times that the duration of the current gaming state may be extended, that the effect button 39 is repeatedly hit during the effect period to be started, and the effect button For example, when the content of the production effect A is changed by 39 consecutive hits, the duration of the current advantageous state is extended when the changed content of the production is in a specific mode. In addition, when the player operates the stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R in the pressing order notified by the process of step S760 in FIG. 26, the operation of the start switch 36 is enabled for a predetermined time by the main control means 100. Although the freeze state is delayed in timing, the display time of the explanation screen described above may be set to the time (freeze time) in which the freeze state is set.

  Next, the sub-control unit 200 displays a selection screen on the image display device 70 indicating a method for selecting whether or not to respond to an extension opportunity to be given (step S804). For example, in the case of the selection screen shown in FIG. 29A, when the extension opportunity is granted (ie, “challenge”), the effect button 39 is operated, and when the extension opportunity is not given (ie, “do not challenge”). Indicates that the start switch 36 may be operated. Therefore, by displaying the explanation screen in accordance with the freeze state as described above, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the player operates the start switch 36 without noticing the start of the effect A.

  Then, after the freeze state is canceled in the main control means 100, the sub control means 200 validates the operation of the effect button 39 and displays the selection screen until the effect button 39 or the start switch 36 is operated (step S806 (NO) → S822 (NO) → S804) When the production button 39 or the start switch 36 is operated, processing corresponding to the operated button or switch is performed.

(1-2-1) Processing when the production button 39 is operated When the player operates the production button 39 (the player selects “challenge”) while the selection screen shown in FIG. 29A is displayed. The determination result in step S806 is YES, and the sub-control unit 200 displays the effect image shown in FIG. 29B on the image display device 70, and starts preparation for executing the add-on effect A.

  The “success rate” displayed in the effect image is displayed based on the continuation rate (winning probability of the success flag lottery) selected by the continuation rate table lottery in step S746 of FIG. Further, “accumulated so far” is displayed based on the total value of the added values stored corresponding to the values of the number of successes in the process of step S754 in FIG. Further, “Acquired when succeeding” is displayed based on the provisional difference number table selected by the provisional difference number table lottery in step S744 of FIG. “Challenge 1/5” indicates the number of extension opportunities among the five extension opportunities. In other words, the effect image in FIG. 29B indicates the first extension opportunity.

  Next, the sub-control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the number of challenges stored in the RWM (step S808). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the number of challenges is an upper limit value (“5” which is also the maximum value of the extension opportunity) (step S810). It is determined whether or not the value of is less than or equal to the value of the number of successes (step S812). Here, as shown in steps S748 to S758 of FIG. 26, the number of successes is the number of times winning succession lottery, so if the value of the number of challenges is less than or equal to the value of the number of successes, the extension opportunity This means that the success flag lottery was won. Accordingly, when it is determined that the value of the number of challenges is less than or equal to the value of the number of successes (YES), the success flag is set to 1 (on) (step S814).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process in step S812 that the value of the number of challenges exceeds the value of the number of successes (NO), it means that the success opportunity has been shifted to the success flag lottery. Therefore, the success flag is set to 0 (off) (step S816). Furthermore, when it is determined that the number of challenges is the upper limit value (YES) in the determination process of step S810 described above, it means that all the success flag lotteries of the five extended opportunities have been won, so the success flag is set. 1 (ON) is set (step S818). Then, the sum of the addition values acquired at the five extension opportunities is added to the upper limit difference number.

When the success flag is turned on or off by the processing of step S814, S816, or S818, the sub-control unit 200 displays the characters “Start!” On the effect image displayed on the image display device 70, and the effect button 39 An effect (hereinafter referred to as “continuous hit effect”) is started in response to the pressing of. Here, a period from the display of the effect image of FIG. 29B on the image display device 70 until the display of the characters “start!” Is awarded as a “preparation period”. When the repeated hitting effect is started, the sub-control unit 200 changes the display of the level meter LV displayed in the effect image according to the number of consecutive hits of the effect button 39. Specifically, the level of the level meter LV is increased (the position of the boundary line B between the hatching area and the white background area is moved to the right) in accordance with the number of times of repeated hits.

  Also, at each extended opportunity, during the repeated striking effect, by changing the candle image displayed in the effect image of FIG. 29 (b), the player can have a sense of expectation of succeeding in acquiring the added value, Produce a sense of crisis that fails to acquire the added value. For example, if all five candle flames are shining vigorously, this indicates that there is a high possibility that you will be able to obtain an additional value. Indicates a high probability of failure.

  When the success flag is turned on by the process of step S814, the level of the level meter LV is equal to or higher than a certain value when a predetermined time has elapsed or when the number of times the effect button 39 has been pressed reaches a predetermined value. Is displayed and indicates that the addition value has been successfully acquired at the extension opportunity. Next, the sub-control unit 200 returns to the process of step S804, displays the selection screen shown in FIG. 29A on the image display device 70 again, and makes it possible to select whether or not to challenge the next extension opportunity.

  On the other hand, when the success flag is turned off by the process of step S816, an image in which the level of the level meter LV has not reached a certain value when a predetermined time has elapsed is displayed, and the added value is displayed at the extension opportunity. Indicates that the acquisition has failed. Then, an end screen of the extra effect A according to the value of the success flag is displayed on the image display device 70 (step S820), and the extra effect execution process of FIG. In this case, because the success flag is off, all the added values that have been acquired so far are lost, and the end screen is displayed indicating that the upper limit difference has not increased (the duration has not been extended). The

  Further, when the success flag is turned on by the process of step S818, an image in which the level meter LV is equal to or higher than a predetermined value is displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed, and an additional value is acquired at the extension opportunity. Indicates success. Then, the sub-control unit 200 proceeds to the process of step S820, displays an end screen of the extra effect A according to the value of the success flag on the image display device 70, and ends the extra effect execution process of FIG. In this case, since the success flag is on, an end screen indicating the total value of the acquired addition values is displayed. In addition, when displaying the acquired addition value, you may display the addition value acquired for every extension opportunity in the format of a list.

(1-2-2) Processing when Start Switch 36 is Operated While the selection screen shown in FIG. 29A is being displayed, the player operates the start switch 36 (the player does not “challenge”. Then, the determination result in step S822 becomes YES, and the sub control unit 200 determines whether or not the value of the number of challenges stored in the RWM is 0 (step S824). When it is determined that the value of the number of challenges is not 0 (NO), it is determined whether or not the success flag is turned on (step S826). If it is determined that the success flag is turned on (YES), the sum of the addition values obtained at each extension opportunity is added to the upper limit difference number (step S828), and the process proceeds to step S820. Proceed and display the end image when the success flag is on. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S826 that the success flag has been turned off (NO), the process proceeds to step S820 without increasing the upper limit difference number, and the success flag is turned off. Display the end image.

  Thus, for example, when the number of successes is 3 (that is, when the success flag lottery is won three consecutive times) by the processing of steps S748 to S758 of FIG. 26, the fourth time is obtained by the processing of step S804 of FIG. If the player chooses not to “challenge” when the selection screen is displayed, the sum of the additional values acquired by the success flag lottery up to the third time is added to the upper limit difference number, and the additional effect A Ends. On the other hand, when the player selects “challenge” when the fourth selection screen is displayed, the determination result in step S812 is NO, the success flag is turned off, and the upper limit difference number The addition effect A is finished while maintaining the above.

  If it is determined in the above-described determination processing in step S824 that the number of times of challenge is 0 (if it has been declined without ever challenging the extension opportunity) (YES), is the value of the number of successes next 1 or more? It is determined whether or not (step S830). If it is determined that the value of the number of successes is 1 or more (YES), only the addition value acquired at the first extension opportunity is added to the upper limit difference number (step S832). And it progresses to step S820, the completion screen of the superimposition effect A is displayed on the image display apparatus 70, and the superimposition effect execution process of FIG. 28 is complete | finished. If it is determined in step S830 that the value of the number of successes is 0 (YES), the process proceeds to step S820 without increasing the upper limit difference number, and an end image of the effect A is displayed. . In addition, when it declines without trying once in an extension opportunity, you may abbreviate | omit the display of the end screen of the superimposing effect A.

  Note that the explanation screen displayed in step S802 in FIG. 28 is predetermined regardless of whether or not the stop switch is operated in the pressing order notified in step S760 in FIG. 26 (that is, whether or not a freeze has occurred). You may make it display a time. If the operation is not performed in the notified pressing order, the selection screen shown in FIG. 29A is immediately displayed when the effect button 39 or the cross key 38 is operated while the explanation screen is displayed (that is, the selection screen shown in FIG. 29A). The display of the explanation screen may be canceled). Further, when the operation is not performed in the notified pressing order, an explanation screen different from the case where the freeze occurs may be displayed including a method of canceling the display of the explanation screen in addition to the above-described explanation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the main control means 100 changes the freeze time according to the pressing order of the stop switch, the display time of the explanation screen may be changed according to the actually operated pressing order. Good. For example, the display time of the explanation screen may be changed in accordance with the implemented freeze time. Further, in this case, for example, in the case where the additional effect A has already been performed during the current advantageous state, the pressing order with a short freeze time may be notified in the process of step S760 of FIG. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a player who has a high possibility of knowing the explanation regarding the addition effect A will feel annoyance. In addition, by notifying the player of both the pressing order with a short freeze time and the pressing order with a long freeze time, the freeze time may be selected according to the player's intention.

  In addition, in the additional effect A of the additional effect A, a timing for notifying the result of whether or not the addition value has been successfully acquired at each extension opportunity based on the number of times the effect button 39 is pressed, or expected during the effect. You may determine the timing which displays the cut-in image for improving a feeling. Further, a plurality of types of effect patterns that determine these various timings may be determined in advance, and various effects and notifications in the repetitive strike effect may be performed according to the effect pattern selected by lottery. For example, in the effect pattern table shown in FIG. 30, six effect patterns a to f are determined, and any one of these effect patterns may be determined by lottery and executed.

  In FIG. 30, the effect pattern a indicates that, when the effect button 39 is pressed 20 times after the continuous hit effect is started, it is notified whether or not the added value has been acquired. In the effect pattern b, when the effect button 39 is pressed 20 times after the continuous hit effect is started, an invalid period A (a so-called cut-in image is displayed and an effect when the effect button 39 is pressed (for example, a pressing sound) is displayed. When the effect button 39 is pressed 15 times after that, the period during which no execution is performed) continues for 3 seconds, it indicates that it is notified whether or not the added value has been acquired. The effect pattern c indicates that the invalid period B (the period when the effect button 39 is pressed is executed but the number of times the button is pressed is not counted) occurs for 10 seconds, and then an addition value can be acquired. Show.

  In the production pattern d, the above-described invalid period B is generated for 10 seconds, then the invalid period A is generated for 3 seconds, and after the invalid period B is generated again for 5 seconds, it is notified whether or not the added value has been acquired. Is shown. When the effect button 39 is pressed 20 times after the start of the striking effect, the effect pattern e is displayed as an invalid period C (the period when the acquisition is failed and the effect when the effect button 39 is pressed is not executed. ) Occurs for 3 seconds, and when the effect button 39 is pressed once thereafter, it indicates that an addition value has been acquired or not. The effect pattern f indicates that, after the ineffective period B is generated for 10 seconds, the ineffective period C is generated for 3 seconds, and when the effect button 39 is pressed once thereafter, it is notified whether or not the added value has been acquired. Show.

  Further, when the result of whether or not the acquisition of the added value is successfully displayed when the number of consecutive hits of the effect button 39 exceeds a predetermined number of times, for example, although the acquisition of the added value is determined, If the player does not hit the effect button 39 repeatedly, a so-called resurgence effect may be performed. That is, after displaying an image that has failed to be acquired, an image is displayed as if a new continuous impact effect has been started. If the effect button 39 is operated even once in the repeated impact effect, an additional value is acquired. Announce that it was possible.

  In addition, in the above-mentioned addition effect A, when the player declines without challenging the extension opportunity, only the upper limit value acquired at the first extension opportunity is added to the remaining difference number. In addition, the sum of the added values may be added to the upper limit difference sheet only when winning in all extension opportunities in the success flag lottery performed in advance. In this case, the probability of winning at all extended opportunities does not change, but the total of the additional values obtained when winning at all extended opportunities is the sum of the additional values obtained when the player declines the extended opportunity on the way A lottery with an expected value that is larger than the total may be performed.

  Further, if the player accidentally operates the start switch 36 while the extension screen is being challenged and the selection screen is not displayed, the extra effect A ends. , The extension opportunity that was being challenged at that time was treated as if the next extension opportunity had been voluntarily declined only if the upper limit was determined, and You may make it add to an upper limit difference sheet number.

  Further, the above-described addition effect A is controlled by the sub-control means 200, but may be controlled by the main control means 100. In this case, the player decides to challenge each extension opportunity by using the maximum bet switch 35 or a production button connected to the main control board, and the reel reels 40L and 40C during the freeze according to the operation of the maximum bet switch 35. , 40R may be controlled to notify whether or not the added value has been acquired by displaying a specific symbol combination. In addition, the success or failure of the addition value and the lottery for determining the size of the addition value may be performed every time the player challenges the extended opportunity, or may be changed to be performed across a plurality of games. Is possible. However, since the start switch 36 cannot be used as a cancel button when straddling a plurality of games, for example, when the left stop switch 27L is operated before the start switch 36 is operated, when the right stop switch 27R is operated May be selected such as “decline”, and the selected content may be confirmed by operating the start switch 36. In this case, the symbol combination to be displayed during the freeze may be drawn (freeze pattern lottery), and the success or failure of the addition value may be determined depending on whether or not a predetermined symbol combination is displayed.

  Further, when the superimposing effect A is controlled by the main control means 100, the player may repeatedly hit the maximum bet switch 35 instead of the effect button 39. If a player declines without an opportunity to extend an extension opportunity, the lottery for the additional value is performed only once, and the probability that the additional value can be acquired by this lottery is the probability of winning at all the extended opportunities. In addition, if the addition value can be acquired, it is preferable to perform a lottery so that the value becomes larger than the sum of the addition values obtained when the extension opportunity is declined.

(2) Description of Process Related to the Add-On Effect B Next, a process related to the add-on effect B will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 31 to 33.
(2-1) Processing Performed with Operation of Start Switch 36 First, processing executed with the operation of the start switch 36 as a trigger will be described regarding the processing related to the extra effect B. If the sub-control unit 200 determines in step S500 of the periodic effect process shown in FIG. 19 that the non-AT is not in progress (NO), the sub-control unit 200 proceeds to step S502 and executes the additional effect start process shown in FIG. First, in step S740, based on the second control command of the “reel effect state” command, it is determined whether or not the add-on effect A is won (execution is permitted).

  If it is determined that the value of the upper 4 bits in the second control command of the “reel effect state” command is not 2 (NO), then, based on the second control command of the “reel effect state” command, an extra effect B Is determined (execution is allowed) (step S764). Then, if it is determined that the value of the upper 4 bits in the second control command of the “reel effect state” command is 3 (YES), the sub-control means 200 performs an additional effect continuation rate lottery (step S766). If it is determined in step S764 that execution of the extra effect B is not permitted (the value of the upper 4 bits is not 3), the determination result is NO, and the extra effect start process in FIG. To finish other processing.

  The additional effect continuation rate lottery in step S766 is a lottery for determining the probability (continuation rate) that is determined to be continued in the continuous lottery for determining whether or not to continue the extra number acquisition lottery described later. Here, one of three probabilities of 90%, 95% or 98% is determined by lottery. In addition, the extra number acquisition lottery is a lottery that determines how many times the extra difference number lottery for determining the addition value to be added to the above-mentioned upper limit difference number is performed at one lottery opportunity (details will be described later) ).

  Next, the sub-control means 200 performs a guarantee count lottery to determine the guarantee count, and stores the determined guarantee count in the RWM (step S768). The guaranteed number of times indicates the minimum number of executions of the above-described addition acquisition number lottery, and any one of the integers 0 to 10 is determined. That is, if it is determined whether or not to continue the acquisition number lottery based only on the continuation rate determined by the continuation lottery described above, the lottery may end in one time. In order not to be in the situation, the minimum number of times of the additional number of lotteries is determined by lottery.

  Next, the sub-control means 200 performs the above-described extra acquisition number lottery (step S770). In this extra acquisition number lottery, any one of integers from 0 to 10 is determined as the additional acquisition number (hereinafter simply referred to as “acquisition number”). Here, when the number of acquisitions becomes 0 in the additional acquisition number lottery in step S770, it may be changed to a predetermined value (for example, 1). In this way, at least one additional value is always determined in the extra number of lottery and the extra difference lottery based on the guaranteed number of times.

  Next, the sub-control means 200 performs an additional difference number lottery for the determined number of acquisitions (step S772). For example, when the number of acquisitions is set to 3, the additional difference number lottery is performed three times in one lottery opportunity of step S772. Therefore, the number of addition values to be determined is three. Next, the sub-control unit 200 stores the number of acquisitions determined by the additional acquisition number lottery in step S770 and the addition value determined by each additional difference number lottery in step S772 in the RWM (step S774).

  Then, 1 is subtracted from the value of the number of guarantees stored in the RWM and updated to a new number of guarantees (step S776), and it is determined whether or not the value of the updated number of guarantees has become 0 (step S778). . When it is determined that the value of the number of guarantees is not 0 (NO), the process returns to step S770 and the addition number lottery is performed again. In this way, the additional acquisition number lottery in step S770 and the additional difference number lottery in step S772 are repeated as many times as the guaranteed number of times.

  Next, the sub-control means 200 executes a process of repeatedly performing the extra acquisition number lottery and the extra difference number lottery according to the continuation rate determined in step S766. In other words, an additional acquisition number lottery common to step S770 described above is performed (step S780), and then a continuous lottery is performed (step S782). Then, in this continuous lottery, it is determined whether or not it is determined to continue the additional acquisition lottery in step S780 (step S784). When it is determined that it is determined not to continue (NO), the number of acquisitions determined in the additional acquisition number lottery in step S780 is updated to 0 (step S786).

  When it is determined that it is determined to be continued in the determination process of step S784 described above (YES) or after the process of step S786 is performed, the sub-control means 200 is determined by the additional acquisition number lottery in step S780. The additional difference number is determined by the number obtained or updated by the process of step S786 (step S788). Here, when the value of the acquired number is 0, it is assumed that the additional difference number lottery is not performed in step S788. Then, the sub-control unit 200 stores the number of acquisitions determined by the additional acquisition number lottery in step S780 and the addition value determined by each additional difference number lottery in step S788 in the RWM (step S790).

  Next, the sub-control unit 200 determines whether or not the acquisition number is 0 (step S792). Here, when the number of acquisitions is determined to be 0 in the additional acquisition number lottery in step S780, or when the value of the acquisition number is set to 0 in step S786, the determination result in step S792 is YES. In this case, the sub-control means 200 turns on the extra effect B execution flag (step S794), ends the extra effect start process shown in FIG. 26, and performs other processes. When the additional effect B execution flag is turned on, it indicates that the preparation for executing the additional effect B is ready. On the other hand, when the value of the number of acquisitions is not 0, the determination result in step S792 is NO, and the processes after step S780 are executed again. Thereby, the sub-control unit 200 performs the processing of steps S780 to S792 until the number of acquisitions is determined to be 0 in the additional acquisition number lottery in step S780 or until it is determined not to be continued in the continuous lottery of step S782. Repeatedly.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 31, a description will be given of how the acquired number and each added value corresponding to the acquired number are stored in the RWM by the processes of steps S774 and S790. In the following description, the case where the guaranteed number is set to 5 and the number of acquisitions is set to 0 after the process of steps S780 to S792 is repeated 6 times will be described. First, in the RWM of the sub-control unit 200, a storage area that can store a predetermined number of acquisitions and a storage area that can store a predetermined number of addition values are determined. Here, it is assumed that an area number (indicated by the number “No.” in FIG. 31) is assigned to each area for storing the number of acquisitions or the added value.

  Then, assuming that the number of acquisitions is 3 by the addition acquisition number lottery in the first step S770, and that all three addition values are set to 5 by the addition difference number lottery of step S772, the number of acquisition numbers is obtained by the processing of step S774. No. in the storage area. A value of 3 is stored in the area of 1, and No. 1 in the storage area of the added value. Five values are stored in the areas 1 to 3, respectively. Further, if the number of acquisitions becomes 2 by the process of the next step S770, and two addition values (10 and 5) are determined by the addition difference number lottery by the step S772, the storage of the number of acquisitions is performed by the process of step S774. No. in the area. A value of 3 is stored in the area of 2, and No. 2 in the storage area of the added value. Values 10 and 5 are stored in areas 4 and 5, respectively.

  In this way, when the process of step S774 is repeated five times, which is the guaranteed number of times, No. in the storage area of the acquired number is stored. The number of acquisitions determined by lottery is stored in the area up to 5. FIG. 31 shows that the number of acquisitions is set to 1, 2, and 2 in the third to fifth addition acquisition number lotteries, respectively. Further, in this case, the No. From 6 onwards, five additional values are stored. That is, no. In the area 6, an addition value (10) corresponding to the acquisition number (1) determined in the third acquisition number lottery is stored. No. In the areas 7 and 8, an addition value (5, 5) corresponding to the number of acquisitions determined in the fourth acquisition acquisition number lottery is stored. No. In the areas 9 and 10, an addition value (5, 5) corresponding to the number of acquisitions determined in the fifth acquisition acquisition number lottery is stored. In this way, in the storage area for added values, the number of added values corresponding to each acquired number is stored sequentially from the area with the smaller area number value.

  The same applies to the case where the acquired number and the added value are stored by the process of step S790. In the example shown in FIG. In the area after 6-12 and the storage area for the added value, No. Areas 11 to 18 are the number of acquisitions and the added value stored by the process of step S790. In the example of FIG. 31, it is determined that the acquisition number is set to 0 when the additional acquisition number lottery in the seventh step S780 is performed, or not to be continued in the continuous lottery in the seventh step S782. As a result, No. in the storage area of the acquired number is shown. A value of 0 is stored in the 12 area.

  In addition, steps S780 to S792 in FIG. 26 are processes that are repeatedly executed until the number of acquisitions is determined to be 0 in the extra acquisition lottery or not to be continued in the continuous lottery. 26 is a process executed within the “1 command process” shown in step S318 of FIG. For this reason, when the sub control unit 200 repeatedly executes the processing of steps S780 to S792, and it is determined that 16 milliseconds have elapsed in the determination processing in step S320 of FIG. 18, steps S780 to S792 are performed. When the next “1 command processing” is performed, the processing of steps S780 to S792 is resumed.

  However, if the processes in steps S780 to S792 are repeated until it is determined not to be continued in the continuous lottery in step S782, 16 milliseconds after the watch timer dog starts operating in the process in step S312 of FIG. Even after elapses, the process of steps S780 to S792 is continued in the “1 command process” shown in S318, and the process proceeds to the process of step S320 (ie, determination of whether 16 milliseconds have elapsed). The watchdog timer may be activated. For this reason, it is advisable to set a limit on the number of times (the number of iterations) for repeating the processing of steps S780 to S792 in advance.

  For example, when the processing of steps S780 to S792 is performed in response to the operation of the start switch 36, the number of repetitions is 100 times, and when the start of reel rotation is triggered, the number of repetitions is 200 times. If the number of iterations is 200, and the number of iterations is 100 when the third stop operation is triggered, a total of 800 iterations can be performed. In addition, as described above, when the start switch 36 is operated or when the rotation of the reel is started, the number of iterations is changed according to the type of trigger for performing the processing in steps S780 to S792, so that processing other than the superimposing effect A can be performed. The possibility of causing trouble can be reduced. For example, when the number of repetitions reaches a predetermined value, or when the number of acquisitions or addition values is stored in all areas set in the storage area of the acquisition number or addition value shown in FIG. The processing of steps S780 to S792 may be ended by setting the number of acquisitions to zero.

(2-2) Process Performed with Stop of All Reels Next, with reference to FIG. 32, a process related to the add-on effect B that is executed with the stop of all reels will be described. First, if the sub-control unit 200 determines in step S590 of the periodic effect process shown in FIG. 21 that the non-AT is not in progress (NO), the sub-control unit 200 proceeds to step S592, and starts the additional effect execution process shown in FIG. Then, when it is determined in the addition effect execution process of FIG. 28 that the addition effect A execution flag is off (S800 (NO)) and the addition effect B execution flag is off (S834 (YES)), The extra effect B process shown in FIG. 32A is executed (S836).

  When the additional effect B process shown in FIG. 32A is started, the sub-control means 200 first displays an introduction screen as an introduction part of the additional effect B to be started on the image display device 70 (step S840). The contents of this introduction screen include extending the duration of the current advantageous state in response to repeated hits of the effect button 39. When the above-described introduction screen is displayed on the image display device 70 for a predetermined time, an effect screen of an extra effect B shown in FIG. 33 is then displayed on the image display device 70. Then, it is determined whether or not the extra effect B end flag is turned on (step S842), and the determination process of step S842 is repeated until the extra effect B end flag is turned on. The extra effect B end flag is a flag that is turned on in the extra effect B effect button process executed in the process of every 16 milliseconds in step S318 of FIG. This additional effect B effect button process will be described in detail later.

  In the effect screen of FIG. 33 displayed on the image display device 70 until the above-described additional effect B end flag is turned on, the character image C changes in response to repeated hits of the effect button 39, and the step of FIG. The added values (see FIG. 31) determined by the processes of S766 to S792 are sequentially displayed. Thereby, the addition value added to the upper limit difference number is notified to the player. The display mode of the added value displayed in the effect screen will be described in detail later.

  When the addition effect B end flag is turned on, the determination result in step S842 is YES, and an end screen indicating that the addition effect B has ended is displayed on the image display device 70 (step S844), and FIG. a) Addition effect B processing is terminated. Note that, on the end screen displayed on the image display device 70, the total number of added values displayed in response to the operation of the effect button 39 is displayed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 32B, the above-described additional effect B effect button process will be described. The extra effect B effect button process is a process executed in the process of every 16 milliseconds in step S318 in the sub-main routine process shown in FIG. When the additional effect B effect button process is started, first, the sub-control means 200 changes the character image C according to the number of times the effect button 39 is operated by the player after displaying the effect screen of FIG. S850). For example, as the movement of the character image C, the sickle K is swung down (i) from the upper left to the lower right, (ii) swung from the upper right to the lower left, (iii) swung from the lower left to the upper right, and (iv) from the lower right to the upper left. 6 motions, (v) right-to-left, (vi) left-to-right, and the character image C is made to operate according to the number of operations of the effect button 39. For example, values 0 to 5 are associated with the operations (i) to (vi) described above. Then, the value of the number of operations of the effect button 39 is divided by 6, and the character image C is changed so as to perform an operation corresponding to the remainder value (0 to 5).

  Thus, when the player operates the effect button 39, the character image C swings the sickle K downward from the upper left to the lower right, and then when the effect button 39 is operated, the character image C swings the sickle K downward from the upper right to the lower left. The image changes such as.

  Next, the effect control means 200 reads out the number of acquisitions stored in the next region number of the region number read last time out of the storage regions of the number of acquisitions shown in FIG. 31 (step S852), and It is determined whether or not the value exceeds 0 (step S854). When it is determined that the read acquisition value exceeds 0 (YES), the storage area of the addition value (additional difference number) shown in FIG. The stored addition value is read out and displayed at an arbitrary position in the effect image of FIG. 33 (step S856). However, if another added value has already been displayed at the position where the added value is to be displayed, the image control board 204 automatically calculates the offset amount and newly determines the display position. Thus, the display of the added value may be prevented from overlapping as much as possible. Further, in the effect control board 202, a display position that does not overlap the already displayed added value is determined, and position information corresponding to the display position is added to the sub-control command and transmitted to the image control board 204. Also good.

  Next, the effect control means 200 determines whether or not the addition value has been read by the number of acquisitions read at step S852 (step S858), and when it is determined that the addition value has not been read by the number of acquisitions (NO). Performs the process of step S856 again. If it is determined in the determination process of step S858 that the added value has been read as many as the number of acquisitions (YES), the sub-control unit 200 ends the extra effect B effect button process executed at a single interrupt timing. .

  If the value of the number acquired in step S852 is 0, the determination result in step S854 is NO, and the above-described additional effect B end flag is turned on (step S858). Thereby, in the additional effect B process of FIG. 32A, the process of step S844 is executed, and the additional effect B ends.

  Here, the content of the effect image that changes according to the operation of the effect button 39 based on the number of acquisitions and the added value stored in the content shown in FIG. First, when the effect button 39 is displayed for the first time after the effect image of FIG. 33 is displayed, 1 ÷ 6 = 0 remainder 1 is obtained in the process of FIG. The character image C is moved (ii) by swinging down the sickle K from the upper right to the lower left. Next, the sub-control unit 200 selects No. The value of 3 stored in the area 1 is read (FIG. 32B, step S852). As a result, the determination result in step S854 in FIG. The value of 5 stored in the area 1 is read and displayed on the effect image (FIG. 32 (b), step S856). Thereby, in the effect image of FIG. 33, one number of 5 surrounded by a solid circle is displayed.

  Then, since the read value of the acquired number is 3, the same process is repeated two more times in the storage area for the added value. The added values stored in the areas 2 and 3 are respectively displayed in the effect image of FIG. Thereby, three numbers 5 surrounded by a solid circle are displayed in the effect image of FIG. 33 by the first operation of the effect button 39.

  Next, when the second operation is performed on the effect button 39, 2 ÷ 6 = 0 is a remainder 2, and (iii) the sickle K is swung up from the lower left to the upper right on the character image C. Next, the sub-control unit 200 selects No. The value of 2 stored in the area of 2 is read (FIG. 32B, step S852). As a result, the determination result in step S854 in FIG. The 10 values stored in the area 4 are read out and displayed on the effect image (FIG. 32 (b), step S856). Thereby, in the effect image of FIG. 33, one number of 10 surrounded by a broken-line circle is additionally displayed.

  Then, since the read value of the acquired number is 2, the same processing is performed once more, and in the storage area for the added value, No. The added value (5) stored in the area 5 is displayed in the effect image of FIG. Thus, by the second operation on the effect button 39, numbers 10 and 5 surrounded by a broken-line circle are displayed in the effect image of FIG.

  Next, when the operation of the effect button 39 is performed for the third time, 3 ÷ 6 = 0 remainder 3 is obtained, and (iv) the sickle K is swung up from the lower right to the upper left on the character image C. Next, the sub-control unit 200 selects No. The value of 1 stored in the area 3 is read (FIG. 32 (b), step S852). As a result, the determination result in step S854 in FIG. The value of 10 stored in the area 6 is read out and displayed on the effect image (FIG. 32 (b), step S856). Thereby, in the effect image of FIG. 33, one number of 10 surrounded by a dashed-dotted circle is additionally displayed. Then, since the read value of the acquired number is 1, the addition effect B effect button process of FIG.

  In this way, each time the effect button is operated, a different action of the character image C is displayed, the number of acquisitions is read out, and the added value is read out as many times as the acquired number of acquisitions and additionally displayed on the effect image. Production control is performed. Then, when the operation for the effect button 39 is performed for the 12th time, in the storage area of the number of acquisitions in FIG. The value of 0 stored in the 12 area is read (FIG. 32B, step S852). As a result, the determination result in step S854 becomes NO, the additional effect B end flag is turned on (FIG. 32 (b), step S860), and the additional effect B ends.

  In addition, in the above-described additional effect B, when the processing of steps S780 to S792 in FIG. 26 is repeated and continues for 16 milliseconds during one “1 command processing”, the next “1 command processing” However, it is possible to continue / restart the processing of steps S780 to S792. However, an upper limit value that can be repeated during one “1 command processing” is determined, and the number of repetitions is When the upper limit is reached, the processing may be interrupted before reaching 16 milliseconds and resumed by the next “1 command processing”. Further, in this case, based on the control command transmitted in response to each of the first to third stop operations and the case of performing “1 command processing” based on the control command transmitted in response to the operation of the start switch 36. Depending on the load of the rendering control performed based on each control command, when performing “1 command processing” and when performing “1 command processing” based on the control command transmitted when all reels are stopped The upper limit value may be a different value. Further, in the “1 command processing” performed based on the control command transmitted when all reels are stopped, if the processing in steps S780 to S792 continues even when the upper limit is reached, the processing in steps S780 to S792 is performed. It may be forcibly terminated.

  Further, the above-described addition effect B is controlled by the sub-control unit 200, but may be controlled by the main control unit 100. In this case, when execution of the extra effect B is determined, a freeze effect for performing the extra acquisition number lottery and the extra difference number lottery may be executed. For example, the execution of the extra effect B is performed after the game payout process determined by the role lottery and the freeze lottery is completed. ”And“ continuous lottery ”may be performed. In this case, the freeze state is continued as long as the winning is continued in the continuous lottery. Further, every time an addition value is determined in the extra difference number lottery, the determined addition value may be directly added to the value of the upper limit difference number stored in the RWM of the main control means 100.

  In addition, in the above-described extra effect B, the number of acquisitions is determined by lottery. However, when the additional effect B is controlled by the main control unit 100, the main control unit 100 sets the acquisition number to a fixed value. It is desirable to save the program capacity of the program executed by the main control unit 100 by reducing the types of information transmitted to the control unit 200.

  In addition, in the above-described additional effect B, the added value is also determined by lottery. However, when the additional effect B is controlled by the main control unit 100, a fixed value may be transmitted to the sub-control unit 200. In this case, every time the main control unit 100 performs the timer interrupt process, the addition value (fixed value) is transmitted to the sub-control unit 200, and whether or not the main control unit 100 continues to transmit the addition value. May be determined by lottery, and the added value may be transmitted to the sub-control means 200 for each timer interrupt process until it is determined that transmission is not to be continued in this lottery.

  Further, when the acquired number and the added value are transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the sub-control unit 200, each numerical range of the acquired number and the added value is set to a range that fits in the size (1 byte) of one second control command. Good. For example, when the acquired number and the added value are each represented by 4 bits, the numerical range of each value is set to 0 to 15. For example, when the maximum value of the added value is to be 16 or more (for example, 5 bits), the numerical value range of the obtained number is set to 0 to 7 (3 bits). When the acquired number is a fixed value, the main control unit 100 transmits only information related to the added value to the sub-control unit 200, and each time the effect button 39 is operated in the sub-control unit 200. Alternatively, a predetermined number of acquisitions may be read from the received addition value and displayed on the effect image shown in FIG.

<Description of production button press detection process>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 34 to 36, a process performed by the sub-control unit 200 in response to the player pressing the effect button 39 during the execution of the add-on effects A and B will be described. The sub-control unit 200 provides an automatic continuous hitting function by performing the same process as when the effect button 39 is pressed at a certain time interval in addition to the process performed when the effect button 39 is pressed. .

  FIG. 34 described above is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button press determination process for controlling the continuous hit effect according to the state where the effect button 39 is pressed. This effect button pressing determination process is executed in the process of every 16 milliseconds in step S316 in the sub-main routine process shown in FIG. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button input detection process for determining the pressed state of the effect button 39. This effect button input detection process is executed in a timer interruption process that is repeatedly executed every millisecond in the sub-control means 200. FIG. 36 is a timing chart showing a change in the control state according to the operation of the effect button 39, the timing of the effect executed according to the operation of the effect button 39, and the like during the extra effect. Is a timing chart during the execution of the extra effect A, and (b) is a timing chart during the execution of the extra effect B.

(1) Description of Effect Button Pressing Determination Process First, the contents of the effect button pressing determination process of FIG. 34 executed in the 16-millisecond processing (S316) of the sub-main routine process shown in FIG. 18 will be described. When the effect button pressing determination process of FIG. 34 is started, the sub-control means 200 first determines whether or not the pressing signal rising flag is on (step S870). This press signal rising flag is a flag indicating the state of the button input signal input to the sub-control means 200 in response to an operation on the effect button 39. That is, the above-described button input signal is a signal that is off when the production button 39 is not pressed, and remains on while the effect button 39 is pressed, and it is detected that the button input signal has changed from off to on. Then, the press signal rising flag is turned on.

  If it is determined in the determination processing in step S870 that the press signal rising flag is on (YES), the sub-control unit 200 next determines whether or not the button valid flag is on (step S872). . Here, the button valid flag is a flag that is on / off controlled by the sub-control means 200 during the continuous striking effect, and when it is on, the depression of the effect button 39 is treated as valid and the number of times of pressing is counted. However, when the effect button 39 is pressed, the number of presses is not counted. As a case where this button valid flag is turned off, for example, there is a period of invalid period B in the effect pattern d of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S874 that the button valid flag is on (YES), 1 is added to the value of the press counter stored in the RWM (step S874), and the effect button 39 is displayed. An effect due to the operation (for example, generation of a button operation sound) is executed (step S876). Then, the press signal rising flag is turned off (step S878), and the effect button press determination process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S874 that the button valid flag is turned off (NO), the process immediately proceeds to step S878, and the press signal rising flag is turned off before FIG. The effect button pressing determination process shown in a) is terminated.

  Next, when it is determined in step S870 described above that the press signal rising flag is off (NO), it is determined whether the long press determination flag stored in the RWM is on. (Step S880). This long press determination flag is a flag indicating whether or not the long press determination of the effect button 39 is being performed. Here, the long press determination refers to determining whether or not the player continues to press the effect button 39 for a predetermined time or more. Further, the long press determination flag is a flag that is turned on in the effect button input detection process of FIG. 35 to be described later, and indicates that it has been determined that the player has long pressed the effect button when turned on. When it is off, it is determined that it has not been pressed for a long time.

  If it is determined in step S880 that the long press determination flag is OFF (NO), the first count value (No. 1 value “30”) in the consecutive hit interval table shown in FIG. Read out and set in the deemed process execution determination counter stored in the RWM (step S880). Then, the effect button pressing determination process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process in step S880 that the long press determination flag is ON (YES), 1 is subtracted from the value of the deemed process execution determination counter stored in the RWM (step S884). ), It is determined whether or not the value of the deemed process execution determination counter is 0 (step S886). When it is determined that the value of the deemed process execution determination counter is not 0 (NO), the process proceeds to step S896, the long press determination flag is turned off, and then the effect button press determination shown in FIG. The process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the deemed process execution determination counter is 0 (YES), it is determined whether or not the above-described button valid flag is turned on (step S888).

  If it is determined in the determination process of step S888 that the button valid flag is on (YES), 1 is added to the value of the number-of-presses counter described above (step S890), and the effect button 39 is operated. The effect is executed (step S892). Then, the count value next to the previously read count value is read from the repeated hitting interval shown in FIG. 34 (b) and set in the deemed process execution determination counter (step S894). However, when the previously read count value is the last count value (No. 5, “15”) in the consecutive hit interval table of FIG. 34B, the last count value is read again. Then, the process proceeds to step S896, and after the long press determination flag is turned off, the effect button press determination process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process in step S888 that the button valid flag is turned off (NO), whether or not the acceleration permission flag stored in the RWM is turned on next. Is determined (step S898). Here, the acceleration permission flag is a flag indicating whether or not the interval between automatic hits is gradually shortened while the player keeps pressing the effect button 39 for a long time. When the sub control means 200 determines that the acceleration permission flag is on (YES), the sub control means 200 reads the count value next to the previously read count value from the repeated hitting interval shown in FIG. A determination counter is set (step S900). However, when the previously read count value is the last count value (No. 5, “15”) in the consecutive hit interval table of FIG. 34B, the last count value is read again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the acceleration permission flag is off (NO), the count value that is the same as the previously read count value is read from the consecutive hit interval table shown in FIG. The counter is set (step S902).

  As described above, when the count value corresponding to the on / off state of the acceleration permission flag is regarded as the processing execution determination counter, the sub-control unit 200 next determines whether or not the effect output permission flag is turned on. (Step S904). If it is determined that the effect output permission flag is on (YES), an effect is generated by operating the effect button 39 (step S906), and the process proceeds to step S896 to determine the long press. After turning off the flag, the effect button pressing determination process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the effect output permission flag is off (NO), the process immediately proceeds to step S896 to turn off the long press determination flag, and then, as shown in FIG. The effect button pressing determination process ends.

  As described above, when the button valid flag is turned on when the effect button 39 is operated, the value of the number-of-presses counter is incremented by 1, and the effect corresponding to the press of the effect button 39 is executed. (Step S870 (YES) → S872 (YES) → S874 → S876). Further, when the button valid flag is off when the effect button 39 is operated, if the long press determination flag is on, the value of the deemed process execution determination counter is decremented by 1 (step S870 (NO) ) → S880 (YES) → S884). Accordingly, when the effect button 39 is pressed and held in this state, the value of the deemed process execution determination counter is decremented by 1 every 16 milliseconds.

  When the value of the deemed process execution determination counter becomes 0, a new count value is set in the assumed process execution determination counter according to the on / off state of the acceleration permission flag (step S900 or S902), and the effect output permission flag is set. If it is on, a predetermined effect when the effect button 39 is pressed is executed. At this time, if the acceleration permission flag is off, the same value is set in the continuous process interval determination counter from the repeated hitting interval table, so that an effect performed when the effect button 39 is operated occurs at equal intervals. On the other hand, if the acceleration permission flag is on, the value set in the deemed process execution determination counter gradually decreases, so the interval between effects produced when the effect button 39 is operated also gradually decreases. Go.

  In the effect button pressing determination process shown in FIG. 34, when the pressing signal rising flag is off (the determination result is NO) in the determination process of step S870, the processes of steps S880 to S906 are performed. However, if the slot machine has a specification that does not require the automatic hitting function, when the determination result in step S870 is NO, the effect button pressing determination process in FIG. 34 may be immediately terminated. If the button valid flag is turned on in the determination process of step S888 (the determination result is YES), after performing the effect control process of the process of step S892, the next count value is obtained from the repeated hitting interval table by the process of step S894. However, after the process of step S892, it is determined whether or not the acceleration permission flag is on. When the acceleration permission flag is on, the process of step S894 is performed. When the acceleration permission flag is off, the process proceeds to step S902. Similar to the processing, the same count value as the previously read count value may be read.

(2) Description of Effect Button Input Detection Process Next, the contents of the effect button input detection process of FIG. 35 performed in the timer interrupt process executed every millisecond in the sub control means 200 will be described.
(2-1) Processing when the effect button is not pressed First, the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not the detection state is 1 (step S910). Here, the detection state indicates the operation state of the effect button 39. When the effect is 1, the effect button 39 is not pressed. When the effect is 2, the effect button 39 is pressed. A state in which the effect button 39 is long pressed is shown.

  If it is determined in step S910 that the detection state is 1 (YES), it is next determined whether or not the button detection sensor is turned on (step S912). The button detection sensor is turned on when the press of the effect button 39 is detected, and turned off when the press is not detected. If it is determined in step S912 that the button detection sensor is off (NO), the sub-control unit 200 ends the effect button input detection process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the button detection sensor is on (YES), the detection state is updated to 2 (step S914), and the value of the detection time counter stored in the RWM and the non-detection counter Is cleared to 0 (step S916), and the effect button input detection process of FIG. 35 is terminated.

  Here, while the detection state is 2 or 3, the value of the detection time counter is incremented by 1 each time the effect button input detection process of FIG. It is incremented by 1 until the detection sensor is turned on.

(2-2) Processing when the production button is pressed If the sub-control unit 200 determines that the detection state is not 1 (NO) in the determination processing of step S910 described above, the detection state is next. It is determined whether or not 2 (step S918). If it is determined that the detection state is 2 (YES), it is next determined whether or not the button detection sensor is on (step S920). When it is determined that the button detection sensor is on (YES), 1 is added to the value of the detection time counter, and the value of the non-detection counter is cleared (step S922). Next, the sub-control unit 200 determines whether or not the value of the detection time counter is 3 or more (step S924). When it is determined that the value of the detection time counter is not 3 or more (NO), the effect button input detection process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the detection time counter is 3 or more (YES), after the pressing signal rising flag is turned on (step S926), the detection state is set to 3 (step S928). The effect button input detection process of 35 is finished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S920 that the button detection sensor is off (NO), 1 is added to the values of the detection time counter and the non-detection counter (step S934). That is, the player repeatedly turns on / off the button detection sensor in a very short time due to chattering generated by the effect button 39 even though the player presses the effect button 93, and at this time, the sub-control means 200 happens to be in the off state There is a possibility of sampling. Therefore, in consideration of such a case, when the button detection sensor is off, 1 is added to the value of the detection time counter as well as the non-detection counter. By performing such a process, it is possible to reliably determine the long press during the effect button press determination process executed every 16 milliseconds.

  Next, the sub-control unit 200 determines whether or not the value of the rejection detection counter is 2 or more (step S936). When it is determined that the value of the non-detection counter is not 2 or more (NO), the effect button input detection process of FIG. 35 is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the rejection detection counter is 2 or more (YES), after the detection state is set to 1 (step S938), the effect button input detection process of FIG. Here, in the determination process of step S936, when the value of the non-detection counter is 2 or more, the detection state is set to 1 in the process of step S938, but the value of the non-detection counter for setting the detection state to 1 is set. The lower limit value is not limited to 2, and the lower limit value may be set to a value larger than 2 in accordance with the duration of chattering generated by the effect button 39.

(2-3) Processing when the production button is pressed for a long time When the sub-control means 200 determines that the detection state is not 2 (NO) in the determination processing of step S918 described above, the detection state is next detected. Is determined to be 3 (step S918). If it is determined that the detection state is 3 (YES), it is next determined whether or not the button detection sensor is turned on (step S932). When it is determined that the button detection sensor is on (YES), 1 is added to the value of the detection time counter, and the value of the non-detection counter is cleared (step S940). Next, the sub-control unit 200 determines whether or not the remainder has become 0 as a result of dividing the value of the detection time counter by 16 (step S942). When it is determined that the remainder is not 0 (NO), the effect button input detection process of FIG. 35 is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remainder is 0 (YES), after turning on the long press determination flag (step S944), the effect button input detection process of FIG. 35 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S932 that the button detection sensor is off (NO), the process proceeds to step S934, and the detection time counter and the non-detection counter value are also incremented by one. To do. Then, the process proceeds to step S936 to determine whether or not the value of the rejection detection counter is 2 or more. When it is determined that the value of the non-detection counter is not 2 or more (NO), the effect button input detection process of FIG. 35 is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the rejection detection counter is 2 or more (YES), the detection state is set to 1 in the process of step S938, and the effect button input detection process of FIG.

  As described above, in the effect button input detection process of FIG. 35, when the detection state is 1, when the press of the effect button 39 is detected, the detection state becomes 2, and when the detection state is 2, the timer allocation is performed twice. If the pressing of the effect button 39 is not continuously detected in the insertion process, the detection state is 1. In addition, when pressing of the effect button 39 is detected three times continuously with the detection state being 2, the detection state is 3. When the detection state is 3, when the value of the detection time counter is divided by 16 and the remainder becomes 0, the long press determination flag is turned on, and it is determined that the effect button 39 is long pressed. The long press determination flag is turned off when a new value is set in the deemed process execution determination counter (FIG. 34 (a), step S896).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 36, a description will be given of the relevance between the above-described change in the state of the various flags during the extra effect and the effect to be executed. Here, FIG. 36A shows the state of processing associated with pressing of the effect button 39 in the extra effect A, and FIG. 36B shows the state of processing accompanying pressing of the effect button 39 in the extra effect B. .

  First, in the addition effect A shown in FIG. 36 (a), the sub-control unit 200 turns off the acceleration permission flag, the effect output permission flag, and the button valid flag in the image display device 70 after the start of the effect. After the selection screen shown in (a) is displayed, when the player selects a challenge, the effect image shown in FIG. 29 (b) is displayed on the image display device 70, and the process proceeds to the preparation period. If the effect button 39 is pressed and held during the preparation period (FIG. 34, steps S870 and S880 (YES)), every time the value of the deemed process execution determination counter becomes 0, step S902 in FIG. Since the count value is set by this processing, a button signal is generated at regular time intervals and automatic continuous hitting is performed (FIG. 34 (a), steps S886 (YES) → S888, S898 (NO) → S902). However, since the production output permission flag is off, the production based on the depression of the production button 39 is not executed (FIG. 34 (a), step S904 (NO) → return). Here, an effect based on the pressing of the effect button 39 is hereinafter referred to as a “continuous hit effect”. As a specific example of this repeated hit effect, for example, generation of a pressing sound of the effect button 39 or a candle light in the effect image There are effects that change shaking and brightness, and effects that change the level of the level meter LV (the position of the boundary line B).

  And if the sub-control means 200 detects that the production | presentation button 39 was pressed down during the preparation period, a continuous striking production will be started and an acceleration permission flag, a production output permission flag, and a button effective flag will be set to ON. Thereby, the generation interval of the button signal is gradually shortened and the automatic repeated hitting is accelerated until reaching the shortest interval, and after reaching the shortest interval, the shortest interval is maintained. During this time, every time a button input signal is generated, the value of the press counter is incremented by 1 and a continuous striking effect is executed (FIG. 34 (a), steps S890 → S892).

  Further, when the player temporarily stops pressing the effect button 39 and repeatedly presses it during repeated hitting effects, acceleration of automatic repeated hits is started again from the point of pressing again. When one extension opportunity ends, the selection screen for selecting whether or not to challenge the next extension opportunity by turning off the acceleration permission flag, the production output permission flag, and the button valid flag (FIG. 29A). Reference) is displayed on the image display device 70. During this time, if the player continues to press and hold, if it is selected to challenge by automatic hitting, the sub-control means 200 turns on the effect output permission flag and again displays the image display device 70 in FIG. The effect image shown in FIG. During the preparation period, the effect output permission flag is turned on, so that the repeated hitting effect based on the automatic hitting is performed. (Step S904 (YES) → S906 in FIG. 34A). However, the number of times of pressing is not counted during this period (because the process of S890 is not performed by step S888 (NO) in FIG. 34A). When the button valid flag is turned on, the value of the number-of-presses counter is incremented by 1 in accordance with the button input signal thereafter.

  Next, in the supplementary effect B shown in FIG. 36 (b), the sub control means 200 turns on the acceleration permission flag and turns off the effect output permission flag and the button valid flag after starting the effect. An introduction screen is displayed at 70. If the effect button 39 is pressed for a long time (FIG. 34, steps S870 and S880 (YES)), the processing of step S900 in FIG. Since the count value is set by this, the automatic generation of the button signal is shortened (that is, accelerated) (FIG. 34 (a), step S886 (YES) → S888 (NO) → S898 (YES) ) → S900).

  Then, after the last count value in the consecutive hitting interval table shown in FIG. 34B is read, the generation interval of the button input signal is maintained at the shortest interval until the extra effect B is completed. However, since the effect output permission flag is off during this period, the effect such as the operation sound of the effect button 39 is not executed (FIG. 34 (a), step S904 (NO) → return). In the addition effect A, the automatic repeated hitting is accelerated after the image of the consecutive hit effect is displayed. However, in the additional effect B, the automatic repeated hitting is accelerated even during the display of the introduction image. However, until the button valid flag and the effect output permission flag are turned on, the number of times of pressing is not counted, and effects such as operation sounds are not performed.

  Note that the processing relating to the effect buttons shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 can be applied not only to the slot machine but also to the effect buttons provided in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine. Further, in the effect button pressing determination process of FIG. 34A, the value set in the deemed process execution determination counter is read from the repeated hitting interval table of FIG. 34B, but from the initial value, the deemed process execution determination counter is read. The value set in the deemed process execution determination counter may be gradually decreased by subtracting a predetermined value every time the value of becomes zero. Further, after the value set in the deemed process execution determination counter reaches the lower limit value, a process for maintaining the lower limit value may be performed.

  In addition, the press signal rising flag and the long press determination flag that are referred to in the effect button pressing determination process of FIG. 34A executed every 16 milliseconds are the effect buttons of FIG. 35 executed every 1 millisecond. It is turned on by an input detection process (more precisely, it is performed in a timer interrupt process executed every millisecond) (see steps S926 and S944 in FIG. 35). For this reason, in the effect button press determination process of FIG. 34A, the press signal rising flag and the long press determination flag may be turned on simultaneously. When the processing of FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 is diverted to processing other than the repetitive striking effect, if there is a possibility that some trouble may be caused by this state, for example, after performing the processing of step S878 of FIG. In step S896, the long press determination flag may be turned off. As another method, the value of the detection time counter may be reset to 0 after performing the process of step S926 in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the processing when the effect button 39 is pressed has been described. However, instead of the effect button 39, for example, the maximum bet switch 35 and the stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R play a slot machine game. The striking effect may be controlled based on the operation of switches for performing the above. In this case, the operation for these switches may be detected by the main control means 300, and the detection result may be transmitted to the sub control means 200 by a control command, or the operation detection signals for these switches may be directly transmitted to the sub control means 200. You may make it input into the control means 200. FIG. Then, the sub-control unit 200 may perform the processes of FIGS. 34 and 35 based on the received detection result. In this case, the sub-control unit 200 starts the repeated hitting effect on the condition that it is in a frozen state, and a condition for indicating the result of the repeated hitting effect (for example, an operation on the bet switch or the stop switch is performed a predetermined number of times. (E.g., freezing) and freeze control (freezing extension) control may be alternately performed. Further, every time the control command described above is transmitted, various operations may be performed by the reel control means 130, such as vibrating the reels 40L, 40C, 40R.

10 slot machine 26a, 26b, 26c bet number display lamp 27 credit number display 28 earned number display 33 checkout switch 34 1-bet switch 35 maximum bet switch 36 start switch 37L, 37C, 37R stop switch 38 cross key 39 effect button 40L, 40C, 40R Reel 42L, 42C, 42R Stepping motor 44L, 44C, 44R Reel rotation position sensor 45 Blocker 46 Hopper motor 47 Dispensing sensor 48 Door sensor 49 Setting door switch 64L, 64R Speaker 70 Image display device 72 Upper effect lamp 84 External Centralized terminal board 91 Power switch 92 Setting change key switch 93 Reset / setting switch 100 Main control means 110 Winning role determination means 120 Freeze control hand 122 reel effect control means 130 reel control means 140 gaming state control means 150 winning determination means 160 operation order determination means 170 control command transmission means 180 external signal transmission means 200 sub control means 202 sub control board 204 image control means 210 effect control means 212 Production lottery means 214 Production state control means 216 Notification production control means 220 Control command reception means 230, 240 Sub-control command transmission / reception means 250 Image / sound output means 300 Operation means

Claims (1)

Having counter means for updating the counter value based on the progress of the game;
A slot machine that performs a gaming state lottery relating to a gaming state based on the counter value of the counter means becoming a lottery execution value,
Counter value changing means for performing a lottery to change the counter value when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and changing the current counter value in the counter means to a value closer to the lottery execution value in accordance with the result of the changed lottery;
An initial value setting means for setting, in the counting means, an initial value for counting a lottery execution value at which the next gaming state lottery is performed based on the fact that the gaming state lottery has been executed;
A slot machine comprising:

Images